An Emergency Acquisition – In a deal brokered by the Swiss government, UBS is acquiring Credit Suisse for $3.2 billion. Credit Suisse stock value crashed this past week, following the failure of two U.S. banks, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. This financial uncertainty is impacting the U.S. markets. More will be known Wednesday when the Federal Open Market Committee makes its latest interest rate announcement.

Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place – NSDU Crops Marketing Economist Frayne Olson is watching the economic reaction to the banking industry closely. “The banks that failed were very focused for the depositors, while a lot of the banks that farmers deal with are much more diversified.” Longer-term impacts will depend on the Federal Reserve. “Why did these banks fail? It’s because they got caught between a rock and a hard place with the rising interest rates.” Olson thinks the bank failures are an isolated situation.

Europe Delivers Interest Rate Increase – Despite the uncertainty with global banks, the European central bank moved forward with another bump in interest rates. “Europe increased their interest rates again by 50 basis points while here at home we were looking at maybe a quarter (percent) or even nothing at this point,” said Allison Thompson, The Money Farm. “If they’re continuing to fight inflation battles by doing that overseas, you have to think that the Fed might be continuing that stance as well, it’ll be very interesting to see what happens.” The Federal Reserve board meets Tuesday and Wednesday. The recent bank failures are expected to impact the decision on interest rates.

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – With the financial uncertainty with the banking system, the trade is looking for a safe haven. In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson says gold is being supported by that situation. A friendly cattle-on-feed report is also helpful. The signing of the Black Sea Grain Initiative sent the grain markets lower.

Food Prices Continue to Move Higher – While the overall inflation rate came in at six percent, food inflation is at 9.5 percent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports at-home food prices were up more than ten percent last month. Food consumed away from home increased in price by 8.4 percent.

MN Beef Update – Minnesota Beef Business Manager Heather DeLong discusses the Minnesota Association Meat Processor Convention in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.

STB Approves CP-KCS – The Surface Transportation Board approval of the Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern Railway merger takes effect April 14. As part of the STB decision, the new entity must keep access to other Class I railroads available and submit information to the government to address potential service issues. This will be the first rail service extending from Canada to Mexico. It will impact the flow of grain to the Gulf Coast and Mexico.

Consolidation Concerns – U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers are disappointed the Surface Transportation Board approved the merger between the Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern Railroad. USW President Vince Peterson said the green light was given without consideration to other agricultural shippers. “We’re extremely cautious of the merger and we just see a lot of land mines that need to be addressed.” The concern centers with competition issues. “We’ve already witnessed higher rates and poorer service and we’re concerned further consolidation might lead to more of that.”

A Double-Sided Coin – Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek said the Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern merger is notable because it signals the first single line service from Canada, through the U.S. to Mexico. “Some people welcome the prospect of having more access to these markets and there are others that are concerned about the competition side of things.” Steenhoek said the Surface Transportation Board approved the merger because the two rail lines don’t really overlap and are very distinct from one another.

EPA Takes Accelerated Action on Organophosphates – The registration review for four organophosphate pesticides is not scheduled to be wrapped up until 2025-2026, but the EPA is taking accelerated, early action due to potential risk to human health. The agency is meeting with the companies involved to discuss early risk mitigation. The possible changes include everything from new spray drift requirements to the cancellation of the registration.

Courts Could Intervene – The Environmental Protection Agency has developed a mitigation plan to deal with the onslaught of lawsuits from activist groups over the Endangered Species Act. American Sugarbeet Growers Association Vice President of Government Affairs Zach Clark says this plan could fundamentally change farm production. “The courts are siding with the people suing the EPA,” Clark told RRFN. “Essentially, they’re saying, EPA you haven’t been following the law and they put court enforceable deadlines in place. The challenge is that EPA still can’t meet those (deadlines) so we’re really worried about what the follow up will be from those judges when those timelines aren’t met.” Clark said the courts could simply vacate the registration of certain crop protection tools.

Dry Bean Scene – Minnesota Dry Bean Research and Promotion Council member Ryan Peterson talks about a recent trip to Dubai for the Gulf Foods Expo in this week’s Dry Bean Scene. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

War Curtails Global Grain Supply – Rather than focusing on the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Paradigm Futures market analyst Kent Beadle is monitoring Ukraine’s the crop prospects. “We saw essentially about a one-third decline in the production of the summer crops last year after the onset of the war and I think it might be more difficult to produce in that country this upcoming year. We’re talking about a fairly substantial amount of supply that came off the world market and is going to be coming off the world market again this upcoming  year.”

