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FIELD TALK

FIELD TALK PODCAST

Auctions remain an effective way to buy and sell products of all kinds, including farmland and ag equipment. Farmers looking to hold an auction yet this fall still have time to make it happen, but as Jeff Stewart discusses with Ashley Huhn of the Steffes Group, planning ahead usually delivers the best results. 
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Farm News

September 14, 2022
RAIL STRIKE THREAT LOOMS
Freight rail workers from several unions could walk off the job on Friday to protest what they call poor working conditions and grueling schedules. A cooling off period ends on Friday. Two labor unions have threatened to strike, which could have dramatic impact on numerous industries, including agriculture. 

Roughly 40% of the nation’s long-distance trade moves by rails and the idling of as many as 7,000 trains a day would likely cause l product shortages and manufacturing disruptions. 

Max Fisher, chief economist for the National Grain and Feed Association says impacts are already being felt as some railroads have stopped movement of products including hazardous materials and grain. Listen

Many ag groups and others are urging Congress to intervene to prevent the strike from happening. 

HPAI OUTBREAK GROWS
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) cases are growing in Minnesota. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Peterson says there are now around 10 confirmed cases of HPAI in both commercial and backyard poultry flocks this late summer, in addition to 80 cases this spring that claimed about 3 million birds. Peterson says officials were aware there could be a threat again this year as the fall wild bird migration began. Listen

WALZ AUTHORIZES DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR 13 COUNTIES
Governor Tim Walz has authorized emergency assistance for 13 Minnesota counties due to damage caused by severe thunderstorms in two weather events which occurred in June and July.

On June 20-24, Aitkin, Becker, Cass, Crow Wing, Itasca, Lac qui Parle, Mahnomen, Morrison, Norman, St. Louis, and Todd counties experienced severe thunderstorms, which included damaging winds, heavy rain, and flooding.

On July 23, Houston and Renville counties experienced damages caused by severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, heavy rain, and flooding.

USDA ALTERS ESTIMATES
USDA on Monday cut the nation's estimated corn production 415 million bushels to 13.94 billion bushels and also cut soybean production 153 million bushes to 4.378 billion bushels. Average
corn yield was lowered 2.9 bushels to 172.5 bushels per acre  which fell in line with pre-report estimates. Soybean yield was cut 1.4 bushels per acre to 50.5 bushels per acre. 

The September 12 report is the first one for the 2022-23 corn and soybean crops that includes field-based observations. 
FARM BUREAU HEADS TO D.C.
More than a dozen Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) members are in Washington D.C. this week to meet with lawmakers about agriculture issues. MFBF President Dan Glessing, who farms in Wright County, says the members are updating the state's federal delegation on what's happening in Minnesota agriculture. One of the group's key messages is about protecting what's currently in the bill while tweaking it to make the bill better. Listen

MN FARMERS UNION FLY-IN
Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) members have joined the National Farmers Union for their annual visit to the nation's capital. The MFU visit will include a meeting with USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack. MFU President Gary Wertish says a lot of discussions will revolve around the farm bill, including protecting the farm safety net, but there are other areas including biofuels that need protection. Listen

MN PORK PRODUCERS PRESS DELEGATION ON FARM ISSUES
Minnesota hog farmers are also in Washington D.C. this week to meet with elected officials and agency representatives on issues vital to the pork industry. Lauren Servick with Minnesota Pork says among the group's concerns are portions of the farm bill related to foreign animal diseases, a vaccine bank, labor issues and more. Listen


AGRIGROWTH PRIORITIES
Minnesota AgriGrowth Council Executive Director Tamara Nelson says a tax reform package that was nearly passed at the end of Minnesota's last legislative session will be among the priorities for the organization in the year ahead. Because Minnesota has a budget surplus, there is an opportunity to provide tax relief while providing funds for necessary areas within the state including health care, education and broadband. Listen

BACK FROM UZBEKISTAN
A delegation of Minnesota farmers and Minnesota Soybean staff has returned from Uzbekistan where a shipment of U.S. soybean products was recently made. A shipment of 700 tons of soybean meal was made to the landlocked Asian nation in August. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council has been working to cultivate the market in Uzbekistan. The delegation visited poultry and fish farms as well as a feed mill and soy crush facilities. Lake Wilson farmer Gene Stoel was part of the delegation, he says the former Soviet state holds a lot of potential for soy use. Listen

WEATHER STRESSING CROPS
Hot, dry weather is helping push crops to the finish line. Gold Country Seed Agronomist Dave Schwartz says the heat has helped corn in many areas but it has been hard on soybeans. Listen

Ketelsen to MN Broadcast Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Lynn Ketelsen of the Linder Farm Network who will be inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame this weekend.

Lynn has been the voice of the Linder Farm Network for more than 40 years, Ketelsen was instrumental in building and growing the Linder Farm Network into one of the premier ag radio networks in the country. Several years ago, Lynn was also inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Congratulations, Lynn!

Upcoming Events

Sept. 21-22          U of M Nutrition Conference, Mankato
Oct. 2-7                World Dairy Expo, Madison WI
Oct. 6                    GreenSeam Global Workforce Opportunities event, Mankato
Oct. 12-14            U.S. Grains Council Export Exchange, Minneapolis
Dec. 1                    GreenSeam Rural Forum, Mankato

Farm Fun Fact

Fall is a great time for apples. According to Statista, Americans consume about 16 pounds of fresh apples per person each year.