Spring Wheat Competing for Acres – North Dakota Wheat Commission Policy and Marketing Director Jim Peterson is expecting spring wheat acres this spring to be steady to slightly higher than last year. “Historically, we’re still looking at very good returns on wheat,” said Peterson. “Is the incentive there for U.S. (spring wheat) producers? Yes, but we have a lot of competition. Last year, it was malt barley. Soybeans are competing hard again this year, canola, even corn.”

Ships Sitting Idle in the Black Sea – The United Nations is seeking more efficiencies in the shipment of grain out of the Black Sea Region. There is a backlog of more than 100 ships in Turkish waters waiting to be inspected. The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, claims Russia is deliberately slowing down the inspection process.

MN Wheat Minute – Best of the Best Meetings are quickly approaching on the calendar. Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers Vice President of Operations Coreen Berdahl has the details in this week’s Minnesota Wheat Minute.

Meal Market Takes Priority – North Dakota State University Crops Marketing Economist Frayne Olson says the focus on Argentina’s soybean crop is important, but the meal market is more important. “A lot of discussion is on weather in Argentina, but Argentina is a processor, so they don’t export a lot of whole soybeans.” The price impact from Argentina’s drought will be much greater on soybean meal and soybean oil both domestically and internationally.

Negotiations Resume Over GMO Corn Exports – USDA Undersecretary of Trade and Foreign Agricultural Services Alexis Taylor and agricultural trade ambassador Doug McKalip are in Mexico today to discuss trade and biotechnology. Mexico has proposed a ban on biotech corn imports by 2024, a move the Biden administration does not support.

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson said a neutral-to-friendly cattle-on-feed report is supportive to the cattle markets. A bearish tone is evident in nearly every other market category.

Surging Oil Demand – The International Energy Agency is forecasting record oil demand this year. This demand is linked to China reopening its economy following COVID-related shutdowns. The IEA expects oil demand to total 1.9 million barrels per day. That’s up nearly 200,000 barrels per day from the previous forecast.

Fertilizer Price Outlook – A new report from S and P Commodity Insights suggests fertilizer prices will likely remain steady going into the spring season. After a disappointing fall application season, there is more than adequate supplies of phosphate and potash for this spring. Winter-fill programs for ammonia fertilizers were announced and prices reset lower at the end of the year. After reaching near record highs in early 2022, urea prices declined and remained flat since August. UAN values have declined due to a drop in nitrogen prices in the United States and globally.

‘Worst is Behind Us’ – Retail fertilizer prices are trending lower. “When we look at where prices are today versus recent history, there’s nothing normal about it, but this is a blessing,” said Josh Linville, director of fertilizer, StoneX. “Prices seem like they’re starting to stabilize and I’m hoping the worst is behind us.” Linville expects North American fertilizer manufacturers to continue with plans to increase production. The long-term forecast is for strong global demand.

Renewables Described as ‘the Energy of Peace’ – The environment has been the main driver behind the development of the renewable energy business, but that is changing. The head of the International Energy Agency said energy security is now the primary consideration. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine resulted in more demand for dependable, local sources of energy, especially in Europe. The international energy official spoke at the economic forum in Davos and said “renewables are the energy of peace” and the solution for energy security.

Burgum Disappointed in WOTUS Decision – North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum is calling on the Biden administration to withdraw its final Water of the U.S. Rule, warning that the Obama-era regulations will result in more confusion and red tape. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring concurred, saying the WOTUS rule “will infringe on our state’s sovereignty and will federalize almost all of North Dakota’s waters.” The EPA and Army Corp of Engineers published the final rule in the Federal Register Wednesday.

NASDA Releases ’23 Policy Priorities – The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture has established its policy priorities for the year ahead. The list includes the 2023 farm bill, science-based environmental regulations, a reliable supply chain and workforce development. NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said the state departments of agriculture are uniquely positioned to offer policy solutions.

Reference Prices Need an Adjustment – Increasing base acres and reference prices for ARC and PLC programs are a priority for the American Soybean Growers Association. ASA Executive Director of Government Affairs Christy Seyfert pointed out that “going through the China Trade War in 2018, soy’s safety net through ARC and PLC was hardly triggered at all.” Approximately 30 million acres of soybeans grown last year were not covered by these programs, highlighting the need to adjust base acres in the upcoming farm bill.

