Food Security Threatened by Russian Decision – Russia has not renewed the Black Sea Grain Initiative. “The Russians have been complaining for some time that the original conditions for Russian products like grain and fertilizer and global banking access have not been met,” said Frayne Olson, crops economist, NDSU Extension. Food security in some countries may be threatened if Ukrainian agricultural exports can’t be shipped. The Middle East, North Africa and parts of Egypt are just a few examples. “They don’t have the ability to pay prices to get food into their countries.”

‘Unconscionable’ – There’s speculation Russia pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative to damage Ukraine’s agriculture-dependent economy and confine the 2023 wheat crop behind its blockade. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Russia’s decision will ramp up the food security concerns in Africa and the Middle East. Blinken said Russia’s action is “unconscionable” and he hopes the rest of the world is watching.

Putin: Grain Deal Fell Short – Russian President Vladimir Putin claims the Black Sea Grain Initiative fell short of its humanitarian purpose and that’s the reason Russia did not renew the grain deal. In an article published early today, Putin said Russia will have a record crop this year and can replace Ukrainian grain in global markets.

Russia Ramps Up Attack on Ukrainian Grain Infrastructure – After quitting the Black Sea grain deal, Russia has targeted Ukrainian ports on a nearly daily basis. Russian drones attacked the Ukrainian port infrastructure on the Danube River overnight. Grain storage facilities were destroyed in the attack. The port city of Odessa has also faced nonstop attacks.

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 weather forecast remains the main driver in the grain market. “We’re also seeing Russia continuing to lob missles at Ukrainian ports which will likely put an end to any kind of grain shipments out of Ukraine.”

Ukraine Wants Grain Deal to Return – Ukraine’s foreign minister is calling for the restoration of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. During a stop in Pakistan, the Ukrainian leader said it is impossible to ship the necessary amount of grain by land. The United Nations has warned the end of the grain deal will force food prices higher.

Farm Bill Deadline Looming Closer – North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne has been traveling around the state for his President’s Tour. Watne spoke with members about critical issues, including crop insurance and the farm bill. “There’s obvious concern that the farm bill will need an extension and that it won’t get done before the end of the year.”

Base Acre Update Sought – During Corn Congress in Washington, D.C., National Corn Growers Association delegates passed a resolution seeking a mandatory update for commodity program base acres. Policy was also adopted calling for restrictions to foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.

Crop Insurance Targeted in New Bill – New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Oregon Representative Andrea Salinas have introduced legislation that would gut the crop insurance program. This bill seeks a renegotiation of the Standard Reinsurance Agreement focusing crop insurance on farms of 180 acres or less. The proposal also calls for the public reporting of each farmers’ crop insurance payments.

Corn and Soybeans Are Fine, Wheat is Disappointing – At East Grand Forks, Matthew Kreuger is happy with his corn. Soybean development varies from field to field. “We’ve got soybeans at V4 all the way to R3 and R4,” Krueger told RRFN. “Soybeans looked ugly until mid-July and now it looks like they’ll do something.” Wheat is starting to turn after being hurt by early-season conditions. “You go out there now and it is mid-shin tall and fully headed out; it’s disappointing knowing what could have been and what happens with extreme heat and droughthy weather.”

Crop Update Across the Northern Red River Valley – The crop mix in the northern Red River Valley adjusted to this season’s wide range of weather conditions. “With the early heat, the spring wheat was not a fan of that, but the corn loved it,” said Ryan Anderson, senior director of operations, CHS Ag Services. “We were fortunate in some of our areas to catch some rain to keep the soybeans going. The sugarbeets go down deep and find that moisture; I think the beet crop looks good.” Fertilizer is starting to be booked for fall. We’re trying to put our growers in the best position that we can so that starts now for us. If we’re going to be on the right side of it, we have to start planning early.” Anderson says there is a good value for P and K for fall use, but nitrogen is a moving target. CHS Ag Services hosted its annual customer appreciation night Tuesday in Warren.

