It’s Time for Big Iron – The Red River Valley Fairgrounds is full of activity today as ag company representatives put the final touches on their displays for the Big Iron Farm and Construction Show. This show features more than 900 exhibit displays. Last year, an estimated 60,000 people attended the three-day show. The Red River Farm Network is in a new location for its daily forums, near the center of the grounds. RRFN’s new building is the former Geringhoff building and will be home to daily forums on markets, weather, farm policy and more. The entire RRFN schedule can be found online.

House to Vote on Stopgap Spending Bill – Congress is back in session after the five-week August recess. House Speaker Mike Johnson is preparing to bring a continuing resolution up for a vote on Wednesday. This bill would fund the government through the end of March. The bill includes language requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. Senate Democrats and a small group of conservative House members want a clean bill, without any problematic language. The stopgap bill does not address the farm bill that also expires at the month’s end. Congress is in session for less than 15 days before returning to their home districts to campaign.

Cross-Commodity Lobbying for Farm Bill Passage – In a rare move, a handful of commodity groups are meeting lawmakers in joint congressional visits this week. The groups representing corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, rice and sorghum are partnering on this lobbying trip. An ag lender will be part of each office visit on Capitol Hill. The farm groups hope to demonstrate a sense of urgency with the farm bill. The National Farmers Union is also in Washington, D.C. this week for its legislative fly-in.

Farm Bill Urgency – The National Farmers Union is hosting a fall legislative fly-in this week. “Our North Dakota Farmers Union members are really excited to get out to Washington D.C. and join about 300 family farmers and ranchers,” said Matt Perdue, government relations director, NDFU. The goal of the trip is to voice a sense of urgency about the farm bill, “particularly with some of the headwinds that we’re seeing in the farm economy.” The NFU is focused on the farm safety net. Reference prices, crop and livestock insurance programs, disaster programs and farmer friendly climate programs will be discussed.

Geopolitics and the Impact on Agriculture – For the third consecutive year, geopolitical specialist Jacob Shapiro kicked off the Next 5 Years Executive Conference in Fargo. Surprisingly, Shapiro said the U.S. is the source of the most geopolitical instability worldwide. “If Americans feel like the world is going to hell in a handbasket, look in a mirror because the world is giving us a reflection of what we are giving to it.” When historians look back on 2024, Shapiro doesn’t believe the focus will be on the U.S. elections. It will be on the Middle East. “As the result of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a rag-tag group of Yemeni militants has shut down shipping on the Suez and the Red Sea and the much-vaunted U.S. Navy has not been able to do anything about it so we’re going around Africa.” That may work when crude oil is $70 a barrel, but Shapiro questions what would happen if oil is $110 a barrel and this situation persists. Finally, Shapiro advised farm families to look ahead to the next 25 years, to think like entrepreneurs and to monetize the carbon markets.

A Protectionist Trade Policy Expected Under Trump or Harris – Whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris is in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025, a more protectionist trade policy is anticipated. Ben Conner is a partner in a trade policy consulting firm called DTB AgriTrade and made that point during the Next 5 Years Conference. Conner said Trump is advocating for more tariffs. “That’s certainly what he’s suggesting in his campaign promise and it’s in the Republican platform,” said Conner. “It’s questionable what authority he has to do that so we’ll have to see if he gets elected what might happen there, but at the moment it looks like we have to be prepared for more tariffs.” Conner described Harris as a blank slate. There is the expectation another Democratic administration would prioritize climate policy when adopting trade policy. “Clean energy is definitely going to be a focus for her and what that means on the trade front is a little more of an unknown. We just don’t know at this point how Harris would approach that.”

Canadian Canola Faces Chinese Tariffs – The Chinese government plans to start an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola imports. This decision follows new Canadian tariffs being placed on Chinese electric vehicles. China is the world’s largest oilseed importer and more than half of the canola produced in Canada typically ends up in China.

Politics Sends Canola Market Lower – China’s decision to initiate an anti-dumping investigation against Canadian canola oil sent canola markets lower this past week. Winnipeg-based Ag-Chieve President David Drozd said this is not the first time China has targeted canola oil. “Back when the Huawei executive was being held (in 2019), they said they weren’t going to buy from Richardson (Internationa) and Bunge; we had the market go down the next day and it never really recovered to any great extent until they resolved the issue with the Huawei executives,” said Drozd. “I’ve always said every time our prime minister zigs, China zag, and the farmer gets punished.”

