A Record-Breaker – Commodity Classic attendance topped 11,000, breaking the previous record set last year in Orlando. Houston hosted the annual meeting of the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers for the first time. In addition to the grower meetings, Commodity Classic brings together thought leaders from throughout agriculture. The Houston event also featured a trade show filling two floors of the massive convention center. RRFN’s Commodity Classic coverage is sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Truterra and AgCountry Farm Credit Services. In this edition of FarmNetNews, you’ll also find the first in our series of Agricult-HER interviews. Throughout March, look for this celebration of women in agriculture.

More Time Needed to Make SAF Carbon Assessment – Commodity Classic attendees were hoping for an announcement regarding tax credits and sustainable aviation fuel with Friday’s appearance by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and EPA Administrator Michael Regan. Vilsack said this is a complex issue and will take more time. “We’re gonna take a few more weeks and I mean weeks, not months, to make sure that the guidance is correct, that it acknowledges the work that’s being done in reducing greenhouse gas emissions relative to transportation fuels and the good work that’s being done out in the field to embrace climate-smart practices.

NCGA Reaffirms Support for GREET Model – The Treasury Department is still weighing its decision on how it will allocate tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel, but the National Corn Growers Association is firm in its belief. NCGA delegates made it clear the so-called GREET model should be used in making that determination. Greenhouse Gasses, Regulated Emissions and Energy Use in Transportation, which is better known as the GREET model, is described by NCGA President Harold Wolle as the “accurate and fair calculation of corn’s environmental picture.”

A Mixed Reaction to E15 Announcement – Eight Midwestern states asked for year-round access to 15 percent ethanol blended fuel two years ago. When the EPA approved it just over a week ago, the implementation was delayed until 2025. “We’re happy the Governor’s waiver was granted, but we’re really frustrated that it’s delayed and now this is the third year in a row we’re gonna have to pursue an emergency waiver,” said Adam Birr, executive director, Minnesota Corn Growers Association. Minnesota has more than 400 fueling stations offering E-15 and consumer demand is strong. “The thought that we have to fight for an emergency waiver or worst-case scenario that all those pumps would have to be bagged, what kind of optics would that give to a consumer?”

The Three ‘R’s-Roads, Rivers, Rail – Fairmont, Minnesota farmer Lawrence Sukalski coordinates the United Soybean Board Infrastructure and Connectivity Committee. Low water levels on the Mississippi River have been a domestic problem. Overseas, it is the conflict on the Red Sea. “It’s a real problem because now people have to go around the Suez Canal.” While at Commodity Classic, Sukalski met with representatives of the BNSF Railway. “They’ve got 600 extra units of power if we ever get into trouble, they’ll get the cobwebs off them and use them so I really feel good about moving soybeans to the Pacific Northwest.”

Speaking Up for MSGA Priorities – Minnesota was well represented in the American Soybean Association policy meetings at Commodity Classic. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Secretary Rose Wendinger is part of that process. “For the Minnesota state priorities, we’re looking at protecting and increasing the use of biofuels, making sure that our rural infrastructure is supported, getting some better tax laws in place to support family transitions and then just overall support for the family farmers.”

Crop Insurance Vs Ad Hoc Disaster Programs – Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth wants to protect and enhance crop insurance in the new farm bill. “We all know that the ad-hoc programs don’t always work very well for farmers,” said Worth. “We need to have it done through crop insurance so the program takes care of a farmer’s needs in a timely manner; we have to get it done the same year we have a disaster, not a couple or three years later.” Worth acknowledges the issue comes down to the cost, “but, if they would look at how much money they spent on ad-hoc over the past ten years they could put a lot of money into the farm bill.”

Ag Industry Squeezed by Regulation – The farm bill remains a primary concern for the American Soybean Association. “Something that is just as important is the pesticide regulations and other things, like the Endangered Species Act enforcement coming out of EPA,” said Josh Gackle, president, ASA. “Right now, things are being proposed that would not be very workable on the farm.” Gackle, who calls Kulm, North Dakota home, said biofuels like sustainable aviation fuel are also at the top of the ASA policy checklist. Listen to the full interview.