Swenson Keeps an Eye Out for Pests – Near Brooks, Minnesota, crops could use more rain, but are looking good for now. Swenson Seed Farm owner Keith Swenson said they have had to spray for armyworms in grass crops. Soybean aphid is also present, but hasn’t reached threshold. Harvest is underway for a new crop on the Swenson farm. “Fescue seed grass was an addition for some rotation. If it’s a success, we’ll motor on with some more.” The harvested fescue seed will be brought to Norfarm Seeds in Roseau.

An Excellent Crop – Linton, North Dakota farmer Tom Bernhardt is baling barley and peas. “It’s a very nice stand and I expect to get around four bales an acre off of it.” Bernhardt’s corn, sunflowers and wheat look excellent. “We had some areas that were a little dry, but we got lucky and had a few scattered showers.”

Pioneer Agronomy Update – During this past week’s Pioneer Agronomy Update, Corteva corn breeder Dennis Dolan highlighted the company’s corn nursery outside of Sabin, Minnesota. Their plot experienced hail damage in a recent storm. “Just like our growers, we have to deal with inclement weather and react to that.” Before the storm, Dolan said the corn at this location was looking great. Despite injury, research does continue. Dolan says this nursery focuses on traits that are important to growers in the area including resistance to Goss’s Wilt and stalk lodging. “Harvestable yield is the biggest thing you have to worry about; getting the most yield with the agronomics you have.” Find the full video with Dennis Dolan here.

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council Executive Director DaNita Murray joins us with another ‘Farm Bill FYI’.

Better Wheat Seen in Nebraska – Elk City, Oklahoma custom combiner David Misener has moved into the North Platte, Nebraska area. Misener says the crop in Oklahoma and Kansas was pretty tough. “We didn’t have a lot of good yields. I did anywhere from 15-to-61 bushel wheat, but majority was around 25-to-30 bushels.” The wheat improved as harvest moved into Nebraska. “There’s been quite a bit of hail in regions, but we were still able to get some fields that were zeroed out by the hail.”

Nearly 80 Bushel Difference in Kansas Wheat Yields – Kansas Wheat Alliance CEO Bryson Haverkamp says harvest conditions vary across the state. “Yields have been all over the board, some down in the teens, while others are in the 70–to-80-bushel range.” The largest number of abandoned acres are in southern Kansas where conditions are still dry. “The southern part of the state got hit hardest by the drought with lots of wheat that just didn’t get harvested. Northern Kansas also has some abandonment, but the biggest thing right now is the hail and nasty storms they’re receiving.”

Harvest Delays – Kansas Wheat Commission Vice President of Research and Operations Aaron Harries says the state’s wheat harvest has been painfully slow. “Ironically, we’re coming out of a pretty severe drought by having a rain pattern during harvest that’s causing some delays.” Wheat quality has been slipping, but protein is holding up around 12 percent. Due to the rain, test weights are down.

Weeds Overtake Wheat in Kansas – Holdrege, Nebraska custom combiner J.C. Schemper is in the process of moving his crew to Fort Benton, Montana after finishing up in Kansas. Schemper says the crop he cut at Scott City, Kansas was pretty good with mostly 90-bushel irrigated wheat. Other fields were hit and miss. “It had a lot of green weeds, like kochia. When we don’t get rain from March up through spring, no one knows what they’re going to get for a crop.”

Weeds and Rain – U.S. Custom Harvesters Inc. Vice President Paul Paplow is finishing his harvest in the Tribune, Kansas area. It’s been a struggle. “All the way through Kansas we’ve dealt with weeds and rain.” Paplow reports southern Kansas yields averaged 35–to-40-bushels and ranged from 20-to-65 bushels an acre.

Test Weight Slipping – Bowdon, North Dakota custom combiner Mychal Neumiller is wrapping up his Kansas harvest. “We got out to western Kansas and sat for many days due to rain, but the last few days we’ve been full-bore ahead.” The wheat crop has been better than expected at some locations, but test weights slipped at the end of the run.

