Nebraska Farmers Struggle to Recover – Nebraska farmers and ranchers are struggling to recover from last week’s winter storm, which caused major damage and flooding. Newman Grove, Nebraska farmer Greg Anderson says the storm impacted everyone. “The three-day storm started out as heavy rain and then turned to ice, snow and wind,” says Anderson. “The weatherman called it the strength of a category two hurricane. I’d believe it, as it caused a lot of damage.” Livestock producers have been especially hard hit. “There’s extreme mud conditions in feedlots and stress on cattle. If there’s calving going on, there’s difficulties, death and loss.” Anderson concludes that it will take months, if not years, to get all the roads and bridges repaired. Listen to the interview.

SD Farmers and Ranchers Face Flooding Challenges – For South Dakota crop and livestock producers, the recent blizzard and flood events are creating numerous challenges. “There are several producers referencing calf losses as high as 10 percent,” says Alvaro Garcia, agriculture and natural resources program director for South Dakota State University Extension. “There was heavy snowfall even before the blizzard, which caused roofs on dairy barns to collapse.” The battle isn’t over yet, with the National Weather Service is calling for continued flooding in the state. Garcia says this means energy requirements will continue to be high for livestock. “This time of year the requirement typically start to drop, but the animals lose when they lie down on the wet floor. Also, feed quality could become an issue.” Hear more of the conversation.

(Photo: FEMA News)

“Massive Losses” for Nebraska Agriculture – USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Greg Ibach, who is the former Nebraska Agriculture Director, says losses in the state are massive. “Fifty-six of our 93 counties have requested disaster declarations. The Nebraska Agriculture Department initial estimates are as much as $400 million in livestock impacts through losses, reduced productivity and anticipated death loss because of sickness looking forward.” Ibach says weather related cattle losses in South Dakota, Iowa and other cattle producing areas is also a struggle for cattle producers.

Perdue: Safety Net Programs May Not Be Enough – In Nebraska and Iowa, the historic flooding is leaving behind large-scale damage. In a Fox Business Network interview, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said that existing safety net programs may not be enough to cover the damages. “I spoke with the Governor of Nebraska, and he thinks there may be as many as one million calves lost in the state,” said Perdue. “That’s catastrophic. We’re going to do everything we can to help those people get back on their feet.” Perdue expects a supplemental disaster bill out of Congress soon, which may help cover the flood damages. In total, damages could exceed $400 million in livestock losses and $440 million in crop planting delays or lost acreage.

(Photo: FEMA News)

Trump and Bolsonaro Talk Trade – On Tuesday, President Donald Trump welcomed Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to Washington D.C. This was the first White House visit for the Brazilian president. In a press conference after the leaders met, President Donald Trump said the two have similar views. “We certainly feel very, very true to each other on trade.” Trump went on to say President Bolsonaro and himself are both committed to reducing trade barriers. “That includes facilitating, investing and supporting innovation across a range of industries, particularly energy, infrastructure, agriculture and technology.” As a result of the meeting, Brazil agreed to import 750,000 tons of U.S. wheat duty-free. The two countries also plan on using science-based conditions for U.S. pork exports to Brazil. For beef, USDA food safety officials are scheduled to visit Brazil to evaluate its raw beef inspection system before allowing Brazilian beef imports into the U.S.

Brazil to Offer Duty-Free Tariffs for U.S. Wheat – Brazil will implement a duty-free tariff rate quota for U.S. wheat. This gives U.S. wheat growers access to about 28 million bushels of opportunity, according to U.S. Wheat Associates Vice-President of Communications Steve Mercer. “Argentina is where Brazil buys most of their wheat. Everything else has had a 10 percent duty on it,” explains Mercer. “Most of the time, Argentina can provide the wheat needed, but they’ve never actually opened this tariff rate quota even though they agreed to it when they joined the WTO.” It’s unknown how soon this will go into effect. There’s hope it could happen this year, but Mercer says the industry won’t know for a while. “It will likely end up being commercial sales that go into the next marketing year starting June 1. We may be able to move wheat out in May. We hope it’s immediate, but we don’t know yet.”

