A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Monday, October 09, 2023
Trading in Turbulent Times – The Hamas surprise weekend attack on Israel has given oil prices a boost. The war does not have a direct impact on grain markets, but any escalation of war would have a significant effect on crude oil prices. With corn and soybeans having an energy component, there is a spillover influence from crude oil markets in the overnight grain trade. Those gains backed off when the grain market opened this morning.
Congressional Chaos – The House is in recess until tomorrow night when the Republican caucus will hear from candidates for the open Speakership. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise and House Judiciary Committee Jim Jordan are considered the top two candidates for the job. Scalise represents a district in Louisiana. While Jordan is a lawmaker from Ohio. Oklahoma Congressman Kevin Hern, who leads the Republican Study Committee, is being described as another option for the Speaker job. Each of these men have sought significant cuts for farm program spending. The vote will happen on Wednesday.
Congress is in Limbo After Speaker Ouster – Congress is in limbo until a new Speaker is elected. Policy Solutions President Jay Truitt doesn’t see a quick solution to this chaos. “Someone inside the GOP strategy circle has to feel like the people that made the marketing decisions at Bud Lite right now. They pulled off a coup and got something done that nobody else could do, but what did they get? All you did was make yourself look silly.” Truitt describes himself as a “hard-core conservative political analyst” and understands the frustration, but believes the Freedom Caucus “shot themselves in the foot with this move.” The current uncertainty in Congress will not help the farm bill process. “Everything is on hold from the farm bill to defense spending to anything else the House thought they would get done.”
A Gamble Gone Wrong – The House is looking for a new Speaker. “Speaker (Kevin) McCarthy brought a bipartisan agreement to keep the government open and he took a gamble with some of the hardline folks in his caucus who said if he cut a bipartisan deal, they would remove him as Speaker,” said Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council. Another government shutdown deadline is coming up in just over a month. With a divided Congress, it may be difficult for anyone to find consensus. “The message to folks is if you work on a bipartisan basis, you get punished. It’s going to be really challenging to put together the votes to keep the government open.”
No Farm Bill Until the Dust Settles – There’s only four more weeks until the continuing resolution runs out. The Russell Group President Randy Russell doesn’t see much time for Congress to elect a new Speaker and get legislation, including the farm bill, passed. With the farm bill timeline stretched further out, Russell says an extension is likely. “The dust really has to settle on the appropriations bill before a pathway can be created to get the farm bill done.” Russell is hopeful the farm bill can be completed before next spring when it could be overshadowed by the presidential election.
Lawmakers Seek Carbon Pipeline Ban – Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar and a dozen other Democratic members of Congress are asking for a permitting ban on carbon capture pipelines. A letter has been sent to President Joe Biden saying a moratorium is needed until federal safety standards are updated. Three carbon pipelines are planned in the Midwest to help the ethanol industry reduce its carbon footprint. North Dakota has the potential to be one of the world’s largest carbon capture sites.
Corn Matters – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association’s newly-elected president Dana Allen-Tully is focused on crop insurance and the new farm bill. Hear more in the latest Corn Matters, brought to you by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.
Dairy Policy Discussed at World Dairy Expo – Dairy Margin Coverage is a voluntary risk management program that was established in the 2018 farm bill. Associated Milk Producers Incorporated Vice President of Marketing Sarah Schmidt says DMC works, but changes are needed. “Right now, dairy farmers can only insure the pounds of milk that their farm produced back in 2011, 2012 and 2013; that’s dated production information and we’d love to see that brought up to date.” On the sidelines of World Dairy Expo, Schmidt said AMPI would also like the volume levels for DMC program to be increased.
Rains Pump the Brakes on Harvest – Rain slowed the harvest in northwestern Minnesota, but Kris Folland is pleased with his progress with the soybeans. “We’re half-done with soybeans, so that’s about two weeks ahead.” Folland, who farms at Halma, says the corn crop looks decent. “There’s definitely some dry pockets, but overall, everyone is happy. I’m hoping the October gets the corn dried down.”
