Is There More Bullishness Left in the Fertilizer Market? – Fertilizer prices have been following a counter-seasonal trend. Typically, those prices hit lows in the summer months. StoneX fertilizer analyst Josh Linville says that hasn’t been the case this year. “A lot of production in the nitrogen sector was lost here in North America due to Hurricane Ida,” explains Linville. “In Europe, a lot of production has been lost and will continue to be until natural gas prices drop back off again. China is the biggest producer of urea and phosphate, and their government is starting to halt exports.” Unfortunately, Linville thinks there is still more bullishness left in the fertilizer market. Nitrogen, phosphate and potash supplies are all extremely tight. “The supply issues still outweigh demand issues we might have. We need to lean into this thing because logistical issues could get worse this winter and spring.” If a farmer is uncomfortable buying the product now, Linville thinks it’s at least a good idea to have a conversation with their supplier. Listen to the interview.

Urea and Anhydrous Prices Soar – Fertilizer prices have more than doubled from one year ago. “We’ve seen a massive explosion in urea and anhydrous prices,” said Todd Erickson, general manager, Finley Farmer’s Grain and Elevator. “Anhydrous has gone up $400 in the last three weeks; urea increased $250 per ton, which is more than double the usual cost.” Erickson is not expecting much fall fertilizer to be applied. “Right now, we don’t even have a price for urea or anhydrous to quote farmers. Right now, I think farmers are in a state of shock over fertilizer prices.”

Fertilizer Prices Expected to Keep Going Higher – CHS Hedging Crop Nutrient Risk Management Consultant Chris Schwartz does not think the U.S. has seen the full ramifications of the fertilizer supply situation. “We’ve seen NOLA almost quadruple their prices for nitrogen. When it comes to phosphate, we were around $500 last year and this year, we’re at $680.” Market fundamentals are at work.  “The cost of production is prohibiting the product from being produced. That’s not going away, these prices will likely go up.” Farmers may take advantage of pre-pay for fertilizer. Schwartz thinks only 20-to-30 percent of farmers have done that. The majority of farmers are likely trying to factor in what to do for next year.

Ag Chem Allocations Expected – Fertilizer prices have skyrocketed. Supply chain disruptions are also being seen. Gulke is hearing from retailers who are allocating the amount of crop protection products available to each farmer. “If you don’t have all of your stuff bought, he said you’ll get 80 percent of the Roundup of what you got last year and you’ll have to make due.” Gulke said that the supply chain issues will likely influence acreage decisions for ’22.

Homework Needed Before Making Fertilizer Decisions – With fertilizer prices skyrocketing, University of Minnesota Extension Nutrient Management Specialist Dan Kaiser is fielding questions from farmers. “One of those questions is about starter fertilizer. Farmers want to know if they can do in-furrow alone and it all depends on soil test values to know where you’re at.” Specialty products could be an option, but Kaiser urge caution. “The only time I’ve seen the benefits of those is when we’ve seen wet soils that respond to side-dress nitrogen applications. If you’re looking at biostimulants as a way to trim back some of the costs, be careful and look at the data.”

Communicate Crop Input Needs with Retailers –

The availability of certain crop inputs remain unknown as farmers prepare for the 2022 growing season. Corteva Agriscience market development specialist Bridgette Readel says the first step to mitigate supply chain uncertainties is for farmers to figure out what they will plant next year. “With high fertilizer costs, there will probably be some changes in corn and wheat acres,” says Readel. “What does that change for your fertilizer needs, and what does that changes for your crop protection needs? Sit down with your retailer and forecast what that might be.” Readel, who spoke at the Ag Credit Conference this past week in Bismarck, says this flock of black swan events disrupting supply chain logistics makes communication between the farmer and their banker even more important. Listen to the interview.