Producer Profitability – South Dakota Corn Growers Association President Scott Stahl says his organization want to modernize and make more relevant Title I of the new farm bill. “We want to strengthen the reference price and loan rate for corn and to take a look at base acres for corn as the Cornbelt moves farther west.” Crop insurance is another priority. Stahl says the elected officials from the state have a good understanding of production agriculture and understand the need to enhance producer profitability. The SDCGA held its annual meeting Saturday in Sioux Falls.

Legislature Expected to Address Corporate Farming Law – With the hope to grow animal agriculture in the state, there will be bills to modify North Dakota’s corporate farming law. “It appears that they would be only looking at a poultry, dairy, swine, aquaculture, and hydroponics,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. “There would be a real strict limitation on the amount of land with just the footprint for the facility itself.” Goehring said a change in the laws governing the business structure of North Dakota farms would also impact grain farmers by expanding markets and increasing the basis.

NDSU Extension Takes Spotlight at Capitol – The North Dakota House Appropriations Committee met this past week to discuss House Bill 1020. State Board of Agriculture Research and Education Chair Sarah Lovas testified about Extension and research priorities. “Number one is the need for field lab facilities and the second priority is the need to enhance NDSU employee compensation.” NDSU Vice President of Agricultural Affairs Greg Lardy said meetings were held over the summer to identify potential areas for improvement. “They have identified several needs including a plant production and protection initiative and more emphasis in plant breeding, especially for pulse crops.”

Farm Groups Provide Overview on Workforce Issues – Farmers Union and Farm Bureau were both represented in a North Dakota Senate Workforce Development Committee hearing Thursday. North Dakota Farmers Union Government Relations Director Matt Perdue said agriculture makes up one-third of the sole proprietor employment in the state. “When we talk about business and workforce incentives and childcare solutions, we need to remember that a huge share of agriculture doesn’t work for a major employer, so we need to make sure they’re not left behind.” Agriculture faces labor issues, but NDFB Public Policy Director Pete Hanebutt described it as a national problem. “The ag sector is hit pretty hard by the tight labor market; H2A reform is really needed.”

I-BAND Supports HB 1436 – There two bills in the North Dakota Legislature seeking changes in the structure of the North Dakota Beef Commission. HB 1436 calls for the beef checkoff board to be elected positions rather than being appointed by the governor. Independent Beef Association of North Dakota President Frank Tomac says all other commodity checkoff groups, like North Dakota Corn Council and the North Dakota Soybean Council, are elected. “Currently, all positions are appointed by the governor, but by switching to elected positions, we could represent all areas of the state.” The bill would create nine districts with the election handled by the NDSU Extension Service.

North Dakota Legislative Report – The early days of the session have been “like drinking out of a fire hose.” In this week’s North Dakota Legislative Report, NDFB Public Policy Director Pete Hanebutt says it has been busy with numerous bills dropping. One of the issues expected to be heard this session deals with the proposed carbon capture pipeline. Listen to this week’s report.

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Growers Association President Scott Stahl talks about SD’s Corn Conference in Sioux Falls.

A Quiet Start – South Dakota Soybean Growers Association President Kevin Deinert says the early days of the legislative session have been quiet. “There’s a lot of bills and legislation still being formulated,” said Deinert. “There are a few things like landowner rights we always keep an eye on.” Governor Kristi Noem is behind a bill that would enhance the state’s ag nuisance laws and provide additional protection for farmers. Deinert says more information on wording and objectives are still needed on the bill before action can be taken.

SD Grain Buyer Bill Tabled – A bill was introduced in the South Dakota Legislature that would require grain buyers to report any alleged financial wrongdoing. After numerous discussions with the grain industry, Public Utilities Commission Commissioner Chris Nelson said they want the regulatory agency to address these issues during the inspection process. “Personally, I’m not convinced that that’s going to do what we need, but I’m willing to try it for a year and see if we can get the information we need through our inspections in a timely manner. If that works, great, if it doesn’t, we’ll probably be back a year from now with a very similar bill.” The Senate Agriculture Committee unanimously agreed to table this bill.

Seeking a Bigger Piece of the Budget Pie – Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee Chair Samantha Vang is hopeful the state’s budget surplus will mean more money for the agriculture. “Usually, the agriculture committee has one of the smallest budgets compared to bigger committees, like education and public safety,” Vang told RRFN. “With the larger needs, I will advocate a higher budget for our committee to meet the needs of Minnesota’s ag industry.”

