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FIELD TALK PODCAST
Harvest may be winding down in many areas of Minnesota, but the season for getting grain to markets is in full swing. Transportation challenges, including low water levels on working rivers and a potential rail strike in the weeks ahead are disrupting the normal flow of products. Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition assess the current situation in this Field Talk podcast.
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LFN VIDEO
After a cancellation in 2020 due to COVID-19, the biannual U.S. Grains Council Export Exchange returned to Minneapolis. Buyers from more than 50 countries came to Minnesota for the event which connects buyers with suppliers of ag products like corn, dried distillers grains and ethanol. The personal connections made at this event go a long way in securing sales. Dan Lemke has more on the Export Exchange.
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Farm News
October 19, 2022
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SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES INCREASE
The harest process is moving at a rapid pace across much of Minnesota with dry conditions allowing farmers to proceed with no weather delays. That dry weather is causing transportation issues as some waterways, including the Mississippi River., have dropped to levels that require shippers to haul much smaller tows. Reduced capacity affects shipping costs, which affects farmer profitability, according to Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek. Listen
The threat of a rail strike is also a concern for farmers and shippers moving grain. Most U.S. grains are exported from October through February, so any rail disruptions could have a devastating effect. Several of the nation's largest railroad unions are voting on a package brokered in September to avert a rail strike. One of 12 unions voting on the contract has rejected it, several have ratified it, others are still voting. A strike wouldn't like occur until mid-November, and even then, Congress could get involved to prevent a strike from happening.
LITTLE HELP ON THE WAY FOR DRYING RIVERS
There doesn't appear to be much help on the way to alleviate concerns with low river levels, especially on the lower Mississippi River. DTN meteorologist John Baranick says dry weather is affecting not only the Mississippi, but many of the rivers the feed into it. More dry weather is expected and it will take time to rebuild the flow. Listen
INLAND WATERWAYS A PRIORITY FOR NATIONAL GRAIN AND FEED
The president and CEO of the National Grain and Feed Association says his organization is very concerned about shipping issues on the nation's inland waterways. Mike Seyfert says a priority issue for the NGFA is the Water Resources Development Act and the completion of river system improvement projects. Listen
AVIAN INFLUENZA UPDATE
There have been a total of 19 cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza reported from the late summer, early fall outbreak. Dr. Erik Jopp with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health says the most recent case was confirmed in a backyard bird flock earlier this month. While the number of cases has been limited this fall, Dr. Jopp says there continues to be a high risk for more cases yet this fall and famers are urged to stay vigilant in their biosecurity.
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MINNESOTA FARMER AT SUPREME COURT HEARING
Easton, Minnesota farmer and National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) Vice President Lori Stevermer was in Washington D.C. last week for arguments at the Supreme Court regarding California's Proposition 12. The state law spells out how hogs must be raised in order for their products to be sold in Califormia. The NPPC and the American Farm Bureau filed suit saying Prop 12 was a violation of commerce laws and over stepped by dictating how farmers in other states must raise their animals. Stevermer has a positive feeling about the eventual outcome of the Supreme Court's decision, however a final ruling isn't likely for several more months. Listen
HARVEST PROGRESS
Crops across much of Minnesota spent much of the year slightly behind average development, largely due to late planting in many areas. The harvest process is a different story. The USDA estimates that 83% of the state's soybean crop is harvested and 36% of Minnesota's corn crop is harvested. Both are ahead of the five year average, but behind 2021.
DRY GROUND CHALLENGING FOR FALL TILLAGE
Dry, hard soils are the reality for many Minnesota farmers, especially for those growers in areas hit hard by drought. Soils in many areas are extremely hard. Trying to do fall tillage in hard, dry soils puts wear and tear on equipment. Hard soils also aren't conducive for anhydrous ammonia applications. David Nicolai with the University of Minnesota says farmers may find some tough conditions in their fields. Listen
STRONG DEMAND FOR HIGHER ETHANOL BLENDS
High gas prices have helped drive a growing demand for E15 and E85. American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings says consumers were able to realize significant savings at the pump by using the higher blends. Jennings says there are also funds available to help improve infrastructure for handling higher ethanol blends. Listen
RURAL BROADBAND LACKING
The state of Minnesota still has areas that are not able to get broadband servicee, according to Steve Fenske, General Counsel for the Minnesota Association of Townships. He says that approved federal funding will be beneficial for areas of the state that are currently underserved. Listen
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Upcoming Events
Oct. 26-29 National FFA Convention, Indianapolis
Nov. 10 MN AgriGrowth Council 2022 Minnesota Ag & Food Summit, Minneapolis
Dec. 1 GreenSeam Rural Forum, Mankato
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A recent Iowa sale resulted in another new record for the price of farmland in the U.S. The farmland in Plymouth County, Iowa, sold for $26,250 per acre, with the total bill for the 55 acres coming in at a cool $1.44 million.
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