Input Uncertainty Complicates Farm Decisions – Forward selling corn will be very difficult with the input cost uncertainty. “I don’t think fertilizer prices are quite at 2008 levels, but if farmers don’t have coverage, they’re left in a dilemma,” said Randy Zimmerman, grain merchandiser, West Central Ag Services. “With natural gas soaring higher, it’s been really crazy and supply could become an issue for next year.” If input costs remain high, Zimmerman thinks there could be more soybean acres. “As far as input costs go, the soybeans are a little easier to raise and you could maybe get by without a bunch of fertilizer. It may be more of a push for bean acres. Corn and wheat may have to hunt for acres.”

Rising Input Costs Concerns Show in Farmer Survey – The September Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer continues to show a decline in farmer sentiment, with producers feeling less optimistic about current and future economic conditions. Part of that decline is due to rising input costs. “This month, more than one-third of survey participants expect to see farm input prices rise by 12 percent or more over the next year,” said Jim Mintert, director, Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture. “If you compare that to prior months, it was a big jump.” There is a lot of concern about a future cost-price squeeze in agriculture. It’s not only the cost of seed, chemicals and fertilizer that will make a difference, but increases in farm rental rates, too. “About half of the corn and soybean farmers in our survey expect that to rise, some believe more than ten percent from the last year.”

Profitability Squeeze Ahead – Looking ahead to 2022, Bell Bank Senior Vice President Lynn Paulson says profitability will be squeezed as expenses go up and revenue flattens. “Input expenses are probably going to increase seven-to-ten percent. Fertilizer prices are up significantly. Other inputs are tied to crude oil and everything is affected by the supply chain.” Farmers must know their cost of production and understanding how that fits into a longer-term plan. “I was working on an outlook for a 2,000 acre producer that has half corn and half soybeans. Doing scenario planning and taking a few dollars off corn or soybeans with normal yields, you take $500,000 out of revenue. That’s a lot. Having a plan is very critical to handling the ups and downs of what might be coming.”

Fielding Questions – Input costs are already becoming a factor for 2022 acreage decisions. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen outlines those factors in this interview. Once the USDA report is released Tuesday, RRFN will interview Tangen for her perspective on the markets and that will be posted online.

USDA Makes Supply-Chain Investments – The USDA is creating a loan guarantee program to help small meat processing facilities expand. By using $100 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to provide these guarantees, USDA can help increase resiliency of the food supply chain. USDA will issue a notice soon on the eligibility requirements and the application window. The agency will host a lender training webinar on October 14 to inform rural lenders how they can be approved to participate in the program. Framework for the $500 million meat processing capacity fund is expected by the end of the year.

Tai Highlights Next Steps for U.S. – China Trade Relations –

U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He met virtually on Friday to discuss trade relations. In a statement after the meeting, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office said the two sides understand the importance of this trade relationship. The progress made on the phase one trade deal was discussed and there was an agreement to continue the dialogue on “certain outstanding issues.” No other details were given, but Tai has emphasized China has not lived up to its commitments under the trade agreement. Tai outlined the path forward in a presentation for a Washington, D.C. think tank earlier in the week, starting with the enforcement of the phase one trade deal. “China made commitments that benefit certain American industries, including agriculture, that we must enforce. President Biden will continue to promote our economic interests and build confidence for American industries.” Tai said the administration will start a targeted tariff exclusion process.  Watch the conversation.

Short-Term Debt Ceiling Fix Passed in Senate – On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed a short-term fix to the debt ceiling. The House will return from recess the week of October 11 and are expected to take up the Senate’s fix on Tuesday. Congress will need to revisit the debt ceiling issue in December.

Threat Remains for Estate Tax Exemption – Now that the Senate passed a solution to address the immediate debt ceiling needs, lawmakers are focused on the Build Back Better plan. Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman said the pay-fors for the upcoming legislation are still concerning. “They’re talking about tampering with the estate tax,” said Boozman. “The entire federal discretionary budget is only $1.5 trillion. When you’re talking about spending $3.5 or $4 trillion, you need income to make up for that. This is an area these lawmakers are looking at.”

