Current Market is Like a ‘Speeding Train’ – The spot corn, soybean and Chicago wheat markets reached levels not seen in over six years. Minneapolis wheat had the highest spot close in over two years. “You cannot step in front of a speeding train and that’s really what we have going on right now in these commodity markets,” said Angie Setzer, vice president of grain, Citizen’s Elevator. There are a lot of complicated factors at play, ranging from technical buying to South American crop conditions and rumors of Chinese buying interest. Setzer says this is one of the very few times where farmers that aggressively marketed ahead of harvest are thoroughly disappointed. “We work to get the farmers convinced that they need to work on risk management and they need to make sales. After several years, you get folks on that bandwagon only to have something like this happen and we spend the next five years trying to convince growers to have a solid risk management plan in place.”

Soybean Market is Nervous Over Tight Stocks – Tight soybean stocks are pushing the market higher. NDSU Extension Crops Economist Frayne Olson is making that point in his crop market outlook. “If we look back to before the trade war began, a five-to-six percent carryover stock ratio was a very common number. Right now, the current USDA forecast is for a four-and-a-half percent carryover. On average, we’re going to have higher prices, but also a lot of price volatility.” Olson’s presentation is part of the Lake Region Extension Roundup video series. The live seminars will take place on Wednesday.

The Acreage Battle May Impact All Commodities – Corn and soybean futures continue to push higher due to limited supplies. Midwest Market Solutions President Brian Hoops thinks the acreage battle will impact all commodities. “The bidding war for acres will be a supporting feature for spring wheat and winter wheat contracts. As we get into March and April, when decisions are made, there could be a real price depreciation.” Hoops thinks soybeans will need to buy acres. “Soybeans really need to add six to seven million additional acres compared to what was planted last year to rebuild ending stocks. We may see the same thing for corn. When you have tight ending stocks, the market’s job is to increase enough supplies with those ending stocks. We do that by increasing planted acres.”

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – Corn has closed higher for 14 consecutive sessions. Most other commodities are also trading higher to start 2021. Advance Trading Risk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi offers perspective on this trade in today’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets.

Most Growers Stick With Their Normal Crop Rotation – Corn and soybean prices have hit levels not seen in six years, but that may have very little impact on the 2021 acreage mix. East River LLP owner Tim Hoggarth says the traditional corn/soybean farmer will usually stay with their normal rotation. “They’ll threaten to change some acres and at the end of the day, they rarely do.” Hoggarth says most farms are set up to handle a specific amount of corn or soybeans and stick to those patterns.

Quality Loss Adjustment Details Expected – USDA is preparing to release details on the WHIP+ quality loss adjustments. The Agriculture Department has scheduled a media briefing for Tuesday to discuss this assistance program.

Beet Stock Snapshot – Last week there were a half dozen American Crystal Sugar Company beet stock brokered sales. That totals 156 shares for an average price of $3,653 per share, according to Acres & Shares broker Jayson Menke. Stay up-to-date on the latest beet stock numbers here

Labor Issues Continue in Argentina – Argentine oilseed port workers signed a contract just over a week ago, but the grain inspectors’ union is still on strike. The labor union and the export companies will meet again today. The union wants a significant salary increase and a bonus for employees who worked during the pandemic.

Argentina Suspends Corn Exports – To protect domestic feed supplies, the Argentine Agriculture Ministry is suspending corn exports until March 1. To date, Argentina has authorized 34 million tons of corn for the current marketing season. That leaves nearly 4.3 million tons available for Argentina’s domestic livestock and poultry sector.

China Plans to Increase Corn Acreage in ’21 – The newly appointed Chinese minister of agriculture and rural affairs said this increase is part of a wide-ranging food security strategy. This decision reverses a cutback in Chinese corn acreage over the past few years.

Corn Matters – The Minnesota Corn Grower’s Association scholarship program is now available. Find out more from Public Relations Director Brent Renneke in the latest Corn Matters.

Mexico to Phase Out Biotech Corn Imports – Just before the end of the year, the Mexico government said it would ban the release of biotech corn. This ban on GMO corn imports will be phased out by 2024. Mexico’s National Farm Council said this decision will its farmers at a competitive disadvantage to corn farmers from the United States. Mexico’s largest organic group is calling it ‘a huge victory.’

