AND THEY'RE OFF!
Progress may still be lagging behind normal, but widespread spring field work has begun in many areas of Minnesota. According to the USDA's weekly crop progress report, Minnesota's corn crop is 9% planted, compared to the five-year average of 48%. Soybeans are 2% planted, behind the five-year average of 25%. Sugarbeet planting is placed at 8%. The five-year average is 63%.
WOTUS CONCERNS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the regulatory rule making process as the agency has proposed significant changes to the Waters of the U.S. or WOTUS. Many farm groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) have argued the proposed rule changes from the Biden administration expand the federal government's reach.
Courtney Briggs, American Farm Bureau Senior Director of Congressional Relations, says there remain concerns over expanding what is governed by federal regulations. Listen
Briggs expects details of the new rule to be finalized by the end of the year.
FRONTLINE WORKER BONUS FOR FARM WORKERS?
Gov. Tim Walz signed a bill passed by the Minnesota Legislature providing bonus pay for eligible COVID-19 frontline workers. Details of the program are still being finalized, but Minnesota Pork CEO Dave Preisler says farm workers, especially those working in livestock operations, should be eligible for the bonuses. He says patience will be required while details and the application form are worked out, but he feels strongly that livestock workers fit the criteria as it has been developed so far. Listen
STORMY DAYS AHEAD
Hot, humid weather spawned a line of storms that brought large hail and damaging winds to portions of west-central, central and eastern Minnesota on Monday. Hot, humid and stormy conditions are likely through the rest of this week before things improve for the weekend, according to DTN meteorologist John Baranick. Listen
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NCGA CALL TO ACTION
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has launched a call-to-action to aid corn growers in raising a collective voice on the importance of access to fertilizer. The move comes in response to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s public comment period on Access to Fertilizer: Competition and Supply Chain Concerns. Watonwan County farmer and NCGA director Harold Wolle says it's important for farmers to let USDA know how the rising cost and challening availability are affecting them. Listen
The call-to-action encourages corn growers to comment specifically on accessibility, price volatility and market competition. Comments can be submitted directly to USDA from the NCGA website. The public comment period closes on Monday, May 16.
AGCO RANSOMWARE ATTACK
Agricultural equipment maker AGCO says its business operations have been impacted after falling victim to a ransomware attack last week. The company designs, manufactures, and distributes agricultural machinery and precision technology, under brands such as Challenger, Fendt, Massey Ferguson, and Valtra.
AGCO says it has launched an investigation into the incident and estimates that it might need at least several days before it could restore all operations to normal.
BEEF EXPORTS STRONG
U.S. beef exports soared to another new value record in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). March pork exports were the largest so far this year but well below the record-large totals posted in March 2021.
Beef exports totaled 126,285 metric tons (mt) in March, up 1% from a year ago and the third largest on record, while value climbed 33% to a record $1.07 billion.
MACHINERY COSTS STAY HIGH
Availability of new equipment and the rising cost of new implements is driving strong demand for uses farm equipment, according to "Machinery Pete" Greg Peterson. Prices for nearly all farm equipment are high, including for grain trucks. Listen
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Upcoming Events
May 20: Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year nomination deadline
June 8-10: World Pork Expo, Des Moines, Iowa
July 26-28: North Star Ag Expo, Owatonna
Aug. 2-4: Farmfest, Redwood Falls
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According to USDA, the top export destinations for U.S. beef products are South Korea, Japan, China, Mexico and Canada.
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