Another 60 Days – The Black Sea Grain Initiative, which created a grain corridor out of Ukraine, has been extended. Ukrainian officials said the agreement was extended for 120 days, but Russia only agreed to renew the deal for 60 days. Russia warns this agreement won’t be extended beyond mid-May without the removal of Western sanctions.

Russia Seeks New Trade Payment Program – Russia’s agriculture ministry is proposing a new system for foreign trade. Moscow wants all payments made through a national clearing center. The move is seen as a way to prevent the implementation of additional trade sanctions.

Politics Are the Biggest Farm Bill Hurdle – There are 535 members of Congress and 230 of them have never voted on a farm bill. After spending time on Capitol Hill, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association President Neil Rockstad said it is an even split. “For half of them, they’re pretty confident we’re going to get a farm bill done on time and half of them are thinking we might have to extend this because there’s a lot of work to do between now and passage of farm bill,” said Rockstad. “I think the farm bill in itself is on sound footing. I think the biggest hiccup with passing of farm bill is going to be external politics.” Rockstad, who farms in Ada, Minnesota, said the no-cost sugar program is welcome news for the many of the new lawmakers.

More Farm Bill Funding Needed – A coalition of 400 agricultural groups is asking Congress to provide an increase in funding for the 2023 farm bill. In a letter to lawmakers, the coalition said the recent ad hoc disaster programs do not provide a timely or reliable safety net for farmers. The letter was signed by Farm Bureau, Farmers Union and trade groups representing everything from corn and soybean industries to specialty crop associations.

A United Front – American Soybean Association national director Adam Guetter sees crop insurance and trade as farm bill priorities. “I would be considered one of the younger farmers in the farming demographic. With the amount of inputs and financial strain that goes into a crop every year, we need that safety net that can help us move through any disasters caused by Mother Nature.” Guetter represents Minnesota on the ASA board and said forming a united front with soybean growers nationwide is important.

Food Security Theme Emphasized – The development of the 2023 farm bill differs from anything that happened in the past. “This is the first farm bill that we’ve had coming off of a huge pandemic so food security is on the minds of both sides of the aisle,” said Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association Executive Director Harrison Weber. The concept of a no-cost sugar program is being received well by the many new members of Congress. “Whether you’re Republican or Democrat, that message resonates well.”

Farm Bill Needs to Keep Next Generation in Agriculture – American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall testified at this past week’s farm bill listening session. Duvall said food security and national security should be taken into consideration when developing the next farm bill. “Crop insurance is the cornerstone of our farm bill and that we need to broaden it, modernize it, and update targets and loan dates.” Duvall also emphasized the importance of conservation programs and keeping younger generations interested in agriculture. “Look around the room at the average age of farmers, we have to do something to make agriculture attractive to young people so they want to come back to grow the food and fiber of the future.”

USDA Prepares for New Farm Bill – In preparation for the ’23 farm bill, the Farm Service Agency and Risk Management Agency provide technical assistance to lawmakers on farm programs. RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger believes it is important for farmers and ranchers to remind lawmakers about the importance of crop insurance. “As a stakeholder, continue to voice your support to your congressional staff so they can hear you and what you want.” FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said he continues to hear feedback on volunteer-based conservation programs and the need for more efficient disaster programs. “We’re doing our best to take that stakeholder feedback back to D.C. with us so we can continue to improve those programs.”

Senate E15 Bill Introduced – A bipartisan group of U.S. senators have introduced legislation to make 15 percent ethanol blends available year round. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer are the lead sponsors for the bill. Co-sponsors include the balance of the senators from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Executive Director DaNita Murray talks about the Emergency Grain Storage Assistance Program.

Vilsack Sits Down Before Senate Ag Committee – In testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said disaster programs must be as flexible as possible. “When you established the WHIP program, nobody anticipated that you’d have a winter storm of the magnitude that we had in the Dakotas,” said Vilsack.  “We figure out if winter storms are included in the language or not because we wanted to get help to folks. Its just really difficult to be specific as you would like to be to cover anything and everything that can happen.” North Dakota Senator John Hoeven asked Vilsack if he would maintain the sugar program, but Vilsack would only say he understands the importance of the program.