Canola Minute – Here’s the latest Canola Minute from the Northern Canola Growers Association. This week, NCGA Executive Director Barry Coleman joins us to discuss the biofuels market. Listen to the report. 

A Harvest Low – Total Farm Marketing Senior Market Advisor Naomi Blohm believes the harvest low may already be in this market. “I think that corn is on the harvest low; I really think that that happened. Beans, though, are a mixed bag.” Over the last ten years, Blohm said soybeans had a harvest low in September six times. “In four years, the harvest low occurred in October. I think a lot of producers are taking advantage of the recent rally and getting a little bit more current with the cash sales.” Blohm will be part of the Red River Farm Network market outlook forum next Wednesday at the Big Iron Farm Show. She will join Kristi Van Ahn of Van Ahn and Company and Tommy Grisafi from Advance Trading on the market panel.

What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets – In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets, Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson says corn, soybeans and wheat have had back-to-back higher weekly closes. Funds were taking profits from their short positions. “We have a report on Thursday and if it is a little bit friendly, it could be the catalyst.” The cattle, hog and crude oil markets are under pressure to start the week.

Corn Needs More Time – Fordville, North Dakota farmer Joe Miller wrapped up his wheat harvest and expects to be harvesting edible beans soon. “The wheat had good yields, decent quality,” said Miller. “We sprayed our edible beans today (Wednesday) so we should be combining in the next ten days.” Miller is optimistic about his dry beans and soybeans. The corn needs more time to finish before a hard freeze. “I’m guessing it’s going to be a fairly wet crop, so we’re going to have to have our grain dryers going.”

Corn Matters – In this edition of Corn Matters, Minnesota Corn Growers Association District Field Manager Marlene Dufault invites you to stop by the MCGA booth at the Big Iron Farm Show. Listen to the report.

Harvesting in the Rolla, ND Area – Oklahoma-based custom harvester David Misener’s crew has been working in northern North Dakota. Spring wheat yields have generally been in the 70 bushel per acre range. “The highest yield I’ve been in has been 85 bushels per acre.” Quality has been “okay.”

Slow Wheat and Canola Harvest – Kennedy, Minnesota farmer Jeff Mortenson is waiting to finish wheat before moving into canola harvest. The wheat is coming off slowly and with lower protein than expected but has good yields. Mortenson expects to be happy with the canola crop although combining might be a challenge. “There’s a handful of fields where the canola is laying down. There’s a lot of lodged and laying canola to harvest.”

A Pretty Fair Crop – Wheat and canola are coming off in the Minot, North Dakota area. Kansas-based Dolechek Harvesting is seeing a decent crop. “I think it was maybe a little less than anticipated but overall still a pretty fair crop, a lot of it in that 2,300-pound range,” said Dane Dolechek. Wheat had good test weights and generally looked good but went into storage for now. Dolechek is hoping to finish up in North Dakota soon and head back south to start the fall harvest.

Crop Report From Southwest ND – Belfield, North Dakota farmer Byron Richard is working cattle between harvest activity. Richard was able to seed his wheat early and was able to harvest a good crop.”Some of the guys that got in a little later are running into test weight issues,” said Richard. “But, overall most guys got a pretty good crop.” Richard says the corn crop is doing exceptionally well this year.

Poorly Timed Rain – A big rain event was not what Peter Hvidsten needed before his wheat harvest near Stephen, Minnesota. “We got about two-and-a-half inches of rain. After that, we dropped a couple of points in test weight and the color of the wheat turned whiter and less red,” said Hvidsten. “The biggest thing was the falling numbers and those quality aspects that poked their ugly head out.” As far as the profitability is concerned, Hvidsten said the yields were easily offset by quality and protein issues.

Beet Pre-Pile Keeps Rolling – The sugarbeet pre-pile continues to roll throughout the Red River Valley. “We’ve had some sample pulls that have been above average in terms of tonnage,” says Harrison Weber, executive director, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association. “We certainly don’t need any more moisture.” Weber expects a good crop and reminds everyone to be more diligent when traveling locally during beet harvest.

