Federal Appeals Court Rejects Stay on Chlorpyrifos – A federal appeals court rejected a move by agricultural groups to stay the EPA’s ban of chlorpyrifos. In a statement, the coalition of ag groups pursing the effort, including the American Sugarbeet Growers Association and American Soybean Association, said they are disappointed with the court’s decision to deny the motion to stay the rule while the case is being heard. The coalition believes EPA’s decision to revoke chlorpyrifos tolerances is inappropriate and they’re evaluating the court’s decision, talking about next steps. The EPA’s product ban went into effect at the end of February.

Sugar Industry Navigating Pesticide Challenges at EPA – Addressing pesticide challenges at the EPA continues to be a priority for farm and commodity organizations. “We’re working with other commodity groups to educate members of Congress about how important pesticide tools are to growers,” said Luther Markwart, Executive Vice President, American Sugarbeet Growers Association. “We’re also involved in litigations to protect these products. Then, the EPA’s budgets continue getting tighter. New products that farmers want and need can’t get through the regulatory process, because the EPA is concerned about getting sued. Additional steps slow things down.” Markwart attended the International Sugar Beet Institute last week.

Alternative Tools Will Be Used to Control Sugarbeet Root Maggot – Local sugarbeet growers are planning to use a different mode of action to control sugarbeet root maggot this year. Chlorpyrifos is typically used to control the pest, but the EPA banned the use of the product. According to American Crystal Sugar Company General Agronomist Joe Hastings, sugarbeet root maggot counts were some of the highest ever for the American Crystal growing area last year. “In 2022, we’re going to have to be proactive using alternative tools. They may not as effective, but they will help with the problem,” said Hastings. “Counter insecticide is one of our recommendations at planting. It’s not as convenient as seed treated insecticides, but more effective. The seed treatments only provide suppression to root maggot feeding, where Counter provides more control, but it’s not as convenient. The other thing we’re looking at is our post-control alternatives.”

The EPA Approves MN-Specific Dicamba Requirements for 2022 – The Environmental Protection Agency approved Minnesota’s request to set specific dates for dicamba application in 2022. Over-the-top dicamba applications cannot be made south of Interstate 94 after June 12 in Minnesota. Dicamba’s application cut-off date north of Interstate 94 continues to be June 30. The new label also prohibits over-the-top application when the air temperature is more than 85 degrees at the time of application. EPA says these restrictions are meant to reduce volatility and offsite movement of the product. The agency is still reviewing whether or not the product can be used in a manner that doesn’t pose risks to non-target crops.

Petersen: Reducing Dicamba Complaints is the Goal – Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen is glad to finally have an announcement from the EPA on dicamba. “We are disappointed it took this long, but glad it’s done. The biggest concern right now is the trainings, but registrants are working on that. Applicators can start getting familiar with labels.” Petersen says the goal is to lower the number of complaints received and ensure long-term viability of dicamba. There were 304 reports of alleged drift in 2021. “To me, if we go through another season with a lot of movement and damages, the product is not going to stick around very long. Hopefully, with Minnesota’s aggressive approach, this gives a pathway to keep the product long-term. Having the volatility we’ve had in the past is a concern.”

