Debt Ceiling Deal Secured – A tentative agreement is in place to suspend the debit ceiling until after the 2024 election. “It doesn’t get everything everybody wants, but in a divided government that’s where you end up,” said House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. “I think it is a very positive bill.” The agreement extends the work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and puts a cap on some discretionary spending. It also expands Congress’ pay-as-you-go limits to presidential actions, meaning the White House couldn’t implement program with new spending unless there are budget offsets elsewhere. The deal also establishes tighter time limits for certain environmental reviews of energy products, which is something the oil industry and the renewable energy sector sought.

Tentative Timeline for Debt Ceiling Vote – Congress was scheduled to be on recess this week, but House members will return Tuesday. This agreement goes through the House Rules Committee Tuesday afternoon and a congressional vote on Wednesday. A Senate vote could happen as soon as Thursday. With the very tight margins in both chambers, final passage is not a slam-dunk. However, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the country will be unable to pay its bills after June 5.

Door Opens for Farm Bill Activity – Combest Sell and Associates managing partner Tom Sell hopes the agreement on the debt ceiling will spark momentum for the farm bill. “The farm bill tends to be an area where Congress can show how it can work together at its best. It doesn’t make it easy, but we have great leadership.” Sell expects forward momentum in June and July with the farm safety net at the heart of those discussions.

Supreme Court Delivers Victory for Landowners – In a long-awaited decision regarding the Waters of the United States rule, the high court found the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers wrongfully claimed authority over wetlands. “In a 9-0 holding, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Sackett family and killed the significant nexus test which has been the burr under our saddle, causing a lot of problems for landowners around the country and we’re happy to see it go away,” said Mary-Thomas Hart, chief counsel, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The ruling will affect current wetlands policy. “The holding against the significant nexus test is certainly at a minimum going to require the Biden Administration to pull their 2023 definition back for serious reconsideration and revision.” Earlier this year, federal judges in North Dakota and Texas temporarily blocked enforcement of the Biden wetlands rule in 26 states.

White House: WOTUS Ruling is a Step ‘Backwards’ – EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the agency is still evaluating the Supreme Court decision on Waters of the United States. “I am deeply disappointed that the Court is taking away EPA’s ability that has been standing for 50 years.” Meanwhile, the White House said the court ruling “will take our country backwards.” In a statement, President Joe Biden said it puts our nation’s wetlands at risk of pollution and destruction jeopardizing the clean water that American families and farmers depend on.

Change Expected for EPA WOTUS Rules – Following the Supreme Court ruling in the Sackett v. EPA case, Rinke Noonan Law Firm attorney Kale Van Bruggen said there was a four-part agreement on the controlling opinion. “There are three separate concurring opinions with additional commentary. It is not a unanimous per curiam result, but it was at least unanimous in the outcome.” This ruling considered EPA’s jurisdiction over wetlands determinations. Van Bruggen said the nexus analysis was very unclear. “It was almost impossible for a landowner or a farmer to quickly and efficiently decide which wetlands are regulated.” Van Bruggen expects changes to be made to EPA’s WOTUS rules that were released earlier this year. Listen to the full interview with Kale Van Bruggen here.

Vigilance Still Needed – According to North Dakota Grain Growers Association President Ed Kessel, the Supreme Court Sackett decision is a step in the right direction. Kessel remains cautious. “It does look favorable, but those that are trying to make these (Waters of the United States) rules are trying to figure out a way to make them legal so we’ll continue to watch this.”

Pioneer Agronomy Update – This week’s Pioneer Agronomy Update takes us to Barnesville, Minnesota where we visited with Pioneer Seeds Strategic Account Manager Brent Sorenson. Sorenson reminds farmers to monitor stand quality, row spacing, uniformity and population. “We set out with a goal of 32,000-38,000 stand and maintaining that population is critical.” Pioneer offers scorecards as a tool for farmers to assess emergence. You can watch the full Pioneer Agronomy Update here. 

Farmers Hitting Their Stride – South Dakota State University Extension Agronomist Jon Kleinjan says the central and southern parts of South Dakota are on the tail-end of planting. Northern South Dakota had a wet start to the season iand is just hitting its stride. Kleinjan reports winter wheat acres haven’t looked good this year. “There’s been a fair amount of abandonment. Since my tenure here, there’s going to be more winter wheat acres abandoned than I’ve ever seen.”