Find Your Next Job – Check out the Job Opportunities in Agriculture tab on the Red River Farm Network website. The North Dakota Beef Commission is searching for its next executive director. There are also job postings from the North Dakota Soybean Council, AURI, True North Equipment, R.D. Offutt Farms and more.

Robust Beef Demand – Cattle numbers are declining, but Summit Commodities market analyst Tim Marsh says beef demand remains strong. “I have a seen studies that indicate that as long as people have jobs and our unemployment rate is fairly low,  they’ll treat themselves to a burger and beer or a steak and scotch so the demand for beef will remain relatively stable.”

‘Product of USA’ Label Won’t Stick – R-Calf USA CEO Bill Bullard says the new ‘Product of the USA’ labeling proposition won’t have much of an impact on consumers or the beef industry because it’s a voluntary regime. “Only if a meat packer desires to affix a label, will there be one. Obviously, if that were profitable for the beef packers, they would have done it a long time ago.,” However, Bullard thinks it will be more beneficial for smaller meat processors to utilize the label.

2023 Grazing Outlook – The grazing season is right around the corner and there’s two factors that influence forage production, the amount of precipitation from April 1 to July 1 and tiller development from last fall. NDSU Extension Livestock Environmental Stewardship Specialist Miranda Meehan says tiller growth varies across the state. “It really comes down to management. Last spring, pastures that were grazed heavy where those tillers were removed in the fall can have up to a 70 percent reduction in forage production.”

The Untold Value of Genetic Testing – Genetic testing can help livestock producers determine their next herd sire or pick replacement heifers. Zoetis Strategic Beef Genetic Account Manager Jed Hutchinson says genetic testing helps determine a baseline for your herd. “Most people think about purebred guys that use EPDS, but in a commercial cow-calf setting, the true value is in establishing a baseline.” Generally, Hutchinson says livestock producers hesitate taking the first steps to implement genetic testing. “I try to tell producers that it’s a simple job of collection a tissue sample and from there our team takes over to get the information back to you.”

The Threat of African Swine Fever – The U.S. swine industry is keeping tabs on African Swine Fever movement across the globe. University of Minnesota Professor Jerry Shurson says an ASF outbreak would be devastating to the supply chain. “The economic consequences caused by ASF have already been devastating to pork supplies, global trade, and prevented infected countries from exporting pork.” Shurson says ASF could be brought into the U.S. through feedstuffs with a lot of attention given to feed supply chains like animal protein byproducts and soybean meal.

Enough is Enough – The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association has filed a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota, challenging its adoption of California’s zero-emissions mandate. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency rule requires new cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty vehicles to meet the emission standards established in California. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth said the Walz Administration has failed to communicate. “It’s just amazing how he (Governor Tim Walz) says one thing and then all of a sudden they do another; it’s frustrating.” Worth says the zero-emissions mandate will impact the availability of diesel fuel within the state. “Biodiesel gives a $1.50 per bushel increase to the soybean price so if our margins actually go negative and there is no diesel fuel to put a crop in, what’s agriculture gonna look like when this happens? I think enough is enough.” MSGA is joined by the state and national convenience store trade groups, the Clean Fuels Development Coalition and a company that serves the ethanol industry called ICM.

Grain Indemnity Bill Advances – The Minnesota House Agriculture Committee has approved a grain indemnity bill, sending it on to the Judiciary Committee. Falk’s Seed Farm owner Jim Falk testified, saying the current bonding program does not work. “Let’s stop pretending we can put another band-aid on this failed system that’s been broken for years and has caused so much pain to our Minnesota farmers who are left to fend for themselves, shocked that their government has failed them.”

More Accountability Needed – Minnesota House Agriculture Committee Chair Samantha Vang indicated the grain indemnity bill will be part of the omnibus agriculture bill. “Right now, if a grain elevator fails, the only thing that provides a safety net for producers are bonds. Bonds are currently not doing enough to recoup enough revenue loss.” Vang says this has been an ongoing issue. “We know we need more accountability from the elevators and more protection for the farmers.”

MFBF Minute – Hear Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Director of Public Policy Pierce Bennett update us on what’s happening in the Minnesota Legislature in the latest MFBF Minute.

