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FIELD TALK

FIELD TALK PODCAST


For the first time, U.S. soybean meal has arrived in Uzbekistan. Minnesota soybean farmers played a key role in developing this initial entry into a market that has challenges and potential. Patrick O'Leary, a farmer from Benson and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council director explores the background and potential of this historic shipment. 
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Farm News

August 17, 2022
BIDEN SIGNS INFLATION REDUCTION ACT
President Biden this week signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The $740 billion package includes tax and financial provisions. The bill includes $18 billion for four conservation programs within the USDA as well as funds for biofuels infrastructure. A biodiesel tax credit for biodiesel production is also part of the measure. 

MASSACHUSETTS PORK LAW ENFORCEMENT DELAYED
A U.S. federal court judge for the District of Massachusetts signed a court order approving a delay of enforcement of a state law what would have banned the sale of all pork not raised in accordance with the state's housing standards. Massachusetts Questino 3 not only dictates how hogs should be raised, the shipment of pork products bound for other states would also be banned. National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President and Pipestone area farmer Terry Wolters says the NPPC appreciates the judge's decision because the pork ban is an overreach by states. Listen

Wolters says the delay was made possible in part because of a pending U.S. Supreme Court case involving California's Proposition 12, which also required farmers to raise hogs under certain conditions. Pork producers and others argue that state initiatives affecting farmers and businesses outside of that state's borders are illegal.

MIXED NEWS ON PORK EXPORTS
Overall pork exports for the first half of 2022 are lower compared to 2021, according to the National Pork Board. Overall pork export volume is down 18%. However, sales to nearby customers including Mexico, Colombia and the Caribbean were sharply higher. 

WATERS OF THE U.S. 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is still in the rulemaking process for revised regulation under the Waters of the U.S. Courtney Briggs, Senior Director of Government Affairs for the American Farm Bureau says the EPA is currently reading and responding to the over 120,000 comments they received on proposed changes announced earlier this spring. Briggs says the proposed rule changes would give EPA broader latitude. Listen

Briggs expects that the EPA will have a finalized rule in place this calendar year. 

ADM FERTILIZER TERMINAL OPENS IN ST. PAUL
ADM is opening  a new fertilizer terminal and blender in St. Paul to increase availability and access to crop nutrition products across the northern Corn Belt and western Canada. The new terminal has bulk storage capacity for a variety of macro and micronutrients than can be blended on site. The terminal is located at the intersection of I-94 and Highway 52. 
SOY MEAL TO UZBEKISTAN
The first ever shipment of U.S. soybean meal has arrived in Uzbekistan. The shipment was the culmination of more than 2 years of work to cultivate. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSRPC)  has invested in the development of Uzbekistan as a market for soy products. MSRPC director Patrick O'Leary, who farms near Benson, says poultry and dairy production in Uzbekistan are growing in Uzbekistan, as is important investments. Listen

DROUGHT MONITOR
Just over 28% of Minnesota is considered abnormally dry in the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor. Over 11% is classified as being in a moderate drought, while less than 3% is in a severe drought. 

According to the USDA Office of the Chief Economist, 28% of the nation's corn crop is being raised under drought conditions. Meanwhile, 18% of the nation's spring wheat and 24% if the soybean crop is being grown in areas experiencing drought conditions. 

CROP CONDITIONS IMPROVE
Crop conditions have improved for Minnesota's corn and soybeans. Recent rains helped improve quality ratings from last week. 

USDA estimates 66% of Minnesota's corn crop is in good to excellent condition, with 44% at dough stage and 4% dented. 

Soybeans are rated at 67% good to excellent with 96% of the crop blooming and 77% setting pods. 

SUGARBEETS RESPOND TO RAIN
Sugarbeets have taken advantage of recent rains. Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative Vice President for Agriculture Todd Geselius says the cooler temperatures and moisture have been good for beet development. Listen

APHIDS BECOMING AN ISSUE
Soybean aphid numbers are increasing in many areas of Minnesota. Some populations have increased to the level that requires treatment. According to University of Minnesota recommendations, treatment may be necessary if average counts exceed 250 aphids per plant, more than 80 percent of the plants are infested, and aphid populations are increasing. 

Curt Burns with CB Agronomics says some areas have had to manage the pests because aphids have reached the threshold where they would start to cause economic damage. Listen

USDA ADJUSTS CROP PRODUCTION ESTIMATES
In its latest World Supply and Demand report released late last week, USDA lowered expected U.S. corn production from earlier estimates to 14.35 billion bushels. Soybean production increased to an estimated 4.53 billion bushels. 

USDA reduced the projected corn yields by 1.6 bushels per acre to an average of 175.4 bushels per acre. Soybeans increased slightly to an average of 51.9 bushels per acre. 

International soybean trade consultant John Baize was surprised USDA increased the size of the expected soybean crop. Listen

Upcoming Events

Aug. 22-25           Pro Farmer Crop Tour
Aug. 25-Sept. 5   Minnesota State Fair
Sept. 10                Minnesota Gopher Football Celebrate Ag & Food Day

Farm Fun Fact

Butter sculptures of the Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalists are a popular attraction at the Minnesota State Fair. Sculptor Linda Christensen retired after the 2021 State Fair, having carved the likeness of more than 550 young dairy farm women in butter over the course of 50 years.