Ride, Cowboy, Ride – The beloved cowboy poet and large animal veterinarian, Baxter Black, died at the age of 77. He sold more than one million books, appeared on the Johnny Carson Show and wrote a weekly column. Baxter Black was also a frequent speaker/storyteller at farm meetings and ag conventions. He connected immediately with everyone in the room with his folk style and tremendous humor. Many years ago when covering the National FFA Convention, Baxter Black sat down with a few farm broadcasters in the media room. It was just an informal conversation while Baxter was waiting to address the young men and women in blue jackets. What a wonderful memory. It didn’t matter if he was on stage or sharing a moment in the background of the meeting, Baxter Black was kind, insightful and left you smiling. Baxter eulogizes a cowboy in this YouTube video and it serves as a parting thought for all of us.

Fall Weather Outlook – With late planting across the Northern Plains, concerns shift to the need for an extended harvest season. World Weather Incorporated Senior Agriculture Meteorologist Drew Lerner says the fall weather picture is still a little cloudy. “We’ve been so late moving into spring and summer, it’s been difficult to latch onto a weather pattern.” La Nina will also play a role in the fall weather. “We’re going to have a fairly high frequency of precipitation in the latter part of the summer. That humidity will counter the lingering La Nina.”

Soybeans Planting Season is Wrapping Up – It’s past the final planting date for soybeans across the Red River Farm Network listening area, but farmers may keep planting. GL Crop Consulting Senior Crop Consultant Greg LaPlante works with growers in southeastern North Dakota. “Availability of seed is an issue. A few farmers are planting soybean varieties a little long for us because shorter day seed wasn’t available. We’re running out of time and farmers are wrapping up.”

Farming Around Potholes – Leah Johnson has the crop planted and has started spraying small grains. Johnson says the planters are still rolling in the Elbow Lake/Evansville, Minnesota area. “In the vast majority of our area around Elbow Lake, we were about four weeks behind normal for getting small grain, corn and beans in,” said Johnson. “You don’t go too far west and south of us and we still have guys trying to finish corn, trying to finish beans, and farming around potholes. That’s been the theme of this spring.” A Memorial Day storm brought 2.5-to-four inches of rain to the region. “We are extremely impressed considering what this crop has gone through to get planted and with some of the surface flooding we had on fields. With all of those factors again, this crop looks fantastic.”

Pioneer Agronomy Update – Pioneer field agronomist Kristie Sundeen says the canola crop has felt the impact of hard pounding rains. “Any canola that was in before the Memorial Day rain, we’re seeing cresting issues and only about 40-to-50 percent of the stand is up right now.” On top of that, two types of flea beetles were identified at the same time. “Normally the striped flea beetle comes out first followed by the cruicifer; this year, wham, they’re all out at the same time.” Sundeen estimates a 40 percent reduction in expected corn acres in northeast North Dakota. “They tried all the way up to June 1, but the ground was still too wet. Those acres shifted into something else.” Sundeen is featured in the last Pioneer Agronomy Update on the Red River Farm Network YouTube channel.

Hoppers! – According to the North Dakota State University Crop and Pest Report, grasshopper nymphs are being seen in field edges of spring wheat and within soybean fields in southeast, southwest and north-central North Dakota. Typically, the egg hatch will wrap up by late June. However, this year’s cool spring may stretch out that period until mid-July.

Sunflowers Fit Well in the Current Planting Scenario – SunOpta Manager Tim Petry says northwest Minnesota will see an increase in sunflower acres this year. There are a few growers who haven’t planted sunflowers in a few years showing interest. “With the success of last year’s crop and an ability to help growers manage risk really put us in a good light.” Final planting dates for portions of the Northern Plains are passed, but Petry says planting sunflowers after June 15 should not be an issue. Seed supplies are still available. “We typically have earlier maturing hybrids and sunflowers fit this planting scenario very well this year.”