Heat Sets Back SD Soybean Crop – Kevin Deinert, who farms at Mount Vernon, South Dakota, has moved onto dryland corn after finishing up silage and earlage. “Yields have been all over the board with some disappointing fields, but then a few miles away there’s some really good fields.” Deinert doesn’t know what to expect for his soybean harvest. “Area yields are anywhere from 70 (bushels per acre) all the way down to five so it will be interesting to see what’s out there.”Deinert leads the South Dakota Soybean Association.
An Average Soybean Crop – According to Northwood Equity Elevator Manager Scott Ostlie, soybean harvest progress has been slowed by heavy morning dews. “In a nutshell, I think we can call this an average crop.” The small grain harvest exceeded expectations, but Ostlie is seeing a middle-of-the-road soybean crop. “In some cases, it’s exceeding grower’s expectations, but some are disappointed.”
On Again, Off Again Harvest Progress – An early rain event put a halt on harvest progress in parts of South Dakota. Colton, South Dakota farmer Jeff Thompson is trying to finish up soybean harvest this week. “The sandier soils were almost at average yields, but the other fields range from mid 40s to 60s.” Thompson says corn is up next on the list as long as the weather cooperates. “Too much hot, dry, and windy conditions just made the dust terrible out here.”
Pioneer Agronomy Minute – As the corn harvest moves forward, Pioneer Field Agronomist Kevin Sinner is advising growers to properly manage the harvest. Sinner said some of the crop has cannibalized itself taking nutrients from the roots and stalks to the ears. Listen to the Pioneer Agronomy Minute.
Canola Minute – In this week’s Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association President Dan Marquardt gives a harvest update.
Prioritize Fields for Better Results – Asgrow Dekalb Technical Agronomist Derek Pruit is pleased with the soybean crop. “With how little rain we got, I think we’re all pleasantly surprised by the yields out there.” Pruitt says a little harvest management will likely pay off in the corn crop. “Make sure you’re getting out and scouting your corn fields so you can prioritize which ones need to be harvested first.”
Bean Harvest in the Bag – Hankinson, North Dakota farmer Joe Mauch has finished his dry bean harvest. “Yields were about average, maybe even slightly above average.” The area has been dealing with ongoing dry conditions. “Even though we’ve been dry we’ve had good crops, I don’t know where it’s coming from.”
Dry Bean Harvest Rolling in NE ND – Northarvest Bean Growers Association President Eric Jorgenson is still working on the dry bean harvest near Leeds, North Dakota. “Maybe just over half of the crop has been harvested so far.” Yields have ranged from 800-to-1,200 pounds per acre. “It’s been a little on the poor side because we’ve been dry all year.” Jorgenson said he’s fighting Mother Nature and dewy mornings as he tries to finish harvest.
Mid-Plains Harvest Results Vary – Holdrege, Nebraska-based custom harvester J.C. Schemper has a crew harvesting corn in Kansas. “We’ve seen some 50–to-60-bushel dryland up to 100 bushels and some irrigated land that was 120-to-200 bushels.” Schemper finished his North Dakota harvest in mid-September. “We saw some nice 2,000-pound canola and some 45–to-50-bushel spring wheat and durum.”
Register for NCI Cereal Innovators Webinar – The Northern Crops Institute is hosting a Cereal Innovators webinar Wednesday at 9 AM. This webinar will feature Neil Doty, business development manager, NCI. The interactive webinar series focuses on new and unique ways to use cereal grains. Topics throughout the series will include milling and baking, equipment and uses for cereal grains grown in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Go online for more information and to register.
Fighting Rain – Soybean harvest across the region has been slow. Peterson Farms Seed lead agronomist Rick Swenson says everyone is fighting the rain. “You get a half a day of combining here, with a couple days on and a couple days off.” Soybean yield reports vary from 20-to-70 bushels an acre. “It really boils down to how much rain we got during the summer when we needed it.”
Stressed Corn Lowers Yield Expectations – Dave Ellens farms near Madison, South Dakota and just finished up soybean harvest. “I think they were ten bushels better than we were expecting. In our area, we have heavy enough soil that when we caught a big rain in August, we were able to store that moisture.” Foggy mornings have forced some farmers in the area to switch from the soybean harvest to corn. “I don’t think we’re going to see any bin busters around here just because June was really tough on the corn crop.” Ellens is president of the South Dakota Corn Growers Association.