SD Harvest is Touch and Go – Oahe Grain Cooperation General Manager Tim Luken says the winter wheat harvest in South Dakota was delayed by rain. “There was a big storm south of here with hail and a decent amount of rain.” Winter wheat protein is surprisingly good, but yield is down. “Quality was a mixed bag, but test weights are averaging a 58.5. Yields are anywhere from 20-to-40 bushels an acre so it’s definitely not going to be a bin buster. We’re normally around that 60–to-70 bushel range so we’re getting half of a winter wheat crop.”

Rain and Humidity Slows Harvest – Shepherd Harvesting custom combiner Steve Shepherd is back in Onida, South Dakota after harvesting in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma wheat was 20-to-40 bushels an acre. “There was lots of rain, mud and really weedy conditions.” Shepherd’s South Dakota winter wheat harvest run is more than one-third complete. “It’s been a slow harvest between rain and high humidity. We’ve cut wheat from 15-to-40 bushels and test weights from 51-to-59.”

Quality Concerns in Big Sky Country – Montana Wheat and Barley Committee Executive Director Kent Kupfner says combines and swathers are rolling. “I think so far things are going pretty well, certainly better than the last two years of difficult growing conditions.” After a few years of drought, there may be some quality concerns. “There are some in the industry concerned that instead of upper 11, 12 and 13 percent protein winter wheat, that we’re going to be in the tens and low elevens. If that’s the case, it could cause some issues.”

Register Now for NCI’s Market Update: Special Edition Webinar with Dave Green – The Northern Crops Institute is hosting a Market Update: Special Edition webinar on Thursday at 2:30 PM. This special edition will feature Dave Green, Executive Vice President, Wheat Quality Council, and will focus on this year’s Hard Spring and Durum Wheat Tour. For details and to register, go online.

Crop Scouts Converge on North Dakota for Wheat Tour – The Wheat Quality Council’s Spring Wheat and Durum Tour will criss-cross North Dakota and surrounding states in the week ahead. WQC Executive Vice President Dave Green is trying to not overanticipate the size of the crop. “I saw the government estimated North Dakota at 47 bushels an acre which is down three bushels from last year which I think was a record,” Green told RRFN. “I don’t think that the (Red River) Valley and in the northeast looks as good as it can in a good year, but I hear the Minot area, southwest and northwestern North Dakota looks exceptionally good so I’m be anxious to see how that pencils in.” RRFN’s coverage the the spring wheat and durum tour is sponsored by Acres Away Ag.

Nitrogen is Making A Difference – For the first time in 20 years, the University of Minnesota is doing significant research on dry beans. University of Minnesota Soil Scientist Dr. Dan Kaiser presented a plot at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center Crops and Soils Day that looked at adjusting nitrogen rates and dealing with fertilizer guidelines in dry beans. “With the mix of what growers have in the field, it’s important to know whether or not adjustments need to be made.” Compared to last year’s trials, Kaiser is seeing more significant differences across navy bean, black bean and sugarbeet trials at the University of Minnesota-Crookston campus.

Looking for a Win Against Scab in Barley – University of Minnesota Plant Pathologist Bryan Steffenson’s research is focusing on barley that will have greater resistance to fusarium head blight. After testing approximatly 28,000 varieties, the trial at the University of Minnesota-Crookston is focusing on the top eight varieties. “Next year, we’ll have the big population of those eight varieties that have been intercrossed in a very big field nursery where we hope to find the real winner.” Steffenson also said northern Minnesota may have a new variety of winter wheat available soon.

Waterhemp is Here to Stay – Waterhemp is covering more acres every year. NDSU Extension Weed Specialist Joe Ikley says the weed is widespread across the southern part of the state. “It is continuing to spread north every year we get a flood event or waterfowl carry the seeds. It’s here to stay and will a problematic weed for us for years to come.” There are current reports of resistance to glyphosate, Group 2 herbicides and Group 14 post-emergence herbicides with more resistance popping up each year. “The big news is we’ve confirmed dicamba-resistant waterhemp in Traill County.”

