A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
‘Liberation Day’ – Calling it ‘Liberation Day,’ President Donald Trump issued a number of policy changes on his first day in office. “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich other countries, we will tariff and tax foreign countries to enrich our citizens,” Trump said. “For this purpose, we are establishing the External Revenue Service to collect all tariffs, duties, and revenues. It will be massive amounts of money pouring into our Treasury coming from foreign sources.” Trump also called for the end of the so-called Green New Deal.
West Wing Experience Underscored – An agriculture-specific celebration was part of President Trump’s Inauguration activities. Agriculture Secretary-Designate Brooke Rollins was one of many participating in the ‘Aggie Ball.’ Rollins said she’s looking forward to working with others in the Trump Administration to support agriculture and Rural America. “I think one of the things I bring to the table is having worked in the West Wing for three years for President Trump and understanding, perhaps, in a more intentional way how we can all work together,” said Rollins. “I’m looking forward to working with the other cabinet appointees, if confirmed, that may not have that background and ensure that we’re building a plan to make America great again by doing it across the agencies.”
Aggies Optimistic About New President, New Congress – American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said there is new energy in Washington. “Farmers are really excited about the new Congress and new president coming in,” said Duvall. “We’ve got some experience with this administration and he comes back with a renewed energy and is talking our talk. There’s some things that concern us, but he’s always given us a seat at the table and we’re looking forward to taking that seat and making sure we be able to let him hear what the farmers are talking about.” National Council of Farmer Cooperatives President and CEO Chuck Conner expects Congress to get to work right away. “I think this Congres is going to get a lot done and they know they’ve got a relatively small window for that to happen. Probably by year two and three, we’ll be back to a lot of that gridlock”
Bipartisanship is a Must – Regarding the upcoming farm bill debate, House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig said compromise will be needed. “The truth is Chairman Thompson has some folks in his party who are never going to vote for a farm bill and I’ve got some folks in my party who without a strong nutrition title are not going to vote for a farm bill,” said Craig. “I think we can get this done; we have a great history of bipartisanship on this committee that I respect so fully.” Craig said she is committed to working with the four corners to complete the farm bill.
MN Corn Matters – Corn Matters is a presentation of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. First Vice President Wes Beck said MCGA is monitoring new proposals at the state and federal level. Listen to the update.
Ready to Work With Ag Committee Leadership – Minnesota Corn Growers Association Past President Dana Allen-Tully now leads the organization’s government relations committee. She welcomes the opportunity to work with the new administration and the new Congress. “Minnesota has some great champions in Ranking Member (Amy) Klobuchar and Ranking Member (Angie) Craig and the relationship we already have with Senator (John) Boozman and (Glenn) GT Thompson,” said Allen-Tully. “Of course, our number one goal is to get the farm bill done, building from last year by strengthening the safety net, protecting crop insurance and increasing trade.”
Farm Bill Could be an Early Win – The new Congress has a full plate, dealing with the debt ceiling, a tax bill and the confirmation process. However, American Sugarbeet Growers Association President Neil Rockstad would like to see the farm bill completed sooner rather than later. “I think it would be an excellent win for Congress if it is their first bipartisan bill to come out this year,” said Rockstad. “I’m not convinced that is going to happen, but I think there is a little bit of a push for it because they need a win early on and the hopeful side of me would like to see the farm bill being part of that.” The House Agriculture Committee passed a farm bill last spring and that could be the starting point for the upcoming farm bill debate. Rockstad, who farms at Ada, Minnesota, sees one hurdle. “They’re going to have to change the baseline budget because they didn’t pass a bill based on 2024 numbers so the process got a little bit more cumbersome, but negotiations are taking place.”
Beet Stock Values – According to Acres & Shares broker, Jayson Menke, 500 + American Crystal Sugar Company beet shares were brokered at $5,500 per share last week.
Hoeven Supports Bipartisan FARM Act – North Dakota Senator John Hoeven joined Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville and Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman in reintroducing the bipartisan Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act. The bill would add the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States which reviews foreign investments in American companies. “Our foreign adversaries are buying up American farmland and threatening our food security,” said Hoeven. “Adding the Agriculture Secretary to CFIUS is a logical step to protect our essential food infrastructure.”
IG’s Dismissed – President Donald Trump fired nearly 20 inspectors general from federal agencies throughout the government, including USDA and EPA. The mission of the Office of the Inspector General is to reduce waste, abuse and mismanagement. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar released a statement, saying this decision removes a critical check on the administration’s power.