Advocating for Research Funding for Turf Seed Production – Turf seed production is a growing industry in Minnesota. State Representative John Burkel introduced a bill that would provide grant funding for research. Minnesota Turf Seed Council Executive Director Marvin Zutz testified about the importance of the continued research for turf seed grasses. “The only thing that seems to be growing faster than rye grass acres is the number of research questions relating to rye grass production, ” said Zutz. “Producers continue to depend on the Turf Grass Council and the University of Minnesota to answer these questions.” The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the Agriculture Finance and Policy omnibus bill.

NDAWN Seeking Support to Expand in Minnesota – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture would like to expand the NDAWN network across Minnesota. There are 38 NDAWN weather stations in the state. “We’ve had a lot of support from researchers, farmers, and commodity groups wanting more local weather information,” said hydrologist Stefan Bischof. The long-term goal is to develop NDAWN stations in all of Minnesota’s agricultural areas.

No Frivolous Claims – South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed into law HB 1090, which would protect state farms from claims that can delay development and increase costs for producers. Noem said this bill creates more certainty for the future. “One out of every five jobs are tied to agriculture. This bill will give us certainty and predictability against frivolous claims while encouraging growth in South Dakota’s agricultural industry.” South Dakota Farm Bureau President Scott VanderWal spoke at the bill signing and offered a few points of the bill. “Plaintiffs have to provide clear and convincing evidence against the activity and be an owner or lease holder within a mile of the ag nuisance.”

A Quiet Legislative Session – The South Dakota Legislature is on break until March 27 when it will return for one day to consider any bills vetoed by Governor Noem. South Dakota Soybean Association President Kevin Deinert says it was a quiet session for agriculture. “There was a lot of focus on a few bigger bills and, in general, there were just a lot less bills proposed this year.” Deinert cites two major ag-related bills, one relating to foreign ownership of farmland and a bill to to prevent frivolous lawsuits related to agricultural activities.

North Dakota Legislative Report –  The Fufeng project in Grand Forks prompted the introduction of Senate Bill 2371. North Dakota Farm Bureau Director of Public Policy Pete Hanebutt discusses the implications of foreign ownership of land. Listen to the North Dakota Legislative Report.

Ag Committee Reviews Livestock Planning Grants – In an ongoing effort to nurture animal agriculture in North Dakota, the Senate Agriculture and Veterans Affairs Committee took testimony on a proposal to create regional livestock planning grants. “This will allow the resources, the know how and the finances to help get this in motion,” said Brenda Elmer, executive director, North Dakota Corn Growers Association. In addition to regional livestock planning grants, this bill would update zoning at the local level. North Dakota Soybean Growers Association Executive Director Nancy Johnson said some county zoning regulations haven’t been updated since the 1970s. “I can just imagine the excitement of a farm family doing succession planning which concludes that rather than try to buy more land, adding animal agriculture and bring more family members back to their farm only to learn that their township zoning hasn’t been updated for 20 years. That can stop progress cold.” The Senate committee did not take action in Friday’s hearing.

Defending Raw Milk Sales – State Representative Dawson Holle testified before the Senate Agriculture Committee about HB 1515, his bill that would allow farms to sell raw milk. Holle, who is the youngest elected legislator in North Dakota history at 19, said raw milk could make or break a dairy operation. “In the year I was born, there were 400 dairy herds across the state, now North Dakota currently has 37 dairy farms. How great would it be for farms that are struggling to be profitable without a processor if can sell their products?” Holle says this bill opens up benefits not just for dairy farmers, but for consumers as well.

Considering a Tax Exemption for Ag Storage – Proposed legislation to create a tax exemption for farm storage on commercial classified property was heard in North Dakota’s House Agriculture Committee. Oakes farmer Brian Vculek spoke in favor of the bill, saying he hesitates building a new potato warehouse within the city. “It’s difficult for me to want to put them inside city limits and get taxed at a higher rate, however, it would make more sense to keep them close to my original structures.” Vculek also said he felt taking farm land out of production to build the structures seemed wrong, but an uncertain tax environment made it necessary. Ellendale Mayor Donald Flaherty spoke in opposition, favoring more research be done to mitigate potential unintended consequences. Listen to the full story here.

Revised Revenue Forecast Released – The North Dakota Office of Management and Budget has revised the state’s revenue forecast. It projects a downturn of $27 million from the November executive forecast, but $16 million above the January estimate. Governor Doug Burgum said this outlook “continues to predict significant growth from this biennium to the next.”

