Only One Poll Counts – We’re inundated with polls throughout the election season. In reality, the polls are just a snapshot in time and don’t mean much. The only poll that counts is what happens on Election Day. The top of the ticket and the vote on who will occupy 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for the next four years dominates the news. However, this vote also determines the majority in the House and Senate which drives the policy agenda. There are also important races at the state and local level. If you haven’t voted yet, take time to exercise that right.

Trump: Regulatory Reform and Trade – Ahead of Election Day, State Representative Mike Brandenburg is grateful for the regulatory reform, trade deals and aid that came during the Trump administration. “A lot of these (ag assistance) payments came about because farmers need to show a black number to keep things together. There’s been a lot of payments going out in the last four years.” Brandenburg farmers and Edgeley, North Dakota and serves on President Trump’s Agriculture Advisory Committee. If re-elected, Brandenburg said Trump will continue to hold China accountable in trade.

Biden: Trade, Infrastructure and Climate Change – Agriculture priorities for Vice President Joe Biden’s administration would include an improvement in trade relations, infrastructure and climate change. “The focus will be on expanding global markets and using our agricultural products in ways that can advance manufacturing,” said former North Dakota Senator Heidi Heitkamp. “There will also be a lots of discussions about the role of agriculture in climate.” When RRFN asked if Heitkamp would consider being part of a Biden administration, Heitkamp said she plans to stay engaged. “I’ll also continue to be an incredible advocate for Rural America and that may take on various roles.”

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – Farmers are actively preparing now for 2021. Advance Trading Risk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi offers a market perspective on that activity in this edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets. Elections, COVID-19 and the outside markets are also influencing the trade.

EPA Approves Use of Three Dicamba Products Through 2025 – The Environmental Protection Agency will re-register the over-the-top use of XtendiMax and Engenia dicamba herbicides and extend the registration of Tavium Plus VaporGrip Technology through 2025. The decision to extend or re-register the three dicamba products is meant to give farmers certainty ahead of 2021. “The EPA determined that these registration actions make FIFRA registration standards and address concerns outlined in the June Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision,” said Andrew Wheeler, administrator, EPA. The agency is also requiring a June 30 application cut-off date for soybeans across the country, though Wheeler said the EPA will work with states to further expand or restrict the application deadline. Now, pH-buffering agents will be also be required to be mixed in all dicamba products to lower volatility. The success of the new restrictions will be measured in the amount of state complaints going forward. Check out the EPA’s press release for more details and read the registrations.

Dicamba Re-Registration Includes Label Enhancements – After months of waiting, dicamba has been given the green light by the federal government. BASF Agricultural Solutions Vice President Scott Kay says this news will help farmers prepare for 2021. “I think this is really helpful to build that confidence when making that trait selection.” To reduce the potential for off-target movement, the label for Engenia has been simplified. “The label has a few enhancements,” said Kay. “One is a pH buffering adjuvant that is now required. BASF is going to provide one that is new and approved for the system called Sentris.” Kay is pleased farmers will continue to have this tool to deal with weed resistance.

Legal Challenges Expected for Re-Registered Dicamba Products – At least one plaintiff from the June dicamba court case is disappointed with the EPA’s decision to re-register two dicamba herbicides. The Center for Food Safety legal director George Kimbrell said the EPA rushed re-approval as a political prop before the election. Kimbrell also said the approvals will be challenged, because none of the previous changes were sufficient to reduce dicamba drift.

The Devil is in the Details – North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said there’s a slight surprise in the details of the dicamba herbicide registrations. “The previous label had a buffer of 110 feet and this time, it’s 240 feet. They also got into the endangered species side of it at 310 feet,” said Goehring. “Something different we saw in this one is if farmers use a hooded sprayer they could mitigate some of that and reduce the buffer size.” Once states have a chance to get together in the next few months, more discussion are expected. “We’ve always tried to stick to the science,” said Goehring. “This gave the framework to the spraying timeline. One of the issues we brought up earlier was temperature, because we know it’s a factor in other things. It’s still not a factor being considered in this and we want people to be mindful of proper conditions and try to avoid drift.” Hear the full interview.

