A Weekly Update from the Red River Farm Network
Monday, September 16, 2019
Thank You! The Big Iron Farm Show provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with old friends and create new relationships. The Red River Farm Network building was blessed with great attendance for all of our forums. At RRFN, we are Reporting Agriculture’s Business and that’s exactly what we highlight with our seminars. If you missed one of our forums, go online to hear those programs.
Oil Markets Surge After Drone Attack – A weekend attack on Saudi Arabian oil facilities sent crude prices higher. The drone strike impacts five percent of the daily oil supply worldwide. Brent crude prices were up nearly 20 percent when the markets opened last night. Those gains have backed off, but are still up more than nine percent. President Trump responded by authorizing the use of the country’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve with enough oil to keep the markets well supplied.
Prevent Plant Acreage Claims Still Coming Into RMA – Prevent plant acres remain a big unknown. Risk Management Agency Administrator Martin Barbre told the Red River Farm Network the USDA is looking at dollars, not acres at this time. “We’re at more than $2.5 billion in paid claims for the 2019 crop year, about $2.3 billion is related to flooding and moisture,” said Barbre. “Claims are still coming in. We’ve been averaging half a million each week of claims. We expect that number to grow.” The Market Facilitation Program 2.0 was also discussed in the RRFN forum at the Big Iron Farm Show. Kathy Sayers, the chief of staff for FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce, said payments are going out as quickly as possible. The MFP 2.0 formula is a little more complicated than the first MFP. County rates also vary. “There’s been lots of love mail on that,” said Sayers. North Dakota Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Brad Thykeson was also part of this forum. Listen to the session.
MFU Minute – Farmers need trade certainty, especially when it comes to new trade agreements. Hear from Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish in the latest edition of the MFU Minute.
Disaster Aid Sign-Up Open at FSA – Farmers impacted by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019 can apply for assistance through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP plus) at their local Farm Service Agency office. Earlier this year, Congress approved $3 billion for the USDA to cover crop losses in disasters. This announcement is part of that aid. Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chair, North Dakota Senator John Hoeven is working on the funding piece. “It provides up to 100 percent coverage for FY 2018. For 2019, it’s 50 percent of the payment amount,” says Hoeven. “We anticipate the other half of payments would occur around January.” Only a portion of the disaster aid details are available. Prevent plant provision sign up has not been announced at this time.
MFP Funding Tied to Stopgap Spending Measure – Congress must pass a continuing resolution by October 1 to keep the government running. USDA’s Market Facilitation Program is part of that discussion. House Appropriations Committee Chair Nita Lowey may reject the Trump Administration’s request for $30 billion in Commodity Credit Corporation funding. That’s the fund used to make MFP payments. North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer said this move is “ridiculous,” claiming House Democrats are “playing politics with farmers’ livelihood.”
MFP 2.0: A Welcome Boost to Farm Income – Farm Credit Administration CEO Glen Smith says the Market Facilitation Program is a welcome boost to farm income just as much this year as it was last year. In the Northern Plains, Smith says MFP 2.0 will make up about 22 percent of net farm income. That varies of course, based on the farm. “We have a breakdown between states. It shows an average in Minnesota of $55 an acre, an average in North Dakota at $31 an acre and an average in South Dakota of $42 an acre,” says Smith. “Of those three, Minnesota would fit into the highest per acre average. My guess is that’s from a higher percentage of soybeans, influenced heavily by MFP payments.” Smith couldn’t say if there would be additional MFP payments available in 2020. “Payments are on a year-to-year basis. Next year will be an election year. If the tariffs continue, we may have a strong chance of similar MFP payment levels.”
Farmers and Lawmakers Rally for USMCA Ratification – In a Farmers for Free Trade rally on Thursday, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson said the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement could come up for a vote in the House in the next two months. “The (House) Speaker is working hard to build support in our caucus to bring this to the floor. I think we’re on track, at least at this point.” National Association of Wheat Growers president Ben Scholz told rally attendees the agreement takes an important step toward fixing the Canadian grain grading system and Congressional leaders, along with the Trump administration, need to find a path forward for the USMCA this year.
