N.D., RRV land values up double digits — again
FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota farm land values increased an average of 14 percent in 2011, according to an annual survey of appraisers and other real estate professionals. That figure is especially impressive because it is the second year of double-digit increases.
RELATED CONTENTNDSU partner in $1 million energy beet project
FARGO, N.D. — A project that will develop an advanced biofuel from energy beets and provide growers across North Dakota with a new industrial crop is taking another important step forward, fueled by a significant two-year North Dakota Renewable Energy Council grant.
Bel Brands USA to build cheese plant in SD
BROOKINGS, S.D. — The South Dakota city of Brookings is getting a $100 million cheese plant that could eventually employ up to 400 workers.
Minnesota canola plant to open earlier than expected
HALLOCK, Minn. — As is the case with most building projects in the region, the warm and dry weather has hastened the construction of the Northstar Agri-Industries canola plant just south of here.
RELATED CONTENTWhat do readers think?
Agweek is preparing a cover story on the future on agriculture on the Northern Plains. We’re getting input from various ag officials, including commodity and farm group leaders. But we want to include comments from readers, too.
EU erecting trade barrier
WASHINGTON — Just as the U.S. dairy industry is preparing to ramp up exports, a new barrier has appeared on the horizon. The European Union is attempting to use free-trade agreements to convince other countries to impose “geographical indication” rules that would make it illegal for U.S. companies to use the names of cheeses and other products that originated in Europe.
Potential exports drive wheat higher
The corn market gained 25 cents last week with the strength in the wheat market. Rumors that Russia may put a tax on wheat exports and may even ban exports supported the wheat market which spilled over to corn. The strengthening export demand and a firming cash basis also offered support last week.
RELATED CONTENTLatest News
BNSF completes expansion in Minot, N.D.
Dialed in
Like a growing number of agriculturalists, Rick Swenson uses his cell phone for more than talking. Swenson, a regional agronomist for Crop Production Services, has found several “apps” for his phone that help him do his job more efficiently
RELATED CONTENTMinot area’s 2012 crop outlook mostly hopeful
MINOT, N.D. – In his 40 years of farming, Jim McCullough has seen a lot. Last year, the Regan, N.D,, producer battled a wet spring, hail and crop disease that fungicide applications couldn’t prevent. “It wasn’t an easy year,” he said. Now, with spring planting inching closer, McCullough said he’s “kind of optimistic” about the 2012 crop. “Inputs are getting up there a little bit, but I think we can have a good year.”
MF Global victims should start claims
FARGO, N.D. — MF Global customers need to submit claims against the bankrupt brokerage firm before a Jan. 31 deadline, says U.S. Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., chairman of the Budget Committee and a high-ranking member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
RELATED CONTENTBroker collapse costs N.D. state mill
BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota’s state-owned flour mill will likely lose at least $60,000 because of the collapse of a commodities broker the mill has used to guarantee prices for the wheat it buys, according to a state audit.
100 years of history
FARGO, N.D. — My congratulations to the North Dakota Grain Dealers Association, which celebrated its 100th annual convention in January.
RELATED CONTENTVilsack visits the Midwest
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s announcement in St. Paul, Minn., on Jan. 17 that the Obama administration had reached agreement with the state of Minnesota to help farmers try to achieve regulatory “certainty” on water issues was part of a two-day tour that appeared intended to bolster the administration’s standing in the rural Midwest as President Obama seeks re-election.
RELATED CONTENTBracing for dairy product sales growth
LA QUINTA, Calif. — Dairy product sales will grow faster than other foods in developing countries in the coming years, and PepsiCo Inc. intends to be a part of that growth, a key PepsiCo executive told members of the International Dairy Foods Association Jan. 15 at the 2012 Dairy Forum in La Quinta, Calif.
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