A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Monday, July 06, 2020
Shining a Light on our Young Leaders – For 4-H and FFA members, the state fair is a rite of passage. It is often a milestone in a young person’s life. With the cancelation of the North Dakota and Minnesota State Fairs, these students are missing the opportunity to show their animal or project this year. The Red River Farm Network is shining a light and celebrating the tremendous youth in 4-H and FFA. Beginning this week and continuing through the summer, the RRFN Parade of Champions will highlight our next generation. You’ll find those stories in this e-publication, on the radio and in social media.
Acreage Report Surprised the Market – In the June acreage report, USDA estimated corn planted area at 92 million acres, up three percent from last year. That’s also five million acres below the USDA’s March estimate of 97 million acres of corn. Soybean acreage is estimated at 83.8 million acres, up ten percent from last year.
HRSW Acreage Drops Four Percent – Nationwide, the area seeded to spring wheat is down four percent from last year. North Dakota is the largest spring wheat production state in the country with 6 million acres. That’s down ten percent from last year. Spring wheat acreage is estimated at 1.3 million acres in Minnesota and 850,000 acres in South Dakota.
Corn Acreage Declines in ND, Increases in MN, SD – North Dakota’s corn acreage dropped 1.1 million acres, totaling 2.4 million for 2020. Minnesota’s corn acreage moved from 7.8 million acres last year to 8.1 million this year. For South Dakota, corn acres rose just over one million acres, totaling 5.4 million. As expected, soybean planted acres increased in all three states. The soybean acreage is at 7.4 million acres in Minnesota; 6 million acres in North Dakota and 5.2 million in South Dakota. The complete set of numbers from the June USDA Acreage Report are available here.
Canola Minute – There is new clubroot research showing some positive results. Learn more from Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman in the latest Canola Minute.
Record High Dry Bean Acreage in ND, Potato Number is Record Low – Nationwide, canola acreage is down eight percent from last year. The planted area for canola in North Dakota totals more than 1.5 million acres, down nine percent from last year. Minnesota canola acreage increased. Dry bean acreage throughout the country is at 1.6 million acres, up 23 percent from last year. The North Dakota planted acreage for dry edible beans is 810,000 acres, which is record high. The acres devoted to potatoes is down in both Minnesota and North Dakota, with North Dakota’s acreage at an all-time low. The area planted to sunflowers this year is up 14 percent from last year. North Dakota is the state with the largest increase from last year. South Dakota also had a significant bump in the number of acres planted to sunflowers.
Corn Stocks Up, Wheat and Beans Down in the June Report – In the June Quarterly Grains Stocks Report from USDA, corn stocks as of June 1 were up less than one percent compared to the previous year at 5.22 billion bushels. That is above trade expectations of 4.95 billion bushels. On-farm stocks increased slightly, and off-farm stocks decreased. U.S. soybean stocks dropped by 22 percent to 1.39 billion bushels, spot on with trade estimates. On-farm stocks are down 13 percent from the previous year and off-farm stocks are down 28 percent. Old crop wheat stocks come in at 1.04 billion bushels. That is a decrease of three percent when compared to the 2019 figure and above trade estimates. There is a 12 percent increase in on-farm all wheat stocks and a seven percent decrease in off-farm stocks from one year ago. The full report is available here.
Pioneer Agronomy Update – Good subsoil moisture and heat is pushing the corn near Hillsboro, North Dakota. The crop is reaching the stage where it’s using extra nitrogen. “The V8 to V12 stage is really the high use nitrogen zone,” said Jesse Moch, field agronomist, Pioneer Seeds. “The plants are moving along, using nitrogen and picking up nutrients. The fields are green and the early corn is about ten days from tasseling.” The crop in northeastern North Dakota is about 100 growing degree units (GDUs) ahead of average. “Everybody got gun shy on hybrid maturities coming out of 2019. We got so far behind on GDUs and many farmers stuck with their maturities,” said Moch. “I think in this type of year it will pay off because looking at the three-month forecast. :ooking at what we have in the 15 day forecast, we should reach corn maturity early.” Watch the latest Pioneer Agronomy Update on Facebook and listen to the story.
