Markets Start the Week Higher – Wheat, corn and soybean futures all traded higher in the overnight trade. The coup attempt has traders concerned about Russia’s ability to export wheat. The next deadline for the Black Sea Grain Initiative is coming up in mid-July and Russia has already said it will not renew the agreement. Beyond wheat, the corn and soybean markets are also monitoring the latest weather forecast. Northern Iowa and northern Illinois received rain over the weekend, but there are still large parts of the Cornbelt that have not received any significant moisture. “Buckle up, buttercup, we’ve got a weather market,” was the reaction from Tommy Grisafi, risk management advisor, Advance Trading. The funds were short going into this weather market, resulting in major swings in the marketplace. July options also expired. “Folks are no longer really trading or hedging old crop bushels. If you’ve held an old crop bushel this long, you now have a new crop bushel. As July options come off the board, you’re seeing the basis all over America collapse and you’re seeing extreme volatility.”

The Russian Insurrection and the Impact on Agricultural Trade – Russia’s short-lived mercenary rebellion leaves many questions. Yevgeny Prigozhin shut down the march on Moscow when the troops were just 120 miles from the Russian capital. This uprising began in the Rostov region south of Moscow. Rostov is the second-largest grain producing region in Russia and home to river ports that connect to the Azov Sea. The head of the SovEcon agriculture consulting group said this revolt took place at the beginning of the harvest season.

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 market remains concerned about corn, soybeans and wheat conditions “and that will keep underlying support in this market.” Weather is the primary driver in the markets, but there are also a couple major reports this week, including a StatsCan report and the USDA acreage report.

Crop Watch: Desperate Need for Rain – The Red River Farm Network made a stop at Ashley, North Dakota Tuesday for the Crop Watch broadcast. Tony Neu said his crop was in desperate need of rain. “We’ve had some spotty rain, but the main farm has had less than an inch of rain in the last month.” Kulm farmer Andy Schott has seen a few small rains and a small amount of hail this season, but not enough to make an impact. “Some of the fields are going to start going backwards after this week’s heat wave goes through. It’s kind of like last year, but a quarter of a mile makes all the difference, it’s just so variable.”

Pioneer Agronomy Update: Managing Iron Deficiency Chlorosis – The heat units have been coming pretty easy this season, but moisture is another story. The Pioneer Agronomy Update originated from north of Moorhead Wednesday. “As you drive around, you may see that corn that is pineappled and the leaves are puckered up pretty tight and some of it never came out of the ground this year because it sat there in dry powder,” said Kevin Sinner, field agronomist, Pioneer. The YouTube interview was done at an Iron Deficiency Chlorosis demonstration plot. “What we’re trying to learn is where our tolerances are and how they match up with what is on paper.” Variety selection is the best way to handle the IDC areas. Pioneer is hosting an IDC plot tour Thursday, June 29 in the Ada, Minnesota area.

Little Impact on Yield – Before the weekend rain, the region was dealing with hot and dry conditions, increasing the worry about corn yields. “The good news is drought right now doesn’t have a huge impact on corn yield,” said Jeff Coulter, corn agronomist, University of Minnesota Extension. “It becomes more important when we move into the later vegetative stages closer to tasselling.”

Soybean Aphid Numbers Rising – University of Minnesota Extension Educator Angie Peltier says soybean aphids have approached treatment levels for some producers in the Red River Valley. Fields near buckthorn infestations and the earlier planted soybeans are more likely to see early soybean aphid pressure. “Every week to ten days is really what is recommended for scouting. As we enter exponential growth stages, we suggest increasing that frequency.” Producers are reminded not to spray until threshold is reached. “When we have more than 250 aphids per plant on more than 80 percent of plants and populations are still increasing is the important information to determine that you have reached threshold.”

MN Wheat Minute – Temperature and dryness is affecting research trials and fields. Hear more from University of Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers On-Farm Research Coordinator Melissa Carlson in the latest Minnesota Wheat Minute.

