Progress Seen in U.S.-China Trade Talks – China is back in the business of buying U.S. soybeans. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He made that announcement in a meeting with President Donald Trump Thursday. China pledged to purchase five million tons of U.S. soybeans per day. However, the administration later clarified the statement, saying  China agreed to buy five million metric tons of soybeans, but not on a daily basis and no timeframe for the purchase was given. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will travel to China in early February to continue the negotiations. Another face-to-face meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to happen before the March 1 deadline. Without a deal by that time, the U.S. will raise tariff rates on Chinese products.

Opportunities to Forward Market – Looking at long-term seasonal trends, the March-through-June time period provides an opportunity for forward pricing. Diversified Services Marketing Group senior risk analyst Rich Morrison was part of a series of marketing meetings across the region this past week and said the market is giving farmers a pricing opportunity. “I really think the bean market may be doing that right now. The market is holding up well, while the soybean carryout in the U.S. and worldwide is potentially double what it was last year.” The February supply/demand report will also include January data. “This could provide a lot of volatility for the markets; you basically have 60 days worth of numbers.” The acreage mix for the 2019 growing season remains a question mark. With the current trends in fertilizer prices, Morrison says the size of the corn crop may actually decline. The prices over the next two months will determine what happens with those acres.

Ag Secretary Brings a Trade Update to Cattle Industry Convention – The focus of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s address to Cattle Industry Convention attendees Friday was trade, specifically the recent meeting between the U.S. and China. Perdue said intellectual property is still being discussed. “I really believe we are entering a phase where both countries want to re-establish and establish an ongoing relationship that’s sustainable and we’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Perdue. “Obviously as growers and producers, we want to sell things. We want customers, but we want customers who operate by the rules.” Perdue cautioned the U.S. to not get overly dependent on moving products to just one country, like China. It’s important to diversify.

$200 Million in Trade Promotion Funds Awarded – USDA has awarded $200 million to nearly 60 organizations as part of the trade mitigation effort. The American Soybean Association received the largest allocation through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program at nearly $22 million. U.S. Meat Export Council was awarded $17.5 million; the U.S. Grains Council received nearly $14 million and U.S. Wheat Associates was given more than $8 million. Other totals include $5.2 million for the U.S. Dairy Export Council, $3.6 million for the National Potato Promotion Board and $1.4 million for the U.S. Dry Bean Council. The money will be used by these groups to identify and access new export markets.

Long-Term Relief Sought for Farmers – The National Farmers Union board of directors is asking the administration and Congress to strengthen the farm safety net. The Market Facilitation Program was welcomed, but the NFU board said long-term relief is necessary. In addition, the Farmers Union wants Congress to address what it sees as “a chronic oversupply” situation in the U.S. dairy and grain sectors.

Starting to Get a Look at the New Farm Bill – Local Farm Service Agency offices are back to business following the partial government shutdown. State Executive Director Brad Thykeson says the farm bill implementation is top of mind. The farm bill was signed into law right before the shutdown. “The USDA reached out this week, trying to find people who can help them write some of these rules and regulations for the farm bill that passed,” says Thykeson. The new bill allows farmers to switch from Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. “Farmers will be able to have a choice between ARC or PLC as the time goes on. Farmers have recognized now prices aren’t going to stay at $7 for corn or in the teens for beans and $8 to $9 for wheat. That PLC program is probably going to be more attractive for others. If they’re comfortable with the ARC selection, that’s fine. This new farm bill is going to make it a little bit easier for the choice.”

Farm Bill Top-of-Mind as House Ag Committee Prepares to Meet – House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson told local farmers and ranchers Saturday farm bill implementation is top-of-mind, especially the new dairy program. Peterson said education will be key for its success. “The old dairy program didn’t work and people got soured on it. I’m a little concerned people aren’t going to sign up for the new program, because they aren’t going to seriously look at it,” said Peterson. “Whenever the sign-up happens, if it’s in February or March, it’ll be retroactive to January 1.” Peterson also answered haying and grazing questions on the Conservation Reserve Program. Finally, he said the partial government shutdown did impact farm bill implementation. “It has delayed us probably good month and a half on the dairy stuff, which could be fatal. I think it’s a real problem.” The committee will meet Thursday to organize.

Interest in the Dairy Margin Coverage Program – East Polk County, Minnesota Farm Bureau President Bennett Osmonson says there is interest in the new dairy program included in the farm bill, known as the Dairy Margin Coverage Program. He understands education will be important. “Implementation is going to take some time, because the government was down for 30-some days and it takes a while to write those regulations,” he explains. “Then, the Agriculture Committee needs to look at them again and make sure they are written as intended.”