MN Dicamba Task Force Meets to Review EPA Decision – The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Dicamba Task Force met via teleconference on Thursday to discuss the EPA’s re-registration of XtendiMax and Engenia herbicides and Tavium herbicide extension. Chairman and farmer Bob Worth said farmers are excited to have the herbicides again for 2021. “Many of us received calls from farmers saying the EPA’s decision is the greatest thing and other farmers are concerned, because their fields were drifted on last year. A part of our discussion also focused around crop insurance and the Minnesota Agriculture Department was on the call.” Determining a state-specific cutoff date could be one of the next steps for Minnesota. The EPA now requires a nationwide June 30 application cutoff date for soybeans or the R1 growth stage. Minnesota previously enforced a June 20 cutoff. “No decisions were made in this call, but it was a good discussion,” said Worth. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will make an announcement by the end of the year.

Atrazine Lawsuit Filed – The Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for Food Safety are suing the Environmental Protection Agency over its recent approval of atrazine. The EPA reapproved atrazine in September. In its lawsuit, the activist groups claim the agency failed to protect human health and the environment. This case was filed in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

More than $7 Billion in CFAP 2 Payments Made – During the first month of the signup period, the USDA approved more than $7 billion in the second round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Through CFAP 2, USDA is making $14 billion of assistance available to farmers and ranchers. Iowa received more payments than any other states with $778 million. A total of $510 million has gone out to Minnesota farmers. A total of $352 million in CFAP 2 payments were made in the first month of enrollment in South Dakota. North Dakota farmers received $246 million. The Farm Service Agency is taking CFAP 2 applications through December 11.

Farm Bureau: $1 Billion in ARC-CO Payments Could Be Paid – Agricultural Risk Coverage – County program payments are being distributed. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, ARC-CO will make as much as $1 billion in program payments to U.S. producers for the 2019-2020 marketing year with the majority of those payments for soybean base acres. Farm Bureau Chief Economist John Newton says 2019 was rough year. “It was a late planted crop. There was also high level of prevent plant and low yields in southwest Minnesota and the eastern Dakotas.” Total program payments are expected to be the highest in Illinois, followed by Minnesota at $140 million, South Dakota ARC-CO benefits at $100 million and North Dakota expected to receive $80 million.

NMPF: Dairy Industry is Facing Biggest Challenge of a Lifetime – During its first-ever virtual annual meeting, National Milk Producers Federation Chairman Randy Mooney applauded the dairy industry’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. “Are we out of the woods yet? Certainly not, the economy still has too many unemployed workers and too many restaurants are closing for good. We need the federal government to continue stimulating demand.” Mooney said NMPF is ready to work with whoever is in the White House next year to help the dairy industry recover.

McKinney Talks Trade Agreements with MN Farm Bureau – The progress of the phase one trade deal between the U.S. and China was part of the discussion as USDA Under Secretary Ted McKinney met with Minnesota Farm Bureau members on Thursday. “We’ll know more on February 1, because then we’ll have the actual, accurate data on sales. I’m not horribly worried, because I like the trendline and we hope it can be sustained.” McKinney reminded farmers the phase one deal is a two-year agreement. “We want this to continue through December 31, 2021 and beyond. I am more optimistic that will happen, not Pollyanna-ish, because you never know with our friends in China. Right now, so far, so good and we must keep that going.” McKinney was also optimistic about negotiations with the United Kingdom and is closely watching the implementation of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

US-UK Trade Talks Moving Forward – The British trade ministry has released a statement, saying it is confident the U.S. and United Kingdom are on track for a comprehensive trade deal. The two sides have wrapped up the fifth round of trade talks and are planning to meet again. The outcome on Election Day may be one obstacle, but the British trade ministry said it is in “a good position to move forward after the election.

Chinese Tariffs on Aussie Barley Will Continue – China has rejected an attempt by Australia to end a significant tariff on barley exports. China imposed an 80 percent tariff this past May. Australia asked China for a formal review of the issue in August and that application was unsuccessful. This disagreement began when Australia sought an international investigation into the source of the coronavirus pandemic in China. Before this trade dispute, Australia exported 70 percent of its barley crop to China.

A Short-Term Warm Up Expected for the Northern Plains – Warmer temperatures are in the forecast across the Northern Plains this week. “Temperatures are going to be downright fantastic,” said Drew Lerner, senior agricultural meteorologist, World Weather Incorporated. “There will be 50 to 60 degree readings and a few 70 degree readings from South Dakota into southwest North Dakota. The northeast part of the Northern Plains is tougher to get to warm up, but it should be 10 to 15 degrees warmer.” The next storm system of significance is anticipated November 7 – 9. “We will have a storm of size impacting the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest. It could produce some rain and then, rain changing to snow. Then, we could end up with nasty snow accumulations across parts of the region, but it’s challenging to forecast much more at this time.” Hear Lerner’s latest weather forecast.