D3 Drought Hurts Crop in SE MN – New Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Dana Allen-Tully farms with her parents and brother near Rochester, Minnesota. Allen-Tully says this year’s D-3 drought has taken its toll on the crops. “We’ve been in a drought since the second week of July. Yields aren’t what they were last year and are probably 50-to-60 percent of what they normally are.”
Warm Days Push the Corn Clock Ahead – Wyffels Hybrids Agronomy Manager Jared Goplin says crop conditions vary widely across his territory in Minnesota, Iowa, and parts of South Dakota. “I’ve talked to people who are planning to finish corn before moving into soybeans, which is pretty rare, but that’s just the way the year has been with weather.” According to Goplin, the heat has played a big part in maturing the crop earlier-than-normal. “We’ve had an incredible amount of heat. We’re over 300 growing degree days ahead of normal, and that just sent us ahead of the crop.”
Analyzing the Harvest Season for Insight into ’24 – The corn and soybean harvest has been slowed by muddy fields. Dekalb Asgrow Technical Agronomist Grant Mehring is hoping for better conditions this week. When in the combine, there is an opportunity to evaluate conditions for 2024. Mehring said lodged corn can provide clues. “Whether it is the heat and the drought and a hybrid that cannibalizes itself due to good yields and not enough moisture or it could be corn rootworm.”
MFU Minute – In this week’s Minnesota Farmers Union Minute, MFU Membership and Minnesota Cooks Director Claudine Arndt talks about an upcoming agri-tourism event.
High Hopes for New Sugarbeet Varieties – SES Vanderhave Commercial Sugarbeet Manager Nick Revier will finish harvesting test plots as soon as the weather cooperates. “Yield results are really good. We’ve got really high hopes for some of the new varieties.” Revier says beet quality is outstanding in terms of sugar content and yields.
‘Humanitarian’ Route’ to be Tested – Ukraine set up a temporary ‘humanitarian corridor’ to move grain after Russia pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July. To this point, only a limited number of shipments have moved through this route. Ukraine’s navy is now saying a dozen more cargo vessels are ready to enter this shipping channel. A navy spokesperson did not provide any timeline, but said it was taking precautions to protect the civilian ships when on the Black Sea.
What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – In the latest edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson reflects on the Hamas-Israel conflict and the uncertainty it delivers to the marketplace. Wheat and corn have found a harvest low and are trying to push higher. Harvest pressure will likely influence soybean prices.
Co-ops Build Economic Power – National Co-op Month is celebrated during the month of October. This is a time to recognize cooperative businesses as an effective way to build an economy that benefits everyone. Cooperatives are a proven and trusted way to do business. This October Co-op Month message is sponsored by the North Dakota Farmers Union, Associated Milk Producers Incorporated and its Dinner Bell Creamery.
Peterson Farms Seed Innovation and Technology Series – Peterson Farms Seed Lead Agronomist Rick Swenson highlights the new seed traits on the horizon in the ongoing PFS Innovation and Technology radio series.
Updating Traceability Standards – The National Pork Producers Council is asking all segments of the swine industry to provide feedback on the national swine traceability system. In 2006, U.S. pork producers voluntarily adopted animal traceability standards to prevent the spread of foreign animal diseases. Swine operations that focus on breeding stock, cull animals and show pigs are typically difficult to track. That’s one gap in the current traceability program that the industry hopes to address. The NPPC plans to update these standards next year.
Two More Years of High Prices? – The massive sell-off of the nation’s cow herd has finally died down. CattleFax Director Troy Bockelmann doesn’t expect a widespread growth in cow numbers until 2025 or later. “We’ve been liquidating the beef cow herd since 2019. Much like the previous cattle cycles, we probably have another two years ahead of us of higher prices before expansion really takes off.” According to Bockelmann, regional expansion has just barely started in the northern areas, but drought is holding back southern states. “If we get the rains this fall, we could start to see this fall’s heifer calve crop retained for breeding.”