Ag Economist Optimistic About Foodservice Demand in 2021 – CoBank Knowledge Exchange Division Manager Tanner Emke says demand will surface, but that will take some time. “We’ve got to get the majority of U.S. consumers vaccinated first and it’s going to be until summer before that happens.” Emke sees a slow, steady increase in demand rather than a snap back. “We think there’s going to be pent up demand for people who want to go back out to restaurants, see schools back in session and that will take awhile.”

A Positive Farm Financial Situation in 2020 – Most farmers are ending the year in better financial shape than they did in 2019. Farm Business Management instructor Josh Tjosaas, based at Moorhead, says there has been a lot of healing for the balance sheet. “We’ve seen some improvement on working capital for a good chunk of our farmers and improvements on net worth. For those things to happen, you have to some profitability on the farm.” Government payments are having a significant impact on farm income. However, Tjosaas says most of those payments are for the losses experienced in 2018 and 2019.

#1 Story of 2020: COVID-19 Dominates the News – COVID-19 dominated news headlines this past year, and the impacts are still being felt worldwide. That story comes in at Number One on the Red River Farm Network’s Top Stories of 2020 list. While the world seemed to shut down, farmers and ranchers pressed forward, with food and farming deemed essential industries. However, unbelievable supply chain disruptions resulted in animals being euthanized and milk dumped. “Whether we’re working on labor issues or working with the meat industry, it’s been a pleasure to help our state’s farmers and ranchers,” said North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring’s in an April interview. More meals were eaten at home and fewer miles were driven during shutdowns. This influenced everything from food service demand to ethanol production. Despite it all, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen told the Red River Farm Network that farmers ended this difficult year “on a more positive note” Listen to the full story and the RRFN Top Stories of 2020 list.

#2 Story of 2020: Government Assistance Boosts Farm Income – The USDA is forecasting net farm income at $119.6 billion, the highest level since 2013. The majority of the increase comes from direct government payments. The farm income picture looked very different at the beginning of 2020. In fact, government payments were expected to decline. Then, COVID happened. Congress passed the CARES Act in March including ad-hoc payments for agriculture. Two rounds of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program helped farmers. The Paycheck Protection Program and WHIP+ program were also key. “Prior to the increases in commodity prices, the government support was extremely significant,” said Nathan Kauffman, ag economist, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. “Recognizing cash flow was still quite weak was something offsetting and mitigating weaknesses during the summer months.” Lawmakers passed more COVID relief in the lame duck session of Congress with an additional $13 billion for agriculture. The implementation of that relief is expected in 2021. Hear the story.

#3 Story of 2020: New Opportunities Seen in Agricultural Trade – On January 15, the U.S. and China signed the phase one trade agreement. During the signing ceremony, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said “I believe it will be a real bonanza for American farmers, ranchers and producers.” China agreed at that time to purchase $34 billion in U.S. ag products during the first year of the agreement. Once COVID hit, the economy slowed down and total exports will be closer to $27 billion. Ambassador Gregg Doud, who is the chief agricultural trade negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, cites the most recent trade data. “October was the biggest and best month in U.S. history for U.S. agriculture exports to China and it was also the best month in U.S. history in dollars of U.S. soybean exports.” In addition to China, the U.S. has renegotiated trade deals with Canada, Mexico and Japan. Those four countries represent 47 percent of U.S. agricultural exports.

#4 Story of 2020: The 2019 Harvest Extends Into 2020 – The number four top story of 2020 is Northern Plains weather. The region went from one of the wettest harvest seasons on record with much of the harvest done in the spring, to one of the driest growing seasons. NDAWN Director Daryl Ritchison says 2020 was exceptionally dry for North Dakota. “Bismarck had its third driest year on record since 1875.” North Dakota State Climatologist Adnan Akyuz says 2020 saw a major climate change from wet to very dry conditions. “Even getting into 2020 early in the spring, we experienced major floods in the Red River to the north of Grand Forks. The fall of 2019 was the wettest in Grand Forks, then, in 2020, Grand Forks has the driest fall on record.” Drought conditions also impacted western Iowa along with a derecho wind event that damaged a wide swath of crops across central and eastern Iowa last summer.

