Timely and Relevant – In a fragmented media environment, FarmNetNews is here to deliver timely and relevant news for farmers, ranchers and all agricultural stakeholders. In this issue, you’ll gain perspective on harvest. There’s news on a stopgap spending bill to keep the government operating and the latest export news. If you know someone who would benefit from FarmNetNews, subscribe online or contact don@rrfn.com. The Red River Farm Network team serves our radio audience with the latest news, markets and weather information. Valuable content is also available on Twitter and Facebook. That includes Top Stories of the Day, which is brought to you by the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

ND Soybeans Are a Pleasant Surprise – Considering the dry conditions this past season in western North Dakota, Pioneer Seeds Field Agronomist Larry Lunder is pleasantly surprised at the soybean yields. “I thought we may be in tougher shape, but the crop seems to be holding a fairly decent average. The average varies from 25 to 55 bushels per acre.” Dry conditions likely impacted the soybean yields more than the early freeze. “If the freeze affected something, it was more likely on a crop where the maturity was pushed or maybe it was something the farmers put in later than normal in the tough planting conditions.”  Hear the story.

Soybean Harvest Going Fast in Roseau County, MN – Roseau, Minnesota farmer Tony Brateng was in the combine this past week, harvesting soybeans.   “Yields seem to be good. We got a lot of rain in June so there’s some stand loss, but for the most part, the soybeans are podded up nice,” says Brateng. “We haven’t seen much for frost damage at this point.” Brateng plans to wrap up soybean harvest this week if the weather cooperates.

A Good Quality Crop at Reynolds, ND – Soybean harvest has started in the Reynolds, North Dakota area. Valley United Co-op CEO Paul Coppin says the drier conditions help. “I’d say we’re approximately 15-to-20 percent done with soybean harvest in the area. It’s been dry and farmers say there are still some green beans in the fields, but the crop is good quality.” Farmers aren’t wasting time getting the crops harvested and the fields worked.

A ‘Better Than Average’ Soybean Crop – In northeastern South Dakota, farmer Bob Metz is busy with soybeans, with harvest at about 40 percent complete. “We’re pretty lucky, because the worst fields we have are yielding around the low 40s, but most of the fields are at 50 and 60 bushels per acre. That’s better than average in our part of the state. Further south, the soybeans are yielding 30-to-40 bushels per acre. We were week-to-week on rains, not getting more than one inch of rain at once all summer. If farmers missed one or two of those rains, their crop really got hurt.” Metz also says corn is making good progress, well ahead of last year. “Corn is in the low to mid 20s for moisture, with nice yields and decent test weight.”

Crop College – Soybean harvest is picking up pace in the Northern Plains. Peterson Farms Seed President Carl Peterson has more on harvest in this week’s Crop College.

Nebraska Soybean Yields Show Promise – The soybean harvest is beginning in Nebraska. Channel Technical Agronomist Tammy Ott says the preliminary yield reports are good. “We had a stretch of time in August when things were dry and it knocked off the top end yield potential of the soybeans. Dryland soybean yields were basically in the 50 bushel per acre range and the heavily irrigated areas have been in the 80-to-90 bushel per acre range. Farmers are pleased so far.”  Once harvest is over, there are a few corn and soybean options for farmers across the country to consider. ” There’s a lot to learn and talk about selection and placement of the varieties on your acres.” Hear the story.

A Harvest Update From Illinois – In central Illinois, market analyst Matt Bennett says there have been good drying days and the corn harvest is underway. The soybeans are also going through combine. “We saw some incredible yields and we also saw some nitrogen loss. We were super wet in southern Illinois, so that’s to be expected, but we’re pleased with the overall soybean yields so far. If farmers aren’t selling off the combine, I don’t know what they’re waiting on.”

Prioritize Corn Fields for Harvest – Dairyland Seed western region agronomist Brian Weller says the soybean yield reports vary. “The yields range from 20 bushels per acre in drought stricken fields to areas with good rains and fertility with 75 bushels per acre.” Once soybean harvest is complete, Weller recommends prioritizing corn fields for harvest. “This time of the year, it seems like we always get some days of high wind. We want to make sure we aren’t dropping ears and make sure the stalk quality and integrity is there,” says Weller. “The more plants you have problems with, that’s going to push that field further up in the harvest order. You’ll want to get those harvested first.” Hear the story.