Expanding Disaster Relief – There’s $10 billion available for the USDA to help farmers and ranchers going through weather-related disasters. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack tells the Red River Farm Network the USDA is taking a close look at the expansion of the WHIP+ program. “We will take a look at the expansive nature in which the WHIP+ program has been expanded to make sure we’re providing assistance. It may very well be the western producers impacted by the drought and the southern producers impacted by the hurricanes who could potentially benefit.” When it comes to disaster aid for livestock, Vilsack says the goal is to provide as many tools as possible for producers impacted by the drought. “Resources may go to livestock producers faced with additional costs or suffered losses as a result.”

Limits Increase for USDA Guaranteed Loans – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is increasing the loan limits for those farmers seeking a guaranteed farm loan. The loan limit is increasing from $1.77 million to $1.82 million. In a statement, FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said this should help farmer and ranchers as they face natural disasters and the COVID pandemic. These loans can be used to purchase land or equipment.

EPA Unveils Four Year Strategic Plan – The Environmental Protection Agency released a four-year draft strategic plan. The Renewable Fuels Standard is included as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The draft plan also includes water quality, chemical and pesticide safety.

High Court Asked to Rule on Ethanol – Growth Energy is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower court ruling that vacated the year-round sales of 15 percent ethanol blends. The Washington, D.C. Court of Appeals overturned EPA’s interpretation of the Clean Air Act and the use of E15. Growth Energy says that decision did not give proper respect to the EPA and went against the intent of Congress.

No Silver Bullet – National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Vice President Todd Wilkinson testified before the House Agriculture Committee Thursday. The De Smet, South Dakota rancher said the industry is facing complex issues. “Let me be clear,” said Wilkinson. “There is no such thing as a silver bullet. We strongly encourage Congress to resist one-size-fits-all policy prescriptions.” Market transparency, packer capacity and price discovery were among the challenges discussed at the hearing.

Ag Committee Takes Closer Look at Livestock Industry – The House Agriculture Committee considered the state of the livestock industry in a hearing on Thursday. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack testified about the importance of creating a resilient and efficient meat processing system, supporting smaller processors and expanding capacity. “There’s no question we’re short on capacity, which is one of the reasons why it’s more difficult for farmers to get a fair price for what they’re raising.” Funds are available and public comments are being taken on how the programt should be structured. “Hopefully, the by end of the year we have that structure in place so we can start taking applications.” Vilsack said capital, the need for additional workforce and training are significant barriers for meat processing. Watch the hearing.

Drought Tops Discussions Among North Dakota Bankers – Drought was the most discussed topic among bankers gathered in Bismarck for the Ag Credit Conference. Garrison State Bank and Trust Executive Vice President Nicole Evenson serves farmers and ranchers in one of the hardest-hit drought areas of North Dakota. “We’re going to need substantial amounts of moisture to get our pastures back.” In the northern Red River Valley, American Federal Bank – Greater Grand Forks Region Senior Vice President John Schumacher says farmers are undergoing their fare share of challenges, too. “Within a couple mile radius, you have crops that are okay and others that are devastating.”  An increase in commodity prices will help offset average-to-below average yields. “That, coupled with crop insurance and farm program payments will help farmers manage risk,” adds Schumacher. Unlike farmers, Evenson says ranchers need two things that Federal Crop or a loan can’t give them: water and grass. “If you sell 100 head (of cattle) today and try to buy them back next year, they aren’t going to be your same herd with the same genetics you spend many years creating.” Listen to the story.

Conditions Improve in Latest Drought Monitor – There’s been a slight improvement in dry conditions in the last week across the Dakotas and Minnesota. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the line of extreme drought in northwest Minnesota declined in Polk, Red Lake and Pennington Counties. Last week’s rains in South Dakota and portions of North Dakota also reduced the severity of the drought. The above-normal temperatures in recent weeks stressed pasture conditions in the areas that have been in a long-term drought.