MN Wheat Minute – Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers On-Farm Research Coordinator Mellissa Carlson recaps the Soil Health Summit in this week’s Minnesota Wheat Minute.

Register Now for NCI’s Next Future of Feeding Webinar – The Northern Crops Institute is hosting another Future of Feeding webinar Wednesday at 10 AM. This webinar will feature Kurt Rosentrater, associate professor, Iowa State University. The webinar is titled ‘Beyond DDGS, Corn Gluten Meal, and Corn Gluten Feed: Current and Evolving Products from Corn Processing.’ This webinar series focuses on using innovation in the processing of animal food, the equipment being used and using grains from the region for co-products. Register online.

River Shipping Opens – The Upper Mississippi River shipping season is open. Two tows with six barges each moved through Lake Pepin March 11. The first tow of the season arrived about one week ahead of the average opening of the navigation season.

Sunflower Report Updated – According to the 2022 Sunflower Crop Quality Report, U.S. sunflower production totaled 2.8 billion pounds this past year. That’s up 48 percent from 2021. North Dakota regained its top spot for sunflower production with a 1.3 billion pound crop. That’s up 76 percent from the previous year. South Dakota sunflower production topped one billion pounds, up 32 percent. Minnesota sunflower production totaled 175 million pounds this past year, up 86 percent from the previous year. Oil-type sunflowers averaged 44.3 percent for oil content. Test weights were just over 30 pounds.

Optimism for ’23 Planting Season – Despite a thick layer of snow across the Northern Plains, Pioneer Corn Product Manager Scott Walker is enthusiastic about the upcoming growing season. “We’re getting some adequate moisture refilling that soil moisture profile this winter and we’re looking forward to a good corn year,” said Walker. “We’re shipping seed. I’d say we’re about 90 percent shipped so we’re sitting really good.” Walker cited the yields and agronomic strength seen with the Pioneer hybrids in the 80-to-90 day maturity range.

Planting Prep – It doesn’t look like spring yet, but it is the perfect time to get the planter ready for the season ahead.  Precision Planting Regional Manager Brent Horner advises farmers to begin with the bar itself and make sure it can carry the row units. Evaluate each row unit following it to the closing wheels and everything in-between. “Think about how we create the furrow, how we place the seed and how we close it up”. The sprayer is another tool that is often overlooked in the spring. Horner thinks the sprayer could use updates to help farmers re-circulate, prime, flush and clean faster.

Spring is Still on the Sidelines – SES Vanderhave Regional Sales Manager Nick Reiver is hoping for an earlier spring than last year. “You look at the snowbanks out there and the extended forecast, we’re probably not going to have an early spring, but hopefully we don’t have the challenges we had last year.” Revier said seed deliveries are about to happen.

Back to the Basics for Beets – NDSU Extension Sugarbeet Agronomist Mohamed Khan recommends farmers focus on the basics, especially with the likelihood of a wet spring. “Use fungicides in a timely manner and use pre-emergence, soil-applied herbicides to help combat resistant weeds.” Insect control is also another aspect to consider. “The number of root maggot flies have been increasing, especially in the northern part of the valley.” Khan recommends using an insecticide during planting time where there are expected problem areas. RRFN’s coverage of the International Sugarbeet Institute is sponsored by Amity Technology.

Controlling Cercospora Leaf Spot and Other Beet Diseases – There are some sugarbeet diseases that can live in the soil for multiple growing seasons. University of Minnesota Sugarbeet Pathologist Ashok Chanda says there are alternatives to plan for disease resistance going into this growing season. “There are options for really good varieties with tolerance for Cercospora.” Early fungicide applications are critical. “You want to keep the fungus away from these beets, it’s going to help you in the later part of the season for disease control.”

Early Detection is Key – University of Minnesota/NDSU Extension Sugarbeet Agronomist Tom Peters says the key to controlling kochia is stopping it early. “Even glyphosate-sensitive kochia is hard to control when it’s more than two inches tall so you have to be very very timel.” Scouting fields prior to emergence and after planting sugarbeets can provide additional options.”There might be an opportunity to use a product like gramoxone to control it. If you don’t get it early, you’re going to have challenges.”

Beet Stock Values – It was another quiet American Crystal Sugar Company beet stock trades. According to Acres & Shares broker Jayson Menke, there were two brokered sales totaling 15 shares at $4,775 per share last week.