Crop Watch – Planting progress varies across northern Minnesota. Brent Halfmann says this spring has been a battle in the Stephen area. The crop looks good, but it’s late. “Wheat is mostly coming up. The soybeans are starting to poke through and we just got done planting dry beans.” At Strathcona, fieldwork is just beginning. Jim Kukowski had to open the ground to get it dry. “We started two weeks ago and it was almost fit. Then, it rained.” Karlstad, Minnesota farmers are planting around the wet spots. Kurt Aakre says the end is in sight. “The surface is dry, but it’s wet underneath.” Shallow planting and warmer temperatures allow for quick emergence. “The soybeans should pop up quick.” Hear the latest Crop Watch.

Canola Minute – In the latest Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman has more about the increasing flea beetle pressure expected across the northern tier of the region.

WestBred Wheat Report – With the crop in the ground, it is important to go out and scout those fields. “Get out there early and often,” said Justin Berg, Technical Product Manager, WestBred. “Correctly identify diseases and make a plan for how to will address them.” With a high moisture environment, disease pressure is more likely. “Keep in mind with spring wheat in particular, those two uppermost leaves are the most important to protect in regards to a disease situation so getting good coverage  when we are applying fungicides is very critical.” Listen for the WestBred Wheat Report.

MN Wheat Minute – In this week’s Minnesota Wheat Minute, learn more about Rhonda Larson, an East Grand Forks, Minnesota farmer and the new chairwoman of the U.S. Wheat Associates.

WTO Ministerial Underway in Geneva – This if the first World Trade Organization conference in nearly five years. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the world has changed over that time. “I wish I could say for better, but it has certainly become more complicated. We are still trying to cope with a pandemic that has cost the world millions of lives. We have an international security crisis with the war in Ukraine. We have a major food crisis.” In a prepared statement, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai said Russia’s war against Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis. Tai said supply chain disruptions and inflation have increased the risk of food insecurity.

Duvall, Biden Discuss Supply Chain – American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall spoke with President Joe Biden about the ongoing supply chain issues and record shipping costs. The high cost of fuel and fertilizer was also part of the conversation. Biden invited the AFBF leader to bring together other agricultural leaders for a White House meeting to discuss these issues.

Labor Contract Negotiations Complicate Supply Chain Logistics – A group of 20 Republican senators is calling on the White House to participate in the ongoing labor negotiations between West Coast ports and labor unions. The lawmakers said a labor disruption would increase supply chain problems. The current contract expires at the end of the month.

Supply Chain and Rail Issues Addressed in Senate Ag Hearing – While a House Ag Subcommittee reviewed the farm bill on Thursday, a Senate Agriculture Subcommittee took a closer look at agricultural trade. Associated Milk Producers Incorporated Co-CEO Sheryl Meshke testified the U.S. government must address supply chain issues. “Congress must swiftly pass the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. At the same time, the administration can take steps to resume things like the USDA’s weekly container and availability snapshot.” Another witness, North Dakota Wheat Commission Administrator Neal Fisher, told lawmakers freight rates are a big concern for the U.S. wheat industry.  “We went through a period where we had pretty good service, a few weather events hit and then, COVID hit. I think they’re short on crews and they didn’t plan well. Costs continue to move up and it’s something farmers are noticing.”

Berdyansk and Mariupol Ports Under Russian Control – The Russian defense minister says mines are removed from the Ukrainian ports of Berdyansk and Mariupol and grain shipments can resume. Russian forces have taken over these two Black Sea ports. The Ukrainian government is accusing Russia of stealing its grain and selling it to other countries, including Turkey.

Questions Remain Over Black Sea Ports – With the possibility of Ukranian ports opening up, NDSU Extension Crops Marketing Economist Frayne Olson is monitoring the discussion between Russia, Turkey and United Nations. “Some of the ports, like Mariupol, are controlled by the Russians. There’s been a lot of damage to the port facilities themselves. Even though this port is listed as a possible alternative port, it’s unlikely,” said Olson. “Can we get vessels loaded and at what port? Then, how can we get those vessels through the areas of the biggest armed conflict and protect them?” A Ukranian agriculture official said even if the blockade is lifted, Ukraine needs six months to remove mines from the Black Sea ports.

‘Saved’ by Russian Fertilizer – Brazil’s agriculture minister said its current crop has been ‘saved’ by Russian fertilizer. Due to the inability to secure fertilizer from Ukraine, the Brazilian government struck a deal with Russia. Brazil imports over 85 percent of its crop nutrition needs.

