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Scholarship applications due Friday
The MCPR Board of Directors will award their annual scholarship at the CPM Short Course and MCPR Trade Show Dec. 10-12. Applicants must be Minnesota residents and entering their second, third, or fourth year of a four-year institution of higher learning or, the second year of a two-year institution of higher learning. Completed 2024 applications must be postmarked by Nov. 1, 2024.
View the application here.
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Getting into the weeds: 2024 CPM Short Course and Trade Show features weed management expert
Getting to the roots of an issue takes some digging, the right tools and the right mindset to tackle it. And when it comes to getting into the weeds, the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers (MCPR) is pulling in industry expert Tom Peters for the 2024 CPM Short Course and Trade Show, taking place Dec. 10-12 at the Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis.
Peters has been working on behalf of North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota to fight weeds for 42 years in the public and private sectors.
Full story.
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MCPR board director candidate questionnaires due Friday
MCPR is seeking candidates to run for the board of directors.
Serving on the MCPR Board is not just a responsibility, but a rewarding opportunity to advocate on behalf of agriculture and the issues that are important to MCPR members. It's a chance to be part of key discussions about the future of ag retail in Minnesota and to expand your network of professional contacts.
There are five seats up for election in 2025, including District 2 Director, District 4 Director, Custom Applicator, Technology Rep and an at At-large position. Elected leaders would serve a three-year term. If you are interested in a District 2 & 4 seat, view the district map to determine which zone best fits based on your coop’s location.
Interested individuals must complete the candidate questionnaire by Nov. 1: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/23KXDF6
Elections will be completed by electronic voting. Ballots will be emailed to MCPR members on Nov. 15, with ballots due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2. The key contacts in our database for each member organization will receive a ballot form they can use to cast their votes. If your coop has multiple locations, each location with a paid membership will be eligible to vote.
Please contact Nominations Committee Chair Arnie Sinclair at arnie.sinclair@titanmachinery.com with questions on running for the board.
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To build a stronger industry and facilitate networking, the Minnesota Crop Production Retailers (MCPR) is hosting special interest groups (SIG) Dec. 11 during the lunch hour at the 2024 CPM Short Course and MCPR Trade Show.
“The real value of any of these ag conferences is the networking and so we’re trying to create some additional networking opportunities,” MCPR Executive Director Lee Helgen said.
The purpose of SIGs is to allow people to connect with colleagues from different agriculture retailers and share experiences. With four SIGs to select from – Women in Ag, Emerging Leaders, Sales Agronomists and Conservation Programs – there is an option for everyone. And MCPR is open to additional SIG topics; if you have topic suggestions, please contact Helgen at lee@mcpr-cca.org. Each SIG will be led by an experienced professional, who will facilitate conversation and connections.
Learn more.
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Odds are improving for lawmakers to pass several critical farmer support programs
From The Daily Scoop
Farmers are currently focusing on three major priorities: Disaster relief for 2023 and 2024 losses, exacerbated by severe hurricanes in the Southeast; economic assistance for the 2024 crop year and completion of a new farm bill to provide greater certainty for the future.
The second priority is gaining momentum with the introduction of the “FARM Act” by Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Miss).
Full story.
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Russia is behind viral disinformation targeting Walz, intelligence official says
From AP News
Groups in Russia created and helped spread viral disinformation targeting Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, a senior U.S. intelligence official said.
The content, which includes baseless accusations about the Minnesota governor’s time as a teacher, contains several indications that it was manipulated, said the official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Full story.
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MCGA’s Allen-Tully hosts Lt. Gov. Flanagan for farm visit
From Minnesota Corn Growers Association
Standing at the edge of a field sprinkled with winter rye, Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) Past President Dana Allen-Tully explained cover cropping to Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
Farmers support cover crops where they make sense, Allen-Tully said, but the practice isn’t viable everywhere. “There’s a place for cover crops, but not every place,” she said.
Allen-Tully’s comments came Wednesday during a visit by Lt. Gov. Flanagan, Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, and Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Andrea Vaubel to her family’s dairy and crop farm in Eyota.
Full story.
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Groups call on Minnesota to address rampant neonic pollution
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Action Fund, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, and Minnesota Trout Unlimited have filed a legal petition against the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) arguing that MDA's failure to regulate widespread, unnecessary treated seed use violates Minnesotans’ rights under the law—and that MDA must take swift regulatory action.
Full story.
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Mississippi River levels continue decline at crucial time
From Brownfield
The executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition says a third straight fall of low water levels on the Mississippi River is dealing a blow to ag transportation at a crucial time.
Mike Steenhoek tells Brownfield…
“In the six-month period of time between September and February, traditionally 80% of soybean exports occur during that period of time.” He says, “We’ve got this significant harvest and so you want to be able to seamlessly move that into the supply chain without any kind of impediment.”
Full story.
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Soybean harvest winding down in Minnesota
From Brownfield
The soybean harvest is in its final stages in Minnesota.