Preparing for 2021 – With the exception of some dry pockets, NK Soybean Product Manager Eric Miller is pleased with the soybean yields nationally. Miller says things can be learned from the past year. “The trait discussion is top of mind for everyone, but getting back to basics and understanding the agronomics is always where we’ll win.”  The Enlist E3 technology is a triple-stacked herbicide, utilizing 2,4-D choline, glufosinate and glyphosate. The three modes of action are designed to help farmers deal with weed resistance.  Miller says 40-to-45 percent of U.S. soybean acres will be planted with Enlist varieties in 2021.

With ’20 in the Rear View Mirror, Farmers Can Plan for Next Year – WinField United Agronomy Manager Ryan Wolf is encouraging growers to take time now to plan. “To be honest, 2020 was all about survival. If you look at price, COVID and when we went to the field, we didn’t know exactly what we were going to do and a lot of plans got changed in a hurry. In 2021, we can reevaluate and do some planning.” With the infusion of federal dollars and a stronger commodity market, farmers are able to invest in their inputs for 2021. “Dealers are seeing more people willing to invest in fertilizer and I think that may lead to more prepays.”

A Busy Week for Fall Fieldwork – Harvest is winding down across the region. Helena Agri-Enterprises Regional Manager Thad Meister says the harvest went well across South Dakota. “We got the crop out just like we put it in; it went in fast and it came out fast.” This forecast is helping growers who are trying to get fertilizer down this fall. “Guys are out doing their soil sampling. It is looking like a good year there, especially with the guys doing variable rate fertilizer who are leading the pack and getting those acres done first.”

Beet Stock Snapshot – According to Acres & Shares broker Jayson Menke, last week there were a handful of brokered American Crystal Sugar Company beet stock sales totaling 146 shares for an average price of $3,776 per share.

Wheat Quality Improves Over Last Year – According to U.S. Wheat Associates, the average grade for spring wheat this past year was No. 1 Northern Spring with a test weight of 61.8 pounds. Wheat protein average 14.3 percent. The crop also had significantly higher vitreous kernel and falling number values than in 2019. The quality of durum crop improved over last year. Eighty-seven percent of the durum crop graded U.S. No. 1 or 2 Hard Amber Durum, up from just 37 percent last year. The test weight averaged 62.2 pounds with protein averaging 13.4 percent. The durum crop had high vitreous kernel content and falling numbers and improved semolina color.

Dry Conditions Expand in ND, Decline in MN and SD – The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows drier conditions in North Dakota and a decline in dryness across Minnesota and South Dakota. Compared to the previous week, the area of severe drought in North Dakota now reaches from the northwest through the central portions of the state. Moderately dry conditions are increasing across the northern part of North Dakota. In South Dakota, the moderately dry conditions are declining in the west, but extreme drought is increasing in the southeast. The abnormal and moderately dry areas of southeast Minnesota are declining as well.

Fall Harvest Price Set for Crop Insurance – Friday was the final day for the fall harvest price to be set for crop insurance. NAU Country Vice President of Farm Services Rich Morrison says the harvest price has risen to where it will take a yield loss to trigger a crop insurance payment. “In order to trigger losses, farmers will need a bushel loss. There probably won’t be a ton of those around the country this year.” The harvest average price for corn was $3.99 per bushel, up from a base price of $3.88. Soybean averaged $10.54 over the past month, up from a $9.17 base price. These averages have not been approved yet by the Risk Management Agency, but provide perspective for the revenue policies.

USDA Will Release 10-Year Projection Tables Earlier Than Usual – The USDA will release select 10-year projection tables on November 6. The 2030 USDA Agricultural Projections report will post tables containing the long-range outlook to crops and livestock. The full long-range outlook will be released next February and at that time, the outlook will include a full discussion of commodity supply and use projections, as well as farm income and global commodity trade projections.

Dry Bean Scene – There are programs available for farmers who endured both crop and market losses the past couple years. Get the details in the latest Dry Bean Scene, made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, BASF, SRS Commodities and Johnstown Bean Company.

2020-2021 National FFA Officer Team Announced – The new National FFA president is Doster Harper, who is an agriscience and environmental systems major at the University of Georgia. The balance of the officer team coms from Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Florida and California. Due to the pandemic, the National FFA Convention was held virtually.