Promoting USMCA – The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation spent this past week on Capitol Hill. President Kevin Paap says the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is a priority. “Our message is that we want a vote as soon as possible. We need certainty in agriculture right now.” MFBF met with the entire Minnesota congressional delegation and congressional leaders during its time in Washington, D.C.
China Waives Tariffs on US Soybeans, Pork – As a sign of good faith, China will exempt U.S. soybeans, pork and other agricultural commodities from punitive tariffs. On Friday, USDA also announced the sale of 204,000 metric tons of U.S. soybeans to China. High-level trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are expected to resume in early October.
SD Pork Producers View New Tariff Exemption Positive – In a goodwill gesture ahead of the U.S. and China trade talks next month, China is exempting U.S. soybeans and pork from new tariffs. South Dakota Pork Producers Council Executive Director Glenn Muller says this is positive news for the pork industry. “This is a good indication there is some willingness to mediate and come to a consensus that will be workable for both countries to build a long-term relationship.” Muller says this exemption is likely happening because of the expansion of African swine fever in China. Biosecurity efforts are building in the U.S. to keep the virus out of hog herds. “As of last month, China was still our number two export country behind Mexico. With this opportunity, we feel we can build on that and build levels to where they’re profitable for producers.”
Farmers Union Takes Its Message to Capitol Hill – Nearly 400 members of the National Farmers Union spent time on Capitol Hill this past week. North Dakota Farmers Union President Mark Watne said the priority issues included trade, ethanol and concentration. In addition to the meetings with lawmakers, time was spent at USDA. “The most intriguing meeting was the one talking trade. They seem to be optimistic about something happening, but that is still concerning. The thought process is that if there is a little bit of improvement on the trade agreement, we’ll get these markets back.” Watne said that philosophy is a myth. The need for continued trade mitigation payments was advocated.
WOTUS Repealed – The controversial Waters of the United States is back in the news again. “EPA and the Army (Corps of Engineers) are officially repealing the 2015 definition,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. Wheeler said a new definition will be created to provide greater regulatory certainty for farmers, land owners and others. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue called this action “a major win for American agriculture.” A wide variety of agriculture groups, ranging from Farm Bureau to Farmers Union and from the National Association of Wheat Growers to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, praised the move. The National Wildlife Federation is upset with the administration’s decision, claiming it will jeopardize safety for people and animals.
Farm Groups Respond to WOTUS Repeal – The Environmental Protection Agency repealed the Waters of the United States rule this past week. North Dakota Grain Growers Association president Jeff Mertz says due diligence is needed moving forward. “I don’t think the fight will ever be over,” says Mertz. “People are telling farmers what they can or can’t do on their own property.” Mertz also says protecting the water and environment is important for farmers. “We’re doing everything we can to be good stewards of the land.”
MN Corn Matters – Farmers at the Big Iron Farm Show learned about the sustainable future of corn. Hear from Minnesota Corn Growers Association District Public Relations Manager Brent Renneke in this edition of Corn Matters.
The Harvest Will Tell the Story – It may be after the 2020 elections before the trade skirmish with China is resolved. “No doubt; China didn’t get to where they are without being a hardliner, said Kristi Van Ahn of Van Ahn and Company. “They will push it out to see if they have the ability to work with someone else because President Trump has been such a hardliner.” Van Ahn cited a full-page ad placed by the Chinese ahead of the mid-term elections in the Des Moines Register about the Administration’s trade policy. In addition to Chinese demand, the supply issue was discussed during the RRFN Market Outlook forum Wednesday at the Big Iron Farm Show. “What we’re really down to what comes out of the combine,” said Don Roose, president, U.S. Commodities. “Early yields out of Illinois have been disappointing” Ray Grabanski, president, Progressive Ag Marketing, agreed saying the harvest will tell the true story. “When they take their combines out for harvest; that’s the truth serum for all this talk about yield because what is in the hopper that matters.”
