A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network

Thursday, April 02, 2026

The Big ‘O’ Signs Off for the Last Time – Farm broadcast legend, Orion Samuelson, has died. Samuelson, who was two weeks away from his 92nd birthday, spent 60 years at WGN Radio in Chicago and was the host for ‘U.S. Farm Report’ and later ‘This Week in Agribusiness.’ RRFN spoke with Orion’s broadcast partner for 45 years, Max Armstrong. “We had a wonderful run for those many years and, goodness gracious, the flood of memories as you can imagine.” Affectionally known as ‘O’, Samuelson changed the farm media business and also had a profound impact on all of agriculture. “Over the past 50 years, this guy probably is at least in the top ten of the most influential people in American agriculture and maybe in the top five.” In the conversation with Max Armstrong, memories were shared about Samuelson’s career, including Samuelson’s potential candidacy for the open U.S. Senate seat in Illinois in 2004, the year Barack Obama moved onto the national stage. Listen to the interview. 

Hergert Shares Memories of Orion Samuelson – Red River Farm Network founder and long-time farm broadcaster Mike Hergert describes Orion Samuelson as a legend. “He was just so devoted to agriculture and our business,” said Hergert. “He traveled the world and was such a spokesman.” In addition to a prestigious farm broadcasting career, Hergert remembers the numerous speeches Samuelson made across the country. “I never once saw a note in front of him, he spoke from the heart and was so eloquent.” Hergert first heard Samuelson speak at an ag banquet early in his career. “One thing he told the audience and what I always remembered, is him talking about how early he got up in the morning, way ahead of his on-air start. His theory was you only get one chance to get it right and there’s no excuse not to be prepared; that stuck with me.”

Farmers Coming to White House Ag Week Event – The White House will host nearly 1,000 farmers and agribusiness leaders on Friday, March 27. The event is being billed as ‘a celebration of agriculture.’ It will be an opportunity for President Trump to highlight his policies on trade, taxes and support for farmers. Ahead of the event, a White House spokesperson described President Trump as the ‘most pro-farmer president in history.’

Farm Coalition Asks for a Helping Hand – More than 50 U.S. farm groups have signed off on a letter to President Trump and congressional leaders. It calls for additional farm assistance to be included in the supplemental defense bill. Year-round E15 and clarity regarding renewable fuel obligations are also being sought. The letter was signed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, and commodity groups representing corn, soybeans, wheat, sugarbeets, potatoes, sunflowers, dry beans and more.

Delivering the E15 Message to Washington – Corn farmers and ethanol producers were in Washington, D.C. this past week for a legislative fly-in, promoting year-round E15. “Our event was very timely given that Congress is grappling with how to finally get E15 over the finish line,” said Brian Jennings, CEO, American Coalition for Ethanol. “We had nearly 100 meetings on Capitol Hill, met with EPA and USDA on some key issues.” Jennings believes lawmakers were receptive to their message. “We’re just trying to get Congress to understand the benefit of E15 to everyone in the country, especially when it comes to the pump prices.”

U.S.-China Summit Rescheduled – With his attention diverted to the war in Iran, President Donald Trump has postponed his summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.  “The trip has been postponed for about a month and a half. It’s been reset, and look forward to it.”

U.S. Fertilizer Market Faces Pressure from Global Conditions – The Iran conflict continues to impact trade and energy markets. StoneX Vice President of Fertilizer Josh Linville says the global crop nutrition market is also being influenced. “When you look at manufacturers like India, a lot of their production is gas-based, and a lot of their gas is imported from the Middle East; their last estimated production rates were around 70 percent.” Linville is worried about the spillover effect on the United States. “The problem is with us being such a steep discount to the world, those March vessels coming here can easily be turned to other destinations, and we can lose those very quickly,” said Linville. “I would still dare say our discount to the world puts us in jeopardy of seeing somebody buy up a bunch of barges and export it.”

Urea Prices Surge – Half of the global urea supply typically ships through the Strait of Hormuz. In the past three weeks, urea prices in New Orleans have gone up nearly 40 percent. Due to the need for fertilizer ahead of the growing season, the Fertilizer Transportation Institute asked Class I railroads to prioritize fertilizer shipments.

Ag Groups Seek an End to Phosphate Import Duties – A coalition of farm groups and ag companies have signed a joint letter asking the Trump Administration to lift the duties on phosphate imports from Morocco. The change is seen as a way to provide relief from the surging fertilizer prices due to the conflict in the Persian Gulf. The letter was signed by executives from Mosaic and J.R. Simplot, plus leaders from the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association and others.