Ketterling Awarded 2020 American FFA Star Farmer – Wishek, North Dakota FFA member Cole Ketterling is the 2020 American Star Farmer, announced during the fourth general session of the virtual National FFA Convention on Wednesday. The American Star in Agribusiness is Blake Kirchhoff from Nebraska. The American Star in Agriscience is Nicole Stevens from Oklahoma. Will Shelby from Oklahoma is the American Star in Ag Placement.

Former FFA Central Region VP Reflects on 2019-2020 – National FFA Central Region Vice President from Montana, Mamie Hertel, gave her retiring address during the second general session of National FFA Convention. “The title of my retiring address is quiet in volumes and loud in value. It speaks to how many of us have felt this year. We haven’t gotten to do the big, loud things, but we have gotten to add value quietly.” Here’s Hertel’s advice for the new National FFA Officer team. “When I first got elected to national office, I thought some magical thing would happen and some fairy would come around, making me feel like a national officer. Needless to say, the magic didn’t come around and I had to realize I was elected as I was for a reason. It took me awhile to build the confidence. To the next officer team, you’re meant to be an officer this year and you’re more than enough to do that.”

Adapting to a Difficult Situation – Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council Executive Director Sarah Dornink was happy that more than 217,000 students participated in the virtual National FFA Convention last week. “Minnesota FFA members made the best of a difficult situation, participating and enjoying the experience. I’m also proud of the teachers in adapting. We’re trying to find ways to provide students leadership opportunities and career exploration, but it looks a little different than normal.” More virtual events could happen for the state moving forward, but Dornink said right now, it’s a wait and see. Minnesota also had strong recognition during the convention. “We had an Agri-Science Research Integrated Systems Proficiency award winner, Paige Stuber, other proficiency award finalists, 85 American Degree recipients, a national officer candidate, a nominating committee member and science fair finalists.”

FFA’ers Embrace Virtual Convention Format – According to Minnesota State FFA President Ben Olander, FFA members are comfortable with technology and embraced the National FFA Organization’s virtual convention. “Although it looks a little different this year, it is something our generation can readily adapt to; it also allows members who were not able to attend in person can participate in every session this year.” With young people comfortable with the online experience, Olander expects the FFA to deliver a hybrid option for the convention in the future. Olander is a graduate of Staples-Motley High School and is now a student at the University of Minnesota-Crookston, studying ag business and agronomy.

A Digital Sense of Community Seen at FFA Convention – South Dakota FFA State President Samantha Olson says the National FFA Convention went well. The state officer team hosted virtual watch parties for FFA members. “We hopped on Zoom for the evening sessions and we met and discussed with our members what’s going on. We celebrated and watched South Dakota students competing.” South Dakota State FFA Secretary Hunter Eide was named the Agri-Science Research – Animal Systems Proficiency award winner during the convention. “It was exciting the National FFA could do the award presentations live over Zoom to capture the reaction. It was really exciting to feel the sense of community for that announcement.”

FFA Delivers Real Life Experience – The FFA experience can have a long-lasting impact on students. North Dakota State FFA Reporter Calli Hauck says she has benefited from her involvement in the FFA. “When you get to college and think more about your future, you see how further you are than people who weren’t involved in FFA because you get all that hands-on, real-life experience.” Hauck is a freshman at North Dakota State University studying animal science.

CHS Promotes Ag Careers to the FFA – The career expo is always a highlight at the National FFA Convention. With the virtual format, CHS Communications Specialist Tera Stoddard is still reaching out to members of the blue and gold. “We’re not getting that face-to-face connection which is a bummer because we always love seeing them and it fills our cup.” With the virtual format, CHS is offering classroom grants to ag teachers. The CHS Foundation is also offering scholarship programs for students studying agriculture at 25 universities. Stoddard says there is also support for FFA’ers considering a technical education. “We still need young people that are willing to live in the rural communities that they grew up in and it is possible in agriculture to have a job that you’re passionate about while still living in your hometown.”

Proficiency Award Winners Announced – The list of National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Award winners include two students from the tri-state region. Hunter Eide of Gettysburg, South Dakota earned the national award for agriscience research in animal sciences. Paige Stuber of the Academy for Sciences and Agriculture FFA chapter in the Twin Cities will receive the national proficiency award for agriscience research for integrated systems.