Weather Driving the Corn Markets – The weather forecasts will drive the corn market through pollination. “There’s pockets of dryness in Minnesota, but for the most part, pretty ideal conditions there. South Dakota is half and half and Nebraska is dry, but land is irrigated,” said Kristi Van Ahn, market analyst, Van Ahn and Company. “We’ll reach the point of pollination quickly and right now, we’re looking at extremely hot and dry conditions across the board.” USDA also shocked the market with much lower corn acreage than expected, which is leading to a lot of questions for the markets. “The USDA came in with an acre number on corn that was below the lowest estimate by more than one million acres. No one was forecasting that or that the acres disappeared. That’s one thing people are questioning the USDA on right now.”
What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets? – The stock market is hot. The weather is also a hot story for the grain trade. Find out more in this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets featuring Tommy Grisafi from Advance Trading.
A Wheat Market Weather Story – Northern Crops Marketing and Investments President Brad Paulson says the recent rains across North Dakota pressured the spring wheat market. “The rain took the wind out of the sails and there’s more rain in the forecast,” says Paulson. “Then again, I don’t think the trade realizes for many farmers the rain in western North Dakota was too little too late. Some farmers didn’t get any rain.” Paulson says wheat production concerns are popping up around the world. “One-third of Australia is dry and Argentina is way too dry. The Russia and Ukraine areas are dry as well. There are other issues to talk about, too.”
Crop Watch – The crops east of Moorhead, Minnesota are growing quickly. “I’m pretty pleased,” said Michael Cook, seedsman, Row Crop Solutions. “The corn is waist high, lush green and the stands are good. The soybeans look alright as farmers finish up spraying.” Cook is monitoring root development, stand and plant health. “I haven’t found too many issues.” Near Lake Park, West Central Ag Services location manager Luke Langerud said the area crops are doing well. “The soybeans are starting to get legs underneath of them, the corn is growing and wheat is heading out nicely.” There are no major concerns for the crop at this time. Sugarbeets vary across the Red River Valley. “We started out with challenges,” said Nick Revier, regional sales manager, SESVanderHave. “The northern Red River Valley got in earlier and the Moorhead district got the crop in earlier, too. The center of the Red River Valley struggled with last year and planting dates were later than farmers wanted.” Recent heat and moisture will cause some disease issues. “With this extreme heat, the ground will start heating up and we’ll start looking for root rot issues. Rows are getting close to canopy and we’ll watch cercospora leaf spot as well.” Hear the latest Crop Watch.
Rain Brings Relief for Western ND Crops – Farmers in the central and western portions of North Dakota got some much-needed rains in the last week. It had been too long since Bismarck, North Dakota farmer Clark Coleman had seen a rain. Coleman’s farm got at least two rounds of rain totaling a few inches. “I’ve got some barley ground just north of Bismarck that had only received .35 of an inch of rain since snow melt on that chunk of ground. It’s tough to raise a crop on .35 of an inch of rain,” says Coleman. “The rains made a big difference and it gives folks hope to produce a decent crop with what’s left.” The rains may not help the small grains much, some if it is already heading, but Coleman is still optimistic about the corn and soybeans. Near Coleharbor, Paul Anderson’s farm received several inches of rain; the most they’d seen in about one month. “The rains helped the corn out quite a bit. There was corn around us starting to roll up and pineapple pretty bad in the afternoon, but the rain helped things out.” Around the Williston area, farmer Troy Bratcher says crops were going downhill quickly before the rains. “I guess there’s no recovery from the stuff that’s already been impacted by the drought, but there’s still some potential for later crops with a little more moisture and not 100 degree weather. That’s the story for western North Dakota from what I’ve seen.”
