AuthorThe “FOCUS ON AG” column is sent out weekly via e-mail to all interested parties. The column features timely information on farm management, marketing, farm programs, crop insurance, crop and livestock production, and other timely topics. Selected copies of the “FOCUS ON AG” column are also available on “The FARMER” magazine web site at: https://www.farmprogress.com/focus-ag Archives
October 2024
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August is typically the month of the year when we get the first producer survey yield estimates from USDA, as well as yield projections from major private forms. This yield data is gathered in different formats from producer surveys, crop tours, and satellite technology. There is not necessarily a method that has proven more accurate than any other, as all methods have some strengths as well as some limitations. As usual, the one consistency being echoed by most crop experts is that the 2024 crop yields are likely to be highly variable and are very difficult to predict. Some areas of the eastern and central Corn Belt have experienced excellent growing conditions this year, while portions of the upper Midwest such as the southern third of Minnesota were negatively impacted by flooding and excessive rainfall during June. Most of the crop information in these estimates was based on crop conditions in early-to-mid August, so any major changes in conditions after that timeframe could alter final state or national yield numbers.
The statewide and national corn and soybean yield estimates in the USDA Crop Report that was released on August 12, 2024, were based on crop conditions as of August 1. The USDA report was based on a survey of over 15,000 crop producers from across the United States that was conducted National Ag Statistics Service (NASS). The next USDA Crop Report will be released on September 12 and will be based on crop conditions as of September 1. This report will include actual field survey data in the yield and production estimates. Two of the main private firms that release crop yield and production estimates during August use different methods and technology to arrive at their projections. The “Pro Farmer Crop Tour” is quite well established and has been around for several decades. Pro Farmer Tour gathers “in-person” field yield data from the primary corn and soybean production areas in seven States during the third or fourth week of August, which is then adjusted for crop maturity and historical differences between tour data and final yield numbers. Yield adjustments are also made in made in States that have unique conditions in certain areas of a State, such as drought conditions, irrigation in Nebraska, and geographical differences in States like Minnesota. For the several years, DTN has conducted a “digital yield tour” of the primary corn and soybean production areas in the United States. DTN derives their yield estimates utilizing satellite imagery taken during the second week of August, which is then adjusted based on actual rainfall amounts and temperature data, as well as for the drought index. The DTN yield data will continue to be updated into September. DTN did not issue a national corn or soybean yield estimate in the August estimates. Nationally, the Pro Farmer corn yield estimate was 181.1, compared to 183.1 bushels per acre in the August 12 USDA Crop Report. The 2024 national corn yield projections from USDA and Pro Farmer both exceed the final 2023 record average U.S. corn yield of 177.3 bushels per acre. The 2024 national corn yield projections also compare to other national average U.S. corn yields of 173.3 bushels per acre in 2022, 177 bushels per acre in 2021, 172 bushels per acre in 2020, and 167.4 bushels per acre in 2019. The national yield differences between the USDA corn yield estimate (183.1 bu./acre) and the Pro Farmer projection (181.1 bu./acre) may not seem significant; however, that could potentially represent a difference in the final total 2024 U.S. corn production level. Depending on U.S. and World corn demand, that yield difference could affect the U.S. corn supply, which in turn could impact grain market prices in the coming months. The current difference between the corn yield estimates from USDA and Pro Farmer is 2 bushels per acre. Based on the USDA estimate of 82.7 million harvested acres of corn in the U.S. in 2024, that yield difference represents over 165 million bushels of corn. USDA is currently estimating the 2024-25 U.S. corn ending stocks at nearly 2.1 billion bushels, based on the USDA estimated yield of 183.1 bushels per acre. A national yield decline of two bushels per acre in 2024 would potentially reduce U.S. corn carryout levels by about 8 percent. In many instances, there was not a lot of consistency in the state-by-state average corn yield estimates from the various sources. Some states had higher projected corn yields in the August 12 USDA crop report compared to estimates released by the crop tours and digital surveys, while in other states the USDA projected yield trailed the private estimates. For example, USDA estimated the 2024 Minnesota corn yield at 185 bushels per acre and DTN was at 186.7 bushels per acre, compared