Devils Lake Area Farmers Ready to Resume Planting
An early start to the planting season has been put on hold for many farmers around Devils Lake, North Dakota. JS Ag Consulting Agronomist Jason Hodous says the recent rains have many farmers itching to get back into the fields.…
Belgrade, Minnesota Planting Delayed by Rains
Farmers in Belgrade, Minnesota are starting to get back into the fields following the recent rains that have been hitting the area. “We had close to 5 inches of rain, the ground got pretty saturated,” says Belgrade’s John Mages. “We’re…
Much Needed Moisture
The early May rain was welcomed by many of the farmers on the North Dakota/Manitoba border. “We really needed the moisture, it was extremely dry,” said Wolford, North Dakota’s Chris Brossart. Planting has resumed after the weather-related pause. “We probably…
Rapid Resistance Test Shows Great Improvement Over Older Methods
Early testing of the Rapid Resistance Test has yielded results as early as a week after samples were received. Along with decreased times, testing has shown improved accuracy over older testing methods. NDSU Extension Weed Specialist Joe Ikley hopes that…
Subsoil Remains Dry
After numerous rain delays, field conditions are improving. “The moisture helps,” said Derek Haug, regional sales manager, Thunder Seed. “We’re still dry, it was just a few days ago when we had the 40, 50 and 60 miles-per-hour winds and…
A Proposal to Limit Train Length
State Senator Rob Kupec sponsored two railroad safety bills in the Minnesota Legislature this session. One provision would limit train length to less than 8,500 feet. “When I’ve checked, there are no ag facilities within the state of Minnesota that can…
Spring Wheat Stand in Good Shape
University of Minnesota Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma is pleased with the condition of the small grain crop. “I think, overall, the earliest seeded which was in the first and second week of April looks good. I don’t see any stand…
Food Machinery Corporation Quarterly Update
The Food Machinery Corporation’s first-quarter revenue was down 32 percent compared to the same time last year. The revenue for this quarter was $918 million. First-quarter revenue was affected by channel destocking in all regions. This decreased sales in all…
Nutrien Quarterly Update
Nutrien Ag Solution’s first quarter financials showed net earnings of $165 million which is 12 percent less than last year at this time. This is due to lower net fertilizer selling prices but is partially offset by increased retail earnings,…
El Nino and La Nina
According to a U.S. government forecaster, the El Nino weather pattern is expected to disappear by June. La Nina is expected to take its place in the second half of the year. The period between these two patterns is generally…
Devils Lake Area Farmers Ready to Resume Planting
An early start to the planting season has been put on hold for many farmers around Devils Lake, North Dakota. JS Ag Consulting Agronomist Jason Hodous says the recent rains have many farmers itching to get back into the fields.…
Belgrade, Minnesota Planting Delayed by Rains
Farmers in Belgrade, Minnesota are starting to get back into the fields following the recent rains that have been hitting the area. “We had close to 5 inches of rain, the ground got pretty saturated,” says Belgrade’s John Mages. “We’re…
Much Needed Moisture
The early May rain was welcomed by many of the farmers on the North Dakota/Manitoba border. “We really needed the moisture, it was extremely dry,” said Wolford, North Dakota’s Chris Brossart. Planting has resumed after the weather-related pause. “We probably…
Rapid Resistance Test Shows Great Improvement Over Older Methods
Early testing of the Rapid Resistance Test has yielded results as early as a week after samples were received. Along with decreased times, testing has shown improved accuracy over older testing methods. NDSU Extension Weed Specialist Joe Ikley hopes that…
Crop Losses in Southern Brazil
Heavy rains have left the conclusion of southern Brazil’s soybean harvest a big question mark. Soybean and Corn Advisor President Michael Cordonnier says the damage done to the soybean crop is unknown. “Widespread flooding and they still had about 25 percent…
China Approves Gene-Edited Wheat
The Chinese government has approved its first gene-edited wheat variety. This is a disease-resistant variety that is being grown for the food market. The agriculture ministry also approved a new biotech corn with herbicide and insect-resistant traits and a high-yielding…
Milk Price Recovery Moderates, But Remains Positive
The Rabobank quarterly dairy report forecasts global milk production to expand modestly in the third quarter. Low feed costs are expected to improve margins at the farm level. Global dairy demand will likely increase slowly in the second half of…