ND Noxious Weed Task Force Meets in Bismarck – North Dakota’s Noxious Weed Task Force had their first meeting in Bismarck on Tuesday. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said there were three objectives for the exploratory meeting: “establish a clear understanding of what the law is and where responsibility lies, the accountability of county weed officers, and we also need to tear all of this apart to better understand what we’re dealing with. We also need a new approach to noxious weeds.” At the end of the meeting, the group discussed raising awareness of noxious weeds, but no additional meetings dates were set. For future meetings, task force members emphasized the importance of having all stakeholders at the table, including tribes, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Awareness Key to Dealing with Noxious Weeds – Palmer amaranth is the newest of the 13 noxious weeds on North Dakota’s noxious weed list. “Palmer amaranth doesn’t really fit the traditional noxious weed definition,” said Tom Peters, sugarbeet agronomist, NDSU and University of Minnesota Extension. “Noxious weeds are traditionally perennials and have been in our landscape for years. Palmer is different, because it is an annual weed. People think annual weeds are easier to control than perennials, but they are not. They are just as problematic.” Palmer can develop a resistance to herbicides, making it harder to control. Until 2018, the weed hadn’t been identified in North Dakota. So far, it’s been confirmed in 14 counties. It’s being transferred many ways including feed and seed screenings. In addition to raising awareness about noxious weed control, Peters would like to see the state’s noxious weed law changed to include seeds. “We could write text in the law that would indicate we can’t knowingly disseminate crop seeds that contain Palmer amaranth. That would require implementing testing protocol.” Peters attended North Dakota’s Noxious Weed Task Force Meeting.

SD Corn Comments – It’s National Ag Week. Did you know each U.S. farm is responsible for feeding 172 people? That number continues to grow. Hear more stats in the latest South Dakota Corn Comments.

RRFN to Broadcast From Watershed Management Conference – The Red River Farm Network will report from the Red River Watershed Management Board Annual Conference Tuesday in Moorhead. Listen for updates on RRWMB projects and the issues facing water management in the region.

A Mixed Weather Outlook for Spring – It’s the time of the year when the weather battles between leftover winter and spring. World Weather Incorporated Senior Agricultural Meteorologist Drew Lerner says there will be more precipitation in the forecast for the Northern Plains. “There are a few more storms slated to move across the Northern Plains the second week of the forecast, but the first seven days don’t look too bad. We should stay relatively dry and warm biased,” says Lerner. “More of the ground will thaw and snow will melt.” Hear Lerner’s latest forecast.

Farmers Hope for a Good Start to Spring Planting – Ada, Minnesota farmer Neil Rockstad says there should be enough soil moisture for a good start to spring planting, especially for sugarbeets. “Hopefully, we can get a decent start to planting in April through early May.” Rockstad says all of the major commodities grown in the north have price increases in 2022. That makes the planting season interesting. “Some years there is one crop that may take off and wheat might be dragging, but this year they’re all hanging up in price. Certainly, there’s a lot of talk in the neighborhood about planting crops that haven’t been planted in a while like sunflowers.”

MN Department of Transportation Announces Road Restrictions – The Minnesota Department of Transportation says spring road restrictions have begun for the north central and north seasonal load restriction zones. Load restrictions for the central zone are also in effect. Seasonal load limit zones and restricted routes can be found here.

Getting Ready for Spring – DEKALB Brand Manager Kathleen McKittrick says advances in seed genetics played a big role in overcoming recent growing season stresses. “When you think of DEKALB, you think about exclusive genetics. We’re focused on performance across all types of conditions. Whatever the conditions are for farmers, we’re making sure DEKALB stands out from the rest.” McKittrick remains optimistic going into spring. “We’re really excited about the next year and feel really good about the performance we have with the 2022 line-up and planting,” says McKittrick. “We have really strong products across the portfolio, adding additional benefits for farmers with Acceleron elite seed applied solutions with enhanced disease control that gives some of that early-to-mid season disease protection farmers are looking for throughout the season.” Hear the story.

Corn Matters – In this week’s Corn Matters, Minnesota Corn Growers Association member and Vance Johnson has more details about a soil health demonstration site by the farm at Breckenridge, Minnesota. Johnson is a recipient of an innovation grant. Hear more about the project and the innovation grant program in this week’s update.

Beet Stock Values – Last week, there were no American Crystal Sugar Company beet shares brokered. According to Acres & Shares broker Jayson Menke, for the season there have been 3,933 shares brokered for an average price of $4,190.06 per share.