Corn Matters – MN Corn Board Member Angela Guentzel discusses the recipients of the Young Adult Scholarships. Hear more in the latest Corn Matters.

Interview: UPL’s Craig Brekkus – Acquisitions within the crop protection business have become the norm. In an interview with the Red River Farm Network, UPL’s head of North American business operations Craig Brekkus said that may be changing. “You get to a point where the opportunity for mergers and acquisitions gets less and so our approach today is a collaborative approach.” UPL’s OpenAg effort is an example. “Looking at real-time solutions, we know we can’t do it alone. At the end of the day, we’re just one manufacturer and there’s a lot of opportunity to collaborate and create solutions for growers so I think the future is really around partnerships. The way that we can add value and agriculture together.” The full interview with Craig Brekkus can be found on the Red River Farm Network website.

UPL: Ask the Expert – Potato growers can count on white mold showing up every year. This fungal disease can cause extensive damage to the crop. In the Red River Farm Network ‘Ask the Expert’ series, UPL Technical Service Manager Taylor MIller offers more insight into white mold and the available crop solutions. Listen to the full interview.

Bayer Collaborates With Microsoft – Bayer has announced a new cloud-based platform with Microsoft. Bayer AgPowered Services will allow companies and organizations to build and license digital tools to help farmers. These tools may include the use of imagery to track crop health or evaluate water usage.

Managing Tar Spot – As tar spot moves into different areas, efforts are underway to adapt. “As the issue continues to move west, we’re watching that really closely and have intensive selection for resistance against tar spot in the NK portfolio,” said Matt Dolch, corn products manager, NK Seed. “We have a lot of new, exciting products in that 85-to-105 RM that we launched this year so that fits the Red River Valley very well.”

Frozen Potato Processing Expansion North of the Border – McCain Foods plans to double the size of its potato processing plant in southern Alberta. The $600 million project will add two new production lines, one for French fries and the other for specialty frozen potato products.

Potato Industry’s Economic Impact is ‘Astounding’ – National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says the economic impact of the potato industry is staggering. “A $100 billion per year is generated by the overall potato supply chain. That’s $10 billion at the farm-gate level and an additional $9 billion in aggregate as you move up the supply chain.” A total of $34 billion in wages are paid each year in the potato industry with 714,000 employees across the country. “Putting these numbers to these activities is eye-opening and hopefully for Capitol Hill it justifies a lot of the investments they’ll make as we write the new farm bill.”

Corteva’s Glyphosate Sold to Albaugh – Albaugh is acquiring Corteva Agriscience’s glyphosate business. Albaugh previously purchased Corteva’s glyphosate lineup in Europe and the ownership extends around the world with this deal.

A Wide Range of Use for Enversa – New weed control technology is on the way from Corteva Agriscience. Pending regulatory approval, Corteva U.S. Products Manager Aaron Smith says Enversa will have a wide range of use. “When we spray Enversa on the leaf surface, it bounces off and drives to the soil to create a residual barrier but doesn’t effect the tank mix partner,” said Smith. “This will also be the residual tank mix partner of choice for Enlist I.” EPA approval is expected for the 2024 season.

What is Old is New Again – New ways to incorporate old technology is one way to keep ahead of the ever-changing need for weed control. FMC‘s Discovery Lab in Delaware is constantly looks for new ways to navigate the regulatory environment. “We’ve also found new ways to use some of our older stuff in the Midwest,” said Ryan Hunt, technical service manager. “We’re re-sharpening the knife and finding a new way to use it.” Using the right products to start your growing season with clean fields is key. “You have to start out good or you’re going to be chasing it the whole season.”

Valent’s Path to Sustainability – Sustainability is a goal for crop production. Valent Row Crop Segment Lead Will Griffin says developing products to assist farmers in that endeavor is a priority. “It’s kind of a holistic approach from cultural practices to application and to products.” Griffin said Valent concentrates on products that will increase yields, reduce trips across the field and therefore reduce their carbon footprint. “We can call a lot of things sustainable, but to me it’s about how we ensure farms stay sustainable long-term and create value and reducing expenses.”

Amity Technology Adapts to a Changing World – Amity Technology Sales Manager Mike Lundberg says the International Sugarbeet Institute trade show used to be a time for placing fall orders. “The whole world has changed in that aspect; we’re planting seed for harvesting the 2024 crop right now.” Amity Technology offers more than sugarbeet equipment. “We’re looking at leveling out the factory to keep it busy all the time. We sold out the last two years by the middle of November, but I remember when we sold 12 harvesters all year long.” You can listen to the full interview here.

