A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Monday, July 01, 2019
Boots on the Ground 2019- We’ve all seen tweets or heard stories this year about the late crop in the Eastern Cornbelt. The Red River Farm Network got a firsthand look at the situation in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio this past week, traveling with Advance Trading risk management advisor Tommy Grisafi. More acres were planted than we anticipated, but the crop is very immature. In areas that would normally have corn shoulder high heading into July, much of the crop was barely ankle-high. It was an eye-opening trip, especially ahead of Friday’s USDA acreage report. As we celebrate this Independence Day, RRFN thanks the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
An Immature Crop in Central Illinois – Moving from Rockford, Illinois south to Bloomington, the crop is well behind the norm. In reality, there is corn and soybeans in places like Roseau, Minnesota or Hunter, North Dakota that are much farther along than in many parts of north-central Illinois. The majority of the corn appears to be in the V1-to-V4 stage of development. “Not only has it been wet here in Illinois, it has been cold,” said Rob Shaffer, who farms at El Paso, Illinois. “We haven’t had sun and we are behind on growing degree days. I sit on our elevator board and am telling our elevator manager he better lock in LP gas because we’re going to need a lot it this fall.” In addition to farming, Shaffer sells crop insurance. Prevented plant is a new experience for many in this area. “I’ve never turned in a PP claim and I’ve been selling crop insurance since 2008.”
A Record-Setting Year in Dekalb County, IL – Between Rockford and Dekalb, Illinois, CHS Eldred grain merchandiser Steve Meisch said the crop is way behind schedule. This is an unusual year for northern Illinois. “I believe our average was around 212 (bushels per acre) last year. That’s typical for northern Illinois, especially Dekalb County where we have rich, black dirt. It will be a record setting year in the other direction this year.” In this area, farmers generally plant 106-to-114 day corn. With delayed planting, many farmers switched to a shorter season hybrid, going as far as Minnesota to get seed.
ECB Yield Potential Falls Off – Most of the Midwest has been wet, but Greentown, Indiana farmer Brad Downing describes the water as “unrelenting.” Soils have become anaerobic and the crops are starting to show it. This area located between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne has an Actual Production History of 190-to-210 bushels per acre and yielded closer to 250 bushels per acre in the last two years. Those bushels won’t be there this year. “Realistically speaking, we’re thinking a 160-to-180 (bushels per acre) would be an absolute homerun, but it is probably closer to a potential of 140-to-150. The other thing is it takes 1,450 GDUs to get to pollination and another 1,000 to get to black layer and we’re sitting now with V3 or V4 corn.” In addition to farming, Downing operates Cross Creek Ag Solutions, selling seed, biologicals and fertilizer. “Our other businesses is where we have some concern because this isn’t a just a ’19 problem, it is a 2020 problem and maybe a 2021 problem.” Unsold inventory and a probable decline in working capital is a reality for many input suppliers in the states of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.
What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Advance Trading risk management advisor Tommy Grisafi highlights the outside markets, the acreage report and last week’s Boots on the Ground 2019.
A Corn-Deficit Region – Thorntown, Indiana farmer Danny Lawson is still trying to get crop in the ground. Most of his corn is planted, but he’s just getting started on soybeans. “It has been wet, we disc it, open it up and plant it and it is not good conditions. We don’t have the big storms, but we have the half-inchers that come and go; we cannot get dried out.” In addition to raising corn, soybeans and wheat, Lawson feeds out Holstein steers. “We are in a corn-deficit area in central Indiana; we have enough processors that eat up all of the corn and it has to come out of Illinois and other places. We’re somewhat worried about corn at somewhat reasonable prices to feed the cattle so we’re looking at alternatives.”
Northwest Ohio: Topsoil Looks Like Mush Powder – Conditions were marginal at best during the month of April in northwest Ohio. Eric Norton, who is with the Grelton Elevator, says the rains came in May and continued throughout June. “On June 1, I got six inches at my house and since that date, we’ve had another six inches,” said Norton. “There is an inch-to-an-inch-and-a-half of crust on top of the soil; other than that, it looks like a mush powder, almost like pudding.” Jeff Mason, who farms and sells seed at McClure, Ohio, said the wet weather pattern began last fall and never let up. Cool, wet conditions have delayed the acres that did get planted. Mason is worried if the crop will even make it to harvest. “Our closest ethanol plant is 60 cents over on basis and that has made all the local elevators bid up for corn as well,” said Mason. “A lot of farmers in the area are going to sit back and watch the price go up because there’s nothing they can do without a crop being planted.”