Sugar Growers Monitor U.S. Brazil Meeting – While the meetings between U.S. President Trump and Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro were positive for U.S. wheat growers, Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association President Dan Younggren says sugarbeet growers continue to watch closely. “We don’t need another pound of sugar in this country, but I think we will be fine (in the discussions).”

Sugar Trade Policy Working for Local Growers – The keynote speaker at the International Sugarbeet Institute, Dan Colacicco, answered questions and updated sugarbeet growers on trade and policy. Colacicco says trade agreements are always a concern, but the sugar policy in place is working. “Right now, the U.S. policy is any surplus needs we have go to Mexico. That came out of the North American Free Trade Agreement,” explains Colacicco. “I don’t know if we have any room for Brazilian sugar.”

Dry Bean Scene – Trade and farm bill implementation remain top policy priorities for agriculture. Senator John Hoeven hosted a roundtable discussion about those topics with North Dakota agriculture groups in Bismarck. Hear more in this week’s Dry Bean Scene, made possible by the Northarvest Bean Growers Association.

A Slow Thaw Begins in the Red River Basin – The snow pack is starting to melt in the Red River Basin and so far, it’s considered a slow thaw. Grand Forks-based National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Greg Gust is hopeful the big runoff will be delayed. “Even if we get to the point where we have a day or two where the nighttime temperature stays above freezing, that will mostly happen in west-central Minnesota in the near-term,” says Gust. “Some areas will see creeks starting to break free, but it will be about a week or two until that happens in the main valley corridor.” Listen to the story.

Local Farmers Focused on the Snowmelt – Local farmers are starting to think about planting season, and a few warm days are helping. Sugarbeet growers in the northern part of the Red River Valley would like to be in the field by the first week of May. “It’s the summer that dictates what kind of a crop we’ll have,” explains American Crystal Sugar Company board chairman and Fisher, Minnesota farmer Curt Knutson. “We are certainly coming out of an excellent storage season for sugarbeets in the piles. Going into spring, we’re optimistic.”

Introducing Weed Management Strategies – The Red River Farm Network has a new podcast: Weed Management Strategies. The ten-part series explores best management practices and the tools to help farmers take care of herbicide resistant weeds. In the debut episode, Tom Peters, an agronomist for University of Minnesota and NDSU Extension, explains what a delayed spring means for resistant weeds. Weed Management Strategies is presented by the North Dakota Soybean Council. Take a listen on rrfn.com, iTunes or download a podcast app on Google Play.

Flooding to Impact Fertilizer Movement North – Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek says flooding on the nation’s inland waterways not only impact barge transportation to the ports, but it also movement of fertilizer products north. “April is typically the busiest month of the year for barge shipments heading north on the river system. I fully expect those shipments to be delayed as well.” Steenhoek says there really is no “Plan B” when it comes to moving agricultural products.

ND Farmers Prepare for Delayed Planting – Farmers are preparing for delays this planting season. Hurdsfield, North Dakota farmer Jeff Mertz expects some logistical issues. “Fertilizer does come up from the south. If they’re having issues with roads washed out, it will only add to the problem,” he says. “A lot of fertility didn’t get applied last fall. There was no time for field work.” There are still soybeans and sunflowers in fields across North Dakota. “The main thing is to get everything as ready as we can. We have a plan, but it’s only as good as the weather it’s written on.”

Tough Decisions Ahead for Spring Fertilizer Application – Farmers may need to make some tough decisions this spring due to the lack of fertilizer applied last fall. University of Minnesota Extension Soil Scientist Daniel Kaiser says planting corn during its optimal planting window is still the best option for yield. However, it does limit post-planting fertilizer application options. “If you have high enough soil tests, five gallons of 10-34-0 tends to be enough to get through the year. It all depends on soil test.” Sulphur and nitrogen can be broadcast on the soil surface, but Kaiser says phosphate and potassium are the biggest challenge. “Farmers have to be careful with liquid fertilizer in terms of rate. They put a lot of investment in seed, and if there’s too high of a rate there are stand reductions.”