TransFARMation: Able to See Both Sides of the Table – Brent Meshke has a unique perspective. He raises lambs, hogs, corn, soybeans and alfalfa on his Lake Crystal farm. For the past two years, Meshke has also been an ag lender for MinnStar Bank. “It definitely helps with the lending business, being able to see both sides of the table.” Commodity prices are high, but farm input costs are also escalating. Meshke stress the importance of having an accurate cash flow statement. “The projections often start at the beginning of the year, but it is also good to put sales in the projections even after you meet with the lender. Personally, I like FINPACK and there are some operators that work with Farm Business Management and that’s great.” Meshke says it is important to know the capabilities of your farm and what it will cost. Listen to the full interview.

Land Values Maintain Their Strength – Farmland values started to rise last fall and continue to hold strong. Farmers National Company Northern Region Vice President Terry Longtin says the commodity market has helped drive land values. “I would say the buyers are the same, it is mainly farmers,” said Longtin. “There’s certainly investors in the market, but the vast majority of the land still being purchased by farmers.” Longtin said optimism remains high. “We went from a drought to too much moisture all in about eight months so certainly the tide has turned with the weather. We can have a lot of good weather between now and harvest so we can have a pretty good crop in North Dakota, and northwest Minnesota.”

Commodity Prices Partially Offset High Input Costs – The new quarterly report on the farm economy from the Farm Credit Administration says diesel prices have been driven by high crude oil prices and refining issues. Supply chain problems are limiting the availability of farm machinery and parts. The Farm Credit System reports strong loan growth in the first quarter.

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 said inflationary pressure will likely result in a decision by the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee to raise interest rates this week. The high pressure ridge bringing hot weather to the Cornbelt is another major factor in the trade.

Tight Supplies – The grain trade continues to be driven by cash demand. “Ethanol margins are trading at healthy values and so are soybean crush margins,” says Britt O’Connell, market analyst, Ever.Ag. “As we talk with buyers, they indicate they are having a hard time getting their hands on old crop corn and soybeans.” O’Connell thinks the trade is looking past the planting delays in the Northern Plains. “Every year, someone seems to struggle a bit with the weather. The market takes that in stride.”

Report Highlights Economic Benefits of U.S. Sugar Industry – A study from Texas A&M University Agricultural Food and Policy Center shows the U.S. sugar industry has a positive impact on the economy. “More than 151,000 jobs are supported by sugar production in the United States,” said Rob Johansson, director of economics and policy, American Sugar Alliance. “There’s annual contributions to the economy at more than $23 billion. Both of those are an increase from the last study ten years ago.” Minnesota is the top sugarbeet producing state in the country, averaging more than one million tons of beets each year. Sugarbeet production generates more than $3 billion in economic impacts in Minnesota. Sugarbeet production contributes more than $1.8 billion annually to North Dakota’s economy. Read the report.

Be Ready for the Sugarbeet Root Maggot – The late planting season delayed the movement of the sugarbeet root maggot fly. NDSU Extension Entomologist Mark Boetel says while the maggot is a little behind, the small sugarbeet plants are a bigger concern. “The tiny plants are really vulnerable. It’s not a very nice, friendly storm rolling in. Growers will need to be aggressive, but also careful in their control efforts.” The loss of chlorpyriphos from the tool box is another concern. “There are pyrethroid insecticides that can be applied. They tend to not have as long of a residual,” explains Boetel. “Repeated applications are more likely this year. With cooler temperatures, we are expecting peaks may be more broad than they would be in an average year. An application between two and four days ahead of peak fly and another one a few days after peak fly is recommended.” Hear the interview. Photo credit: Mark Boetel, NDSU

The Sugarbeet Report – NDSU Extension Entomologist Mark Boetel tells farmers to be alert, because sugarbeet root maggot flies are emerging. Hear more in the Sugarbeet Report, presented by Amity Technology, H&S Manufacturing, SESVanderHave and REGEV from SummitAgro.

Outlaw: Raise Reference Prices in Farm Safety Net – Higher input costs highlight shortcomings of the current farm safety net. In Thursday’s House Ag Subcommittee hearing, Texas A&M Food and Policy Center Co-Director Joe Outlaw said one way to address the issue is to raise reference prices for the Agricultural Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. “Instead of forcing producers to pick which tool they want, I would suggest allowing them to receive the benefits of what’s higher in a given year. This could cost nothing more if producers have chosen wisely.” Watch the hearing.