Wheat Takes the Brunt of the Heat – Weekend rains brought much-needed moisture to the region. Temperatures in the upper 90s, amplified the crop stress. “I think the wheat is taking the heat worse right now,” said Paul Sproule, who farms at Grand Forks. Sproule says the wheat crop headed out at a short height in the past, they dealt with high protein, and low yield. Wolford, North Dakota farmer Chris Brossart agrees, the heat has taken a toll on the wheat crop. “Wheat is anywhere from four-to-16 inches tall and heading out, so it’s all going to be short this year.”

Winners and Losers – Heat and dryness pushed the maturity of the spring wheat crop. University of Minnesota Extension Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma says the crop is losing yield potential because of drought stress. “There’s winners and losers because not everyone missed the rains.”

Rains May Change Fungicide Plans – Crops in north-central North Dakota have nice potential. Dakota Agronomy Partners agronomist Shawn Shultz, who is based at Bottineau, says things are looking up after recent rains. “It probably changes the tune on our fungicide season. We’re starting this week with canola fungicide.”

Increasing Scab Risk for Wheat and Barley – Moving forward, NDSU Extension Plant Pathologist Andrew Friskop expects to see more scab pressure. “We’re starting to see some of the spring wheat start to flower and we’ve had a lot of questions on scab risk.” The recent moisture can increase scab pressure. Timing is important for the fungicide application. “We have a lot of good products on the market, but the best time to make that application is at early flowering and that period extends up to seven days later.” Friskop says being a little bit later is better than being too early. “Fungicides are only as good as what they cover, the more heads, the better the efficacy you’re going to get.”

New Insect Threatens Cereal Grains – Northwest Minnesota is seeing a new insect, cereal leaf beetle, causing serious problems for wheat growers. “One field had about 25 percent of stems infested which is definitely over threshold levels,” said Anthony Hanson, entomologist, University of Minnesota Extension. “In the past, it would have benefited from a treatment if we had gotten to it earlier.” It’s important to scout fields regularly. “It doesn’t take much for population pressure to cause significant yield loss.”

Learn Impact of Weather During NCI Market Update – The Northern Crops Institute is hosting another Market Update webinar Wednesday at 8 AM. This webinar will feature Daryl Ritchison, director, North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network, who will be highlighting concerns about the recent weather and what can be expected in North America and globally. Go online for more information and to register for the webinar.

Preemergence Chemistry Impacted by Dry Conditions – Dry weather has caused stand issues for the later-planted sugarbeets. Minn-Dak Vice President of Agriculture Mike Metzger says the dryness has also impacted pre-emergence weed control. Some of the pre-emergence chemicals will activate when they get rain while others will not. “It depends on the chemistry. For example, Warrant has an encapsulated type formulation that will lay longer than most of the other herbicides. Some of the other ones, they photodegrade and after a week-to-ten days, you start losing their potency just because the sun’s breaking down those molecules.” Metzger says weed control needs a pre-Roundup mindset.

Sugarbeet Report – Minn-Dak Vice President of Agriculture Mike Metzger gives an update on crop conditions. Hear more in the Sugarbeet Report, presented by Syngenta, Amity Technology, H&S Manufacturing, SESVanderHave and Bayer CropScience.

Vilsack’s MN Visit Canceled by DC Flight Grounding – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was scheduled to be in Minnesota today to make several announcements about biofuels. However, issues with the air traffic control communications system grounded flights out of the Washington, D.C. area and prevented travel. As an alternative, Vilsack will be joined by Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith for an online media event. Vilsack is expected to unveil a significant investment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost U.S. energy independence.

RFS ‘Strengthens Energy Security’ – The Renewable Fuel Standard volumes for 2023, 2024 and 2025 are below the Environmental Protection Agency’s original proposal for corn-based ethanol and advanced biofuels. These volumes are one-third of what the biofuels industry recommended to the agency. EPA released a statement saying the new standards will reduce the reliance on foreign sources of oil by roughly 130,000 barrels per day between 2023 and 2025. “Today’s final rule reflects our efforts to ensure stability of the program for years to come, protect consumers from high fuel costs, strengthen the rural economy, support domestic production of cleaner fuels and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said EPA Administrator Michael Regan.