Canola Harvest Wrapping Up in ND – Custom harvester David Misener is wrapping up canola harvest in the Rolla, North Dakota area. “Some canola yielded more than 2,000 pounds an acre, but on the other end, some yielding less than that. It all depends on when it was planted and how much moisture the crop received. It was on the dry side around the area.” The early frost did damage some of the canola. “Nothing has been said about green count, but it makes us wonder how high it is in the crop.”

Canola Minute – Northern Canola Growers Association board member Zach Jacobson is about two-thirds done harvesting canola in the Langdon, North Dakota area. Hear more in the latest Canola Minute.

Full Sugarbeet Harvest Starts In a Few Days – Yields and sugar are improving for the sugarbeets in the Minn-Dak Farmers Cooperative growing area. “We’ve been at pre-pile harvest since August 10 and it’s nice to see the light at the end of the tunnel, watching the calendar turn into October,” says Mike Metzger, vice-president of agriculture, Minn-Dak Famers Cooperative. “The sugar percentage of this crop is increasing. Deliveries the other day at the factory were at 16.5 percent and that’s a good thing.” The full harvest is scheduled for October 1, only a few days away.

Sugarbeet Industry Ramps Up for Harvest Campaign – Betaseed Regional Sales Manager Lynn Dusek is optimistic about the crop. “We’re reaching the tail-end of the pre-pile operations and the beet crop looks really good. September has been a blessing. The crop has put on more tons and we’ve seen some exciting sugar (content) gains in the last couple weeks in the Valley.” Sugarbeet growers are still fighting Cercospora Leaf Spot. In the southern Red River Valley, seven sprays have become commonplace. “Growers are having to tank mix multiple modes of action to get control over this tough pest; (there’s been) multiple sprays and increased costs going into the crop.”

CR Includes Funding for CCC – On a 359-to-57 vote, the House passed a continuing resolution Tuesday evening that keeps the government funded through December 11. The bill does include $21 billion for the Commodity Credit Corporation and $8 billion in nutrition assistance which was left out of the original bill. As expected, farm groups are expressing relief the House has reached the agreement that avoids a government shutdown and keeps the CCC funded. The bill now goes to the Senate where it is expected to pass quickly.

CCC Pushback Could Show Up Again – The Russell Group President Randy Russell expects the pushback over the Commodity Credit Corporation to resurface during the next farm bill debate. “It’s inviting people to look at the CCC and what it funds,” says Russell. “While this may be a partisan issue right now, in the past, Republicans have used the CCC funds and stretched its legal authorities. Democrats have done the same. All it’s doing is inviting in the future people to take a hard look at what’s done with the CCC. This should be something of a pause for everyone in the agriculture community to worry about moving forward.”

Brown, Barnes and Cass Counties Lead the Region in Crop Insurance Indemnities – As of mid-September, the Risk Management Agency paid out more indemnities in eastern North Dakota and northeastern South Dakota than any other part of the country. South Dakota’s Brown County received more than $56.5 million in crop insurance payments so far this year. That’s the most for any county in the tri-state region. That’s followed by North Dakota’s Barnes County with over $52 million and North Dakota’s Cass County with more than $48 million. The number one county for crop insurance indemnities in Minnesota is Norman County with nearly $12 million.

MN Corn Matters – Sign up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 is now open. Learn more from Minnesota Corn Growers Association President Les Anderson in the latest Corn Matters.

USDA Extends CFAP Eligibility to All Barley Growers – Barley is now on the list of eligible commodities the first round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Previously, only malting barley was considered for the program. If an application was submitted for non-malting barley and declined, a farmer must submit a new application. If a farmer’s first CFAP application was approved already for other crops and they also grow barley, they do not need to resubmit a new application. However, those farmers should contact their local FSA office for the full details. Those interested have until October 9 to make the adjustment. Download the CFAP application here.