Markets Remain Murky Amidst Wartime
The war between Russia and Ukraine, has caused significant disruptions to the U.S. wheat industry. USDA Foreign Agriculture Service Administrator Daniel Whitley says the issue goes beyond supply and demand issues. “It’s our knowledge base,” said Whitley. “We had two…
ND Beef Commission Represented on Southeast Asia Trade Mission
Bismarck rancher Jess Nehl has gained a first-person perspective about the beef checkoff and international markets. Nehl, who is the secretary-treasurer of the North Dakota Beef Commission, has been part of a U.S. Meat Export Federation trade mission to South…
Leafhoppers Gobble Up Argentine Crop
Argentina is facing floods in the south and drought in the center of the country. Argentine farmers are also dealing with significant insect pressure. An analysis from the Rosario Grains Exchange found leafhopper numbers in northern Argentina are ten times…
Fall Calf Prices
According to NDSU Livestock Marketing Specialist Tim Petry, 2024 calf prices will be affected by calf supplies, corn prices, and fed cattle prices. Lower retention rates from last year will create a smaller calf crop this fall. The volatility of…
Food Machinery Corporation Quarterly Update
The Food Machinery Corporation’s first-quarter revenue was down 32 percent compared to the same time last year. The revenue for this quarter was $918 million. First-quarter revenue was affected by channel destocking in all regions. This decreased sales in all…
Nutrien Quarterly Update
Nutrien Ag Solution’s first quarter financials showed net earnings of $165 million which is 12 percent less than last year at this time. This is due to lower net fertilizer selling prices but is partially offset by increased retail earnings,…
A Proposal to Limit Train Length
State Senator Rob Kupec sponsored two railroad safety bills in the Minnesota Legislature this session. One provision would limit train length to less than 8,500 feet. “When I’ve checked, there are no ag facilities within the state of Minnesota that can…
Difficult Q1 for Beyond Meat
The plant-based food company, Beyond Meat, posted a larger-than-expected loss in the first quarter. Overall revenues totaled nearly $76 million, down from $92 million one year ago. The company suffered a net quarterly loss of $54 million. Looking ahead to…
Clark Named Farm Rescue Executive Director
Nate Clark has been named as the new executive director of Farm Rescue. Clark was previously with John Deere where he held titles of global director of corporate social responsibility and president of the John Deere Foundation. Founder and President…
Dairy Consensus
The United States and Mexico have renewed their commitment to work together on mutually beneficial dairy policies. This agreement calls for improving trade relations between the two countries, promoting dairy consumption and defending common food names. The National Milk Producers…
Milk Price Recovery Moderates, But Remains Positive
The Rabobank quarterly dairy report forecasts global milk production to expand modestly in the third quarter. Low feed costs are expected to improve margins at the farm level. Global dairy demand will likely increase slowly in the second half of…
Devils Lake Area Farmers Ready to Resume Planting
An early start to the planting season has been put on hold for many farmers around Devils Lake, North Dakota. JS Ag Consulting Agronomist Jason Hodous says the recent rains have many farmers itching to get back into the fields.…
Belgrade, Minnesota Planting Delayed by Rains
Farmers in Belgrade, Minnesota are starting to get back into the fields following the recent rains that have been hitting the area. “We had close to 5 inches of rain, the ground got pretty saturated,” says Belgrade’s John Mages. “We’re…
Much Needed Moisture
The early May rain was welcomed by many of the farmers on the North Dakota/Manitoba border. “We really needed the moisture, it was extremely dry,” said Wolford, North Dakota’s Chris Brossart. Planting has resumed after the weather-related pause. “We probably…
Rapid Resistance Test Shows Great Improvement Over Older Methods
Early testing of the Rapid Resistance Test has yielded results as early as a week after samples were received. Along with decreased times, testing has shown improved accuracy over older testing methods. NDSU Extension Weed Specialist Joe Ikley hopes that…
Subsoil Remains Dry
After numerous rain delays, field conditions are improving. “The moisture helps,” said Derek Haug, regional sales manager, Thunder Seed. “We’re still dry, it was just a few days ago when we had the 40, 50 and 60 miles-per-hour winds and…