What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – Advance Trading risk management advisor Tommy Grisafi outlines the key factors in the trade with ‘What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets.’ The surge in hog prices, higher crude oil prices and the weather are all big stories this week.
Corn Potential is Determined by the Frost Date – It’s been a challenging year for the Volga, South Dakota area. There is mud and water in fields, but Scott VanderWal says the corn that was planted has potential. “It all depends when we get our first frost,” he says. “The soybean pods are flat and we’re seeing two-bean pods in the fields. We’re not sure what that means, It’s hard to estimate soybean yield.” VanderWal says there are a few farmers chopping silage. “Near Redfield, there’s corn that’s dented. Around me, it’s just barely starting to dent.”
Better Market Prices Could Come – The late developing crop and trade with China garnered attention during the market outlook seminar at the Big Iron Farm Show. In this type of market environment, analysts think there could be some better prices to come in this fall and winter. “That’s something farmers should consider dialing in to their marketing plan moving forward,” said Mike Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics. While opportunities may arise, Advancing Trading risk management adviser Tommy Grisafi said farmers will also need the bushels. “If we get a frost next week, price won’t be as important as the bushels.” Northland Community and Technical College farm business management instructor Betsy Jensen wrapped up the conversation saying, “No one is willing to put a bet on China. There are still so many unknowns as to when trade talks will be resolved.” A recording of the session can be found here.
Crop College – While the corn and soybeans in the Northern Plains have potential, the fields could use a dry stretch of weather. Get the details from Peterson Farms Seed agronomist Adam Spelhaug in this episode of Crop College.
A Slow Maturing Crop Drags On – Driving from central Illinois to North Dakota, Gulke Group president Jerry Gulke says the early planted corn continues to be challenged. The late planted corn looks good, but walking in the fields, the ears are small. “It may not have been about frost in this discussion, but maturity. The slow maturity will drag on,” says Gulke. “In 2009, we had similar conditions to this year. No one believed the crop wasn’t there until harvest. At harvest, it got worse and worse,” he explains. “The market rallied through harvest after early lows. It will be a long, drawn out affair that this will be a year to remember. If we have a record crop out there, knock me over with a feather. I don’t believe it.”
Soybean Ending Stocks Catch Analyst’s Attention – Soybean ending stocks were one surprise in Thursday’s USDA report. Stewart-Peterson Senior Market Advisor Naomi Blohm says ending stocks were lowered for the old crop. Blohm’s focus now is with what what happens with the new crop. “We also have 640 million bushels for the new crop carryout. I think that number will continue to get smaller, not because of demand, but lower production. The USDA gave us a yield of 47.9 bushel per acre and I’d be surprised if the yield is that high across the country.” Blohm was part of a RRFN market outlook panel during the Big Iron Farm Show.
ND Soybean Production Decline – According to USDA, North Dakota’s corn production will be up six percent from last year. The average corn yield is forecast at 145 bushels per acre, down eight bushels from 2018. Soybean production is expected to drop nearly 20 percent with an average yield of 35 bushels per acre. The number of harvested acres is estimated to be up 12 percent for North Dakota’s corn crop and down 18 percent for soybeans.
MN Corn & Soybean Production Lowered – The latest crop report says Minnesota’s corn production will be down seven percent and soybean production will drop 21 percent. Corn yields are projected to come in at 171 bushels per acre, down two bushels from last year. The average Minnesota soybean yield is forecast at 45 bushels per acre, down just one bushel from last year.
A 40 Percent Drop in SD Soybean Production – Based on September 1 crop conditions, South Dakota’s corn production is forecast at 626 million bushels, down 20 percent from last year. Soybean production is expected to decline by over 40 percent. South Dakota’s projected corn yield is 156 bushels per acre, down four bushels from a year ago. Soybeans are forecast at 44 bushels per acre, down two bushels from last year.