Frost Wanted in Northern Plains – Warmer and drier conditions continue to push harvest progress in northern North Dakota. Rock n’ Roll Agronomy owner and agronomist Jason Hanson says farmers are wrapping up dry edible bean, soybean and canola harvest. “There’s variability in what’s being harvested depending on the previous crop and where the rain fell.” A delay in the hard frost this year challenges harvest. “There’s some areas with green stemmed soybeans and people wanted a frost to deal with that.” A year ago, the first frost in the region came in early September.

Welcome Rains – Kevin Skunes received 1.9 inches of rain on the home farm at Arthur, North Dakota. Up to 3.5 inches of rain was reported in that area. With it being an earlier-than-normal harvest season, Skunes is happy with the moisture. “This year’s drought rivals 1980 and 1988; we didn’t have rain from a full month from July 19 to August 20th so this was welcomed.” Skunes has about 20 percent of his corn harvested. Yields are down, but Kkunes is pleased with the quality of the corn crop. Moisture levels are at 14-to-18 percent and test weights range from 54-to-58 pounds.

A Nice Rain at Pisek, ND – In the Pisek, North Dakota area, rains were in the 2.8-to-three inch range. Darren Kadlec says that moisture recharge is welcomed. “We were dry all summer long and as I drive around this morning, there’s not a lot of water standing, if any.” Kadlec has about three days left for his corn harvest. With the dry conditions, there wasn’t much moisture in any of the crops. Edible beans were the biggest challenge. “We had trouble with splits that we haven’t had in the past. Sunflowers came out dry, but were in a very workable moisture range and for corn, we haven’t been burning a lot of propane.”

Soybean Harvest Moves Quickly at Harvey, ND – The Arthur Companies Grain Merchandiser Jenna Knutson says the earlier soybean varieties weren’t bad. “Yields were as expected and now, we’re running into green beans and higher FM content. Some of the soybeans are dirtier than we’d like to see this time of the year.” Discounts for the higher foreign material are getting passed back to the farmer. Knutson says most of the early corn has gone to the local ethanol plant  where there’s strong basis.

The Corn is Coming Off Dry Near Mitchell, SD – West of Mitchell, South Dakota, Chet Edinger is harvesting corn. “We’ve already harvested the high risk corn. That’s the stuff that was starting to snap off and had stalk integrity issues.” Corn is coming off at 15 percent moisture. “That’s not good, there’s phantom yield loss out there on the corn when it’s that dry.” The good news is the demand for the corn coming out of the fields. Edinger is playing the basis game, waiting for basis to narrow more at the local ethanol plant. “They want the physical commodity in their possession, but with the way COVID and the world economy is I think possession is going to be a big thing. Everyone wants it and that’s good news for us.”

Variable Corn and Soybean Yields as Harvest Progresses – According to Pioneer Seeds Field Agronomist Larry Lunder, corn and soybean yields vary for the eastern part of North Dakota and western Minnesota, depending on the field history and rains that fell in the growing season. Corn harvest for grain just started for many in the last week. “In certain areas of North Dakota, the corn has turned into cattle feed. We have many fields intended to be combined that have been chopped up and put into a pile already. We’re in good shape on harvest, a ways ahead from previous years,” said Lunder. ” Sunflowers are the one crop we’re still waiting on in areas.” As the end of harvest gets closer, farmers are trying to think ahead and plan for 2022. Hear more from Lunder in this interview.

Monitor Corn Fields Closely – Across the Dakotas and Minnesota, the pace of harvest varies. “The areas that had plenty of moisture are slower to start corn harvest and some of the moisture stressed areas are almost done with harvest,” said Rick Swenson, lead agronomist, Peterson Farms Seed. Corn should be monitored closely. “Where we had some of that wind come through three-to-four weeks ago from Elbow Lake to Sauk Centre, Minnesota, those farmers are paying the price. There’s corn that’s 50-to-90 percent flat after the storms.”