A Slow Start for House Agriculture Committee – The partial government shutdown delayed the implementation of the new farm bill and other agricultural discussions. South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson is a new member of the House Agriculture Committee and says the committee has not met to for an organizing session. “I have spoken with Chairman (Collin) Peterson. He will have to lay out what the intended oversight functions will be for the committee this year, but he has not shared that draft yet with the minority party.” Johnson will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight and Department Operations.

Government Shutdown May Delay Key Ag Programs – The 35-day partial government shutdown is over, but Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is seeing a possible hangover effect on agriculture. “The things I’m most worried about for Minnesota include the EPA’s rulemaking for year-round sales E15 may be delayed and we’re really pushing them to get that done by June 1.” The government is funded through mid-February, giving the administration and Congress time to negotiate border security issues. Klobuchar wants to avoid another shutdown. “The hope is these people have learned their lesson and this won’t happen again. Otherwise, we’ll have recurring shutdowns and that doesn’t make sense.”

European Union Approves U.S. Soybean Imports for Biofuels – The European Union approved U.S. soybean imports for biofuel production. The announcement follows last summer’s trans-Atlantic meeting between President Trump and his EU counterpart. U.S. Soybean Export Council Vice Chair Monte Peterson says this is good news for the U.S. soybean industry. “With the soybean sustainability assurance protocol now in place, we’re anxious to see how that contributes to more exports to the EU.” Peterson says the soybean industry was expecting this trade announcement. “When it comes to market access issues, you never know how quickly things will or will not develop. It’s encouraging this is finally coming to fruition.”

Lost Opportunity – The new trade agreements between Japan and other countries will put U.S. dairy exports at a competitive disadvantage. U.S. Dairy Export Council President and CEO Tom Vilsack cites the Japan’s trade agreements with Australia, New Zealand and the European Union. “They basically now tilt the playing field to our competitors; we will lose market share to the tune of potentially $90 million and over the next five years, the cumulative impact will be $185 million of lost opportunity.” USDEC commissioned a study that calculates the loss of market access. Cheese would feel the most significant negative impact, but other dairy ingredients will also feel the pain. “At a time when we’re looking for every single dollar we can in the market, we can’t afford to let that happen.”

Solid Cattle Demand Forecast for 2019 – Cattle prices are expected to remain strong for 2019. CattleFax analyst Kevin Good is forecasting steady fed cattle prices averaging $117 per hundredweight. “There is a challenge going forward, recognizing that we have larger supplies of feeder cattle and calves and we’re seeing the leverage shift. As a trend, we think feeders and calves will be softer than the year prior, but still hold up to levels that will give most producers the chance to be profitable in 2019.” The relatively good calf market that was seen this past year will be under pressure in 2019. Good still sees the potential to reach the mid $180s this spring. At the Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans, Good said beef exports have had double-digit gains over the past three years. “You can’t expect that to continue, but we have exports up six percent.”

U.S., Canada, Mexico Talk Trade at NCBA Meeting – National Cattlemen’s Beef Association members took part in a tri-lateral trade discussion with trading partners from Canada and Mexico Wednesday. Kimball, Minnesota rancher Don Schiefelbein, who is the NCBA policy vice-chairman, says all of agriculture is waiting on ratification of the new trade agreement between the three countries. “Where it might get sticky is if ratification gets into a tough spot and the administration decides to pull the existing NAFTA to force the issue; if that happens, agriculture will fall off really quickly.” North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Past President Warren Zenker, who ranches at Gackle, North Dakota, also sat in on the meeting. “One thing I learned is with TPP, Canada said they don’t have the supply of cattle to fulfill that and they’re looking for northern (U.S.) cattle; that could be very good for us producers in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.”

Growing Beef Demand Worldwide – Exports have been a challenge for many commodities, but international beef demand continues to grow. Hensler, North Dakota farmer and rancher Clark Price co-chairs the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Export Growth Committee says the world wants U.S. beef. “It is sought after in every part of the world; we have very good business with South Korea and even with the tariffs, Japan is a very good market for us.” Price says there is a difference between U.S. beef and what is available from the competitors worldwide. “The number-one thing that sets U.S. beef from Australian and New Zealand beef is we’re corn-fed. Some other countries are trying to mimic what we do, but we have the advantage with corn-fed beef.” Coverage of the Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans is sponsored in part by the North Dakota Beef Commission.