Belarus Sanctions Lifted – To help offset the surge in fertilizer prices, the White House has lifted sanctions on three fertilizer companies in Belarus. These three companies produce up to 20 percent of the global potash supply. As part of the agreement, Belarus also released 250 political prisoners.

Easing Sanctions on Venezuela Fertilizer – The Treasury Department is easing sanctions on fertilizer imports from Venezuela. In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said this move will increase the fertilizer supply for American farmers. She went on to say the Administration is ‘looking at every potential option to lower fertilizer prices.’

Corn Matters – In Corn Matters, Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Wes Beck reports from Washington, D.C. and the legislative fly-in. Click here to listen to the update and learn about MCGA policy priorities. 

Fertilizer Transparency Act Introduced – A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced the Fertilizer Transparency Act. This bill would require USDA to collect and publish data on fertilizer prices from manufacturers on a weekly basis. South Dakota Senator John Thune and Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar are co-sponsors.

What’s Hot What’s Not in the Markets – Grain and financial markets remain highly volatile, with shifting global developments driving sharp daily changes. Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management says expectations for stronger crude oil and a firmer dollar quickly reversed, sending commodities lower. Soybeans have come under pressure following the postponement of a meeting between President Trump and China’s Xi, while corn continues to trade in the middle of its range and wheat remains weak. Martinson says crude oil and cotton had been among the strongest performers, but news of a potential ceasefire involving Iran triggered another downturn across commodity markets. At the same time, the Dow Jones showed signs of recovery, which could lend some support to livestock markets, including cattle, in the near term.

Click here to listen to the full report.

Monitor Interest Rate Costs – Terrain Senior Analyst Matt Erickson focused on the economic state of the dairy industry at the Central Plains Dairy Expo. The war in the Middle East and $100 crude are having their impact. “I think it puts pressure on the 10-Year Treasury,” said Erickson. “Even though the Fed is under a rate-cutting scenario, the 10-Year (Treasury) is still staying elevated. I think what is driving this stickiness in the 10-Year is inflation.” As expected, the Federal Open Market Committee made no changes to the benchmark interest rates on Wednesday. Inflation continues to increase and Erickson said farmers will see that reflected in their interest rate costs.

Offset High Fertilizer Costs With Manure – According to North Dakota Livestock Alliance Executive Amber Wood, one hot topic at the Central Plains Dairy Expo is the recent spike in nitrogen. “That is the most volatile, most challenging, fluctuating expense that crop producers have to deal with so to get animal agriculture more spread out into North Dakota and to get these animal feeding facilities, they can have access to this manure and not have to play that game in the (nitrogen) market.” With two new large dairies coming to the I-29 corridor in eastern North Dakota, Wood sees an opportunity for neighboring farms to diversify their income. “They can grind corn for dairy; they can grow hay; they can chop corn silage.”

Beef on Dairy Boom Drives Record Calf Market – Beef on dairy now represents 13 percent of the feeder cattle supply. CIH Hedging Risk Management Advisor Mark Newman is seeing that phenomenon reflected with day-old calves. “Yeah, $1,800 in Pennsylvania for a Holstein beef cross, in the Midwest, it’s closer to $1,500, $1,600 and maybe $1,300 for a Jersey calf,” said Newman. “It is really a tremendous run-up. In 2020, you were probably getting $200 for a day-old.” Speaking at the Central Plains Dairy Expo, Newman said USDA’s new Livestock Revenue Protection risk management tool provides peace of mind.

A Honeymoon Period With Protein – U.S. dairy exports are enjoying continued strength. Domestic dairy demand is also getting a boost from the weight-loss medication, GLP-1, and the corresponding need for more protein in the diet. Terrain Senior Dairy Analyst Ben Laine said the dairy industry is already set up to make high-quality dairy products like protein shakes and bars. “That’s a big win, but at the same time, those consumers want less cheese and fat and butter and pizza so a lot of the other dairy products other than the proteins will not fare as well.” While it may be a mixed bag, Laine believes it will be net-net positive for dairy farmers.

Forage Options – CROPLAN Alfalfa and Forage Specialist Jeff Jackson is a fan of triticale as a forage crop. “Triticale to me is a fantastic option for a lot of these people because we’re always looking for that winter cereal that we can cover the acre, hold the dirt in place over winter, and support soil biology by having a living root in the system over the fall and winter.” In addition, Jackson said triticale can make “some fantastic feed in the spring.” Jackson was a speaker at the Central Plains Dairy Expo.