FFA Blue Jacket, Bright Futures Program Underway – The North Dakota FFA Foundation named a new executive director in early October. Beth Allen previously served as a fiscal agent for North Dakota FFA and in this new role, she’s eager to see FFA members succeed. “It all comes down to the kids. I see what the FFA does for our students and where it takes them in life. I just want to be part of that.” The foundation is currently hosting a blue jacket, bright futures program. “Our goal is 260 jackets this year and we’re probably one-third of the way there. We always take funds for this, but the students will submit their applications by mid-November and we try to have a commitment by then.”

Gray Wolf Removed from Endangered Species Act – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the gray wolf from the list of protected species under the Endangered Species Act. This final rule has been a top policy priority for the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association. President – Elect Grant Breitkreutz attended the de-listing ceremony on Thursday. “The Secretary of the Interior was there to give the major announcement and it was a good presentation.” The rule gives states like Minnesota the authority to manage gray wolf populations and prevent livestock losses. A plan is being updated in Minnesota. “We had a plan that worked in 2012, 2013 and 2014 until the judge made the ruling that put the wolf back on the list. There’s a committee of people working on it right now to put together tweaks,” says Breitkreutz. “The biggest thing is getting the authority back into state control. Producers can now do something to protect our livestock.”

Wolf Delisting Expected to go Back to Court – Environmentalists are promising to take the Trump Administration’s decision on the gray wolf to court. Earthjustice, the Sierra Club and the Western Environmental Law Center are among the activist groups saying they will legally challenge the delisting of wolves from federal protection.

NCBA Declines Invite From Other Cattle Organizations – R-CALF USA, the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association and the Organization for Competitive Markets met this past week in Florida to discuss issues influencing their business. That includes the CFAP funding for cattle producers and increased transparency in the marketplace. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association was invited to take part in the Florida meetings, but declined. In a statement, NCBA President Marty Smith said his organization will not participate in events with groups that are in litigation against the NCBA or the Beef Checkoff.

NDSU Extension Specialist Considers U.S. and ND Ethanol Production – U.S. ethanol production and use are better than they were in spring 2020, but lagging compared to one year ago. “Looking into the winter months, use may continue to decline,” said David Ripplinger, bioenergy economic specialist, NDSU Extension. “The bigger question is do we get back to where we were pre-COVID in the next 12 to 18 months. Generally, that’s what folks are expecting. I think that may be a bit optimistic, because we need folks driving.” In North Dakota, there are relatively good margins for corn ethanol. “We’re facing a corn deficit here, driving up corn prices, but for the most part, there’s been give on the ethanol side. Right now, most North Dakota ethanol plants are looking at the future, maintaining markets and reducing their carbon footprint.”

Ag Innovation Campus Breaks Ground at Crookston – This site will host a specialty crush facility for universities, commodity groups and private seed companies to develop value-added products. Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council CEO Tom Slunecka says there is no other facility like this in the world. “From an acre standpoint, this is the biggest soybean production area in the United States so where else would you build a center like this than Crookston.”

Walz Touts AIC’s ‘Good News Story’ – The Ag Innovation Campus began in 2018 when the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council invested in a feasibility study. Last year, the Minnesota Legislature approved $5 million in state funds for this project and those funds were made available last month. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was part of the celebration. “This is bold; there’s no place in the world that has something like this,” said Walz. The goal is to have this campus operational by the end of next year. “That ambitious timeline is exactly what we need. It’s been a little lean on the good news and when we have a good news story, we need to tell it.”

Expect an Announcement Soon From Epitome Energy – Adjacent to the Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston, Epitome Energy plans to build a 30-million gallon biodiesel plant and a 42-million bushel crushing facility. CEO Dennis Egan was at the sidelines of the campus groundbreaking Wednesday. “In the next couple weeks, we’re going to have exciting news about Epitome Energy. Some of the key features are falling into place.” To finance this new facility, Egan is working with a couple unnamed national players. Local farmers will also have the opportunity to have an equity role with Epitome Energy.

Canola Minute – The Northern Canola Growers Association is holding its annual Canola Research Conference virtually this year. Hear more from Executive Director Barry Coleman in the latest Canola Minute.

