Planting Plans Shift – With the planting delays, Buffalo, North Dakota farmer Randy Melvin believes spring wheat and dry bean acres will likely be decline. “We won’t have any edible beans and I start cutting back spring wheat acres after May 10.”

Pioneer Agronomy Update: Jamestown, ND – The first Pioneer Agronomy Update for the season took place Friday while a plot was being seeded near Jamestown, North Dakota. Pioneer Field Agronomist Eric Lagge said the fields are in good condition.  “There was some concern about putting corn in the ground early, but the nighttime lows are staying 50 degrees or higher.” In recent days, Growing Degree Days have been limited to 12-to-14. Lagge said it typically takes anywhere from 115-to-125 GDUs for corn to emerge. “It’s going to take roughly ten days to come out the ground at the rate we’re going.” The video can be found on RRFN’s YouTube channel.

South Dakota Fields Easily Soak Up Moisture – Before weekend showers hit the region, Hurley, South Dakota farmer Darrin Ihnen said the southeastern part of the state had dried off nicely . “It was a miserable winter, but we needed the moisture so I guess we’ll take it any way we can get it.”

Crop Disease Threat – Certain crop diseases like wet, cold soils. University of Minnesota Extension Plant Pathologist Dean Malvick points to pythium and fusarium. “We probably have ten, 15 or more species of pythium and fusarium in Minnesota soils that are out there waiting to attack for our crops,” said Malvick. They may be subtle infections, they may be severe infections and they also influenced by different environmental conditions.” It can be difficult to diagnose seedling diseases in the field, but Malvick says it is important to begin scouting and track a field’s history. Learn more in the University of Minnesota Extension Field Crops Podcast.

Off to a Decent Start in Minot Area – Dakota Agronomy Partners agronomist Hunter Schreiner says small grains, spring wheat and corn have been planted in the Minot area. “For the next week, we’ll be pretty heavy with putting canola in the ground. We’re still planting earlier than last year, so that’s a plus.”

Sugarbeet Report – University of Minnesota Extension Soil Scientist Dan Kaiser considers the use of micronutrient fertilizers. Hear more in the Sugarbeet Report, presented by Amity Technology, Syngenta, H&S Manufacturing, SES VanderHave and Bayer CropScience.

Planters Rolling on Tiled Ground – Ada, Minnesota farmer John Brainard started planting this past week. “We’re starting on tiled fields that are well drained. Otherwise, there are still wet spots in the county that could take a few days to dry out.” Brainard is planting sugarbeets and wheat, with soybeans still on the to-do list. “Each soil type can be a little different in the spring. We’re starting on the medium soils by the river that are pretty well drained.”

Fertilizer Will Likely Tighten – Supplies are good for ag retailers beginning the spring fertilizer season. However, StoneX Director of Fertilizer Josh Linville expects supplies to tighten as warehouses need to be refilled. “So much of the marketplace is taking a just-in-time demand approach to this spring.” Fertilizer prices are forecast to remain elevated for spring, but Linville is expecting summer prices to be lower. “Some of the futures markets are pointing towards triple-digit lower values. Keep your head on a swivel this summer, but it looks like better days are ahead.”

Canola Minute – In this week’s Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association board member Jon Wert joins us to talk about planting progress.

Weather Pushes Potato Planting Schedule Back – As potato growers prepare for planting, seed potatoes need to be prepared and healed properly for a week or two. NDSU Extension Potato Agronomist Andy Robinson reminds farmers to wait for field conditions to be ready. “Those that are growing fresh, chip potatoes, they’ve got time, but the rest of the growers are behind.”

Pest Warning – The cooler temperatures this spring has AgriGold Agronomist Nick Frederking worried about below-ground pests. “It’s been cold and wet in areas during planting, which can lead to slow seedling emergence.” Frederking says insecticide use has the potential to wear off before plants are ready to defend themselves. Pests like wireworms, white grub, and seed corn maggot are described as potential problems.