NDSU Debuts Weed Destructor – Carrington Research Extension Center Director Mike Ostlie showcased the state’s first weed destructor at the annual field day. Ostlie described the weed destructor as a hammer mill on the back of a combine that grinds the weeds seeds in the chaff. Managing herbicide-resistant weeds begins at harvest. “They found greater than 95 percent control of herbicide-resistant weeds.”

Soybeans are Setting Pods – After a late start to planting, soybeans are mostly caught up and look to be in good condition. NDSU Extension Cropping Systems Specialist Greg Endres says the June weather and temperatures sped the crop along. “Most soybeans are in the R2-R3 stage which is full flower and moving into pod development.”

Surprising IDC – During the Langdon Research Extension Center’s field day, NDSU soybean breeder Carrie Miranda talked about soybean maturities and iron deficiency chlorosis traits. “I was unpleasantly surprised by how bad IDC was last year. You definitely want to start looking at those tolerant varieties.” Miranda is breeding a soybean variety that will mature faster as the crop becomes a more popular choice in rotations further west.

Canola Minute – In this week’s Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman previewed the Langdon Research Extension Center field day that highlighted canola.

More Opportunity to Expand Canola Acres – The BASF InVigor Showcase Plot Tour will be held Tuesday in the Rugby, North Dakota area. “There’s a lot of some nice looking canola in the area,” reports Bob Bohl, BASF area manager. “There’s a few areas where Mother Nature punched us in the gut early this spring and the crop had it tough right out of the chute, but there’s going to be some areas that are going to be beautiful and well exceed expectations.” Canola has moved beyond the traditional production areas in recent years. Bohl credits canola as a great rotational crop. “When you look at different herbicide utilizations, I think there’s an opportunity to bring Liberty herbicide into the mix and change up the chemistry.”

August is Soybean Aphid Season – According to a weekly report from University of Minnesota Extension Entomologist Ian MacRae, soybean aphids are starting to move. The population is similar last year at this time and close to the long-term average. MacRae said soybean aphid populations tend to increase rapidly throughout the month of August.

Hessian Fly Damage – Hessian fly has been seen for many years; but it has never been at treatable levels in North Dakota. NDSU Cropping Systems Specialist Anitha Chirumamilla says that is changing. “Last year was the first time we’ve noticed significant damage from this insect, so we’re monitoring how far it’s distributed throughout the state.”

Simple Management Tactic for Wheat Stem Sawfly – Insect pressure was discussed during the University of Minnesota Extension Small Grains Plot Tour at Brooks. “We started noticing incidents of wheat stem sawfly to increase in Minnesota,” said Jochum Wiersma, small grains specialist, University of Minnesota Extension. “It’s been an ink stain that’s slowly spreading.” Wiersma described wheat stem sawfly as a nuisance, but said they can have a bigger impact if not managed. Sawflies do not fly far and larvae cannot survive without a hollow stem host. Planting field edges with solid stem varieties helps to keep populations from spreading.

Dry Bean Scene – NDSU Extension Plant Pathologist Sam Markell talks about disease pressure in dry beans in this week’s Dry Bean Scene. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company, Endura Fungicide from BASF, SRS Commodities and Heads Up Plant Protectants.

Cool Weather Boosts Flowering – According to North Dakota State University dry bean breeder Juan Osorno, there’s a few dry bean  varieties that are excelling this year including ND Rodeo, ND Lariat, ND Polar, ND Pegasus, and ND Twilight Black. Osorno likes what he is seeing in the dry bean crop in central and northern North Dakota. “The cooler weather is perfect for setting flowers and pods right now. Hot weather leads to flower abortion and yields are affected.”

BASF Showcase Plot Tour – During the BASF Showcase Plot Tour, the company’s dry bean portfolio was highlighted. Find a series of videos from the tour on RRFN’s Twitter feed. BASF’s Henry Steinberger is featured in this update.

