*|MC:SUBJECT|*

FIELD TALK

FIELD TALK PODCAST


Election Day 2022 is just days away with plenty of local, state and national offices being contested. Former U.S. Congressman Gil Gutknecht is well acquainted with the election process, having served six terms in Washington. He joined Lynn Ketelsen to talk rural issues ahead of November 8.
LISTEN NOW

LFN VIDEO


Fall weather has been great for getting the harvest completed in a rapid fashion, but lack of rain is problematic for soil moisture as an increasing percentage of Minnesota slips into drought. Lynn Ketelsen has an update on the situation with Assistant State Climatologist Pete Boulay.  
WATCH NOW

Farm News

October 26, 2022
DROUGHT WORSENS IN MINNESOTA
The most recent U.S. Drought Monitor shows a worsening drought across Minnesota. According to the October 20 report, 34% of the state is in moderate drought, 11% is in severe drought and 4% is in extreme drought. Conditions aren't going to improve anytime soon as more above normal temperatures are expected along with minimal rain chances over the next 6-10 days. 

You can view the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map for Minnesota here


SOIL MOISTURE
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Minnesota topsoil moisture supplies were rated 18% very short, 36%, 45% adequate, and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 15% very short, 36% short, 48% adequate, and 1% surplus.

Minnesota Assistant State Climatologist Pete Boulay says the s window for getting much soil moisture recharge this fall is closing. Listen. 


NITROGEN APPLICATIONS
Extension Educator Brad Carlson heads up the University of Minnesota's Nitrogen Smart Program. Carlson has been getting a lot of quetions about nitrogen applications in very dry soil. Carlson says there are no clear cut guidelines on how best to apply anhydrous ammonia into dry soil. Anhydrous ammonia will seek out water in the soil, but if too much ammonia is escaping into the atmosphere, farmers may need to reconsider the application.
Listen

HARVEST PROGRESS
While dry conditions are worsening drought conditions, the weather has been very conducive for rapid harvest progress. The latest USDA Crop Progress report estimate Minnesota's soybean crop to be 95% harvested, while 96% of the sugarbeets have been harvested. The state's farmers have also completed about 61% of the corn harvest. The corn, soybean and sugarbeet harvests are all ahead of the five year average pace. 
 
NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION KICKS OFF
Tens of thousands of students in blue and gold are gathering in Indianapolis this week for the National FFA Convention. The annual event brings together students from across the nation and features speakers, awards and recognitions, workshops and entertainment. 

Minnesota State FFA President Emma Kuball from Waterville-Elysian-Morristown High School joins the Linder Farm Network biweekly for an FFA Update. Catch the latest segment here. Listen

DON'T NEGLECT SAFETY
Harvest activity may be nearing completion in some areas of Minnesota, but farmers and others are encouraged to maintain safety awareness. Megan Schossow is safety and health coordinator for the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health program, she says there have been a number of incidents this fall on roadways. Listen  


BIN MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT
Because of warm conditions through much of the harvest season, corn and soybeans in many areas were put into bins at very warm temperatures. Darren Hefty with Hefty Seed says bin management is especially important when grain has been put in warm to keep from attracting bugs and to prevent spoilage. Running fans at the proper times to cool grain without drawing out too much moisture is key. Listen

TAR SPOT ISSUES EXPAND
Tar spot in corn has become an issue in many areas of Minnesota. It was identified early this year in Fillmore County, according to Golden Harvest Agronomy Manager Steve Wilkens. He says other areas of tar spot were identified in the region throughout August and September. Wilkens says tar spot management is challenging because it spreads by leaf movement. Farmers who did not have an issue this year could be affected by tar spot next year. Wilkens says tar spot continues to grow in the scope of infected areas and in the severity of the disease. He says tar spot is becoming increasingly important for farmers to manage. So far, there are no resistant varieties in the marketplace, so farmers need to use other means to manage tar spot. Listen

PORK CONGRESS RETURNS
Minnesota Pork Congress is returning to Mankato February 21-22, 2023. Pam Voelkel, Director of Events and Promotions for MN Pork has details on the annual event. Listen

Upcoming Events

Oct. 26-29          National FFA Convention, Indianapolis
Nov. 8                 Election Day
Nov. 10                MN AgriGrowth Council 2022 Minnesota Ag & Food Summit, Minneapolis
Dec. 1                   GreenSeam Rural Forum, Mankato

Farm Fun Fact

According to the Minnesota FFA Foundation, there are nearly 10,000 Minnesota students from 195 chapters who are participating in FFA.

FOLLOW LFN HERE

LFN on F A C E B O O K LFN on F A C E B O O K
Twitter Twitter
LFN on YouTube LFN on YouTube
Spotify Spotify