A Concern Over Crop Input Costs – For Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Treasurer Ryan Mackenthun, there is one overriding concern heading into spring, high input costs. “We’re putting inputs in the ground at below breakeven numbers right now so a strong farm bill would help back us up and give us some assurance. As farmers, we need that, especially, the younger producers.”

Farm Bill Focus Continues – The farm bill was again on the agenda for the policy meetings at Commodity Classic. Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers President Kevin Leiser was part of the debate at the National Association of Wheat Growers Annual Meeting. “We have to look at the different options on how to do crop insurance,” said Leiser. “Some states want to keep ARC/PLC and that’s what they want to get rid of if we go to the 85 percent insurance level.” The timeline for the new farm bill remains a question mark. “If it doesn’t happen by June, we get into election season and it is a crazy time; it’d be pushed into next year and we’d just have an extension.”

A Matter of Fairness – The farm bill remains on the ‘to do’ list for farmers attending Commodity Classic. When it comes to an update to reference prices, Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers Past President Mike Gunderson wants to see parity for wheat. “Over the last five years, corn has been at about 90 percent of their cost of production, soybeans are in the upper 80 (percentile) and wheat is down in the 70s (percent of the cost of production,” said Gunderson. “Trying to compete with the other commodities, wheat is at a disadvantage if you look at cost of production with the reference price.” Gunderson acknowledged it will be difficult to secure the budget necessary to update reference prices.”

Unfinished Business – When it comes to unfinished policy items for the National Association of Wheat Growers, the 2023 farm bill is at the top of the list. “We’re continuing to work on that,” said Jake Westlin, vice president of policy and communications. “We will continue to remain engaged with Capital Hill to get the farm bill across the finish line so that we have long-term certainty that it works for wheat growers.”

MN Corn Matters – Minnesota Biofuels Association Executive Director Brian Werner joins Corn Matters this week to talk about a recent economic impact report on the ethanol industry in the state.

Details Matter – Each state within the National Corn Growers Association had delegates at Commodity Classic to hammer out policy. North Dakota Corn Growers Association Executive Director Brenda Elmer sees it as a very deliberate process. “It’s named Corn Congress for a reason. Every little word, whether you use the may or shall, is reflected,” said Elmer. “They take it seriously because it does matter.” Listen to the full interview.  

Shutdown Avoided – Congress approved a temporary stopgap spending bill Thursday to avoid a government shutdown. The House passed the bill Thursday afternoon on a 320-to-99 vote. The vote margin was 77-to-13 in the Senate. The continuing resolutions extends funding until March 8 for part of the government, including USDA, and the rest until March 22.

FY24 Ag Approps Bill Released – The 2024 agriculture appropriations bill has been unveiled. North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, who is the ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, said this bill supports farmers and ranchers while finding savings to help with the deficit. It includes over $7 billion for nutrition programs, an increase of $1 billion from fiscal year 2023. There’s also $2 million to establish a new ag policy research center at North Dakota State University.

Beet Growers on Capitol Hill – The American Sugarbeet Growers Association will be on Capitol Hill for the next two weeks to meet with lawmakers. These farmers will be meeting with lawmakers at a time when Congress is operating under yet another continuing resolution and there’s no farm bill in sight. “The message is very clear from agriculture with input prices up 30 percent-plus since the previous farm bill,” said Neil Rockstad, president. “We need a more of a safety net if we’re going to have an American-produced, safe, affordable food supply.” Listen to the interview. 

No Deal for Ag in WTO Ministerial – World Trade Organization negotiations went into overtime at its ministerial meeting in Dubai, but failed to reach consensus on agriculture or any other major trade initiatives. India unsuccessfully pushed for an expansion of its public stockholding program, a policy used to purchase, stockpile and distribute food to needy people. This program is promoted as a food security measure, but the United States describes the public stockholding plan as an expansion of trade-distorting policy.

Ag Trade Needs to be a Priority – The House Agriculture Trade Caucus has sent a letter to the Biden Administration, urging them to make agriculture a priority in its trade agenda. Nearly 30 House members signed the letter calling for trade agreements that open markets and reduce trade barriers. South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson is one of the co-chairs of this bipartisan trade caucus.