to the estimate of 170 bushels per acre by Pro Farmer. In South Dakota, the corn yield estimates were 162 bushels per acre by USDA and 166.7 bushels per acre by DTN, while Pro Farmer was at 156 bushels per acre. On the other hand, the private company corn yield projections for Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska were fairly close to the USDA yield estimates. Crop and weather conditions in the northern Corn Belt have been much more variable than in the eastern Corn Belt during the 2024 growing season. NASS estimated the 2024 U.S. national average soybean yield at 53.3 bushels per acre in the August 12 USDA Report, which compares to national soybean yield estimate of 54.9 bushels per acre by Pro Farmer. The USDA and Pro Farmer 2024 soybean yield estimates would far exceed the final 2023 national yield of 50.6 bushels per acre and the record national average soybean yield of 51.9 bushels per acre in 2016. Other recent national soybean average yields were 49.5 bushels per acre in 2022, 51.4 bushels per acre in 2021, 50.5 bushels per acre in 2020, and 47.4 bushels per acre in 2019. The various state-by-state soybean yield projections in the northern Corn Belt showed less variation between the August USDA yield estimates and the 2024 yield projections by the private firms than existed with corn. However, the statewide soybean yield projections in the eastern Corn Belt showed more variation among the various estimates, which could be partially due to the different methodology that is used to calculate yields and the drier weather pattern that has developed in portions of the region. Based on the August 19th USDA Crop Progress Report, 67 percent of the U.S. corn crop as “good-to-excellent” which compares to late August crop ratings of 58 percent in 2023 and 55 percent in 2022. Only 11 percent of the U.S. corn crop was rated “poor-to-very poor”. The highest statewide “good-to-excellent” ratings were Missouri at 79 percent, Iowa at 77 percent, Illinois at 76 percent, Indiana at 73 percent, Nebraska at 72 percent, and South Dakota at 70 percent. Lower “good-to excellent” corn ratings were recorded in other Midwest states with Wisconsin at 64 percent, Minnesota and North Dakota at 61 percent, and Ohio at 55 percent. The lowest corn ratings were in Texas at 41 percent and Kansas at 45 percent. Most 2024 statewide corn ratings in the Midwest for mid-August exceeded comparable 2023 corn ratings, except in Ohio which had better ratings a year ago. The weekly USDA crop ratings on August 19 listed 68 percent of the soybean crop in the U.S. as “good-to-excellent”, which well above the ratings of 59 percent in 2023 and 57 percent in 2022 at this point in the year. Many of the Midwest States with the largest soybean acreage were in the higher crop ratings categories. Iowa led the way at 77 percent, followed by Nebraska at 74 percent, Indiana at 72 percent and Illinois at 70 percent. The soybean “good-to-excellent” ratings in other States included Minnesota at 69 percent, South Dakota at 68 percent, Wisconsin at 62 percent North Dakota at 57 percent, and Ohio at 56 percent. All of the Midwest States in the primary soybean production area in the U.S., except Ohio, had higher “good-to-excellent” ratings in late August this year, as compared to 2023. Several top crop advisors point out that the 2024 national and statewide average corn and soybean yields are very hard to predict, due to the wide variability in crop conditions in the Midwest. Several portions of Southern Minnesota and Northwest Iowa were impacted by excessive rainfall and poor growing conditions early in the growing season. We probably will not know the full impact on the final yield results until harvest is completed. Areas of the Midwest that were not impacted by adverse weather earlier in the growing season and continue to receive frequent rainfall events during August could actually see a boost final yield results. There could be some concern in Minnesota, Northwest Iowa, North Dakota, and Wisconsin with getting the later planted crops and the replanted soybeans mature, especially if the first frost occurs in September. Note - For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst, Green Solutions Phone - (507) 381-7960; E-mail - [email protected]
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The USDA Crop Report that was released on August 12 projects record average U.S. corn and soybean yields in 2024. The projected 2024 national average yield levels for both corn and soybeans were increased from the USDA yield estimates a month ago in July. The August yield and production estimates were based on crop conditions as of August 1 that resulted from a National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) survey of U.S. crop producers in early August. The USDA estimated national average yields for both corn and soybeans, as well as the total 2024 production and 2024-25 ending stocks for soybeans, were above the average estimates of grain marketing analysts. The 2024 USDA projections for corn production was very similar to the average estimates by the analysts, while the USDA estimates for corn ending stocks were slightly lower than the grain industry estimates.
