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 CONTENTLate-summer hit for area crops?
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — A weather expert is predicting a hot, dry summer in the Upper Midwest, which might hurt crops. However, it may be too soon to say a drought is coming
NDSU 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.
USDA announces CRP general sign-up
WASHINGTON — Acting Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services Michael Scuse announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will conduct a four-week Conservation Reserve Program general sign-up, beginning on March 12 and ending on April 6.
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.
Corn demand is strong
As of Jan. 24, the Global Forecast System model was not as wet as the European model for Brazil. Still, the weather situation in Argentina and Brazil is not as dire as it was a few weeks ago. A more regular rain pattern is noted with systems passing and producing rainfall every six to eight days. This should benefit the soybean crop, but damage to the corn crop is irreversible.
RELATED CONTENTPotential 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 CONTENTAg groups react to new school meal standards
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — First lady Michelle Obama and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack visited an elementary school in Virginia on Jan. 25 to unveil new school meal standards. It is popular with the fruit and vegetable industries, but the potato and dairy industries were worried that it would reduce consumption of their products.
Conrad unveils Crop Revenue Guarantee Program
WASHINGTON — Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., is preparing to introduce a farm bill commodity title that would guarantee farmers 90 percent of crop revenue on their individual operations, a top aide says.
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.”
Broker 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.
Spud production falls in N.D., Minn.
U.S. potato growers on balance had a good crop in 2011. Spud farmers in North Dakota and Minnesota weren't so fortunate.
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