Minnesota Beef Update – The Minnesota Beef Update is a production of the Minnesota Beef Council and the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association. The Cattle Industry Convention was held this past week in New Orleans. Minnesota Beef Council’s Royalee Rhoads has an update on the trade show.

Maximizing Beef Checkoff Dollars – The beef checkoff is known for meat quality studies, including research on tenderness and marbling. North Dakota Beef Commission secretary/treasurer Travis Maddock, who owns Dakota Global Consulting, says the research is now focusing on the healthfulness and wholesomeness of beef. “Our priorities are on how we should fund research about the role of beef and animal proteins and beef fat in the diet and how it affects cognitive ability. We’re also looking at food safety and making sure that the beef produced in the U.S. is the safest in the world.” Maddock emphasizes the grassroots decision-making process for the beef checkoff investment. “The checkoff is comprised by 200 producers sitting around the table to determine if this is a good fiduciary use of those dollars.”

Farm Bill and Trade Issues to be Addressed at Sugar Meeting – This American Sugarbeet Growers Association Annual Meeting is being held in the Arizona dessert, but the attention is squarely on what is happening in Washington, D.C. Euclid, Minnesota farmer Paul Rutherford, who is a board member with the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association and the ASGA, is grateful sugar programs were maintained in the new farm bill. “We have to put out a big thank you to Congressman Collin Peterson; he stuck up for our sugar industry.” China dominates the current trade discussion, but there are also negotiations taking place with the European Union. “Europe is struggling right now,” said Rutherford. “They’re really in a hurt bag right now and we understand they are closing two beet factories and their prices of sugar is way down. We’re hoping our administration will look at our domestic industry and make sure we stay here.”

Selecting the Best Cover Crops to Graze – To select the right cover crops for grazing livestock, NDSU Extension Forage and Cover Crops specialist Marisol Berti reminds producers to know the nutrients needed and the time of the year they want livestock to graze. NDSU Extension Rangeland Specialist Kevin Sedivec says brassicas, like turnips and radishes, can give a higher quality option late season following small grains or hay. “Most people would think legumes like alfalfa and clover would be higher quality, but the brassicas have higher quality than legumes. They’ll be more digestible.” When it comes to cover crops, Sedivec says most farmers and ranchers are looking at ways to keep living tissue on the land as long as possible. That’s a challenge with a short growing season. “They’re trying to find ways to keep grain cost effective,” explains Sedivec.

MFU Minute – Here’s the latest update from the Minnesota Farmers Union. There’s a new spirit of cooperation with a new administration and new lawmakers in the state. Hear more from MFU President Gary Wertish.

Demand Seen for High Quality Farmland – Farmland sales continues to hold onto its value. That’s the word from David Gorder, who owns The Farm Agency in Grand Forks. “The land market is still holding firm despite what is happening in the farm commodity market; you still see quality land going for good prices. Some of the marginal land you may see sit on the land a little bit longer, compared to two, three, four years ago.”

New Bill Encourages Support for MN 4-H and FFA Members – The Minnesota FFA Foundation Executive Director Val Aarsvold addressed House File 221 in front of the Minnesota House Agriculture Food, Finance and Policy Committee Tuesday, requesting special license plates be established and money appropriated for the state 4-H and FFA organizations. Two local FFA members testified as well. “The question that has come up is why an agricultural license plate? The answer is quite simple,” explained Aarsvold. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate what’s right with agriculture and invest in our future. It’s a voluntary way to have Minnesotans show their support. In 2016, more than 665,000 people voluntarily paid an additional fee to support a cause they believe in. These young people are worth that involvement.” Committee Chairman Jeanne Poppe referred House File 221 back to the House Ways and Means Committee to be re-referred to the Committee on Transportation, Finance and Policy.

Minnesota Lawmakers Update on the Legislative Session – RRFN affiliate KKCQ in Fosston hosted their annual Farm Forum Saturday, with updates from state lawmakers. The Vice-Chair of the Minnesota Senate Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing Finance Committee Mark Johnson said the nitrogen fertilizer rule is still in the back of lawmakers’ minds. “I think this year with a new administration, we’ll be able to do some tweaking on the rule,” he said. “It goes into effect at the end of the session. It’s something we’re going to be having some discussions on going forward.” Representatives Steve Green and Deb Kiel also updated the 30 farmers and ranchers at the forum. Wolf depredation, buffers, tax conformity and managing farm stress are expected to get attention during the session.