Prioritize Planting – University of Minnesota Extension Nutrient Management Specialist Fabian Fernandez says farmers need to prioritize getting crops in the ground before worrying about nitrogen application. “Typically, there is enough nitrogen in the soil to provide what the plant needs to get going.” Urea has become a major nitrogen source in the Midwest. Fernandez reminds farmers that urea needs to be incorporated into the soil. “Make sure to apply ahead of a rainstorm. You need about a quarter to half an inch of water to move urea.”

Timely Weed Control Advised – BASF Technical Service Representative Dan Melaas says planting in central and western North Dakota is chugging along. “There are even wheat and barley fields in the two-to-three leaf stage now and a lot of other crops are just starting to come out of the ground.” Farmers need to be at the top of their weed control game this year. “We need to start thinking about doing a tillage or chemistry application to keep the weeds down.”

Cereal Experts – In the Bayer CropScience Cereal Experts update, WestBred Technical Product Manager Justin Berg outlined disease control in cereal grains. “Growers can prepare for those yield-robbing diseases by first identifying what kind of diseases they will face and secondly, make plans to address those diseases. That could be through a pesticide application or changing their overall management of a field.”

MN Wheat Minute – Minnesota Wheat is looking for research fields. Hear more from University of Minnesota Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma in the latest Minnesota Wheat Minute.

A Mixed Bag – South Dakota Wheat Commission Executive Director Reid Christopherson says the state’s winter wheat fields swing from poor to good, depending on the area. “We’re really seeing a mixed bag when it comes to the winter wheat in South Dakota.” A combination of conditions from the fall and winter hit the winter wheat hard. “It was a combination of the dryness that the wheat was planted into this fall followed by an extreme winter and late spring.”

Plenty of Time for the Crop to Catch Up – RRFN caught up with Bayer CropScience Customer Business Advisor Adam Sip for the Crop Watch broadcast as he was putting in a plot near Christine, North Dakota.Despite the later-than-average planting dates, there is plenty of time to recover. “The second half of May is where you stack up GDUs and then especially the summer is where we can make up for late planting so we have a lot of optimism.”  Sip says weeds are emerging and weed control should be a priority.

A Few Replants Necessary – Most of Jay Nord’s crop was planted into good conditions and is doing well. There was the need for some replanting of spring wheat on his Wolverton, Minnesota farm. “We had wheat planted before the rain hit again and some of that got puddled on so it didn’t grow.” Nord was featured in RRFN’s Crop Watch broadcast on Tuesday.

Crop Progress Near Barnesville, MN – Near Barnesville, Minnesota, Jake Thompson says his beets are emerging. “We’ve got a couple fields that are up to two-leaf stage, another field that’s fighting a little bit of crust, but the overall stand counts are pretty good.” Thompson is starting to see some weed pressure but timely rains are keeping pastures and alfalfa healthy.

Variable Planting Conditions – Hefty Seed Agronomy Location Manager Evan Purrington says the Hawley, Minnesota area rains did not hold up planting in the area. “The only issues have been some low spots or weird areas that are holding moisture longer than normal.” Planting progress is all over the board. “Every grower is a little bit different. I have guys that are just getting started who have wet fields and people that are already finished up and preparing to spray wheat.”

Dry Bean Scene – NDSU Extension Entomologist Janet Knodel joins us to talk about the Northarvest Bean Growers Association grower survey results in this week’s Dry Bean Scene. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

Wheat Growers Applaud Relief – USDA’s announcement of $3.7 billion in disaster aid for 2022 will help livestock and crop producers that suffered from extreme weather conditions. “Almost every single one of the 28 states that we represent benefit from these payments,” said Chandler Goule, CEO, National Association of Wheat Growers. For winter wheat growers who had the fifth smallest production year since the 1970’s, it’s a relief. “As you look across the map, drought continues to strike many parts of the wheat belt.”

Chamber Hosts Hoeven Farm Bill Meeting – North Dakota Senator John Hoeven held a farm bill roundtable discussion with members of the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee. Hoeven was happy with the turnout of agriculture leaders and innovators that came to talk about the priorities for the next farm bill. “We always start with the fundamentals, prioritizing crop insurance and the countercyclical safety net, the sugar program, and livestock programs.”