Calf Prices are ‘Refreshingly Good’ – Bagley Livestock owner Billy Bushelle says there aren’t many grass cattle left to sell in his area. “There’s still a few yearlings out there, but runs consist mostly of new-crop calves.” Bushelle says there’s a decent range in prices for new crop calves. “A lot of the steer calves are bringing somewhere in the $1,500-$1,600 range. The 400-pound calves have gone all the way up to the $350-$360 per hundredweight, so prices are refreshingly good.”
SD Corn Comments – In this week’s edition of South Dakota Corn Comments, South Dakota Pork Producers Council First Vice President Jason Foster stresses the importance of corn as a feed during October Pork Month.
Grazing Rights Threatened by BLM – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s fight against a proposed rule for federal land grazing is ongoing. “The Bureau of Land Management proposed a rule that brings in conservation as a use on federal lands, however the way they redefine conservation is no longer about active management,” said Colin Woodall, CEO. “This is a direct shot to livestock producers.” The comment period regarding this proposed rule is still active with over 170,000 comments already submitted.
Where Weeds Wander – North Dakota Weed Control Association Executive Secretary Merlin Leithold says the weed spectrum in the pastures and rangelands differed this past growing season. “The main problem is still leafy spurge, but Canada thistle was down overall this year. For what reasons, we don’t know.” As far as the big forage crop, Leithold sees destructive weeds like Palmer amaranth and waterhemp on the move. “We’ve seen Palmer as far west as Grant County coming in through screenings, equipment or other seed mixes.”
Fielding Questions – In the latest Fielding Questions podcast, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Senior Insurance Specialist Scott Van Den Einde discusses pasture, rangeland, and forage coverage options. Fielding Questions is a collaboration between AgCountry Farm Credit Services and the Red River Farm Network.
Grants Available to Prevent Wolf Attacks – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will award $95,000 to state livestock producers to help prevent wolf attacks. The grants will reimburse costs for approved practices that prevent wolf-livestock conflicts. Eligible expenses for the grant program include the purchase of guard animals, veterinary costs for guard animals, wolf barriers, fencing and calving or lambing shelters. Grant application information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s website: www.mda.state.mn.us/wolfgrants.
MN Beef Update – In the latest Minnesota Beef Update, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Kaitlyn Root talks about their latest trade trip to Japan.
Support for ND Livestock Development – North Dakota Livestock Alliance Executive Director Amber Wood is working with cattlemen to expand and develop livestock facilities in the state. “We’re working with producers who are excited about expanding and modernizing their feedlots.” The NDLA has resources available that includes funding and grant opportunities for livestock expansion. “It all depends on what the producer wants to do. Is it an existing feedlot? Are they starting new? Are they modifying? From there, we can see if they qualify for cost-sharing programs.”
HPAI Threat Remains – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is being found on a sporadic basis in wild birds. The number of cases is down from last year, but North Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Ethan Andress expects a few more positive cases with the weather turning cooler. “There’s been a small number of cases pop up in the eastern part of the country, so it’s still a threat.” Andress says fall migration is behind schedule so risk is still relatively low for right now. “I’ve heard the northern-most migration is still two weeks behind schedule, so the virus could still be present as these birds move south.”
Achieving Goals – Showing livestock sparked Carley Crist’s interest in 4-H. “There’s so many opportunities in the show ring so I’ve been showing goats since I was eight years old.” 4-H taught Crist how to work hard to achieve her goals and dreams. “Showmanship is more about how you present the animal and receiving grand champion senior goat showman at the state fair was a big deal to me after working towards that goal my entire life.” Christ is a Union County 4-H member and is serving as a South Dakota 4-H Ag Ambassador.
From Dad’s Shadow to the Show Ring – Ransom County, North Dakota 4-H member Paige Zimprich developed a passion for 4-H after tagging along with her dad when she was little. “I got started in 4-H after I went to livestock judging practices with my dad because he’s the coach.” Showing livestock and judging livestock are the primary focus, but Zimprich said 4-H has also led to life-long connections with others. “You get to meet a lot of people and those people will pave you a path when you need one.”