#5 Story of 2020: DOJ Launches an Investigation into the Cattle Markets – Responding to requests from ranchers, farm organizations and state lawmakers, the Department of Justice launched an investigation into anti-competitive activity by the major beef packers. As a result of two major market-disrupting events within the industry, USDA then released a report into the boxed beef and fed cattle price spread. “The considerations really provide a road map for returning transparency and true price discovery to the cattle marketplace,” explained Lia Biondo, U.S. Cattlemen’s Association. After that, many organizations formed committees that offered policy guidance for potential fixes resulting from the investigation. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association developed a plan by which negotiated trade volumes can be measured, along with packer participation. “How do we hold both the supply and the demand side the equation accountable to participate in this framework?” asked NCBA’s Tanner Beymer. In September, USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach spoke to cattle producers at the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Convention. In an interview with the Red River Farm Network, Ibach said there is room for improvement. Listen to the full story and the RRFN Top Stories of 2020 list.

#6 Story of 2020: The End of an Era in Minnesota’s CD-7 – After 30 years in Congress, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson lost his bid for reelection and that is the Number Six story in RRFN’s recap of the top stories of 2020. Republican challenger Michelle Fischbach defeated Peterson 54 percent-to-40 percent in Minnesota’s Seventh District. “He had the ability over his many years in Congress to cross the aisle and get the votes and gain acceptance for his policy,” said ProFarmer analyst Jim Weisemeyer. “To lose someone like Collin Peterson is a big gap; it’s like losing a star player on a baseball team.” Peterson took a parting shot, introducing legislation in early December to expand the Conservation Reserve Program to a minimum of 50 million acres. Regarding his future, Peterson said “for the time being, I’m going to step back and take a couple breathes and figure out what I want to do when I grow up.”

#7 Story of 2020: The Grain Markets Rally – Weather, demand and COVID stimulus helped push 2020 grain prices to levels not seen in years; $12 soybeans and $4 corn. U.S. Commodities President Don Roose says production issues around the world are pushing prices higher. “We got into drought conditions in the western part of the Corn Belt and all of a sudden, U.S. carryout continued to evaporate like cotton candy to where we’re at going into the year. We have a corn carryout of 1.7 billion and a soybean carryout of 170 million bushels and shrinking.” While weather impacted production, an increase in use reduced global supplies of feed grains. “China has been pushed by the administration to increase their demand and they’ve been expanding their hog herd. The crush and exports are strong. Now, we’re in a phase where we’re trying to ration soybean supplies and watching South American weather.” The devaluation of the U.S. dollar spurred additional demand for U.S. commodities.

#8 Story of 2020: Biden Overcomes Rural-Urban Divide to Win Presidency – President Donald Trump maintained support from the majority of rural voters in the 2020 election, but this wasn’t enough to win a second term. Joe Biden is the president-elect. Biden is already announcing Cabinet selections, choosing former agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack to lead the USDA. Vilsack wasn’t looking to return to the USDA, but Biden was persistent. If confirmed, Vilsack said one of the first focuses at USDA will be COVID-19 response. “Reviving rural communities and economies, addressing dire food shortages and getting workers and producers the relief they need to hang on and come back stronger.” Climate change will also be a priority. Other Cabinet picks include former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen to lead the Department of Treasury, Michael Regan to lead the EPA and the nominee for U.S. Trade Representative is Katherine Tai. All of these positions have to be confirmed by the new Senate in 2021.

#9 Story of 2020: What’s Next for Dicamba? – In June, as Northern Plains farmers began to apply post-emergence herbicides, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the EPA to terminate registrations for Bayer’s XtendiMax, BASF’s Engenia and Corteva Agriscience’s FeXapan herbicides immediately. “All of a sudden to have the product pulled out from under us the day we wanted to apply it caused a lot of frustration,” said Joe Ikley, weed specialist, NDSU Extension. In the weeks following, the EPA issued a final cancellation order on the three dicamba herbicides. Farmers could use what they had in stock. In October, the EPA said it would re-register the over-the-top use of XtendiMax and Engenia dicamba herbicides and extend Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology through 2025. FeXapan was not re-registered at that time, but is in the pipeline. As 2020 ends, the re-registration is being challenged by farm groups and environmental groups. There’s still uncertainty on dicamba use going into 2021. Listen to the story.

