Supreme Court Upholds Prop 12 – The Supreme Court has upheld California’s Proposition 12 on a split vote of 5-4, Prop 12 prevents the sale of meat products that doesn’t abide by California’s strict animal housing standards. The National Pork Producers Council and American Farm Bureau Federation argued the law interferes with interstate commerce. NDFB President Daryl Lies is disappointed in the High Court’s decision. “It’s disappointing how one state can dictate how the rest of the nation is going to raise their food.” Lies doesn’t think this issue is dead yet. “All I do know is if we start allowing states to dictate how food is produced, we’re looking at a drastic increase in the cost of food for American people.”

HSUS ‘Thrilled’ With Court Decision – Humane Society of the United States President/CEO Kitty Block hailed the Supreme Court decision, calling it “historic.” Proposition 12 establishes housing standards for pigs, chickens and veal calves. The law also bans the in-state sale of pork, eggs and veal not produced with those same standards. In a statement, HSUS said this ruling ‘upholds the nation’s strongest farm animal protection law and unanimously rejects the pork industry’s primary constitutional claim.”

Court Decision Comes at a Challenging Time for the Industry – The National Pork Producers Council CEO Bryan Humphreys says the Supreme Court ruling on California’s Proposition 12 comes at a tough time for producers. “We are facing high input costs and some of the most challenging economic times the pork industry has seen in the last 20 years.” In a media briefing Friday, NPPC Chief Legal Strategist Michael Formica said the political nature of this case was its biggest hurdle. “The majority of the court agreed that this is ultimately a political issue that judges are not equipped to judge.”

Ballot Initiative Bypasses the Legislative Process – Any pork sold in California must adhere to the new animal welfare standards. Proposition 12 passed as a balllot initiative in 2018. Animal Ag Alliance Communications Manager Emily Solis says other states attempted to pass similar legislation, but ballot initiatives have become more popular. “It’s a way for animal rights activist groups to bypass the standard legislative process. They don’t give anyone the opportunity to testify and they’re relying on the general publics lack of understanding of modern agriculture.” The Animal Ag Alliance continues to monitor similar ballot initiatives in other states and proposed legislation.

Omnibus Agriculture Bill Goes to Governor Walz – The Minneosta House approved the Agriculture Conference Committee Report in a vote of 85-to-44. That was followed by Senate approval with a margin of 49-to-16. The lengthy bill is expected to be signed by Governor Tim Walz.

Vang: The Goal is to Solve Farmers’ Problems – In an interview with the Red River Farm Network, House Agriculture Committee Chair Samantha Vang said her goal is to solve the problems of farmers. The inclusion of $10 million for a grain indemnity fund and $4 million for the Dairy Assistance Investment and Relief Initiative are examples of that work. Vang is also proud of the ag committee’s work to support emerging farmers. “When we think about a farmer in America, we often think about a white man who has a tractor and a barn, but that’s not the farmer today. I come from a strong history of farmers. The Hmong community has always been farmers even before they arrived to the U.S.” Vang said the issues facing emerging farmers include access to land and to capital. The omnibus bill creates an emerging farmers office within the Minnesota Department of Agriculture with additional staff to provide support. Dating back to the last election, there is often a perception of a divide between metro and outstate Minnesota. Vang does not share that view. “I haven’t heard of any urban-rural divide; if anything, it is more of a partnership.”

MFBF Minute – The omnibus ag bill has been a hot topic during the legislative session. Minnesota Farm Bureau Public Policy Specialist Kaytlin Bemis gives an update on what’s happening at the Capitol in the latest MFBF Minute.

DAIRI Provision Prevails in MN Ag Omnibus – Minnesota Milk Producers Association Executive Director Lucas Sjostrom says the omnibus agriculture bill was short of their original ask of $10 million for the DAIRI program. However, Sjostrom said he is pleased with the final bill. “Rebates for the Dairy Margin Coverage Program was our main focus on this bill. Considering everything working against us including a relatively small amount of money compared to the general Minnesota budget in this surplus year, we’re very happy.”  This rebate program in Minnesota has shown increased enrollment in the federal program.