Spuds Need Cool Nights – Justin Dagen has started digging potatoes on his farm near Karlstad, Minnesota. “We’re totally dependent on pulp temperature,” said Dagen. Dagen expects to be able to ramp up his harvest once the nighttime lows drop below 50 degrees. “We’re just looking for seasonal, cool temperatures.” Dagen got his wheat off and the crop is in the bin. “Happy with the wheat, beautiful bushels and fairly decent protein.”

Late Blight Found in MN Potatoes – Late blight has been confirmed in Minnesota. “It can wipe out a field of potatoes within a matter of a few days and they can also get in the tubers and cause them to rot in storage,” said Andy Robinson, Extension potato agronomist. “That’s not a disease you want to play around with.” Robinson said it is important to scouting fields this late in the season so growers don’t lose the crop this far in the game.

Dry Bean Scene – Kelley Bean Facility Manager Dean Nelson says the dry bean harvest has started in Hatton, North Dakota area. “On Labor Day, we got our first load in,” said Nelson. “We had two large days of dumping on the Monday/Tuesday and with a little bit of weather slowed us down a little bit.”  With the amount of dry bean acres in production, Nelson expects a large crop. Listen to all the details in this week’s Dry Bean Scene. 

Late-Season Alfalfa Management – Alfalfa production has been good this year but rains have interfered with getting the crop off the field. North Dakota State University Extension Forage Crops Production Specialist James Rogers expects that farmers might be in a tough spot when deciding to take a final cutting or not. “Do it now so that the alfalfa has enough time to replenish its carbohydrate reserves before a killing frost.” Rogers says the other options are not cutting it or waiting until after a killing frost. Listen to the whole interview with Rogers here.

Minimizing Weaning Stress – Weaning season is approaching quickly. Managing stress in calves is vital to minimize production losses from weaning. “I’ve always found out the best way to wean calves is to have the cows being fed something similar to what the calves are going to be weaned onto,” said Karl Hoppe, livestock systems specialist, North Dakota State University Extension. “It’s different if they’ve never eaten it before. They’ll not eat for several days until one gets hungry enough to take the risk to eat it.” However, the several days of not eating can create a pretty large setback.

Feedlot Permit Process Needs Common-Sense Approach – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has proposed changes to the state feedlot permit process. AgriGrowth Executive Director Darin Broten said MPCA’s one-size-fits-all approach does not work. “Science has to drive decisions, not arbitrary dates as has been proposed by the MPCA as to when manure can be applied to farm fields.” The MPCA has also proposed a cover crop requirement if farmers want to apply manure in the fall. Broten said Minnesota is a very large state and that regulation is not practical. “We really believe we should have a more thoughtful conversation, take a step back and engage with farmers and the industry to figure out how can we do a better job across the state for all farmers.” Broten emphasized manure is a valuable resource that improves soil health and increases crop yields.”

Make Your Voice Heard on Proposed Feedlot Rules – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has announced changes to feedlot permits that are nearing their expiration date. The proposed permits would require farmers to apply manure in the spring or plant cover crops for fall-applied manure. “The case they’ve made is that focusing on cover crops offers the greatest potential to guard against nitrates,” says Stu Lourey, government relations director, Minnesota Farmers Union. “The permit changes aren’t done until they’re done so it’s important to make your voice heard.” The public comment period has closed but Lourey urges those affected to continue to tell their story.

Momentum Continues for U.S. Beef Exports – U.S. beef exports totaled 110,000 metric tonnes in July. That’s up seven percent from one year ago and it’s the second largest month of 2024. The growth was fueled by sales to Japan, Taiwan and Mexico. Pork exports are up ten percent from a year ago. That was boosted by record sales to Mexico. In July, U.S. lamb exports were down 12 percent from a year ago.

MN Beef Update – Minnesota Beef Council Business Manager Heather Delong joins the Minnesota Beef Update to recap the Minnesota Beef Checkoff’s participation in the Minnesota State Fair. Listen to the Minnesota Beef Update. 