Farm Bill Extension Possible – Former House Agriculture Committee Chair Collin Peterson addressed the U.S. Meat Export Federation Spring Conference. Peterson said he would be surprised if a farm bill is passed before the current law expires at the end of September. “I think they probably have until the end of the year to get something done,” said Peterson. “If it doesn’t get done by the end of the year, I think it will probably get extended and with it being an election year I wouldn’t surprised if you do a one-year extension you’ll end up with a two-year extension.” Farm groups are seeking additional farm bill funding, to increase reference prices and boost international market development. “I just don’t know where it will come from.”

Pulse Growers Spotlight – In this week’s Pulse Growers Spotlight, North Dakota Dry Pea and Lentil Chair Kim Saueressig talks about the benefit of adding pulses into the crop rotation.

Millers Outline Farm Bill Priorities – The North American Millers’ Association is out with its farm bill priorities. At the top of the list, NAMA wants to put ‘the food back in food aid,’ requiring not less than half of Food for Peace funds be used to buy commodities. They want more funding for international market assistance. The millers group also calls for more money for wheat and barley research.

House Dems Form Ag Task Force – House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has formed a new task force on agriculture and nutrition. Most of the members appointed to the task force represent the East and West Coast. The focus of the group is to act as a line of defense against cuts to food stamps and other federal nutrition programs. The task force will meet weekly and plan to host field meetings.

NCI Schedules Ancient Grains Conference – The Northern Crops Institute is hosting the second Ancient Grains Conference on July 25 at the Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota. This year’s theme is ‘Growing Into Our Future,’ and aims to provide an educational and promotional setting to explore characteristics and utilization of ancient grains. This year’s Ancient Grains Conference will include returning keynote speaker, Shrene White from Ardent Mills. Alyssa Hartman from the Artisan Grains Collaborative will be leading a panel on Connecting the Value Chain, and Dana Thompson from The Sioux Chef will be joining this year’s conference as the lunch speaker. For more information and to register, go online.

AURI Update – The 2023 Bold Open Reverse Pitch event is seeking applicants. Hear more in the latest AURI Update.

CRP Acreage Tops Out – The House Agriculture Committee held a hearing to evaluate the effectiveness of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency. FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux stressed the importance of the CRP program. In 2022, 5.1 million acres entered into CRP. Ducheneaux said the uptick in CRP acres shows how successful the program has become. “The 2018 farm bill established a rising acreage gap for CRP that tops out at 27 million acres this year and when we came to town, we saw that as a target.”

Feedback Sought on PP Coverage – USDA is seeking public input on possible changes to prevented plant coverage. Issues being addressed include changes to the Harvest Price Option, the ‘one-in-four’ rule and coverage for contract crop production. The Risk Management Agency will host a virtual listening session June 8. Ten in-person listening sessions are planned, including one on August 8 in West Fargo, North Dakota.

Improvements Coming for RCPP – After hearing from stakeholders, Natural Resources Conservation Service Deputy Chief for Programs Karen Woodrich said the agency is working on making improvements to the Regional Conservation Partnership Programs. “Through our local state technical committees and stakeholder input, we’re able to identify priorities across different landscapes to find innovative agreements and offer additional flexibilities.” Woodrich said the easement process will also see improvements.

Black Sea Standoff – An extension to the Black Sea Grain Initiative is in place, but issues remain. One of the key Ukrainian ports has shut down operations because Russia is not allowing ships to enter. Russia claims it has been unable to export ammonia through a pipeline in Ukraine. Both sides are looking for leverage in the dispute over food, grain and fertilizer exports.

Shipping Delays at Panama Canal – Shippers moving through the Panama Canal are being forced lighten their loads and pay higher fees. Due to a drought, the ocean carriers had to cut the weight of their cargoes twice in the past week. This will delay shipments through the Panama Canal and increase the cost for the products being shipped. Five percent of the world’s maritime trade moves through this channel.