A More Permanent Disaster Program Considered for 2023 Farm Bill – Ad-hoc government payments helped farmers in 2020 and 2021, filling in the gaps in the farm safety net. According to University of Minnesota Extension Ag Economist Bob Craven, there shouldn’t be a need for additional ad-hoc programs in the future if crop insurance is handled properly in the next farm bill. “Though we’ve had pretty extreme situations in the last four years that warranted those ad-hoc payments.” Lawmakers are considering a more permanent disaster program. University of Illinois Assistant Professor of Ag Economics Joe Janzen said the issue in developing a standing disaster assistance program is determining what constitutes as a disaster. “A standing disaster assistance program looks a lot like insurance, but covering things we didn’t know about in the future.”

Factors to Consider Heading Into the 2023 Farm Bill – House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Glenn “G.T.” Thompson says the squeeze of inflation and rising input costs scratch the surface of challenges faced in agriculture. “The critical Title 1 support programs, ARC and PLC, spent about 24 percent less than expected in the four years after passing the 2018 Farm Bill. The ten-year expected costs of these programs are down $7 billion.” Thompson says the lower spending would normally be a positive, due to the higher commodity prices, but it’s not translating to higher profitability for farms. “In just one year, the cost-per-acre for nitrogen fertilizer is up 130 percent. Farm diesel prices are up 110 percent and according to USDA’s Economic Research Service, farm production expenses are expected to jump by more than $20 billion in 2022. We must weigh these factors as we consider necessary reforms to farm bill programs.”

NPPC Promotes Policy Priorities – The National Pork Producers Council has prioritized international trade, foreign animal diseases and labor as key policy issues. With the growing threat of African Swine Fever, NPPC is asking lawmakers for additional funding to prevent and prepare for an outbreak. The labor shortage is behind demands to change the H-2A visa program to allow for year-round work. New trade deals are also being sought to allow for the growth of the swine industry.

MN Farm Bureau Goes to D.C. – Eighteen Minnesota Farm Bureau members traveled to Washington D.C. last week to meet with lawmakers. “The concern is the late planting season and the conditions in the countryside; I explained to the group what’s happening and the impacts the weather is having on crops,” said Dan Glessing, president, Minnesota Farm Bureau. “Lawmakers say there is no new funding for the 2023 bill so how do we make the most of the current programs that are work and how do we improve in areas that aren’t?” Minnesota Farm Bureau is preparing to send a farm bill survey to members.

Corn Matters – The EPA released the final Renewable Volume Obligations for 2022. In this week’s Corn Matters, hear what the final numbers mean for the U.S. corn industry. Corn Matters is presented by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

Making a Difference – National FFA Southern Region Vice President Erik Robinson took part in the North Dakota State FFA Convention. Robinson says this role gives him an opportunity to serve. “I really believe that every person on this earth, at their core, just want to make a difference.”

A Time of Growth – FFA promotes premier leadership, personal growth and career success. North Dakota FFA Vice President Avery Roth values this mission. “I look back at myself when I first joined FFA as a seventh grader and just seeing how far I’ve grown,” said Roth. “Whether it’s with public speaking or just confidence in the different abilities that you see in your own self or watching my state officer teammates this past year with how we’ve grown since last June, we’re almost completely different people.”

Finding Myself in the FFA – North Dakota FFA Sentinel Victoria Moreno delivered her retiring address at convention on Tuesday night. “I’ve found a lot of myself this year. I plan on running for a national office in 2023 and it’s important to know who you are before taking that journey.” The Dickinson State University student describes this past year as a humbling experience. Moreno also offered a message to FFA supporters. “Your support does not go unnoticed. As a state officer and as a member, I can truly say we feel and see everything we do to help us get where we need to be.”