Disappointment – The U.S. Canola Association is disappointed with the EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard announcement. In a statement, the trade group said the final biomass-based diesel volumes do not reflect current production levels and plans for expansion.

EPA ‘Lacks Imagination’ on RFS – Growth Energy General Council Joe Kakesh says EPA’s biofuel blend requirements vastly undercut the numbers expected. “I think the EPA failed to imagine the value that the industry provides.” The timing was also a concern. “The RFS established these volumes to create market signals and we’re already halfway through 2023 so I don’t know how much this will spur the market when it doesn’t accurately reflect the market.”

Congressional Intervention May Be Necessary – Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth is adamant, saying a lower requirement for biodiesel use through 2025 undermines years of work. “We’ve worked with biodiesel for 20-plus years and now the EPA just decided they are going a different direction.” MSGA is addressing this issue with congressional leaders. “Both Senators (Amy) Klobuchar and (Tina) Smith and the Minnesota representatives that relate to agriculture are very supportive of the biodiesel industry, we’re hoping they have some pull to get some things changed.”

AURI Update – Calling all innovators and agricultural enthusiasts to the Ag Innovation Podcast. Learn more in this AURI Update with Director of Government and Industry Relations Dan Skogen.

Soybean Crush Projects Stalled by EPA Decision – According to American Soybean Association Biodiesel and Infrastructure Advocacy Team Chair Dave Walton, the EPA Renewable Fuels Standard draft rule stalled numerous biodiesel projects. The Iowa farmer said the projected crush capacity was not considered when setting volumes. “There were 19 plants that were either new construction or expansion that were in the works at the time.” Walton told RRFN only a few plants that were close to completion are still being built. Without the projected growth in crush capacity, Walton believes the basis will not improve which will cost producers in the long run.

US-China Relations Under the Microscope – During his trip overseas, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, senior government officials and U.S. business leaders. Trade was one of the issues discussed. It was important we make the very clear difference between allegations that we’re trying to contain China and decouple economically as opposed to what we’re actually doing which is derisking and also diversifying when it comes to our supply chains,” said Blinken. “The economic relationship with China is vitally important and also when it’s fair, a very positive thing for countries around the world.” More bilateral meetings are planned with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and climate envoy John Kerry expected to travel to Beijing in the next few months.

Mexico Takes Steps to Protect Domestic Market – Mexico’s president has an agreement with tortilla manufacturers to only use non-biotech white corn. The United States and Canada are seeking a dispute settlement panel within the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement in a dispute over biotech corn. The United States exports $5 billion worth of yellow corn to Mexico each year and the latest announcement is not expected to impact that.

Ag Tariffs Part of U.S.-India Trade Talks – The United States and India are shoring up their relationship. The Indian prime minister is in the United States and has agreed to resolve several trade disputes. That includes the removal of retaliatory tariffs on American agriculture exports. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said this announcement “is a major win for America’s farmers.”

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council Executive Director DaNita Murray talks about fertilizer price trends.

Powell Warns of Higher Interest Rates – Federal Reserve Board Chairman Jerome Powell told Congress Wednesday more interest rate increases are likely this year because inflation is well above targets. Powell said decisions will be made on a meeting-by-meeting basis.

FY24 Ag Appropriations Bill Advances – The Senate Appropriations Committee has given its approval to the 2024 fiscal year agriculture spending bill. The bill provides nearly $26 billion for discretionary programs at USDA, FDA and related agencies. Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member John Hoeven highlighted priorities for agriculture. “Starting with things like ag research, which has been so incredibly important for America’s farmers and ranchers, making sure that we maintain adequate staffing at both FSA and RMA to make sure that the countercyclical safety net and crop insurance is out there supporting farmers and ranchers across this country.” The Senate Appropriations Committee approved this bill unanimously, while the House version passed with a party-line vote of 34-to-27.

