FIELD TALK Field Talk Podcast These are interesting times in the soybean industry. Weather concerns in South America are rallying prices, which follows on the heels of a record export year. Demand for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel is also changing dynamics. What does it all mean? We find out more from Minnesota Soybean Director of Market Development Kim Nill.  LISTEN NOW LFN ELSEWHERE F O L L O W on F A C E B O O K F O L L O W on T W I T T E R YouTube Farm News February 23, 2022 UKRAINE SITUATION CAUSING MARKET JITTERS The threat of a Russian invasion of Ukraine has much of the world on edge and markets nervous. Al Kluis of the Al Kluis Report says the Ukraine is the world's third largest wheat exporter and the fourth largest exporter of corn. Russia, meanwhile, is a major energy exporter, especially to eastern Europe. Sanctions or other actions by the U.S. and its allies could disrupt the energy flow. Kluis says that uncertainty is impacting markets.  NATIONAL FFA WEEK It's National FFA Week, which is a time for FFA members to share agriculture with their fellow students and communities. Many FFA chapters also do service projects to benefit their local communities. Minnesota FFA Foundation Executive Director Val Aarsvold says one of the days during FFA Week has been dedicated to recognizing the importance of teachers.  FFA HALL OF FAME The Minnesota FFA Alumni Association has announced the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame Class of 2022. Pat Dingels, Redwood Falls, MN Charles Krause, Buffalo, MN Becky Meyer, Vadnais Heights, MN Kerry Lindgren, Staples, MN Ronald Sommers, Northfield, MN Dave Swanson, Hawley, MN Erman Ueland, Fertile, MN Stan Vander Kooi, Buffalo, MN The 2022 Hall of Fame Inductees will be recognized at the Minnesota FFA State Convention during the opening general session on Sunday, April 24th at Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota. FFA, 4-H LICENSE PLATES ARRIVE A new license plate celebrating agriculture, FFA and 4-H is now available for purchase. The plate became available to Minnesotans last week and will cost $15.50. A minimum $20 contribution is due with plate purchase and each year afterward at vehicle registration renewal. Those funds will be used to support both FFA and 4-H.  The plate design was inspired by more than 100 sketches submitted by FFA and 4-H members. The plate features images symbolic of both organizations.  USDA AGRICULTURE OUTLOOK FORUM THIS WEEK The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Outlook Forum will be held on February 24-25. The 2022 Forum theme is “New Paths to Sustainability and Productivity Growth” and the program will focus on innovations to minimize the environmental footprint of agriculture and ensure sustainability while improving crop yields. The Agricultural Outlook Forum is USDA’s largest and premier annual event. Each year it brings together a wide range of stakeholders from across the agricultural sector including producers, processors, policymakers, government officials, and nongovernmental organizations.  The Ag Outlook Forum also includes commodity outlook discussions. USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer expects that to be an interesting topic. Listen here USDA TO HOLD INAUGURAL EQUITY COMMISSION MEETING USDA will conduct the first public meeting of the recently established Equity Commission on Monday, Feb. 28. Authorized by the American Rescue Plan, the Equity Commission will advise the Secretary of Agriculture and provide USDA with an analysis of how its programs, policies, systems, structures, and practices contribute to barriers to inclusion or access, systemic discrimination, or exacerbate or perpetuate racial, economic, health and social disparities and recommendations for action.  AVIAN INFLUENZA CONCERNS In light of the developing highly pathogenic avian infuenza (HPAI) situation in the U.S., the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and University of Minnesota Extension have developed an informational flyer on HPAI. The flyer can be viewed here.  The need for poultry producers to practice good biosecurity, increase surveillance and report sick birds is crucial during the spring wild bird migratory season. If you have flocks exhibiting any clinical signs of influenza or you believe they might have been exposed to birds with the disease, immediately call your veterinarian.  DRY CONDITIONS PERSIST The U.S. Drought monitor still places much of northern, eastern, southeastern and south central Minnesota in abnormally dry or moderate drought conditions. Dennis Todey, director of the Midwest Climate Hub in Iowa, says many areas in the U.S. remain dry. Listen here.  Upcoming Events CALENDAR OF EVENTS Feb. 28:                    Nitrogen Smart training, Maggie J's in Mapleton March 1:                   Nitrogen Smart training, American Legion, St. James March 2:                   Nitrogen Smart training, Hickory Lodge, Worthington March 3:                   Nitrogen Smart training, Red Baron Arena, Marshall March 7:                   Nitrogen Smart training, Library, Cambridge March 8-12:             Commodity Classic, New Orleans March 16:                 Regional Trade School, Alexandria March 23-24:           AURI New Uses Forum, Minneapolis Farm Fun Fact The signature blue-and-gold FFA jacket was adopted as the organization’s Official Dress back in 1933, and it remains an FFA tradition 85 years later. More than 50,000 FFA jackets are manufactured every year.