Shipping Issues Could Grow – The trade challenges on the Red Sea and through the Suez Canal resulted in higher freight rates and transit time. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom feels these shipping issues could continue and grow. “The longer this goes on, the more that this could disrupt the overall vessel flow or global flow. Even though you only have an issue in this one area of the world, it does have a sort of domino effect if it goes on for any length of time.”

The WOTUS Legal Battle Continues – The attorneys general for 24 states have asked the federal court in North Dakota to vacate the Biden Administration’s updated Waters of the United States rule. In a separate filing, the states and industry groups claim the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers are not following the Supreme Court’s ruling in last year’s Sacket-versus-EPA case. The High Court determined the significant nexus standard previously used to make wetland determinations was unconstitutional. The motion claims the EPA’s amended rule does not adequately address jurisdictional issues and should be considered illegal. The groups seeking a summary judgment include NDFB, Cass County Farm Bureau, Associated General Contractors of North Dakota, North Dakota Association of Builders and North Dakota Petroleum Council. Nine other industry groups from across the country are also part of this legal filing.

EPA Launches Ag and Rural Affairs Office – The Environmental Protection Agency is creating a new Office of Agriculture and Rural Affairs. EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced the news at Commodity Classic. “With the establishment of this new office, we will ensure agriculture and rural stakeholders have a continual seat at the table at EPA for many years to come.” Rod Snyder, who has been Regan’s senior agriculture advisor for the last two-and-a-half years, will lead this new office. Snyder has firsthand experience in this region after participating in the North Dakota Grain Growers Association E-Tour in 2022.

Deadline Ahead – March 15^th is the deadline to file program elections with the Farm Service Agency and lock in crop insurance coverage for the 2024 growing season. Farm management analyst Kent Thiesse reminds farmers they still need to work with FSA despite an extended farm bill. “There’s some misunderstanding there,” said Thiesse. “Some people think that because the farm bill was extended it automatically carried over from last year, but you do have to re-enroll.” Crop prices are lower this year and it may be even more important to protect margins. Hear the full conversation with Kent Thiesse here.

SD Corn Comments – DaNita Murray, SD Corn Executive Director, reminds growers that March 15th is the deadline to make changes and final elections for crop insurance. Hear more details in this week’s South Dakota Corn Comments.

What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets, – In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson cites the stock market as one of the stronger aspects of the marketplace. Ethanol, natural gas and soybean meal were taking losses.

Spring Price Discovery Period Wraps Up – USDA’s Federal Crop Revenue calculations for the crop insurance price were determined in February. The average December corn price was $4.66 per bushel, down $1.25 from last year. With a national five-year average yield and an 85 percent revenue policy, that would translate to a revenue guarantee of $711 per acre. That’s down $200 from last year’s guarantee. The November soybean average price was $11.55 per bushel, down from $13.76 per bushel a year ago. Again, with a national five-year average yield and an 85 percent revenue policy, that would provide a revenue guarantee of $615 per acre, down from $624 per acre in 2023.

It’s Not Business as Usual – Farmers are facing a very different economic landscape today. Commodity prices are lower and interest rates are higher. “It’s not business as usual,” said Tony Jesina, senior vice president of crop insurance, Farm Credit Services of America. “Farmers need to take a look at some different options than may have considered in the past.” Firstly, it is important to know the cost of production. Secondly, Jesina concentrates on the cost of production relative to the market. That data may require adjustments in the farming operation. “Maybe it’s how your debt is structured; maybe there’s a way to restructure or rebalance your debt so that the cash flow is more in line with where your revenue’s going to be going forward.” Ultimately, a risk management plan is needed to protect the bottom line.

The Bull Pen Report – The corn market ended February up four days in a row. “You have to understand though, we are at a very low level in these markets,” reports Tommy Grisafi, risk management advisor, Advance Trading. Even if prices are low, Grisafi said prices can go lower. “We’re attaching options to that crop insurance (spring price) going out to July and we’re using a short-dated put option and we’re matching that put with crop insurance.” Grisafi was one of the Commodity Classic feature speakers discussing market complexities in an AI world. Grisafi also joined RRFN for its monthly Bull Pen Report on markets. Watch the interview on YouTube.