The August 12 USDA Crop Report estimated the 2024 total U.S. corn production at 15.147 billion bushels, which would be a slight decrease of about one percent from the 2023 record production level of just over 15.3 billion bushels. The 2024 projected U.S. corn production compares to other recent corn production levels of 13.6 billion bushels in 2022, 15.1 billion bushels in 2021, 14.1 billion bushels in 2020, and 13.6 billion bushels in 2019. USDA is estimating the total U.S. corn acreage harvested for grain in 2024 at 82.7 million acres, which was reduced from 83.4 million acres in the July report. This compares to final harvested acreage of 86.5 million acres in 2023 and 78.7 million acres in 2022. The latest Crop Report projects the national average corn yield in 2024 at the record level of 183.1 bushels per acre, which is an increase of 2.1 bushels per acre from the NASS yield estimate in July. The 2024 yield projection compares to the current record corn yield of 177.3 bushels per acre in 2023, and other recent average yields 173.4 bushels per acre in 2022, 176.7 bushels per acre in 2021, 172 bushels per acre in 2020, 167.4 bushels per acre in 2019, and 176.4 bushels per acre in 2018. There are widespread differences in 2024 corn yield estimates across the U.S., ranging from excellent to greatly reduced yields, depending on where farms are located. USDA is estimating record 2024 corn yields in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. USDA is also projecting increased corn yields in 2024 compared to 2023 yields in North Dakota and Missouri, while the average yield in Minnesota is expected to stay the same as last year and the Ohio average yield is expected to decline from the 2023 level. USDA projects Minnesota’s 2024 average corn yield at 185 bushels per acre, which is the same as 2023 and compares to other recent average corn yields of 195 bushels per acre in 2022, 178 bushels per acre in 2021, 192 bushels per acre in 2020, and 173 bushels per acre in 2019. The State record corn yield remains at 197 bushels per acre in 2017. There is a wide range of expected corn yields across Minnesota depending on timely planting, favorable growing conditions, and crop loss from the excessive rainfall in June. USDA is projecting Iowa’s 2024 average corn yield at the record level of 209 bushel per acre, which compares to 201 bushels per acre in 2023, 200 bushels per acre in 2022, and the current record yield of 205 bushels per acre in 2021. Illinois is forecast to have a record statewide yield of 225 bushels per acre in 2024, which compares to 206 bushels per acre in 2023 and 214 bushels per acre in 2022. The projected record corn yield in Indiana for 2024 is at 207 bushels per acre, which compares to 203 bushels per acre in 2023 and 190 bushels per acre in 2022. 2024 corn yield projections for other states include Nebraska at 194 bushels per acre compared to 182 bushels per acre in 2023, South Dakota at 162 bushels per acre compared to 152 bushels per acre in 2023, North Dakota at 144 bushels per acre compared to 141 bushels per acre in 2023, and Wisconsin at 183 bushels per acre compared to 176 bushels per acre in 2023. The estimated 2024 corn yield in Ohio is 188 bushels per acre, which would be a 5 percent decline from the final 2023 yield of 198 bushels per acre. Other States with significant estimated increases in 2023 corn yields compared to a year ago include Missouri, Kansas, and Texas. The USDA Report on August 12 estimated total 2024 U.S. soybean production at the record level of just over 4.59 billion bushels, which would be up 10 percent from the 2023 final production of slightly over 4.16 billion bushels. The current record soybean production was 4.54 billion bushels in 2018. USDA increased the estimated 2024 harvested soybean acreage to 86.3 million acres, which was increased by 1 million acres from the July USDA estimate and compares to 82.4 million acres in 2023. USDA is projecting the 2024 U.S. average soybean yield at the record level of 53.3 bushels per acre, which is an increase of 1.2 bushels per acre from the July estimate. The 2024 projected soybean yield compares to other recent national average soybean yields of 50.6 bushels per acre in 2023, 49.6 bushels per acre in 2022, 51.7 bushels per acre in 2021, and 50.5 bushels per acre in 2020. The current record U.S. soybean yield is 51.9 bushels per acre in 2016. The recent USDA report lists several Midwestern States that are likely to have a record statewide soybean yield in 2024, including the important production States of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. The