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Corn Starting to Tassel in Northcentral South Dakota – Dairyland Seed District Sales Manager Keith Rekow has seen a lot of growth in corn these last couple of weeks with heat. “Most corn is chest to torso high and some is starting to shoot their tassels out.” Rekow, who is based in Langford, South Dakota, credits early planting dates for the advanced stage of production. “It’s kind of random, but the biggest thing is planting date. The corn planted in mid-May needs a few more sunny days.”

Rapid Growth for Corn Crop – The Growing Degree Unit accumulation across the Northern Plains is above normal. “Rapid vegetative growth is common this type of year and we’re always susceptible to green snap when crops grow this fast,” reports Jeff Coulter, corn agronomist, University of Minnesota Extension. The corn crop is just entering its reproductive phase. “We’re at the beginning of the critical period for corn. Moisture stress now through early August will really hurt the crop.”

Corn Approaches Critical Stage if Development – GK Technologies agronomist Sarah Lovas is pleased with the corn and soybean crops in the Red River Valley. “In spots, the soybeans have iron chlorosis so farmers should make a plan on how to manage that for next year.” More moisture is needed as corn approaches pollination stage. “I’ve seen corn just starting to roll so we definitely need to keep the rain coming in the next few weeks.”

Erskine Crops Rebound – After a difficult start, Brady Lee says recent rains have helped the wheat on his Erskine, Minnesota farm. “It was pretty short when it started to head out, but then we got an inch-and-half of rain that really made a difference. The height really seemed to rebound.” Insect pressure has been light, but weeds have taken more effort to control. “We’ve had to spray some of our beans a third time already for the waterhemp coming through, but other than that it hasn’t been terrible.”

The Haves and Have Nots – Crops in the Minot area are advancing rapidly. Dakota Agronomy Partners Regional Manager Mike Benjamin says the crop conditions vary. “There’s some stuff that looks peaked and could use a rain, but there’s also a lot of nice looking fields out there that got rain.”

Multiple Benefits for the Beet Crop – A relatively new concept in controlling Cercospora Leaf Spot is to make the first fungicide application just before row closure in sugarbeets. BASF Technical Service Representative Ken Deibert likes to see Provysol used early in the spray program. In early September, Deibert also recommends the use of Headline or Priaxor. In addition to plant health and growth efficiency, these products can help minimize the risk of frost. “The secondary component is allowing beets to store longer and we do that by lowering the CO2 or respiration in those beet piles before they freeze solid.” Listen to the interview for more details.

Controlling Cercospora Leaf Spot is Job #1 – Rains have been spotty, but mostly beneficial for Wendell, Minnesota farmer Ben Brutlag. The fields that missed the rains are showing some crop stress. “We’ve been fortunate to keep getting rain just as we need it. We’re not seeing any excess by any means now, but you don’t have to get far away to find where spring was tough on the crop with lack of moisture.” Spraying for cercospora leaf spot control has started in the sugarbeets. The application season has been going smooth and steady. “We had so much wind last year and this year wind has been more favorable to get timely and correct spraying done.”

Sugarbeet Report – SESVanderHave Sales Manager Nick Revier gives an update on crop conditions. Hear more in the Sugarbeet Report, presented by Syngenta, Amity Technology, H&S Manufacturing, SESVanderHave and Bayer CropScience.

Hopper Control – North Dakota Grain Growers Association President Ed Kessel has been been busy spraying for grasshoppers. “There’s not much for disease pressure, but grasshopper pressure is pretty heavy.” Near Belfield, Kessel said May was a challenging time for later-planted small grains due to the heat and lack of rain.

Dry Weather Takes Its Toll on OK Crop – While some parts of the state’s wheat crop are in tough shape, Oklahoma Wheat Commission Executive Director Mike Schulte says northeast Oklahoma wheat looks good. “Northeastern Oklahoma grows soft red winter wheat which makes anywhere from 85-to-100 bushels per acre and the hard red winter wheat was making anywhere from 50-to-55 bushels per acre.” Elsewhere, yields are a different story with USDA estimating the statewide average at 25 bushels per acre. “There was a lot of abandonment in the Panhandle regions which I expect will take in 30 percent of what they normally harvest.”