Rural Finance Authority Funding Approved – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed legislation, providing $50 million to the Rural Finance Authority. With this approval, the RFA will continue to finance beginning farmers, livestock expansion and other ag loans.

Potential Drainage Issue in Environmental Bill Raises a Concern – State Representative Paul Anderson says certain items in Minnesota’s environment, natural resources, climate, and energy finance and policy bill would impact agriculture. Treated seed disposal and a proposed drainage portal are top of mind. Anderson says treated seed disposal provisions are mostly common sense, but the drainage portal could cause problems. “It could slow down projects that need to get done to keep up our drainage systems here in Minnesota.” Anderson is the lead Republican on the House Agriculture Committee. Listen to the full interview with Representative Anderson here.

Aggies Monitor Action on Environment Bill – The end of Minnesota’s legislative session is fast approaching with a lot of business yet to be done. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Dan Glessing says his membership is keeping a close eye on the environment bill language dealing with treated seed and the creation of a drainage portal. “Things are really fluid right now; the ban on wolf depredation is in there and we’re hoping that can come out.”

Paid Family and Medical Leave Passes in MN – The Minnesota Senate passed paid family and medical leave legislation by a vote of 34-to-33. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam said this bill will help mid-sized businesses provide this employee benefit. “It’s gotten better through the process of government and I know that’s not something people are used to hearing, but now I think it’s something that’s pretty good.” The bill includes exemptions for agriculture, hospitality, and others and will not affect businesses with less than 30 employees. Find the full conversation with Senator Putnam here.

End of Session Nears – Minnesota Farmers Union Director of Government Relations Stu Lourey says healthcare is an important issue in St. Paul during this session. “We are very committed to ensuring a pubic buy-in option to Minnesota Care will allow farmers and others to buy in to high quality coverage.” MFU is also watching for provisions in the environment bill that would create programs for additional soil health funding for farmers and a program that would incentivize Minnesota fertilizer production. The session ends in one week.

Expanding Agricultural Trade – A House agriculture subcommittee reviewed agricultural trade Thursday. National Pork Producers Council President-Elect Lori Stevermer, who farms at Easton, Minnesota, testified. “Last year, we exported nearly $7.7 billion worth of pork and about 25 percent of our pork is exported.” Aimpoint Research Vice President of Global Situational Awareness and Chief Economist Gregg Doud said the pace of technology is a challenge in world trade. “My most pressing concern is getting our government and others to approve these technologies so innovations that improve the environment, nutrition and safety of food and be commercialized.” Doud was the chief agricultural negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative during the Trump Administration.

Torres Small Faces Confirmation Hearing – The Senate Agriculture Committee hosted a confirmation hearing for USDA’s deputy agriculture secretary nominee Xochital Torres Small. “My own roots are both rural and urban and we’re all connected by land, resources and food.”  Torres Small, who is the USDA rural development undersecretary,  identified several challenges in the Department. “Outdated technology, antiquated loan and grant applications and the ongoing need to do more with less are all challenges I foresee.” If confirmed by the Senate, Torres Small would succeed Jewel Bronaugh.

Farm Bill Issues Heard at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue – House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership met with President Joe Biden and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at the White House this past week. In a joint statement following the meeting, the congressional leaders stressed the importance of passing a farm bill this year. The lawmakers described the legislation as a jobs bill, a safety net for farmers and consumers and an investment in Rural America.

Planting Progress Across the Prairie Rose State – NDSU Extension Agronomist Claire Keene says most of the state had a tentative start to planting before the rain came. Southwest North Dakota started planting the last week of April and beginning of May before rain pushed them out. Central North Dakota only has a few fields planted. Northwest North Dakota farmers have been able to plant for a couple of weeks. Keene says the northeast is struggling the most with planting. Small grains, sugarbeets, and some lentils have been the main crops getting in the ground. “A lot of soybeans haven’t been planted yet, and it might be a few weeks before farmers can get started on those.”