Crop Insurance Change Proposed – Minnesota Representative Angie Craig and Iowa Representative Randy Feenstra are behind a proposal to support new and beginning farmers. This bill would extend better access to crop insurance program to ten years. That compares to the current program that offers this additional protection for five or fewer years. With a limited amount of new funding available for the farm bill, crop insurance will likely face attacks from both ends of the political spectrum.

Follow the Label – South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson and California Congressman Jim Costa have introduced legislation supporting uniform labeling standards for crop protection products. Some states are adding labeling requirements outside of the EPA-approved label, which prompted this proposal

Broadband is Key to the Expansion of Precision Ag – The House Agriculture Committee met to discuss the digital divide in Rural America. Ranking Member David Scott sees the value in expanding broadband through the new farm bill. “Reliable broadband is something each of us in Congress relies on and is an integral part of our daily lives.” Association of Equipment Manufacturers Ag Sector Board Chair Bill Hurley testified and said precision technology relies on broadband. “Farmers cannot take advantage of precision ag technology without reliable and affordable connectivity across America.” According to Hurley, only a quarter of farms are able to use precision agriculture due to the lack of high-speed internet.

Corn Matters – University of Minnesota Regional Extension Educator Anthony Hanson talks about the Strategic Farming Program. Hear more in the latest Corn Matters, brought to you by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

Addressing Ag Workforce Issues – USDA is funding a new program to grow and diversify the agricultural labor workforce. “We’re announcing 33 project awards totalling $262.25 million,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “These investments will cover 24 states and territories.” The only project in the tri-state region is $4.5 million for Fort Berthold Community College at New Town, North Dakota. A virtually shared indigenous food systems curriculum will be created. The NextGen program is designed to help young people find careers in agriculture and STEM-related industries.

Additional Funds Available for Domestic Fertilizer Sector – USDA is making an additional $400 million in grants available for the Fertilizer Product Expansion Program. The money will be used to support domestic fertilizer capacity. USDA previously allocated $500 million for this program. The new grant funds are due to strong interest in the program. In the first two rounds of funding, USDA received $3 billion in applications.

Livestock Disaster Program Improvements Sought – Ahead of the farm bill debate, North Dakota Senator John Hoeven and Montana Senator Jon Tester have introduced legislation to improve livestock disaster programs. This proposal better aligns coverage between the Livestock Forage Program and Emergency Assistance for Livestock Program. In increases LFP assistance to more accurately reflect feed costs and makes program improvements permanent.

Expanding Access to Veterinarians in Rural Areas – Rural communities are faced with a shortage of essential veterinary services. The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program provides student loan reimbursement to veterinarians who practice for three years in federally designated shortage areas. A similar program is available for medical doctors, but their loan repayments are exempt from federal withholding taxes. The VMLRP payments are not. Minnesota Representative Michelle Fischbach is one of the sponsors of a bill to address that inconsistency.

Dry Bean Scene – NDSU Nematologist Guiping Yan joins us to talk about soybean cyst nematode 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, Varisto Herbicide from BASF, SRS Commodities and Heads Up Plant Protectants.

Prop 12 Compliance Deadline Pushed Back Six Months – The State of California has pushed back the Proposition 12 implementation date until January 1. Previously, farmers had until July 1 to come into compliance with the housing standards for pigs, egg-laying hens and veal calves. The California Department of Agriculture and Food sought the delay to provide a time of transition. In a statement, the National Pork Producers Council welcomed this news, but went on to say it is working with Congress to find a permanent solution to this issue.