Potential Wheat Diseases
According to NDSU Plant Pathologist Andrew Friskop, Pythium root rot may be a problem due to the cool and wet conditions early in the season. Rust diseases have been indicated earlier than normal in northern Kansas which could travel north.…
SCN is a Likely Problem in ’24
In the latest NDSU Crop and Pest Report, NDSU Plant Pathologist Wade Webster shares his thoughts on the soybean disease outlook. With a warm and dry 2023 season, Soybean Cyst Nematode counts were high so the number of eggs in…
Difficult Q1 for Beyond Meat
The plant-based food company, Beyond Meat, posted a larger-than-expected loss in the first quarter. Overall revenues totaled nearly $76 million, down from $92 million one year ago. The company suffered a net quarterly loss of $54 million. Looking ahead to…
Texas Wildfire Losses
Economists at Texas A&M AgriLife Service estimate the Panhandle wildfires have caused $123 million in agricultural losses. More than 1.2 million acres were been burnt by the wildfires. Cattle losses include 12,000 head and an estimated $68 million in facilities,…
Milk Price Recovery Moderates, But Remains Positive
The Rabobank quarterly dairy report forecasts global milk production to expand modestly in the third quarter. Low feed costs are expected to improve margins at the farm level. Global dairy demand will likely increase slowly in the second half of…
Rounds Seeks Ban on Electronic ID Mandate
South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds has introduced legislation to block USDA’s mandate for electronic identification ear tags on interstate cattle shipments. R-CALF USA praised the bill, saying it preserves the rights for farmers and ranchers to choose the ear tags…
NASS Reports Victim of Slow Budget Approval
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service dropped key reports last month, including the July Cattle Report and the county grain and livestock estimates. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack blames Congressional budget delays for the decision. “October 1 comes and no budget, it’s…
ND Beef Commission Represented on Southeast Asia Trade Mission
Bismarck rancher Jess Nehl has gained a first-person perspective about the beef checkoff and international markets. Nehl, who is the secretary-treasurer of the North Dakota Beef Commission, has been part of a U.S. Meat Export Federation trade mission to South…
H5N1 Surveillance Continues
The health risk to people from H5N1 or avian influenza is extremely low. In a webinar hosted by the World Health Organization, WHO Infectious Disease Epidemiologist Dr. Maria Van Kerkkove said the work is continuing on the consequences from H5N1. “We’re not…
A Proposal to Limit Train Length
State Senator Rob Kupec sponsored two railroad safety bills in the Minnesota Legislature this session. One provision would limit train length to less than 8,500 feet. “When I’ve checked, there are no ag facilities within the state of Minnesota that can…
EPA Administrator Addresses E15 Waiver
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Wednesday. Regan was asked to comment on E15 waiver for year-round use. “We have worked on satisfying that waiver request for eight states and for…
Rounds Seeks Ban on Electronic ID Mandate
South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds has introduced legislation to block USDA’s mandate for electronic identification ear tags on interstate cattle shipments. R-CALF USA praised the bill, saying it preserves the rights for farmers and ranchers to choose the ear tags…
NASS Reports Victim of Slow Budget Approval
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service dropped key reports last month, including the July Cattle Report and the county grain and livestock estimates. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack blames Congressional budget delays for the decision. “October 1 comes and no budget, it’s…
CRA Leading By Example
Coming off a strong 2023 the Corn Refiners Association is looking to carry that momentum through 2024. Association President and CEO John Bode points to the successes of his staff as proof that they’re doing things the right way. “We…
CRP Update Sought
Minnesota Congressman Brad Finstad has introduced legislation to modernize the Conservation Reserve Program. The bill calls for science-based soil metrics to direct CRP acres to the most vulnerable acres. It also provides farmers and landowners with the tools to protect…
CropLife America Hopeful for Farm Bill
CropLife America is hopeful for the 2024 farm bill after seeing the 5-year proposals from the Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow and House Ag Committee Chairman Glen “GT” Thompson. CropLife America also recognizes that more work is needed to…