Collaboration Agreement Takes Effect For Three Farm Credit Associations
The collaboration agreement between AgCountry Farm Credit Services and two other Farm Credit associations is now in place. The other organizations are Frontier Farm Credit, which is based in Manhatten, Kansas and Farm Credit Services of America with headquarters in…
Building Relationships
One of the industry groups participating in the South Dakota FFA State Convention in Brookings was South Dakota Corn. Director of Marketing Amanda Bechen appreciates the chance to network with students and other industry professionals. “It’s been great communicating with…
Be Your Best Self
For South Dakota FFA State Treasurer Gretta Larson, the past year helped her to build genuine connections with other members while preparing herself for the future. “If you don’t know what you want to do, just recognize that by trying…
Passing on the Torch
As new officers prepare to take over for retiring leadership, South Dakota FFA State Vice President Dustin Kolb reflects on his FFA career. “To me, FFA is so focused on the future leaders of agriculture and beyond,” said Kolb. “When…
Knocking on Planting Season’s Door
For Jamestown area farmer Ryan Wanzek, the recent cold spell delayed an otherwise early start to the planting season. “I think the reason people haven’t been more aggressive is just the cold weather. They haven’t been pushing it and very…
What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets
It’s Monday. That means the weekly episode of What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets is on the air. Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson cites the financial markets, including Wall Street and the value of the U.S. dollar. “I…
SDFU and SD FFA Working Together
The South Dakota Farmer’s Union takes an active role in the South Dakota FFA Convention. According to SDFU Education Program Specialist Samantha Olson, the FFA members have unlimited potential. “There are endless opportunities for the students in agriculture. You don’t…
ACSC Penalized for Violating Air Quality Standards
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has fined American Crystal Sugar Company $350,000 for violating air quality standards at its East Grand Forks plant. The investigation centered on issues that happened between 2020 and 2022. The Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Board will…
Emergency Loans Available for Those Dealing with HPAI
The Farm Service Agency is providing emergency loans for farmers dealing with quarantines due to High Path Avian Influenza. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health began the quarantine last October for farmers in 15 primary and 40 contiguous counties. The…
Enlist + Liberty Interview #1
A program approach to weed control includes multiple modes of action along with pre and post-emergence products. Enlist Field Specialist Steve Snyder is featured in this series of updates on this weed control program approach. This is update #1. “It…
Ready for the Job
AgCentric Executive Director Keith Olander sees the Minnesota State FFA Convention as a great place to see the bright future for the agriculture industry. He especially appreciates the career connections event that allows students to meet with post-secondary institutions and…
Pedal to the Metal
Rothsay FFA student Ethan Olson was a finalist for Star in Agribusiness award at the Minnesota State FFA Convention. Olson runs a business that he started at a very young age with the help of his parents. “I host pedal tractor…
Career Connection Buzzing With Activity
The Minnesota FFA Foundation is working with the Minnesota FFA Association to help members network with representatives of the agribusiness world. Foundation Program Coordinator Amanda Sommers said there were numerous opportunities for that to happen during the state convention. “The…
Competing for the Best and Brightest
With workforce shortages, the agriculture sector is looking for young people from all backgrounds to fill important jobs. To be successful, Ridgewater College agriculture instructor Lyndsay Ampe said the ag sector must be competitive to get the student’s attention. “They want…
A Few Surprises in COF Report
The placements number in Friday’s USDA Cattle-on-Feed report were 12 percent below one year ago, well below trade expectations. The total on-feed supplies are up one percent from a year ago. Heifers and heifer calves on feed were also up…
China Returns the Favor
Days after President Biden imposed higher tariffs on Chinese steel, China responded with a 43.5 percent levy on a chemical made in the U.S. Propionic acid is used in animal feed to prevent mold. It is also used in herbicides,…
Good for the Environment, Good for the Pocketbook
National Corn Growers Association President Harold Wolle describes the E15 waiver as a temporary solution. The Madelia, Minnesota farmer would like to see nationwide approval for E15. Wolle appreciates the consumer demand for the 15 percent ethanol blended fuel. “It’s good for…
What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets
It’s Monday. That means the weekly episode of What’s Hot, What’s Not in Markets is on the air. Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson cites the financial markets, including Wall Street and the value of the U.S. dollar. “I…
E-15 Waiver Granted
The Biden Administration approved a temporary waiver expanding the summer use of 15 percent ethanol blends,also known as Unleaded 88. The measure extends the period that E-15 is available for eight midwestern states from June 1 to September 15, 2024.