Sexed Semen Offers Benefits for Beef on Dairy – Sexed semen has been used in the dairy industry since 2005. In the beginning, the technology helped large commercial dairies to increase the number of heifer replacements. With the revenue now available by selling calves for the beef market, STgen Central U.S. Sales Lead Eric Zwiefelhofer says the focus has shifted. “As time has gone on with improvements in technology, we’re really dialing in heifer inventories to make sure we’re creating the right number of heifers that we need for the dairy, we’re able to produce those black calves on the back end, and that is driving a lot of profit in dairies right now.” STgen is promoting fresh gender-sorted semen for higher conception rates.

Identifying the Best Technolgy for Your Farm – Walk up and down each aisle at the Central Plains Dairy Expo and you may be overwhelmed with the latest gadget or new technology. Bower Ag Regional Commercial Lead Torie Little was on the Expo stage talking about ways to pick the right technology for your dairy farm. At the top of that list, Little said it must fit into your management style. Secondly, look strategically at technology’s return on investment. Finally, a road map must be in place to determine how a new tool would work on your specific farm. Little advocates the use of artificial intelligence, such as Chat GPT, to supplement resources from the manufacturer. “I think there’s more to gain from pulling those into a separate AI system and being able to look at patterns because if there isn’t anything a cow loves more than a pattern.” People can be blinded by what they’ve always done. “An AI version, being able to pick through that data gives you an open eye to maybe pick up on those patterns.”

Reducing Time and Money with Digital Technology – Digital tools can help manage the most expensive part of a dairy operation. VAS Farm Performance Consultant Sarah Heath cites software that is available to track feed consumption, inventory, and more. “Our feed history report is showing us what we’re feeding on a day-to-day basis, and it’s tracking what was actually loaded versus what was expected,” said Heath. “When we see what those animals are eating, we can help our nutritionists understand and be able to adjust those rations.” Minimal equipment changes are needed, as the cloud-based technology connects a mobile app to the scale. Heath, who spoke at the Central Plains Dairy Expo, said the software saves dairy producers time and money.

MN Beef Update – In this edition of the Minnesota Beef Update, Minnesota Beef Council CEO Kelly Schmidt talks about National Nutrition Month. Listen here. 

SD Corn Comments – South Dakota Corn Executive Director DaNita Murray discusses recent fertilizer pricing.  Click here to listen to the update.

Allendale Offers Acreage Forecast – The commodity brokerage firm, Allendale, is forecasting U.S. corn acreage at 93.6 million acres and soybeans at 85.6 million. That compares to USDA’s estimate of 2025 plantings at 98.8 million for corn and 85 million for soybeans. USDA will weigh in on acreage on March 31st with its prospective plantings report.

Farming for the Future – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Red River Farm Network and the Linder Farm Network to provide information on soil health events and topics. This week, Adam Ulbricht, executive director, Minnesota Bison Association, invites everyone to an upcoming event being hosted. Listen to the update. 

More Corn Likely in Western ND – Rock and Roll Agronomy owner Jason Hanson expects farmers throughout the state, especially further west, to plant more corn this spring. “I was at a meeting in Mohall, and there were 11 crop consultants and definitely in the western part of the state, you’re going to see a lot more corn,” said Hanson. “A couple of them said they’re going to see 40 percent increases in acreage from where they were. There isn’t much interest in cereals.”

Canola Minute – Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman reviews their recent Annual Meeting.  Click here to listen to the update.

At the Knife’s Edge of Profitability – With grain markets showing some strength in 2026, economists say farmers are at a critical point.  Agricultural Economics Insights co-founder Brent Gloy says current price levels are leaving many operations right on the edge of profitability. “We’re at an interesting place right now because if you take the crop insurance guarantee price and increase it by 40 or 50 cents, most people start to feel fairly optimistic. If you drop it 40 or 50 cents, it gets pretty tight. We’re on that knife’s edge of profitability right now, and it’s going to be important to have a good marketing plan in times like these.” Gloy says recent rallies in corn and soybeans are encouraging, supported by solid demand fundamentals.

Beet Values – With the price trending down slightly last week, American Crystal Sugar Company beet stock trading activity picked up.  Acres & Shares broker, Jayson Menke, told Red River Farm Network that 411 shares were brokered between $4,200 per share to $4,300 per share for an average price of $4,225.55 per share.

