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A Weather-Driven Market – According to one veteran trader, we’re in the midst of the busiest, most intense markets of his life. Advance Trading Risk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi says this is a weather-driven market. “This is not a demand-driven rally, there is a decent amount of grain left in the world, but Mother Nature really is throwing a curve ball.” This past week, new crop soybeans gained $1.38 per bushel. December corn is 67 higher and Minneapolis September wheat is up 44 cents. Markets are closed today and reopen and seven o’clock tonight.

Heat Has Pushed the Crop – Temperatures at the start of the growing season have been warmer than normal. Peterson Farms Seed Lead Agronomist Rick Swenson says the heat has pushed the growing degree day units. “We’re probably about 250 GDU’s above normal.” Swenson says crops may be a little on the drier side in sandier soil. A good rain would help.

Pioneer Agronomy Update – The Pioneer Agronomy Update on the Red River Farm Network from the Dorothy, Minnesota area this past week. Pioneer Field Agronomist Kristie Sundeen who says most of her area has only seen intermittent rains. “If you hit one of those rain showers, you’re on the positive side, but there’s been some negatives to the rain showers too because they’ve been coming really hard and fast.” Most fields could use a drink of water. “Canola fields up in northeast North Dakota are really uneven. I have some fields that aren’t even germinated for the most part.” Weed and insect concerns have stayed relatively low so far this season. In drier areas, Sundeen says some pre emergence herbicide didn’t fully activate. Insect pressure is expected to be higher this year. Watch the interview on YouTube.

No Complaints of Excess Moisture – Arthur, North Dakota farmer Kevin Skunes has spots in his fields that were drowned out by recent rains, but there are no complaints of excess moisture. “We’ve had pretty good emergence, even with the pop-up thunderstorms that came through.” Skunes had some sections with two-to-three inches of standing water. “It’s better to have a little too much water versus not enough.”

Dry Conditions in Northwest MN – Near Hallock, Minnesota, Dan Younggren has been able to get spraying done when needed. “It’s been so dry you don’t have to worry about going through ditches and sinking your sprayer.” Winds have also cooperated. Weed and insect pressure have not been as prevalent with the lack of moisture, but Younggren does expect to see grasshoppers given current conditions. “I’ve sprayed for some flea beetles in the canola. We have not seen any grasshoppers in our beets as of yet, but on a dry year, they’re always lurking about.”

Rain Needed Near Badger, MN – Near Badger, Minnesota, Shayne Isane says there has been a lot of weed and insect pressure this year. “In most of our mixes with different crops, we’ve been throwing in insecticide because we are seeing some pressure.” Otherwise, Isane is really hoping for more moisture. “Crops like perennial ryegrass are really desperate for some rains.” Other crops and pastures are looking alright for now, but will need rain soon.

Strathcona, MN Crop Update – Strathcona, Minnesota farmer Jim Kukowski is pleased with the crop, even with the spotty rain. “Crops look pretty good even though we’re so dry. We’ve had one inch since we seeded. I never really ask for rain because usually when we get it, it’s too much.” During RRFN’s Crop Watch broadcast, Kukowski said he heard areas by Baudette, Minnesota received seven inches of rain and we’re facing drownout issues.

Wheat in Trouble – Farming between Crookston and Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, Tim Dufault says his wheat is way ahead of where it should be for this point in the growing season. “When your agronomist comes out and says I don’t think we’re going to spend any more money on fungicide, that kind of tells you where we’re at.” Dufault is less worried about his soybeans, but rain is still needed badly. “The days we had 90 degrees and strong winds, whatever moisture was left in the ground really sucked it out.”

Variable – Variable seems to be the word of the season so far. For Matthew Krueger at East Grand Forks, the fields that have seen moisture look great, but rainfall has been hard to come by. “We have some fields that received up to three inches that look fantastic.” There is some wheat starting to head out at only ten inches tall due to heat and lack of moisture. “It’s kind of sickening to look at, but there’s nothing we can do at this point.” The later-seeded corn and soybeans are also starting to see some stress.