USMCA Panel Reviews Dairy TRQ Dispute – The conflict over dairy tariff-rate quotas was heard by a USMCA dispute settlement panel this past week. This is the second time the United States sought enforcement action against Canada over its restrictive dairy import policy. The two days of hearings are a new phase in the dispute process, giving both sides an opportunity to present their case.

Pork and Beef Production Increase in June – World Agriculture Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski says beef production increased this past month. “The increase this month reflects the ongoing pattern of pulling more beef into feedlots.” Poor forage availability persists across the country. Pork production is expected to stay steady going into 2024. “Given flat production and normal growth in demand, we expect supplies to get a little more tight.”  Jekanowski expects prices to strengthen even further next year for pork producers.

MN Beef Update – Minnesota Beef Intern Bailey Schiefelbein talks about the Minnesota State Fair in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.

Innovative Cattle Operations Highlighted – The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association hosted its summer tour in Pipestone and Murray Counties. President Jake Thompson said this tour gives producers a chance to experience different production practices. “I really hope people took something home to potentially use in their own operations or increase their profitability.” A virtual tour is available online. During the  board meeting prior to the summer tour, MSCA leadership prepared for this week’s National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Summer Business Meeting in San Diego, California.

A Change in Profitability for Cow/Calf Producers – Cow/calf margins were in the red this past year. Based on North Dakota Farm Management Education data, there was a $50 loss per cow before factoring in unpaid labor and management. “Costs were really high last year, especially feed,” said instructor Jason Fewell. “This year, it looks like costs will still be sky-high.” Despite high input costs, Fewell expects a profitable year for cow/calf operations this year. “For 2023, we’re hoping to see a couple hundred dollars per head profit.”

A Shrinking Cow Herd – The U.S. beef cow herd is at its smallest level since 1971. According to the semi-annual cattle inventory report, there were 29.4 million beef cows as of July 1. That’s down nearly three percent from a year ago and reflects the fifth straight year of declining beef cow numbers. In the separate USDA Cattle-on-Feed Report, the inventory is down two percent from July of 2022. Placements were three percent above one year ago and marketings are five percent below 2022.

Genetics Matter – The NDSU Carrington Research Extension Center has conducted feed-out research projects for over 25 years. Extension Livestock Systems Specialist Karl Hoppe says there’s currently two projects happening, one of which is North Dakota Angus University. Five pens of cattle were studied. “The average rate of gain was four-to-five pounds of gain per day with feed conversion around that 5.7- to- 7.4 pounds per day of gain.” Hoppe says the difference in genetics could add a premium on sale day. “Our total cost of gain in those cattle was actually 25 cents per pound higher for one group of calves then another. One group had an $85 loss and another prime group made $219 a head.”

The Pros and Cons of Corn Silage – Corn silage can be a useful feed source if it makes sense in the budget. “For some people, it may be a very cost-effective way to feed animals, but you need to know what the costs are and the appropriate use of those feed stuffs,” said James Rogers, forage production specialist, NDSU Extension. Corn silage is a palatable and energy-dense feed, but costs can be higher because it’s typically harvested by a third party.

Managing Manure – We’re in the midst of summer, but NDSU Extension Livestock Environmental Management Specialist Mary Keena says winter feeding area maintenance should start now. “Snow is going to come sooner than we expect, so to allow time for our feeding areas to dry out, we need to get in and manage it now.” Controlling weeds is the first step in manure management. “Pushing manure into piles is going to start the initial burn-down of our manures, allow surface drying and disturb the weed population.”

Coalition Calls for Checkoff Changes – More than 60 farm organizations are working together to support changes to the commodity checkoff programs. These groups are looking for more transparency and accountability. The coalition includes the National Farmers Union, R-CALF USA, Independent Beef Association of North Dakota, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association and Dakota Rural Action.