Be a Disciplined Seller – Kluis Commodity Advisors President Al Kluis is encouraging clients to spread out their risk and be an incremental seller. “I think we’re in the process of bottoming the grain markets now, but if we get a spring-summer rally we could see very low prices again by next fall,” said Kluis. “You have to be a seasonal seller, you have to be disciplined and you have to close your eyes sometimes and just sell into the weather market rallies.” Kluis, who led a learning session at Commodity Classic, said growers are looking for an opportunity to hedge at a profit. “In election years we tend to get rallies later in the year, but now we’ve got the worst of both worlds with low futures prices and a wide basis.”

U.S. Wheat is ‘the Best’ – East Grand Forks, Minnesota farmer Rhonda Larson has wrapped up her year as past chair of U.S. Wheat Associates, ending her six-year run on the USW officer team. “It’s been a whirlwind.” Larson is proud of the reputation of U.S. wheat. “U.S. wheat is very much respected,” said Larson. “I don’t care what Russia says, we’re the best.” The global wheat market is very competitive. “Unfortunately, overseas right now it is all about price and our wheat is expensive, but it is the best.”

A Boost for Conservation – With the current focus on climate-smart agriculture, Strathcona, Minnesota farmer Jim Kukowski believes it is important for long-time conservation practices to be rewarded. That’s now starting to happen in some of the carbon management incentive programs. “The way it started it didn’t look like that was going to happen and it should because every farmer wants to pass on the land better than when they started.” Kukowski was an early adopter of conservation practices and it worked. “I cut my fuel consumption in half since I first started farming.”

The ROI Makes Sense – Kelly Garrett raises crops and cattle in west-central Iowa. Garrett is a believer in regenerative agriculture and partners with Truterra carbon program.”They are a very credible source being backed by Land O’Lakes so the economics of the program for growers and the simplicity of the program for growers is second to none.” Ultimately, there must be a return on investment when adopting a sustainability program. “Especially with $4 corn, the ROI on this is very good,” Garrett told RRFN. “The ROI on this is about 100 percent; this is the correct way to farm, in collaboration with Mother Nature, not in competition with Mother Nature.” Listen to the full interview.

Longterm Adopters Eligible for Carbon Program – Early adopters were left out of the original versions of the carbon management programs.  Truterra Director of Field Services Mariah Murphy says that has changed. “We’re excited to be among the first to bring together a program that is available for longtime adopters” 2023 was a big year for the Truterra program. “We are happy to announce we brought forward more money for farmers than ever, almost doubling our tonnage from what we saw previously and our acre numbers are up,” said Murphy. “For 2024, we’re seeing more enrollments quicker than we’ve ever had.” There is a simple online enrollment process on the Truterra website. The interview can be found online. 

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. Minnesota Farmers Union Climate and Working Lands Program Director Ariel Kagan joins Farming for the Future to talk about the 2024 Cooperatives for Climate grant. Applications are open now.

Buffer Bill Significantly Increases Penalty – A bill moving through the Minnesota House would dramatically increase the penalties for violation of the state buffer law. Failing to plant vegetation on land bordering water would rocket from $500 to $10,000. The Minnesota House Environment and Natural Resources Committee approved this bill on a party-line vote, and it will now move to the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. South St. Paul Representative Rick Hansen is the bill’s sponsor.

Walz Looks for Minnesota to Lead Climate Innovation – Governor Tim Walz says Minnesota will be a leader in sustainable aviation fuel and climate-smart practices. A focus on research is credited. “Between the University of Minnesota and our commodity groups putting a lot of resources into that, we’re preparing,” said Walz. “Ag folks know the climate is changing but it’s not that the sky is falling. It’s how are we going to fix this and be part of the solution?” Walz is also hoping Congress can pass a farm bill that could include additional research funding.

Putnam Introduces AFREC Funding Bill – Funding is set to expire in June for the Minnesota Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam introduced legislation to extend funding through 2034. AFREC is now funded through a 40-cent per ton fee on fertilizer sales. “Last session, we enabled greater authority to the Commissioner of Agriculture to adjust this fee up or down as necessary,” said Putnam. ” As agriculture technology and the environment continue to change, it’s critical that farmers continue to have access to unbiased scientific information on soil fertility and nutrient management.”