Consider the Weed Resistance Profile – FMC Technical Service Manager Nick Hustedde says growers should keep in mind what weed problems you had in past growing season to prepare for the next season. “We’ve got to be mindful of the weed spectrum is in our fields. As you’re combining in the fall, it’s good to take notes of what escapes happen for the next season. As we think about Palmer amaranth and kochia, you’ve got to consider the resistance profile.” Alternative plans are key to resistant weeds. “The focus is on managing the weeds in our soil so that we take the pressure off the post-applications. We want to use those active ingredients that have longer residual activity.” Hear the story.

Traders Start Looking at Prospective Plantings Report – In less than two weeks, the USDA will release the March Prospective Plantings report. Summit Commodities market analyst Tim Marsh doesn’t anticipate much of an acreage change in the Midwest, but traders are closely watching what happens in the Dakotas. “The weather in the northwestern Corn Belt seems to have a bigger influence on how our acreage changes each year, so we’ll be watching the weather there very closely going into spring.” USDA’s Prospective Planting’s Report will be released on Thursday, March 31.

Watch What Happens with U.S. Corn Production – With uncertainties surrounding global corn production, Brock Associates owner Richard Brock is watching what happens in the United States. Brock is hearing from seed dealers there’s more demand for certain varieties of corn than soybeans this spring in the Midwest. “We think most farmers will use a pretty normal rotation and the big cut in corn acres some are expecting, we don’t think will happen. There may be a minor cut, but we don’t think it’s going to be five million acres like some are forecasting,” says Brock. “Farmers should be taking advantage of good corn prices.”

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 wheat market remains hot as the week begins, due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. “The market had premium pulled out of it going into the weekend, thinking there could be more progress on peace talks, but that’s not happening. We also hope to see more demand coming to the United States for products.” The outside markets aren’t so hot. “Cattle have been struggling and we had a good week last week, we have to keep watching. Energy markets are strong and that’s not hot, because it raises our prices as consumers.”

U.S. and China Discuss Russia-Ukraine War – President Biden talked with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. All eyes have been on China since the Russia-Ukraine war to see what happens next. A readout of the call from the White House says President Biden outlined the views of the United States and described the implications and consequences if China provides material support to Russia as it conducts attacks on Ukraine.

Geopolitical Events Continue to Effect the Marketplace – The suspension of agricultural exports from Ukraine and parts of Russia means other countries are looking to fill their needs elsewhere. StoneX Group Chief Commodities Economist Arlan Suderman thinks it will be tricky for countries to do business with Russia. “Wheat and corn tenders can be very enlightening on who is going to continue doing business with who. Bottom line: without Russia and Ukraine’s wheat, food scarcity will become a greater concern in developing countries.” It’s also not clear if Ukraine will be able to harvest wheat. “Some fields in the western part of the country were able to get top-dressed with nitrogen before the war really spread, but there are questions about whether farmers are in a good position. We could be losing production for another year, not only wheat, but corn.”

U.S. Moving Corn to Russia-Ukraine Buyers – Last week, the U.S. was loading corn to move to Spain and Italy. According to Reuters, ships bound for both countries both had 35,000 tons of U.S. corn each. Russia’s war with Ukraine has buyers scrambling to look for alternative sources. U.S. Grains Council Director for Global Strategies Kurt Shulz calls it a supply readjustment. “We were expecting Spain to come back into the market for U.S. corn once trade duties were removed earlier this year, but Italy is not traditionally a market for us. There’s been a lot of discussion about Italy seeking somewhere around three million tons of corn outside of their traditional supply chain,” says Shulz. “Instead of being a two million ton import market, it could easily grow three times larger. It won’t all be business for the United States, but we’re seeing vessels loaded.”

Sunflower Prices Get a Boost – Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, new crop sunflower prices increased $2.80 to $3.50 per hundredweight at U.S. crush plants. According to National Sunflower Association Executive Director John Sandbakken, the recent surge in new crop prices may encourage U.S. farmers to increase sunflower acres. “I know there’s interest, because I’ve had calls with farmers that told me hybrid seeds aren’t available, but that’s not the truth. There’s all kinds of hybrid seed available that we can plant this year,” said Sandbakken. “I know farmers are interested in these prices and whether or not they can get seed, but there’s plenty of seed available.” Oil premiums could offer a positive return. “Sunflowers will likely be in the ballpark of having very profitable returns this year.”