MFBF Update – With the reopening of the federal government, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Director of Public Policy Amber Glaeser says farmers and ranchers now have access to USDA resources. Hear more in this week’s MFBF Update.

More Grain Activity From the Port of Duluth – The trade war with China has influenced the flow of grain across the United States. The Pacific Northwest terminals have handled some wheat and corn exports, but not enough to replace the loss of the soybean business. Meanwhile, shipments in and out of the Great Lakes had the biggest year in more than a decade. Grain exports through the Port of Duluth-Superior increased year-over-year by 20 percent. The St. Lawrence Seaway is seeing more activity with more business going to the European Union.

ND Legislative Report – Funding for research and extension are priorities in the North Dakota legislative session, along with taxes. Hear more in the North Dakota Legislative Report, made possible by NDFB, North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, North Dakota Corn Growers Association and the North Dakota Farmers Union.

MN Corn Matters – In this week’s Minnesota Corn Growers Association Corn Matters, Twin Cities Road Crew co-owner Felicia Schaefer explains the educational opportunities about corn production in the state. There is also a new social media initiative to reach families outside of the classroom. Hear more.

Acreage Decisions May Not Change Much – Acreage decisions are still being made for the upcoming growing decisions. After visiting with farmers at the KMOT Farm Show in Minot, Proseed District Sales Manager Dave Gehrtz does not expect to see big changes. “Right now, there’s more talk about wheat and specialty crops, but honestly I believe our bean acres will remain close to the same and we’ll probably pick up a few acres of corn. We had a good corn crop last year and that is going to come into play.” The new Enlist trait should be available for the 2019 growing season. Gehrtz says this is just the latest in agronomic tools for the grower.

Benefits to an Early Start for Spring Wheat – There is hope for an early spring. Bayer WestBred Grant Technical Product Manager Grant Mehring says that favors spring wheat seeding. “With wheat being a cool season grass, we want to get it in early,” said Mehring. “When those soils are 34 degrees and they look like they’re not going to get colder, you can get the wheat in the ground and it will start germinating.” For a successful spring wheat crop, Mehring says farmers need to focus on four things—yield, protein, standability and disease. “We want to have varieties that have at least three of those four categories; that will make the grower profitable with the many different things that can affect the crop.”

A Challenging Ag Environment Continues – The extremely cold temperatures didn’t stop the Northwest Farm Managers from meeting in Fargo Wednesday, though attendance was lower than usual. NDSU Extension Farm Resource Management Specialist Andy Swenson says about 100 people attended the event. Swenson expects a challenging year ahead. “The last few years, it’s been looking like it will be a critical year, tough to cash flow. Farmers are getting through.The decent yields are a big help,” explains Swenson. “Going into 2019, it’s basically the similar situation. The crop prices dropping their peak and has folks scrambling. Some of the input costs are up, primarily fertilizer. Going into 2019, it looks like a challenging environment.”

Breakevens, Cash Flow and Structuring Positions a Focus for Farmers in 2019 – This will be a year for farmers to concentrate on breakevens, cash flow and structuring positions to manage risk, according to Allendale founder and agricultural economist Bill Biedermann. Attendees at the Northwest Farm Managers meeting looked at ways to improve cash flow by moving grain and using a lease cost replacement strategy to retain ownership going into the summer weather markets. “We’re going to compare maintaining ownership in the cash position, whether it’s through straight ownership or basis contracts, and comparing that with some of the futures or options strategies,” says Biedermann. “It’s not complex, it’s just a matter of understanding and realizing you can do it.” Biedermann says there’s a possibility to see some inflation, inviting fund-traded money into the marketplace. This would drive the markets up. “Weather is going to be really the key factor, especially on corn and where stocks are already tightening. On the other hand, the beans could be the drag, because there are just so many soybeans in the country. If the bean market can’t rally, it will pop the corn off.”

Dry Bean Scene – North Dakota State University will release three new dry bean varieties for growers this year. Hear more about the varieties from NDSU dry bean breeder Juan Osorno in this week’s Dry Bean Scene, made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

Canola Growers Ask D.C. Lawmakers to Invest in Research, Renewable Fuels – The U.S. Canola Association met in Washington D.C. to discuss legislative priorities this past week. Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman says canola research funding is a top priority. “We want continued funding for the National Canola Research Program, which will be really important to try to increase the canola acres in the country and to address up and coming diseases like clubroot.” It’s another priority to include canola in the Renewable Fuels Standard. “We’re wanting the EPA to revisit their numbers. They had said many years ago they would revisit them and possibly modify them. There is certainly some hope in that,” explains Coleman. “We also asked for an extension of the biodiesel tax credit as it provides certainty to the industry.”