Legislators to Get an Update on HPAI – Poultry Day at the State Capitol will be held March 12 in St. Paul. The Minnesota Turkey Growers Association and the Chicken and Egg Association of Minnesota are working together on this legislative event. “We spent a lot of time between last session and this session working with legislators and regulators on high-path avian influenza and how we can expand upon the robust biosecurity practices already in place within the state of Minnesota,” said Ashley Kohls, executive director, MTGA. “One area that we’re seeing a lot of promise is the wild bird deterrent cause as we know wild birds tend to be the reservoir for high-path avian influenza.” There is a grant program available for poultry producers to partially offset the cost of these bird deterrents.

State Legislation Could Address Rural Vet Shortage – A shortage of veterinarians in rural areas is causing problems for farmers and ranchers. University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Dr. Laura Molgaard says legislation may help solve rural veterinarian shortages in the state. Loan forgiveness programs for rural veterinarians are one piece of the puzzle. “The income that students in rural communities would receive is not necessarily the same as they would in the Twin Cities. Yet they’re graduating with the same amount of debt,” said Molgaard. Other possible solutions would be efforts to ease support staff shortages.

AIC Update – The Ag Innovation Campus facility has had a few stops and stutters in its early days of operation. Board Chairman Mike Skaug said one of those adjustments is happening now. “As we’re speaking, we’re remodeling some of the oil handling, pumping, and plumbing that we had engineered that wasn’t working as we had hoped. We’ve got a few weeks of shutdown to re-do that.” AIC, located in Crookston, is designed to expand value-added opportunities in the region.

Additional Crush Coming Online This Year – The North Dakota Soybean Processors crush plant at Casselton is expected to be operational by early summer and ready for the 2024 harvest season. This is a joint venture between Minnesota Soybean Processors and CGB Enterprises. Ron Obermoller is a member of the MnSP board and said construction has gone well. “Everything is pretty much enclosed and they’ve worked all winter on plumbing, electrical, water and gas; 80-to-90 percent of the track is done,” said Obermoller. “It is getting to be a fun and beautiful project.” This new project begins in a very good financial position. “Both companies had very good years and it has been built out of cash flow.”

Working Group Considers Pesticides and Endangered Species – The Environmental Protection Agency hosted a meeting of an interagency working group to take input on the protection of endangered species when registering pesticides.  CropLife America Vice President of Science Policy Dr. Manojit Basu hopes this is the first meeting of many. “I think everyone in the room came in with the mindset that we need to take steps to ensure the direction the agency is moving forward with something that the ag community can work with and is beneficial to the endangered species.” NGO’s, including the Center for Biological Diversity and the American Bird Conservancy, were at the table. “They were all making very positive comments including growers were sharing concerns on some of the strategies that will work and don’t work, the need for transparency and the need for collaboration.”

Agricult-HER: Share Your Voice – Theresia Gillie is one of three women who have served as president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. Kris Duncanson and Jamie Beyer are also MSGA past presidents. The Hallock, Minnesota farmer is also a Kittson County commissioner. In her Agricult-HER interview, Gillie encourages other women to seek out leadership roles. “We need them on these boards and don’t be afraid to share your voice.” Gillie’s husband, Keith, passed almost seven years ago. She continues to farm on her own, raising soybeans and wheat. Gillie’s thought-provoking interview can be found on the Red River Farm Network YouTube channel.

Agricult-HER: Continuing the Farming Tradition – The Johnson family story includes both the family farm and a custom harvesting business. “My Mom loaded me up into the back of a one-ton dually pickup with a camper when I was five weeks old and we headed down to central Texas.” Leah Johnson’s agriculture journey led to an ag economics degree at North Dakota State University. After a year in the corporate world with Pioneer, Johnson had the opportunity to become part of Red River Sales and Agronomy, a Pioneer agency in Elbow Lake, Minnesota, in 2014. A few years later, Johnson was able to begin her farming career. “My landlords made the decision to retire and they gave me that opportunity to rent their farm and be their successor. To be plucked out of a lot of farms in our area was just a blessing and it has been great to dive head first into farming.” Watch the video interview.