Canola Minute – In this week’s Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman talks about the benefits of canola oil in the biofuels industry.

Moisture is Good and Bad – While some potato fields have had too much moisture, NDSU Extension Potato Agronomist Andy Robinson says the water is still a boost to the rest of the field. “Even if you do get a little bit of drown-out, that’s still a good thing because it means the rest of the field is getting good moisture.” In addition to excess moisture, Robinsons says the Colorado Potato Beetle is the biggest threat this year. “They’re patchy, kind of like the rainstorms, some areas are heavy and some fields have none.”

Dealing With Hail-Damaged Forage Crops – University of Minnesota Extension Forage Agronomist Craig Sheaffer says it is important to assess the damage done to the alfalfa crop after a hail event before deciding how to proceed. “If alfalfa is within two weeks of harvest and has 50 percent or more of the stems damaged, but is lodged, it’s probably best to give it a few days to stand back up, then harvest.” In other scenarios, the best practice would be to harvest immediately to get the crop set up for the next harvest.

Yield Adjustments Anticipated – USDA will release its next crop production report Wednesday. In the last report, the Agriculture Department forecast corn yields at 181.5 bushels per acre and soybeans at 52 bushels per acre. Advance Trading Risk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi said lower yields are expected. “The thing that will move the market again would be the bean yield being adjusted,” said Grisafi. “The crop ratings didn’t improve that much even though many of the ‘I’ states received a beneficial rain so keep an eye on those crop ratings and we’ll see if the USDA gets aggressive or if they just start to scale things back gently.” Weather will remain part of the story. “There is enough damage in the state of Illinois to really keep people concerned. It’s going to take awhile until we see the Pro Farmer crop tour or other private crop tours go out there.” Grisafi is featured in the latest edition of the Bull Pen on the Red River Farm Network YouTube channel.

Volatility – After USDA’s acreage report, the corn market has been very volatile. Northland Community and Technical College Farm Business Management Advisor Betsy Jensen says corn sales between USDA’s acreage report and this week’s crop production report will make a big difference in corn prices. “It depends on how much farmers have sold already. If nothing has been sold, July 12 could make things even worse.” Jensen says farmers who have old crop corn left to sell are behind schedule. “I don’t think these are good prices to be selling at, but a lot of farmers don’t have any new crop corn sold which I think is a little risky this time of year.”

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson says the soybean market is starting the week with strength. “We have to do something to ration supply.” The weather outlook is “rather benign” as we head into corn pollination.

Save the Date for NCI’s Next 5 Years Conference – The Northern Crops Institute is hosting The Next 5 Years Executive Conference on September 11 at the Armory Event Center in Moorhead. The conference considers the major shifts happening in the agricultural marketplace and the impact on agriculture and consumers. Early bird registration is available until August 11, for $195. After that date, standard registration is available for $250. A group rate of $1,250 includes access to the conference for eight attendees. Registration and further information are available online.

Little Economic Incentive to Expand Brazilian Production – The recent dynamics in the U.S. soybean market has not had much of an impact on Brazilian planting intentions. “There will be more soybean acres in 2024, but it won’t be a 2 million acre increase like last year,” said Kory Melby, who is a Brazilian ag consultant. “The economics don’t justify that for the year ahead so far.” Melby says the current soybean price in Mato Grosso is $10 per bushel. The new crop corn that is being harvested now is priced at $2.65 per bushel. “Most producers are losing money on corn and it has been difficult to move the large supply of old crop soybeans. “There’s not a whole lot of economic incentive to keep pushing the envelope.”

Brazilian Corn Prices Climbing Higher – Northstar Commodity Chief Analyst Mark Schultz says corn prices in Brazil are climbing higher, which is positive news for U.S. corn values. “The price of corn in Brazil and the price of corn in the U.S. has narrowed considerably which has made us more competitive on the world market.” Basis has been the big price mover in Brazil.