Global Sugar Production May Shift – The Russia and Ukraine’s war is affecting many things. “For sugar, it’s linked in a sense that as you see oil prices go up, it provides incentive for countries like Brazil to shift their sugar production and divert it into ethanol production, instead of moving it globally into the sugar market,” said Rob Johansson, Director of Economics and Policy Analysis, American Sugar Alliance. Johansson attended the International Sugarbeet Institute in Grand Forks last week.

How Bad Was South America’s Drought on the Crops? – The market is trying to determine how much damage has been done to the crops in Argentina and Brazil. Corn and Soybean Advisor President Michael Cordonnier says the drought was very severe in southern Brazil and that brought the soybean crop lower. “The weather in Brazil was unusual, the worst drought in modern history in the southern part of the country, but good rains in the northern part. The soybeans are about 65 percent harvested and we have a good idea of final production,” says Cordonnier. “In Argentina, the corn is only about five percent harvested, soybeans one percent harvested. Weather has improved there and crops have likely stabilized in this lower area.” With a poor year for corn and soybeans in most of Brazil and Argentina, the world balance sheet is tight.

It’s Dry During a Critical Time for KS Winter Wheat – It’s been dry in the U.S. plains states and Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin says that’s having an effect on the Kansas hard red winter wheat crop. “That’s why you’re seeing the lower crop condition ratings from Nebraska all the way to Texas. Kansas winter wheat ratings this past week was rated at 24 percent good to excellent. Recent snowfall helped and we’re hoping for more rain, but it’s a critical time for this crop.”

Federal Reserve Raises Interest Rates – As expected, the Federal Reserve raised benchmark interest rates a quarter percentage point. That’s the first time the Fed’s raised interest rates since 2018. The increase is meant to slow inflation. The committee anticipates interest rate increases at each of the six meetings this year. Three more interest rate hikes are expected in 2023 and then, none the following year.

Energy Costs Not Going Down In Near Future – Rising fuel prices are a major concern ahead of spring planting. AgriSompo North America market analyst Sterling Smith says fuel costs will be painful for everyone. “I suspect we’re going to see diesel hitting $6 a gallon sometime in the next week. While prices backed off, they’re going to be very volatile and bounce back up.” Smith is not expecting energy prices to go down anytime soon. “It looks like we’re putting a durable bottom for crude oil right around $105 a barrel. This will calm the market. The bad news is the big drop in the futures market will probably never be seen at the pumps.”

Lawmakers Ask for Help to Address High Fertilizer Prices – A group of Republican Senators, including North Dakota Senator John Hoeven and South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds, sent a letter to President Biden expressing concern about record-high fertilizer prices. The lawmakers ask the Biden administration to review all available options to lower the costs of fertilizer. That includes eliminating cross-border vaccine mandates, engaging stakeholders to prevent a Canadian strike and allowing USDA to use its existing authorities to provide support for farmers trying to get fertilizer.

The U.S. and United Kingdom Start Preliminary Trade Talks Today – The United States and the United Kingdom are expected to begin preliminary talks about a trade and investment agreement this week. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and her U.K counterpart are scheduled to meet in Baltimore, Maryland today and tomorrow with a second session in the U.K. in the coming months.

Trevino No Longer Nominee for U.S. Chief Ag Negotiator – President Biden’s Nominee for Chief Agriculture Negotiator, Elaine Trevino, decided to not move forward with the confirmation process. Trevino was nominated six months ago, but had not gone through the Senate confirmation process. According to Politico, Trevino sent Biden a letter that said it now seems clear there’s no timely path forward to gain Senate confirmation and that she was excited to join the administration in another capacity working on ag supply chain issues. Trevino may still be appointed to a non-Senate confirmed post.