USDA’s latest weekly crop update says at 95 percent done, this year’s harvest pace is 11 days ahead of last year and two weeks ahead of the five-year average.
Corn harvest, at 66 percent, is pacing four days ahead of a year ago and more than a week ahead of normal.
Full story.
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Fertility decisions
From Red River Farm Network
Nitrogen fertilizer products have been on a downward trend. “They’re basically down 50 percent across the board from where they were the spring of 2022,” said Bryon Parman, agricultural finance specialist, North Dakota State University Extension.
Full story.
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Fertilizer preparations for next year
From Ag Information Network
With the Russia—Ukraine war continuing and conflict with Iran and Israel, concerns about the fertilizer market continue for the ag industry. Ag Market.net Co-founder Matt Bennett gives his perspective on what to prepare for.
“Whenever you get into wars like this, then you're going to disrupt the flow, you know, of certain commodities. We already know that phosphate had been tough to get a hold of, so to speak, a little more expensive, relatively speaking, actually, potash is quite reasonably priced, attractively priced for a lot of growers, you know, cheaper than a year ago. Whereas phosphate, you can't necessarily say that. So you know, yes, it's a little bit concerning, no doubt about it. At the same time, fertilizer was also, was already quite expensive, in my opinion.”
Full story.
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Study: North American farmers turning to agtech and sustainable practices to combat profit decline
From CropLife
New research released by McKinsey & Company (McKinsey) reveals that global farmers are eyeing sustainable practices, innovative technology implementation, and new yield increasing products to boost profits given wider macro environmental pressure.
McKinsey’s 2024 Global Farmers Survey, which gathers perspectives from 4,400 farmers, outlines a cautiously optimistic outlook around the ability to capture increased profits in the years to come. However, expectations on rising profit margins differ widely based on region, with North American and European farmers overall expecting profits this year to be lower (64% and 55% respectively) while farmers in Latin America and India anticipate higher profits over the next two years (58% and 76% respectively), up from 42% and 37% in 2022.
Full story.
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Revving Vive Crop Protection’s highest velocity commercialization engine
From CropLife
Vive Crop Protection continues to drive agricultural innovation with its Highest Velocity Commercialization Engine (HVCE). This strategic initiative will enable Vive to rapidly bring innovative and differentiated crop protection inputs to market, empowering growers, retailers, and industry partners with products tailored to meet their unique challenges in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape.
Full story.
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Nutrien Ag Solutions’ multi-year FFA commitment helps empower future ag leaders
From CropLife
Nutrien Ag Solutions, Inc. proudly continues its support of the National FFA Organization through a three-year investment of $850,000.
Spanning from 2024 to 2026, the annual contribution of $282,500 is strategically allocated to enhance the FFA’s broad programs. These funds are directed towards competitive event support for members, comprehensive professional development for advisors, and a notable scholarship of $10,000 for National FFA Officers at their service year’s end. The initiative also includes support for alumni chapters, strengthening the foundation for ongoing agricultural engagement and learning.
Full story.
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EPA approves next generation of glufosinate-based herbicide for use in multiple crops
From The Daily Scoop
Liberty Ultra herbicide, powered by Glu-L Technology has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration and is now approved for use, subject to state approvals.
Liberty Ultra herbicide, containing the active ingredient glufosinate-P-ammonium, also referred to as L-glufosinate ammonium, is the next generation of Liberty herbicide from BASF.
Full story.
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Agronomy degree sprouts in southern Minnesota
From FarmProgress
A collaboration between South Central College in North Mankato and Minnesota State University, Mankato, aims to keep the next generation studying agriculture in southern Minnesota.
In early October, the two institutions announced an agreement called 2+2 that will allow SCC students to take courses on the North Mankato campus for up to three years while working toward a bachelor’s degree to be completed at MSUM, in the newly formed School of Applied Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. It is unique in that it also provides for MSUM students to take courses at SCC.
Full story.
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In Memoriam: Precision agriculture pioneer McQuinn dies
Alvin "Al" Eugene McQuinn, a pioneer of precision agriculture, visionary entrepreneur, and devoted philanthropist, passed away peacefully early on Oct. 23 after celebrating his 93rd birthday surrounded by family. His courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease coming to an end. Al leaves behind a remarkable legacy that continues to shape the world of agriculture, improve farming technologies, as well as fostering education and research through his philanthropic contributions.
View obituary.
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MN Farmers Union to host Green Ammonia Summit
The Green Ammonia Summit: Decarbonization and Rural Vitality will be held at the University of Minnesota, Morris Dec. 9-10. Minnesota Farmers Union is organizing this Summit to bring together farmers, private sector partners, technical experts, energy and utility companies, researchers, policymakers, and farm organizations to discuss the future of green fertilizer both in Minnesota and beyond.
This event is $30 for general admission and free for farmers to attend.
Learn more.
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Minnesota Crop Production Retailers
1020 Innovation Lane, Mankato, MN 56001
(763) 235-6466
mcpr-cca.org
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