House Ag Committee Passes RFA Funding Bill – The Minnesota House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee approved two identical bills that would appropriate $50 million from state bond proceeds for the Rural Finance Authority. HF103 is sponsored by Badger Republican John Burkel and HF463 is sponsored by Brooklyn Center DFL’er Samantha Vang. RFA funds can be used for beginning farmer loans, loan restructuring, ag improvement and livestock expansion loans. The House Capital Investment Committee is the next step for these bills.

Bill Guarantees Paid Family Leave – The beginning of the legislative session typically happens at a slow, methodical pace. That has not been the case this year in St. Paul. One of the bills on a fast track would require Minnesota businesses to provide up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and up to an additional 12 weeks of paid sick leave. Cory Bennett of Bennett Government Consulting says this proposal would impact farmers. “That’s certainly something that employers are going to have to provide if they’re not providing it already at a certain level, the same with sick time as well.” said Bennett. “After 80 hours, employees can start to accrue hours (for paid family leave) and they will start to have to provide that sick time as well.”

RRFN Interview: Governor Tim Walz – In an interview with Red River Farm Network, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the expanding utilization of biofuels. “We’ll have internal combustion engines on the road for decades, my goal is to make sure more of that fuel is coming from biofuels” said Walz. The governor also discussed his proposed ‘One Minnesota’ budget that aims to make child care more affordable and would include over $100 million for investment in agriculture. Listen to the full interview. Walz spoke at the MN Ag Expo Wednesday in Mankato.

Farm Lending Rebound – The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City is reporting a gradual increase in farm lending activity. The average size of non-real estate farm loans in the fourth quarter was 20 percent higher than one year ago. Interest rates on non-real estate loans increased an average of 125 basis points from the previous quarter. The report says financing charges have increased more rapidly among large farm lenders than small-or-medium sized banks.

Combine Sales Improve in ’22 – Tractor sales declined this past year in the United States, while combine sales increased. According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, overall tractor sales dropped 15 percent from 2021. Only one segment finished up on the year with 100-plus horsepower tractor sales rising more than 11 percent. Annual combine sales were up 16 percent.

Farm Futures Forecast – According to a Farm Futures survey of U.S. planting intentions, corn plantings will total 90.5 million acres this year. That’s up from USDA’s 2022 estimate of 88.5 million. Soybean acreage is estimated at 88.9 million acres, up from 87.4 million last year. Spring wheat seedings, including durum, are forecast at 13.9 million acres. The magazine’s estimate is up nearly 12 percent from the 2022 crop size.

A Game-Changer – When operational, the three proposed soybean crush facilities in North Dakota are expected to utilize nearly 70 percent of the state’s soybean production. North Dakota Grain Dealers Association Executive Vice President Stu Letcher says that will be a game-changer for any company handling soybeans. “These processing plants are not going to have enough storage to handle all the product that they need on-site so they’re gonna have to rely on some commercial (storage), but you’re going to see a change in the way that product moves.” With shorter hauls, there may be a transition to trucking. “If that happens, what’s that gonna do to our current infrastructure? Where are we gonna get the trucks to make those moves? There’s a lot of questions to be answered yet.” The NDGA annual meeting was held in Fargo.

Economic Rebound Still Years Away – The Juday Group founder and principal Dave Juday addressed the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association this past week. Juday said the economic rebound after COVID will be slow. “The whole shock to the system from energy to transportation is still affecting demand and creating cutbacks.” Juday expects farm production costs to feel the impact of higher interest rates. Juday worked in the White House during the George H.W. Bush administration and spent most of the last 30 years as a senior analyst for World Perspectives.

Drought Blamed for Contraction of the Cattle Herd – American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Bernt Nelson says weather is the main driver of consolidation on the cattle industry. “We started in a back-to-back drought situation that urged consolidation in the cattle industry and inflation just spurred it on.” The smaller inventory of breeding stock should boost prices next year, but inflation will play a large role in profitability. “With so many females entering the market, the cash crop for next year is going to be much smaller.”