Speculation Intensifies Over Tariff Policies – Leading up to his second term, President Donald Trump spoke often and strongly about the need to impose tariffs on U.S. trade partners. Trump has not enacted any tariffs despite signing multiple executive orders since entering office. “I think everybody in agriculture is watching that very closely because last time there were tariffs in this way, everybody retaliated against agriculture,” said Todd Van Hoose, president and CEO, Farm Credit Council. Van Hoose is impressed with how Trump has transitioned into office. “This time it seems the administration has a real roadmap on where they want to go and they’ve got people on board and trying to get there, compared to 2016 when I think the transition there didn’t happen very efficiently.” Van Hoose was featured in the AgCountry Farm Credit Services AgFocus forum in Fargo.
Duvall Turns Protest Into Applause During AFBF Speech – American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall addressed his members Sunday, thanking them for taking such an active role in farm policy. “We’ve got to build on that because we’re going to need everybody stepping up in 2025,” said Duvall from the AFBF stage. “While we appreciate Congress an extension, we are not going to let up. Despite lawmakers kicking the (farm bill) can down the road and making political excuses.” Duvall went on to speak about the need for ag labor reform and a science-based regulatory system. During his speech, Duvall was interrupted twice by what appeared to be animal rights protesters. Duvall enlisted the support of the AFBF members and their applause drowned out the activist’s chant. “That’s our Farm Bureau family, no one cares more than we do.”
A Respectful, but Robust Debate – Minnesota Farm Bureau brought nine national policy recommendations to the American Farm Bureau Convention for consideration in the federal policy book. Minnesota Farm Bureau Vice President Carolyn Olson said these are common sense issues. “One deals with rural EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and how we classify that to make sure that our rural communities aren’t suffering by having more expenses than what they’re getting in return for some of those calls.” The delegate session will be held Tuesday. Olson looks forward to that process. “It’s so respectful, yet there is really good debate,” said Olson. “It’s so refreshing to be in a room with people who want the best for the organization; they can disagree with someone, but do it respectfully.”
Policy Work Begins at the Local Level – Swift County farmer Nathan Collins is a member of the Minnesota Farm Bureau board of directors. He sees the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention as an opportunity to learn and grow. “Seeing people from all walks of life ; we talk to them and understand their challenges and bring that home to our own benefit as well.” This meeting culminates with delegates finalizing AFBF policy. Collins said that work begins at the grassroots level. “Last year I was able to be a delegate and follow a resolution from a local county through the state and the national,” said Collins. “To see it up on the screen and know the members from my district put that forward, it was really cool.”
Abuse Seen With the Open Fields Doctrine – During Tuesday’s Farm Bureau delegate session, North Dakota will be seeking a change in the open fields doctrine. NDFB President Daryl Lies said this doctrine allows law enforcement officers to enter a farmer’s property without a search warrant. “We just want the same protections that the people in town have,” said Lies. “On a farm, if it is not attached to your house, such as your barn, your shop, your outbuildings, your pasture, they can come on that land without a warrant.” Lies said the ability to search all private land outside of the home without a warrant is being abused. The original objective of the open fields doctrine was national security, “but, now we have Game and Fish or the Department of Natural Resources abusing that and going on land and harassing landowners.” NDFB sees this as a private property rights issue.
M-COOL Proposal to be Heard Tuesday – The South Dakota Farm Bureau is reviving an issue that has been widely debated at past Farm Bureau meetings. Jeff Gatzke, a delegate for South Dakota, will advocate for mandatory country-of-origin labeling. “Our delegates want that Mandatory COOL, but we also acknowledge that Mandatory COOL will bring on electronic ID,” said Gatzke. “We feel we can bring those two together.” Electronic identification is not popular in South Dakota, but it has support from the American Farm Bureau and would be an appropriate compromise to secure M-COOL.
AFBF Honors Collin Peterson – The American Farm Bureau Federation presented its highest honor to former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award. “To the Farm Bureau, thank you for supporting me all those years.” During his comments, Peterson recognized two special guests sitting in the crowd; House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and new Ranking Member Angie Craig. Peterson said he worked with Craig for many years. “She has just done an outstanding job for us in Minnesota and also on the committee, she’s someone you can work with and she gets it, she understands agriculture.” Peterson said he represented a Republican district for 30 years and Craig is doing the same thing. “She’s representing some real solid red areas and she’s outperforming other Democrats by quite a bit and that’s why she is now the ranking member of the committee.”