Debt Ceiling Drama – Congressional leadership will be making a trip to the White House tomorrow to discuss the debt ceiling. The Biden Administration and the Senate Majority are pushing back on a House proposal that ties any action on the debt ceiling to deficit reduction.

Fed Signals a Pause in Interest Rate Increases – As expected, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 25 basis points following its May meeting. The Fed also signaled it could be done raising rates for now. The interest rate hike is the tenth consecutive rate increase bringing the federal funds rate to a 16-year high. In a statement, the Federal Open Market Committee signaled further interest rate increases may not be needed.

Black Sea Grain Initiative in Jeopardy – Negotiators were unable to reach an agreement on the approval of new vessels for moving grain in the Black Sea region. Representatives from the United Nations, Turkey, Russia and Ukraine met late last week to discuss the grain deal. Russia has repeatedly said it would not extend the deal beyond its current May 18^th expiration date. At a separate meeting Thursday, Russian and Ukrainian delegates got into a physical skirmish.

The Bull Pen – Once a month, the Red River Farm Network sits down with Advance Trading Risk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi to discuss markets. April was a volitle time for the markets and global economic news is leading the way as we head into the month of May. “If farmers do what they did last year, get their crops in and Mother Nature cooperates, we could have ho-hum prices for quite a while.” Watch the video.

Outside Influences on the Markets – The U.S. Dollar index has declined around 2.3 percent since the start of 2023. Walsh Trading President John Walsh says the outside markets can play a big role in commodity market trends. “The macro-policies of the administration and I’m not saying pro or con, I’m just saying the policy is weakening the dollar.” Last week’s jobs report played into a stronger market close to end the week. “It was a bit of a surprise. More jobs were added than expected.”

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 says the wheat market has found some strength. In addition to seeding delays in spring wheat and adverse crop conditions for winter wheat, Martinson said technical strength is a factor. The cattle market  cooled off this past week.

Corn Matters – EPA permitted summer use of E15. Hear more from Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Richard Syverson in the latest Corn Matters.

Brazilian Beans in the U.S. – There have been reports of Brazilian soybeans being imported into the United States over the past couple weeks. United Soybean Board Market Intelligence Vice President Mac Marshall says this isn’t a common occurrence, but it does happen. “We had it happen about two years ago when there was really aggressive early selling in the United States and we had very very tight availability here.”  In the Northern Crops Institute podcast, Marshall said the spread between U.S.-origin beans and Brazilian beans is about $2 per bushel. “If I’m an end-user, I’m also thinking about what’s the trade-off in quality that I’m getting here.”

Dramatic Changes in River Levels – This past fall, water levels were at a historically low point on the Mississippi and other rivers. This spring brought a barrage of moisture that is causing barge transportation challenges, due to high water levels. Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek says the seasonal swing is hard to keep up with. “It’s just a reminder of how dramatic the pendulum can swing with the waterway system.” Steenhoek says lock closures on the Upper Mississippi River are causing transportation delays for products like fertilizer. “We’re seeing restrictions on barge transportation due to high water levels and barge locks in Minneapolis/St. Paul through Iowa and Illinois.”

Fielding Questions – In the Fielding Questions podcast, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Vice President of Insurance and Commodity Marketing Education Rob Fronning discusses the current market environment. Fronning is encouraging farmers to take advantage of market rallies. Fielding Questions is a collaboration between AgCountry Farm Credit Services and the Red River Farm Network.

MFBF Minute – May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Promotion and Education Committee Chair Cindy Durheim discusses this important topic in this week’s MFBF Minute.

Corn Growers Testify on Farm Bill Priorities – National Corn Growers Association First Vice President Harold Wolle testified about the importance of protecting crop insurance programs in farm bill hearing this past week with the U.S. Senate Ag Subcommittee on Nutrition and Forestry. “Our farm bill recommendations seek to make USDA programs more effective and responsive through strategic investments and policy enhancements; corn growers consistently rank crop insurance as the most important program and title of the Farm Bill.” Wolle, who farms at Madelia, Minnesota, also made it clear the NCGA hope to see a change to reference prices in the next farm bill.