4-H: A Family Affair – During National 4-H Week, we celebrated the youth in in the organization. Edmunds County 4-H member Jacob Jung says he followed in the footsteps of family members. “My older siblings were always in 4-H. I remember as a Cloverbud, holding the tail as my brother was fitting calves.” Brown County 4-H member Liza Krueger also shows livestock. “My brother bought a few bottle calves and I kind of grew into it before starting to show cattle. Now I show pigs too.”
Generations Devoted to 4-H – Dakota County, Minnesota member Allison Deplazes can trace his 4-H career back several generations in both North Dakota and Minnesota. “My great grandpa actually helped start up a 4-H program in North Dakota, so it was just natural to be involved.” Deplazes currently serves as a Minnesota 4-H Ag Ambassador.
The Many Faces of 4-H – NDSU Bowman County Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent Penny Nester has spent most of her life involved in 4-H. “4-H definitely runs in the family. Both of my parents were 4-H leaders, my grandmother was in 4-H and now I’m an Extension agent that oversees the 4-H program.” Nester has experience in directing county 4-H programs in North Dakota and South Dakota and says it offers such a wide variety of opportunities, ranging from livestock showmanship and shooting sports to STEM projects to communication skills. “These are life-long skills that kids acquire then they’re young and build on throughout their lives.”
‘4-H Took Me Across the Country’ – Stutsman County, North Dakota 4-H member Olivia Nitschke has been in the organization for as long as she can remember. Nitsche says her interest in 4-H showmanship and livestock judging has taken her across the country. “I’ve been all over the place with my 4-H livestock judging team and now I judge on the Fort Scott Community College team in Kansas.” Nitschke credits her many mentors. “Showing all started with my Uncle Nick, a lot of people looked up to him and he’s the reason I started judging and got interested in livestock showing, but I’ve been very blessed to have a lot of good people in my corner.”
Herbicide Strategy Could Affect Every Pecticide – A settlement between the Environmental Protection Services and the Center for Biological Diversity in the Ninth Circuit Court resulted in a proposed framework for herbicide use. North Dakota Department of Agriculture Pesticide and Fertilizer Division Director Eric Delzer says the EPA was also ordered to do a full risk assessment review on organic phosphate pesticides, like chlorpyrifos. “Following the herbicide strategy, they’re going to publish a rodenticide strategy, a fungicide strategy, and an insecticide strategy.” Delzer says all of these strategies need to be implemented by 2027 and could affect every crop protection product. “Our biggest concerns is how this affects every pesticide in use and we won’t know until the labels start coming out.”
Now is the Time to Think About SCN – BASF and the SCN Coalition are joining forces for the third year in a row to promote soybean cyst nematode education during October. “This is a great time to bring awareness and continued education to the most damaging soybean pest,” said Jeremiah Mullock, product manager, BASF Seed Treatment. Mullock recommends farmers sample soil in the fall after harvest before making a plan for the next cropping year. “The last two years, we’ve found SCN in over 75 percent of the samples, with average egg counts that would be damaging enough to lose yields.”
Foodies Learn More About Soyfoods in ND – The North Dakota Soybean Council hosted its sixth annual Food and Farm Tour this past week. “It’s a great gathering of people to understand what it takes to grow and harvest soybeans,” said Soyfoods Council Executive Director Linda Funk. The tour was created to help consumers and cooks understand more about soyfoods before it reaches their plate. Social media ifluencers, registered dieticians and culinary experts were part of the tour.
Farming for the Future – With climate smart agriculture initiatives moving forward at the state and federal levels, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Red River Farm Network and the Linder Farm Network to provide timely information about these complicated issues. Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen launches this effort in our Farming for the Future feature.
Dry Bean Scene – In this week’s Dry Bean Scene, RRFN visits with Minnesota Dry Bean Research and Promotion Council Treasurer Norman Krause, who previews their upcoming trade trip to Peru and Chile. The Dry Bean Scene is sponsored by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, Johnstown Bean Company, Sharpen Herbicide from BASF, SRS Commodities, and Heads Up Plant Protectants.