Ag Literacy Starts at the Farm – Luke Daninger of Washington County represented the Minnesota Farm Bureau in the Young Farmers and Ranchers Excellence in Agriculture competition. Contestants are judged on their involvement in Farm Bureau and agriculture. Daninger is a dairy farmer and an agronomy manager for a local co-op. His focus for the competition is on agricultural literacy. “We’re in a metro area; there’s houses less than a mile away from us and within 25 miles, there’s three million people.” Daninger opens his farm to the general public regularly. “It’s good for agriculture in general, but it is also good for our business for people to understand where milk comes from because we are vertically integrated and want to inform people.”
Expert Warns of Rare Weather Cycles Impacting Ag Markets – Rare weather patterns may influence grain markets moving forward. “There is some volatility in these solar cycles that could cause significant price volatility in grain markets and there are opportunities on both the buy side and the sell side for physical producers and end-users,” said Shawn Hackett, president, Hackett Financial Advisors. Speaking at the AgCountry Farm Credit Service AgFocus Conference, Hackett said the current series of weather cycles is creating a once-in-a-generation weather event. “It’s a really crazy time for weather and some of the things that we’re seeing with weather extremes is indicative of what we’re going to see more of going forward,” said Hackett. “This particular year for the Midwest Grain Belt, we think there’s a higher order risk for a highly impactful drought.” Hackett advised farmers to think about how to best manage those risks until the markets are more favorable.
What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets – In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson said it may sound like a broken record, but the cattle market remains the ‘hot’ trade. “The continued tight supplies and the lack of a border opening with Mexico continue to help push that market.” Heifer retention was one of the key parts of Friday’s cattle-on-feed report. Listen to the report.
Cordonnier: Slow Brazilian Harvest – Soybean and Corn Advisor President Michael Cordonnier sees concern building over the harvest schedule. “The soybean harvest is very slow, 1.7 percent compared to six percent last year. Monte Grosso is even slower at 1.4 percent harvested and last year was 13 percent,” Cordonnier told RRFN. “This is the slowest harvest pace in Monte Grosso in 15 years.” The chance of getting the second crop of corn planted on a timely basis is dwindling.
Canadian Acreage Forecast – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is forecasting 2025 all-wheat acreage, including durum, at 27.25 million acres. That’s up two percent from this past year. Canola acreage is expected to total 21 million acres, down nearly one million acres from 2024. Canadian barley acreage is predicted to increase five percent at 6.6 million acres. Soybean planting is projected at 5.3 million acres, down seven percent. The Canadian government is also forecasting a 6.5 percent acreage increase for oats and a three percent increase in corn acreage.
Dry Bean Scene – In this week’s Dry Bean Scene, Northarvest Bean Growers Association Executive Director Mitch Coulter highlights a Section 32 purchase of dry edible beans to address the current supply situation. Click here to listen.
NDSU Releases 2025 Commodity Price Forecast – NDSU has released its 2025 short- and long-term planning price projections. Extension Farm Management Specialist Ron Haugen said the numbers weren’t that surprising. “This is our best guess to what the prices will be for the coming year,” said Haugen. “Everything is down a little bit from last year, but there are certain crops like sunflowers, and malting barley that are holding their own.” Spring wheat is projected at $6.25 per bushel, corn at $4.00 per bushel, and soybeans at $9.50 per bushel. Other projections include malting barley at $5.00 per bushel, and canola at $19.00 per hundredweight. “I think we were kind of expecting the crops to be down, but the cattle prices are way up. It’s almost historical records.” The 400–500-pound steers are projected at $335 per hundredweight, while 800–900-pound steers are at $255 per hundredweight. You can find the full price outlook here.
Canola Minute – In the latest Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Executive Director Barry Coleman discusses canola oil’s eligibility for a healthy product label. Details can be found at this link.
Proactive, Not Reactive – Kansas State University Extension Weed Specialist Sara Lancaster delivered the keynote address at the Wild World of Weeds Workshop regarding the ongoing struggle against herbicide resistance. “Economically, they’re might not be a difference between 90 percent weed control and 98 percent weed control, but from a long-term weed management strategy there certainly is,” said Lancaster. “When we think about metabolic herbicide resistance, being proactive is far better than being reactive.”