Mixed Land Market Across Region – New data from the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers shows a mostly steady farmland market across the Upper Midwest, with Minnesota values holding firm overall. Jared Oachs, who is with Crown Appraisals in Fargo, says strong demand for high-quality land and limited acres for sale are supporting the market. “The productive land with a good pedigree is still bringing strong results for people out there. Overall, what we’re seeing is a stable piece of that balance sheet.” Oachs says the trend is more mixed in North Dakota, with some regions gaining and others declining. “In the Red River Valley for 2025, we did see essentially no change. In the Southwest, we actually saw an 11 percent increase. The Northeast and Northwest were off about 10 percent each. In general, North Dakota saw more of a decline compared to its Minnesota counterpart.” He says limited land for sale and a shifting buyer pool will be key factors to watch moving forward. To read MN report click here. To read ND report click here.

Rumors Unfounded – False rumors have been seen online about a mystery respiratory virus in Texas Panhandle feedlots. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association CEO Colin Woodall released a statement, saying these claims are false, irresponsible and harmful to cattle producers and consumer confidence.

Cattle Country Conversations – In this week’s edition of Cattle Country Conversation, NDSU Extension Livestock Environmental Stewardship Specialist Miranda Meehan offers an update on the grazing and haying outlook. Click here to listen. 

Additional Relief Available to North Dakota Farmers – The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved additional funding for farm disaster relief. Another $100 million is available through the Farm Financial Stability Program. Another $12 million is being transferred from the state’s Grain Inventory Loan Program. Total funding for the two assistance programs totals $500 million.  North Dakota farmers can apply for the low-interest loans through their local banks and credit unions. The application deadline is June 30.

MN Senate Approves DAIRI Bill – The Minnesota Senate has unanimously approved expanded eligibility for the Dairy Assistance, Investment, Relief Initiative. The DAIRI program began in 2019 and this bill opens the assistance to dairy farmers who began their business after 2022. Moorhead DFL Senator Rob Kupec authored this bill.

SD Ends Industrial Hemp Program – South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden signed legislation to end the state’s industrial hemp program. This bill returns authority to the federal government, eliminating state-level oversight and costs.

Canada Sending Spuds to Mexico – The United States has been the sole supplier of potatoes for Mexico for the past 20 years. That’s changed now with Canada getting a piece of that business. Mexico and Canada have a new agreement to allow fresh Canadian potatoes into Mexico. The two sides have been working to strengthen their bilateral trade relationship ahead of the USMCA formal review process.

Investigation Sought on Canadian Potato Policies – North Dakota Senator John Hoeven is leading a bipartisan effort asking the International Trade Commission to investigate unfair trade practices by Canada. A Section 332 investigation is being sought to consider the recent antidumping duties imposed by the province of British Columbia on U.S. fresh potatoes.

Ag Labor Shortage Compounded by Visa Issue – Northland Potato Growers Association Executive Director Gary Shields and two area growers participated in a conference call with White House Liaison Jason Becker regarding an issue with H-2A visas. The International Workforce LLC, an agency that places South African workers, informed area farmers that there is a backlog and appointments are not available until July. In an update from the NPGA, this situation was described as “disastrous.” NPGA was assured its concerns would be delivered to President Trump.

Agricult-HER: Lisa Pederson – Growing up on a diverse livestock operation in Colorado shaped Lisa Pederson’s love for agriculture. A knee injury shifted her focus from athletics to agriculture. Now, as a livestock specialist at NDSU, she serves agriculture, tackling real problems that matter. Pederson shares her story in this edition of RRFN’s Agricult-HER series. In the interview, she said she appreciates the people of North Dakota. “I feel like they’re all family; (NDSU) President Joe Chapman once said that North Dakota is one small town with really long roads and, you know, it is a really true story.” Even though her ranch is in South Dakota, she calls North Dakota home. Watch the interview. 

Agricult-HER: Ashley Kohls – Ashley Kohls has dedicated her career to promoting animal agriculture. She serves as the executive director of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council. Previously, Kohls had leadership roles with the Nebraska Cattlemen and Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association. “Having the primary portion of my career in the bovine space, whether it be dairy or beef, and now working with our feathered friends, I’m an equal opportunity protein consumer and promoter.” In this Agricult-HER interview, we delve into her journey and the importance of farmer engagement in policy discussions. Watch the interview. 