What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets – USDA is set to release a planting intentions and stocks report at the end of the week. In this week’s edition of What’s Hot, What’s Not in the Markets, Advance Trading Risk Management Advisor Tommy Grisafi explains the market impact.

Analysts Prepare for March Prospective Plantings Report – The trade is leaning somewhere around 86 million acres of soybeans and 91.5 to 92 million acres of corn ahead of the upcoming USDA Prospective Plantings report. That’s according to Zaner Ag Hedge Chief Marketing Strategist Ted Seifried, who says the estimates don’t factor in the recent weather challenges. There can always be changes. “We know the recent flooding is not good, and we don’t know how quickly we will be able to recover,” says Seifried. “I’ve heard people talk about three million acres of corn lost. I do think that’s excessive, but it would be difficult (even under good conditions) to be ready for planting..” Seifried says there will likely be a strong corn crop for the U.S. The USDA Prospective Plantings Report will be released Friday at 11 a.m. Central Time.

Rural Perspectives: Episode Ten – The Red River Farm Network has teamed up with AgCountry Farm Credit Services in a podcast series called Rural Perspectives. USDA released the March World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report. In episode ten of Rural Perspectives, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Miller breaks down the report, including what the numbers mean for farmers. Take a listen.

MFBF Update – Here’s the latest from the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation. The Minnesota Legislative Session is moving fast and furious, with finance bills and property tax packages making appearances. Hear more from MFBF Associate Director of Public Policy Josie Lonetti.

ND Home Exemption Reform Bill Passed – The North Dakota House of Representatives has passed a home exemption reform bill. The bill changes the required amount of income from farming to qualify for the exemption from 50 percent of net income to 66 percent of gross income. It also changes the look-back period from three years to two years and eliminates the off-farm income test. The bill previously passed the Senate and now awaits Governor Doug Burgum’s signature.

Holding Out Hope for a Hold-Even Budget – Funding for NDSU Extension and the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station is being considered by the North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee. State Board of Agricultural Research and Education member Sarah Lovas says there is hope a hold-even budget will prevail. “Coming out of the House, NDSU Extension has a hold-even budget,” she says. “The bill proposes cuts for the Agricultural Experiment Station.” The bill will now be reviewed by a subcommittee including Jamestown, North Dakota farmer and Senator Terry Wanzek. “The session isn’t over yet. We don’t want to cause long-lasting effects by under funding important programs,” says Wanzek.

ND Legislative Report – The Senate Appropriations Committee heard testimony on the agriculture research bill. North Dakota Soybean Growers Association Legislative Director Scott Rising says more funding is needed for NDSU Extension. Listen to more in the North Dakota Legislative Report, sponsored by NDFB, North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, North Dakota Corn Growers Association and North Dakota Farmers Union.

U.S. Hog Industry On Alert for African Swine Fever – As African Swine Fever spreads through Asia and Eastern Europe, U.S. hog producers are being asked to boost biosecurity measures and monitor hog herds. USDA Chief Veterinarian Jack Shere says be vigilant. “If your pigs are sick, report immediately,” he says. “We have response plans in place and incident management teams ready to deploy should an incident happen in the U.S.” African Swine Fever usually includes high fever, decreased appetite, weakness, red and blotchy skin lesions, vomiting, coughing and difficulty breathing for hogs. Producers can report by calling 866-536-7593.

Less Than Ideal Conditions for Feedyards – Warming temperatures and rising rivers are creating less than ideal conditions for feedyards. Warren Rusche, a beef feedlot management associate with South Dakota State University Extension, explains that positioning of feed supplies close to livestock is important with rising water levels. Another concern that could come up this spring is a shortage of roughage. Rusche says some of those supplies are running short. “Now, producers have to think about finding extra hay and bedding,” says Rusche. “They may even have to look at some unconventional practices. Low quality CRP hay is one option for a bedding source.” Listen to more.

