FIELD TALK FIELD TALK PODCAST Half of the checkoff Minnesota soybean farmers contribute is used to fund research and promotion activities in Minnesota, while the other half goes to national efforts through the United Soybean Board. Those funds are overseen by farmers from across the nation, including Martin County farmer Lawrence Sukalski who joins the Field Talk podcast to highlight USB priorities. 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 LFN VIDEOS Minnesota farmers have many reasons to be effective and efficient in their nitrogen placement. Lynn Ketelsen highlights Minnesota's Nitrogen Smart program  WATCH NOW Farm News March 9, 2022 COMMODITY CLASSIC KICKS OFF IN NEW ORLEANS Farmer leaders from across the nation have descended on New Orleans for the annual Commodity Classic. After not being held in 2021 due to COVID-19, the in-person event is expected to draw thousands of farmers and industry leaders for organizational meetings, educational sessions and a trade show. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack is keynote speaker at the general session on Friday. Commodity Classic features national meetings of the National Association of Wheat Growers, the American Soybean Association, and the National Corn Growers Association. State representatives of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association held caucuses in New Orleans to discuss resolutions that will be voted on by the national organizations later this week.  Reports on the discussions at Commodity Classic can be heard on your Linder Farm Network affiliate.  PORK INDUSTRY FORUM The National Pork Industry Forum is underway in Louisville, Kentucky. The Forum includes delegate sessions for the National Pork Producers Council. Minnesota Pork CEO Dave Preisler says there are several Minnesota hog farmers who are running for national office.  HPAI OUTBREAK SPREADS Highly pathogenic avian flu outbreaks have spread to commercial flocks in Maryland and South Dakota, pushing the number of affected states this year to 13. No cases have been reported in Minnesota yet this year. Industry leaders are urging poultry producers to focus on their biosecurity efforts to reduce the risk of outbreaks. The virus typically spreads by wild, migratory birds.  WARMER WEEK AHEAD Below normal conditions are expected to cover Minnesota for the rest of the week and into the weekend. However, DTN Meteorologist John Baranick says there is reason for optimism that a warmup is on the way for next week. Listen WHEAT VOLATILITY The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is injecting tremendous volatility into markets, including wheat. Ukraine is a large wheat producing country. With uncertainty over what kind of crops Ukranian farmers will be able to plant and harvest this year, wheat and other commodity prices have seen sharp growth. Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers Executive Director Charlie Vogel doesn't expect the market swing to affect planting intentions, but fertilizer and crop protection product availability is another story. Listen LIVESTOCK AND MEAT IMPACT Increasing grain prices puts pressure on margins of livestock producers. Higher grain prices typically translate into higher feed costs. Market analyst Dale Durchholz says that is a real concern for animal agriculture, but the host cost of meat for consumers could also lead to softened demand. Listen   Minnesota Pork CEO Dave Preisler says margins are a key factor in profitability. He says despite high feed costs, strong pork prices have mean margins are still largely favorable. Listen USDA DEADLINES Farmers are reminded to contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) in advance of the March 15 deadlines to make elections and sign contracts for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2022 crop year. Producers are also reminded of the March 15 sales closing date to purchase coverage through Federal crop insurance. SUNDIN WON'T SEEK 6th TERM Minnesota House Agriculture Committee Chair Mike Sundin of Esko has announced he will not seek re-election. Sundin is in his fifth term in the Minnesota legislature. He took over as house ag committee chair last year.  O'LEARY TO USB Benson farmer Patrick O'Leary has been appointed to the United Soybean Board. O’Leary replaces Council Director Rochelle Krusemark. O’Leary is a current director with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and served as chair from 2017-2019. He also chairs the Northern Soy Marketing group. He is fourth-generation farmer. Upcoming Events CALENDAR OF EVENTS March 10-12:           Commodity Classic, New Orleans March 16:                 Regional Trade School, Alexandria March 17-19:            North American Farm & Power Show, Owatonna March 22:                 National Ag Day March 23-24:           AURI New Uses Forum, Minneapolis Farm Fun Fact The first Commodity Classic, put on by the National Corn Growers and the American Soybean Association, took place in 1996. Phoenix was the host city.