Agricult-HER: You Can Make a Difference – Monango, North Dakota farmer Val Wagner is vice president of the North Dakota Farm Bureau. The Farm Bureau connection began before Val and her husband, Mark, were married with their involvement in the Young Farmer and Rancher Committee. They went on to serve on the American Farm Bureau Federation YF &R Committee. Val was also part of the AFBF Promotion and Education Committee. This involvement led to a face-to-face meeting with President Trump. “With Waters of the U.S., we were talking to the Trump administration about the Prairie Potholes and they didn’t understand the concept and how much of a difference it could make on a farm like mine.” Wagner wrote a letter to the White House to explain the issue which led to a personal meeting with President Trump. “It was a surreal experience, but it truly proves that you can make a difference no matter where you’re at.” Watch the YouTube interview.

A Busy Winter at the Auction Barns – The open winter has kept cattle moving through the sales barns. “We’re getting really large numbers (and) I think the weather and the market helps,” said Jim Bitz, co-owner, Napoleon Livestock Auction Market. “It’s the biggest January and February we’ve had in a long time and the cattle markets at an all-time high.” Bitz is seeing ranchers opting to sell replacement heifers with plans to buy back heifers that will calve this spring.

Getting the Homework Done Before Heading to the Sale – The seedstock cattle business is booming. According to Western Ag Reporter field editor Will Bollum, sales averages are up. In some cases, those sale averages are up by thousands of dollars. Technology has helped ranchers make bull-buying decisions. or bulls and cattle to add to their herds and make a lot of decisions ahead of buying. “A lot of times, videos of each animal and photos are online so getting a good idea of what you’re interested in ahead of time is easier now than ever.”

MN Beef Update – This week Minnesota Beef Director of Industry Relations Jon Dilworth joins the Minnesota Beef Update to talk about the Minnesota Beef Council. It has been a busy time for the Minnesota Beef Council and the group looks forward to hosting a Farm to Plate tour.

Wildfire Devastates Texas Cattle Country – Strong winds are stoking the massive wildfires across the Texas Panhandle. Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller estimates tens of thousands of cattle have been killed. Many more were injured and will need to be euthanized. The Smokehouse Creek Fire is the largest in Texas state history covering more than one million acres.

National Wheat Yield Contest Continues to Evolve – The National Wheat Foundation is launching a new pilot category for spring wheat farmers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. Rather than the typical 1.5 acre entry, this new digital category is for 20 acres. “Growers are using all this technology in their combines, we want to take advantage of that and have them report their yields using their technology,” explains Anne Osborne, project manager. “We think we’re going to bring in some new people interested in the contest and we’re going to learn a lot.” A new user-friendly website, www.wheatcontest.org, was launched at Commodity Classic. Listen to the interview.

Winterkill Possible This Month – A lack of winter snowpack shouldn’t be a huge issue for alfalfa stands in the Northern Plains yet. University of Minnesota Extension Forage Agronomist Craig Sheaffer foresees bigger problems if drastic temperature fluctuations continue.”Watch out for March, March is a killing month,” said Sheaffer. “If alfalfa breaks dormancy, starts to grow and we encounter low temperatures there is a very good chance that we’re going to have some killing of those new shoots that are formed in the spring.”

Dry Bean Scene – The Dry Bean Scene highlights the Minnesota Irrigator Program that will take place on three Wednesdays throughout March. University of Minnesota Extension Irrigation and Water Quality Specialist Vasu Sharma talks about what growers will gain from the program.

Preparing for the ’24 Cropping Season – Premium Ag Solutions held its Ag Day in Hitterdal on Thursday. Ag Day is an opportunity to get prepared for spring. Owner Beau Jacobson said that includes everything from checking equipment ahead of planting to finalizing crop insurance decisions. “There’s not a lot of margin, if any, going into this year,” said Jacobson. “Everybody’s on a budget and wants to make sure they’re spending money wisely.”