$1 Billion for Global Food Assistance
USDA and the U.S. Agency for International Development will buy $1 billion of U.S.-grown commodities to provide emergency food assistance to people in need worldwide. This is a follow-up to last October’s statement about combatting global hunger. Commodities will include…
Food and Fuel Influenced by Outside Forces
The grain markets remain choppy. Outside markets are a factor. “The currency markets continue to suggest that we are more deflationary than we are inflationary even though the gold is sitting near its record high,” said Mike Zuzulo, president, Global…
ACSC Penalized for Violating Air Quality Standards
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has fined American Crystal Sugar Company $350,000 for violating air quality standards at its East Grand Forks plant. The investigation centered on issues that happened between 2020 and 2022. The Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Board will…
Emergency Loans Available for Those Dealing with HPAI
The Farm Service Agency is providing emergency loans for farmers dealing with quarantines due to High Path Avian Influenza. The Minnesota Board of Animal Health began the quarantine last October for farmers in 15 primary and 40 contiguous counties. The…
Enlist + Liberty Interview #1
A program approach to weed control includes multiple modes of action along with pre and post-emergence products. Enlist Field Specialist Steve Snyder is featured in this series of updates on this weed control program approach. This is update #1. “It…
Ready for the Job
AgCentric Executive Director Keith Olander sees the Minnesota State FFA Convention as a great place to see the bright future for the agriculture industry. He especially appreciates the career connections event that allows students to meet with post-secondary institutions and…
Pedal to the Metal
Rothsay FFA student Ethan Olson was a finalist for Star in Agribusiness award at the Minnesota State FFA Convention. Olson runs a business that he started at a very young age with the help of his parents. “I host pedal tractor…
Career Connection Buzzing With Activity
The Minnesota FFA Foundation is working with the Minnesota FFA Association to help members network with representatives of the agribusiness world. Foundation Program Coordinator Amanda Sommers said there were numerous opportunities for that to happen during the state convention. “The…
Competing for the Best and Brightest
With workforce shortages, the agriculture sector is looking for young people from all backgrounds to fill important jobs. To be successful, Ridgewater College agriculture instructor Lyndsay Ampe said the ag sector must be competitive to get the student’s attention. “They want…
Enlist + Liberty Interview #1
A program approach to weed control includes multiple modes of action along with pre and post-emergence products. Enlist Field Specialist Steve Snyder is featured in this series of updates on this weed control program approach. This is update #1. “It…
Building Relationships
One of the industry groups participating in the South Dakota FFA State Convention in Brookings was South Dakota Corn. Director of Marketing Amanda Bechen appreciates the chance to network with students and other industry professionals. “It’s been great communicating with…
Knocking on Planting Season’s Door
For Jamestown area farmer Ryan Wanzek, the recent cold spell delayed an otherwise early start to the planting season. “I think the reason people haven’t been more aggressive is just the cold weather. They haven’t been pushing it and very…
Winter Wheat Heading
Winter wheat is starting to head in some areas, while parts of the country are beginning to see some impact from drought. “It could be very early progress on getting winter wheat out of the ground which would allow plenty of…
The Sugarbeet Report
Pest control is the focus of this week’s Sugarbeet Report. NDSU Extension Entomologist Mark Boetel highlights some common insect issues and mitigation tactics for producers to consider when putting plans together for the 2024 growing season.
Dry Bean Scene
Chlorothalonil restrictions could impact dry bean yields over time. NDSU Extension Plant Pathologist Michael Wunsch says limiting applications can make disease management more difficult for dry bean producers. Listen to the Dry Bean Scene.
Canola Minute
Changes are coming for canola planting dates. Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman says starting in 2025, planting dates will allow for additional time to get the crop in the ground. Hear more details in this week’s Canola…
South Dakota Dairy Herd Continues to Grow
Milk production in the 24 major states totaled 18.8 billion pounds in March. That’s down less than one percent from a year ago. South Dakota had the biggest increase in milk production, up more than 11 percent from one year…
Cow-to-Cow Transmission of H5N1
The spread of H5N1 avian influenza in dairy cattle is being influenced by cow-to-cow transmission. Wild migratory birds remain the primary means of spreading the virus, but it can also happen through contact with unpasteurized milk or spilled milk. For…
A Few Surprises in COF Report
The placements number in Friday’s USDA Cattle-on-Feed report were 12 percent below one year ago, well below trade expectations. The total on-feed supplies are up one percent from a year ago. Heifers and heifer calves on feed were also up…
Dairy Margin Coverage Deadline Approaches
Minnesota FSA Director Whitney Place is reminding dairy producers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage program before the April 29 deadline. “With the extension of the 2018 farm bill, we also have extended the Dairy Margin Coverage Program and…
NDSA in DC
North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson joined members of the organization in Washington D.C. this past week. “There are several overarching issues of importance for our organization and our producers,” said Ellingson. “Of course, livestock disaster programs…
Weather Resources Needed for Data Collection
South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President Warren Symmens wants additional weather stations in the state. “South Dakota State University has been pretty key in helping in that process and that has to do with insuring grasslands, grazing lands and hay lands for…
MN Beef Update
Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Executive Director Kaitlyn Root joins the Minnesota Beef Update this week. Nominations are open for the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board. Minnesota has one vacant position. This body oversees the beef checkoff and the position is…
China Returns the Favor
Days after President Biden imposed higher tariffs on Chinese steel, China responded with a 43.5 percent levy on a chemical made in the U.S. Propionic acid is used in animal feed to prevent mold. It is also used in herbicides,…
Calling for an Aggressive Trade Policy
A diverse mix of farm groups has sent a letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai, asking the administration to recommit to an aggressive trade agenda. The letter also calls for enforcement of existing trade agreements and the use of…
Last Chance for Bipartisanship
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott has released an editorial, saying this is America’s last chance for a bipartisan farm bill. The Georgia lawmaker said a bipartisan approach would enhance the effectiveness of the farm safety net without significant…
Dairy Margin Coverage Deadline Approaches
Minnesota FSA Director Whitney Place is reminding dairy producers to enroll in the Dairy Margin Coverage program before the April 29 deadline. “With the extension of the 2018 farm bill, we also have extended the Dairy Margin Coverage Program and…
NDSA in DC
North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson joined members of the organization in Washington D.C. this past week. “There are several overarching issues of importance for our organization and our producers,” said Ellingson. “Of course, livestock disaster programs…
Weather Resources Needed for Data Collection
South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association President Warren Symmens wants additional weather stations in the state. “South Dakota State University has been pretty key in helping in that process and that has to do with insuring grasslands, grazing lands and hay lands for…
Unleaded 88 Reaction
Corn and ethanol groups are responding favorably to the Biden Administration’s temporary waiver, allowing summer use of E-15 or Unleaded 88 for 2024. Minnesota Corn Growers Association Past President Richard Syverson said this will benefit consumers and retailers. “This assures…