North Dakota FFA Welcomes New Officer Team – North Dakota FFA elected a new team of state officers at their annual convention. Amy Klain from the Turtle Lake-Mercer FFA Chapter is the 2022-2023 state FFA president. Katelyn Duchscher from Rugby is the new FFA secretary. Hailey Maddock from the Maddock A.S. Gibbens FFA Chapter is vice president. The treasurer is Regan Jones from Fessenden Bowden FFA. The 2022-2023 reporter is Faith Norby from Killdeer. Jakob Van Berkom from Des Lacs-Burlington FFA has been elected as the sentinel. Wyatt Kersten from Max has been named parliamentarian.

Credit Given to the Rugby Community – Rugby, North Dakota FFA member Katelyn Duchscher was elected a state officer. “FFA has given me so much from career opportunities, leadership growth and meeting new friends and people. I really want to give back and encourage new members in the FFA.” In addition to the time commitment as a state officer candidate, Duchsher participated in three different career development contests—ag communications, floriculture and small animals. Credit is given to the Rugby community. “None of this could be possible without the people who believe in the blue jacket.”

Stars Shine at FFA Convention – The North Dakota FFA honored its stars during the convention. The State Star Farmer is Benjamin Scheresky of the Max FFA Chapter. Amy Klain of Turtle Lake-Mercer FFA is the State Star in Ag Placement and Ethan Schaffner from the Napoleon FFA Chapter is the Star Agribusiness Award winner.

Minto FFA Chapter Gets Charter – Minto FFA is one of five new chapters in North Dakota. Minto FFA advisor Callahan Anderes received the charter during the North Dakota State FFA Convention. After one year of co-oping with the Grafton FFA, Minto decided to build its own chapter. “This year, I had a strong group of seniors that decided it was time,” said Anderes. “They got the work done and we got our charter.” The chapter has ten members. Kimberly Lopez participated in this year’s convention. “FFA taught me to be a better person and I’ve grown a lot.” Hear the story.

Connecting FFA Supporters to the Next Generation – More than 700 North Dakota FFA members participated in the career show at the state convention. North Dakota FFA Foundation Executive Beth Allen says agricultural companies want access to these students. “They know what they get. These companies get quality.” The North Dakota FFA Foundation also had an auction to raise money for the FFA at the convention.

Schlecht Honored by FFA Foundation – The North Dakota FFA Foundation presented its ‘Friend of the Foundation’ Award to Warren Schlecht. Schlecht spent 36 years with Farm Credit Services of Mandan and is a lifelong FFA supporter.

Wanted: Pigs for North Dakota – The North Dakota Livestock Alliance took part in World Pork Expo, hoping to attract swine production to the state. “North Dakota’s real niche is sow ownership with those female pigs giving birth to the little piglets,” said Amber Boeshans, executive director “We’re making sure that those animals are being born into a healthy disease-free environment so they’re able to grow up into bacon producers.” The wide-open spaces in North Dakota is seen as an advantage. The lower pig density in the state provides a disease-free environment.”

Challenging Prop 12 Constitutionality – Farm Bureau and the National Pork Producers Council have filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of California’s Proposition 12. This state law bans the sale of pork that doesn’t meet its production standards, even if the pork was raised outside of California. The farm groups claim Prop 12 is trying to regulate out-of-state commerce and adds to the regulatory burden for farmers nationwide.

Minnesota Auto Dealers Association Sue Walz Administration – The Minnesota Auto Dealers Association filed a lawsuit in the state appeals court to stop the implementation of the California Cars Rules. MADA President Scott Lambert said the only choice left is in the courts. “The Governor implemented the rule last summer and we tried to get the Legislature to look at this again, but they did not.” The lawsuit argues one government agency cannot write rules for another agency. “In this case, it’s the California Air Resources Board for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. In addition, this program violates federal rules.” Lambert says only states with areas of non-attainment are eligible and Minnesota hasn’t had that for 20 years. “I expect it will be sometime before Christmas we’ll finally get a final decision.”

SD Corn Comments – Fuel prices are rising this summer and corn-based ethanol is a cost-effective option at the pump. Hear more from the South Dakota Corn Growers Association in this week’s SD Corn Comments.

Biotech Wheat Coming to Brazil – The Brazilian government is partnering with an Argentine company to develop a biotech drought-resistant wheat. Australia and New Zealand have approved the sale and use of the Bioceres GMO wheat, but the testing in Brazil has not been reported. Brazil currently is a net importer of wheat.