More Wheat Seeded in Western North Dakota – North Dakota Wheat Commission Policy and Marketing Director Jim Peterson says planting has been slow for spring wheat. Spring wheat planting has been stronger in western areas. Central and northern North Dakota  farmers have saturated soils preventing major planting from happening. Cooler temperatures and excess moisture have also been a battle.

MN Wheat Minute – Tractors are rolling with planting in full swing. Hear more from Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers CEO Charlie Vogel in the latest Minnesota Wheat Minute.

Ahead of Last Year – Despite repeated weather-related delays, University of Minnesota Extension Agronomist Seth Naeve says planting progress is still ahead of last year throughout the Red River Valley. “I feel really good about where we’re at. We’re definitely getting soybeans in along with the corn.”

Canola Minute – In this week’s Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association board member Mike Brekhus talks about planting progress on his farm. This update is sponsored by the Northern Canola Growers Association.

Too Early to Change Plans – In North Dakota State University’s weekly crop and pest report, Extension Agronomist Hans Kandel outlined potential issues with delayed planting in pulse crops and canola. Later planting dates could mean less yield. “The later we plant, the more likely it is that we are hitting higher temperatures during the flowering period.” Despite that, Kandel does not think its late enough to consider changing planting plans yet. “We do not know what the rest of the season will bring, so at this time it is too early to make big plans for change.”

Pulse Growers Spotlight – In this week’s Pulse Growers Spotlight, we meet with Northern Pulse Growers Association Marketing and Communications Specialist Erin Becker to talk about member importance.

Plenty of Time – Innovus Agra Farm Management Coach Brett Oelke is confident there’s still plenty of time for farmers to get wheat and corn in the ground, while soybeans have a much wider window. “We’re more likely to see prevent plant than a crop shift because of the drop in commodity prices. It may be a better economic decision to do PP if we don’t see some price recovery.” Oelke says farmers should avoid panic selling while prices drift lower. “

Getting the Most From Your Urea Application – Without rain, urea application can be subject to ammonia dispersion after a few days. NDSU Extension Soil Specialist Dave Franzen has some tips for urea application. “It’s important to use a proper urea inhibitor, unless it’s put down at least two inches deep,” said Dave Franzen, soil specialist, NDSU Extension. Franzen says urea inhibitors, like NBPT, are almost 100 percent effective.

Pioneer Agronomy Update: Rothsay, MN – The Pioneer Agronomy Update originated in the Rothsay, Minnesota area Wednesday. “This was planted May 4 so we just started seeing germination on the corn,” said Kevin Sinner, field agronomist, Pioneer. “The corn that went in early, some were concerned about imbibitional chilling, but it never got below 50 degrees so imbibitional chilling should be a minimal issue.” Visit the RRFN YouTube channel to see the full interview.

Staying Ahead of Problem Weeds – Staying ahead of weed control can be a challenge. University of Minnesota Extension Weed Scientist Dr. Debalin Sarangi says in a U of M Field Crop IPM podcast that while there is a rush to get crops in the ground, weeds are already starting to emerge. “As I recommend every year, sprayers should follow your planter. Pre-emerge should be down within three days of the crop planting.” While pre-emerge herbicide is important, it’s key to continue to monitor fields. Weeds can emerge at any time throughout the growing season. “Waterhemp can emerge throughout the season.” Sarangi says it may still be necessary to follow-up with post-emergence herbicide later in the season.

UPL Ask the Expert: Soil Health – In the latest UPL  Ask the Expert series, University of Minnesota Soil, Water, and Climate Department Head Dr. Carl Rosen discusses the importance of soil health to potato production. Click here to hear the entire interview.

Army Cutworms Active In SD – Army cutworm caterpillars have been spotted in winter wheat in central South Dakota. Cutworm activity is expected to increase as temperatures rise across the state. Management is recommended if large patches of the field have been defoliated or if two-to-four army cutworms are observed per square foot.