A Potential for Frost in the Region – There is some potential for frost in the next ten days for the Northern Plains. World Weather Incorporated Senior Agricultural Meteorologist Drew Lerner says warmer conditions are in the future, followed by rain and cooler temperatures. “As far as frost, as we finish the last week of September, we will be running a risk across the region.” Farmers in the Eastern Corn Belt could have frost challenges in mid-October. Lerner joined the Red River Farm Network at the Big Iron Farm Show.
Crop Conditions Vary – There is great potential for a good corn and soybean crop, but everything depends on the weather over the next few weeks. “Typically, in the month of September, we get 190 GDUs in the first part of the month and 130 GDUs in the second half of the month,” said Brenna Beard, territory manager, Pioneer. Beard, who oversees southeastern North Dakota, “We’re hopeful they weather folks are right and we get some above-average temps in the late stages of September. Cropeer territory manager Jim Kokett, who covers west-central Minnesota says the crop conditions vary. “There’s some guys in the northern part of my territory that are very excited about this crop; they got it in on time and it really looks good. As you go south, it gets wetter, less timely, more variable and more concerning for a lot of farmers.”
Bringing the Crop to the Finish Line – Farmers would like more heat and less rain to help finish the corn and soybean crops. In northwest Minnesota and northeast North Dakota, Channel Seed field sales representative Mike Dufault says the crop has potential. “There’s some fields that aren’t up to par, but for the most part, everyone is optimistic if we can get through most of September and early October being frost-free.” With the late spring, weed issues are likely in 2020. Dufault says that puts more importance on a quality residual weed control program.
Plan While You Wait – In South Dakota, rains flooded roads and fields this past week. Dairyland Seeds District Sales Manager Keith Rekow says farmers are trying to figure out how to get the crop harvested and if the crop will reach maturity. “I’m not too concerned about soybeans, but corn is variable.” Rekow tells farmers to keep checking fields. “For wheat, farmers can plan right now and determine what’s going to the grain bin and what’s going to be hauled to town. For the corn and soybeans, farmers can consider what needs to be dried and plan.”
Learning from the 2019 Growing Season – Asgrow Dekalb field sales representative Ryan Fisher says there are several things farmers can learn from this growing season and take into 2020. “We hope this is abnormal weather conditions with all the moisture, but I think guys are much more interested in the earlier products and making that a regular thing.” Fisher, who serves southeastern North Dakota, also anticipates more corn acres next year.
Managing Costs, Maximizing Opportunities – A difficult financial year for farmers has been complicated by a trade war and an immature crop. “The storm clouds are building and I want you to be prepared if those storm clouds turn ugly,” said Frayne Olson, crops economist, North Dakota State University Extension. “We have some real concerns about what is coming next, but let’s not panic. Let’s stay cool, work the problem and don’t make it worse by guessing.” During a forum presented by the Red River Farm Network at the Big Iron Farm Show, Innovus Agra President Bret Oelke described a challenging economic situation in agriculture. “There is a reduction in the amount of prepays at the end of each year; we’ve seen an increase in the amount of account receivables at a lot of our ag retailers and it is taking longer to pay last year’s operating loan. All of this is a function of the revenue that is available.” Oelke said farmers should be working on 2020 crop budgets right now. The big expense is input costs, like seed and crop protection products. “You do have to spend money to make money, but you need to be concerned with efficiency,” said Olson. The forum can be heard online.
Canola Minute – Technology is working its way into the kitchen, especially when it comes to canola. Northern Canola Growers Association Associate Director Sheri Coleman has more in the latest Canola Minute.