Insect Pressure Expected to be High – As spraying season continues, Bayer CropScience Field Sales Representative David McGlynn believes it is important to work with your local crop consultants as weed and insect pressures change. “I truly think bug pressures are going to be high this year.” Spraying conditions have been favorable near Stephen, Minnesota.

Sugarbeet Report – American Crystal Sugar General Agronomist Joe Hasting talks about crop progress. Hear more in the Sugarbeet Report, presented by Amity Technology, Syngenta, H&S Manufacturing, SES VanderHave and Bayer CropScience.

Progress Touted After U.S.-China Meeting – Chinese President Xi Jinping met with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken for a 30-minute closed door meeting today. Blinken is the first cabinet-level official visiting China in the past five years. This trip comes at a time when relations between the superpowers have been low.

Fed Holds Rates Steady – After ten consecutive increases the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee will hold interest rates steady. “The Fed is not going to raise (rates) at this meeting, they’ll stay pat at 5% to 5.24%,” said Brad Paulson, president, Northern Crops Marketing and Investments. “In the verbiage, they said they would be open to a couple more interest rate raises this year if unemployment stays this low.”

A One-Week Delay for Final RVOs – The EPA’s deadline for announcing Renewable Volume Obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard has been pushed back until June 21. Nearly a year ago, Growth Energy and EPA submitted paperwork to a federal court saying EPA would finalize these requirements no later than June 14. After consultations between the two groups, a notice has now been issued with the new deadline.

EPA ‘Undershoots’ Biodiesel Consumption – Advanced Biofuels Association President Michael McAdams wants the Environmental Protection Agency to raise the rates for the updated Renewable Fuel Standard. “Long story short, the proposed rule and numbers significantly undershot 2024 and 2025.” ABA supports 500 million gallons as a minimum level of biodiesel and renewable diesel in the RFS.

More Legal Wrangling Over WOTUS – While the Supreme Court has weighed in on the Waters of the United States rule, the Biden Administration is still in court over this issue. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers filed an appeal in federal court to lift a freeze on the WOTUS regulations in 24 states.

MFBF Minute – Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Public Policy Director Pierce Bennet discusses the organization’s recent fly-in to Washington D.C. in this week’s MFBF Minute.

A September Farm Bill Vote – According to The Hagstrom Report, House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson told reporters he wants his committee to vote on the farm bill when lawmakers return from the August recess. Thompson is hosting farm bill listening sessions around the country, including a session during Farmfest in southern Minnesota in early August.

MFU Minute – In this week’s Minnesota Farmers Union Minute, Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish talks about tweaks in the next Farm Bill.

Research Title Gets a Review – The House Agriculture subcommittee overseeing research reviewed Title VII of the farm bill Thursday morning. Lawmakers repeatedly stressed the importance of agricultural research and land grant colleges. Purdue University Senior Associate Dean Bernard Engel was asked about the public-private partnership in ag research. “Private partners are an important part of what we do; another incredibly important resource we have in this state and in other states are checkoff organizations. Corn and soy make investments in applied research and make investments in longer-term research as well.”

Ag Approps Advances – With a party-line vote, the House Appropriations Committee has approved the 2024 agriculture appropriations bill. The $25 billion spending bill cuts $532 million in discretionary spending for agriculture.

Register for NCI’s Latest Market Update Webinar – The Northern Crops Institute is hosting another Market Update webinar on Wednesday at 8 AM. This webinar will feature Tanner Ehmke, lead economist,  CoBank Knowledge Exchange Division. Ehmke will discuss the global supply and demand situation for key ag commodities. Go online for more information and to register.

MN Wheat Minute – Tune in to Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers Executive Director Charlie Vogel and the latest MN Wheat Minute and learn about a trade delegation that came to the state this past week.