Section 18 Exemption Approved – A Section 18 emergency exemption label has been approved for the use of Ultra Blazer in sugarbeets in Minnesota and North Dakota. American Crystal Sugar Company says the Ultra Blazer application is for waterhemp weed escapes if soil-applied herbicides have not been activated before the weed has emerged. Application must be at the six-leaf stage or greater for sugarbeets.Ultra Blazer is manufactured by UPL.

MO Jury Rules in Favor of Bayer – Bayer won a trial in a Missouri courtroom with the jury rejecting claims the plaintiff’s cancer was caused by glyphosate. Bayer won two similar cases in California last year. The Supreme Court is expected to wiegh in on the case within a matter of days.

Environmental Groups Sue EPA Over State Dicamba Registrations – The Center for Food Safety and three other environmental groups have revised their ongoing dicamba lawsuit against the EPA and Bayer CropScience. The groups are challenging EPA’s amended dicamba registrations for Iowa and Minnesota. In a statement, Center for Food Safety staff attorney Meredith Stevenson said EPA’s actions fail to address drift damage. The groups want the herbicide off the market.

Dicamba Application Cutoff Deadlines Coming Up – For farmers south of I-94, the over-the-top dicamba application cutoff date has passed in Minnesota. Minnesota Soybean’s Drift Task Force Chairman Bob Worth says the Minnesota Ag Department could not extend the application cutoff date because EPA took away the 24c label option. In northern Minnesota, BASF Technical Services Representative Ken Deibert is expecting application deadline questions as planting wraps up. “I think there will be concerns around the the approaching June 30 cutoff date for northern Minnesota and North Dakota,” says Deibert. “As the temperatures start warming up, we’re definitely going to have a tremendous amount of weed pressure with all the moisture we received. Growers will need all of the tools in the toolbox they can get, especially managing kochia.”

ROI for IP – According to Northern Crops Institute Program Manager Brian Sorenson, developing countries in Southeast Asia want to purchase identity-preserved food-grade soybeans. “They see the value, not only in the quality of the product but also the return on investment,” said Sorenson. “A a better quality soybean results in a higher extraction of soy milk or even a higher extraction rate or yield of the tofu so it actually can be an economic advantage to them.” There are benefits for food companies in Cambodia, Vietnam and the rest of Asia to purchase a premium product. A tropical climate can be determiental to the quality of commodity soybeans, impacting soy food products. “By controlling the product through container shipping, it is maximizing their return on investment and the quality of product provided to customers.”

Benefits of Identity-Preserved Food-Grade Soybeans – This past week, Northern Crops Institute hosted its first international delegation since the pandemic began. Eight Asian countries weree in the region to gain insight into food-grade soybeans. Alan Poock is the Asian director for the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health and said Southeast Asia is a strong market for identity-preserved soybeans. “They love soy milk and tofu, it’s part of their daily culture and their diet, so it’s not like we’re introducing a new product. It’s trying to show the benefits of using US food-grade soybeans.” Commodity soybeans are grown in Southeast Asia, but the quality does not compare to the food-grade beans produced in the United States. “Because they’re identity-preserved, they’re a little bit more expensive than local soybeans. So we have to break through that price barrier and if you look at their features of higher output and user production, chances are it’s gonna be very comparable to what their locally produced soybeans.”

A Value in Food Grade Soybeans – Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance Manager of Strategic Programs Shane Frederick says attendees at the Northern Crops Institute tour see the value in U.S. food grade soybeans. “We’re trying to grow that. The SSGA put out a U.S. identity preserved brand mark program last December. Many of our customers are choosing a higher quality product when they buy. Our message resonates with that.” There is a learning curve for identity preserved soybean customers in addition to existing logistical challenges. “Some of the presentations at the Northern Crop Institute’s event is talking about those challenges, trying to find a way for companies to understand when it comes to identity preserved, they have to forward-contract.”

Dry Bean Scene – The Dry Bean Scene is brought to you by SRS Commodities, Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company, and BASF-your season-long, pressure-relief portfolio for growing dry beans. In this week’s Dry Bean Scene, Communique Inc. Registered Dietician and Nutritionist Kaci Vohland tells us about the National Child Nutrition Conference that took place.