Trade Partners Seek Supply Chain Solutions – Trade ministers from 14 countries participated in negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Agreement. These trade talks ended Saturday in Detroit. U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said a first-of-its-kind agreement will establish a council to coordinate supply chain activities. It will also serve as an early warning system for potential supply disruptions. China is not one of the 14 countries involved in this agreement, but due participate in last week’s Asia-Pacific Economic Conference in Detroit and was part of a pledge for more inclusive trade relationships.

Weather Worries – Northern Crops Marketing and Investments President Brad Paulson says a large portion of the Corn Belt is short of moisture. “It sure feels dry when that east wind blows all day long.” Rains in the Southern Plains are too late to help the winter wheat crop. “There wasn’t much of a stand there and the next problem will be a weed infestation with the heat and humidity.”

Corn Matters – Minnesota Corn Growers Association Public Policy Specialist Alex Trunnell recaps the Minnesota legislative session. Hear more in the latest Corn Matters.

Praise for New Ag Homestead Tax Credit – The new Ag Homestead Tax Credit is seen as a highlight of the Minnesota legislative session. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Past President Jamie Beyer says this policy change will ease the farmers’ tax burden by setting the tier valuation limit for agricultural homestead property at $3.5 million for assessment year 2024. “This was an initiative that came through the MSGA resolution process in 2021 so to have it ennacted already in 2023 is pretty exciting.”

MFBF Minute – The 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session is in the books. Minnesota Farm Bureau Public Policy Specialist Kaytlin Bemis recaps the session in the latest MFBF Minute.

Sugarbeet Report – Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative Vice President of Agriculture Todd Geselius and SES VanderHave Regional Sales Manager Nick Revier highlight planting conditions. Hear more in the Sugarbeet Report, presented by Syngenta, Amity Technology, H&S Manufacturing, SESVanderHave and Bayer CropScience.

Vive Crop Protection Sugarbeet Update – In the Vive Crop Protection Sugarbeet Report, Vive Crop Protection Northern Agronomist David Reif highlights a new product with two modes of action to control rhizoctonia and maximize sugar content. Here’s the full interview with Reif.

Entire Swine Industry Impacted by Prop 12 Decision – U.S. Meat Export Federation Chair-Elect Randy Spronk will take over leadership of the organization this fall. Spronk said this past week’s USMEF Spring Conference considered difficult issues, like California’s Proposition 12. Congressional action may be necessary to overturn the Supreme Court decision on animal housing standards. “There has been a bill introduced by (Iowa) Senator (Charles) Grassley, and I think the discussion is going to continue.” Only one percent of the pork consumed in California is raised in-state.

Pork Shines at USMEF Conference – U.S. Meat Export Federation Chair Dean Meyer describes the group’s spring conference as a place for animal agriculture to come together and focus on international markets. “The beauty of USMEF is that we’re broad-based so we don’t key in on one product, but the shining star this year is pork exports.” The U.S. is well positioned to take advantage of a favorable supply and price situation.

U.S.-Mexico Trade Relationship at Risk – A trade dispute between the United States and Mexico has resulted in ongoing consultations through the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. International trade consultant Kenneth Smith Ramos, who is Mexico’s former chief negotiator for the North American Trade Agreement, says the trade relationship between the two countries is important for their ag sectors. During the USMEF meeting in Minneapolis, Smith Ramos pointed to Mexico’s ban on biotech corn imports. “If there is no resolution, there could be a dispute panel called. The problem is that by issuing this decree that it could be the start of a slippery slope of Mexico issuing stricter regulations.”

Too Little, Too Late – There are a lot of moving parts in the meat sector, ranging from the recent U.S. atypical BSE case to African Swine Fever making a comeback in China to the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. effect on poultry. “We’re seeing tighter supplies in all three categories,” said Bernt Nelson, economist, American Farm Bureau Federation. Market prices are improving, but a delay from high input prices may affect the average livestock producer. “For some producers these prices are too little too late.”

Promoting MN Beef Internationally – The Minnesota Beef Council works closely with the U.S. Meat Export Federation. “We invest in USMEF and projects with them to promote beef demand and exports,” said Kelly Schmidt, executive director, MBC. Minnesota hosted the USMEF Spring Conference. Schmidt said it was appropriate because Minnesota beef serves a global market.