Safety Net ‘No Longer Realistic’ – During a Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition and Forestry hearing, American Sugarbeet Growers Association Vice President Neil Rockstad emphasized the importance of updating Title I. “The current loan rate values no longer provide a realistic safety net for our producers,” said the Ada, Minnesota farmer. National Sorghum Producers Past Chairman Kody Carson also testified about updating reference prices. “We keep talking about our reference and loan prices and calling them a safety net. I’m not sure when that net is two inches above the concrete that it’s doing the American farmer a lot of good.”

Senate Dems Take Aim at China – Senate Democrats are proposing legislation to reduce China’s influence worldwide. This proposal would limit the flow of advanced technology and investment to China while boosting similar efforts in the U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said “the Xi regime is working every day to catch up and surpass the United States.

MN, ND Lawmakers Sponsor Export Legislation – Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and North Dakota Senator John Hoeven have reintroduced legislation to establish a Rural Export Center to help identify new buyers and develop strategies to reach international markets. This bill is cosponsored by Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota and Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota.

MN Wheat Minute – Tune in to Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers CEO Charlie Vogel in the latest MN Wheat Minute to hear about the MAP and FMD programs.

In Rare Saturday Session, Conference Committee Passes Ag Bill – The Minnesota Omnibus Agriculture Finance and Policy bill is heading back to the House and Senate for full approval. The conference committee approved the legislation Saturday. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Aric Putnam praised the collaboration between the two chambers. Putnum said politicians can learn from farmers. “When you focus on solving problems and not on defending your ego, when you focus on doing your job and not on posing as a partisan or for a podcast, you actually can get good stuff done.” In recapping the bill, House Agriculture Committee Chair Samantha Vang cited a one-time $10 million investment in a grain indemnity fund to protect farmers when an elevator fails. “I’m also excited to see that we’re making historic investments in emerging farmers than I have ever seen before my time here all committee.” The omnibus agriculture bill includes $4 million in the upcoming biennium and $4 million in 2026-2027 for urban youth and agriculture; there’s $4 million for the Dairy Assistance, Investment Relief Initiative and $1.2 million over the next two years to expand the emerging farmers office.

Rural and Urban Interests Represented in Omnibus Ag Bill – According to Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Public Policy Specialist Kaytlin Bemis, the omnibus agriculture finance bill is a good compromise. “The House and Senate versions were pretty different from each other so there was a lot of negotiations throughout the week, but I feel like both urban ag and rural ag made out pretty well with the agreements they did have,” said Bemis. “Everybody had to take a beating and everybody also got a slice of the pie so I think they came out with a pretty good agreement.” There was an initial proposal to change the makeup of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, expanding it from six-to-11 members with each congressional district represented. The final bill took the Board of Animal Health from six-to-seven members with three producers, three veterinarians and one federally recognized tribal member. “The previous legislation had the governor also appointing the (Minnesota Board of Animal Health) executive director or state veterinarian which is generally appointed by the board itselfand we had concerns surrounding that. I would say on the Board of Animal Health we fared pretty well.” Language dealing with the use of treated seed was not included in the omnibus agriculture bill, but it still being discussed in the environment bill.

Paid Leave Bill Passes in MN House – The Minnesota House of Representatives has passed legislation providing workers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and another 12 weeks of paid medical leave per year. Republican lawmakers tried to turn back the bill, saying it will hurt small businesses and farms. The bill passed with a 68-to-64 margin.

Paid Family Leave Proposal to Impact Farms, Small Businesses – State Representative John Burkel, Badger, says the way the paid family leave bill can be viewed as a burden to employers. “The difficulty as an employer, if you’ve got a number of employees out, how many folks do you have to hire to fill the gaps when you’re short of help. Whether its your schools, nursing homes, hospitals, right down to one employee on the farm, this is going to affect everybody.” Follow HF 2 and SF 2 here.

MFU Minute – Minnesota Farmers Union Government Relations Director Stu Lourey joins RRFN to talk about the Senate’s tax bill. Hear more in this week’s MFU Minute.