Two Very Different Haying Season Stories – Some cattle producers in the Northern Plains have been dealing with too much moisture, while others are barely getting by with too little. At Leeds, North Dakota, Kenner Simmental owner Erika Kenner was one of those producers sitting just right precipitation-wise until several inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period this past week. Further west near Manning, ND, Hills Valley Ranch owner Weston Dvorak describes his first cutting of hay as “one of the worst” in his lifetime. The area finally received a much-needed three-plus inches of rain this week, but before that just 0.65 inches fell since March. Despite dealing with too much moisture nearly all spring and summer, Badger, Minnesota rancher Shane Isane is staying optimistic about trying to put up hay. Hear from these cattle producers in this Red River Farm Network story.
Giving the Wheat Crop a Protein Boost – To boost protein levels, the prime time to apply nitrogen is immediately after flowering. NDSU Extension Soil Scientist Dave Franzen says the recipe is ten gallons of 28 percent and ten gallons of water. “Put it on with flatpan nozzles broadcast in the cool of the day. It’s not good to do it in the evening because the wheat is so tired and it can burn it a lot.” Growers can expect a half-to-a full point increase in protein. Franzen advises farmers to avoid the so-called high efficiency nitrogen stabilizers. “It might work on a golf course, but it doesn’t work on a foliar.
WestBred Wheat Report – The heat, humidity and moisture means it is a prime time for diseases in wheat. Hear more from WestBred technical product manager Grant Mehring in the latest WestBred Wheat Report.
Waterhemp Takes Off With the Heat and Moisture – Weed pressure is cranking up. FMC Retail Market Manager Sam Lockhart is seeing some common weed issues. “I’ve seen fields that were prevent plant last year really come alive with a lot of waterhemp. Residual herbicides are needed for that weed.” Insect issues include soybean aphids and armyworms. Grasshoppers are also being seen. “It’s kind of surprising with all the moisture we’ve had. They usually come out when it’s dry, but there’s a fair amount of grasshoppers coming out of road ditches.”
Dry Bean Scene – It’s never too early to starting scouting and treating for disease in dry edible beans. According to NDSU Extension plant pathologist Sam Markell, white mold and rust are two common diseases farmers should look for. Get the full details in the Dry Bean Scene, made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company and SRS Commodities.
BASF Virtual Showcase Plot Tour Continues – In response to COVID-19, the BASF Roughrider Group has found a new approach to reach growers. The Red River Farm Network is partnering with BASF to offer a virtual edition of their Showcase Plot Tour. Conditions are favorable for white mold this year. BASF Technical Service Representative Ken Deibert has great agronomic recommendations in the latest video update on the RRFN Facebook page.
Trump Tweet – President Donald Trump confronted China on Twitter again this morning. In Trump’s words, ‘China has caused great damage to the United States and the rest of the world.’ The Chinese government has changed its policy over Hong Kong, prompting Congress to vote for sanctions against China. China has been making purchases of U.S. soybeans, including business that was announced this morning. However, there are still questions whether China will meet its obligations under the phase one trade agreement.
USMCA Positives Highlighted in Farmers for Free Trade Roundtable – Farmers for Free Trade hosted a virtual roundtable discussion on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The agreement went into effect on July 1. House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson said the implementation is a positive in a time when positive action is needed. “Thank goodness we got it (the USMCA) done when we did,” said Peterson. “I would say that we need to be vigilant. There are troubling signs of people using the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason to put up trade barriers. We’ve seen some monkey business going on in Mexico and we continue to worry about Canadians and dairy policy. We need to be vigilant and make sure the trade agreement is enforced.” Iowa Senator Joni Ernst was also part of the discussion. “I do think it’s important to continue touting the success of this phenomenal trade deal. Hopefully, this will lead to more in the future.”