DNA Tools Part of the Fight Against Herbicide Resistance – The battle over herbicide resistance includes the latest in technology. “We are a diagnostic lab essentially using DNA-based tools to identify pests and pathogens within agriculture,” said Zach Bateson, research manager, National Agricultural Genotyping Center. “We have a statewide survey going on right now where we can detect herbicide-resistant markers in kochia as well as pigweeds.” Kochia is typically resistant to herbicides that are commonly used in pest management. “We have a genetic test that looks at a marker associated with that resistance and the benefit of that is that we can test leaf samples taken directly from the field.” Results can be seen within five-to-seven days after the samples come into the lab. Results are returned to the requester, but the data is also added to a countywide map that catalogues markers and the resistant traits.
Battling Glyphosate Resistant Weeds – For NDSU/University of Minnesota Extension Sugarbeet Agronomist Tom Peters, kochia remains one of the biggest weed worries. “We don’t really have very good tools, especially for controlling glyphosate-resistant kochia,” Peters told RRFN. “The one product that we’ve been working on is called Spin-Aid. Spin-Aid is half of what we used to call Betamix which works on kochia and common ragweed. With Spin-Aid, there are three things you have to track. What is the size of the sugarbeet? What is the size of kochia? What are the weather conditions today?”
Consider All Options – NDSU Extension Weed Scientist Brian Jenks says kochia is a problem that isn’t going away. Mixing up methods of control is extremely important. “We’re kinda running out of options,” said Jenks. “We have to consider is every management tactic we can. Some of that might be cultural practices, some of them might be chemical, but the chemicals we use still have to be effective.” See-and-spray technology, crop rotation and different modes of action were all part of the conversation at the Wild World of Weeds Workshop.
Wild Oat Control Options – For small grains, wild oats are especially problematic. NDSU Extension Crop and Weed Sciences Associate Professor Kirk Howatt has been researching control methods for wild oats. These methods often lean toward more soil-applied herbicides. “The triallate works best if we apply it in the spring so there’s less time for it to break down,” said Howatt. “With spring applications, though, you really need to incorporate them mechanically to get into the top inch-and-a-half of soil so that wild oat shoots pick it up when coming through the soil and are controlled.”
ND Bill Seeks Tax Relief for Federal Easements – North Dakota House Bill 1383 seeks a tax exemption for agricultural land under federal easement. State Representative Jim Grueneich argues perpetual easements handicap farmers and landowners by limiting the use of their land and taxing them for it. “We’re punishing landowners for perpetual easements that have been in place for 70, 80, maybe 100 years that they had absolutely no say in, whether they inherited the land or whether it was part of a family farm.” Grueneich said this bill helps farmers where other proposals failed. “I believe that if you don’t have true control of your land, if you can only control 32 acres and (U.S.) Fish and Wildlife (Service) or federal easements control the other 128, maybe they should pay the property tax.”
Goehring Offers Warning About HB1383 – House Bill 1383 proposes a change in the North Dakota Century Code that would provide a property tax exemption for certain agricultural land in which there is a federal easement. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring testified against the bill, arguing the easements themselves might be the issue. “North Dakota’s been fighting with permanent federal easements since the 1970s,” said Goehring. “These easements have tied up a vast amount of acres; these easements have lost the state income due to economic opportunities, expanding water issues on adjacent land and prohibiting infrastructure development.” Goehring went on to warn against individuals who seek easements for a tax exemption. “I believe we should not be incentivizing perpetual easements, which could continue to harm our communities, our agricultural base and our infrastructure in our counties and state.”
Control Weeds, Not Farming – The Modern Ag Alliance promotes U.S. farmers’ access to crop protection tools. The organization’s new executive director, Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, brought that message to Bismarck, testifying for legislation highlighting science-based importance in North Dakota. “This bill codifies and clarifies the authority that provides the health and safety guidance because products that come to market should be just as safe in North Dakota, Minnesota, my home state of Iowa as it is on the Coast.” This bill passed in the House and is expected to be heard in the Senate in February. Click here to listen to RRFN’s interview with Burns-Thompson.