Implications of Herd Liquidation – Two consecutive years of drought forced cattle producers to liquidate their herds. University of Nebraska Extension Livestock Economist Elliott Dennis expects feeder supplies to shorten when producers start to rebuild their numbers. “If we’re having a lot of herd liquidation and accelerated beef cow slaughter that means feeder cattle supplies are going to be tight.” Dennis does not expect the size of the cattle herd to reach the lows of 2014 and 2015 unless a third year of drought forces more liquidation. “If we continue to have beef cow liquidation in 2023, then we’ll definitely get to the 2014 dynamic, but you need to adjust for inflation.

A Neutral Cattle on Feed Report – Friday’s USDA Cattle-on-Feed Report is considered to be mostly neutral. The on-feed total of 11.7 million head was down three percent from one year ago. December placements topped 1.8 million head, down eight percent. Marketings of 1.7 million head was down six percent. All of these totals are within trade expectations.

MN Beef Update – Minnesota Beef Council Communications Director Ashley Kraemer discusses the Top of Class Session in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.

Test Hay Quality – After last year’s growing season, there’s no shortage of forage, but NDSU Extension Forage Crops Specialist James Rogers says hay should be checked for quality. “With so much rainfall, the hay already on the ground received more moisture content than needed at baling.” Rogers recommends producers test their forage crude protein and adjust depending on the cow’s gestational cycle. “The nutrient requirements varies by stage. Most April/May calving is getting close to the first trimester where nutrient requirements are getting higher.”

Opposition Seen for Electronic Ear Tag Proposal – USDA is seeking public comment on a proposal to amend disease tracability regulations and require electronic identification for cattle and bison moving interstate. “We knew it was coming and a lot of it was what they proposed before,” said Justin Tupper, president, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association. “While we believe in disease traceability, we think there are sounder ways to get there.” Tupper is opposed to the added cost of electronic identification at a time when feed and other inputs are already high.

NCI Future of Feeding Webinar Coming Up on Wednesday – The Northern Crops Institute is hosting another Future of Feeding webinar Wednesday at 9 AM. This webinar will feature University of Wisconsin-Madison Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist Dr. Luiz Ferraretto. This webinar series focuses on using innovation in the processing of animal food, equipment being and the use of grains from this region for co-products. Register online for the event.

Expanding North Dakota’s Dairy Industry – North Dakota Livestock Alliance Executive Director Amber Boeshans says the state’s dairy industry is slowly shrinking. “There’s currently 38 dairy farms left in North Dakota,” said Boeshans. “The biggest concern is making sure dairy farmers don’t get forced out of the industry because of trucking or other factors.” Boeshans is optimistic that the push from legislative leaders to expand animal agriculture could benefit the state’s dairy industry. “We have the ability to grow dairy in the state. We grow corn like a boss up here, so we need to be feeding that to animals in the state and capturing that value instead of shipping it out.”

Possible Bison Exports to Japan – The wheels are turning toward a bison export market in Japan. American Bison Association Executive Director Jim Mathison says members of their organization have been exploring the possibility and the first steps are being taken to make it a reality. “We’re trying to show both the U.S. government and Japan that there is significant demand for bison in Japan.” Representatives from Japan recently took a tour of a bison processing facility. The ABA is working with USDA to make it possible to export bison meat to Japan.

RRFN ‘Bean Day’ Coverage Presented by BASF – For dry edible bean growers, waterhemp and nightshade must be managed. “We do our best to layer in residuals with certain chemistries to help control those tough, tough weeds,” said Nick Salentine, regional business representative, BASF. Post products, including Varisto, Basagran and Raptor, are options. White mold is another economically important disease to keep in check. “It got dry near the end of the year and a lot of people didn’t think white mold would be a big issue, but it is important to keep in mind the climate six feet above the crop can be a lot different than in a dense dry bean canopy,” explained Ben Cigelske, regional business representative, BASF. “The cool, moist conditions are conducive to white mold.” BASF sponsored RRFN’s live coverage from the Northarvest Bean Growers Association Bean Day in Fargo, highlighting the entire dry bean portfolio.

Dry Bean Scene – NDSU Extension Cropping Economist Frayne Olson joins us in this week’s Dry Bean Scene to talk about the dry bean market. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

New Dry Bean Varieties Introduced – NDSU dry bean breeder Juan Osorno introduced two new dry bean varieties at Northarvest Bean Day. ND Rodeo is the slow darkening pinto variety. “Our breeding program is getting to the point where we’re introducing a new variety almost every year; ND Rodeo is a high yielding pinto that has a slow darkening trait with better seed size.” ND Red Barn is the new dark red kidney variety that has a better bean shape and better yield than most other dark red kidney varieties.