MN Senator Says USMCA Offers Much Needed Certainty – Minnesota Senator Tina Smith says the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is good news for agriculture. “No trade deal is perfect, but this trade deal will provide some much-needed certainty at a moment where we could use some good news in agriculture. It has some good provisions to help expand market access for dairy products in Canada, which would be helpful.” Some of those dairy provisions are already triggering a challenge. “It goes to show how important it is to monitor these deals and make sure they get implemented the way they were intended to be implemented,” says Smith. “We shouldn’t have to be fighting these battles right away, but we’ll keep pushing at it.”
USMCA Implications for the U.S. Dairy Industry – Roughly 40 percent of U.S. dairy exports go to Canada and Mexico. International Dairy Foods Association President and CEO Michael Dykes says that adds to the significance of the newly implemented U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. There’s speculation Canada’s new Tariff Rate Quota plan will restrict imports of U.S. branded cheese and butter products. “Throughout the extensive negotiations with Canada, the message was clear we need a new day in our trade relationships with Canada on dairy. Let’s not have any funny business here; let’s make sure we do this above board.” IDFA has voiced its concerns to the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.
FY21 Ag Spending Bill to be Heard Today – The House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee will meet later today to vote on the spending bill for the new fiscal year. The proposal, which was released over the weekend, includes $3.3 billion for ag research. That’s an increase of nearly $1 billion from this year. There’s also a significant increase in spending for rural broadband. The full committee will hear the bill on Thursday.
Deciding How to Use Replenished CCC Funds – An additional $14 billion is available to replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation this month. That money can be used a few different ways to help farmers. including the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. “The question is do we use the $14 billion for COVID-19 assistance or do we get additional funding in some kind of fourth phase of the coronavirus aid?” asked John Hoeven, chairman, Senate Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee. “I don’t know which way that will go yet, but I think we’re going to continue getting additional assistance for farmers and ranchers to get through this stretch.” The Senate Agriculture Committee met the week of July 1 discuss what the agriculture provisions could look like in another coronavirus stimulus package. Some of the provisions included in the HEROES Act are being considered in the Senate. “That had about $16.5 billion included for agriculture,” said Hoeven. “We’re talking to House members about that right now.”
Potato News – It’s time to scout for the Colorado potato beetle. University of Minnesota Extension Entomologist Ian MacCrae says the beetles are slower to get out this year, but adult populations are starting to grow. Potato News is made possible by Corteva Agriscience, Bayer, Sipcam Agro and BASF’s Provysol fungicide, the new standard for early blight.
MFU Minute – The Minnesota Farmers Union and other groups are challenging the Trump Administration’s Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule. Learn more from President Gary Wertish in the latest MFU Minute.
Agriculture Groups Challenge Fuel Efficiency Rule – A coalition of agriculture groups are challenging a fuel efficiency rule for vehicles from the Environmental Protection Agency. One of those organizations is Farmers Union, who says the rule fails to recognize the benefits of mid-level ethanol blends for achieving higher octane levels. The rule in question by the ag groups is the Safer Affordable Fuel Efficiency Vehicle Rule, which calls for a five percent increase in fuel efficiency for light-duty vehicles. Finalized in April, the rule reversed a former rule calling for improvements in vehicle efficiency. A petition has been filed in repose for review in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
ACE Disappointed in the EPA’s 2020 RVO Delay – The American Coalition for Ethanol is disappointed the Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t issued an interim final rule to increase the Renewable Volume Obligation for 2020 yet. Earlier this year, the coalition asked the EPA to ensure the full 20.09 billion gallons required by the Renewable Fuel Standard are used due to the unanticipated drop in ethanol blending as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. ACE CEO Brian Jennings said the only action the EPA has taken since the request is to entertain 52 new retroactive waiver requests for refiners claiming economic hardships dating back more than one decade.
MN Corn Matters – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association has partnered with Kluis Commodities in a series of marketing webinars. Learn more in the latest Corn Matters report from MCGA Public Relations Manager Brent Renneke.