Construction Continues for NDSA Headquarters – Construction is advancing rapidly for the new North Dakota Stockmen’s Association headquarters building in Bismarck. NDSA President Jason Leiseth hopes the building project will be complete by the end of the year. “I think moving day will be here before we’re ready for it.” Fundraising for the project continues.
Perham Stockyards Celebrates 25th Anniversary Sale – The Perham Stockyards celebrated its 25th anniversary sale this past week. Owner and auctioneer Mitch Barthel enjoyed good support for the annual sale. “A lot of the same consignors bring anything from bred heifers, yearling cattle, and young-crop calves come to the sale year after year-after-year.” World Livestock Auctioneer Champion Jacob Massey was at Perham Stockyards and sold cattle for the special sale.
AgCountry Endowed Chair Launched at NDSU – The search for the new AgCountry Endowed Chair of Agribusiness is underway at North Dakota State University with an anticipated start date of August 2024. AgCountry Farm Credit Services made the investment and the endowment is being managed by the NDSU Foundation. The program is designed to deal with the challenges facing agribusiness finance and risk analysis and will be housed within the NDSU Center for Trading and Risk. “We’re really excited about the announcement, making the investment and watching the investment pay dividends for farmers and ranchers,” said Marc Knisely, president/CEO, AgCountry Farm Credit Services. Listen to the interview.
Bunge-Viterra Deal Advances – Bunge shareholders have approved its acquisition of Viterra. The merged company will be valued at $34 billion. Once the deal is approved by regulators, the new entity should be finalized by mid-2024.
New Leadership for NCGA – Madelia, Minnesota farmer Harold Wolle is the new president of the National Corn Growers Association. Wolle’s goals for the year include building a farm bill that prioritizes corn grower needs. “We’re particularly focused on crop insurance and the safety net portion of the farm bill that help farmers during bad times like damaged crops or revenue losses.” Wolle also plans to bring more attention to sustainable ethanol. “We’re trying to get additional co-sponsors for the Next Generation Fuels Act to increase demand for ethanol.”
NCGA Hires Wolf – Laura Wolf is the new director for investor relations and communications for the National Corn Growers Association. Most recently, Wolf worked for the St. Louis-based OBP Agency.
A New Chair for MBOLD – Schwan’s Company CEO Dimitrios Smyrnios is the new MBOLD chairman, succeeding Jeff Harmening of General Mills. MBOLD is a Minnesota-based coalition seeking innovative solutions to the issues facing food and agriculture, including climate change.
Search Begins for New BND President/CEO – The president and CEO of the Bank of North Dakota plans to retire in the second quarter of 2024. Todd Steinwand was appointed to that role in 2021 and has been with the Bank of North Dakota for eight years. The Industrial Commission has approved an executive search. BND is the only state-owned bank in the country.
Christensen Farms Promotes Howard – Greg Howard is the new president of Christensen Farms of Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Howard has been the senior vice president and CEO since 2020. Christensen Farms President/CEO Glenn Stolt will remain chief executive officer and on the board of directors. Stolt plans to retire in late 2024. Christensen Farms is one of the largest family-owned pork operations nationwide and is the largest shareholder in the Triumph Foods producer-owned pork processing plant in St. Joseph, Missouri. Triumph Foods has a 50 percent partnership in the Seaboard-Triumph Foods pork plant in Sioux City.
LeBrun Takes the Reins for Southern MN Ag Center of Excellence – Tina LeBrun is the new executive director for the Minnesota State Southern Agricultural Center of Excellence. LeBrun has been a farm business management instructor since 2009 and is a past president of the National Farm and Ranch Business Management Educator Association. LeBrun succeeds Megan Roberts, who left the post in August to take over as the director of Agribusiness and Food Innovation Program at Minnesota State-Mankato.
Birkemeyer to Lead MBA in ’24 – The incoming 2024 chair of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association is Jim Birkemeyer of R & J Broadcasting. The R & J Broadcasting roster of radio stations include Red River Farm Network affiliates in Ada, Mahnomen, Fosston and Bagley. During his comments at the MBA annual conference, Birkemeyer spoke about his passion for local radio. The MBA conference was held this past week in St. Paul.