Restrictions Sought for Unauthorized Drone Surveillance on Farms – One of the bills on the table in North Dakota Legislature is House Bill 1429 which would restrict and penalize drone aircraft from flying over homesteads and farmland in the state. NDFB Director of Public Policy Pete Hannebut spoke in favor of the bill. “We obviously use a lot of drones in agriculture. They’re great for things other businesses use. The problem is when somebody wants to use a drone for a nefarious activity on your property.” North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson testified there are numerous reasons for restricting drone access. “One reason is to guard against anti-agricultural activists who have employed this tool to exploit the industry and the second is to prevent animals from startling and injuring themselves.”
ND Targets Ag Growth with Incentives – At Thursday’s hearing of the House Agriculture Committee, House Bill 1332 was discussed. It would authorize a value-added agriculture production facility incentive program with up to $30 million for projects. Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring spoke in favor of the bill. Goehring talked about the recent announcement from Agristo, a Belgian firm, to build a potato processing facility in Grand Forks. The family-owned business plans to invest up to $450 million in the plant. “When other states compete against us, they actually look a lot more appealing on the bottom line,” said Goehring. “The expansion of the ADD program to include value-added agricultural processing to the state.” Governor Kelly Armstrong has also announced his support of the proposal
ND Legislative Report – In this week’s North Dakota Legislative Report, NDFB Public Policy Director Pete Hannebut highlights a plan to create a fund for repairing and replacing county and township bridges. Click here to learn more about this infrastructure bill.
Lab-Grown Meat Labeling Bill Advances – A bill defining and requiring lab-grown meat to be clearly labeled has advanced through a committee in the South Dakota House of Representatives. HB1022 classifies cell-cultured proteins that are not labeled as such to be misbranded.
Uncertain Fate for MN House – The standoff continues in the Minnesota House. Disputes over quorums, special elections and majority control have been the story for the current session. All of this is happening during a budget year. “The constitutional adjournment is the third Monday in May which is the 19th this year and if they don’t make that deadline, there’s a second bite at the apple with the drop-dead deadline June 30th because the new fiscal year will start July 1st,” said Bruce Kleven, agricultural lobbyist. “I don’t see how they’re going to get this stuff passed by the 19th of May. Each day that goes by is a day wasted towards the May 19th adjournment.”
Grassroots Policy Development – According to Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Jim Kanten, Minnesota is one of only two states with policy development beginning at the county level. “We are very unique in that everything starts at the county level and moves up to the state level and up to the national level.” After going through Wednesday’s delegate session, Kanten said federal policy priorities are in place. “E15 is one of the big ones that we’d like to have for year-round sales and, of course, getting the farm bill passed.”
MSGA Approve 2025 Policy Book – After the delegate meeting, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Darin Johnson reviewed the policy priorities. “For us, it’s crop protection; water quality is always foremost in Minnesota.” At the national level, crop insurance is at the top of the list. “It feels like we may be potentially leaning in the right direction where we can actually get this farm bill to the finish line,” said Johnson. “This is all about the resolution process and the grassroots ability to bring them up, have a discussion about it and the association being able to vet that document and take it to St. Paul and Washington, D.C.”
Compensation Sought for Dayton-Era Buffer Law – Buffer strips were a signature environmental policy win for Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton. Ten years later, this policy is causing heartburn in farm country. “We feel farmers should be compensated for the establishment of those buffers and the maintenance,” said Doug Albin, who farms in Yellow Medicine County. “We’re ten years into this program and those strips need to be maintained and probably be reseeded.” Minnesota farmers have a 99 percent compliance rate with this policy. With this policy, farms must leave a 16.5-foot buffer along a judicial ditch. The land adjacent to a river or a natural creek must have a 100-foot buffer on each side. Albin argues the compensation doesn’t need to go directly to farmers, it could go back to the counties. In turn, the farmers could receive a tax reduction that doesn’t cost the county funding. Hear more details in this RRFN report.
Promoting Permitting Efficiency – The Walz budget proposal addressed feedlot permitting reform. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Administrator Katrina Kessler said the budget recommendation calls for increased funding to work through the current backlog. “Oftentimes, the Legislature has directed the agency to move as fast as possible for facilities that are constructing or expanding and having economic opportunities and we do pretty well at making those timing goals,” said Kessler. “What that has meant is we have a giant backlog of expired permits that are waiting in the queue.” The additional capacity is designed to help the MPCA handle the permitting backlog. An ombudsperson is also part of the plan to serve as a liason to the business and farm community. Kessler was part of the program at MN Ag Expo. Listen to RRFN’s interview
Glessing Participates in Inauguration Day Activites – Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing was Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar’s special guest for the Inauguration. Glessing described it as ‘a once-in-a-lifetime’ event. He was also one of 1,500 people attending the Bipartisan Inaugural Ball Celebrating American Agriculture. The incoming agriculture secretary, Brooke Rollins, was one of many dignitaries at the so-called ‘farm prom.’ “She spoke and she knows agriculture,” said Glessing. “With her confirmation hearing coming up, I know our senators are going to have questions to make sure Ms. Rollins knows about Minnesota agriculture and Midwest agriculture.”