NDFU Asks Trump Administration to Honor E15 Commitment – The North Dakota Farmers Union is asking President Trump to honor a commitment to allow year-round sales of E15. The Environmental Protection Agency recently said it lacks the authority to reinstate requirements lost after the administration granted ethanol production waivers to small oil refineries. In a statement, NDFU president Mark Watne says in addition to the trade war, farmers have felt the loss of income due to decreased demand for biofuels, especially corn ethanol. Watne also says the administration should be testing and considering E30.

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – Based at Portland, North Dakota, Advance Trading Inc. risk management advisor Tommy Grisafi has this week’s edition of ‘What’s Hot and What’s Not in the Markets.’ Weather-related basis improvement is happening.

Rolling With the Punches – The mindset of custom harvesters is to adapt to changing cropping patterns. U.S. Custom Harvesters Incorporated board member Dane Dolechek says acres have switched away from wheat to what are considered summer crops. “Farmers are covering acres with their own machines, putting in more soybeans and corn,” explains Dolechek. “That definitely changes the dynamic. It’s come down south here. We’ve lost acres to cotton and other crops like that, too.” Kansas wheat acres are expected to be down for 2019, but Dolechek isn’t sure what will happen until harvest. “It was so wet last fall. Farmers had to replant and couldn’t get the crop in the ground. We’ve also had some warm days the last couple of weeks and the crop is sprouting a little out of the ground, but we don’t know where we’ll be.”

U.S. Custom Harvesters Take Concerns to Washington D.C. – Members of the U.S. Custom Harvesters Incorporated Board of Directors will be traveling to Washington D.C. to attend the National Council of Agricultural Employers meeting. Incoming USCHI President J.C. Schemper says the cost of labor is the hot topic and most custom harvesters are using the H-2A program. “We’re facing an hourly wage that has gone up in some states. In Nebraska, it’s gone up 74 cents for the upcoming season,” he says. “We need to put a freeze on that hourly increase, because we think it’s getting out of reach. It’s just getting too expensive to use the program.”

H-2A Changes Pressuring Custom Harvesting Business – With the ongoing labor shortage, custom harvesters depend on the federal H-2A visa program to bring in workers from foreign countries to assist with the harvest. Rana Zeller, who is a custom harvester from Herington, Kansas, says changes to the H-2A program are a concern. “Across the board, there is an average of 70 cents per hour raise plus all of their expenses,” said Zeller. “Take that times 1,500 hours more or less a season when you have ten guys on your crew, that’s a lot of money. Some guys are looking at retiring because it is an issue.” Zeller is a member of the U.S. Custom Harvesters board and will be in Washington, D.C. this upcoming week to work on labor issues. RRFN’s coverage of the USCHI Annual Meeting is sponsored by U.S. Custom Harvesters Inc. and AgCountry Farm Credit Services.

Peterson Farms Seed Reports Good Supply of Enlist Soybeans – The commercialization of the Enlist soybean trait is still dependent on import approval from the Philippines. China was the big hurdle, but that approval was made earlier this month. Peterson Farms Seed agronomy manager Adam Spelhaug says Enlist E3 soybeans are being marketed for the 2019 growing season. “We’re allowing our dealers to put reservations in for farmers.” Enlist E3 soybeans are tolerant to Roundup, Liberty and 2, 4-D choline. Spelhaug says seed supply is good. “We probably stuck our neck out more than anybody,” said Spelhaug. “While the trait was being held up for the past three or four years, the breeding wasn’t held up and the advancements for agronomics, like SCN and IDC, are there.” Spelhaug expects the Philippine decision on Enlist should be out within the first quarter.

Growing Cacao in Ecudaor – Ecuador is known for high quality cacao, used to make chocolate. At the National Institute of Agricultural Research in Santo Domingo, Ecuador there’s a forest of cacao trees. Growing on trees, you’ll find pods: some are green, just starting out. Others are more mature, turning a yellow-red color. Learn more about cacao and quality chocolate by listening to the story.