Virtual Meetings Becoming More Common this Winter – Virtual meetings are becoming more common for the upcoming winter meeting season. Wendell, Minnesota farmer Steve Lacey isn’t surprised see meetings like the Commodity Classic go virtual. In fact, these virtual meetings are one-way agriculture and farm businesses can adapt during COVID. Lacey says there are pros and cons. “You can get more stuff done in a shorter amount of time and still tend to your normal, day-to-day farming operation, but the downside is not getting face-to-face time, which everyone cherishes so much. I understand the circumstances.” Lacey is a member of the National Association of Wheat Growers board of directors.

A New Format for ’21 Commodity Classic – The 2021 Commodity Classic, originally scheduled to take place in San Antonio, Texas, will now be a digital experience. The event is virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Commodity Classic says the health and safety of attendees is important and social distancing would also prevent the Commodity Classic from conducting the trade show, educational sessions and farmer networking. A new format is expected to be offered the first week of March 2021 and more details will be released in the next few weeks. Read more.

COVID Impacts 2021 Potato Expo – The 2021 Potato Expo is going virtual on January 5 – 7. National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says domestic and international travel-related restrictions would have made an in-person event challenging. “It was the best way to bring the expo experience to all of the folks we wanted to do it for and we think the new platform will provide us with good opportunities to recreate the experience.” More event details will become available in the next few weeks. Expo registration will open on Monday, November 2. “This is a brave, new world for us and we’re excited.” The Potato Business Summit, hosted by the United Potato Growers of America typically ahead of the Potato Expo, will also be a virtual event.

Ethanol Industry Asks Court to Intervene on FOIA Request – Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association are asking the courts to step in and have the EPA respond to its Freedom of Information Act requests regarding the small refinery waivers. In a statement, the two groups said the EPA is working under a “veil of secrecy” and it has destabilized markets and hurt farmers.

Pacific Ethanol Moves Away From the Fuel Market – Pacific Ethanol is changing its name to reflect its shift away from fuel ethanol. The California-based company will now be known as PEIX.O. The focus will now be on consumer products, like specialty alcohols for alcoholic beverages and sanitizers.

Change of Venue Sought in Ethanol Manipulation Lawsuit – Archer Daniels Midland is seeking a change of venue in a lawsuit that claims it manipulated the spot ethanol market. Green Plains filed the class action lawsuit in the federal court based in Omaha. ADM wants the case to be consolidated with two similar lawsuits filed in Illinois.

ADM Biofuels Strategy Reflected in 3Q Financials – Archer Daniels Midland reports third quarter net earnings of $225 million. That compares to $407 million one year ago. ADM temporarily shut down some of its ethanol plants and profit margins improved. Global demand for soybean meal and soyoil supported crush margins in North America and South America.

Bunge Releases 3Q Financials – Bunge is reporting record third quarter net income of $274 million. That compares to a net loss of $1.5 billion one year ago. Bunge enjoyed an increase in sales in its agribusiness and vegetable oil business.

Pilgrim’s Pride Suffers Profit Decline – Due to higher costs, Pilgrim’s Pride is reporting third quarter net income of $33.4 million. That’s down from nearly $110 million one year ago. A fine from the U.S. Justice Department to settle price-fixing allegations also hurt the bottomline for the poultry company.

A Major Expansion for the North Dakota Mill – A 6,000 hundredweight durum mill and a 4,000 hundredweight spring wheat mill will be added. The additional equipment will increase the North Dakota Mill’s grinding capacity from 34 million bushels to 40 million. The North Dakota Mill is the only state-owned mill in the country and is the largest flour mill in the U.S.

Anchor Ingredients Purchases East Grand Forks Company – Anchor Ingredients has acquired the barley business and related production assets of Dakota Dry Bean Inc., which is based in East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Anchor Ingredients, Fargo, supplies ingredients to food and pet food industries. The terms of deal were not announced.

FBN Canada Invests in Canola Industry – Farmer’s Business Network has acquired Haplotech, a Winnipeg-based provider of research and consulting services in seed breeding. FBN Canada has has also purchased the North American canola breeding program and pipeline from Cibus.

Marfrig and ADM to Partner on Plant-Based Foods – Two major agriculture companies are launching a joint-venture project called PlantPlus Foods. One of the world’s largest beef companies, Marfrig, has owns 70 percent of the company. Archer Daniels Midland has the remaining 30 percent. PlantPlus will use pea protein-based products for plant-based food.

Calyxt and S & W Seed Partner on Alfalfa Traits – Calyxt is collaborating with S & W Seed Company to identify quality enhancing traits for alfalfa. The new alfalfa seed will be sold as part of the S & W seed portfolio and branded IQ Alfalfa. The alfalfa trait will deliver improved digestibility for livestock.