Application Period Open for Climate-Smart Ag Incentives – Minnesota’s Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture has opened its second application period. Farmers in eight additional counties, including East Otter Tail, Kandiyohi, Stevens and Wadena counties, can receive $100 per acre or animal unit. The application deadline is February 14 at the local Soil and Water Conservation District. This is a three-year $80 million pilot program in Minnesota, North Dakota, Arkansas and Virginia.
Farming for the Future – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Red River Farm Network and the Linder Farm Network to provide information on soil health events and topics. This week, Mark Enninga, a water quality-certified producer from Nobles County talks about his operation. The update can be found at this link.
MN Represented at Clean Fuels Conference – Minnesota soybean farmers were in San Diego on a See-For-Yourself tour. Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council director Bill Zurn, who farms at Calloway, said it’s an opportunity to let farmers see how their soybeans are used. “Seventy-five percent of the diesel fuel that’s burned in the state of California is renewable, either renewable or bio-diesel so that’s a big step,” said Zurn. “Throughout the nation, about ten percent of the diesel fuel is replaced with renewables.” Zurn said the big question at the Clean Fuels Conference was what happens to the 45Z tax incentive.
Canadian Cattle Association Criticizes Proposed Tariff – President Trump announced he may impose a 25 percent tariff on Canada and Mexico by February 1. An order was also signed to review U.S. trade deficits and the USMCA. Nathan Phinney, president, Canadian Cattle Association, called the proposal “a step in the wrong direction.” Phinney emphasized each country have a complimentary trade relationship. “We have everyday issues that we deal with. This is one that can be avoided to allow us to produce on both sides the product that’s desired globally and here at home.” In 2023, Canada and Mexico were the U.S.’s largest trading partners with combined exports totaling $676.4 billion and imports reaching $896.7 billion.
ND Gelbvieh Association Spotlight – According to David Larson of Lost River Livestock, the Gelbvieh breed has a lot to offer the cow-calf producer. “There are guys looking for added fertility, added maternal traits, improved foot quality and longevity in the cow herd; that’s all things that Gelbvieh can help a lot with.” Larson said the added heterosis gained by crossing Gelbvieh with Angus or Hereford is another plus for the commercial cattle operation. Click here to listen to the report and go online to find the North Dakota Gelbvieh breeders in the region.
U.S. Cattle on Feed Inventory Slightly Down – According to the January Cattle on Feed Report released Friday, the number of cattle and calves on feed in U.S. feedlots totaled 11.8 million as of January 1, 2025. This marks a one percent decrease compared to January 1, 2024. The report detailed that steers and steer calves made up 7.25 million head, a one percent increase from the previous year. In contrast, heifers and heifer calves totaled 4.58 million head, down three percent from 2024.
NDSU Feedlot School Held in Carrington – North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center hosted its annual Feedlot School on Wednesday and Thursday. The event is designed for cattle producers, feeders, backgrounders, feed industry professionals, animal healthcare suppliers, and anyone interested in feedlot production. “We’ve been doing it over 30 years now,” said Karl Hoppe, NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist. “We have had people from North Dakota, Minnesota, Alberta, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Montana. We share a lot of information on feeding cattle to finish, as well as backgrounding. It includes things all the way from nutrition to budgeting, to marketing, to meat quality, to beef quality assurance, to health.”
CHS Exec Calls Warren Expansion a Game-Changer – CHS is expanding and upgrading its grain facility in Warren, Minnesota. When completed, the facility will double its capacity. CHS Executive Vice President Rick Dusek says the upgrade will fulfill a huge need. “That market area is short on capacity,” said Dusek. “As fast as things have changed on the farm in the last three, five, seven years, it’s hard to keep up with the speed and space requirements.” The project will increase the wet grain and receiving capacity from 10,000 bushels per hour to 50,000 bushels per hour. The drying capacity will grow from 35,000 bushels per day to 200,000 bushels per day. Construction is slated to begin this summer and be completed early next year.