Hearing Scheduled for Federal Order Reform – USDA has scheduled a national hearing to review federal milk marketing orders for August 23 near Indianapolis. Thirty proposals were submitted and 21 are in the scope of the hearing. In an interview with the Red River Farm Network, Associated Milk Producers Incorporated Chair Steve Schlangen said the numbers used in many of these proposals are still outdated. “They’re not anywhere close to where they should be as far as what it really costs to make milk into cheese and whey,” said Schlangen. “With the numbers we’re using right now to create a Class III price, the costs are from 2005. My God, I think labor was $10 an hour then.” Schlangen also wants the farm bill to include mandatory reporting of production costs in the dairy plants and surveying every two years “so that this thing doesn’t get way out of line like it has been.”

EPA Preparing New Herbicide Strategy – The Environmental Protection Agency will release its final herbicide strategy by the end of March, 2024. EPA must submit a draft proposal for public comment by the end of this month. This effort is part of a settlement agreement between the agency and the Center for Biological Diversity. The activist group sued EPA, claiming it failed to consider the impact of nearly 400 pesticides on endangered species.

Season-Long Sugarbeet Disease Management – According to University of Minnesota Extension Sugarbeet Pathologist Ashok Chanda, there has been less rhizoctonia pressure this season. “Growers are doing an amazing job staying on top of seed treatments and fungicide applications.” As weather conditions change, so does the disease pressure. Chanda reminds producers managing disease is a season long process. “If it does rain in a few places, you need to be on top of fungicide applications to control cercospora.”

Sugarbeet Report – University of Minnesota Extension Soil Scientist Lindsay Pease gives an update on her cover crop research with sugarbeets. Hear more in the Sugarbeet Report, presented by Syngenta, Amity Technology, H&S Manufacturing, SESVanderHave and Bayer CropScience.

Drought Worsens in Minnesota – D3 drought are now evident in parts of central and southeastern Minnesota. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says three percent of the state is now in the extreme drought category. “That is significant because we’re going to see our D2 is at about 18 percent of the state and that severe drought will move into that extreme drought category very quickly when you look at the temperatures we’re expecting this next week.” The Minnesota Drought Task Force is now meeting on a regular basis. “One of the things we’re really working on is making sure farmers find the hay and pastures that they need. Some of the Dakotas or other parts of the country may not be as bad as Minnesota and have hay, grain and resources that our farmers need.”

Field Drainage Payoff – The University of Minnesota is conducting research on drainage. “We’re looking at impacts on yields, nutrient losse and environmental impact downstream,” said Lindsay Pease, Extension soil scientist. Installing drainage is a long-term investment. Pease expects the 60 acre drainage trial to earn back the cost of installation in about ten years. The research at the University of Minnesota-Crookston has been underway since 2019. “Since then, it’s been relatively dry so we aren’t seeing that immediate return year-after-year.” Yields have gotten more consistent which is beneficial.

EPA Faces Cuts in House Budget Bill – The House Appropriations Committee has approved a budget that would reduce the EPA’s funding to its lowest level since 1991. The party-line vote cut the agency’s budget by nearly 40 percent from the current fiscal year. The bill now goes to the full House.

Lawmakers Propose Emergency Haying Provision – A bill has been introduced to expedite the process for emergency haying of CRP ground. This emergency provision is currently not available until after the primary nesting season ends August 1. The bill would allow emergency haying before that date if certain conditions were met. The bill was introduced by South Dakota Senator John Thune and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith. Co-sponsors include Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds and North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer.

Federal Court Grants a Stay in WOTUS Lawsuit – The federal court in North Dakota has sided with the Environmental Protection Agency and agreed to a delay in the latest legal action concerning the Waters of the United States. Judge Daniel Hovland said the federal government has “demonstrated good cause” for granting a stay. The Biden Administration plans to have its new WOTUS proposal rewritten by September 1. Agriculture groups asked the court to vacate the WOTUS rule following the recent Supreme Court decision.

Protecting Farmers and Consumers – USDA is partnering with attorneys general in 31 states to address anticompetitive market conditions in agriculture. The state attorneys general will now have additional authority to conduct investigations into price gouging, conflicts of interest and anticompetitive behavior in the food and agriculture sectors. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is part of this effort and said unfair markets in agriculture result in artificially high prices. The Minnesota AG’s Office is part of a lawsuit that claims Syngenta and Corteva excludes generic competitors with its customer loyalty programs.