estimated 2024 soybean yield in Illinois is 66 bushels per acre compared to 63 bushels per acre in 2022, Indiana at 62 bushels per acre compared to 61 bushels per acre in 2023; and Ohio at 59 bushels per acre compared to 58 bushels per acre in 2023. Iowa’s 2024 soybean yield is estimated at 61 bushels per acre, compared to 58 bushels per acre in 2023 and just below the statewide record yield of 62 bushels per acre in 2021. Soybean yield estimates for 2024 are also expected to increase in Minnesota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota. Minnesota’s 2024 average soybean yield is estimated at 49 bushels per acre, which compares to 48 bushels per acre in 2023, 50 bushels per acre in 2022, and 47 bushels per acre in 2021. The statewide record soybean yield was 52.5 bushels per acre in 2016. Projected 2024 average soybean yields in other States include Nebraska at 59 bushels per acre compared to 51.5 bushels per acre in 2023, Wisconsin at 53 bushels per acre compared to 51 bushels per acre in 2023, North Dakota at 36 bushels per acre compared to 35.5 bushels per acre in 2023, and South Dakota at 47 bushels per acre, compared to 44 bushels per acre in 2023. AUGUST 12 WASDE REPORT The updated USDA World Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Report was also released on August 12. This report included the 2024 estimated U.S. corn production of 15.14 billion bushels and harvested corn acreage of 82.7 million acres, along with the latest USDA corn yield projection of 183.1 bushels per acre. The 2024-25 corn ending stocks are now projected at just under 2.1 billion bushels, which was a decline of 24 million bushels from the July report. The corn ending stocks for 2023-24 are estimated at just over 1.86 billion bushels, which compares to other recent carryout levels of 1.36 billion bushels in 2022-23 and 1.38 billion bushels in 2021-22. USDA is projecting the average on-farm corn price for the 2024-25 marketing year, which extends from September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2025, at $4.20 per bushel, which was decreased by $.10 per bushel from the July estimate. The 2023-24 national average corn price, which will be finalized on September 30, 2024, is now estimated at $4.65 per bushel. These estimates compare to recent national average prices of $6.54 per bushel in 2022-23, $6.00 per bushel for 2021-22, $4.53 per bushel for 2020-21, and $3.56 per bushel for 2019-20. The closing December corn futures price on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) following the August 12 report was $4.01 per bushel, which compares to $4.76 per bushel in 2023 and $6.96 per bushel in 2022 following the release of the August WASDE report. The recent WASDE report projected the 2024 U.S. soybean production level at just under 4.6 billion bushels, based on 86.3 million harvested acres and an estimated U.S. soybean yield of 53.2 bushels per acre. The 2024-25 soybean ending stocks are estimated at 560 million bushels, which was an increase of 125 million bushels from the July WASDE report. The 2023-24 soybean ending stocks are projected at 345 million bushels. USDA is now projecting an average on-farm soybean price for the 2024-25 marketing year at $10.80 per bushel and at $12.50 per bushel for the 2023-24 marketing year. This compares to recent national average prices of $14.20 per bushel in 2022-23, $13.30 per bushel for 2021-22, $10.80 per bushel for 2020-21, and $8.57 per bushel in 2019-20. The closing November soybean futures price on the CBOT on August 12 report was $9.81 per bushel, which compares to $13.07 per bushel in 2023 and $14.88 per bushel in 2022 following the release of the August WASDE report. Note - For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst, Green Solutions Phone - (507) 381-7960; E-mail - [email protected]
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Every year many key agriculture issues are discussed as part of the candidate forums and feature forums that are held at Farmfest in early August. Candidate forums have been part of Farmfest in every even numbered year since 1990. In 2024, a U.S. Senate candidate forum and two and Congressional candidate forums were held, as well as a special Farm Bill forum, an ag outlook forum, and a discussion on the downturn in the farm economy. The candidate forums included all of the major candidates in Minnesota running for the various elected offices and the other feature forums included several national and state agricultural leaders discussing many of the key issues affecting farm families and rural communities in Minnesota and the Midwest.