Value in Farmer Input – Grand Farm Grower Program Coordinator Stetson Urlacher sees farmer input as the most important aspect of their research work. The Grower Pain Point Report is provided to help cooperators understand the impact on farmers. “We’ve got to take these challenges that farmers and ranchers have in the region and we’ve got to make it available for folks outside the region as they develop solutions,” said Urlacher. Grand Farm also has a grower advisory board to help guide research projects. Urlacher spoke at the Premium Ag Solutions event Thursday.

Safety in the Food Supply – Former contract researcher Doug Nord worked on several projects for the Environmental Protection Agency helping gather data for approving new technologies and chemicals for the ag industry. During a presentation at the Premium Ag Solutions Ag Day, Nord said there is a misconception that GMOs are digested differently than conventional crops. Material introduced during the genetic modification process produces proteins that are digested like anything else. “All foods have DNA., we’re digesting that all the time,” said Nord. “GMOs that are on the market have been tested very carefully and are shown to be safe.”

Improving Sprayer Efficiency – ReClaim is a Precision Planting technology that allows farmers to transition from one chemical to another quickly and keep their sprayers operating when conditions are ideal. ReClaim recirculates chemicals back to the tank so the product is not wasted and the sprayer stays primed. “We can help manage the amount of time a sprayer is down as we change chemistries,” said Brent Horner. northwest regional manager. The system was highlighted during Thursday’s Premium Ag Solution’s Ag Day in Hitterdahl, Minnesota.

AURI Update – The Ag Utilization Research Institute will kick off a three-part ag innovation webinar series covering supply chain development and the advantages of diversifying crop rotations. Listen to this week’s AURI Update for more details.

Beet Stock Values – American Crystal Sugar Company beet stock activity remains slow. According to Acres & Shares owner Jayson Menke, there was just one sale for 20 shares last week at $5,750. Menke says demand remains strong with bids as high as $5,800 per share. The brokered record price was recorded in November at $5,850 per share.

Bushel State of the Farm Report Released – Fargo-based Bushel has released its annual State of the Farm Report. Fifty-eight percent of respondents are farming 500 acres or more. Nearly 40 percent are reporting aggressive growth plans over the next five years. The 2024 report shows a ten percent increase from last year’s survey for carbon program participation. Weather, accounting and financial recordkeeping are the highest ranked activities for farmers using a farm-related app or software. Nearly 65 percent of respondents are willing to sell grain through an app or website, up from 47 percent last year.

Deere Introduces New Machines – John Deere made one of the largest product launches in company history Wednesday. The lineup includes the S7 fuel-efficient combine and the high horsepower 9RX track tractor line. “These machines are really ground-up redesigned with new high horsepower, high hydraulic flow and new transmissions,” said Michael Porter, marketing manager. Deere also released the new line of John Deere C-Series air carts with models for both small and larger-scale operations. The C-Series comes with a host of new features designed for better seeding-time productivity, quality, and accuracy such as electronically controlled meters, an updated calibration system and tank scales to help identify remaining acreage.

From A-to-Z – Pioneer’s next generation of soybean seeds is its new Z Series. Pioneer soybean sales marketing manager Liz Knutson says the new lineup delivers both offense and defense in one package, delivering more yield, agronomics and enhanced disease protection. “That’s a lot to be excited about,” said Knutson. “From a yield perspective, we’re seeing a 2.7 bushel per acre yield advantage over our current A-series varieties. That’s real dollars in a farmer’s pocket.”

Overlapping Residuals – Weed resistance remains a constant threat to the  bottom line.  FMC agronomist Camille Lambert feels there are never too many tools for a farmer to deal with resistance. “We’re still trying to kind of get growers to shift their mindset instead of being more reactive with our herbicide strategy to using more of a proactive approach.” That includes overlapping residuals. “You spray your pre-emerge herbicide, 21-to-28 days later you go back and you spray another herbicide with a residual and you put a fresh blanket down.” The goal is to get canopy closure without any weeds coming up because shade is our ultimate method for weed control. Listen to the RRFN report.

Corteva Biologicals Highlighted at Commodity Classic – Corteva Biologicals is the new brand for the Corteva Agriscience biologicals portfolio. This announcement comes one year after the acquisition of the Stoller and Symborg biological companies. Local commercial teams are coordinating plans to integrate Corteva Biologicals into Corteva marketing and packaging materials in the coming year.