Rain Brings Some Hope to Kansas – Drought conditions have begun to improve throughout the state of Kansas. Some winter wheat has been abandoned and yield projections are low, but Kansas State University Extension Agricultural Economist Dan O’Brien said these rains are having an impact. “I guess wherever we do get moisture and we can salvage a wheat crop is pretty good. The operative word there for rains that have come late really is salvage.” Stands are still thin. After three years of short moisture, O’Brien said there is a lot riding on the rest of the growing season.

Dry Bean Scene – North Central Commodities Inc. was recently recognized by the North Dakota Trade Office as one of four organizations to receive the North Dakota Global Business Award. North Central Commodities owner/operator Dylan Karley joins us to talk about the award. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company, Varisto Herbicide from BASF, SRS Commodities, and Heads Up Plant Protectants.

Rural Bankers Remain Upbeat About the Farm Economy – The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index expanded in June for the third straight month. The farmland price index advanced for the 33^rd straight month, while farm equipment sales declined for only the third time in the past 31 months. The monthly survey of rural bank CEOs in a ten-state region said the estimated farm loan default rate is expected to increase by less than one percent in the next year.

Well Grounded: Episode 21 Featuring Dr. Ernie Goss – Do rural bank CEOs expect farmland values to increase, decline or flatten out in the next year? In this edition of the Well Grounded podcast, Creighton University economist Dr. Ernie Goss offers insight into the agricultural economy. Topics range from the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, inflation, the supply chain, Prop 12 and more. Well Grounded is a collaboration between Acres & Shares and the Red River Farm Network.

Ukraine’s Agriculture Sector Could Take 20 Years to Recover – According to the Kyiv School of Economics, Ukraine’s agricultural sector could take 20 years or more to recover from Russia’s invasion. Ukraine’s production of wheat, corn, sunflower, and sunflower oil has sharply fallen since the start of the war in February of 2022. According to the report, sunflower, barley, and wheat sectors are expected to recover by 2040, while maize, rye, oats, and rapeseed sectors are expected to be fully recovered by 2050.

Ukrainian Neighbors Takes Step to Protect Domestic Farmers – Five of Ukraine’s neighboring countries are banning Ukrainian grain imports until mid-September. Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia claim Ukrainian imports have inundated their markets and drove down prices. Restrictions were already in place for wheat, corn, canola and sunflower seeds, but they were scheduled to end this past week. The European Commission approved the ban.

Goehring Participates in Japan Trade Mission – North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring participated in USDA’s recent trade mission to Japan and hopes to see improvements to tariffs in the future. “We’re surprised that there are some countries that are competitors of ours that aren’t subject to the same tariffs.” While the U.S. Japan trade relationship is mature, Goehring sees value in these trade missions. “It’s a market we need to continue to stay engaged with so we can address challenges when the pop up.” Japan imports much of it’s energy and Goehring hopes to look into more options for trade in that sector in the future.

Fielding Questions – In the latest edition of the Fielding Questions podcast, Minnesota State Rural Development Director Colleen Landkammer highlights the Rural Energy for America Program and value-added producer grants. “There are so many opportunities at the farm-level,” said Landkammer. Fielding Questions is a collaboration between AgCountry Farm Credit Services and the Red River Farm Network.

Coalition Opposes P&S Language – A coalition of more than 100 agriculture, consumer and labor groups sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee, upset with a policy rider attached to the agriculture appropriations bill. This language would prevent USDA from writing, preparing or publishing proposed rules to strengthen the Packers and Stockyards Act. The groups signing the letter include the National Farmers Union, R-CALF USA, Dakota Rural Action, Land Stewardship Project, IBAND and the South Dakota Stock Growers Association.