Agricult-HER: Lindsay Pease – Agriculture is evolving, driven by new research and the leadership of women like Dr. Lindsay Pease. In this edition of Agricult-HER, Pease shares her insights on nutrient management in agriculture. Pease is an assistant professor and Extension specialist who focuses on nitrogen and phosphorus management in row crop systems. Her unique journey from a city background to Ag Extension showcases the importance of education and mentorship in agriculture. “This is surprising to a lot of people, but I did not grow up on a farm or really in agriculture at all. I’m one of those city kids that knew very, very little about agriculture besides just what you can see from a car window really, until I went to college and my real summer job was working for a faculty member who specialized in agricultural drainage.” Watch the interview.  

Agricult-HER: Donna Moenning – In a world full of facts and statistics, it’s the stories that truly resonate. In this edition of our Agricult-HER series, Donna Moenning reminds us that stories create emotional connections that facts alone just can’t achieve. This is especially true in agriculture, where transparency and empathy are crucial. Moenning is now with Look East and the Center for Food Integrity and her career has also included time with Midwest Dairy, National Livestock and Meat Board and in farm radio. Moenning received the National Association of Farm Broadcasting scholarship in 1983. “It enabled me to complete my college degree. Had I not applied, I wouldn’t have completed my degree. South Dakota State was phenomenal and it led to my next job, which opened a big world to me. Farm broadcasting opens a huge world to you.” The interview is available on the RRFN YouTube channel. 

Agricult-HER: Jenny Schlecht – Jenny Schlecht is an ag journalist with AgWeek. Along with her husband, she is raising kids and cattle at Medina, North Dakota. A Montana native, Schlecht came to North Dakota to play softball for the University of Mary and she planned to become a sports writer. An internship with the Associated Press led to a job covering crime and courts at the Bismarck Tribune. She now serves as the director of content and editor for Agweek. In this edition of Agricult-HER, Schlecht shares her story. As a journalist and a farmer, she dealt with the derecho that hit North Dakota last summer. “That was June 20th, we’ll never forget that date, I’m sure. It’s the worst storm I’ve ever been through by far.” Every building on the farm and numerous corrals were affected. That recovery is continuing today.

Watershed Board Highlights $35M Request – The Red River Watershed Management Board brought together stakeholders from across the region last Tuesday and Wednesday in Moorhead for its 27th annual joint conference, focusing on flood control priorities and future water management challenges. RRWMB Executive Director Rob Sip said a major topic at the conference was a $35 million bonding request to advance several flood-mitigation projects across the basin. Sip said those projects depend on a mix of local, regional, and state funding. “So we have three projects that we’re trying to get done. It’s a combination of Red Board funds, local watershed district funds, and then the state funds through the bonding process.” Sip said securing legislative support during the current bonding year will be critical to moving those projects forward.

Long Partnership Delivers Results – Collaboration between state agencies and watershed districts continues to drive major flood mitigation efforts across the region. Minnesota DNR Regional Director Ben Berge says the partnership between the DNR and the Red River Watershed Management Board dates back decades. “That relationship dates back to 1998 when DNR and the Red River Watershed Management Board partnered to co-chair the Flood Damage Reduction Work Group.” Berge says that coordination ensures projects deliver both flood protection and environmental benefits.

Roseau Project Boosts Flood Control – A major flood mitigation project in northern Minnesota continues to move forward, offering long-term benefits for farmers and downstream communities. Roseau River Watershed District’s Jason Braaten says the District is partnering with the Minnesota DNR on a large retention project designed to better manage water flow. “It’s about 6,000 acres. We’ll end up with 22,000 acres of storage out there. And right now we’re in phase number 5.” The project aims to restore water control lost when a lake was drained decades ago. Braaten said that it will make a significant difference for agriculture. “Now we’re able to hold this water back and allow all the farmland to get rid of their water first. It could help the farmers get into their fields seven to ten days earlier downstream from this.” If funding is secured, the $18 million project could be completed by 2028 or 2029.

Flood Planning Takes Long-Term Approach – The Red River Basin’s approach to flood control is rooted in decades of cooperation following early conflicts over large-scale projects. Two Rivers Watershed District Administrator Dan Money says the group was formed after disputes in the 1990s over major flood control efforts. “It got to be volatile, and it led to a lawsuit and then the judge said, you will go to mediation and work out all your differences.” That mediation led to the creation of the Flood Damage Reduction Work Group in 1998, bringing stakeholders together to evaluate projects collaboratively. “It’s like adversaries had to become friends, and it took a long time; we’re still organized today to look at all these different projects and work through what the alternatives are and what kind of natural resource benefits can we have.” Money says the goal is balancing flood protection with water quality and habitat improvements.