Technology Must be User-Friendly – Digital tools are available to help farmers and crop consultants collect field data about soil sampling, agronomic decisions and mapping. FarmQA Senior Technology Specialist Ben Munson says this technology must be simple to use. “Usability is a big thing. How easy it is to use the software? How easy it is to bring the data in and then make sense of that data once it’s in the software.” FarmQA was developed by Howard Dahl as a partner with Amity Technology.

A Roomba for Agriculture – A tech company at the International Sugarbeet Institute demonstrated a new approach to weed control. “It has eyes, a brain and two arms with four wheels and will navigate around the farm autonomously and detect the problem areas that farmers have,” said Aigen co-founder Kenny Lee. “Using AI, the machine determines whether the plant that they see is a sugarbeet or a weed; it’ll use its arms to take action.” Aigen is being marketed to farmers as a per-acre service. “It’s not a per-pass type of business model, it is for the entire growing season and we’ll come out and take care of the weeds for you.” Aigen is working with Grand Farm and North Dakota State University on field testing. The company is taking pre-orders with farmers now for the 2024 growing season. Listen to the interview.

A Record Year for Titan Machinery – The past fiscal year was a record-breaker for Titan Machinery. For the year, Titan Machinery had net income of just under $102 million. That compares to $66 million one year ago. The agriculture business was supported by a strong farm economy and high demand for equipment.

Canola Minute – In this week’s Canola Minute, state research priorities are outlined. This update is sponsored by the Northern Canola Growers Association.

3 Firms Partner on Winter Canola Project – Corteva Agriscience, Bunge and Chevron USA are partnering to expand winter canola production in southern states, like Tennessee and Kentucky.  These hybrids are being promoted as a double-cropping option for winter wheat. The canola oil will be used for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production.

Tonsager Moves to the Upper Chamber – South Dakota native Josh Tonsager has joined the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Democratic staff. Most recently, Tonsager had a similar role for the House Agriculture Committee. Previously, Tonsager worked for the National Association of Wheat Growers and former South Dakota Senator Tim Johnson.

Burdick, Stein Added to House Ag Committee Staff – House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott has made two additions to the commmittee’s Democratic staff. Britton Burdick will serve as the Democratic communications director. Burdick has been working on Capitol Hill. Previously, Burdick was the press secretary for the One Country Project, an advocacy nonprofit organized by former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp. Michael Stein will serve as the Democratic chief counsel for the committee. Stein previously served as counsel for the Senate Small Business Committee.

SD FSA State Committee Seated – USDA now has a full slate in place for the South Dakota Farm Service State Committee. Hank Wonnenberg of Dallas is the latest addition to the committee. Tony Knecht of Houghton, Fanny Brewer of Dupree, Peggy Greenway of Mitchell and Larry Olson of Davis were appointed last August.

Soil Fertility Minute – On this week’s Soil Fertility Minute, sponsored by the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council, University of Minnesota Assistant Extension Professor Dr. Anna Cates talks about the hazards of wind erosion and nutrient loss.

Proulx Moves From UMC to NDSU – NDSU Extension has hired Rob Proulx as an agricultural technology systems specialist. Proulx will focus primarily on precision agriculture, sprayer systems and machinery systems. Proulx has been the University of Minnesota-Crookston for the past 14 years.

Becton Recognized by AASV – The American Association of Swine Veterinarians has awarded Dr. Lisa Becton with its Allied Industry Veterinarian of the Year award. Becton is the National Pork Board’s director of swine health.

Lutt on the Job at Bayer – After ten years working for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, Erick Lutt is now the director of federal government affairs for Bayer Crop Science. At BIO, Lutt was the senior director of federal government relations.

CHS Appoints New VP of Government Affairs – CHS has named Sarah Bovim as its vice president of government affairs. Most recently, Bovim held similar positions at Whirlpool Corporation and Albertson Companies. Before joining the private sector, Bovim was a senior U.S. trade negotiator for the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

Feltes to Retire – R.J. O’Brien market analyst Rich Feltes is retiring April 3. Feltes has been with RJO since 2010. Previously, he worked for Continential Grain Company, Refco and MF Global. Earlier this year, the Commodity Markets Council presented Feltes with a lifetime achievement award.