Anthrax Vaccinations Recommended – The North Dakota Department of Agriculture is urging farmers and ranchers to vaccinate their livestock against anthrax. State Veterinarian Ethan Andress said conditions are ripe for the disease. “In places where anthrax has been in the past, vaccination is recommended.” It is not easy to pinpoint when and where anthrax will occur so keeping up with vaccinations is important. The vaccinations can help prevent and slow the spread of the disease. Visit the North Dakota Department of Agriculture’s website for more information regarding anthrax.

DNR Seeks Input on Plan to Expand Elk Herd – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hosting a meeting Tuesday night in Thief River Falls to develop plans to increase the size and range of Minnesota’s elk herd. The Legislature passed an amendment to enhance the elk population in northwest Minnesota. There is some pushback from farm groups worried about damage to crops and the animal disease threat.

A Financial Drain – Going into 2025, working capital and balance sheets will be tight. “This 2024 crop may drain a lot of farmers’ working capital,” says Ben Olander, a farm business management instructor with Central Lakes College. “I think yield will hopefully balance out what crop prices are, but then again you’re just contributing to the general problem (of too much supply).” Olander believes a proactive response to the difficult times in agriculture is a must.

Slightly Less Bearish News in Net Farm Income Forecast – USDA is forecasting 2024 net farm income at $140 billion. That’s 4.4 percent below the levels seen in 2023. That’s a big change from the February forecast when USDA predicted a 25 percent drop in net farm income. The credit goes to a combination of strong livestock markets and lower farm input costs. Cash receipts for corn production are expected to decline 20 percent and soybeans are projected to decline nearly 15 percent. Cash receipts for cattle production are forecast to increase 6.5 percent. The dairy industry is projected to enjoy an increase in cash receipts of 9.4 percent.

Farmer Sentiment Takes a Downturn – The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer confirmed a declining farmer attitude in August. The levels are near those seen during late 2015 and early 2016 when “we were in the early stages of a multi-year downturn in U.S. agriculture.” Jim Mintert, director, Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture, said farmers were worried about the combination of low crop and livestock prices and high input costs.

Well Grounded: A Discussion with Randy Dickhut – In this edition of the Well Grounded podcast, our guest is Randy Dickhut. Dickhut’s 50-year career in agriculture includes production agriculture and farm management experience. While at Farmers National Company, Dickhut served as the senior vice president of real estate operations. Will farmers be able to purchase all the land that will come up for sale? Where are land values headed this fall? Those questions and more are answered in this podcast. Well Grounded is a presentation of Acres and Shares and the Red River Farm Network. Listen to the podcast.

Port Strike Possible – If a new contract is not in place by October 1, North America’s largest longshoremen’s union could go on strike. After two days of negotiations with port ownership, the two sides remain at odds. This union handles the ports on the East Coast, Gulf Coast and Puerto Rico.

The Push-Pull of the Fertilizer Market – Farmers seem to be waiting for lower fertilizer prices while the retail sector holds prices firm. “What we’ve seen before were a lot of signals prices should go higher; suddenly you wake up one morning and the price is falling,” said Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer, StoneX. “There’s a lot of buyers out there lined up just waiting for some small opportunity to jump in.” Linville sees scenarios around the world that would keep fertilizer prices elevated. Demand appears to be low for fall fertilization in the region. Linville encourages farmers to contact their local fertilizer provider to secure necessary supplies.

Mass Q3 Appeal Filed – A group of Midwest farms and pork processors is appealing a lower court ruling that upheld the Massachusetts Question 3 initiative. Triumph Foods is leading this effort along with Christensen Farms Midwest, New Fashion Pork and others. This animal welfare law bans the sale of pork that doesn’t meet specific sow housing standards. A federal court ruled earlier this summer there is no conflict between the Massachusetts rule and federal regulations.

Praise for Common Names Initiative – The Chilean government will allow U.S. exporters to continue to market their products using common names, such as parmesan and prosciutto. National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Gregg Doud describes this agreement as a milestone for U.S. dairy farmers. The European Union and other countries have taken aggressive steps to restrict other countries from using these common food names.

RRFN Welcomes KQ92-Warroad – The Red River Farm Network is proud to announce the addition of its news radio partner, KKWQ, Warroad, Minnesota. Tune in to KQ92 for the latest farm news, markets and agricultural weather. RRFN partners with 23 radio stations to deliver timely information for today’s farmer and rancher. The entire roster of RRFN radio affiliates can be found online.