Ag Exports Start Out Fiscal Year Strong – USDA economist Bart Kenner says agricultural export sales were $68.5 billion during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022. “Wheat exports were at $2.1 billion, up six percent from last year. Corn exports were at $5.2 billion, up 40 percent. Soybean exports were at $18.7 billion, up two percent.” While lower than one year ago, the ag exports also outpaced ag imports during the quarter.

House Ag Committee Considers Climate Change for Farm Bill – The House Agriculture Committee continued its review of the farm bill looking at the role of USDA programs in addressing climate change. One witness, Texas A&M Food and Agricultural Policy Center Co-Director Joe Outlaw, has a different opinion on tying climate smart practices to crop insurance program. “It should not be done: not premiums, participation nor to indemnities. The farmers we work with are worried about the long-run implications for crop insurance of tying climate smart provisions for the policy and that this will lead to regional winners and losers.” Former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp testified on behalf of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Farm and Forest Carbon Solutions Task Force. Heitkamp says carbon markets can provide an economic benefit for agricultural producers. “I think it’s important that work start as soon as possible.”

USDA Names SD and ND FSA and Rural Development Appointees – The U.S. Department of Agriculture named the remaining Farm Service Agency and Rural Development Agency appointments for the Red River Farm Network’s listening area. In South Dakota, Steve Dick is the new Farm Service Agency State Executive Director. Dick most recently worked as Ag United’s Executive Director. South Dakota’s Rural Development State Director is Nikki Gronli. Gronli works in brand management. Erin Oban is North Dakota’s new State Director of Rural Development. Oban more recently worked as the Central Regional Education Association’s Director of Community Engagement.

MFBF Update – The Minnesota Farm Bureau’s county leaders met in Saint Paul last week. Hear more from Vice-President Carolyn Olson in the latest MFBF Minute.

Lawmakers Want USDA to Enforce Fresh Potato Deal – A bipartisan group of lawmakers from Minnesota, North Dakota and other potato growing states sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to press its counter-agency in Mexico to honor the U.S.-Mexico trade deal on fresh potato imports. Mexico continues to delay restoring access. The letter states the cost is estimated to be $150 million to U.S. growers on an annual basis. The lawmakers want USDA to reconsider a statement allowing the implementation of the agreement to be delayed later this year.

Canadian Pacific Railroad Locks Out Workers – Canadian Pacific Railroad locked out workers early Sunday halting operations over a labor dispute. Canada’s Minister of Labor says the railroad and Teamsters Union continue talks with federal mediators at resolving the labor dispute. This lockout is expected to cause delays in the supply chain.

USDA Partners with Northwest Seaport Alliance on Container Issues – In an effort to ease congestion at U.S. ports, the USDA is partnering with the Northwest Seaport Alliance to pre-position containers of ag goods near the port terminals at Seattle and Tacoma, Washington. The USDA says the Farm Service Agency will pay agriculture companies and cooperatives to preposition containers at popup sites near the ports. The FSA will pay $200 per dry containers and $400 per refrigerated container to help cover the additional logistical costs. This partnership is similar to the USDA’s partnership with the Port of Oakland in California and the Department of Transportation’s partnership with the Port of Savannah in Georgia.

MN Wheat Minute – The National Wheat Foundation met during the Commodity Classic. Board member Scott Swenson has more about the meeting in this week’s Minnesota Wheat Minute.

Sugar Industry Advances in Supply Chain Crisis – Amid supply chain issues, Red River Sugar Beet Growers Association Executive Director Harrison Weber says the sugar industry is faring well. “We’ve seen many challenges these last couple of years, including the COVID pandemic. We’ve been able to move the lever from bulk to consumer sugar. Even with supply chain issues, we were able to put sugar bags on the shelf.” Weber attended the International Sugarbeet Institute this past week.