Stretching Feed Supplies – What may have looked like a sufficient hay pile last fall is becoming questionable for some cattle producers. The prolonged cold of the winter months required an increase in feed to meet the energy needs of cattle. “There are some instances of producers running low on supplies and concerned that their hay may not get them to where they need to go,” says John Dhuyvetter, NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist at the North Central Research Extension Center. Just by looking out the window, producers know it will be a while before green grass. Dhuyvetter says for most, turnout might be mid-May into even late May. So, producers need to have to a plan on how to stretch their feed supplies. “In most cases, feeding some grain or concentrate feed while limiting hay might be an option.” In the end, if an adequate feed supply isn’t available, producers may have to consider selling some of their stock. Hear more.

Minnesota Beef Update – The Minnesota Beef Update is a production of the Minnesota Beef Council and the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association. Cattlemen are making efforts to combat foreign animal diseases. Hear more from MSCA Executive Director Ashley Kohls.

Increased Interest in Corn Ahead of Planting – A delayed planting season is likely for local growers. Pioneer U.S. Corn Lead Ryan Myers says the snow can be positive and negative. “A hard freeze can help the ground get fit and we’re going to start with good moisture when we get the crop in,” says Myers. “From that perspective, that’s fantastic. On the other hand, everyone gets concerned if this will melt off in time to get the crop planted in a timely manner.” Myers says there is an increased interest in corn this year. “Invoicing reflects a shift to corn and a good growth year for Pioneer. We just launched our next generation of hybrids. They’ll be in grower’s hands for the first time this spring.”

Focus on What You Can Control in Spring Fieldwork – As the snow begins to melt and thoughts turn toward spring, Helena Agri-Enterprises product manager Jim Loken reminds farmers to focus on what you can control in the field. “Last fall was a real challenge. This spring, it will be a race to get things done,” says Loken. “Simple things like split applying nitrogen is a real proactive step to mitigate potential losses.” Loken tells farmers to be aware of what they are putting in the sprayer tank. “Adjuvant selection is going to be critical. Adding an adjuvant to the mix can make a difference on the level of control in the field.”

Beet Stock Values – According to Acres & Shares, last week 119 American Crystal Sugar Company beet shares traded through brokers at an average price $3,451.05 per share.

Later Planting Season, Lower Yield Projections – Local sugarbeet growers may want to double check seed needs before planting. Ses VanderHave sales manager Nick Revier says the later the planting season, the lower the yield projections will be. “Sugarbeet growers may have to compensate by planting a few more acres.” Revier says cooler soils are also always a challenge. “There’s a chance of root rot early on. Farmers may have to plant a little heavier population to compensate for emergence issues.”

Plan Now for Soil Sampling – Agvise Laboratories soil scientist John Breker tells farmers to plan now for soil sampling, especially with the possibility of a late spring. “Make sure your soil testing plan and fertilizer decisions are made as soon as possible. It will be a very compressed time for all agronomists and crop consultants,” says Breker. “If you didn’t get your fields soil tested last fall, make sure you get fields sampled.” Fields should be fit before collecting those samples. Breker says farmers can collect two foot cores while there is still some frost at depth.

Strong Yields Start with Genetics – Going into the 2019 growing season, maximizing yields will be critical to determine profit or loss. Pioneer Field Agronomist Kyle Poling says there are some key points to consider when pushing for maximum soybean yields. “We should focus on genetics, selecting varieties adapted and proven in the area,” he says. “We also need to have those traits protecting against natural yield robbers.” Maximizing yields takes a systems approach. “If we’re setting higher yield goals, are we making sure we’re fighting the raw materials and nutrients to hit that that yield goal? We have to make sure we change that part of the system. Then, we want to keep the plant efficient and free of disease.”

MN Corn Matters – Corn Matters is a weekly update from Minnesota Corn Growers Association. The association has been advocating for additional funding for the University of Minnesota Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Tech Transfer program. Hear more from MCGA President Brian Thalmann.