Seed Treatment Restrictions Removed from Omnibus Ag Bill – Language to restrict treated seed was included in the House version of the omnibus agriculture bill in the Minnesota Legislature. but it did not survive the conference committee process. State Senator Torrey Westrom worked to exclude the provision. “The Senate worked hard to keep that language out so farmers could farm and do what they do best using technologies that are safe and approved by the EPA and Minnesota Department of Ag.” Listen to the full interview with Senator Westrom here.

A Tale of Two Markets – Steiner Consulting Chief Economist Altin Kalo says Memorial Day is bringing a surge in beef demand. “On the cattle side, supplies are tight, cattle are fairly current, and going into Memorial Day, prices are fairly explosive. On the hog side is the opposite sort of scenario.” Kalo says the beef slaughter pace may be high, but the numbers just aren’t there to keep up with demand. “When you cut slaughter by five-six percent and a reduction in carcass weights, the market comes up short.”

Livestock Market Drivers – Cattle futures has pulled back from its recent strength. DTN livestock market analyst ShayLe Stewart says there are a few factors playing into the cool off. “The pressures of inflation, increased interest rates and the concern and heightened worry about banking right now bring a lot of complexity for our livestock markets.” The market fundamentals remain positve, but Stewart says the market psychology is taking over. The full interview with Stewart is available here.

Better Days Ahead – According to the USDA, 2023 global beef production is projected to increase while U.S. production is forecast to decline. Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist Derrell Peel is optimistic about prices. “We’re moving into tighter supplies and I don’t know if we’ll see a lot of drop-offs in prices this summer.” Peel says the drought in the Southern Plains is still an issue for livestock producers. “There are places in Oklahoma where within 60 miles, you can go through all of  the drought categories in just an hours’ time of driving.”

Grazing Delayed – Green might be popping up after a cold winter, but pastures aren’t ready for spring turnout just yet. NDSU Extension says the combination of an autumn drought and delayed spring caused a significant delay in grass development this year. NDSU Extension Livestock Environmental Stewardship Specialist Miranda Meehan says pastures might not be ready for another four weeks. “We had such a dry fall that tiller development was poor and the cold temperatures that we’ve had has put us behind on growing degree days.” Meehan cautions ranchers, saying a 45-to-60 percent loss of forage production can seen if grazing too early. “It can cost grazing days at the end of the season if there’s not enough regrowth.”

SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council Vice President Jim Ketelhut talks about corn’s role in livestock finishing.

Spurring on Animal Agriculture – The approval of several value-added processing facilities in North Dakota has generated excitement for the future of animal agriculture in the state. Green Bison Soy Processing President Mike Keller says the Spiritwood facility is set to process 150,000 bushels of soybeans a day. “I think if you look across North Dakota, the availability of corn, soybeans, feed supplies is available and it’s encouraging to the growth of animal agriculture.” The Green Bison plant will produce just over 1.2 million tons of soymeal on an annual basis.

Farmers Versus Foodies – The keynote speaker at the Animal Agriculture Alliance Stakeholders Summit is the author of the book Farmers Versus Foodies. “There seems to be two prevailing sides of the food system,” said Ray Starling. “The aggies and the consumers, there’s this growing chorus of folks that says the food system is broken and has major problems.” Starling says the agriculture industry needs to be watchful of negative influences on agriculture practices and policy. “I think the food system is doing great, but I’m concerned outside forces will try to ‘fix’ the food system.” Starling was the chief of staff for former Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and now serves as the general counsel of the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and president of the North Carolina Chamber Legal Institute.

MN Beef Update – In the latest Minnesota Beef Update, Minnesota Beef CEO Kelly Schmidt talks about beef promotion during May Beef Month.