ASPIRE Act Address Workforce Shortages – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith has introduced a bipartisan bill titled Agriculture Skills Preparation for Industry Recruitment Efforts Act. This proposal would address workforce shortages in the ag industry. “It creates a way to do work-based apprenticeships and hands-on training from working with other farmers, training in dairy management, or meat processing.” The ASPIRE Act would allow more people to enter into the agricultural industry and address other challenges like access to capital, rising farmland prices and operating loans.

Honey Labeling Bill Introduced – North Dakota Congressman Kelly Armstrong has introduced legislation to create a standard of identity for honey and update the labeling requirements. “North Dakota produces more honey than any other state, yet, there is no standard definition of honey,” said Armstrong.

Soybean Checkoff Approves Budget – The United Soybean Board has approved a $191.5 million budget for the 2024 fiscal year. That compares to a budget of $163.7 million for the current fiscal year. In addition to communication/education and export promotion, USB priorities include infrastructure/connectivity, health/nutrition and innovation/technology.

Investing in Soybean Research and Innovation – The United Soybean Board met this past week in Niagara Falls, New York for their July board meeting. North Dakota farmer Ryan Richards is on the board and is excited to continue working to promote biofuels. “We work with and fund the Clean Fuels Alliance of America. They do a wonderful job to promote biodiesel and educate.” USB was also tasked with finding more uses for soybean meal with additional crush plants in development. Richards cited a firefighting foam that is in the regulatory approval stages of development which is made from soybean meal. Find more details on USB funding here.

AIC Ready to Crush Soybeans This Fall – The  Ag Innovation Campus at Crookston, Minnesota is getting closer to processing soybeans. Construction on the outdoor equipment is expected to be done this month. “There were delays in some of the pumps and other technical things that we weren’t expecting,” said Mike Skaug, chair. “Things had to be ordered and the lead time was pretty long.” The crush facility should come online this fall. Skaug says there will be around 20 full time employees once the plant is fully operational and hiring has begun for those positions.

Climate-Smart Markets – During the National Association of Conservation Districts Summer Meeting in Bismarck, climate-smart agriculture was highlighted. The Eco-Harvest program, which is organized by the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, rewards farmers for regenerative agriculture practices. That includes credits for carbon, greenhouse gas and water quality.

2Q Losses for Yara – Yara reports a $300 million loss for the second quarter. That compares to net income of $664 million one year ago. The Norway-based fertilizer company says the second quarter downturn was influenced by a declining price trend.

ADM Puts Focus on Soil Health and the Environment – Archer Daniels Midland is expanding its regenerative agriculture program. More than one million acres were enrolled in 2022 and two million acres were enrolled this year. ADM plans to cover four million acres globally by 2025. The expansion will allow offer financial incentives and technical support to farmers in 18 states and three Canadian provinces for implementing cover crops, conservation tillage and similar practices.

More Visability for Seeding and Fertilizer Application – Precision Planting has launched a new product for the air seeder and fertilizer market. The Clarity system is a combination of advanced flow and blockage monitoring. Detailed information at the row-by-row level will show variation and reduction in flow on a Precision Planting 20/20 monitor.

CLAAS Brings New Tractors to Market – CLAAS has introduced two new tractor lines and expaned options on a third. The XERION 12 Series was built to handle the largest air seeders, tillage equipment and grain carts. The ARION 600 Series is available in a horsepower range of 165-to-205 hp and is designed for greater versatility. CLAAS also updated the AXION 900 TT Series that was introduced last year. It now includes updated row crop options.

Case IH and Honey Bee Manufacturing Team Up – Case IH is collaborating with Honey Bee Manufacturing to allow WSC draper heads to connect to Case IH WD5 series self-propelled windrowers. This brings the draper head technology for self-propelled windrowers to small grain and canola farmers.