TransFARMation: Taking Time for a Farm Transition – One of the most stressful situations for farm families is the transition of passing that farm from one generation to the next. Russ Tweiten focuses on succession planning for AgCountry Farm Credit Services. It can be difficult to hand over the reins. “Farmers who went through the 1980s know what it’s like to struggle and don’t want to turn the farm over and lose it,” says Tweiten. “Give it some time and allow senior farmers to work their way out.” To be successful in the transition process, communication is key. “The thing I sometimes tell people is don’t let your shot be the Las Vegas of the farm. It should be shared and talked to with the rest of the family.” Hear from Tweiten in this episode of TransFARMation.
Farmers Continue to Monitor Wheat Quality – It is a wet, slow harvest season. “If you add up the combine hours that you’d normally have, you’d be done twice with small grains and here we are about half done,” said Reed Ihry of Ihry Insurance. Quality issues, including sprouting and falling numbers, have become commonplace. The corn and soybean crops are behind the normal pace and maturity is a concern. “We have some guys with a soybean crop that will make it and some that aren’t. We have some guys with corn that will make it and some that aren’t. We have a lot of enterprise units to be looking at so they need to keep in touch with us about their guarantees. For wheat, as an example, there has been a 12.5 percent price drop so the guarantees have gone up a bit.”
Wet Fields Continue to Delay ND Harvest – Wet fields continue to delay harvest near Dickinson, North Dakota. There’s been three inches of rain in the last week. Eberts Harvesting owner Myron Eberts says their spring wheat was harvested before the rains began, with minimal quality issues. “The yields were across the board. The later wheat was poorer, in the 30 to 40 bushel range. In the other fields, yields were around 60 bushels an acre. Now, fields in the area look tough.” Eberts says Kenmare, North Dakota is the next stop. Warmer temperatures in the forecast could help dry fields, but some farmers aren’t sure if the wheat will be worth harvesting. “There are lots of quality issues. In the eastern part of North Dakota, there are lots of falling numbers,” he says. “We’ll see what happens when the sun shines for a week. That will tell the story.” This Harvest Hotline segment is made possible by the North Dakota Mill, U.S. Custom Harvesters and AgCountry Farm Credit Services.
Dry Bean Scene – Farm organizations and members of Congress gathered in Washington D.C. on Thursday for a rally supporting ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Get the details in the Dry Bean Scene, made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, UPL, FMC, Johnstown Bean Company, Central Valley Bean Cooperative and SRS Commodities
Interest Rates at Historic Lows – Despite a difficult market environment, there is some positive economic news for farmers. “Rates are near historic lows,” said Andrew Grothmann, Hillsboro branch manager, AgCountry Farm Credit Services. “When many of our producers are looking at ways to save some money, this is a huge benefit.” Regardless of markets, Grothmann says loan products with long-term rates that provide cost savings and allowing farmers to reinvest in their farming business.
Resilient – That’s how Brent Qualey, who is in real estate sales for Farmers National Company, describes the land market. “There’s a number of reasons why the land market should be soft, such as commodity prices or tariffs, but it just hangs in there.” Who are the buyers and sellers in this land market? Qualey says the vast majority of buyers are farmers. “The sellers are primarily estates. This land is being transferred from generation to generation and the new owners don’t have a connection to the property.” During a land values seminar at the Big Iron Farm Show, the panel said there isn’t an overabundance of land on the market. Rental rates are also remaining stable.
Another ND Palmer Amaranth Confirmation – Emmons County, North Dakota is the latest area of the state with confirmed Palmer amaranth. This is the second finding of the noxious weed in North Dakota this year. Last year, the weed was confirmed in five counties and the confirmed sites continue to be monitored.
Minnesota Beef Update – The Minnesota Beef Council is seeking your pressure cooker beef recipes. Learn more from Council Director of Industry Relations Royalee Rhoads in the latest Minnesota Beef Update.