Minnesota Opens Meat Processor Loans – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has opened applications for a new revolving loan program to support the state’s small and medium sized meat and poultry processors. The Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program offers $15 million in low-interest loans for the start-up, expansion, and operation of meat processing facilities. Loan applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Federal Order Reform Proposal Submitted to USDA – The National Milk Producers Federation has submitted its proposal to update the federal milk marketing orders. This proposal goes beyond the changes sought by the International Dairy Foods Association, which is only calling for an update in the ‘make allowances’ used in pricing milk.

Strategies for Heat Stress Abatement – As temperatures begin to rise, dairy cows become at risk for heat stress. Purina Animal Nutrition Technical Support Dairy Nutritionist Stuart Rymph says heat stress can begin when temperatures hit 72 degrees. Humidity and sun exposure will only increase the problem. “From the nutrition side, reduced feed intake is the thing that we worry about as much or more than anything else,” said Rymph. “We can get to the point where we have lethargic cows that really don’t want to do a whole lot and that would be the most extreme case.” There should be plenty of water available for the cow herd. In the area of nutrition, Rymph encouraged dairy farmers to feed more highly digestible feeds. “That doesn’t mean feeding less forage. In my book, it means feeding better forage.” Listen to the full interview. 

Dry Bean Scene – North Dakota State University Dry Bean Breeder Juan Osorno talks about the dry bean varieties released in 2023. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

USFWS Sued Over Endangered Species Act – The Center for Biological Diversity is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, asking for pesticide restrictions in habitats with endangered and threatened species. The Environmental Protection Agency is reviewing crop protection products and the impact on the Endangered Species Act, but the activist group is upset with the lengthy delays.

An Issue of Landowner Rights – Summit Carbon Solutions is attempting to build a CO2 pipeline across the Upper Midwest. More than 80 South Dakota farmers who are disputing the pipeline route are being sued. Leola, South Dakota farmer Mark Lapke is concerned about Summit’s claim of eminent domain. “We’re going through invasive surveying where Summit can come onto farmer’s land without permission.” South Dakota Farmers Union is also backing landowners, citing Summit’s surveying process as a violation of landowner rights. “They’re coming in with big drilling machine, excavators, boring machines, and drilling holes up to 100 feet deep. People are so disheartened that this can happen on their property and there’s nothing they can do about it.”

Farm Real Estate Debt is Record High – According to the USDA Economic Research Service, farm sector debt tied to real estate is expected to hit a record high of $375.9 billion in 2023. Farm real estate debt has been increasing since 2009. The average value of farm real estate reached a record $3,800 per acre in 2022, up 12.4 percent from the previous year.

USDA Updates Rental Rates – The Farm Service Agency recently updated rental rates and created new incentives for producers and landowners to enroll environmentally sensitive agricultural land into perennial cover. The land would be enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program for 10-15 years. Participants receive annual rental payments, which have been adjusted this year, and 50 percent cost share to establish the perennial cover. The deadline for the General CRP sign-up is July 23, 2023.

Farmer Sentiment Increased in April – According to the CME Group and Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer April Report, farmer sentiment has improved. Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture Director Dr. James Mintert says several factors contributed to this month’s increase. “People were feeling better about their financial situation and a smaller percentage were expecting interest rates to rise over the next year.” While the barometer saw an increase, Mintert does not expect it to return to the higher levels we’ve seen in the last few years. The index increased six points to 123. At this time two years ago, the barometer was over 170. Listen to the full interview with Dr. James Mintert here.

USDA Announces 12 New Regional Food Systems – USDA has created a dozen new Regional Food Business Centers that will provide technical and financial assistance to strengthen the local and regional food system. The Region Five Development Commission is partnering with the Farmers Union organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota to support and develop local food processing. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack also announced $420 million for the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program.

Sharing Climate Smart Strategies – Minnesota Farmers Union hosted a Climate Smart Commodities Working Group sharing information on projects funded through the USDA’s Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Grant Program. “People were asking what others knew about these projects and we thought it would be good to get everyone together.” said Ariel Kagen, MFU Climate and Working Lands program director. “Each of us knows a little bit, but together we know a lot.” Another objective of this working group is to make sure these projects are driving value back to family farmers. The group will meet later in the year as more is information is available on projects in the state.