Celebrating 60 Years at the International Sugarbeet Institute – SESVanderHave Sugarbeet Seed Regional Salesman Nick Revier says the International Sugarbeet Institute has a lot to offer. “Everything from seed to chemistries, field drainage to the newest and biggest equipment.” SESVanderHave is also gearing up for planting season. “It’s just around the corner. We’ve got all of our research trials laid out, which includes five yield trials in the Red River Valley. All of our seed should be in Fargo, North Dakota this month, so we’ll start delivering seed to all the dealerships soon.”

An Evolution of Sugarbeet Equipment – Amity Technology Chief Executive Officer Howard Dahl says there’s been many changes in the farm equipment business. “We’ve been involved in the sugarbeet industry since 1979. When I look back, I think about the simple four-row harvesters built in the 1980s and then, about six and eight-row harvesters. I wondered if harvesters would ever get bigger. They did: the 12-row harvester is now the standard,” says Dahl. “It’s all about timing. There’s a limited window of time to get the crop harvested. We try to listen well to sugarbeet farmers for almost any idea we’ve had for equipment. Our equipment offerings for 2022 have small refinements.” Amity Technology sponsored the Red River Farm Network’s coverage of the International Sugarbeet Institute. Hear the story.

Dry Bean Scene – In this week’s Dry Bean Scene, we preview the Getting It Right in Dry Bean Production Webinar with NDSU Cropping Systems Specialist Greg Endres. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

Key Deadlines Coming Up in MN Legislature – With deadlines approaching in the Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota House Ag Committee Chair Mike Sundin says the last few weeks have been hectic. “Lawmakers are trying to get last minute items in and I’ve had to reject a few things in committee. Starting this week, we’re looking at biofuels changes and a few other things.” Several more bills will be heard, including the budget bill. “The governor’s budget recommendations have been modified a few times. We’ll see what the governor has up his sleeve.”

Policy Bills are the Priority – Any policy bill that isn’t heard by Friday is dead for the rest of the year in the state legislative session. According to Agricultural Lobbyist Bruce Kleven, an effort to get year-round E15 is coming up against Friday’s deadline. “The Minnesota Corn Growers Association is working hard on that and it’s their top priority this year.” Kleven says the drought disaster bill for livestock and specialty crop growers is moving along in the Senate. The Minnesota’s Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to review the bill tomorrow. “Their bill differs a bit, but there’s no problem with the bill. It has to go through the Finance Committee, sit on a floor for a day and then, it gets taken up. There are faster ways to approve the bill, if needed. Even once this disaster bill is passed, it will take time for the Department of Agriculture to implement it.”

A Push for Higher Blends of Ethanol at MN Fuel Pumps – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association is closely monitoring an effort in the state legislature that would allow year-round use of E15. The petroleum marketers came to the corn growers with a proposal to market higher ethanol blends in the state. “Their concern, of course, is what it will cost to update the infrastructure and all of the stations that don’t currently have equipment or tanks that are in compliance,” said Richard Syverson, vice president, Minnesota Corn Growers Association. “The petroleum marketers came up with an idea to assess a small fee on every gallon of fuel sold. That money would go into a fund that would be used to build out higher biofuel blend infrastructure in Minnesota. The stations that have put in higher blends, they’ve seen market success.” This has been a priority for corn growers the last three years and the next few days will be crucial in how this legislation moves forward. “We’re counting on lawmakers to help us move this over the goal line this year.”

U.S. Beef Exports Skyrocket – Coming off a record-breaking performance in 2021, the USDA says U.S. beef exports went higher in January. That’s an increase of 13 percent from one year ago. Beef export values increased 57 percent to more than $1 billion. Pork exports trended lower in January, down 16 percent from one year ago, despite increasing exports to leading market Mexico.

MN Beef Update –  

In this week’s Minnesota Beef Update, Minnesota Beef Council Director of Industry Relations Royalee Rhoads has more about an innovative beef products competition at the Minnesota Association of Beef Processors Convention.