USDA to Strengthen Animal Production Claims – Terms like ‘grass-fed’ or ‘free-range’ may have more meaning in the future. USDA is taking action to make sure these claims are accurate. The Food Safety and Inspection Service will issue guidance advocating third-party verification of these animal-raising claims. Sampling will also be done to check for antibiotic residues in cattle going to the ‘raised without antibiotics’ market. USDA officials said rules may be considered so consumers can trust the claims made on the label.

Legislative Solution to Prop 12 Introduced – A bill is being introduced in the Senate to prevent states from enacting laws that affect farm production in other states. This proposal is in response to California’s Proposition 12, which was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer is a co-sponsor of this bill and said California’s overregulation is hurting farmers “thousands of miles away.”

Prop 12 Confusion – There has been a lot of confusion since the Supreme Court gave a green light to California’s Proposition 12. “They will start enforcing it on July 2, but from there there’s confusion on what happens to non-compliant products in inventory,” said Steve Meyer, consulting economist, National Pork Producers Council.” Meyer says it isn’t clear what will happen after the July deadline with current pork products not in compliance with Prop 12. “There’s some indication that you will be allowed to sell that product until it’s gone, but that hasn’t been outright said clearly.”

Checkoff Proposal Has Implications for All Commodities – Legislation known as the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act would reform the commodity checkoff programs. “It would really make changes in our checkoff program as well as other commodity groups,” said Julie Ellingson, executive vice president, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. The OFF Act is sponsored by New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Utah Senator Mike Lee. Ellingson said these lawmakers haven’t been supportive of animal agriculture in the past. The checkoff reform proposal was just one of many topics addressed during the NDSA spring roundups. The series of six roundup events brought members together at a district level.

MN Beef Update – In the latest Minnesota Beef Update, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association Membership Chair Angie Ford talks about the July  18th summer beef tour.

Dairy Margins in the Red – Class III milk prices have slipped into the high $15 level, causing problems for the entire dairy industry. AgResource Company President Dan Basse says it is a demand issue. “It’s really a problem in the whey market; China has not shown up for whey and that’s been leaning on price” European butter imports into the United States have also surged. The combination has brought milk prices to their lowest level in a year-and-a-half. Basse said the dairy industry is not in a good place. “The big problem would be if feed prices rocket to the upside due to a weather problem,” said Basse. “The only helpful aspect is that the price of beef is at a record high. That’s giving the cull cow market some opportunity.”

The Feed Bill Continues to Escalate – While feeder cattle prices remain high, Stockman’s Livestock co-owner and auctioneer Dan Koupal says input costs have also increased. “The average age of the farmer is getting higher all the time and we’ve got less people doing it so basically cow numbers are lower and demand is out there right now.” Corn prices play a huge role as feeders pencil out the cost of gain on higher-priced cattle.

‘Cattle Markets on a Tear’ – After a few difficult years, cattle producers finally have the upper hand. “We’re finally in a position where we have good news with weather, moisture and markets,” said Jason Leiseth, president, North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. Leiseth believes the rebound in the cattle market makes some of the recent calving difficulties worth it. “The markets are on a tear right now, so it’s fun to sell and it has been all spring. The prospects for the calf market in the fall may have us seeing all-time record prices.”

Cow/Calf Operations in a Strong Position – Stronger-than-expected calf prices brightened the outlook for cow/calf producers. Steiner Consulting Senior ag economist Altin Kalo says a rebound in cattle prices has been on the horizon for months. “We’ve had multiple years of reducing calf prices and a significant drought-induced liquidation so there should be upside pressure on prices.” Kalo says livestock producers could see prices as high as 2014, but inflation of inputs and feed will keep margins tighter. “A dollar today doesn’t buy you as much as it did back then so you have to adjust for inflation, but there is a chance we may get to those levels.”

Watch Water Quality During Summer Heat – Clean, reliable water sources are vital for livestock. “If water isn’t of adequate quality, it can impact intake and therefore gains,” explained Miranda Meehan, livestock and environmental stewardship specialist, NDSU Extension. Most water sources are at acceptable levels in the region, but the heat could lead to a rapid decline in quality. “We know that those levels of minerals, total dissolved solids, and sulfate levels might be increasing if we’re not getting moisture.”