Whiplash River Levels – The water levels on the Mississippi River are going through whiplash since fall after the rapid rise from the runoff this spring. “When that snow melted it was disproportionately fed into our streams and rivers,” said Mike Steenhoek, executive director, Soy Transportation Coalition. “The ground was dry and our reservoirs were low so the concern was we could return to dryness in a short period of time; unfortunately, that’s happened.” Steenhoek feels there’s a good chance the river won’t rise enough this fall for barges to be moving grain at maximum capacity. “Water levels throughout the Mississippi River are lower than or comparable to last year, there’s drought clouds on the horizon.”

U.S.-China Trade Opportunities – Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has wrapped up her trip to China. During the trip, Yellen said there is “ample room” for the United States and China to enhance their trade relationship. Despite recent tension between the two superpowers, 2022 was a record year for bilateral trade. Yellen’s visit is the second trip to Beijing by a Biden Administration cabinet member in less than a month.

Ways and Means Committee in MN Today for Field Hearing – The House Ways and Means Committee is holding a field hearing in Minnesota today. This hearing will be held at Schiefelbein Farms near Kimball. The witness list includes National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Past President Don Schiefelbein, Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish and Minnesota Farm Bureau Vice President Carolyn Olson. Minnesota Representative Michelle Fischbach is a member of the Ways and Means Committee and is hosting the field hearing in her district. The hearing will focus on agricultural trade and the supply chain.

AFBF President Visits South Dakota – American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall spent time in South Dakota this past week. Duvall told RRFN it is important to hear directly from farmers and ranchers. “It reconnects us to our grassroots and gives me the opportunity to hear their stories and the issues they face each and every day.” Duvall says discussion always comes back to the crafting of the next farm bill, but other topics were discussed including the Waters of the United States and the proposed carbon pipeline.

Optimism for the Future – Farmer sentiment rebounded this past month after a sharp fall in the CME Group and Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer in May. In May, 44 percent of the farmers surveyed expected their farm’s financial situation to decline in upcoming year. In June, just 32 percent expected their financial situation to decline. Purdue Center for Commercial Ag Director, Dr. James Mintert says commodity prices during the survey period likely played a role. “When we collected data, it was the middle of June in the midst of the rally in corn and soybeans in particular and to some extent wheat prices.” The outlook for interest rates also improved. Click here for the full interview with Dr. Mintert.

FSA Facing a Staff Shortage – The Farm Service Agency is facing a significant staffing shortage. “The FSA and federal government can provide a lot of different benefits in terms of healthcare, retirement plans and things like that, but we’re not super competitive on salaries,” said Whitney Place, State Executive Director, Minnesota FSA. “We’re doing what we can administratively to help retain and attract talent.” Place credits FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux for his efforts to address the compensation challenge.

FSA Deadlines Ahead – The deadline for Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) and Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase 2 enrollment is Friday. “That deadline has actually been extended from June 2 to give producers a little extra time to finish up those applications if they needed it,” said North Dakota FSA State Executive Director Marcy Svenningsen.  Acreage reports are due by July 17. Svenningsen says that information helps USDA plan future programs and is also required for crop insurance purposes.

Discrimination Dollars Available – Farmers who faced discrimination through USDA loan programs can now apply for financial assistance. A total of $2.2 billion in funds are available in the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, which was funded by last year’s Inflation Reduction Act. The Biden Administration created a loan forgiveness program for minority farmers in 2021, but it was rejected in the courts due to ‘reverse-discrimination.’ For the new assistance program, farmers and ranchers will outline their discrimination experience. Applications must be made by the end of October.

Crop Insurance Options Expand for Specialty Crops – The Risk Management Agency is expanding its insurance coverage options for specialty crops and other APH crop programs. Enterprise units will be available for the 2024 crop year for six specialty crops, including forage production, alfalfa seed, cultivated wild rice and potatoes.

MN Wheat Minute – Market Access Programs and Foreign Market Development programs are to develop markets. Hear more from Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers CEO Charlie Vogel in the latest Minnesota Wheat Minute.