Hair Loss in Cattle Could Be a Vitamin A Deficiency –

With the warmer weather, livestock producers may start to notice hair loss in cattle. NDSU Extension Livestock Specialist Karl Hoppe says hair loss in cattle could be either lice or a vitamin A deficiency. “This year with the drought we had in the growing season, there’s always the risk of a vitamin A deficiency. One of the indications is the lack of healthy skin on an animal.” The problem could also be lice. If that’s the case, Hoppe recommends treating within two weeks. “In reality, the way lice lay eggs, producers should repeat treatment within two weeks. If you treat for lice every other week, you could allow hatches to happen in-between treatments.”

Avian Influenza Takes Heavy Toll on Poultry Industry – The current outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is hitting egg-laying flocks the hardest. According to the USDA, laying hens account for two-thirds of this year’s toll at 7.65 million birds. At least 17 of the more than 30 confirmed cases of avian influenza are a backyard mix species. As of this past week, Maine, Wisconsin, Nebraska, New Jersey and New Hampshire have additional confirmed cases. Minnesota does not have any confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza as of Friday.

Canola Minute – On this week’s Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Executive Director Barry Coleman recaps the U.S. Canola Associates annual meeting.

It Takes a Combination of Herbicides to Control Weeds – Weeds are hard to control after they’ve germinated. Valent Product Development Manager John Pawlak says an integrated management approach is best. “It starts out with a strong foundation herbicide. Valent offers three options and each of these options have multiple effective modes of action for some of the major weeds.” For soybeans, Pawlak recommends a combination of herbicides. “I recommend a strong residual herbicide and an overlapping residual, especially if you have 30-inch beans and heavy weed pressure.”

Robbins Joins Senator Cramer’s Staff – Katherine Robbins joins Senator Kevin Cramer’s staff as a Deputy Press Secretary. Robbins previously worked in Representative Steve Scalise’s Whip office where she was a press assistant. Robbins graduated from Baylor University and is from Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Rogers Joins NDSU Extension – James Rogers joined the North Dakota State University’s North Central Research Extension Center near Minot as a forage crops production specialist. Rogers previously worked as a livestock specialist at the University of Missouri Extension.

Pioneer Launches Vorceed Enlist Technology – Pioneer launched its new Enlist corn trait at the Commodity Classic. Pioneer U.S. Corn Lead Adam Theis calls the new Vorceed trait next generation corn rootworm technology. “It brings a lot of benefits and flexibility to how farmers with corn-on-corn rotations want to manage that rotation. First of all, there are three modes of action for above and below ground insects, including a new mode of action into that stack. There’s also four herbicide-tolerance genes, with a notable one being Enlist. This is the first time as a Pioneer brand we’re bringing Enlist corn into the rotation as well.” Theis says Vorceed Enlist stacks on Pioneer’s Qrome technology. “We introduced a molecular stack in Qrome that unlocked a lot of yield potential, showcased with a six to eight bushel per acre advantage over SmartStax since the product was launched in 2019. That same molecular stack will be in Vorceed Enlist so we expect that yield advantage to maintain.” Hear the story.

Ceres Global Ag Corp to Buy Into Berthold Farmers Elevator – Ceres Global Ag. Corp’s wholly owned subsidiary, Riverland Ag Corp, plans to acquire Columbia Grain’s 50 percent stake in Berthold Farmers Elevator in Berthold, North Dakota. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed and the remaining 50 percent membership interest is owned by the Berthold Farmers Elevator. Ceres Global operates 13 locations across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Minnesota. Read more.

Four Associations Merge to Form the National Equipment Dealers Association – Members of the Midwest-SouthEastern Equipment Dealers Association, United Equipment Dealers Association, Western Equipment Dealers Association and the Equipment Dealers Association will merge to form the North American Equipment Dealers Association. The newly formed association will represent equipment dealers on a national basis with manufacturer relations and federal government affairs.