An Expanding Market – Consumer trends were a big topic at the Bean Day conference. “I think a big push is moving towards the ingredient market,” said Mitch Coulter, executive director, Northarvest Bean Growers Association. “Dry beans have some of the best protein and fiber sources.” International markets were another hot topic. “Argentina is our biggest competitor in most of our markets, but we are focused on Mexico and Central America. We move a lot of beans there.”

A Consistent Carbon Pricing System – The World Trade Organization director-general, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, wants world leaders to adopt a shared carbon-pricing system. Today there are at least 70 different carbon pricing options available around the world. The WTO leader believes one consistent policy will provide certainty, especially for small, developing countries.

A Farmers’ Guide to Carbon Markets Released – Minnesota Farmers Union and the Farmers’ Legal Action Group have worked together to publish a farmer’s guide to the carbon market. The guide helps outline what farmers and ranchers can expect from carbon credit contracts. Big Stone County Farmers Union President Peter Schwagerl served on the advisory committee for the guide. “The carbon market world is kind of a Wild West and there’s not a lot of regulation and standards out in the industry.” Said Schwagerl. The guide can be found at flaginc.org. 

Soil Fertility Minute – On this week’s Soil Fertility Minute, sponsored by the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council, University of Minnesota Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma discusses the benefit of adding wheat into a corn and soybean rotation.

Vulnerable Groundwater Map Released – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has released its interactive vulnerable groundwater map. Much of northwest Minnesota is excluded due to the climate. The application of nitrogen fertilizer on cropland in the fall or on frozen soils is restricted in vulnerable groundwater areas.

Corn Matters – The Strategic Farming ‘Let’s Talk Crops” program is up and going again. Hear more from University of Minnesota Extension Educator Liz Stahl in the latest Corn Matters.

Efforts Underway to Update Organic Program – USDA is making changes to strengthen the enforcement of its National Organic Program. The proposal calls for improved farm-to-market traceability and greater insight over imports.

Beet Stock Values – According to Acres & Shares broker, Jayson Menke, American Crystal Sugar Company beet stock activity has picked up. There were 119 shares brokered at $4,600 and $4,650 for an average price of $4,614.29 per share this past week.

Protecting Against Palmer amaranth – At the Clay County Crop Update Meeting, Extension Sugarbeet Specialist Tom Peters focused on preventing Palmer amaranth. “Palmer robs yield and is hard to control so wWe want farmers to prevent Palmer amaranth from getting established.” Peters is more worried about Palmer amaranth than waterhemp in Clay County. “Palmer amaranth grows so big, it tends to crowd sugarbeets out.” Peters has a joint assignment with NDSU and the University of Minnesota.

Canola Minute – This week, we hear from Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman discuss educational forums on weed control happening at the Northern Canola Growers Association Meeting. Tune into this week’s Canola Minute to hear more.

Research Woes and Wins in 2022 – The 2022 growing season posed unique challenges not just for growers, but for researchers as well. University of Minnesota Extension Nutrient and Water Management Specialist Lindsay Pease struggled to get stands established for soil testing biologicals and nutrient applications. “I think our soybeans never even really had a chance.” Pease plans to run the same trials again this year with hopes of better growing conditions. UM wheat breeder Jim Anderson says 2022 was perfect for evaluating wheat varieties. “We saw lodging and diseases; I spent more time in the field in 2022 than I did in 2020 and 2021 combined.”

Precision Planting Introduces Panorama – Precision Planting has introduced a new app called Panorama. Regional Manager Brent Horner says this tool allows for an easy upload of data to the platform of your choice. “It’s really an easier way to get that data where you want it, analyze it and use it,” said Horner. “You have your phone in your pocket all the time and it will transmit nicely from the 2020 to that app on your phone.” Panorama will be beta-tested this spring and available for sale later this year. The Precision Planting Winter Conference was held at satelite locations throughout North America. Premium Ag Solutions sponsored RRFN’s live broadcasts Wednesday and Thursday from the Grand Forks event.