Environmental Group Seeks Depopulation Database – A coalition of environmental activist groups wants USDA to produce a permanent, searchable database regarding the animals euthanized during the coronavirus pandemic. The Natural Resources Defense Council, the Center for Biological Diversity and Earthjustice are among the groups upset with the disposal of those animals and the possible impact on the environment. The coalition wants to know the location of these farms and the methods used for euthanasia.
MN Beef Update – Meet Patricia Erickson, a Minnesota Beef Council board member from the northwest part of the state. Hear about Erickson’s passion for the beef industry in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.
Additional Funding Approved for ND Meat Processing Facilities – An additional $2.7 million in funding has been approved by the North Dakota Emergency Commission for meat processing plants. The funding comes from the coronavirus relief bill to provide cost-share assistance to meat processing plants. The cost-share program started last month with $1.3 million to help state-inspected and custom exempt facilities upgrade facilities and equipment to meet increased meat demand. Read the full press release.
The Sugarbeet Report – Areas in the Red River Valley had heavy rains this past week, which may have an impact on some of the sugarbeet crop. Hear more in the latest Sugarbeet Report, made possible by Provysol from BASF, Premium Ag Solutions, Corteva Agriscience, SESVanderHave, Vive Crop Protection, H&S Manufacturing and Syngenta.
Beef Checkoff Launches New “United We Steak” Campaign – The Beef Checkoff is constantly looking for new ways to excite people about beef. And according to research conducted by Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner, nearly one-third of consumers plan to grill more this summer. That’s why 50 steaks and 50 states are being showcased in “United We Steak” campaign. Cattlemen’s Beef Board chairman Jared Brackett, a producer from Idaho, says it puts a fun twist on summer grilling. Not only does the campaign have a heavy consumer focus, but it also has a message to share among fellow cattle producers. There are many ways ranchers raise cattle across the U.S. and how beef is prepared. “Producers may just learn something new,” says Brackett. Listen to the full Red River Farm Network story here.
Parade of Champions: Pete Wang – Pete Wang lives on the border of Benson and Ramsey Counties. As a result, Pete belongs to 4-H in both counties with the BC Blazers and the Ramsey Riders clubs. During his time in 4-H, Pete has exhibited everything from poultry to pigs to goats. Last year, Pete missed Achievement Days because he was at basic training and is leaving this week for the West Point Academy. “Actually, I think 4-H is one of the things that got me in. I went through the congressional nomination interviews and they were so surprised I was involved in sports and extracurricular activities, like 4-H, and maintained my grades.” Thanks to NDFB, the North Dakota Grain Growers Association, AgCountry Farm Credit Services and others for sponsoring the Parade of Champions. Here’s the full interview.
Big Iron Farm Show is a Go – The Big Iron Farm Show will happen in 2020. “We’re in the process of implementing the things we need to do for the protection of our people that are attending,” said Dave Gehrtz, chair, Big Iron Committee. “Unless the government says we can’t, we’re going to have a Big Iron. Gehrtz says Big Iron will celebrate its 40th anniversary. “There’s going to be some special things that we’re going to be doing as far as exhibits and memorabilia for the 40th anniversary will be produced.” The Big Iron Farm Show will be held September 15-17 in West Fargo.
Farm Progress, Husker Harvest Shows Cancel for ’20 – In mid-June, organizers for the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa and Husker Harvest Days in Grand Island, Nebraska said they were moving forward with the shows, but have since reversed that decision. The recent spike in coronavirus cases was cited as the reason for the cancelation.
NDSA Feedlot Tour Goes Virtual – The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association is excited to present the virtual edition of their Feedlot Tour. The tour includes an inside look at Edgewood Ranch near Fordville, North Dakota and an update from NDSA environmental services director Scott Ressler. Join the Stockmen’s Association and the Red River Farm Network in just four days for a great program. Pre-registration is required and can be found at www.ndstockmen.org.