Artificial Intelligence Research Institute Coming to Minnesota – The University of Minnesota announced they will receive a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation and the USDA National Institute of Food and Ag. The grant will help the university start a new Artificial Intelligence Research Institute aimed at creating more climate-smart practices. The institute is one of seven that were announced as part of a larger federal initiative.

Biotech Bean in China – China has given its first approval of a biotech soybean that was produced domestically. Through gene-editing, China is developing a soybean with higher levels of oleic acid. This product still faces a few more regulatory hurdles before it can be sold commercially.

Hours-of-Service Waiver Granted – North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has signed an executive order, waiving hours-of-service requirements for commercial truckers hauling farm inputs. This includes seed, fertilizer, crop protection products and more. The 30-day waiver is in response to the tight planting window.

Bayer Consolidates Seed Brands – Bayer is in the process of transitioning ten regional seed brands to its Channel lineup, effective for 2025. Gold Country Seed, which is sold in Minnesota, and Rea Hybrids, sold in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, are included in the conversion. Dekalb, Asgrow, Deltapine and WestBred brands will not be influenced by the consolidation. Bayer stated the move will not impact the 2023 growing season or how farmers work with their local sales representative.

Corteva Sales Rise – Corteva Agriscience is reporting first quarter net sales of $4.8 billion, up six percent from the same quarter last year.  Seed sales rose seven percent, reaching $2.5 billion. The sales increase was due to a 17 percent increase in price. The Corteva crop protection business had net sales of $2.2 billion, up five percent from the same quarter in 2022.  During the past quarter, Corteva announced plans for the commercial launch of Optimum GLY Canola and the launch of Vorseed Enlist Corn.

FMC 1Q Income Up Four Percent – FMC reports first quarter revenues of $1.3 billion, up four percent from last year. It was a record quarter for North America with 28 percent year-over-year growth.

Farm Credit System Net Income Declines Two Percent – For the first quarter, the Farm Credit System had net income of $1.7 billion. That compares to $1.8 billion one year ago. Net interest income increased helped by the larger loan volumes.

CF Industries Sales Decline 30 Percent – The fertilizer company, CF Industries, had first quarter net earnings of $560 million. That compares to $883 million in the same quarter last year. Global nitrogen prices weakened as supplies increased. For North America, the company said the outlook for farm profitability remains strong for all major crops.

Major Packer Feels the Hog Market’s Pain – Seaboard ended the latest quarter with a $212 million loss. That compares to a $27 million profit in the same quarter last year. The pork processor said its costs were up due to a $74 million increase in feed costs.

1Q Sales Increase for AGCO – AGCO reports first quarter net sales of $3.3 billion. That’s up 24 percent from the same quarter last year. AGCO officials cited a healthy farm economy and strong global demand as reasons for the sales increase.

CHS Ag Services Launches New Badger, MN Facility – CHS Ag Services has a new location in operation this spring. “It’s been something we’ve been talking about since 2015 when we purchased this land,” said Ryan Anderson, senior director of operations. “It’s been on our radar for a long time and it feels really good to have this asset.” The Badger, Minnesota location includes an 8,500 ton capacity fertilizer plant, new seed facility and warehouse on a greenfield site. Fertilizer started flowing out of the new CHS Ag Services began this past week. During a live broadcast from the Badger location, Anderson said planting delays have not impacted acreage decisions. “When we talk about corn acres, it’s more important to be focused on soil temps than it is planting dates.”

A New Partnership in Strip Till Market – CNH Industrial has entered into an agreement with AGuru Machinery, a strip tillage company in Congerville, Illinois. With this relationship, Case IH will expand its strip till offerings. In a statement, Case IH cited the opportunities for improved carbon management, labor resources and input costs as a reason to enhance its strip till lineup.