Supplements Can Adds Pounds Down the Road – With cattle on grass, producers may consider mineral supplements. NDSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Zac Carlson worked on recent research dealing with the impact of trace minerals in cattle. “One of the findings was an improvement in weaning weight of calves that were in utero of 36 pounds.” With breeding season on the horizon, Carlson emphasized the importance of having cows in good body condition.

Right-to-Repair MOU Signed – The American Farm Bureau Federation has signed memorandum of understanding with CLAAS of America, securing the farmers’ right to repair their own farm equipment. Farm Bureau has similar agreements with John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, AGCO and Kubota.

Strong Combine Sales – The latest report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says U.S. tractor sales for the year are down 12 percent from one year ago. The four-wheel drive and 100-plus horsepower two-wheel drive tractor sales were up, but there was a drop in the sale of small utility tractors. U.S. combine sales are up over 68 percent from one year ago.

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, Hamill farmer Trent Kubik celebrates Father’s Day.

Klobuchar, Cramer Cosponsor AM Radio Bill – Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the Senate, requiring automakers to keep AM radio available in their new vehicles at no additional cost. This follows action by some companies to drop the option for free-over-the-air AM radio. The bill cosponsors include Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer. The National Association of Farm Broadcasting is one of the groups endorsing the bill.

Tentative Contract in Place for West Coast Portworkers – A tentative labor contract agreement is in place for the 29 ports on the West Coast. Negotiations have been underway for over a year and work stoppages impacted cargo shipments in recent weeks. The dock workers secured a 32 percent pay raise through 2028 in their new tentative labor agreement. There’s also a bonus for working through the pandemic and improvements in the benefit package. The six-year agreement that still needs to be ratified by the workers. President Biden released a statement, congratulating both parties for reaching an agreement.

Welcome News for USMEF – U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom describes the contract agreement as tremendous news for the red meat industry. “The tentative agreement that’s been reached with the West Coast longshoremen is paramount of importance to us,” said Halstrom. “It’s a huge percentage of our business, especially the value-added chilled business which is our highest value business for both beef and pork.”

1 Million Acres for CRP General Signup – USDA is accepting more than one-million acres in this year’s Conservation Reserve Program general signup. Offers for new land in the general CRP signup totaled 295,000 acres nationwide. Another 891,000 acres were resubmitted for the program.

Corn Matters – Minnesota Corn supports 52 county organizations. Hear more from Minnesota Corn Growers Association Northwest District Field Manager Marlene Dufault in the latest Corn Matters. Corn Matters is a presentation of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

ERP Phase II Gets an Update – USDA is updating the second phase of the Emergency Relief Program. It provides a system for valuing losses and accessing program benefits for forage that is grown, stored and fed to livestock, but does not generate revenue from the sale of the crop. The deadline to submit applications for ERP Phase Two is July 14.

Help for the Down Payment – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has announced a second round of funding for its Down Payment Assistance Grant Program. This program offers up to $15,000 for qualified farmers to purchase farmland. Preference for this round will go to emerging farmers. Applications are being accepted through July 1.

Livestock Assistance May Not be Needed This Year – North Dakota State Farm Service Agency Executive Director Marcy Svenningsen is optimistic this could be the year where no emergency relief programs are needed. “The Livestock Forage Program is triggered by drought and thankfully, if you look at the drought monitor right now, we wouldn’t have any counties eligible for LFP.” Svenningsen says the Livestock Indemnity Program has already kicked in this year after a few cold spells this spring. “We have 173 notices of loss for 2023 already.”