Crop Watch – In Barnes County, North Dakota, NDSU Extension agent Randy Grueneich says the crop is all over the board. “Some of the wheat that got in early is moving along, and there are some soybeans just poking up. The corn acres are in, but we need heat to move it along,” says Grueneich. There was some prevent plant in the county. “We’ll see how the number shakes out, but it may be at least 10 percent.” The majority of the crops near Jamestown are planted. NDSU Extension Agent for Stutsman County Alicia Harstad says there are some trouble spots. Crop progress is slow due to the cool temperatures. “With this heat, hopefully the corn will start to get going, along with the soybeans,” says Harstad. “It’s just a slow year.” Edgeley, North Dakota farmer Mike Brandenburg says LaMoure County is wet. The crop that did get planted is looking okay. “There is a respectable corn stand, but the crop needs some heat units,” says Brandenburg. “The recent rains could help the soybeans. We had to reseed some of the beans.” Listen to the full Crop Watch segment.
A Variable Crop Growing in Southeastern ND – GL Crop Consulting owner and agronomist Greg LaPlante says the crop in the southeastern part of North Dakota is variable. “There are soybeans that just got planted and others growing in the fourth trifoliate. The Iron Deficiency Chlorosis showing up is severe and we’ll have to see how the crop comes out of it,” says LaPlante. “The corn is coming along.” There is some prevented plant in the area, too. “We’ll be addressing some of that once it starts to dry up and getting cover crop on the ground.”
Poor Crop Conditions Remain in SD – South Dakota State University Extension crop specialist Jon Kleinjan says conditions look poor across portions of South Dakota. He’s been traveling as far as Aberdeen and south-central South Dakota in the last few days. “There’s lots of unplanted ground and most of the corn is behind. There are poor stands. It’s too wet,” says Kleinjan. “The soybeans are just coming out of the ground. We’ll need a good summer, maybe a good September and October to finish this crop. The recent heat may perk things up a bit.” Kleinjan estimates about 30 percent of the corn acres didn’t get planted in South Dakota, on average.
Wet Conditions Continue to Create Crop and Hay Challenges – It’s been a west spring in southwest Minnesota and conditions are not improving by much. The area received over an inch of rainfall late last week on top of already saturated soils. Beaver Creek, Minnesota farmer and rancher Pete Bakken says all of his crops are planted, but they are behind schedule. Bakken’s biggest concern with the crop lies in the months to come. “We’re all at the mercy of Mother Nature. If it freezes at an average time, there’s going to be a lot of compromised corn in the sense of some of it might not even be black layered.” Making hay has also been a challenge. While Bakken has put up some bales, the quality is very poor. “It had about an inch and a half of rain on it. The regrowth looks great, though.” Hear the story.
Dry Bean Scene – In the Perham, Minnesota area, Professional Agronomy Services agronomist Brad Guck says dry bean planting is a wrap and the crop is off to a good start. Get the details in this week’s Dry Bean Scene, made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, UPL, FMC, Central Valley Bean Co-op, SRS Commodities and Johnstown Bean Company.
TransFARMation: Dealing with the Uncontrollable – As a teenager, McKenzie Darling was hospitalized for suicidal ideation. The Langdon, North Dakota native has also had family members and friends that died by suicide. Today, Darling is a mental health advocate who speaks frequently on the warning signs of suicide and trying to “restore hope for those who are feeling hopeless.” Darling sees a need to break down the wall of stigma about mental health. Darling comes from a farming family and says there are many things that are out of the farmer’s control. “You can’t control the rain, hail or what your neighbor is spraying on a windy day.” While it’s okay to be upset or feel anxious, McKenzie encourages farmers to find someone to talk with about it. “It can be a fellow farmer or your best friend. You just need to get that anger or sadness out of your system so you can refill and be ready to go again.” Hear more from McKenzie in the latest edition of TransFARMation.