A Deal Made Between CARB and Truck Manufacturers – The California Air Resources Board and the trucking industry have reached an agreement on California’s regulations for zero-emission vehicles. With this deal, 40 percent of tractor trailers, 55 percent of small trucks and 75 percent of heavy trucks sold in California need to be zero-emission by 2035. This compromise will prevent major truck manufacturers from taking legal action.

Corn Matters – National Corn Growers Association has a call to action on the Renewable Fuel Standard. Hear more from National Corn Growers Association Director of Political Strategy Anne Thompson in the latest Corn Matters. Corn Matters is a presentation of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

Dry Bean Scene – Northarvest Bean Growers Association Marketing and Communications Director Jed Brazier jhighlights the organization’s scholarship program in this week’s Dry Bean Scene. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company, Endura Fungiclde from BASF, SRS Commodities and Heads Up Plant Protectants.

White Mold Warning – When crops bloom, they become sensitive to white mold. Beans are at the cusp of blooming and NDSU Extension Plant Pathologist Sam Markell says white mold issues are right around the corner. “Environment plays a huge role in white mold development. It really thrives in cool temperatures and moisture.” Overall, the dry bean crop is in good condition. “Recent rains really helped us, so I think dry beans will start blooming fairly quickly.”

Reporting from the BASF Showcase Plot Tour – The Red River Farm Network is featuring updates from the BASF Showcase Plot Tour on its Twitter platform. In this report, BASF’s Dan Melaas provides an update on the status of the dry bean crop and the upcoming fungicide season.

Fungicide Season – NDSU Extension Agronomist Greg Endres says the crops are steadily trucking along. “Crops have been enjoying the rain, soybeans and dry beans are in the reproductive stage and flowering.” The job list for the weeks ahead include fungicide applications. “It’s not the time yet for a fungicide application against white mold, but it will be soon so make sure to monitor the situation, especially with saturated soils.”

More Feed for Feeders – The cattle market has felt a ripple effect s from USDA’s recent corn acreage estimate. Livestock Marketing Information Center Director Katelyn McCullock says feeder cattle are reacting to the prospect of more feed availability. “The market is sorting out what feed costs are going to be with the large corn acres planted.”

MN Beef Update – Minnesota State Beef Director of Industry Relations Jon Dilworth talks about the Reciprocal Meat Conference in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.

Anthrax Identified in NW MN – Anthrax has been confirmed in a cow in Minnesota’s Kittson County. This is the first case of anthrax in Kittson County in more than a decade. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health recommends farmers to keep their livestock up to date on anthrax vaccinations.

MN Leaders Visit Le Sueur Dairy Farm – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen visited a dairy farm in Le Sueur to hear directly from dairy farmers. “Right now, dairy farmers are really struggling,” said Petersen. “We have a lot of milk on the market and prices are really low, there’s a lot of frustration.” Petersen said it is important to consider what the state can do to open markets and address high input costs.

New ASF Variant in China – Chinese scientists have identified a new strain of the African Swine Fever virus in three regions of the country. Data from a Chinese study shows the new strain is more contagious than the existing variants of ASF.

Preventing the Spread of Disease – University of Minnesota Extension Beef Specialist Eric Mousel says scours hit calves hard this year. “It has been an interesting spring going from wet and cold to hot and dry which has caused issues for a lot of folks.” Insect pressure is increasing with the recent heat and pinkeye can become an issue. “Mineral can be really important particularly if you have had some pinkeye issues.” Mousel suggests getting creative with insecticide applications for cattle, placing dusters with pyrethrin strategically in high traffic areas to ensure application. Listen to the full interview with Eric Mousel here.

A Sustainable Poultry Industry – Agriculture continues to drive toward a more sustainable industry. The U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs Executive Director Ryan Bennett addressed the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association Summer Summit about their mission to promote and improve sustainability in the poultry and egg supply chain. “When I say sustainability, I don’t just mean environmental issues. We look at people, planet, and poultry.” Bennett says they encourage their members and member organizations to take a close look at what they are already doing to be sustainable, but still look for ways to do better.