COVID-19 Funding for Biofuels Still In Limbo – The Continuing Resolution being considered does not include additional COVID-19 funding for the biofuels industry. However, National Farmers Union biofuels advisor Anne Steckel says it does offer language prohibiting the USDA to pay oil refiners out of the Commodity Credit Corporation. “It seems strange they would actually have to put that in the language, but we are glad the barriers were put up.” Renewable Fuels Association CEO Geoff Cooper says the Trump administration has already done a lot for the oil industry. “We were shocked oil refiners were pursuing $300 million in CCC funding that should be reserved for agriculture, but we know how creative refiners are and they’ll look for any opportunity to pick the pocket of the American farmer.” Cooper also believes USDA has the authority already to use existing resources through the CCC to provide assistance to biofuel producers and an act of Congress isn’t needed to make this happen.

House Passes Effort to Address Small Refinery Exemptions – The House passed the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act this past week. Included in the legislation are provisions from the Renewable Fuel Standard Integrity Act, authored by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson. This bill sets an annual deadline for refiners to request exemptions form the Renewable Fuel Standard. It also requires the EPA to publicly release the name of refiners requesting a waiver, the number of gallons they’re requesting to waive and the number of gallons of biofuel to not be blended as a result of the waiver.

Farmers to Family Food Box Program Strengthening Milk Prices – The announcement USDA will be hosting another Farmers to Families Food Box program is helping boost Class III milk prices. The demand from the government program is expected to last through the end of November into December. “What’s going to happen after the election is up in the air, but producers need to be aware cow numbers are on the rise and there will still be an ample supply of milk,” said Dan Basse, president, AgResource Company. “Once the government support program leaves us, then we’re back into an oversupply level going into 2021.”

Perdue Talks Trade, CFAP and More with MN Farm Bureau – To help agriculture deal with the market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the USDA announced another Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, offering aid to 89 commodities and crops. Not much additional relief has been provided for biofuels or farmers depopulating livestock. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue explained to Minnesota Farm Bureau members on Thursday why the agency hasn’t included this in their relief efforts, noting the need for Congress to pass another COVID-19 relief package. “Our CCC guidelines didn’t allow us to go out there,” said Perdue. “The USDA is traditionally about the producer and we have limits to how far we can go in the overall supply chain. Congress may address some of this in another COVID-19 package, but it remains to be seen.” Regarding trade, Perdue said there’s still a way to go with Japan and the European Union. Perdue joined the Minnesota Farm Bureau for their Shop Talk series on Thursday. Watch the Shop Talk session.

MFBF Update – The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation hosted a special opportunity this past week, being joined by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue during their Shop Talk series. Learn more from Director of Public Policy Amber Glaeser in the latest MFBF Update.

Election Year Priorities Addressed at United Fresh Conference – The United Fresh Washington Virtual Conference featured representatives of the Trump and Biden campaigns for a look at ag policy. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s former chief of staff, Ray Starling, credits President Trump for putting together a quality team at the USDA. Starling also brought up trade relationships. “To put it bluntly, President Trump was the voice in the wilderness calling for a check and balance on our trade relationships when other efforts hadn’t shown much progress.” U.S. Dairy Export Council CEO Tom Vilsack served as agriculture secretary during the Obama Administration and represented Joe Biden’s team. Vilsack focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, infrastructure, immigration and ag exports. “We used to be able to say the U.S. has a $25 billion trade surplus in agriculture and today, we’re looking at reductions in that surplus. It could be the first time in 60 years we haven’t had an ag surplus.” Hear the full story.

Dry Bean Scene – Dry bean harvest is in full swing in both North Dakota and Minnesota. According to Kelley Bean Company – Hatton, North Dakota location manager Dean Nelson, the crop is running around average in the area. Hear more in this week’s Dry Bean Scene on the Red River Farm Network, made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association, BASF, Johnstown Bean Company and SRS Commodities.

No Economic Incentive to Store Soybeans at Harvest – Farmers are cautious about selling soybeans off the combine. Midwest Market Solutions President Brian Hoops says farmers don’t really want to sell on the lower markets, but storing them is not a good option either. “There’s no economic incentive to store soybeans, whether you’re doing it commercially or your own farm. It’s a losing proposition to store soybeans and the markets are telling farmers they want soybeans now,” says Hoops. “This will replenish the pipelines and we’ll likely be talking about the price going lower with more farmer selling.” Basis performance will be key under the weight of farmer selling. “We have good demand for the crop at this time of the year. Whether we can keep the good pace or we start to see China demand slowing, we’ll be cautiously optimistic.”