AGCO Defeats Deere’s Patent Infringement Appeal – A federal appeals court has ruled AGCO and its Precision Planting business did not infringe on Deere’s intellectual property with its high-speed planting system. The opinion issued Friday said the Precision Planting SpeedTube is not an infringement of two patents belonging to Deere. According to a statement, AGCO said ‘ruling validates our commitment to innovation and the integrity of our products.’
MetaFarms Integrates SwineTech PigFlow into Sow Platform – A leader of cloud-based software solutions for the swine industry, MetaFarms, is collaborating with the SwineTech PigFlow automation system. This effort is designed to increase efficiency for all segments of the swine industry.
Collin Peterson to Receive AFBF’s Highest Honor – The American Farm Bureau Federation is presenting its Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award to former Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson. The former House Agriculture Committee chairman will be recognized at the AFBF Convention in San Antonio. The Minnesota Farm Bureau nominated Peterson for the award.
Hoeven, Cramer Recommend Thykeson to Lead ND FSA Again – North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer are recommending Brad Thykeson to return as the next state Farm Service Agency executive director. The Portland, North Dakota farmer was in this role during the first Trump Administration.
Hall Now Leading FCA Board – President Trump designated Jeffery S. Hall as the chief executive officer and board chairman for the Farm Credit Administration. Hall is the longest serving member of the current FCA board, having been appointed by President Obama in 2015. Previously, Hall served on the staff of Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell. He was also the state director of the Kentucky Farm Service Agency.
Heading to American Farmland Trust – USDA Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Affairs Jenny Lester Moffitt has accepted a position with the American Farmland Trust. Before joining USDA, Moffitt was the deputy secretary for policy and later the undersecretary at the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Moffitt will begin with the American Farmland Trust on February 3.
Jennings Elected to NCBA Policy Post – A Spearfish, South Dakota rancher has been elected as vice chair of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Agriculture and Food Policy Committee. Eric Jennings will represent NCBA on policy issues including the farm bill, animal health initiatives and trade. Jennings is a past president of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association.
Busse Moves to USB – Julie Busse is the new marketing communications director for the United Soybean Board. Most recently, Busse was the renewable fuels director for the National Corn Growers Association. She previously worked for Osborn Barr, Corteva/Pioneer and worked in radio.
MN FFA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Named – Seven individuals will be inducted into the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame this spring. The Class of 2025 includes A.J. Duerr, Lynn Ketelsen, Sarah Kuschel, Shawn Linder, Dr. Amy Smith, Al Stemper and Dr. Curtis Youngs. Duerr has championed legislation to help advance ag education. Ketelsen is an award-winning farm broadcaster and longtime FFA supporter. Kuschel is the regional Ag in the Classroom coordinator and supports the Sebeka FFA Alumni and Friends and Minnesota FFA. For 22 years, Linder has been an ag instructor at Grand Rapids. Smith is a program leader of agricultural education at the University of Minnesota. Former Foley FFA ag teacher and FFA advisor Stemp helped start the successful chapter. Youngs is a former Minnesota state FFA officer and is now the Endowed Chair of International Animal Agriculture at Iowa State University.
MCGA Recognizes Haag, Thiesse, Allen-Tully – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association presented its Golden Kernel Award to Eden Valley farmer Tom Haag. Haag was president of the National Corn Growers Association in 2022-2023. Farm management consultant Kent Thiesse received the MCGA Friend of Agriculture Award. Thiesse’s career included time in ag lending and Extension. MCGA Past President Dana Allen-Tully was also recognized with the President’s Gavel Award.
Honors for Polk County, Bayer and Worth – Polk County was named the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Soybean County of the Year. Bayer is the MSGA Industry Partner of the Year. Bob Worth of Lake Benton is the MSGA director of the year.
MSRPC Awards Presented Thursday – The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council recognized longtime Extension Integrated Pest Management Specialist Bruce Potter with its Industry Person of the Year award. Lake Wilson farmer Gene Stoel is the MSR&PC director of the year.