Wasps: A Friend to Soybeans? – Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a new species of parasitic wasps that could prove effective against soybean gall midge. Researchers found there was no information on this wasp in any scientific record, and findings suggest this new-to-science wasp as likely being a natural enemy of the soybean gall midge. Soybean gall midge is a recently emerged pest in the Midwest that can have devastating impacts on soybean fields.

Sugarbeet Report – North Dakota State University and University of Minnesota Extension Sugarbeet Specialist Tom Peters has tips for cover crop success. Hear more in the Sugarbeet Report, presented by Syngenta, Amity Technology, H&S Manufacturing, SESVanderHave and Bayer CropScience.

Bullish Report for Wheat, Bearish for Corn, Soybeans – In the USDA supply/demand report, wheat ending stocks totaled 556 million bushels, down 42 million bushels from last year. The wheat stocks are at the lowest level in 15 years. Corn ending stocks totaled 2.2 billion bushels, up 805 million bushels from last year. Soybean stocks are at 335 million, an increase of 130 million bushels from one year ago.

Surprising Corn Demand – Following the USDA supply/demand report, the trade was focused on the smaller wheat production number and the increase in corn and soybean stocks. StoneX Chief Commodities Economist Arlan Suderman says the supply numbers were in line with estimates, but demand was a surprise. “USDA was very aggressive in the Chinese corn import number, considering what is happening with their economy, livestock production, and the rising tensions between the U.S. and China.”

Ending Stocks Were Primary Consideration in USDA Report – Midwest Market Solutions President Brian Hoops says USDA surprised the trade by cutting wheat production more than expected in the May World Supply Demand Report. “We knew it was going to be down, but it’s below last year’s crop as well.” The soybean carryout was well above last year and trade expectations. According to Hoops, any big shift in crop supply estimates would have to come from some sort of weather event.

Demand Erosion – U.S. grain prices are not competitive globally. Abbott Futures market analyst Ron McDaniel is seeing demand erosion. “China cancelled another 272,000 tons of corn so that’s a negative and we continue to be way too high priced on soybeans.” Even wheat is displacing demand for corn. “We’re feeding wheat out east instead of corn, so at the end of the day, we’re in a down trend.”

Acreage to be Influenced by Future Soybean Crush – According to a new report from RaboResearch, corn will dominate the acreage mix during this growing season. However, soybeans will take over that role to meet the demand for soybean oil. The report says the expansion of the soybean crush could represent an additional 600 million-plus bushels by 2026-2027. The fight for acres and the new soybean crushing demand will influence market prices in the future.

Farm Income Decline – According to USDA, the average net cash income of U.S. farm businesses is expected to decline by 18 percent in 2023, compared to 2022. Farm businesses across the country are forecast to see higher production expenses, and lower cash receipts.

Corn Matters – Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council board member Chad Willis talks about the progression of international markets. Hear more in the latest Corn Matters.

NCI Market Update Will Feature Market Insights – The Northern Crops Institute is hosting its Market Update webinar on Wednesday morning at eight.  This special edition webinar will feature John Stewart and Associates Principal Kevin Clausen who will provide new market insights on commodities and trading across the globe. You can register or find more information on the webinar here.

Combine & Tractor Sales Continue to Grow – According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, combine sales in the United States and Canada continue to grow while tractor unit sales fell below the five-year average. Total U.S. ag tractor sales decreased 16 percent in April with unit sales in the 4 wheel-drive farm tractor segment increasing 54.1 percent. U.S. self-propelled combine sales grew just over 23 percent for April.

Farm Real Estate Value Increases – Agriculture credit conditions remain strong with farm real estate values continued to increase but growth has softened according the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. Its survey of 10^th District bankers says while improvement in farm finances and credit conditions steadies, some lenders expect slight softening in the months ahead. The outlook for the farm economy remains strong with favorable commodity prices. Financial performance and liquidity at ag banks remains solid.