USDA Releases U.S. World Market Share Projections – During the next ten years, U.S. agriculture will face additional competition from other countries in the world market. By 2028, USDA expects U.S. corn exports to increase by seven million tons from this year. That’s a gain of 11 percent. However, the corn market share could drop by approximately five percent. U.S. soybean exports are anticipated to increase by 25 percent by 2028, with a loss of about four percent of the market share.

ND Ag Exports Decline in 2018 – There was positive growth for North Dakota exports in 2018, even with trade tariff uncertainty. The U.S. Census Bureau says the state’s exports had an overall increase of up to $6.8 billion. North Dakota equipment manufacturing segment exports increased 26 percent, along with fertilizer exports. Petroleum contributed about 75 percent of the growth. Tariffs on U.S. products did have a negative impact on agriculture. Ethanol, specialty crops, oilseeds and pork exports declined in 2018.

Disaster Loans Available for MN Farmers – The Rural Finance Authority Board is issuing a disaster declaration for Minnesota. This makes low interest loans available for farmers who have suffered barn collapses or other damage to record winter snowfall. The program is offering financing to repair existing agricultural buildings to pre-disaster conditions. Eligible farmers must have received at least 50 percent of their annual gross income from farming for the past three years. They also must work through banks to secure those RFA loans. Learn more about the loans.

Flood Resources for SD Farmers and Ranchers – South Dakota crop and livestock producers are cleaning up from the recent flood and blizzard events. In response, South Dakota State University Extension has compiled a variety of resources for those farmers and ranchers. The National Weather Service is calling for additional flooding throughout the state due to continue snowmelt. Currently, the Sheyenne River is in a minor flood stage. The James, Big Sioux and Vermillion Rivers are expected to experience flood crests similar to March 13 and 14 levels.

NDSU Extension Offers Flood Prep Resources – There is an above normal risk of flooding in several areas of North Dakota this year, and NDSU Extension is advising the public to get prepared now. According to Ken Hellevang, an agricultural engineer and flooding expert with NDSU Extension, water amounts from snow pack can add up quickly. For those living in rural areas, Hellevang says to have a plan in place if roads become impassable. Farmers and ranchers should move livestock, machinery feed, grain, fuel and agricultural chemicals to higher ground. NDSU Extension has compiled several resources to help farmers and ranchers prepare.

Nebraska Cattlemen Launch Disaster Relief Fund – The Nebraska Cattlemen have launched a new disaster relief fund to help cattle producers impacted by the recent winter storm and flooding. In addition, federal disaster assistance resources, including the Livestock Indemnity Program, Emergency Livestock Assistance Program and Emergency Conservation Program, are available for producers.Those wishing to donate hay, feed stuffs, fencing materials, equipment or seeking assistance should call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture at 1-800-831-0550.

Canola Minute – The Canola Minute is made possible by the Northern Canola Growers Association. Recently, the NCGA board met and reviewed the research projects submitted for funding. Executive Director Barry Coleman explains more in this week’s update.

Kubota and Buhler to Cooperate on Big Tractor Project – Kubota and Buhler Industries have an agreement to work together on a new series of large tractors. Kubota will strengthen its large tractor business in the North American market. These tractors will be designed and produced with the help of Buhler Industries, including the Buhler facility in Winnipeg.

ND Youth Compete in 4-H Livestock Judging Contest – Youth from across North Dakota recently competed in the state 4-H Livestock Judging Contest at North Dakota State University. The team from Dickey County took first place in the senior division, while the Morton County team took first in the junior division. Jamie Geyer of Ransom County was the senior high individual, and Ty MacDonald of Morton County was the junior high individual. During the competition, 20 junior and 17 senior teams evaluated cattle, swine, goats and sheep.

Wenberg to Lead Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance – The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance has named Eric Wenberg as its new executive director. Wenberg’s hiring comes after the Midwest Shippers Association and the Northern Food Grade Soybean Association merged to form the alliance. Previously, Wenberg served with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.

SD Corn Comments – Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence, and the persistence of farmers and ranchers is already being tested this spring. Listen to more in this week’s Corn Comments, an update from the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council.