A Temporary Fix for Pork Producers – The extension of California’s Proposition 12 implementation may be helpful in the short-term, but National Pork Producers Council President-Elect Lori Stevermer says there are still a lot of issues going forward. One of the concerns is the potential patchwork of regulations. “If California has one type of regulation, could another state have a different regulation? Maybe it’s more size or more access to the outdoors.” Stevermer, who farms at Easton, Minnesota, is working with lawmakers to address the regulatory hurdle. “The Supreme Court admitted that Prop 12 was a problem, it just wasn’t their problem to fix. We’re having lots of conversations at the state level now to have a long term fix.”

DFA Exits IDFA Membership – Upset with a proposal to revamp the federal milk pricing system, Dairy Farmers of America has left the International Dairy Food Association. DFA, which is the largest dairy cooperative, said the IDFA policy is not in the best interests of its farmer/owners and the dairy industry. DFA confirmed its parting with IDFA to POLITICO. Other dairy processors have also reportedly dropped their membership with the International Dairy Foods Association, but that was not confirmed.

TransFARMation: Five Years After Selling the Cows – With milk prices in the $15 per hundredweight range, dairy farmers are making difficult decisions. Derrick and Amanda Sommers of Waseca, Minnesota went through a similar scenario five years ago when they sold the cows and transitioned to a life after dairying. The emotions are still ripe five years later. Derrick and Amanda share their story and also highlight the importance of the Minnesota rural mental health specialists, Farm Business Management and their own network of family and friends. TransFARMation is made possible by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Listen to the podcast.

Summer Pastures Need Help – Pat Erickson says a dry fall and spring are holding up pasture growth on his Fertile, Minnesota farm. They are waiting to put cattle on summer pasture until grass is more established. “We had a lot of snow but it didn’t really help.” While it helps being in a dry lot, dust has become a problem. “Calves are starting to be affected. We’d like to get all of them out to grass so they can be cows out there and raise their calves.” Plans for ryegrass forage were also held up or changed due to the lack of moisture so far this spring. Listen to the full interview with Pat Erickson here.

Blister Beetles are Back – Blister Beetles have been spotted in alfalfa fields. NDSU Extension Forage Crops Production Specialist James Rogers said it can be more difficult putting up alfalfa when blister beetles are present. “They consume plant material and are attracted to flowering plants. The beetles themselves contain a toxin that if an animal digested, can cause problems and may be lethal in horses.” Blister beetles are active from June-through-September.

‘Invigorating’ Scenario for ND Animal Agriculture – There is growing interest in expanding animal agriculture in North Dakota. North Dakota Livestock Alliance Executive Director Amber Wood describes the current situation with one word–invigorating. “I would say the announcement of the soybean crush plant and the different actions that came out of the legislative sessions were absolutely a shot in the arm for North Dakota’s livestock development efforts.” Wood says that was evident during World Pork Expo earlier this month. “Pig producers are very interested in North Dakota not only the feed we produce here but also the biosecurity, the ability to raise healthy, happy pigs here because they’re able to put significant distances between operations.” Nothing has been sited, but Wood is seeing all segments of the animal agriculture sector involved in the vetting process.

MN Beef Update – Minnesota State Beef Director of Industry Relations Jon Dilworth talks about the first Top of the Class session, in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.

Cattle Inventory Report Updated – There were a few minor surprises in Friday’s USDA Cattle-on-Feed Report. Placements increased a surprising five percent. The cattle inventory as of June 1 was up three percent from one year ago. Marketings were two percent higher.

Beef Industry Releases Quality Assessment – Compared to the last report in 2016, the biggest improvement in beef quality was the overall efficiency across the beef chain. The National Beef Quality Audit is conducted every five years to improve quality and minimize economic losses. The report said there was an increase in the frequency of Prime and Choice quality grades while Selects declined significantly. Regarding market cows and bulls, 77 percent were sound with a high score for mobility. That demonstrates an effort by farmers and ranchers to market these animals before mobility and health-related issues surface. The audit said bruising and other carcass issues are leaving dollars on the table and should be addressed.