CHS Announces New Shuttle Facility – CHS says it will begin construction on a new 1.1-million-bushel grain shuttle facility south of Sioux Falls, South Dakota this spring. CHS says the facility will be built near the intersection of I-29 and State Highway 44 near Worthing and tie into an already existing rail loop currently used for CHS agronomy services.

IDFA Names Chief Economist – Mike Brown is the new chief economist for the International Dairy Foods Association. Previously, Brown was the director of the dairy supply chain for the Kroger supermarket chain.

Collin Peterson to Consult for IDFA – The International Dairy Foods Association has added three dairy policy consultants. The trio includes former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, who now leads The Peterson Group. In addition, Chip English of the Davis Wright Tremaine LLP law firm and Steven Rosenbaum of the Covington law firm have signed on with IDFA. Both have experience with federal milk marketing orders.

New Hire for Cramer’s DC Office – Abbey Schieffer is the new communications director for North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer. Most recently, Schieffer was the deputy communications director for Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon.

OTA Adds to its Government Affairs Staff – The Organic Trade Association has appointed Peter Mihalick as its senior director of government affairs. Most recently, Mihalick worked for the National Community Pharmacists Association.

NCGA Fills Grassroots Advocacy Job – The National Corn Growers Association has named Sadie Lackey as its manager for grassroots advocacy and leadership development. Lackey has worked on Capitol Hill for Alabama Congressman Jerry Carl, Louisana Senator John Kennedy and at USDA.

Novak Promoted – The American Feed Industry Association promoted Sarah Novak to chief operating officer. Most recently, Novak was AFIA’s vice president of membership and public relations.

A New Executive Director on the Job for NLFA – Karen Maneotis is the new executive director of the National Lamb Feeders Association. Maneotis has 35 years in the sheep and cattle business in Colorado.

Rorvig, Schafer Take Leadership Roles with NCBA Committees – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has announced the appointments made to its policy committees. Dan Rorvig of McVille, North Dakota is the new chair of the NCBA tax and credit committee. New Rockford, North Dakota rancher Jeff Schafer is the vice chair of the agriculture and food policy committee.

Estenson On Board for the Legislative Session – Meghan Estenson of Devils Lake is working with the NDFB public policy team during the North Dakota legislative session. Estenson will serve as NDFB’s legislative counsel.

MFBF Minute – Hear Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmer and Rancher Chair Katie Wiese talks about the upcoming LEAP conference in the latest MFBF Minute.

Dilworth on the Job with MBC – The Minnesota Beef Council has hired Jon Dilworth as its new director of industry relations. Most recently, Dilworth was an Extension Educator in Renville County.

MCGA Recognition – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association presented its Gavel Award to immediate past president Bryan Biegler of Lake Wilson. State Senator Torrey Westrom of Alexandria received the Friend of Agriculture Award. Cannon Falls farmer Les Anderson was honored with the Kernel Award, an award given annually to an individual who works to improve corn farming and agriculture. Anderson is a past president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and serves as an agricultural liaison for Minnesota Representative Angie Craig.

Soybean Honors – During MN Ag Expo, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council recognized farmer-leaders and industry partners. Mike Skaug of Beltrami received the President’s Award. The Industry Partner Award went to Profinium. Wheaton farmer Jamie Beyer was recognized with the MSGA Soy Advocate of the Year. Brushvale Seed is the Industry Leader of the Year. Kris Folland of Halma is the MSRPC Director of the Year.

Milk Producers of North Dakota Recognize Boeshans and Amundson – During the 55^th Annual North Dakota Dairy Convention, North Dakota Livestock Alliance Executive Director Amber Boeshans received the Merit Award. The Milky Way Award, a lifetime achievement award for an individual involved in the dairy industry, went to long-time promoter Stan Amundson.

Pankonin Announces a Leave of Absence – Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association President Mark Pankonin, Lamberton, is taking a six-month leave of absence from that role due to a cancer diagnosis. Jake Thompson, Barnesville, will serve as the interim president.

AgriGrowth Executive Committee Elected – The 2023 AgriGrowth officer team is in place. Associated Milk Producers Inc. CEO Sheryl Meshke succeeds Rod Hebrink of Compeer Financial as AgriGrowth’s chair. Jake Hamlin of CHS is vice chair. Don Wick, Red River Farm Network, is secretary and Greg Howard, Christensen Farms, is treasurer.