A New Option for Haymakers – New Holland Agriculture North America has a new header for its Speedrower PLUS Series self-propelled windrowers. The new Durabine 413 PLUS disc header features a cut width of 13 feet. This gives haymakers an additional size to choose from in its Durabine Plus Series.

AURI Update – AURI’s Ag Innovation Podcast partners with agriculturalists, innovators, and more. Hear more in the latest AURI Update.

Wheat/Barley Group Now Known as Alberta Grains – Two Canadian farm organizations are merging. As of August 1, Alberta Barley and the Alberta Wheat Commission will be known as Alberta Grains. The two commissions have been operating under shared management since 2017. Last year, Alberta wheat and barley farmers voted overwhelmingly for the merger.

Nutrien Hires Murray – Patrick Murray is the new Midwest director of state government and industry affairs for Nutrien. Murray previously worked for the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers Association and Minnesota AgriGrowth Council.

Bartholomay Kattle Kompany Recieves ND Leopold Conservation Award – Bartholomay Kattle Kompany of Sheldon has been named as the recipient of the 2023 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award. This award recognizes private landowners who are dedicated to land, water, and wildlife resources. The Bartholomays will receive $10,000. The Leopold Conservation Award is presented to private landowners in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. Find more information about the award here.

MN Dairy Farmer Joins Edge Board – Brady Janzen, who is a partner with Riverview Dairy at Morris, Minnesota will serve an interim term on the Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative board. Janzen fills a vacancy left by Mitch Davis, who sold his Minnesota-based dairy farms, and transitioned to an advisory role. Edge is based in Green Bay and serves dairy farmers in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

ND Ethanol Producers Association Names New Executive Director – Laura Lacher is the new executive director for the North Dakota Ethanol Producers Association. Lacher is an account executive with a Bismarck association management firm that has provided management services to the group since 2012.

SDPPC Welcomes New Staffer – Abbey Riemenschneider will be joining the South Dakota Pork Producers Council as the director of programs and communications. Riemenschneider is a 2023 graduate of Iowa State University with a double major in animal science and international agriculture.

North Dakotan Joins AgMarket.Net Team – John Stewart & Associates has added hedging strategist Kenan Layden to its farm division, known as AgMarket.Net. Layden is based out of the Almont, North Dakota office. Previously, Layden taught risk management, agribusiness fundamentals and plant science at Bismarck State College.

Another Term for NDSC Officers – The North Dakota Soybean Council executive committee was reelected. Chris Brossart of Wolford will serve another term as chairman. Rob Rose of Wimbeldon is vice chair. Mike Schlosser of Edgeley is secretary and Jim Thompson of Page is treasurer.

Worth Reelected – Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth has been reelected for another term. Darin Johnson of Wells is vice president. Rose Wendinger of St. James is secretary and Ryan Mackenthun of Brownton is treasurer.

MAAE Award Winners Named – The Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators presented Doug Hanson of Willmar with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Hanson is a former ag teacher at Willmar High School and coordinated the Minnesota FFA career development contests. Former Minnesota FFA Advisor Joel Larson was recognized for Outstanding Service. The University of Minnesota-Crookston is the Outstanding Post Secondary/Adult Programs award winner. The Academy for Sciences and Agriculture charter school is the Outstanding Middle/Secondary Program. Eric Sawatzke of West Central Area Schools is the Outstanding Ag Education Teacher of the Year. Tori Barka of Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sundburg received the early career teacher award. Minnesota Farmers Union was honored for outstanding cooperation and Compeer Financial was recognized with the Business and Industry Award.

Corn Matters – Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation Executive Director Ann Marie Ward talks about their schedule this summer. Hear more in the latest Corn Matters, brought to you by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

Star Finalists Named – National FFA Association has announced the 16 finalists for the 2023 American Stars. Daniel Jossund from the Ada-Borup-West FFA Chapter in Minnesota is one of the four finalists for American Star Farmer. McCook Central FFA Chapter member Hadley Stiefvater from South Dakota is a finalist for American Star in Agriscience.