Developing Elite Cattle Genetics – Vytelle has announced an exclusive agreement with Synomics Insights Platform to fast-track genetic progress in cattle. Vytell and Synomics are both part of the Wheatsheaf Group, which is an international investor in the food and agriculture sector. Vytelle officials said this deal will help cattle producers to more accurately predict cattle performance and develop elite genetics.

AMPI Wins Championship Cheese Contest – For the second year in a row, Associated Milk Producers Incorporated won the Chairman’s Trophy following the National Milk Producers Federation Championship Cheese Contest. AMPI’s aged asiago cheese was named best of class in the Italian division and went on to win the overall competition. The award-winning cheese is made at the cooperative’s plant in Hoven, South Dakota.

MN Beef Update – Sheet pan dinners are the latest craze that the Minnesota Beef Council has been sharing on Twin Cities Live. Learn more from Communications Director Becky Church in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.

A New Name for Charleston Orwig – The advertising and public relations firm, Charleston Orwig is rebranding. The new name of the agency is C.O.nxt. C.O.nxt is based in the Milwaukee area and works exclusively with food and agricultural clients.

Zellers Moves to Primacy Strategy Group – Former Minnesota House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Kurt Zellers has joined Primacy Strategy Group as its vice president of communications and public affairs. Zellers grew up on a Devils Lake, North Dakota farm and has been involved in political advocacy since 1990.

Grafing Moves to Farmland Finder Inc. – FarmlandFinder Inc. has named Jamey Grafing as its chief commercial officer. Grafing previously served as the senior vice president at the Farm Credit System’s commercial finance group in Minneapolis. Prior to the Farm Credit System, Grafing spent ten years at CHS as the chief financial officer at CHS Capital and as CHS’ first corporate treasurer. Farmland Finder Inc. is a technology provide the helps farmland companies and lending institutions digitize farmland transactions.

Leadership Changes Within the RDO Equipment Ag Division – RDO Equipment has announced changes in its leadership team following the untimely death of Steve Connelly and Mark Kreps in a car accident. Daryl Shelton is the new executive vice president of RDO’s agriculture division. Most recently, Shelton was in a similar role in the construction division. Kevin Johnson and Brook Stephens were promoted to regional vice president positions within the Midwest agriculture division. Most recently, Johnson was the RDO Equipment general manager for its Kindred, Breckenridge and Fergus Falls stores. Stephens has been serving as a regional vice president for the Redfield, Aberdeen and Webster locations.

SD Corn Comments – The annual South Dakota Corn resolutions meetings is coming up next month. Learn more in the latest Corn Comments program, a production of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.

Latest USB Appointments Include MN, SD Farmers – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has appointed eight new members to the United Soybean Board and reappointed 11 directors to another term. Todd Hanten of Goodwin, South Dakota is a new member of the soybean checkoff board. Lawrence Sukalski of Fairmont, Minnesota will serve another three-year term.

American Butter Association Elects a New President – Associated Milk Producers Inc. Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Marshall Reece is the new president of the American Butter Institute. Catherine Fox of Land O’Lakes is vice president and Mark Armon of Darigold is the first vice president.

Trailblazing in Agriculture – Former Red River Farm Network farm broadcaster Jessie Topp-Becker is hosting a new podcast called ‘Trailblazing in Agriculture.’ Topp-Becker is now the division manager for BluePrint Media and will focus on trailblazing women in agriculture in the monthly podcast.

Zoss to Handle Communications for SDBIC – The South Dakota Beef Industry Council has named Riley Zoss as its new communications manager. Most recently, Zoss was an admissions representative for Mitchell Technical College. The Letcher, South Dakota native has been involved in the cattle industry his entire life.

Klebe Joins Pierce County Extension Office – Brenden Klebe is the new NDSU Extension agriculture and natural resources agent for Pierce County. Most recently, Klebe was an agronomist for Envision Cooperative at Rugby, North Dakota.

Longtime Wheat Breeder Passes – Joe Allen Smith, who was a world-class wheat breeder for AgriPro, has passed away. Smith released 60 commercial wheat varieties in the U.S. and Canada during his 40-year career. Smith, 70, retired in 2015.

MN Corn Matters – Twenty-twenty has certainly been a year of ups and downs. The Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline is just one resource to help farmers and ranchers. Get the details in Corn matters, an update from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.