DFA Faces RICO Allegations – Dairy Farmers of America leadership are being sued, facing claims predatory pricing strategies were implemented to eliminate competition. The lawsuit was filed by a group of farmers and a Dean Foods shareholder. The complaint was filed under the federal government’s RICO Act and asks for divestiture and dissolution of DFA. A spokesperson for DFA said the lawsuit is “without merit.” DFA purchased the majority of Dean Foods’ assets after Dean Foods filed for bankruptcy.
SD Corn Comments – The annual Corn Congress will be held virtually on July 15. Learn more in the latest Corn Comments, a production of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.
SDSU Extension Announces Plan for Reopening – South Dakota State University Extension is reopening its regional officers on July 15. Social distancing and precautionary practices are still recommended. The regional Extension centers have been closed since the coronavirus outbreak began in mid-March.
engAGe: Professional Relationships During COVID-19 – In the latest engAGe episode, Nutrien Ag Solutions sales agronomist Karmen Kirkeby talks about her career and the “new normal” of working in agriculture during the COVID-19 pandemic. The engAGe podcast series is presented by AgCountry Farm Credit Services. Listen to the series on the RRFN website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or download a podcast app on Google Play.
Findlay Leaves American Soybean Association – As of June 26, Ryan Findlay is no longer the Chief Executive Officer at the American Soybean Association. An ASA spokesperson didn’t give a reason why, but told the Red River Farm Network in a statement they are appreciative of Findlay’s dedication and hard work on behalf of the soybean industry. The board hasn’t specified a timeline for hiring a new CEO, but the spokesperson said they want to start the process of filling the role quickly. The association’s chief financial officer, Brian Vaught, will serve as interim CEO.
Christensen Appointed to Mental Health Advisory Council – Cynthie Christensen has been appointed to the Minnesota State Advisory Council on Mental Health. Christensen was recently featured in RRFN’s TransFARMation podcast and radio series. That interview can be found online.
Former Rounds Staffer Goes to Rural Health Association – The National Rural Health Association has named Josh Jorgensen as its government affairs manager. Previously, Jorgensen was a legislative aide for South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds.
TransFARMation – Have you checked out TransFARMation yet? The podcast series is designed to increase awareness and reduce inhibitions about acknowledging farm stress, as well as highlight the resources available. Local farmers, ranchers and agricultural stakeholders are featured, sharing personal stories and offering a message of hope. If you or someone you know is wrestling with a challenge that’s more powerful than yourself, a list of resources is available on this page. The TransFARMation podcast is available to download and listen on iTunes, Spotify and on your favorite podcast app in the Google Play store.
Last Week’s Trivia – Mount Rushmore includes the sculptured faces of Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt. That answers this past week’s trivia. Todd Good of AgCountry Farm Credit Services tops out trivia challenge. Erin Nash of National Association of Farm Broadcasting, Dennis Sabel of Minnesota Farm Bureau, Ramsey County farmer Paul Becker and Mercer rancher Cody Wardner earn runner-up honors. The ‘first 20’ rounds out with Jim Altringer of CHS Dakota Plains Ag, retired farm business management instructor Greg Kalinowski, Randy Knudsvig of First State Bank, Willow City farmer Jim Diepolder, Kevin Praska of Stone’s Mobile Radio, Nick Sinner of Northern Crops Institute, Burleigh County farmer Jim McCullough, Bob Lebacken of RML Trading, Pekin farmer/Pioneer dealer Carl Jensen, Carver County feedlot officer Alan Langseth, Renville County farmer Mickey Peterson, Harvey farmer Bill Ongstad, retired controller Evonne Wold, Karlstad farmer Justin Dagen and Royalton farmer Darrell Larsen.
This Week’s Trivia – What kind of tree produces the acorn nut? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
Contact RRFN | Don Wick (701) 795-1315 |
Randy Koenen (701) 795-1315 |
Whitney Pittman (701) 795-1315 |
Tyler Donaldson 701-795-1315 |
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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.