#10 Story of 2020: Farm Meetings Respond to the New COVID World – The Red River Farm Network is capping off 2020 with a look at the top stories of the year. Due to the need for social distancing, farm organizations were forced to cancel or postpone many face-to-face meetings this past year. That story comes in at number ten on the RRFN Top Stories of 2020 list. However, a few events did move forward in traditional fashion, including the Big Iron Farm Show in September, the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Convention in October and the South Dakota Farm Bureau Convention in November. “We were social distancing and making sure we were following protocol,” said SDFB President Scott VanderWal. “People were glad just to get out, see some friends and talk with each other.” Many other events transitioned to a virtual format. Zoom calls were a rarity before the pandemic began, but now are commonplace in the agriculture industry. One of those events was the Prairie Grains Conference earlier this month. Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers President Gary Anderson described it as uncharted waters. “There was no other way to make it happen, but still wanted to offer farmers the educational programs.” Listen to the #10 story and find all of RRFN’s Top Stories of 2020 here.

New Dietary Guidelines Put Nutrient-Dense Foods/Drinks as a Priority – The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans have been released. Covering a five-year time frame, the guidelines, provide science-based advice that promotes health, reduces the risk of chronic disease and meets nutrient needs. “We have taken the very important step to provide nutrition guidance that can help all Americans lead healthier lives by making every bite count,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar added, “The science tells us that good nutrition leads to better health outcomes.” One of the four main recommendations focuses on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages while staying within calorie limits.  Those core food groups include: grains, half of which are whole grain; low-fat dairy products; proteins, such as lean meats, poultry, eggs, beans, peas and lentils; fruits and vegetables; and oils. Get more information on the 2020-2025 DGAs here.

Sugar Association Applauds “Strong Scientific Evidence” Supporting DGAs – The Sugar Association is pleased USDA sided with “strong scientific evidence” when developing the new Dietary Guidelines for the next five years. In a statement provided to the Red River Farm Network, President and CEO Courtney Gaine praised the decision to maintain the current recommendation of ten percent of calories from added sugars. When establishing future added sugars intake recommendations, the Association believes it is time to update the 18-year-old Dietary Reference Intakes for carbohydrates.

Beef Backed in New Dietary Guidelines – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association praised the newly released Dietary Guidelines for 2020-2025. The guidelines recognize lean beef as part of a healthy diet across all ages, with one three-ounce serving offering ten essential nutrients in just 170 calories. “This is a practical approach to securing flexible guidelines that encourage consumers to focus on basic, nutrient-rich foods like lean beef,” said Danielle director of government affairs, NCBA. Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs, like supplemental nutrition and school meal programs, are all centered around these dietary recommendations. In the past, Beck thinks there are topics that fell outside of the realm of sound nutritional science. “Animal-sourced foods like beef are fundamental at every life stage. Having that reinforced in the DGAs is important.” Listen to the Red River Farm Network interview with Beck.

Minnesota Beef Update – There is an exciting program for the new that includes beef. Hear more from Minnesota Beef Council Communications Director Becky Church in the Beef Update.

Diary’s Importance Remains Strong in New DGAs – The latest update to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans restates dairy’s importance in a well-balanced, healthy diet. National Milk Producers Federation Regulatory Affairs Manager Miquela Hanselman says this is good news for the entire dairy supply chain. “Dairy maintained its own group and three servings per day are still recommended. It was also recognized as a source for nutrients of public health concern, including calcium, Vitamin D and potassium.” Surprisingly, Hanselman says nearly 90 percent of Americans aren’t consuming enough dairy to meet nutritional needs outlined in the guidelines. Hear more in this Red River Farm Network interview.