USDA Forecasts More Corn Acres, Fewer Soybean Acres for 2019 – In its much anticipated acreage report, the U.S. Department of Agriculture raised its estimate of the corn planted area three percent from one year ago to 91.7 million acres. That’s higher than the average trade guess of 87 million acres. The soybean planted area is estimated at 80 million acres, down ten percent from one year ago and lower than trade expectations of 84 million acres. The all-wheat planted area is estimated at 45.6 million acres, down five percent from 2018. According to the USDA, this is the lowest all-wheat planted area on record since 1919.
June Acreage Report Surprises Grain Traders – USDA surprised the grain trade on Friday by increasing corn acres by three percent from one year ago while traders had been expecting a three percent decline. EFG Group LLC market analyst Tom Fritz doesn’t think USDA factored prevented plant acres into the report. “What’s even more shocking is in the June USDA supply/demand report, they lowered planted acres from the March report by three million acres,” says Fritz. “Now they’ve totally negated that number.” There are things in this report that don’t add up. “It’s my opinion that once we digest this over the weekend, it wouldn’t surprise me to see people with their buying shoes back on.”
An Uptick in Planted Sunflower Acreage – There’s a six percent increase in planted sunflower acreage in 2019 from one year ago. In the June USDA report, area planted is at 1.38 million acres. Also, growers in four of the eight major sunflower-producing states increased their acreage. Following the National Sunflower Association’s summer meeting in Medora last week, Executive Director John Sandbakken said there was good discussion on the crop. “The crop is in various stages. There are people still planting,” says Sandbakken. “Overall, the plants that have emerged look really good right now. If we can get the heat units the crops will really take off.”
USDA Will Resurvey Corn and Soybean Acres – The USDA will resurvey 2019 corn and soybean acres. The updated information will be released in August. There’s hope new data will provide clarity. “The U.S. corn acreage estimate was a surprise to many. When you look deeper, the USDA gave out a percentage of acres remaining to be planted,” says DuWayne Bosse, market analyst, Bolt Marketing. “When I do the math as of this survey, there were still 15.3 million acres of corn to be planted. Everyone is talking about being seven to 10 million acres off, but that’s still a possibility. Time will tell. I’m taking Friday’s acreage report with a grain of salt.” Read USDA’s survey announcement.
Less Corn, More Soybeans in Storage – USDA’s Grain Stocks report shows corn stocks of 5.2 billion bushels, down two percent from last year and at the low end of pre-report trade estimates. Of the total, USDA says 2.95 billion are stored on farm, seven percent more than one year ago. Soybean stocks totaled 1.79 billion bushels, 47 percent more than last year, but less than trade expectations. All wheat stocks are reported at 1.07 billion bushels, down two percent from one year ago. Durum stocks are reported at 55.2 million bushels, 58 percent more than last year.
Market Analysts Shift Focus Back to Crop Progress and Weather – There are surprises everywhere in Friday’s acreage report, especially for corn and soybeans. Brock Associates President Richard Brock is having a hard time rationalizing how USDA came up with some of the numbers. “None of this makes any sense, but this is only June 28. We have a lot of growing season to go through. On Monday, we’ll have a completely different market.” Brock says the grain trade will be back to crop progress and weather conditions come Monday.
Margins Squeezed for Ethanol Plants – The cost of corn has gone up nationally, but price of ethanol and DDGs have not followed suit. Advance Trading risk management consultant Ben Peters says that has squeezed margins for ethanol plants. Specifically, ethanol plants in the Eastern Cornbelt are slowing down their grind. That has pushed the local basis higher with northcentral Indiana at 25-to-30 cents over and there are some parts of northwest Ohio at 55-to-60 cents over. Will those ethanol plants continue to operate with those costs? Peters says the red ink will force some plants to slow down or shut down. “Even though ethanol becomes an expensive fuel additive, the refiners still need to provide an oxygenate. That is a benefit that ethanol provides so at some point ethanol (prices) will have to come up.”
Canola Minute – Clubroot continues to be monitored in canola. Hear more from North Dakota State University Assistant Research Professor Venkat Chapara in this week’s Canola Minute, made possible by the Northern Canola Growers Association.
Sorting Through Cover Crop Options – With earlier grazing and haying of cover crops, that means producers are developing a slightly different cropping plan. NDSU Extension Soil Health Specialist Abbey Wick is busy helping farmers sort through cover crop options. Most are looking for a plan that will work with their current equipment and the residual in fields. “If you have concerns with weed control, pick your herbicide program and then seed cover crops that are grasses,” says Wick. “If your seeding them within the next couple weeks, then you need a warm season component to that mix. Warm season components include millet and sorghum sudangrass, while your cool season components could be oats or barley.” For producers using cover crops for the first time, Wick recommends starting simple. Listen to more of the conversation.