Last Week’s Trivia-A is the only vowel that is not found on the top row on a standard computer keyboard. Derry Mackenzie of CHS Hedging wins our weekly trivia challenge. Congrats! Runner-up honors belong to Ian Jensen of the North Dakota Farm Service Agency, Jordan Hulm of Farm Credit Services of Mandan, Randy Knudsvig of First State Bank and Norm Groot of Monterey County Farm Bureau. The ‘first 20’ recognition rounds out with Linda Schuster of Carrington Research and Extension Center, Kristal Rick of MAGNO Seed, Jacob Downing of Cargill, Bob Lebacken of RML Trading, Kevin Praska of Stone’s Mobile Radio, Patrick Jirik of University of Minnesota Extension, Brian Sieben of Hefty Seed, strategic media consultant Angie Skochdopole, Richard Frith of Frith Seed, Jeff Stewart of Linder Farm Network, Lyle Orwig of Certified Agricultural Group, Kevin Schulz of The Farmer, Lloyd Kuster of Bremer Insurance, Phyllis Nystrom of CHS Hedging and Pisek farmer Ernie Barta.
This Week’s Trivia-What comic book superhero lives in Gotham City? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
RRFN Upcoming Events | |||
October 9, 2023 | NDSA All-Breeds Cattle Tour - Lisbon, ND | ||
October 8, 2023 - October 10, 2023 | ND Ass’n of Counties Annual Conference - Bismarck, ND | ||
October 10, 2023 - October 11, 2023 | 2023 UAS Summit & Expo - Grand Forks, ND | ||
October 16, 2023 | NDSU Outlook Conference for Ag Lenders - Grand Forks, ND | ||
October 17, 2023 | NDSU Outlook Conference for Ag Lenders - Minot, ND | ||
October 17, 2023 | Missouri River Joint Water Board - Linton, ND | ||
October 18, 2023 | NDSU Outlook Conference for Ag Lenders - Mandan, ND | ||
October 18, 2023 | Missouri River Joint Water Board - Fargo ND | ||
October 19, 2023 | NDSU Outlook Conference for Ag Lenders - Fargo ND | ||
October 19, 2023 | Missouri River Joint Water Board - Devils Lake, ND | ||
October 27, 2023 | Agri-Women’s Conference - Grand Forks, ND | ||
November 1, 2023 - November 2, 2023 | Crop Outlook & International Durum Forum - Minot, ND | ||
November 1, 2023 - November 4, 2023 | National FFA Convention & Expo - Indianapolis, IN | ||
November 2, 2023 - November 3, 2023 | Transform Food 2023 - Minneapolis, MN | ||
November 7, 2023 | FCS of Mandan Agriculture, Finance and Technology Forum - Mandan, ND | ||
November 9, 2023 | ND SBARE public input forum |
Contact RRFN | Don Wick (701) 795-1315 |
Randy Koenen (701) 795-1315 |
Tyler Donaldson (701)-795-1315 |
Jamie Dickerman (701)-795-1315 |
RRFN Affiliate Stations | |||
Aberdeen, SD – 105.5 FM | Ada, MN – 106.5 FM | Bagley, MN – 96.7 FM | Bemidji, MN – 1300 AM |
Benson, MN – 1290 AM | Bismarck, ND – 1270 AM | Bismarck, ND – 1270 AM | Casselton, ND – 103.9 FM |
Crookston, MN – 1260 AM | Devils Lake, ND – 103.5 FM | Fergus Falls, MN – 1250 AM | Fosston, MN – 1480 AM |
Glenwood, MN – 107.1 FM | Grafton, ND – 1340 AM | Jamestown, ND – 600 AM | Langdon, ND – 1080 AM |
Mahnomen, MN – 101.5 FM | Mayville, ND – 105.5 FM | Roseau, MN – 102.1 FM | Rugby, ND – 1450 AM |
Thief River Falls, MN – 1460 AM | Wadena, MN – 920 AM | Warroad, MN – 92.5 FM | Worthington, MN – 730 AM |
FarmNetNews is a production of the Red River Farm Network. RRFN is based in Grand Forks, North Dakota and provides news to farmers and ranchers across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.