The Soybean Demand Story Remains Positive – E-Hedger market analyst Ryland Textor says the demand story for U.S. commodities continues to stay positive. “We’ll start getting more concise yield reports with farmers harvesting. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing lower yields coming out of Iowa with the drought and severe weather that went through this summer. I think the market has done a good job of trying to price that in, figuring out what’s going on.” Demand is showing up in cash bids. “With elevators across the country bidding more aggressively, it does set things up for a bigger surprise for the stocks report later this month. The market could go lower if that’s the case. It just seems like elevators are finding themselves short on some soybeans on this type of a rally.”

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – The harvest is going fast, but yields may only be average. The Dow starts the week higher and breakevens remain an issue. Those stories and more in this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets featuring Tommy Grisafi from Advance Trading.

Export Shipments Will Be Key – Export sales have been somewhat consistent for more than one month and the corn and soybean markets are adjusting. Shipments will be the biggest question moving forward. “You can have all of the export sales you want in the world, but until they’re actually gone from the U.S., there’s a chance of cancellation and that’s a concern we have,” said Kristi Van Ahn, market analyst, Van Ahn and Company. “It wouldn’t be such a concern if it wasn’t ahead of a presidential election. There’s no denying President Trump and China have been at each other’s throats at some point in the last five years. It would be shocking to not see China not take a stance on Trump ahead of the election, cancelling some sales. We’re not seeing that right now and they’re still buying. That’s a good sign.”

China Needs Soybeans – The soybean market continues to find strength on good demand and ideas of short global supplies. Kluis Commodities hedge consultant Jacob Burks expects demand to continue until the next South American crop is harvested next February. “China’s buying right now is strictly on their needs. I don’t know how much it has to do with fulfilling any type of trade agreement. They just need soybeans,” says Burks. “South America doesn’t have any to give them, so they’re coming to the U.S. We’ll be watching for the next month to make sure they’re being shipped out.”

Lerner: Cool Temps Expected for the Next Few Days – A deep trough of low pressure is forecast to bring unusually cold temperatures to the Midwest in the next few days, with freezing temperatures occurring across much of the Northern Plains into the Corn Belt. World Weather Incorporated Senior Agricultural Meteorologist Drew Lerner says a change in the upper air wind flow will take place similar to the pattern we saw during early September, only further to the east. Lerner expects the cold air mass to last for about ten days. A leading area of low pressure will promote a swath of significant rain through the middle of the region ahead of the next week’s cold temperatures. Hear Lerner’s latest weather forecast.

Soil Sampling is a Must – AgVise Laboratories soil scientist John Breker reminds farmers to pull a sample before doing any fall fieldwork. “There’s a decent window right now for soil sampling.” If farmers haven’t already, Breker says they may also want to consider seeding cover crops this fall. “There may be a chance to plant some cover crops after the soybeans and some of the early harvested corn. Who knows, maybe the October weather will allow for some nice growth? Winter survival with the fall seeded rye can be a tool in a wet spring to use more water.”

Potato News – Field conditions are dry as potato harvest continues in the Grand Forks, North Dakota area. Local farmers Paul Sproule and Tim Myron say a half inch of rain would be appreciated. Drier fields make potatoes more susceptible to bruising at harvest. In turn, they don’t store as well. Hear more in this week’s edition of Potato News, made possible by Corteva Agriscience, Bayer, Sipcam Agro and BASF’s Provysol fungicide, the new standard for early blight.

Support for Membership in the WTO – A coalition of more than 60 farm groups have sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, saying the United States should maintain its membership in the World Trade Organization. President Trump has been a vocal critic of the WTO, The letter said trade reforms are welcomed, but the WTO is important for U.S. agriculture.

Bolsonaro: More Brazilian Sugar Coming to the U.S. – According to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, the United States will increase its import quota for Brazilian sugar by 80,000 tons. In exchange, Brazil will open its market to more U.S. ethanol. Bolsonaro made that announcement on Twitter, but the news has not been confirmed by the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office.