More At-Home Meals Shape 2021 Dairy Consumption Outlook – COVID changed consumer behaviors, making a shift from foodservice to retail. “We saw a big spike in the sales of cheese and butter, which makes sense with the increase in at home cooking,” said Megan Sheets, manager of consumer insights, Midwest Dairy. “People are returning to dairy even more than they did in the past. Health is the new wealth and people are prioritizing that, but also, comfort.” Consumer survey results indicate there will be more in-home meals, even after the pandemic.

A Positive Outlook for 2021 Milk Prices – Milk prices have been on a wild ride this past year.  Demand is one factor that plays into the 2021 price forecast. According to Commodity Risk Management Group broker Mike North, dairy producers should go into the New Year with a game plan because there are pricing opportunities right now. “Class IV milk prices are at $14.85. While that is not the best price in recent years, it is at the top end of the opportunities witnessed in the last five years.” North goes on to say Class III milk prices are currently averaging $17.30 That is singularly the best opportunity seen since 2014. Get the full story.

Prop 12 Appeal Rejected – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has rejected a North American Meat Institute legal challenge. The trade group was appealing California’s Proposition 12 for the second time. This ballot initiative created new standards for animal housing, providing more space for veal calves, pigs and chickens.

COVID Has Heightened Consumer Awareness – Consumer perceptions and awareness has been heightened by COVID-19. People are more interested in where their food comes from and who raises it. Animal Agriculture Alliance communications specialist Emily Solis says this has created an unique opportunity to spread a positive message about animal agriculture. “We’ve been doing a lot of work with restaurants, retail brands, nutritionists and others to make sure everyone is up-to-date on modern animal agriculture practices,” says Solis. “A lot of times, animal rights activists will try to pressure restaurant groups into certain policy changes with no scientific background to support those claims.” Earlier this year, the Alliance launched a new Animal Ag Allies program. More information on becoming an advocate is available on the Animal Agriculture Alliance website and in this interview with Solis.

Infrastructure May Be a Priority for New Congress – Michael Torrey Associates ag lobbyist Mike Torrey says infrastructure may be a consideration for this new Congress, but the cost remains a challenge. “The easiest way to pay for infrastructure would be a gas tax, not that I’m advocating for that. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell indicated he wouldn’t accept a gas tax to fund an infrastructure bill, but others have indicated put a bill together first, figure out a cost and we’ll figure out how to pay for it.” Torrey also expects trade and climate change to be top-of-mind this year.

Potato Industry Comes Together for Virtual Expo – On Tuesday, there will be sessions on potato demand, farm policy and research. There’s also a virtual trade show. Hollee Alexander, the Vice President of Industry Relations and Events at the National Potato Council said the online content will continue through Thursday. “We have a great line up on the second day focusing on consumers and demand. Then, we’ll have a supply-chain discussion.” The third day of the expo is all about farm policy, looking at how the potato industry helped craft COVID relief for farmers, ag labor and potato exports. The Potato Expo wraps up on Thursday. Check out the full schedule.

Burgum to Deliver State of the State Address – North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum will deliver the 2021 State of the State address on Tuesday, January 5. This kicks off the North Dakota legislative session. The address will begin at 1:30 p.m. central and will be live streamed.

NDFU Supports an Investment in Infrastructure – North Dakota lawmakers will consider a $1 billion infrastructure bill during the upcoming legislative session. “That would be a nice influx of cash to address some of the chronic challenges we’ve had with roads and bridges,” said Matt Perdue, government relations director, North Dakota Farmers Union. “In the east, we’ve seen issues with wet conditions and spring flooding and out west, we still see the oil industry’s impact.” The Legacy Fund takes a portion of the state’s revenue from the oil and gas industry for forward-looking, long-term investments. Perdue says that focus should include value-added agriculture, such as an expansion of cattle slaughter capacity in the state.

Lawmaker Wants Ag to Be Engaged in Energy for ND Session – North Dakota State Representative Mike Brandenburg says an effort to bring more wind power to North Dakota may impact a proposed soy crush facility and ethanol production. “Xcel and Great River (Energy) are looking at moving the DC inverter into LaMoure and Stutsman counties, building wind towers. If they can’t build, there will be no soybean plant and the biodiesel plant could be at risk. I think it’s time for agriculture to get informed. We can’t wait until the end of the state legislative session to let something pass that runs the industries out.”