NextGen Buys Carbon Removal Credits – Summit Carbon Solutions has signed off on its first agreement to sell carbon removal credits. This is the company building the pipeline that extends from Midwestern ethanol plants to western North Dakota where it will be stored underground. NextGen, which is a joint venture of Mitsubishi Corporation and a climate consulting firm, South Pole, is buying these carbon credits.

Marketing Less-Than-Perfect Potatoes – A group known as the Fresh Solutions Network is introducing a new way to market #2 grade potatoes. The SPUDS less-than-perfect potatoes will be available in ten-pound bags. These potatoes may have a blemish or an odd shape, but that doesn’t impact the taste or nutritional value. The target market for this product is consumers who are committed to sustainability and interested in reducing food waste.

Goehring Approves Sugarbeet Herbicide – North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has issued a Special Local Needs registration to Belchim Crop Protection to help sugarbeet growers manage weeds. Spin-Aid is approved as post-emergence weed control of kochia and lambsquarters. This registration is limited to Pembina, Walsh, Grand Forks, Trail, Cass, and Richland counties. It is in effect immediately and expires December 31, 2027.

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

JBS Names New CEO – JBS USA’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Schellpeper is retiring from his role, effective May 1. Wesley Batista has been named the new CEO. Batista has more than 13 years of experience in the company, previously serving as president of JBS Canada, president of the JBS USDA Fed Beef Division, and CEO of JBS Brazil.

UM Interim President Finalists Named – After two rounds of voting, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents has narrowed down the list of candidates for the interim presidency to four. The search began when the news broke that President Joan Gable was leaving. The four interim candidates are University of Minnesota-Crookston Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause, Hormel Foundation Chair Jeffrey Ettinger, University of Minnesota Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations Myron Frans and University of Vermont President Emeritus E. Thomas Sullivan. The interim president will be announced after the next round of interviews.

ARA Recognizes SD Congressman – The Agricultural Retailers Association has honored South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson with its Legislator of the Year Award. “He was the primary House Republican sponsor of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 and has been extremely active on a number of other issues of importance to the nation’s agricultural industry,” said Daren Coppock, president and CEO.

Another Term for Five MSRPC Directors – Five Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council directors have been reelected. Bill Zurn from Callaway, Pat Sullivan of Franklin, Patrick O’Leary of Benson, Ron Obermoller of Brewster and Rachel Krusemark of Sherburn will serve three year terms.

Corn Checkoff Board Members Reelected – The results of the Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council election have been announced. Dave Vipond of Mahnomen, Brandon Fast of Mountain Lake, Jim O’Connor of Blooming Prairie and Rodney Moe of Waltham were reelected. The council oversees corn checkoff funds for promotion and research.

SD Regent Vacancies Filled – Governor Kristi Noem has appointed Jim Lochner and Doug Morrison to the South Dakota Board of Regents. Lochner previously was an executive with Tyson Foods. Morrison was a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis from 2003 to 2006.

Rugg Accepts New Opportunity – Beginning in June, Mory Rugg will join The Arthur Companies as a wheat breeder. Rugg had been in a similar role with BASF before the company shut down its North American wheat breeding program in March.

Wogsland to Retire From NDGGA – After 19 years as the executive director of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association, Dan Wogsland will retire June 1. NDGGA President Ed Kessel says Wogsland has made his mark on the industry. “When Dan talks people listen just because of the wealth of knowledge that he has; we were fortunate to have that whether it was in D.C. or Bismarck.” The North Dakota Grain Growers Association has contracted with Absolute Marketing in Fargo to assist with the search. “We’ve posted the job for two weeks and we’ll see what quality candidates we have,” said Kessel. “If we’ve got someone we feel it is worth it, we’ll interview then, but if we need to post longer we’ll do it. I’d rather find the right person.”

Veteran Farm Broadcaster Passes – Farm broadcaster Howard Hale, 87, has died. Hale was with KSIR-Fort Morgan, Colorado when he passed. Previously, he worked for a handful of Nebraska radio stations. Hale hosted several syndicated programs, including the Harvest USA Report and Horseman’s Corner. In 2013, Hale was inducted into the U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc. Hall of Fame.