CFANS Hosts Research Symposium – The University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resources hosted its annual research symposium on Thursday. Spokesperson Mary Buschette said it is a unique event. “It’s an opportunity to highlight the research from the undergraduates, the grad students, the researchers, and faculty; it brings the college community together to learn about what everybody is doing.” Each of the CFANS departments was represented with over 100 different posters and oral presentations.

Dry Bean Scene – In this edition of the Dry Bean Scene, NDSU Extension Plant Pathologist Michael Wunsch talks about new fungicide research for white mold. Click here. 

Mental Health Concerns Grow – Farm stress continues to build across the countryside as low commodity prices and economic uncertainty weigh heavily on producers. Monica McConkey, a rural mental health specialist with the State of Minnesota and owner of Eyes on the Horizon Consulting, says the impact is showing up both mentally and physically. “It’s common when we’re under stress that the thinking, decision-making part of our brain shuts down, it’s tough to make decisions, it’s hard to prioritize and get things checked off the list, which then increases the stress.” The impact of sleep is another huge component. McConkey says one of the biggest concerns is that many farmers are dealing with these pressures in silence. “If you’re not seeing somebody showing up like they used to, if they’re withdrawing or isolating, that is a big warning sign. Reach out to them, check in, and spend time with them so they’re not isolated.” McConkey says free farm counseling services in Minnesota and financial counseling programs in North Dakota are available, encouraging farmers to seek help early.

Beck’s Acquires SOYLEIC Trait – The Indiana-based seed company, Beck’s, has acquired the exclusive licensing rights of the SOYLEIC soybean patents from the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council. This high oleic, low linolenic variety was developed with checkoff-funded research at the University of Missouri and USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. This variety is designed to produce soybean oil with improved stability and performance without hydrogenation. Beck’s is making the SOYLEIC trait available to other current and pending seed licensees.

Bode Announces Retirement – Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode will retire in January 2027. Bode, who has led the organization since 2013, is credited with strengthening the association’s influence across agriculture, trade, and sustainability policy while also helping found the Plant Based Products Council.

A Hire and a Promotion at Vive Crop Protection – Vive Crop Protection has named Bret Mize as its national account manager for the United States. Mize’s past experience includes roles with Gowan, SePRO, Americot/NextGen Seed, Progeny Ag Products and Bayer. Vive also promoted Greg Esco to director of U.S. sales.

Hardy Takes on New Role for Proseed – Karmen Hardy has been named Proseed’s sales manager. She has been Proseed’s agronomist since 2021. Hardy’s previous experience was with Nutrien Ag Solutions, Honeyford Agronomy Center and Crop Production Services.

Minnesotan Graduates From AFBF PALS Program – The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation announced Amanda Durow, Hastings, graduated from the American Farm Bureau Federation Partners in Advocacy Leadership program during the AFBF Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference in Portland. Durow is one of only ten ag leaders nationwide selected for the two-year leadership program. The experience included a visit to South Africa.

Last Week’s Trivia- Potato Ole’s, Taco Bravo, Boss Bowl and a Six Pack and a Pound are all on the menu at Taco Johns. Lee Hutchinson of Farm Credit Services of Mandan wins our weekly trivia. Runner-up honors belong to Grand Forks farmer Paul Sproule, Mackenzie Adams of CHS Ag Services, Todd Good of AgCountry Farm Credit Services and Keith Rekow of Dairyland Seed. The ‘first 20’ rounds out with Ron Claussen of Ag Media Research, Kevin Schulz of The Farmer, Randy Knudsvig of First State Bank, Mohall farmer Gene Glessing, Dave Gehrtz of Proseed, Bob Lebacken of SY Commodities, Erick Grafstrom of Performance AG, retired NDSU Extension dairy specialist JW Schroeder, Brenda Murphy of J.L. Farmakis, Jennifer Otteson of Countryside Insurance Agency, Adams farmer Dave Linstad, Jim Leir of Bank of North Dakota, Barry Walton of BW Farms, Nick Sinner of North Dakota Grain Growers Association and Kevin Praska of Stone’s Mobile Radio. 

This Week’s Trivia- What three ice cream flavors make up Neopolitan ice cream? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com. 

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FarmNetNews is a production of the Red River Farm Network. RRFN is based in Grand Forks, North Dakota and provides news to farmers and ranchers across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

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