Following are some of the main issues that were discussed during the Farmfest forums in 2024:
Many of the candidates from both major political parties that participated in the Farmfest forums agreed on many aspects of the next Farm Bill, especially as it related to enhancing and improving the “safety net” programs for farmers. Many of the agriculture leaders that participated in the forums, as well as several of the candidates, proposed increasing crop reference prices, enhancing crop insurance options, and improving risk protection opportunities for livestock producers and farmers that raise specialty crops. There was also considerable discussion regarding the importance of conservation programs and how those programs can enhance ongoing carbon sequestration efforts in the U.S. There was general agreement that the nutrition title of the Farm Bill, which accounts for over 80 percent of the annual Farm Bill spending, should not be separated from the Farm Bill. There was not a lot of discussion about specific provisions in the nutrition title. There was discussion during the Farmfest forums regarding several other programs and provisions that are part of the existing titles in the Farm Bill, including rural development, ag research and extension, trade promotion, livestock disease mitigation, beginning farmer loans, and hemp production. The 2018 Farm Bill originally expired on September 30, 2023; however, the current Farm Bill was extended until September 30, 2024. Now the question is: “Will we get a new Farm Bill passed in time for the 2025 growing season in the Midwest, or will we have another one-year extension until September 30, 2025 ?” Some of the candidates and other ag leaders that participated in the Farmfest forums were optimistic that a Farm Bill might be completed during “lame-duck” congressional session following the 2024 election. However, others pointed to the rather large cost of the Farm Bill and the partisan political divide in the U.S. as reasons that a new Farm Bill is not likely to pass in late 2024 or early 2025, with another one-year extension of the current Farm Bill being more likely.
Dairy profit margins have improved in recent months; however, that followed a long period of very low profit margins that forced several dairy farmers to discontinue operation. Payments through the dairy margin coverage (DMC) program in the past two years helped e prevent even more small and medium sized dairy farms from being forced to exit the industry. The DMC program is authorized as part of the Farm Bill. Dairy and poultry producers have also been dealing with the impacts of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) outbreak in certain areas of the U.S. Cattle feedlot operators and beef cow/calf producers have experienced the best profit margins in the U.S. livestock sector in the past couple of years.
Many leaders point to “sustainable aviation fuel” (SAF) as a key growth opportunity for both the ethanol and renewable diesel industries in the future. However, federal agencies have set up very stringent farm-level practices that farmers must follow in order to be eligible to sell their corn and soybeans to processing plants for SAF production. Due to the restrictions being placed on U.S. farmers, some feedstock for SAF production is being imported from other countries. In addition to the direct benefits to farmers, renewable energy plants have become cornerstones in rural communities by providing jobs, adding to the local tax base, and enhancing the overall economic vitality of the communities. The candidates and ag leaders that participated in the Farmfest forums in 2024 discussed numerous other issues, programs and efforts that affect rural businesses, families, and communities in a variety of ways. This included the potential for disaster assistance for farmers and businesses impacted by 2024 weather events, dealing with the economic challenges currently being experienced by rural businesses, family health care access and costs, expansion of broadband coverage in portions of greater Minnesota, infrastructure needs, and other issues affecting agriculture and rural communities. The 2024 candidate forums and the other Farmfest forums can be viewed at: https://www.ideaggroup.com/farmfest. Note - For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst, Green Solutions Phone - (507) 381-7960; E-mail - [email protected]
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2024 will mark the thirty-fourth anniversary of political candidate forums at Farmfest. In every even numbered year since 1990, Minnesota Farmfest has featured candidate forums for the Minnesota primary election races for Governor, U.S. Senate, and Congressional seats. Over the years, these candidate forums have been very interesting and at times have helped give some direction to certain political campaigns. The timing of the forums is very important, as Farmfest is always held during the first full week of August, meaning that the forums usually occur the week before the Minnesota primary election on the second Tuesday of August. The Farmfest candidate forums have become a “must participate” event over the years for major political candidates of all parties for Governor, U.S. Senate, and Congressional seats.
Three candidate forums are scheduled during Farmfest in 2024 on August 6, 7 and 8 at the Gillfillan Estate near Redwood Falls, Minn. Several other interesting forums on timely agricultural topics have also been planned during the three-day event. Farmfest is coordinated by IDEAg Group, LLC, a subsidiary of American Farm Bureau Federation. Tuesday, Aug. 6 will feature two “Congressional Candidate Forums” in the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center. The candidates in Minnesota’s first and second congressional districts will participate in a Congressional Candidate Forum on Tuesday, August 6, at 10:30 a.m. A second Congressional Candidate Forum will be held that same day at 1:15 p.m. for the candidates in Minnesota’s sixth, seventh and eighth congressional districts. All of the current members of Congress in those congressional districts and several of their challengers will be participating in these forums. A special “U.S. Senate Candidate Forum” will be held on Wednesday, August 7, at 10:30 a.m. in the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center, featuring U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and several other candidates for U.S. Senate in Minnesota. The candidate forums are sponsored by Minnesota Farm Bureau. The focus and subject matter for the candidate forums has always been on agriculture and rural issues. Questions will be asked by moderators that work in ag media, based on input received from leaders in various agriculture and rural organizations. Following are the key topics that this year’s candidate forums will focus on:
Ø Protecting conservation programs and funding in the Farm Bill. Ø Appropriate adjustments, if any, to food and nutrition programs. Ø Livestock, trade, rural development, research, and other Farm Bill titles. Ø The likelihood of passing a New Farm Bill by the end of 2024 ?