Landowners Rally in Pierre – The debate over eminent domain and the proposed carbon capture pipelines boiled over at the South Dakota State Capitol Thursday.  Approximately 250 people participated in the rally. A petition with 2,000 signatures was also presented to Governor Kristi Noem’s office, asking for a special session to address their concerns. The pipelines are designed to transport the carbon dioxide produced at ethanol plants to underground storage sites in North Dakota and Illinois.

Grand Farm Drives Innovation – Grand Farm held its inaugural field day at its new Innovation Campus near Wheatland, North Dakota. “Grand Farm works with partners to collaborate to drive innovation for ag tech,” said Ann Nobriga, program operations field manager. “The plots are to trial and demonstrate different innovations on real farm land.” Thursday’s event featured partners KWS and Proseed. The next field day will be held July 26^th featuring Susterre, Mosiac Company, Intelligent Ag and the NDSU Agronomy Seed Farm.

Field Tested – Proseed is one of the companies with field trials at Grand Farm. “We have two corn blocks, a soybean block, and a sunflower block,” said Karmen Hardy, agronomist. The corn plot is testing planting depths and various plant populations in a flex hybrid versus a non-flex hybrid. Biological seed treatments are also being evaluated. The sunflower plots did see too much rain, which will impact results. “Unfortunately, that side of the plot got a little wet this spring so we had a few holes, but it’s still something for us to look at and evaluate.”

Laser Scarecrow Trials at Grand Farm – Grand Farm held its inaugural field day for the season at Wheaton, North Dakota. KWS Business Development Manager Duane Bernhardson highlighted a trial for new technology in bird deterrents. “At the new Grand Farm location, the big draw is the laser scarecrow. We have a couple nice sunflower plots out here and one-half is protected by the scarecrow so we’ll see what happens.” KWS is also evaluating robotic weed control.

Peterson Farms Seed Showcases New Technology – Peterson Farms Seed hosted a demonstration of the new spot spraying technology from Greeneye Technology Thursday. “We hosted this because we thought it’s exciting and farmers should see it,” said Carl Peterson, president, Peterson Farms Seed. “We demonstrate these technologies on our farm because it’s our mission to help farmers increase their yields.” Field trials may focus on a new corn or soybean variety or new technology. “We want to be on the cutting edge.”

New Technology on Display – Peterson Farms Seed hosted a field demonstration near Harwood, North Dakota Thursday to demonstrate new sprayer technology. Reducing chemical use and save on cost with spot spraying weeds is the ultimate goal for Greeneye Technology. Midwest Sales Representative Tom McMurren says the dual boom system gives farmers options for broadcast and spot treatment. “The cameras capture 5,000 images per second while the graphics processing unit analyzes those images as it goes through the field. This unit can operate up to 15 miles per hour.” Eventually this program will be able to provide producers with a weed map of their fields. Greeneye Technology has programs for corn and soybeans but will be expanding to more crops in the future. Listen to the full interview with Tom McMurren here.

Spot Spraying Offers Cost Savings – During a tour at Peterson Farms Seed near Prosper, North Dakota, Agrometrics Research and Training scientist Tom Wolf said there is a battle against weed resistance in the Red River Valley. Spot spraying could help mitigate the problem. “A way we can deal with this in the short term is to apply tank mixes with multiple modes of action. Those are expensive, but spot spraying is possible.” Spot spraying could save 75 percent of the chemical compared to broadcast applications. Wolf is cautiously optimistic about the new Greeneye Technology dual tank, dual boom spot sprayer system. “We’ve seen a lot of technologies come and go and they didn’t take off for whatever reason, this one holds high promise.”

New Fungicide to Control Common Corn Diseases – Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness and Plant Health Care have a new distribution agreement to support the sales of OBRONA. The foliar fungicide was recently approved by the EPA. Wilbur-Ellis will offer the product for control of tar spot, common rust, Gray leaf sport and Northern corn leaf blight in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota and eight other states.

Mustang Seeds Expands Beyond Upper Midwest – The Mustang Seeds brand is expanding to the entire Western Cornbelt. The Madison, South Dakota company entered into a partnership with an Illinois-based independent seed company called GDM in 2019. W.S. Seeds, which is also part of GDM, has been rebranded as Mustang Seeds. The joint territories now include Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

Richardson International Enters Malting Business – Winnipeg-based Richardson International has acquired Anglia Maltings, which has seven malt facilities in the United Kingdom, Poland and Germany. This is Richardson’s first venture in the malting business.