Adding Value – South Dakota Soybean Council board member Todd Hanten sees a correlation between the soybean crush and meat exports. “Soy crush in South Dakota has expanded a lot and the more animals we have, the better basis and price we can provide soybean producers.” The grain and oilseed sectors and livestock producers work together to increase exports. “Red meat exports add $1.94 to a bushel of grain and it’s a lot of the industry working together.”

Expect Changes for Growth Promotant Implants – The Food and Drug Administration is changing industry guidance for beef cattle implants.  After June, the FDA will redefine the production phases for beef cattle, which will affect the label claims of existing and new drugs. The production phases are important because the new guidance will allow beef cattle to receive one implant for each production phase. “This affects implants for beef cattle production because they are considered a drug,” said Zac Carlson, beef cattle specialist,  NDSU Extension. More details will be released soon.

Preventing the Spread of Disease – University of Minnesota Extension Beef Specialist Eric Mousel says scours hit calves hard this year. “It has been an interesting spring going from wet and cold to hot and dry which has caused issues for a lot of folks.” Insect pressure is increasing with the recent heat and pinkeye can become an issue. “Mineral can be really important particularly if you have had some pinkeye issues.” Mousel suggests getting creative with insecticide applications for cattle, placing dusters with pyrethrin strategically in high traffic areas to ensure application. Listen to the full interview with Eric Mousel here.

A Hectic Schedule for NDSA – June is a busy month for the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. Communications Director Elizabeth Neshem says the schedule includes the NDSA spring roundups, junior beef expo, and a feedlot tour.  “We’re using the title ‘Blaze a Trail Forward’ (for the spring roundups) this year. We’re inviting members to bring their input and ideas.” Neshem says members and producers of all ages are welcome to participate. More event information can be found at ndstockmen.org.

Prevented Planting Reminders – Countryside Insurance Agency owner Jennifer Otteson says prevent plant acres should be lower than last year in the Red River Valley. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some wet spots. “As you go west out of the Valley and get more into the (Prairie) Pothole Region, there’s definitely going to be some spotty prevented planting.” Otteson reminds producers that it’s important to put in a notice of loss for each crop in each county with your insurance agent. Farmers have 72 hours from the final planting date to file a claim.

Benefits Seen in Transition to Regenerative Agriculture – Farmers transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture systems can expect a 15-to-25 percent increase in profitability, but that transition can take three-to-five years. A new report released by Boston Consulting Group and the One Planet Business for Biodiversity coalition cites reduced crop input costs, healthier soil and fewer complications from fertilizer runoff as the primary benefits of regenerative agriculture.

Chlorpyrifos Products Can be Returned – Minnesota farmers can now return Lorsban, Cobalt, Vulcan and similar chlorpyrifos insecticide products. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture canceled chlorpyrifos product registrations for use on food and feed at the beginning of this past year. Corteva Agrscience and ADAMA US have permission from EPA to take back the chemicals. Farmers with existing supplies of the insecticide should check with their ag retailer. If the ag supplier won’t take back the products, farmers can use the MDA Waste Pesticide Collection Program.

Disposal Programs Announced – In August of 2021, the EPA announced it would revoke all tolerances for food uses of chlorpyrifos. The final rule became effective in October of 2021 and the tolerances for all commodities expired at the end of February 2022. Corteva Agriscience and ADAMA have established a return and credit program. North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring is pleased with these two companies for taking this action. “However, I’m disappointed that other registrants have not taken the same responsibility.”

Canola Minute – In this week’s Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman warns growers to scout for flea beetles. This update is sponsored by the Northern Canola Growers Association.

EPA Issues Draft ESA Rule on Enlist Products – The Environmental Protection Agency has released a draft of its Endangered Species Act review of Enlist One and Enlist Duo herbicides. The preliminary findings indicate the Enlist products are “not likely to jeopardize any listed species or adversely modify their critical habitats. A 60-day public comment period is underway.

New Regs Issued for Plant-Inforporated Protectants – The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule regulating plant-incorporated protectants. These pesticides are genetically modified to help plants resist viruses, bacteria and insects. The American Seed Trade Association said the new rule increases the regulatory burden on plant breeders and limits innovation for the farmer.