Lab-Cultivated Meat OK’ed – USDA has given its first approval of lab-grown meat. The Food and Drug Administration gave its blessing earlier this year. Two California companies will produce the lab-cultivated chicken. One of the companies will be selling its product in Singapore, which is the first country to give its approval; the other will target high-end restaurants on both coasts. The proponents of lab-grown product say it is good for the environment. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association does not agree, saying American cattle producers and their “stewardship of the land already does more to protect the environment than fake meat production ever will.”

Public Lands Proposal Criticized – The Public Lands Council has launched a campaign against the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed rule on the management of public lands. “This would affect hundreds of millions of acres of land across the West,” said Kaitlyn Glover, executive director, PLC. “This would allow them to create an entirely new leasing system on federal land.” For states like North Dakota and South Dakota, Glover says this ruling could open the door to removing livestock grazing from public lands.

NDDA Seeks Growers Who Have Done Business with Pipeline Foods – Pipeline Foods, LLC, which handled organic and non-GMO grains and ingredients, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October of 2021. North Dakota Agriculture commissioner Doug Goehring says it appears the company is liquidating rather than re-establishing operations. “Our concern is that any of our growers that may have claims are going to be caught on the short end of that stick.” In addition to utilizing bond protection, Goehring is looking at other options to help producers. “We can help make our producers as whole as possible.” Farmers that may have done business with Pipeline Foods are asked to contact the NDDA.

Canola Minute – In this week’s Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman talks about the Culinary Institute’s Menus of Change event. This update is sponsored by the Northern Canola Growers Association.

Bayer Forecasts a Move into Regenerative Markets – Bayer CropScience has identified crop fertility, biologicals, biofuels, carbon farming and precision agriculture as growth opportunities for the company. During Bayer’s Innovation Summit, company officials said it can double its potential market by expanding beyond its core business. Bayer’s research and development pipeline includes the use of artificial intelligence to develop designer seeds for specific conditions. Another project opens additional revenue streams from the sale of its branded CoverCress cover crops to biofuel makers.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Refinery Proposed – Azure Sustainable Fuels will likely use canola and soybean oil as a feedstock for the project near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. The federal and provincial governments are providing nearly $3 million for an engineering design study.

75 Years and Counting – Erskine Attachments is celebrating its 75^th anniversary. Sales Finance Manager John Marshall says the company is one of the largest manufacturers in the industry of attachments for tractors and skid steers. “Seventy-five years ago, we were a farm implement company making pull-behind discs and got into snowblowers. In the 1970s, we were owned by Bobcat and got into the world of attachments for skid steers and tractors.” An open house event was held Saturday in Fosston, Minnesota.

A Farm Rescue Milestone – Farm Rescue will soon complete its 1,000th assistance case. Farm Rescue volunteers will harvest the winter wheat for an Illinois family who’s farmstead was destroyed by a tornado. A special ceremony will be held Tuesday in Palestine, Illinois. Farm Rescue is a North Dakota-based nonprofit organization that provides services, such as planting and harvesting, to help farm families who experienced a major illness, injury or natural disaster.

Chinn to Succeed Petersen – The new president of the Midwestern Association of State Departments of Agriculture will be Missouri Agriculture Director Chris Chinn. In September, Chinn will succeed Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. Petersen hosted the MASDA summer meeting this past week.

NSM Officers Reelected – The Northern Soy Marketing board has reelected Patrick O’Leary of Benson, Minnesota as chair. Mike McCraine of Claremont, South Dakota will return as vice chair and Nancy Kavazanjian of Wisconsin is secretary/treasurer. During the recent board meeting, NSM finalized its FY24 budget and got an update on a rebranding effort.

DL Museum Highlights Rep. Collin Peterson – ‘The Collin Peterson Exhibit’ was unveiled at the Becker County Museum in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota on Friday. The exhibit includes the desk used by former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson while serving in Congress as well as key documents and memorabilia. Peterson spent 30 years in Congress, culminating in January of 2021.