Last Week’s Trivia-John F. Kennedy said ‘ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” during his Inauguration speech. Carrington farmer Charles Linderman wins our weekly trivia challenge. Runner-up honors belong to Adams farmer Dave Linstad, Kevin Praska of Stone’s Mobile Radio, cattle buyer Roger Potter and Randy Knudsvig of First State Bank. The ‘first 20’ rounds out with Norm Groot of Monterey County Farm Bureau, Lloyd Kuster of Bremer Insurance, Mackenzie Derry of CHS Ag Services, Brad Farber of Anglo American, Val Dolcini of Syngenta, Al Juliuson of Juliuson Partnership Farms, Patrick Haggerty of This Week in Agribusiness, Aberdeen farmer Jeff Wolff, Mark DeMay of Detroit Lakes, Cokato farmer Harland Anderson, Lawton farmer Dennis Miller, retired NDSU Extension Agent Morris Davidson, Regan farmer Jim McCullough, Wisconsin seed potato producer Jon Bushman and Ramsey County farmer Paul Becker.
This Week’s Trivia-More than 80 percent of all U.S. soybeans are grown in three states. Minnesota is third on that list. What are the #1 and #2 states for soybean production? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
RRFN Upcoming Events | |||
January 24 - January 29 | American Farm Bureau Convention - San Antonio, TX | ||
January 27 - January 28 | Northern Pulse Growers Association Annual Conference - Minot, ND | ||
January 28 | Midwest Cover Crop Council Annual Meeting - Mankato, MN | ||
January 28 | ND Livestock Association Livestock Summit - Fargo ND | ||
January 28 - January 30 | UMN Soil Management Summit - Mankato, MN | ||
January 29 | MN Crop Improvement Assoc Annual Meeting - St. Cloud, MN | ||
January 29 - January 31 | KMOT Ag Expo - Minot, ND | ||
January 29 | Northland Hemp Summit - Wahpeton, ND | ||
January 30 | NDFU Farm Succession Planning Workshop - Jamestown, ND | ||
January 30 | Getting it Right in Sunflower Production Webinar | ||
January 30 - February 1 | U.S. Custom Harvesters Inc. Annual Meeting - Des Moines, IA | ||
January 31 - February 1 | NDFU ‘Lead the Way’ Training - Jamestown, ND | ||
January 31 - February 8 | Black Hills Stock Show - Rapid City, SD | ||
February 2 - February 4 | American Sugarbeet Growers Assoc. Annual Meeting - San Diego, CA | ||
February 4 | SDSU Sustaining the Legacy Estate Planning - Aberdeen, SD | ||
February 4 | Getting it Right in Flax Production | ||
February 4 | Northern Corn and Soybean Expo - Fargo, ND | ||
February 4 | UM Cow-Calf Day - Starbuck, MN | ||
February 4 - February 6 | Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show - San Antonio, TX | ||
February 5 | North Central Seed Show & Ag Expo - Mohall, ND | ||
February 5 | Best of the Best in Wheat and Soybean Research - Grand Forks, ND | ||
February 6 | Best of the Best in Wheat and Soybean Research - Moorhead, MN | ||
February 10 | Getting it Right in Dry Bean Production Webinar | ||
February 10 | MN Pork Producers Assoc/MN Pork Bd Annual Mtg - Mankato, MN |
Contact RRFN | Don Wick (701) 795-1315 |
Randy Koenen (701) 795-1315 |
Tyler Donaldson (701)-795-1315 |
Jamie Dickerman (701)-795-1315 |
RRFN Affiliate Stations | |||
Aberdeen, SD – 105.5 FM | Ada, MN – 106.5 FM | Bagley, MN – 96.7 FM | Bemidji, MN – 1300 AM |
Benson, MN – 1290 AM | Bismarck, ND – 1270 AM | Bismarck, ND – 1270 AM | Casselton, ND – 103.9 FM |
Crookston, MN – 1260 AM | Devils Lake, ND – 103.5 FM | Fergus Falls, MN – 1250 AM | Fosston, MN – 1480 AM |
Glenwood, MN – 107.1 FM | Grafton, ND – 1340 AM | Jamestown, ND – 600 AM | Langdon, ND – 1080 AM |
Mahnomen, MN – 101.5 FM | Mayville, ND – 105.5 FM | Roseau, MN – 102.1 FM | Rugby, ND – 1450 AM |
Thief River Falls, MN – 1460 AM | Wadena, MN – 920 AM | Warroad, MN – 92.5 FM | Worthington, MN – 730 AM |
FarmNetNews is a production of the Red River Farm Network. RRFN is based in Grand Forks, North Dakota and provides news to farmers and ranchers across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.