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LFN FIELD TALK PODCAST
Minnesota is one of the nation's top pork producing states, with several of the state's hog producers in leadership roles. Dale Stevermer, who farms near Easton, serves on the National Pork Board. He joined the Linder Farm Network to talk about some of the checkoff priorities.
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Farm News
February 22, 2023
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WINTRY BLAST
A powerful winter storm is blanketing Minnesota with the potential for heavy snowfall and powerful winds. Snowfall could surpass 20 inches in parts of Minnesota by the time the system wraps up on Thursday.
PORK CONGRESS CONCLUDES
Hundreds of Minnesota pork producers and industry reps were in Mankato this week for the annual Minnesota Pork Congress. The event included a trade show, seminars and an awards banquet.
FARM BILL KEY FOR PORK
National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Terry Wolters from Pipestone says getting a 2023 Farm Bill passed is a priority for the pork industry. Wolters says one of the NPPC's asks is for continued funding of laboratories that are working on animal disease prevention. Listen
Wolters says hog farmers are still waiting a Supreme Court decision on California's Proposition 12, which dictates animal care conditions in order to sell pork products into California.
NPPC WATCHING OTHER BALLOT INITIATIVES
Easton farmer and NPPC President-elect Lori Stevermer says the NPPC is watching ballot initiatives in Massachusetts and other states that could also impact pork production, similar to California's Proposition 12. Listen
PORK FARM BILL PRIORITIES
NPPC Vice President of Domestic Policy Kelly Cushman took part in the Minnesota Pork Congress. Cushman says education of Congressional members about agriculture is very important because about half of the members have never voted on a farm bill. In addition to animal health and foreign animal disease prevention, Cushman says funding for the nation's "beagle brigade" is also vital. The beagles are exceptional at finding banned meat products arriving at U.S. airports. Listen
JOINT PORK BOARD
Darrel Timmerman of Mankato is president of the new joint board of directors for Minnesota Pork. Timmerman says among the important issues facing Minnesota hog farmers is labor and reliable energy. Listen
PORK AWARDS
The Minnesota Pork Board presented it's 2023 industry awards this week. The Legislator of Distinction honor went to former Minnesota state Representative Rod Hamilton of Mountain Lake. Hamilton has been involved in the pork industry for many years and served as president of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association. He says pork producers are vital to Minnesota. Listen
RECORD YEAR FOR E15
Sales of E15 in Minnesota surpassed 100 million gallons in 2022, which was a new record. E15, also known as Unleaded 88 is available at more than 420 fueling stations across the state. Total sales surpassed 105 million gallons in 2022, an increase from 87 million gallons in 2021, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which tracks fuel sales.
NATIONAL FFA WEEK
This is National FFA week, which recognizes the contributions of FFA. Minnesota's FFA program is going strong with 210 chapters and about 16,000 student members. Congratulations and thank you for all you do to prepare the next generation of leaders.
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USDA AG OUTLOOK
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will participate in the 99th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum, the largest annual meeting and premier event of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) which takes place February 23 & 24. On Thursday, Secretary Vilsack will deliver the keynote address, in which he will highlight the need to transition rural America to a “circular economy” – one where the wealth and opportunities created in rural America stay there.
HIGH PATH IMPACT ON CONSUMERS
USDA’s Chicken and Eggs Summary for 2022 shows how highly pathogenic avian influenza impacted growers and consumers. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Bernt Nelson says egg production in 2022 totaled 110 billion eggs, which was down right around two percent. A recent drop in egg prices sparked more demand, bringing prices back up in February. He adds the next few months will be key to where prices move later this year. Listen
BOZIC KEYNOTES DAIRY EVENT
University of Minnesota Assistant Professor Dr. Marin Bozic was keynote speaker at the 31st annual Carver County Dairy and Beef Expo in Norwood Young America. Bozic is also Associate Director of Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center. He expects there will be some lively activity with a federal milk marketing order hearings this year as well as farm bill discussions. Bozic says the ongoing war in the Ukraine, plus lower U.S. corn and soybean carryout could impact feed prices, while global dairy competition will affect milk prices. Listen
SMITH CHAIRS SENATE AG SUBCOMMITTEE
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is the new chair of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Subcommittee that oversees commodities, crop insurance and trade. Smith says she is excited to serve in this role, especially during a year with farm bill negotiations. Listen.
BROADBAND ISSUE STILL VEX RURAL MINNESOTA
Minnesota Association of Townships General Counsel Steve Fenske says there are several broadband programs available at the state level to help get services to those in need of improvement throughout Minnesota. Fenske says some areas of the state still have outdated services and a need for broadband improvements. Listen
RENTAL RATES SKEW HIGHER
University of Minnesota Extension Farm Business Educator Dave Bau says farmland rental rates are trending higher this year. Bau recently completed a series of farmland rental rate workshops across Minnesota. While rental rates do vary by region, rates are likely to increase for many farmers. He says farmers will also have to include substantially higher input costs into their budgets along with rental rates. Listen
GREENSEAM SURVEY EXTENDED
The deadline for responding to GreenSeam's State of Ag survey has been extended until 8 a.m. February 24. Individuals involved in agriculture or affiliated industries are encouraged to participate. GreenSeam wants to know how businesses, organizations, and leaders view the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture in Minnesota in 2023 and beyond. The information will be used to determine ways to better understand, serve, and support the workforce, businesses, organizations, and communities. Results of the survey will be released on National Ag Day, which is March 21. Take the survey here.
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Upcoming Events
Feb. 18-25 National FFA Week
Feb. 23-24 USDA Ag Outlook Forum
Feb. 27 Soybean Gall Midge Research Update webinar
Mar. 9-11 Commodity Classic, Orlando
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Former President Jimmy Carter entered hospice care this week. The 98-year-old Carter is the only U.S. president to have been a member of FFA.
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