DRIVE Act Keeps Wheels Rollin’ – The Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen Wheelers Act would prevent the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from implementing any regulation requiring vehicles over 26,000 pounds to be equipped with a speed regulation device. U.S. Cattlemen’s Association Transportation Committee Chairman Steve Hilker supports the bill and says a federal mandate that controls livestock haulers’ speed would limit their autonomy. Hilker Trucking President Alleah Heise says regulating livestock hauler’s speed could actually make highways more unsafe. “One of the worst things we could do is slow trucks down in these rural, two-lane highways across America.” Heise says slowing trucks down could delay the supply chain and cause truckers to lose profit. “They’re losing about 100 miles per day that gets cut off their earnings.”

Significant Drop in Pork Profitability – Iowa State University Extension is estimating hog farmers lost an average of $34 per head in the first quarter. That’s the largest drop in producer profitability in ten years. With this scenario, liquidation is happening in the hog business. Smithfield Foods is one example with the recent news it is closing nearly 40 sow operations in Missouri.

MN Beef Update – Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Kaitlyn Root joins us to talk about their Washington D.C. trip in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.

I-BAND Asks for Checkoff Transparency – Sixty-one organizations sent a letter to congressional agriculture committee leadership seeking checkoff reform. Independent Beef Association of North Dakota President Frank Tomac says the promotion and research program needs to be more transparent with beef producers. In Tomac’s view, the average cow/calf producer isn’t seeing a return from checkoff dollars. “Everybody should pay for promotion of their product, but the cow/calf producers aren’t seeing the return of investment. It’s staying with the packers.”

Dry Ground is Hard to Come By – NDSU Extension Livestock Specialist Karl Hoppe says mud is once again a challenge. “Most cattle haven’t been put out to sod so it’s a challenge and it’s so hard to get a dry environment right now.” Hoppe says sickness rates ramp up with wet, cold weather. “We always run into health issues like pneumonia, and especially scours.”

Forage Insurance Flexibility – The USDA has increased flexibility for Annual Forage Insurance and Rainfall Index Basic Provisions in eight pilot states, including North and South Dakota. Risk Management Agency Administrator Marcia Bunger says these changes allow producers to choose what acreage is insured and elect the months that rainfall is most important to certain forage crops. “With this added flexibility, we just offer more tools in the toolbox.”

Pasture & Range Conditions – Pasture and range conditions have improved across the U.S. since last year, but conditions remain poor in the Plains. According to the USDA, Kansas has set records for some of the worst conditions in history. USDA’s first look at conditions shows one-third of the pasture and rangeland is rated good to excellent, 37 percent poor to very poor.

A Second Chance at LIP – The Farm Service Agency is providing additional flexibility with the  Livestock Indemnity Program. North Dakota Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Marcy Svenningsen says it’s a short window for farmers to finish their application. “We had about 2,100 notices of loss, but we’ve only paid out 1,200 losses of application, which leaves about 900 that people never filed an application for.” The FSA is allowing farmers and ranchers to complete their notice of loss through June 2, 2023. Svenningsen says it’s a second chance for farmers and ranchers to recover lost LIP assistance for the 2022 weather disasters. “They can still come in and fill out the application and be eligible for the compensation.”

Green Light for Beagle Brigade – The House Agriculture Committee passed the Beagle Brigade Act of 2023. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Chief Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Simmons says it’s an important win for agriculture. “This act will provide authorization for the dog workforce trained to detect fruits, vegetables, and meats that could pose a threat to U.S. agriculture.” Simmons says this bill would protect U.S. agriculture against foreign diseases. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.

Ending Misleading Labels – Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin and Idaho Senator Jim Risch are leading the charge against plant-based products using dairy labels. The two senators wrote a letter to the Food and Drug Administration, saying “it’s imperative that the FDA enforce existing standards of identity for dairy in both current and future guidance.”

Burgum Waives Hours of Service – North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has signed a waiver for hours-of-service requirements for drivers of commercial vehicles transporting ag inputs. Burgum says the weather has tightened the planting window, forcing truck drivers to move more inputs in a shorter amount of time. The 30-day waiver is effective immediately.