Farmers Switch to Corn Harvest While Waiting for Sugarbeets – Kent, Minnesota farmer Pat Freese typically harvests corn after sugarbeets. That’s not the case this year, with the warmer-than-usual temperatures causing delays for the beet harvest. “It’s amazing how much variance there is in the corn. That’s what happens when you’re on the dry side and there’s a high or low spot where there’s good and poor yields.” The sugarbeet harvest campaign will begin this week.

Not a Bad Sunflower Harvest – Mott, North Dakota farmer Josh Greff started sunflower harvest last week. “Some of it was was at 3,400 pounds. The moisture is lower, but we shouldn’t have to worry too much about fire.” Greff says it’s been a very different harvest this year. “Last year, we had completely dry stems. We had a lot of smolders. We reset our combine settings this year, but not having the fire risk is good. We’re still waiting on a frost, we really haven’t had a killing frost yet.”

End in Sight for the Potato Harvest – Temperatures are warmer than preferred for the fresh potato harvest, but NoKota Packers CEO Carissa Olsen says farmers are making it work. “We’re probably about 80 percent done with harvest. We hope to wrap up harvest in the next few weeks when things cool down. There’s been varied quality with the potatoes.” Storage conditions are important for potatoes. “When it doesn’t get as cool at night, it makes things a bit more difficult, but we’re lucky to have air conditioning in most of our bins. It’s making sure we get the air on and close the doors so we take advantage of good storage.”

Dry Bean Scene – Farmers are trying to wrap up dry bean harvest, but the lack of a hard frost is making for tough cutting conditions. Hear more from Rock and Roll Agronomy owner Jason Hanson and North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network Director Daryl Ritchison in this week’s Dry Bean Scene. This radio update is made possible by the Johnstown Bean Company, SRS Commodities, Sharpen from BASF and the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

Consider Fall Weed Control – Fall-applied herbicides can be an effective way to control perennial weeds. Corteva U.S. crop protection campaign launch leader Eric Scherder says weeds are still actively growing. “That’s when we can do a fall burndown application and we can start including residuals for some weeds,” said Scherder. “What that gets you is an opportunity to start the season out clean and you’re not behind the eight ball. If we do get some weather events that put you behind, you have a residual down already and you can start planting a crop.” For effective weed control, Scherder recommends targeting small weeds and focusing on full label rates. Harvest is a good time to evaluate weed control. Scherder says it is also important to have a Plan A and a Plan B so you’re ready when conditions change.

Traders Prepare for October WASDE Report – Comstock Investments market analyst Joe Camp says traders are expecting larger numbers in Tuesday’s USDA supply/demand report. “We’ve known for awhile the Eastern Corn Belt crops have great potential. Illinois has a statewide yield estimate of 214 bushels per acre for corn (and) that’s a record for corn for that state.” Camp says traders are taking direction from the outside markets. “That’s exerting some pressure on the grain markets.”

Basis Levels Stay Strong at Harvest – The current strong basis is unusual for harvest time. “It’s notable because this is happening at a time when we are getting our export market back; it’s a good signal for demand all the way around,” says Sam Hudson, market analyst, Cornbelt Marketing. Hudson doesn’t think the Gulf Coast export shutdown will have a lasting impact. “The first one-to-three weeks we were delayed can be made up in a week or two of normal circumstances, but altogether, China is going to import a lot less from us this year than last year.”

Crude Oil Prices Push Higher – Crude oil prices continue to increase. Total Farm Marketing Senior Market Advisor Naomi Blohm says that’s just another part of the increase in input costs for farmers right now. “It doesn’t look like we’ll see relief from that soon.” Spot crude oil prices made a new high this morning, breaking through the $82 per barrel mark. That’s the highest level for crude since October of 2014.