MFU Minute – Minnesota farmers will benefit from the latest COVID relief assistance package. Learn more from Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish in the MFU Minute.

Grain Buyer Bill a Focus for ND Legislature – The North Dakota State Legislative session convenes Tuesday and House Agriculture Committee Chair Dennis Johnson is looking forward to the committee meeting on Thursday. “Our first committee hearing will be a virtual joint hearing with the Senate. Due to COVID, the members won’t be in the same committee room and those presenting will be virtual.” In fact, lawmakers will get to choose whether or not they are at Bismarck in-person this year due to COVID. “It’s a learning curve for everyone.” Johnson expects the first few items of business for the ag committee to focus on pre-filed bills, including House Bill 1026, which looks at grain buyers, processing and licensing. Johnson says lawmakers are proposing licensing take place annually.

Clean Water Initiative Expected in SD Legislative Session – South Dakota Interim Agriculture Secretary Hunter Roberts says the effort focuses on buffer strips. “Currently, there’s a property tax incentive for repairing buffer strips for 40 percent of the assessed value. It’s not a lot of money, but it’s a nice nod. Instead of an annual enrollment we’d like to change enrollment to every ten years,” says Roberts. “We’d also like to increase the incentive to 50 percent. That’s a legislative bill we plan to bring to the session.”  The state is also applying for an NRCS grant to incentivize buffer strips across the state.

SunOpta Sells Ingredients Business to Amsterdam-Based Trading Firm – SunOpta has completed the sale of its global ingredients business to Amsterdam Commodities. SunOpta officials said this strategic divestiture strengthens the company’s balance sheet and accelerates its expansion into the plant-based food and beverage sector.

John Deere Introduces New Line of Mower Conditioners – It’s never too early to plan for 2021, especially when it comes to securing reliable haying equipment. That’s why John Deere is encouraging livestock producers to check out their new line of hay mower conditioners on the market. “They are a popular choice among cattle producers,” says Chris Borgman, product marketing manager. “It helps preserve feed value and gets that hay baled and fed as quick as possible.” Hear more from Borgman in the full interview.

Corn Comments – There were many important lessons learned in 2020, but one of the most important was learning how to make adjustments and move on in life. Learn more in the latest Corn Comments, a production of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.

Make Farm Safety a Top Priority This Year – Farm safety should always be a top priority and there is no time better than now to add it to your New Year resolutions. National Farm Medicine Center communications manager Scott Heiberger says COVID-19 has changed the overall safety scope in agriculture. “That includes not only family farms, but also packing plants and everything in between,” says Heiberger. The pandemic has changed family dynamics on the farm. “Kids are being home schooled and parents are still trying to work. Everybody is being spread thin.” Hear more in this Red River Farm Network interview.

Residuals Advocated for Long Term Use of Weed Control Technologies – According to Bayer Product Manager Alex Zenteno, the new registration of dicamba reduces the potential for off-target movement. Zenteno advocates a long-term approach for this technology. “This technology can only take so much pressure so we want to make sure we have the appropriate use of residuals in pre-emergence and post-emergence applications so this tool remains with us long term.”

Canola Minute – The canola market is maintaining strength this winter. Find out more from Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman in the latest Canola Minute.

Farmers Can Now Submit Claims Over Off-Target Dicamba Movement – Soybean farmers who suffered losses due to off-target dicamba movement over the past six years can submit claims in a class-action lawsuit until May 28. This is part of a $400 million settlement between the courts and Bayer, which took over Monsanto in 2018. The settlement was announced in June, but was not signed until this past month.

Dry Bean Scene – An optimistic harvest outlook, a new dry bean variety and more are all highlights from the last half of 2020. Hear more in this Year in Review edition of the Dry Bean Scene, made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

SD Conservationist to Retire – Jeff Zimprich with the South Dakota Natural Resources Conversation Service will return at the end of this year. Zimprich has served as state conservationist for over eight years, with his career starting in Montana in 1983.