Dry Bean Scene – Family Wellness Community Wellness and Development Coordinator Karsyn Wendt joins us to talk about the “Beyond Baked Beans” class, and their annual “Funn-raiser” event in this week’s Dry Bean Scene. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

Correction – In a story published May 8, there were errors regarding the difference in funding for biofuels infrastructure and the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council in the omnibus agriculture bill. This link provides the final conference committee’s spreadsheet reflecting change items. A comparison to past budgets can be found in this spreadsheet. The Red River Farm Network apologizes for the error and any confusion associated with this story.

AIC Plans for July Opening – The first phase of the Ag Innovation Campus is almost complete. Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council CEO Tom Slunecka says there is a livestream camera set up to capture production progress. “It’s something that we’ll continue through production so buyers and seller across the world can see what we’re producing.” Slunecka expects the crush plant to begin accepting soybeans in July. The second and third phases of the project will include construction of projects to help with education, training, and research.

AURI Update – Calling all innovators and agricultural enthusiasts for the Bold Open Reverse Pitch event. Learn more in this AURI Update with Director of Government and Industry Relations Dan Skogen.

Wetland Restoration Investments – The USDA is investing $17 million into five Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership projects to return critical wetland functions to agricultural landscapes. Conservation partners and ag producers will work with NRCS to mitigate climate change while prioritizing assistance to underserved communities.

A Difficult Quarter for Tyson Foods – Tyson Foods posted a loss of $97 million in the first quarter. That compares to net income of $829 million one year ago. This was the first quarterly loss for the largest U.S. meat producer since the fourth quarter of 2009. Sales of beef, pork and chicken are down. In contrast, feed prices and labor costs were up.

AgriBank Reports 1Q Financials – AgriBank is reporting first quarter net income of $207 million. That’s up from $181 million the same quarter last year. Loan volume is over $134 billion, an increase of $580 million from the most recent quarter. While working capital on the farm is expected to decline this year, AgriBank said many farmers are still dealing with favorable working capital. AgriBank serves 15 states, including Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Nutrien May Cut Potash Supplies – Canada Nutrien’s CEO Mayo Schmidt says the company may consider further slowing its expansion of potash capacity after low prices and sale volumes. Potash prices have been volatile since the start of the Russian, Ukraine war.

Corteva Agriscience Announces Bexoveld Brand – In announcing its innovation pipeline, Corteva Agriscience revealed Bexoveld as the brand name for its newest herbicide for cereal grains. Pending regulatory approval, Bexoveld will be launched in 2028 in North America. This new proprietary molecule provides control of broadleaf weeds, including resistant kochia.

UM Interim President Selected – In a special meeting of the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, former Hormel CEO Jeff Ettinger was appointed the university’s interim president. The current president, Joan Gabel, has resigned to accept the chancellor role at the University of Pittsburgh. Finalists for the interim post included University of Minnesota-Crookston Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause and former Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Franz.

Job Opportunities in Agriculture – Check out the Job Opportunities tab on the Red River Farm Network website. The Marshall County Farm Service Agency in Warren, Minnesota has three program technician jobs available. Go online for more details.

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Growers Association board member Christina Blindauer thanks all moms for that they do this Mother’s Day.

Riley Named CFO for National FFA – Dan Riley has been named the chief financial officer of the National FFA Organization and the National FFA Foundation. Previously, Riley worked as a senior vice president and chief financial officer for Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana.

Minnesota Pork Names Communications Director – The Minnesota Pork Producers Association has announced Bailey Ruen as the new director of communications. Lauren Servick, who served as the director of communications since 2017, has stepped into the role of director of public policy strategy and sustainability. Ruen grew up on a pig and crop farm near Lanesboro, Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in agricultural communications and marketing.

Princess Kay Finalists Chosen – During the Dairy Promotion and Leadership Event in Minneapolis this weekend, ten finalists were chosen to compete for the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. This list includes Makenzie Alberts of Pine Island, Gracie Ash of Milaca, Jalyssa Beaudry of Otsego, Katherine Hills of Monticello, Montana Krueger of Arlington, Emma Kuball of Waterville, Megan Ratka of Cold Spring, Anne Simpson of Pine Island, Josephine Sutherland of Flandreau, South Dakota and Riley Ward of St. Charles.