AIG Sells Crop Insurance Division – There’s a change in the crop insurance business with AIG completing its sale of Crop Risk Services to American Financial Group. AIG acquired this business with its 2018 takeover of Validus Holdings. American Financial Group reportedly paid $240 million in a cash deal for Crop Risk Services.

NDSU Names Interim Associate Dean – Dr. Carrie Hammer is the interim associate dean for the College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources at North Dakota State University. Hammer has been part of the NDSU faculty for 18 years, serving as the director of the NDSU Equine Science program and as the Extension horse specialist.

Term Begins for New SBARE Member – Scott Ouradnik of Amidon has joined the North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education. Ouradnik replaces Dean Wehri of Mott, who served two terms. Jim Bahm of New Salem will serve a second term. Sarah Lovas of Hillsboro was reelected SBARE chair. John Nordgaard of Bottineau is the new vice chair.

Dykhuis and Thomas Join SHIC Board – Michigan pork producer Joseph Dykhuis and Iowa Select Farms veterinarian Dr. Pete Thomas have joined the Swine Health Information Center board of directors. They succeed founding board members Iowa farmer Howard Hill and the head of the JBS live pork division, Matthew Turner. The SHIC was launched in 2015.

Worth, Youngerberg Named to Transportation Working Group – Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth and Minnesota Biodiesel Council Executive Director Mike Youngerberg have been appointed to the new Clean Transportation Fuel Standard Working Group. This group was established as part of the transportation budget during the recent legislative session.

NDSGA Announce Election Results – The North Dakota Soybean Growers Association held officer elections during its recent board of directors meeting. Kasey Bitz of LaMoure was reelected as president and Spencer Endrud of Buxton was reinstated as treasurer. Newly-elected officers include Vice President Chris McDonald of Leonard, and Secretary Josh Stutrud of Barton.

Another Term as Chair for Prescher – A Delevan farmer is the new chair for the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council. Gary Prescher previously served in that role in 2018 and 2019. Duane Epland of Twin Lakes is the new vice chair. John Mages of Belgrade is the treasurer and Jordan Goblish of Vesta is secretary for the corn checkoff board.

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council celebrates the Fourth of July.

USW Meets in Minneapolis – East Grand Forks farmer Rhonda Larson will wrap up her tenure as chair of U.S. Wheat Associates at this week’s meeting in Minneapolis. At that same time, Jim Pellman of McClusky, North Dakota will take over as the USW secretary/treasurer.

NDGGA Selects New Executive Director – The North Dakota Grain Growers Association has named Kayla Pulvermacher as its new executive director. Pulvermacher is the CEO for the North Dakota Association of Builders but has extensive experience in agriculture. “I grew up in northwest North Dakota and farming is in my blood,” Pulvermacher told RRFN. “My dad still farms and both of my brothers farm so getting to advocate on behalf all the growers in North Dakota is just an honor.” Pulvermacher previously worked for the Dakota Credit Union Association, Clearwater Communications, and the North Dakota Farmers Union. “Federal regulations continue to be a huge issue for farmers and for all of the folks that I’ve advocated for since I worked at Farmers Union.” Pulvermacher succeeds Dan Wogsland, who retired after 19 years at the helm of the NDGGA. Her first day on the job is July 24.

NDSA Names New Deputy Brand Inspector – The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association has named Dawson Brost as its new deputy brand inspector. Brost will replace Steve Bay who retires in August. Brost has a farm and ranch background and most recently served as a corrections officer/deputy sheriff for Burleigh County.

Rivard Recognized as Top Aggie – The Northwest School of Agriculture All-School Reunion took place at the University of Minnesota-Crookston campus. Larry Rivard, who is president of Rivard’s Quality Seeds, was presented the Top Aggie Award. Rivard had leadership roles with the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association, North Central Turf Grass Association and the University of Minnesota-Crookston turf advisory and department program advisory committee.