APUC Grants Awarded – The North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission has awarded five projects at its May meeting. Dakota Hurd is receiving a grant valued at $146,000 for an industrial hemp project. A grant of $128,500 went to Dakota Valley Growers to expand a cattle feedlot and convert manure into sustainable fertilizer. Projects funded also include Dakota Angus with $100,000 for marketing and education efforts.

Honey Research Grant Funds Available – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture has funding available for honeybee research. Grant proposals will be accepted until June 18 on projects dealing with varroa mites and other honeybee health issues. North Dakota is the #1 honey producing state in the country.

A Victory for AM Radio – Ford Motor Company has reversed its previous decision and will keep AM radio in its new vehicles. Ford is also offering a software update to provide AM broadcast capabilities in its electric vehicles. National Association of Farm Broadcasting Executive Director Tom Brand credits the rural community and their lawmakers “Listeners responded and reached out to lawmakers and automobile manufacturers,” said Brand. “There was also a letter sent by 102 members of the House of Representatives in recent weeks to several automakers; it not only reminded them about the importance of AM radio, but also asking some pointed questions, including the amount of federal subsidies they’ve received in the last 15 years.” Bills have also been introduced in the House and Senate to preserve AM radio in cars and trucks. Local radio has a role in providing information during weather emergencies and these proposals would consider radio as a safey feature in cars and trucks. Listen to the full interview.

A Possible Merger – Viterra and Bunge are reportedly discussing a merger. These are two of the largest grain trading firms and have a large presence in the United States. Viterra, which formerly was known as Glencore Agriculture, had a failed takeover attempt with Bunge in 2017.

Cease-and-Desist Order Issued – The State of North Dakota has issued a cease-and-desist order against Agridime LLC and its owner Joshua Link. The Arizona man has sought investors to buy cattle at $2,000 per head, promising a guaranteed 15-to-25 percent annual return. State Securities Commissioner Karen Tyler claims Link and Agridime are acting as an unregistered broker-dealer and committing fraud.

Notice Given to HyLife H-2B Workers – The HyLife pork processing plant at Windom, Minnesota is still seeking a buyer as it enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company has now announced none of the potential buyers have the certification to accept current HyLife employees on H-2B visas. Nearly half of the plant’s 1,000 workers are on this visa and must return to their home countries no later than June 3.

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council President Chad Blindauer talks about corn by-products and research directives.

EPA Registers Revylok Fungicide – BASF has introduced a new soybean fungicide called Revylok. It brings together the Revysol and Xemium fungicidal active ingredients. Revylok will be available for the 2024 growing season.

1Q Revenues Up for Titan Machinery – For the first quarter, Titan Machinery had revenues of nearly $570 million. That’s up from $461 million in the same quarter of 2022. Titan Machinery Chairman and CEO David Meyer said the company’s agriculture business continued to drive growth due to strong customer demand. The parts and service business also performed well despite the late start to the planting season in some of its northern markets. Here’s the financial report.

Bank of North Dakota Releases Annual Report – The Bank of North Dakota reports record assets of $10.2 billion at the end of 2022. The state-owned bank also reports record profits of over $191 million, up from $47 million in 2021. The agriculture loan portfolio increased by $8 million, reaching $710 million. Farm and Ranch Participation loans led the way with $143 million, followed by the Beginning Farmer loan program at $50 million.

MN Beef Update – Meet this year’s Minnesota Beef Council intern, Bailey Schiefelbein, in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.

Willis Appointed to MAIZALL Board – Willmar, Minnesota farmer Chad Willis has been selected to serve as the U.S. Grain Council’s representative on the MAIZALL board of directors. MAIZALL was established ten years by USGC, the National Corn Growers Association and the corn grower groups in Brazil and Argentina to resolve shared problems with non-tariff trade barriers. Willis is a past chairman for USGC.

Thaler Selected as Teacher of the Year – The interim head of the Animal Science Department, Dr. Robert Thaler, has been named the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Teacher of the Year. He has been given this same honor in 2000 and 2006. Thaler has been at SDSU as an Extension swine specialist since 1988.

Buchanan to Retire – NDSU College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources Associate Dean David Buchanan is retiring on June 1. Buchanan has been at NDSU for the past 11 years as an animal scientist, educator and administrator. Previously, Buchanan spent nearly 28 years at Oklahoma State University.