Flood Reduction Project Phase One Complete – The city of Newfolden, Minnesota held a ribbon cutting for phase one of its flood prevention project. The city was declared part of the flood plain in 2015. Middle-Snake-Tamarac Watershed District Chairman Bill Petersen says the involvement of the MSTWD in this project goes beyond what most people realize. “Everything from Newfolden to the Red River is going to be impacted. This project minimizes the flood potential greatly.” Phase two of the project will be an approximately 400-acre water retention area that will hold water when it is needed. “Protecting people’s homes, outbuildings, and equipment is our number one priority.”

Summer Grain Storage Tips – Summer temperatures will warm stored grain and could lead to insect infestations and mold growth. NDSU Extension Agricultural Engineer Ken Hellevang says farmers need to make sure the moisture content is at the right levels. “We were able to store grain at a little higher moisture content this winter, but we need to make sure we’re at summer moisture storage levels.” The average corn moisture level is between 13-14 percent moisture, soybeans are 11-12 percent. Hellevang says grain at the top and sidewalls are the most likely to suffer insect damage. “Try to keep the grain as cool as possible. Temperatures below 70 degrees and insect activity slows down.”

Dealing With Difficult Times – Farmers have always faced issues beyond their control. Rural mental health specialist Monica McConkey says that uncertainty is the norm in agriculture. “It’s not like they can slap a price tag on their product and that is what they’re going to get for it and they can’t dial in the weather they want.” The current input costs and the volatile commodity markets are among the current challenges, increasing anxiety for farm families. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture hosted a webinar on dealing with difficult times. Ted Matthews, who is also a rural mental health specialist, believes in the value of communication. “The more we don’t talk about those things the more we pull back and the more we pull back the worse things get so getting people to talk about what’s going on and getting people from point A to point B becomes really, really important.” MDA has resources available on its website to help farmers dealing with stress and mental wellness.

A Merger for Bunge and Viterra – Two major grain companies, Bunge and Viterra, are merging. Bunge shareholders will control about 70 percent of the company and Viterra shareholders will own the remaining 30 percent. The deal is expected to be finalized by mid-2024, but it will likely face a regulatory review from the United States, Canada, Brazil and other countries.

Pulse Growers Spotlight – In this week’s Pulse Growers Spotlight, we meet with Columbia Grain, Grain Buyer Ross Bolek to discuss pathways for marketing your pulse crops.

SD Corn Launches E15 Gas Giveaway – In response to the EPA decision to continue year-round sales of E15, the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council is giving away three $500 E15 gas gift cards. Individuals can sign up for the contest online.

Skor Recognized with Biofuels Award – Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor is the inaugural winner of the Women in Ethanol Award for her contributions to the biofuels industry. The award was presented by Ethanol Producer Magazine at the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Expo in Omaha.

Awards Presented at ASTA Leadership Summit – The American Seed Trade Association has recognized Dick Crowder and Bill Latham with the organization’s Heritage Award. Crowder was a USDA undersecretary from 1989-to-1992 before joining Dekalb as a senior vice president. Crowder later served as the agricultural trade ambassador during the George W. Bush administration. Latham, who passed away in 2015, served as president of Latham Hi-Tech Seeds. Latham served as president of ASTA and the Independent Professional Seed Association. ASTA’s Distinguished Service Award belongs to Donn Cummings, who is with the National Association of Plant Breeders. ASTA Lifetime Honorary Membership was presented to Craig Newman, who retired as the president and CEO of AgReliant Genetics.

Illinois Farmer Elected to NCGA Office – Ken Hartman Jr. will take over as the National Corn Growers Association first vice president for the new fiscal year, which begins October 1. At that same time, Eden Valley, Minnesota farmer Tom Haag will become NCGA chairman and Madelia, Minnesota farmer Harold Wolle moves into the presidency.

A Promotion for Baumann – Vive Crop Protection has promoted Doug Baumann to chief technology officer. Baumann’s scope of responsibility now includes research, development, regulatory and manufacturing.

MCGA Hires New Field Manager – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association has welcomed Emily Burns as a new field manager for central Minnesota. Burns is a recent graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University with a degree in agricultural communications.