Looking Ahead to the 40th Big Iron Farm Show – The Big Iron Farm Show began with phenomenal crowds. Rain influenced attendance on Thursday, but it was still a busy day for exhibitors. With the 2019 show in the books, the focus now turns to the 40th edition of the Big Iron Farm Show. “We’re in the process of looking at next year,” said Bryan Schulz, general manager, Big Iron Farm Show. “We’ll look back on those 40 years and highlight how we’ve changed over time; 40 years for a show like this is not a normal thing.” The West Fargo show featured 600 companies and 900 exhibit spaces.
ADAMA and Taranis Collaborate on Precision Ag Technology – The crop protection company, ADAMA, and precision agriculture startup, Taranis, have formed a global partnership. As a strategic partner, Taranis will provide advanced aerial imagery scouting to enhance ADAMA’s end-to-end service and solutions.
Temporary Restraining Order Lifted – A temporary restraining order has been lifted, allowing the Spiritwood Energy Park Association to end its contract with North Dakota Soybean Processors. According to Agweek, the case will return to the courts to determine if the Spiritwood Energy Park Association violated the terms of its contract with North Dakota Soybean Processors. A soybean crush facility is still in the plans for the Spiritwood group, with ADM expected to operate the plant.
Titan Machinery Acquires Uglem-Ness – Titan Machinery is taking over the Uglem-Ness implement dealership in Northwood, North Dakota. The deal is expected to be finalized on October 1. With the purchase, Uglem-Ness owner, Bruce Uglem is retiring.
Bringing Innovation to Agriculture – Falco Seed has launched a new North American enterprise with headquarters in Winnipeg. “We have our own breeding program,” emphasized Falco Seed Area Business Manager Scott Anderson. “This last year, we launched three new canola varieties. They have great attributes; we dialed in the environment so we can help farmers place these products in the type of soil or type of climate they have.” A new novel weed control option is available. “It has no residual and you can plant any crop you want the next year; it is very flexible, low cost system.” Falco is the commercial seed brand of Cibus.
SD Corn Comments – Resources are available for South Dakota farmers and ranchers who have faced crop losses this season. Get the details in this week’s Corn Comments, a feature from the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.
Evaluating Beet Varieties for Pre-Pile Campaign – Last week’s mud slowed down the pre-pile campaign for sugarbeet farmers, but conditions are improving. There has been a tendency for area sugarbeet processing companies to begin pre-pile earlier and earlier. “As a result, we started sampling varieties side-by-side, screening varieties to see what would work best for an August 15 harvest,” said SES VanderHave sales and marketing manager Nick Revier. “In two years of data, we have some statistical information that starts to point to some genetics for an early campaign. So if a grower knows that next year his cycle is going to be the first one harvesting, he needs something that is going to ton up enough that we can keep it in the lifter, but sweet enough so we can get those early harvest premiums.
ND Groups Working on Unleaded88 Fuel Option – The North Dakota Corn Council and North Dakota Ethanol Council are partnering with fuel retailers to offer the Unleaded88 fuel option. This higher-octane fuel contains 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. Matching grant dollars are available through June 30, 2020 for fuel retailers to establish the necessary infrastructure to offer Unleaded88. Get the full details.
MCGA Promotes Membership – The Minnesota Corn Growers Association participated in the Big Iron Farm Show trade show. MCGA District Field Manager Nicole Frank said the show was an opportunity to highlight the benefits of membership. “Minnesota Corn is a grassroots organization that really relies on our members. In addition, we help to promote research and sustainability and also promote corn to those who aren’t familiar with our farming practices.”
National FFA Organization Hits Record Membership – More than 700,000 student members are now part of the National FFA Organization. That’s a record for student membership, an increase from the more than 669,900 members recorded in 2018. The top states for student membership include Texas, California, Ohio and Missouri.
ND Farmers Markets and Growers Association Update – Cantaloupe and squash are in-season right now. Hear from Berg Grain and Produce owner Scott Berg of Fargo in the latest North Dakota Farmers Markets and Growers Association Update.
