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LFN FIELD TALK PODCAST
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) has joined a lawsuit against the State of Minnesota and the zero-emission vehicle mandate. Faribault County farmer and MSGA vice president Darin Johnson joins this Field Talk podcast to outline the association's decision to take this step.
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AVIAN INFLUENZA CONFIRMED
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was confirmed today in a backyard flock in Le Sueur County. Samples were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa. The site is quarantined, and the birds on the premises were depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Biosecurity is paramount to stopping the spread of this and other viruses and disease. Flock owners large and small should review their biosecurity measures to maintain the health of their birds
PROSPECTIVE PLANTINGS RELEASED BY USDA
Producers surveyed across the United States intend to plant 92.0 million acres of corn in 2023, up 4% from last year, according to the Prospective Plantings report released by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Planted acreage intentions for corn are up or unchanged in 40 of the 48 estimating states. The largest increase is expected in North Dakota, where producers intend to plant 800,000 more acres than in 2022.
Soybean growers intend to plant 87.5 million acres in 2023, up slightly from last year. Acreage increases from last year of 100,000 or more are expected in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Record high acreage is expected in Illinois, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
ANIMAL DISEASE LEGISLATION INTRODUCED
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith was one of several lawmakers who has introduced bipartisan legislation to protect farmers in the event of animal disease outbreaks. The Safe American Food Exports (SAFE) Act would give the USDA clear authority to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats, ultimately preventing unsafe agriculture exports from getting shipped around the globe and keeping trading markets open for American farmers with disease-free livestock. Listen
AGRICULTURE BILL
The Minnesota House passed its version of an agriculture bill late last week. Now a conference committee with representatives from the House and Senate will have to work out differences between what the House passed and what had previously cleared the Senate.
Minnesota Farm Bureau President Dan Glessing says the Senate bill is the Farm Bureau's preferred version, largely because it contains more funding for programs that have been important to members and farmers in general across the state. Glessing says soil health initiatives, bio-fuel infrastructure, and replenishing the ag emergency account are among the priorities for the Minnesota Farm Bureau. Listen
SENATE AG BILL HIGHLIGHTS
Sen. Torey Westrom is the lead Republican on the Senate Ag Committee. Sen. Westrom says among the features in the Senate bill is a grain indemnity fund which would provide some relief to farmers in case they're not paid for grain delivered to an elevator failure. Listen
FINSTAD STORAGE ACT
First District Congressman Brad Finstad has introduced bipartisan legislation called the Supporting Tools and Opportunities for Rural Agriculture Growth and Energy or STORAGE Act. The bill would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and allow agricultural facilities to increase their propane storage capacity beyond what is currently allowed. Con. Finstad says Minnesota farmers rely on a reliable supply of propane. Listen
WOTUS VOTE
The U.S. Senate recently followed action by the House of Representatives, approving a resolution to repeal the new Waters of the U.S. rule. Courtney Briggs, American Farm Bureau Federation Senior Government Affairs Director, says the action highlights how burdensome the new rule is for farmers and ranchers. Listen.
President Biden is expected to veto the measure.
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ABRUPT WEATHER CHANGE
After a seemingly endless winter for much of Minnesota, a sharp warmup is on the horizon. After languishing below normal for much of March and early April, temperatures for the latter part of the week and the Easter weekend are expected to climb dramatically. High temperatures across southern Minnesota are likely to reach the 60s by Saturday and Sunday, with 70s possible early next week.
The rapid warmup could be problematic for areas prone to flooding, especially near rivers. For parts of the state without much remaining snow cover, the warmup will certainly help get soil into condition for spring field work. However, Dairyland Seed Agronomist Brian Weller says patience is required before farmers consider getting into their fields. Getting into the fields too early can set the crop back for the entire season. Listen
CROP PROGRESS REPORT
In a sure sign that spring is near, the USDA's weekly crop progress report for the week of April 3 has been released. Not surprisingly, the USDA reported that Minnesota has zero days in the past week suitable for farm work. So far, 2% of the nation's corn crop has been planted.
FARMLAND IN DEMAND
Demand for high quality farmland remains strong across much of Minnesota. Nick Meixell with Hertz Farm Management in Mankato says higher interest rates are having an impact on sub-par ground, but high quality, well-drained farmland generates a lot of interest. Listen
FARMLAND LOSSES
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released its annual report on farmland in America, which showed a loss of nearly two million acres of farmland over the last year. Since 2000, USDA data show the loss of 50 million acres across the country. This works out to losing 4.3 acres of farmland every minute of every day. Losses are due to numerous reasons, including residential development and renewable energy infrastructure including wind turbines and solar arrays.
FARMFEST WOMAN FARMER NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
Nominations are open until May 19 for the 2023 Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year. The nomination form is available here.
Farmfest Marketing Director Niki Jones explains some of the criteria. Listen
HEMP APPLICATIONS
Those wanting to grow and process hemp in Minnesota in 2023 must apply for a license with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) by April 30. To date, over 160 people have applied for an MDA license.
This is the eighth year of the state’s Hemp Program. Last year, 293 people held licenses to grow or process hemp. Over 375 acres and 122,040 indoor square feet were planted in Minnesota in 2022. The online application for growers and processors can be found on the MDA website here. Along with the online form, first-time applicants need to submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check.
APRIL IS INVASIVE PLANT AND SPECIES MONTH
USDA has declared April 2023 Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month (IPPDAM). This national outreach month is dedicated to highlighting the impact of invasive plant pests and diseases on plants nationwide and informing Americans how they can help reduce their spread.
HAMMING IT UP FOR EASTER
Ham is one of the most popular main dishes for Easter celebrations. Pam Voelkel with Minnesota Pork says because hams cured and smoked, they're considered a cooked product that only needs to be heated through before serving. Voelkel says Pork.org has recipes and cooking ideas for that Easter ham as well as leftovers. Listen
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Upcoming Events
April 11 AURI New Uses Forum, Minneapolis
April 12 Women's Agricultural Leadership Conference, Chaska
Ap[ril 22 Earth Day
April 23-25 Minnesota FFA Convention, St. Paul
April 28 Arbor Day
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Farm Fun Fact
According to the National Retail Federation, Easter ranks fourth in holiday floral sales, following Christmas/Chanukah, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Not surprisingly, Easter Lilies lead the way.
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