Farmers Considering Different Cover Crop Options – Millborn Seeds forage and cover crop specialist Matt Metzger says warm season annual forages, including millet and sorghum sudangrass, are in high demand. “This year, farmers are using warm season forage crops further east. Farmers may not have livestock of their own, but they can capture some revenue from these prevented plant acres that neighbors can use.” Metzger says there are still good options for farmers in a year where Plan A may not be an option. “Farmers may have to be more flexible on what they’re set on planting. At the end of the day, if their goal is to put feed up on prevented plant acres, there will be a seed option for farmers to plant. If their goal is to graze, the same story. There will be cover crop mixes for them to seed on acres.”
SD Corn Comments – Farmers who plant cover crops on prevent plant acres can now hay or graze those acres starting September 1. Hear more in this week’s Corn Comments, a feature from the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.
A Higher Cost for Cover Crop Seed – Tight supply and strong demand are driving up the price of cover crop seed. Albert Lea Seed House owner Mac Ehrhardt says millet is in short supply in southern Minnesota. “The only millet we have left to sell now is proso millet. It’s probably the weakest of all of the millets in terms of forage production,” says Ehrhardt. “Most of the others are sold out. There still seems to be sundangrass, though it’s getting more expensive. Oats are also in tight supply. We’re having to go to Canada for seed, because bins are running out in the Dakotas.” If farmers in southern Minnesota are buying oats legally labeled, the cost will be about $10 to $12 a bushel. Ehrhardt says that’s extremely high. Albert Lea Seed House just raised the price of oats about $1.25 a bushel, a few days ago. Ehrhardt tells farmers if they are buying cover crop seed, make sure it’s from someone you trust and it’s properly labeled. Listen to the story.
Taking Advantage of Early Haying and Grazing – It’s been a wet spring and summer in south central North Dakota. While Gackle farmer and rancher Warren Zenker got some crop in the ground, there are a substantial amount of prevent plant acres. Zenker plans to plant cover crops on some of those acres and take advantage of the earlier haying and grazing date. “Millet has already been planted on some of the ground. We’re going to try and get in some sorghum to chop and maybe some more millet,” says Zenker. However, Zenker adds the difficult part right now is seed supply. “With demand being as great as it’s been, it hard to find. It’s not just in North Dakota. There are a lot of ranchers in South Dakota and Nebraska also in the same situation.”
The Sugarbeet Report – Even though this year’s sugarbeet crop was planted later, American Crystal Sugar Company’s new general agronomist Joe Hastings says the potential is still there. Get the details in the Sugarbeet Report, made possible by SESVanderHave, Syngenta, Premium Ag Solutions, H&S Manufacturing and Corteva Agriscience.
Cool, Wet Conditions Perfect for IDC – University of Minnesota Extension Agronomist Seth Naeve hasn’t seen much Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) in soybeans across southern Minnesota yet, but it could show up soon. It is showing up in other parts of the state. Naeve says the cool, wet conditions are perfect for IDC. “If we get some really hot weather at the beginning of July, that will cause the soybean to push down with its root and give the plant more access to iron,” says Naeve. “It will pop out of the IDC quickly that way, but if we have prolonged cool, cloudy, wet weather it will hang on and not only will the beans not grow, the IDC will hang on much longer.”
ND Extends Dicamba Application Deadline – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture extended the application date for dicamba on soybeans to July 10 for this year’s growing season. A combination of rains, a lack of suitable days for spraying and delayed soybean growth impacted the decision. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says this “gives a chance for farmers to spray the soybeans planted in June and late May.”
ND Farmers Markets and Growers Association Update – Here’s the latest from the North Dakota Farmers Markets and Growers Association. Based at Bismarck, Roving Donkey Farm owner Lori Martin says it’s been a slow start for the crops this year. That will impact when produce will be available. Listen to the update.