Opportunities to Improve Farming in Ecuador – The Northwest Minnesota Ag Peer Group understands farming is similar and different in Ecuador, compared to the U.S. One big difference is the lack of a strong extension program. NDSU Extension Small Grains Agronomist Joel Ransom is working to change that via a non-profit called Join Hands. Listen to the story. The Northwest Minnesota Ag Peer Group sponsors include the Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Wheat, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and Your Source of Growth Fund. Watch more updates from the group in Quito and La Concordia.

SD Corn Comments – Farmers are making a difference, being recognized during the South Dakota Corn Annual Meeting. Listen to more in this week’s Corn Comments, an update from the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.

Adding Value Through the Local Foods Movement – With a challenging economy, farmers are looking at ways to diversify their operations. “I’ve gotten three calls in the last two weeks from what we would consider larger or traditional commodity crop farmers,” said Holly Rose Mawby, who leads the North Dakota Farmers Markets and Growers Association. “They are looking to diversify and add more value to what they’re doing; we’re seeing more openness about diversification and entering the local foods market.” The North Dakota Farmers Markets and Growers Association and North Dakota Department of Agriculture are hosting the annual Local Foods Conference this past weekend in Mandan.

DowDuPont Releases 4Q Financials – DowDuPont is posting stronger-than-expected fourth quarter earnings. After reporting a loss in the same quarter last year, DowDuPont’s net income came in at $475 million. For the year, the company reported profits of $3.8 billion. DowDuPont officials indicated the separation of the Corteva Agriscience is on track to happen June 1.

New Ownership for Arysta LifeScience – UPL has completed its acquisition of Arysta Lifescience from Platform Specialty Products. This deal is valued at $4.2 billion. This agreement was first signed in July and received unconditional regulatory approval around the world. With the Arysta acquisition, UPL is now one of the top five agricultural solutions companies in the world.

Canola Minute – Marketing is very important to canola growers, especially in boosting demand for canola oil. Listen to more in this week’s Canola Minute, made possible by the Northern Canola Growers Association.

New Fungicide Formulation Approved – AZteroid FC 3.3 fungicide has received EPA approval. This is a higher concentration formulation of the AZteroid FC fungicide from Vive Crop Protection. This product provides sugarbeet, potato, dry bean, alfalfa and corn growers excellent disease control and mixability with liquid fertilizer as its predecessor.

Approval Granted for Koch Product – Koch Agronomic Services has received EPA approval for DUROMIDE technology. The next-generation active ingredient is found in ANVOL nitrogen stabilizers. Koch officials indicate this nitrogen stabilizer offers the longest-available protection against volatilization losses.

Honors to be Presented at MN Pork Congress – During the Minnesota Pork Congress, five major awards will be presented. Bill Crawford of Preferred Capital Management will receive the Distinguished Service Award. The Environmental Steward of the Year is Patrick Krzmarzick of Sleepy Eye. Fran Breiter of Osakis is the Swine Manager of the Year. The Greg and Paula Boerboom family of Marshall is the Family of the Year and Clair and Joanne Schmidt of Ceylon are the Pork Promoters of the Year.

Dolan and Moquist to Receive NPPGA Honors – The Northern Plains Potato Growers will honor Paul Dolan and Dave Moquist at their upcoming banquet. Dolan, who recently retired as general manager of Associated Potato Growers, will receive the meritorious service award for the potato industry. The grower award will go to Moquist, who is with O.C. Schulz & Sons. The banquet will be February 20 in Grand Forks.

Prestigious Sheep Industry Award Goes to North Dakotan – The American Sheep Industry Association has honored Burdell Johnson of Tuttle, North Dakota with the McClure Silver Ram Award for a lifetime of service to the sheep industry. Johnson was instrumental in creating the Young Entrepreneur Group. ASI also presented its highest honor, the Joe Skeen Award, to former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Michael Conaway.

Awards Presented at MFBF LEAP Conference – During the Minnesota Farm Bureau LEAP Conference, the MFBF Promotion and Education Committee presented the Golden Apple Award to Brian Randolph, who passed away in January. Debra Durheim of Todd County was named the Advocate of the Year. The MFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee presented the Golden Pitchfork Award to Pam and Tim Uhlenkamp of Sibley County and the Outstanding Friend of YF&R to MFBF’s east central area program coordinator Dennis Sabel.

Myrdal on the Job for Northarvest – Megan Myrdal has joined the Northarvest Bean Growers Association as its director of domestic marketing and communications. Previous, Myrdal was the family nutrition program agent with Cass County Extension.