Draft Insecticide Strategy Outlined – The Environmental Protection Agency released its final herbicide strategy to protect endangered and threatened species a year ago. Now, we’re seeing the new draft insecticide strategy. The goal is to protect 850 different species when registering or reevaluating an insecticide product. After receiving public input, EPA Senior Regulatory Advisor Melanie Biscoe said an interim decision will be made. After the interim decision, crop protection companies will have 60 days to submit labels. “Once we get those labels at that 60-day point and review those, the registrant will have some time to prepare the labeling before it appears on all product labels. The product labels have to go through a state registration process and that timing varies by state.” The EPA said this draft strategy is designed to protect endangered species, support farmers, and protect the environment.

Farming for the Future – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is partnering with the Red River Farm Network and the Linder Farm Network to provide information on soil health events and topics. Jordan Harder with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture discusses best management practices when using the herbicide acetochlor. Listen to the report. 

Rural Electric Co-ops Recieve $$ for Climate-Friendly Energy – President Joe Biden was in Wisconsin Thursday to announce $7.3 billion in federal funding for rural electric cooperatives. The money will be used to build or purchase climate-friendly energy projects. Sixteen rural electric cooperatives have been selected for the money, including three in this region; Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Great River Energy and Minnkota Power Cooperative.

New Money for Conservation Easements – USDA has announced new funding for its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program for the new fiscal year. The money is through the Inflation Reduction Act and will be used help landowners conserve, restore and protect wetlands, productive agricultural lands and grasslands. The NRCS is administering this program.

Supporting Value-Added Agriculture – Applications are being accepted until October 23 for two grant opportunities available through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. These grants are geared toward value-added businesses and livestock processors for start-up, modernization and expansion costs. The goal is to increase ag product sales. Priority projects include food safety, hemp fiber processing, kosher and halal markets and meat or poultry processing.

Ceres Global Ag and Miller Milling Continue Partnership – Ceres Global Ag Corp has announced the continuation and expansion of its regenerative agriculture partnership with Miller Milling. Cere Global is an agriculture, energy, and industrial products merchandising and supply chain company. Miller Milling is one of the largest wheat millers in the U.S. The collaboration started in 2023. Ceres CEO Carlos Paz says the program de-risks the adoption of new practices for growers and fosters connections between farmers and flour millers.

Morosini to Expand Bushel’s Digital Payments Work – Bushel has added Tony Morosini to its leadership team as the chief digital payments officer. Morosini will concentrate on Bushel’s digital payment solutions effort with Bushel Wallet. Most recently, Morosini was the general manager and senior vice president at P97. Bushel is based in Fargo.

Vive Crop Protection Expands Commercial Leadership Team – Lana Green is the new national account manager. Steve Eskelsen is the northern technical sales agronomist. Green has over 15 years of experience with FMC, Syngenta and WinField United. Eskelsen’s experience is with ADAMA and Monsanto. Two other internal promotions were made. Jonathan Adamson moves up to regional account manager and Greg Esco is the new U.S. sales leader.

Fielding Questions – Fielding Questions is a podcast produced in collaboration between AgCountry Farm Credit Services and the Red River Farm Network that explores the world of farm finance and rural life. AgCountry Vice President of Insurance and Customer Education Rob Fronning discusses a post-harvest marketing plan, the supply/demand report  and an important crop insurance deadline. Listen to the podcast.

Vannurden to Receive FFA VIP Citation – Seventeen individuals will be honored with National FFA’s VIP Citation during the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis on October 23-26. One of the honorees is Doug Vannurden, who was the assistant supervisor for North Dakota agriculture education programs and the FFA for 23 years.

Leopold Finalists Named – The Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award will be presented for the first time in December. Four finalists for the award have been selected. The finalists are Hannah Bernhardt of Finlayson, Dawn and Grant Breitkreutz of Redwood Falls, Tom Cotter of Austin and Meadowbrook Dairy in Sartell.

Vold to Serve Another Term – USDA has announced the appointment of a dozen members to serve on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Suzanne Vold of Glenwood, Minnesota was one of the farmers reappointed to serve another three year term on the dairy checkoff board.