Canadian Leaders Launch New Session of Parliament – Canadian leaders kicked off the new session of parliament with speeches from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Governor General of Canada Julie Payette. The ongoing COVID-19 response and the economy dominated the agenda. The Canadian leaders also cited their commitment to free trade and promised to compensate farmers for losses incurred by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement and other trade deals.

California to Phase Out Use of Gas-Powered Vehicles – California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order, banning the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks over the next 15 years. Fourteen other states have a memorandum of understanding with California to join the effort to support electric vehicles with zero emissions. That represents 40 percent of the fuel usage in the United States, having a significant impact on the ethanol industry.

MFU Minute – Minnesota Farmers Union Government Relations Director Stu Lourey reflects on the recent National Farmers Union Fly-In in the latest MFU Minute. Listen here.

Swanson: Make Tough Cash Rent Decisions Now – According to Wells Fargo Agricultural Economist Michael Swanson, the farm balance sheet looks strong on paper, but there is a disconnect between the USDA’s definition of a strong balance sheet and farmer sentiment. “When you look at the levels of debt to equity, they’re very low in interpretation, but that comes with a huge caveat: land values,” says Swanson. “We’ve seen land values go from $1.6 trillion in 2010 to $2.6 trillion in 2020. Farm families have more net wealth, because of that, but is it really useable? It’s not the same as cash income.” If farmers are cash renting ground, Swanson says re-evaluate the productivity. If it’s causing you to lose money, Swanson says find a way to better negotiate rent or let it go. “The tough cash rent decisions will make an impact on farmers for 2021. That’s the one thing sticking out like a sore thumb in the farm economy.”

Export Demand Offsets Large Pork Supply – The inventory of hogs and pigs was just over 79 million, up one percent from one year ago and down one percent from June. The breeding herd inventory was down 1.5 percent and the market hog inventory rose one percent from a year ago. Steiner Group Consulting President Len Steiner is still optimistic demand will offset the large supply. “On a per capita basis this year, we think pork supplies will actually be down despite the fact we’ll have record pork production. The reason is exports.” It’s very unusual to see rising hog prices in the fourth quarter, but that is what Steiner is expecting. “This fourth quarter is going to be an oddball, but it’s good for the producers.” After COVID hit, packing plants shut down or slowed production. Analysts estimate 1.5 million hogs are backed up in the system or otherwise unaccounted for.

August Cattle Placements Higher Than Expected – August placements were 9.2 percent higher than last year. The September 1 on-feed total was 3.8 percent higher than last year, which was slightly higher than trade expectations. August marketings were three percent below last year’s total.

R-CALF’s Legal Challenge Continues – R-CALF USA is back in court to challenge the mandatory beef checkoff program. The U.S. District Court of Montana dismissed a case that challenged the constitutionality of the beef research and promotion program. In the original litigation, USDA entered into a memorandum of understanding with 15 state beef councils. R-CALF, through attorneys at Public Justice, claims the MOUs are illegal because USDA failed to take public comment.

Lawmakers Discuss ESA Reform – The Endangered Species Act was under the microscope during a hearing of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Wednesday. North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer said the endangered species program would be successful if more species were delisted. There are over 2,300 species and plants on the list today and Cramer said only 60 have been delisted since 1973. A bill to delay litigation over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s delisting activity was highlighted, but action is not expected until the new Congress is in place.

Grant Money Available to Help with Wolves in MN – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is making $60,000 available in grant money to help livestock producers prevent wolf attacks. The grants will provide reimbursement for costs of approved practices to prevent wolf-livestock conflicts. Applications for this fourth round of funding through the Wolf-Livestock Conflict Prevention Grants must be postmarked by January 15, 2021. Read more about the grants.