Nutrien Ag Solutions to Increase Potash Production – Nutrien Ag Solutions, the world’s biggest fertilizer company, is going to increase potash production to 18 million tons by 2025. Interim President Ken Seitz credits global supply constraints and food insecurity for the investment. “We expect supply challenges across energy, agriculture and fertilizer markets to persist well beyond 2022.”  In the potash market, Seitz said sanctions on Russia and Belarus will create lasting changes to global trade patterns. In response to the announcement, StoneX Group Director of Fertilizer Josh Linville says any additional fertilizer supplies will help the situation, but ultimately the world needs Belarusian exports to resume to make a major difference.

Farmers Union Industries to Partner With Proposed Rapid City Beef Plant – The proposed 8,000 head-per-day beef processing plant at Rapid City will be named the Western Legacy Developmement Corporation. Kingsbury & Associates and Sirius Realty are building the plant. This past week, Farmers Union Industries was named as a partner and it will establish an on-site rendering service. The $1.1 billion project is expected to begin construction in early 2023 and it will take three years to complete.

Salford Sold to Linamar – Ontario-based Linamar Corporation has acquired the Salford Group and its line of tillage and application equipment. Linamar’s agriculture manufacturing division also owns MacDon Industries.

Jacobs-Young Confirmed – The U.S. Senate confirmed Chavonda Jacobs-Young as USDA’s Under Secretary of Research, Education and Economics. Jacobs-Young started at USDA as the administrator of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in 2014.

McKalip Nominated for Chief Ag Negotiator – Doug McKalip is the Biden administration’s new nominee for Chief Agriculture Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. McKalip is a Pennsylvania native and was already serving as a trade advisor to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. In a statement, Vilsack said agriculture and USTR will be well served by having McKalip in the role. Agriculture groups are responding positively to the announcement. The former nominee for the position, Elaine Trevino, withdrew her nomination earlier this year.

New Officer Team Takes Helm of Pork Checkoff Board – Indiana pork producer Heather Hill is the new president of the National Pork Board. The officer team also includes vice president Bob Ruth of Pennsylvania and treasurer Al Wulfekuhle from Iowa.

NCI: Future of Feeding Webinar – The Northern Crops Institute is holding its Future of Feeding webinar on June 22. This webinar will focus on ‘Changing the Language of Soybean Quality with Essential Amino Acids.’ Speakers will include Seth Naeve, Extension Agronomist, University of Minnesota; Peter Schott, CEO’ co-founder, Genesis Feed Technologies and Matthew Clark, co-founder, Genesis Feed Technologies. This webinar series will focus on innovation in the processing of feed, equipment and the use of regional grains as co-products. Register for the free event online.

Larson Leads U.S. Wheat Associates – East Grand Forks, Minnesota farmer Rhonda Larson is taking over the leadership of U.S. Wheat Associates. U.S. Wheat Associates is the export development organization for the wheat industry. Larson is participating in the World Trade Organization ministerial meeting this week in Switzerland.

NSA Welcomes Zahradka to Board – Lacey Zahradka has been appointed to the National Sunflower Association board of directors. Zahradka is the assistant manager of the ADM oilseed processing facility in Enderlin, North Dakota.

Schlanglen Honored with Dairy Sustainability Award – Seven dairy farms nationwide have been honored with the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award. The Steve and Cheryl Schlangen own and operate a 60-cow, 200-acre dairy farm near Albany, Minnesota. The farm utilizes more than 30 conservation practices, from LED lighting to cover crops. The winners will be formally recognized during the Dairy Sustainability Alliance Fall Meeting in mid-November in Arizona.

Meet MN Pork CEO Jill Resler – Jill Resler worked with the Minnesota Pork Producers Association for 13 years before being promoted. “I’ve had the chance to work beside tremendous producer and staff leaders.” MPPA will focus on three key objectives in the next 90 days. “We’ll focus on building relationships across all stakeholders internally and externally. We’ll also be focused on animal disease preparedness. We’re working across state lines and with the USDA and in Minnesota. Finally, we’ll focus on sustainability.” To fill Resler’s former job as the chief operating officer, there will be internal restructuring. Resler says there could be new additions to the team to line up current skill sets with producer-set priorities.