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – Crude oil has hit $82 per barrel. Cash grain markets remain strong. In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Advance Trading RIsk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi also outlines the latest news regarding supply chain disruptions.

Beef Exports Break $1 Billion Milestone – The United States broke a new value record for beef exports in August. Sales topped the $1 billion mark for the first time. There was record business with China and the largest beef export totals for the year to Japan. Pork exports are trending ahead of last year’s record pace. Chinese demand for pork muscle cuts declined, but the sale of pork variety meats was up. The U.S. exported a record amount of pork to Mexico.

Canola Minute – Canola meal has recently been found to improve the environmental footprint of milk production. Learn more in the latest Canola Minute, made possible by the Northern Canola Growers Association.

Value-Added Ag Funds Available – Details have been released about North Dakota’s new agriculture and diversity development fund. This program was established by the state legislature earlier this year. The money will be used to support or expand value-added agriculture businesses. Grants may not exceed $2.5 million and there is an interest-rate buydown of up to $500,000. The Bank of North Dakota is administering these funds.

Goehring: Unknowns Remain for Dicamba Going into 2022 – Regarding dicamba use in 2022, North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring is telling farmers to stay tuned. “I have no idea what EPA will come out with next. If they’ll continue, cancel or put new tools on the table, I still believe this comes down to letting us manage dicamba-tolerant crops like we manage other crops.” Goehring thinks dicamba will be available next year, “but that doesn’t resolve and address our issues out here. We need the label changed.” An EPA spokesperson said the agency is extremely concerned about the number of crop damage reports this past year. North Dakota has nine formal dicamba complaints, a slight decline from the 11 complaints filed in 2020. Minnesota had nearly 300 dicamba-related complaints this year.

South Dakota Wants a Dicamba Decision by November – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is meeting internally and with stakeholders to talk about the 2021 dicamba drift complaints. “The department is looking at the science, our investigations and working with the industry on what we should do to eliminate or lower the risk of drift in the future,” said Hunter Roberts, secretary, South Dakota DANR. “That’s something we hope to have a decision on before November so we can give producers an idea of what products are available and the timeline.”

Walz Advances Climate Change Initiative – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a directive for the state agriculture and transportation departments to pursue a new Clean Fuel Standard. Stakeholder groups will be asked to identify goals and opportunities and deliver their recommendations in February. A Future Fuels Act is expected to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session. The Great Plains Institute authored a white paper on a clean fuels policy for the Midwest in 2020. Numerous groups participated in this effort including the National Corn Growers Association, National Biodiesel Board, American Coalition for Ethanol and Renewable Fuels Association.

Minnesota Seeks Feedback on Clean Fuel Standard Proposal – The development of Minnesota’s Clean Fuel Standard is being led by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Deputy Ag Commissioner Andrea Vaubel says a low carbon fuel standard is something that’s been explored in other states, but not in the Midwest. “If something like this fits in Minnesota, how does it make sense? We have fantastic biofuels capacity here, we’ve always been a leader in that space.” With the Clean Fuel Standard being so complex, Vaubel says feedback will be gathered from agriculture, energy, environment groups and others to establish a framework. A series of stakeholder engagement meetings will happen between now and the end of the year.

MN Trucking Regulatory Waiver Extended – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has extended the emergency regulatory waiver for trucking livestock, water and feed through early November. In making the announcement, Walz said this relief is necessary for farmers dealing with a once-in-a-generation drought.

MN Governor Offers a Wish List for Special Session – After meeting with state legislative leaders on Tuesday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz followed up with a letter asking lawmakers to be ready to pass essential legislation during a special session. Walz laid out an agenda on issues like frontline worker pay, drought relief and additional COVID-19 pandemic response. Walz said he is ready to call a special session as soon as legislative leaders and the administration come to agreement on key issues. A compromise deal has been difficult to get with the DFL majority in the House and Republican majority in the Senate.