Understanding Biologicals and Their Benefits – Certis Biologicals Vice President of Research and Development Shaun Berry believes biologicals are largely misunderstood because there are so many categories of them. “They can be bacteria, fungi, viruses; they can also be non-living organisms like plant extracts, volatiles, and chemicals.” Berry sees biologicals as another tool to help farmers deal with weed resistance. “It’s another mode of action. If you make a tank mix of a biological and a chemical, you then have a double or triple mode of action where you’re tricking the pathogen or insect even more.” Here’s a link to the story.

New Product for Regenerative Agriculture – Simplot Grower Solutions and Innvictis BioScience have introduced a product designed to maximize the utilization of the nutrients found in crop residue. Evaness is a unique blend of nutrients and enzymes that will accelerate the breakdown of crop residues and increase the availability of nutrients contained in the residue left in the field. Invictis is an exclusive brand of Simplot Grower Solutions.

Canola Minute – Here’s the latest Canola Minute from the Northern Canola Growers Association. The Getting It Right in Canola Production Virtual Meeting will be held on March 12th. Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman says this is a chance for producers to catch up on best practices from NDSU specialists and learn about market trends.

Award Winning Wheat – With the potential for an early spring, Westbred Cereal Account Management Lead Jeff Koscelny advises growers to be prepared. “Pick the right genetics and talk to your seed supplier about the products that should be planted across each acre.” Eleven of the 24 national wheat yield contest winners were WestBred varieties. “We averaged anywhere from 109 bushels to 212 bushels with the average across all eleven being 139 bushels per acre,” said Kolcelny. “The other impressive thing is four of those national winners and two of the bin-busters got quality awards; you can grow high-yield wheat and high quality.” Listen to the interview.

RDP Awards $20 Million to Bongards Expansion – Bongards Creameries has been awarded $20 million in New Markets Tax Credit financing to expand its cheese and whey processing plant in Perham, Minnesota. The funding is from Rural Development Partners, which receives the allocation from a U.S. Treasury Department program.

NPC Executive Committee Elected – Colorado farmer Bob Mattive is the new president of the National Potato Council. The executive committee also includes Hoople, North Dakota farmer TJ Hall. Hall is the vice president of finance and office procedures.

NPC Recognizes Hollee Alexander – National Potato Council Vice President of Industry Relations and Events Hollee Alexander has received the Golden Potato Award in recognition for her 20 years of service to the industry.

Another Minnesotan at the Helm of National Turkey Federation – Northfield, Minnesota farmer John Zimmerman is the new chairman of the National Turkey Federation. Zimmerman succeeds Steve Lykken of Jennie-O Turkey Store, who is also from Minnesota.

Sjostrom Receives University of Minnesota Honor – Lucas Sjostrom has been awarded the Golden Graduate Award by the Gopher Dairy Club. Sjostrom serves as managing director and executive director for Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and Minnesota Milk. Sjostrom is also a co-founder of Redhead Creamery, which is known for its artisan cheese.

ASA National Award Goes to MN Farmer – The American Soybean Association presented Hallock, Minnesota farmer Theresia Gillie with its Outstanding State Volunteer Award. Gillie is a past president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and has been one of the state’s top membership recruiters. Gillie is also a strong advocate on farm policy issues and farmer mental health.

Hardmeyer Passes – Eric Hardmeyer, who was the longest-serving president in the 105-year history of the Bank of North Dakota, has died. Hardmeyer, 64, succumbed to cancer on February 24. Hardmeyer began his career with the state-owned bank in 1985 and served as president from 2001-2021.

Outstanding Media Service Award Goes to Jim Birkemeyer – Jim Birkemeyer will be recognized with the Minnesota State High School League Outstanding Media Service Award in the electronic news-medium division. Birkemeyer owns a dozen radio stations in northwestern Minnesota, including RRFN affiliates in Ada, Mahnomen, Fosston and Bagley. Birkemeyer will be recognized March 23 at the state basketball tournament. Congratulations, Jim, for your commitment to hometown radio!