Trade Talks to Resume – U.S. and Chinese trade officials will return to the bargaining table. After a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the G-20 Summit, President Donald Trump sounded very optimistic. “We had a very, very good meeting with China; I would say probably even better than expected.” In a news briefing Saturday, Trump said China agreed to purchase “a tremendous amount” of U.S. farm commodities. Trump also praised U.S. farmers as patriots. During the overseas trip, Trump also tweeted about a Farm Journal survey that said he has a 74 percent approval rating from farmers.
Grassley Still Hopeful for USMCA Ratification by August – Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley told reporters he anticipates the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement to move in Congress before the August recess. House Democrats like House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson have said it’s more likely to move in the fall. “The only thing I have to go by is we now have a process set up so U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer can sit down and talk with Democrats to work on environment, labor and enforcement,” says Grassley. The Iowa senator also said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to get to a yes on the agreement, but that’s not the same thing as saying a vote can happen by August.
McKinney: Ag Must be Part of EU-US Trade Negotiations – If agriculture is not included, the United States and European Union will not be able to reach a trade agreement. USDA Undersecretary Ted McKinney made that point during his visit to Brussels. Europe wants a trade deal with the United States, but is refusing to discuss increased market access for U.S. farm products.
Farmers Seek Clarity in Haying and Grazing Date Change – As farmers and ranchers digest the new date for grazing and haying cover crops on prevent plant acres, questions are arising. Agricultural organizations are helping provide clarity. “First of all, this date adjustment is currently only for 2019. There is a bill in Congress that would make it more permanent, and it’s certainly a conversation the RMA is open to having down the road,” says Allison Rivera, director of government affairs, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “It also came up that corn can also be used as a cover crop, but cannot be harvested for grain; only silage or grazing. Basically, this change doesn’t change anything besides the date.” Rivera adds that the date change is about flexibility. It allows farmers and ranchers to feed their livestock, as well as keeping the ground fertile. Listen to more.
Cattle Producers Meet to Discuss Gray Wolf Delisting – Cattle producers across the region met in Brainerd, Minnesota Tuesday for a public hearing on de-listing the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act. Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association President Mike Landuyt attended the meeting. “It was a great turnout from cattle producers across the country. The bulk were from Minnesota and North Dakota, up into Canada. We explained how the gray wolf is impacting cattle herds.” Landuyt says the gray wolf impacts cattle feeders in southern Minnesota, too. “If I buy cattle from the wolf territory, they never settle down in the feedlot,” he says. “Everything spooks them. It impacts throughout the entire chain.” The deadline to comment on the proposed rule is July 15.
Minnesota Beef Update – The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association Summer Tour is coming up on July 9. Learn more from Brady Wulf of the West Central Cattlemen’s Association in the Minnesota Beef Update.
In the Heat of Summer, Look Out for Pinkeye and Foot Rot – With cattle out on pasture, the chance of pinkeye and foot rot increases as the summer heat turns on. NDSU Extension veterinarian Dr. Gerald Stokka says fly control is one way to decrease those chances. “Areas around water where cattle congregate tend to increase the risk of infection. Moving cattle more often and providing shade can help spread them out.” During the breeding season, Stokka reminds producers to monitor bulls while out on pasture. “Maybe the bull gets injured or gets sick. As much as they’d like to breed cows, they can’t because their is pain involved,” says Stokka. “So, don’t ignore bulls once they go to grass.” Listen to the conversation.
Hog Supply Moves Higher – The U.S. inventory of hogs and pigs totaled 75.5 million head on June 1. That’s up four percent from one year ago and is the highest June 1 total since this series of reports began in 1964. The breeding herd supply is up one percent and the marketing hog inventory is up four percent. Rather than providing answers, Grain Cycles principal Dale Durchholz says this report will prompt new questions. “As we look ahead to the next six-to-12 months, it is like standing in a bar, throwing darts with your back turned to the dartboard right now; there is nothing certain about what we face going ahead.” The total supply of hogs and pigs in Iowa increased five percent over the past year. North Carolina is up three percent. For Minnesota, inventories rose two percent. The number of hogs and pigs in South Dakota rose 11 percent from one year ago.
Rural Perspectives: Episode 17 – There are more farmers exiting the business because of the challenging farm economy. In episode 17 of Rural Perspectives, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Vice President of Succession and Retirement Planning Russ Tweiten says exit strategies are different for everyone. Good communication is a key component in the process. Hear more from Tweiten in this episode.