MFU Minute – The Minnesota Farmers Union is waiting on the possibility of a special session of the Minnesota Legislature. Hear more from Government Relations Director Stu Lourey in the latest MFU Minute.

Corn Matters – Minnesota Ag in the Classroom Foundation Executive Director Anne Marie Ward joins the latest Corn Matters program. This weekly radio update is made possible by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association. Listen now.

Biotech Trait Rejected by Mexican Government – Mexican health regulators have rejected a new biotech corn trait for the first time. It was SmartStax Pro trait produced by Bayer. The company describes this as an “unscientific” decision and may take this issue to the courts. Mexico has approved nearly 170 biotech events. However, there have been no GMO approvals since Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador took over the presidency in late 2018.

Take Steps to Deal With the SCN Threat – With the drier than usual soil conditions, there is a greater risk for soybean cyst nematode. BASF Seed Treatment Product Manager Jeremiah Mullock says SCN thrives in additional plant stress from low moisture conditions. “The plant root system is only so large and can only carry so much stress. The nematode is robbing those additional water and nutrients from the plant.” In drought conditions, there are more nematodes and additional plant stress. Throughout October, BASF and the SCN Coalition are providing resources to farmers to help them effectively manage SCN. In fact, BASF will be giving away a free soil test kit to the first 500 growers who request one by October 31. If growers test their soil and mail it to the BASF-approved lab postmarked by November 15, BASF will cover up to $20 for the cost of the lab test. Hear the story.

Minnesota Beef Update – The Minnesota Beef Ambassador program will be held during the Minnesota Beef Expo later this month. Learn more about the program from Minnesota CattleWomen’s Association member Natasha Mortenson in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.

New Biotechnology Could Reduce Fertilizer Needs – As fertilizer prices increase, Novozymes and Anuvia Plant Nutrients are partnering to develop a range of biotechnologies to reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers in crops. Anuvia Plant Nutrients Chief Commercial Officer Hugh MacGillivray says the companies will combine Anuvia’s bio-based plant nutrition with Novozymes’ microbial based technology. “Using the power of synthetic nutrition, combined with a series of technologies that will deliver nutrition and other mechanisms will create a level of efficiency we haven’t seen recently.” The goal is to use less fertilizer while getting as good or better crop performance at no additional cost to the farmer. Hear the story.

Pork Congress Moves to Mankato in ’22 – The Minnesota Pork Congress is moving to a new location in 2022. This event will be held February 15 and 16 and the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato. In recent years, Pork Congress took place in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Pork Congress is the state’s largest pork-specific trade show and the annual meeting of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association and Minnesota Pork Council.

Minnesota Wheat Minute – Minnesota Wheat has posted a new job opening for a project lead. Find out more from Executive Director Charlie Vogel in the latest Minnesota Wheat Minute.

Confirmation for Torres Small – The Senate has confirmed former New Mexico Congressman Xochit Torres Small as the USDA undersecretary for rural development. Torres Small is the daughter of migrant farm workers and served one term in Congress. The confirmation hearing for Torres Small took place at the same time as Robert Bonnie, who is nominated as the USDA undersecretary for farm production and conservation. Bonnie has not yet been approved by the full Senate.

EPA Ag Advisor Selected – The Biden Administration has selected Rod Snyder as the EPA’s senior advisor for agriculture. For the past seven years, Snyder has been president of Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture. Previously, Snyder worked for the National Corn Growers Association and CropLife America.

NACD Announces Senior Staff Additions – The National Association of Conservation Districts created two new positions for the new fiscal year. NACD’s new Chief Program Officer is Jen Nelligan, the founder and president of Alithea Advisors. Karla Maldonado is the new Chief Operations Officer. Maldonado’s been with NACD since 2017, working as a senior staff accountant. She has experience working at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Read more.

Corn Comments – The third weekend in October marks the opening of the South Dakota pheasant hunting season. Learn more about what this means for corn growers in this week’s Corn Comments program from South Dakota Corn.