NPF Hosts Journalists to Learn About Innovations in Food and Agriculture – Twenty journalists from across the United States are gathered in St. Louis to learn about innovations in food and agriculture as a part of a training hosted by the National Press Foundation. This includes writers and broadcasters from nationally known news outlets, such as the Associated Press, Politico and Forbes, as well as a handful of locally-based and specialized journalists. “I grew up on a farm in South Dakota,” says National Press Foundation President Sandy Johnson. “When I took this position five years ago, one of my top priorities was to get a program together for reporters to teach them and educate them about farm and ag issues.” St. Louis helps bridge the connection between consumers and their food, with access to several agricultural companies. “At the Bayer research facility, the journalists can literally see how a GMO is made and see that it’s not scary.” Listen to the story.
Goehring to Lead NASDA – North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring was elected the president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture on Wednesday. The association represents elected and appointed agriculture commissioners, secretaries and directors of ag departments. Goehring will host the 2020 NSDA meeting in Medora next September.
AMVAC Announces Career Moves – American Vanguard Corporation and AMVAC welcome Nathaniel Quinn as the marketing manager for corn, soybean and sugarbeets. Previously, Quinn had a marketing role at Corteva Agriscience. AMVAC Director of Portfolio and Marketing Communications Management Neil DeStefano has also added business development to his responsibilities.
Percy Takes Technology Role with UPL – UPL has named Adrian Percy as its chief technology officer for the crop protection business. Previously, Percy was the head of research and development for the crop science division of Bayer.
New Officer Team for Mid America CropLife Association – The Mid-America CropLife Association has elected officers for 2019-2020. Tim Riley of AMVAC is the president and Lindsey Jackson of Corteva Agriscience is the vice president. Greg Walsh of CNI is secretary/treasurer.
Former NDSU Plant Pathologist Honored – The Mid American CropLife Association has honored Dr. Carl Bradley with its Educator of the Year Award. Bradley is now with the University of Kentucky, but spent the early part of his career at North Dakota State University as an Extension plant pathologist.
Last Week’s Trivia- Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue previously served as the governor of Georgia. Bob Lebacken of RML Trading was the first to respond with the correct answer and is our weekly trivia winner. Dennis Sabel of Minnesota Farm Bureau, Jodi Johnson of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Adam Kuznia of AGSERV and Bob Brunker of J.L. Farmakis earn runner-up honors. Our trivia honors also go out to Laurie Hoffman of VistaComm, retired North Dakota Farmers Union economist Dale Enerson, Vince Restucci of R.D. Offutt Farms, Joan Hoovestol of North Dakota Beef Commission, Bruce Miller of Minnesota Farmers Union, Mohall farmer Gene Glessing, Carver County feedlot officer Alan Langseth, Harvey farmer Bill Ongstad, Edgeley-Kulm FFA Advisor Anna Kemmer, Jim Altringer of CHS Dakota Plains Ag and Lloyd Kuster of Bremer Insurance.
This Week’s Trivia- Who is Batman’s crime-fighting partner? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com.
RRFN Upcoming Events | |||
September 17, 2019 | NDSU Extension Cover Crop Field Day | ||
September 18, 2019 - September 19, 2019 | MN Nutrition Conference - Mankato, MN | ||
September 19, 2019 - September 21, 2019 | North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Convention | ||
September 23, 2019 - September 25, 2019 | SD Farm & Ranch Stress Summit - Oacoma, SD | ||
September 25, 2019 - September 27, 2019 | Women in Agribusiness Summit - Minneapolis, MN | ||
September 26, 2019 - September 27, 2019 | ND Bankers Association Ag Credit Conference - Bismarck, ND | ||
September 27, 2019 - September 28, 2019 | SD Sheep Growers Association Convention - Spearfish, SD |
Contact RRFN | Don Wick (701) 795-1315 |
Randy Koenen (701) 795-1315 |
Whitney Pittman (701) 795-1315 |
Tyler Donaldson 701-795-1315 |
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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.