Paulson: Ag Economy is Mixed Bag – Bell Bank Senior Vice President and Director of Agribusiness Development Lynn Paulson says the current state of the agriculture economy is a mixed bag. “We’ve had five or six consecutive years where it’s been difficult for agriculture. There is some optimism for commodity prices in an area where farmers are fortunate enough to have a crop. This could be a year where some do well and others struggle, not being able to take advantage of commodity prices.” Paulson says there will be opportunities. “People are sitting on old crop corn. Don’t get greedy. The market can give and take away.”
Despite Falling Farm Income, Land Values Remain Steady – Despite another year of falling farm income, land values remain steady to slightly softer in eastern North Dakota and northwest Minnesota. “There have been a few pockets where a lot of land is on the market,” says Jayson Menke, broker, Acres & Shares. Menke attributes the strong values to a limited supply of land currently on the market. Top quality ground continues to hold its value better than the average ground. “Even though there are some farmers struggling financially, there are still people who have money from the ‘boom years’ and are still able to buy land.” Hear more from Menke.
Land Expo Dives Into Mineral Rights – Pifer’s Auction, Realty and Land Management held its annual Great Plains Land Expo in Fargo Wednesday. The one-day forum provides opportunities to learn about the issues impacting farmland. That includes a focus on mineral rights. “Mineral rights are gaining in popularity,” said Kevin Pifer, President/CEO. “A lot of people selling farmland want to retain those minerals, severing them from the deed at closing,” says Pifer. “Once those mineral rights are retained, how do people own them moving forward? There are lots of issues to be dealt with there.”
Land Buyers Being More Cautious – The current farm economy softened the land market. Farmers National Company Senior Vice President of Real Estate Operations Randy Dickhut says land buyers are more cautious. “There’s still a lot of capital in most areas to buy farms, but the buyers and investors are being more cautious. They don’t have to overbid to get a property,” says Dickhut. “There is still strong demand for good quality farmland.” Dickhut is talking to more landowners about selling, which is typical through the summer. “I think it will be interesting to watch the land market move into the fall and early winter time frame. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out with the trade uncertainties.”
Water Quality Highlighted During MN Watershed Districts Tour – The Minnesota Association of Watershed Districts Summer Tour made a stop at the Nordick Farm near Rothsay on Thursday. Gene Tiedemann with the Red Lake Watershed District says the projects on display highlight water quality. “They are meandering a stream that wasn’t functioning as it should. It was full of pollution and sloughing banks. The Red Lake Watershed District is large, measuring in at 6,000 square miles, and is the largest watershed in Minnesota. Tiedemann says the key to success is coordination between the many entities. “We have the same source of projects in our area. A big part of it is using the different partners, like the DNR and MPCA, to bring these types of projects into the watershed.”
Leading Congressional Districts for Soybean Acreage – According to new information released from the 2017 Census of Agriculture, North Dakota’s at-large congressional district harvested more soybeans than any other district with 7 million acres. South Dakota, which also has one at-large congressional district, was ranked second at 5.6 million acres. Minnesota’s 7th congressional district, which is represented by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, is ranked third with 5 million acres.
ND Stockmen’s Raises $40,000 with ‘Nebraska in Need’ Campaign – The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association and Foundation have raised nearly $40,000 for Nebraska cattlemen recovering from losses. The Nebraska in Need disaster relief program was launched after winter storms and historic flooding this past spring. The funds raised are providing financial support for ranch families most in need.
CHS Closes Sunflower Processing Plant – CHS will be closing its sunflower processing plant in Hazel, Minnesota effective July 12. CHS says 13 workers will be laid off as it moves all its sunflower processing to Grandin, North Dakota. The warehouse and storage facilities will remain at the site in Hazel. Eligible employees at the Hazel facility are being offered separation benefits.
MN Corn Matters – The American Lung Association and Minnesota Corn Growers Association are partnering to promote E-85 and other ethanol blends. Learn more from ALA Clean Air Division Specialist Carlie Kloberstine in Corn Matters, a weekly update from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.
Ralco Launches New Oil-Based Feed Additive – Ralco has launched a new organic, oil-based animal feed additive called ProsperEO Liquid. The product is added to water to help increase immunity in swine, poultry and ruminant animals.