Ø Changes needed in the GREET model for sustainable aviation fuel.
Ø Carbon sequestration efforts and “climate-smart” agriculture initiatives in the ag industry. Ø Balancing immigration policy with the labor shortages in ag production and processing. Ø WOTUS, feedlot regulations, proposition 12, and other federal regulatory issues. Ø Assisting new and emerging farmers and start-up agri-businesses. Another highlight in the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center will be a forum titled: “Farm Bill Fatigue …... Will Congress Pass a Farm Bill ?” on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith, who serves on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, will be joined on the panel by five national ag organization leaders. The panel will include four Presidents of national agricultural organizations, including Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau President, Rob Larew, National Farmers Union President, Harold Wolle, National Corn Growers Council President, and Lori Stevermer, National Pork Producers Council President, as well as George Goblish, American Soybean Growers Association Board Member. Critical ag industry and economic sessions will kick-start the programming each morning in the Wick Buildings Farmfest Center. On Tuesday, August 6 at 9:30 a.m. a forum titled: “Tips for Surviving in a Down Ag Economy” will be held. This forum will feature Bob Craven from the University of Minnesota Center for Farm Financial Management, Bernt Nelson, American Farm Bureau Economist, and Todd Stencel, South Central College Farm Business Management Instructor. The Farmfest “Ag Outlook Forum” is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7 at 9:00 am, featuring a top-notch list of presenters. The event will kick-off with comments by Xochiti Torres Small, USDA Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. The Outlook Forum will feature short presentations by Robert Bonnie, USDA Undersecretary of Agriculture, Thom Peterson, Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture, Ryan Yates, Managing Director of Government Affairs with American Farm Bureau, Brian Werner, Minnesota Biofuels Director, Mark Schultz, Grain Marketing Analyst with Northstar Commodities, and John Zimmerman, Chairman of the National Turkey Federation. Thursday, August 8 will feature events recognizing farm families and women farmers in the Wick Building Farmfest Center. The 2024 Farmfest “Women in Ag Event” will be held at 10:45 a.m., which will include recognizing the “2024 Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year”. The University of Minnesota “Farm Family of the Year” program, which will be held at 1:15 p.m. on August 8, will recognize over 80 county farm families of the year from throughout Minnesota. Earlier that same day, the University of Minnesota will host a “Manure Applicator Certification Program”, starting at 8:00 a.m. The Livestock Tent, located near the north end of the Farmfest site, will host some very timely panel discussions on the first two days of the event. The focus on Tuesday, August 6 at 11:15 a.m. will be an update on the outbreak and management of the H5N1 (highly pathogenic avian influenza) in the U.S. and Minnesota. Panel members will include Brian Hoefs, State Veterinarian with the MN Board of Animal Health, Thom Peterson, MN Commissioner of Agriculture, Lucas Sjostrom, Executive Director of MN Milk, and Bernt Nelson, with American Farm Bureau. Proposition 12, proposed changes to Minnesota feedlot regulations, and other livestock policy issues will be the focus of the forum in the Livestock Tent on Wednesday, August 7 at 11:15 a.m. Panel members include Dan Glessing, MN Farm Bureau President, Mike Landuyt, Past President of the MN State Cattleman’s Assn., Lauren Servick, Pubic Policy Director with MN Pork, and Ryan Yates, with American Farm Bureau. Cattlemen and women are also invited to obtain their Beef Quality Assurance Certification during a session in the Livestock Tent on Thursday, August 8 at 10:00 a.m., which is being presented by the Minnesota Beef Council. For more information on the Farmfest forum panels, livestreaming of the forums, Farmfest exhibitors, food vendors, and other information, visit www.farmfest.com. For more details on speakers or content in the Farmfest forums, contact Kent Thiesse, Farmfest Forum Coordinator at (507) 381-7960. Note - For additional information contact Kent Thiesse, Farm Management Analyst, Green Solutions Phone - (507) 381-7960; E-mail - [email protected] |