NRCS and FEMA to Collaborate – A plan has been announced to enhance collaboration between the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The two agencies will cross-train staff and cooperate during disaster recovery.

engAGe: Breaking Work-Life Barriers – When it comes to setting priorities, BASF regional technical sales representative Ruhiyyih Dyrdahl-Young doesn’t believe women have to give up one thing to achieve another. “I try really hard not to put things in silos in my head. Instead, this is one reality,” said Dyrdahl-Young. “It’s also one thing to hire women in field positions, but there’s another where we make sure people can be whole in their role. My work has done that for me and it makes a difference.” Dyrdahl-Young talks about her career, priorities and breaking barriers in agriculture. The engAGe podcast is presented by Corteva Agriscience and AgCountry Farm Credit Services. Hear the full episode.

Neonic/GMO Lawsuits Dismissed – The Center for Food Safety and the Center for Biological Diversity have no legal standing in a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the use of neonicotinoids and GMOs. The agency reversed an earlier decision to ban the use of insecticides and biotech crops in wildlife refuges. The activist groups challenged that decision, but a federal judge in Washington, D.C. dismissed both lawsuits.

Progress Seen in Settling Roundup Lawsuits – Bayer is continuing to settle lawsuits over cancer claims associated with the use of Roundup. There are binding settlement agreements for 45,000 cases out of the total of 125,000 cases. At a hearing in San Francisco, a mediator in the case said he was very optimistic about settling more cases before a scheduled trail date of November 2. Earlier this summer, Bayer agreed pay $11 billion to settle these lawsuits.

XtendFlex Gains European Approval – The European Commission has approved Bayer’s XtendFlex soybean trait. This was the final approval needed for a full launch of XtendFlex soybeans in the U.S. and Canada in 2021. This technology is tolerant to glyphosate, glufosinate and dicamba. Bayer CropScience President Lisa Safarian said this news “highlights the strength of Bayer’s soybean pipeline.”

Decent Spring Wheat Results in Northern Plains – Spring wheat harvest has gone pretty good the Northern Plains this year. “We’ve seen some great results,” said Jeff Koscelny, global commercial lead, WestBred. “We are really proud of the WestBred genetics we’ve been able to provide farmers.” While there’s still more harvest season left, Koscelny is looking forward to 2021. “We’re excited about WB9590 and WBD9719, those products showing farmers great yield potential, standability, protein and a full agronomic package to help farmers be successful.” Hear the story.

SD Corn Comments – Ethanol has many benefits for South Dakota and its environment. Get the details in this edition of Corn Comments, a production of the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.

AMVAC Releases New Herbicides for ’21 – AMVAC has introduced two new weed control products for the 2021 growing season. IMPACT CORE is a postemergence corn herbicide that includes extended residual control. SINATE deals with resistant weeds in LibertyLink corn.

McDonald’s Joins Effort to Promote Regenerative Agriculture – McDonald’s is joining with Cargill, the Walmart Foundation and World Wildlife Fund to promote regenerative grazing practices in the Northern Great Plains. This new program is focusing primarily on South Dakota, Montana and Nebraska. By improving management on one million acres over five years, this coalition believes it can reduce emissions, improve soil health and influence climate change.

MN Beef Update – Minnesota Beef Council Director of Industry Relations Royalee Rhoads has a recap of a beef summer grilling campaign in the latest Beef Update. This program is made possible by the Council and the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association.

Net Income Gains for Louis Dreyfus – The Louis Dreyfus Company reports net income of $126 million for the first half of the fiscal year. That’s up from $71 million from one year ago. The agricultural commodity merchant cites good performance for most of its businesses during the pandemic.

Penn Leaves Pilgrim’s Pride, Sadri Promoted to CEO – Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation says president and CEO Jayson Penn has left the company. In June, Penn was put on leave after the U.S. Justice Department indicted him on conspiracy to rig chicken prices, Pilgrim’s Pride says Chief Financial Officer and acting CEO Fabio Sadri has been promoted to CEO.

Climate Change Advisory Council Appointed – Minnesota Tim Walz has made appointments to his advisory council on climate change. The 15-member board includes representatives from the agriculture sector. The appointees include Clarissa dairy farmer Pat Lunemann and Browns Valley farmer Anne Schwargerl. Lunemann is the past president of the AgriGrowth Council and Minnesota Milk Producers Association. Schwargerl operates an organic farm called Prairie Point Farms.

Hamre Moves to Proseed – Jeff Hamre is the new sales manager for Proseed. Most recently, Hamre was a regional manager for Legend Seeds.