Anderson Named Vive Crop Protection CEO – The President of Vive Crop Protection, Darren Anderson, will become the company’s new CEO effective July 1. Anderson is one of the co-founders of the company. He will take over the CEO responsibilities from Keith Thomas. Thomas will become the Executive Chair of Vive’s Board of Directors.
MN Turkey Growers Present Awards – Industry awards were presented during the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association Summer Conference in Brainerd. Gregg Veldman of Evonik Corporation was presented with the Allied Lifetime Achievement Award. The organization’s highest honor, the Ranelius Award, went to Melrose farmer Pete Rothfork.
Wulf Honored with BIF Pioneer Award – The Beef Improvement Federation has honored Jerry Wulf of Morris, Minnesota with its Pioneer Award. The Wulf operation has been in business for more than 60 years and has operations in Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska.
Majkrzak to Retire from Red River Commodities – After 30 years as Red River Commodities President and CEO, Robert Majkrzak will retire later this year. Under Majkrzak’s leadership, Red River Commodities has grown form on operating unit to seven major units in three states and Canada. Eric Christianson will succeed Majkrzak as CEO starting August 1.
Last Week’s Trivia- George Washington is the only U.S. president that did not live in the White House. Mark Mettler of PreferredOne tops our trivia challenge for this past week. Carver County feedlot officer Alan Langseth, Keith Rekow of Dairyland Seed, Crookston farmer Ron Lanctot and Mandy Kvale of Farm Credit Services of Mandan earn runner-up honors. The ‘first 20’ rounds out with Al Wimpfheimer of Simplot Grower Solutions, McIntosh farmer Joan Lee, Chelsea Vilchis of Canterbury Park, Dennis Sabel of Minnesota Farm Bureau, Ron Claussen of Ag Media Research, Nick Sinner of Fargo, Erin Nash of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Ron Dvergsten of Northland Farm Business Management, Norm Groot of Monterey County Farm Bureau, Harvey farmer Bill Ongstad, Bob Brunker of J.L. Farmakis, Gary Sloan of BMO Harris Bank and Jim Altringer of Dakota Plains Ag.
This Week’s Trivia- What American patriot is known for making a midnight ride to alert the colonial militia about the approaching British military? (Hint: the ride was memorialized in a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem) Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
RRFN Upcoming Events | |||
July 7, 2019 - July 10, 2019 | National Bison Association Summer Conference - Bismarck, ND | ||
July 8, 2019 - July 10, 2019 | ND Water Resource Districts Summer Meeting - Bismarck, ND | ||
July 8, 2019 - July 11, 2019 | MN Assoc. of Agricultural Educators Summer Conference - Breezy Point, MN | ||
July 9, 2019 - July 10, 2019 | AMPI Young Cooperator Summer Tour - Alexandria, MN | ||
July 9, 2019 | MN State Cattlemen’s Association Summer Tour - Morris, MN | ||
July 9, 2019 | UM Small Grain Summer Plot Tour - Fergus Falls, MN | ||
July 9, 2019 - July 14, 2019 | Red River Valley Fair -NDJPSA Sanctioned Show | ||
July 10, 2019 | MN Canola Council Field Day and Golf Scramble - Roseau, MN | ||
July 10, 2019 - July 11, 2019 | SD Governor’s Agricultural Summit - Sioux Falls, SD | ||
July 10, 2019 | UM Small Grain Summer Plot Tour - Oklee, MN | ||
July 11, 2019 | UM Small Grain Plot Tour - Humbolt and Strathcona, MN | ||
July 15, 2019 | NDSU Agronomy Seed Farm Field Day - Casselton, ND | ||
July 16, 2019 - July 18, 2019 | The Dairy Experience - St. Paul, MN | ||
July 16, 2019 | NDSU Field Day - Carrington, ND | ||
July 17, 2019 | NWROC Crops and Soils Day - Crookston, MN | ||
July 17, 2019 | NDSU Field Day - Minot, ND | ||
July 18, 2019 | MN Wheat Open - Perham, MN | ||
July 18, 2019 | NDSU Field Day - Langdon, ND | ||
July 21, 2019 | FFA Day with the Twins - Minneapolis, MN |
Contact RRFN | Don Wick (701) 795-1315 |
Randy Koenen (701) 795-1315 |
Whitney Pittman (701) 795-1315 |
Tyler Donaldson 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 | 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.