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Weekly Wheatsource

Weekly Wheatsource

September 14, 2021
MN Wheat Weekly Update

 

Virtual September Marketing Seminar
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
4:00 – 6:30 pm

Details and to Register:  Click Here to Register for Zoom Link


Betsy Jensen – NCTC Farm Business Management


Dr. Frayne Olson – NDSU


Katie Tangen – AgCountry Farm Credit Services

A PROGRAM OF:

SPONSORED BY:

 

US Wheat Associates, Weekly Price Report – Michael Anderson

  • Commercial Sales: View the most recent USW Commercial Sales report here. 
  • Net sales of 388,400 metric tons (MT) for delivery in 2021/22, were up 32% from last week’s 295,300 (MT) and in line with trade expectations of 150,000 MT to 525,000 MT. Year-to-date commercial sales for delivery in 2021/22 total 9.8 million metric tons (MMT), 24% lower than last year at the same time. USDA expects total 2021/22 U.S. wheat exports will reach 23.8 MMT, 12% lower than last year, if realized.

U.S. Drought Monitor

  • The Central and Northern Plains continued to see soil moisture improve this week. However, areas of dryness persist, and USDA last week rated 63% of North Dakota and 66% of South Dakota topsoil short to very short. The PNW remains dry with no improvement this week. The USDA reported that topsoil moisture rated short to very short was 100% in Washington, 89% for Oregon, 75% in Idaho, and 93% in Montana. This year, drought conditions and extreme summer heat led to Washington state’s lowest wheat production since 1973.

Figure 2 – Sept 9th

Figure 1.2 : Sept 2nd

National Policy Update – by: Mariah Wollweber

  • NAWG Launches Advocacy Campaign to Protect Family Farms – The House of Representatives and Senate are currently moving forward with a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package. Today, NAWG is launching an advocacy campaign to urge lawmakers to oppose proposals that would effectively eliminate the stepped-up basis on capital gains taxes, limit the ability of farmers to utilize 1031 like-kind exchanges, and other key tax provisions that would negatively impact growers’ ability to pass the farm on to the next generation. Urge your member of Congress to maintain the current estate tax system and oppose any potential transfer taxes on farmers by joining our advocacy campaign. Now is a critical time for protecting tax law affecting farmers — click here to join us in our campaign and follow the instructions to send a message to your Member of Congress.  
  • Order Vacating and Remanding the Navigable Waters Protection Rule – The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (the agencies) received an order vacating and remanding the Navigable Waters Protection Rule in the case of Pascua Yaqui Tribe v. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Implementation of the NWPR has halted and usage of the pre-2015 regulatory regime has been adopted. The agencies continue to move forward with a goal of better protecting our nation’s water resources and of creating a definition of “waters of the United States” based on inclusion and diversity. In a recent press release, NAWG CEO, Chandler Goule, commented that NAWG supports maintaining the provisions of the NWPR in order to provide the clarity that growers have been seeking. NAWG will continue to engage in the process as the Army Corps and EPA move through this process. To read the full press release, click here.
  • NAWG Welcomes Suspension of Vietnam Wheat Import Tariff – In August, NAWG published a press release to commend the bilateral package that was announced from Vice President Harris’ recent trip which would suspend or eliminate the Vietnam Wheat Import Tariff. This suspension would reap multiple benefits by not only improving competitiveness for American growers but also by aiding in reduced food costs for Vietnam. NAWG CEO, Chandler Goule, commented how pleased NAWG is to see this tariff being lifted due to the many opportunities that will be present for both countries. NAWG will continue to work to advocate for an efficient trade system that will have a positive impact on U.S. wheat producers and their customers around the globe. To read the full press release, click here

Weekly Harvest Report (Erica Oakley)

  • This is the final weekly report for SW harvest and indicates a U.S. No. 2 SW wheat crop in 2021. The HRS harvest is winding down and northern durum harvest is more than 90% complete. HRS currently grades a U.S. No. 1 Dark Northern Spring (DNS) and northern durum is grading at U.S. No. 1 Hard Amber Durum (HAD).
  • Click Here for Full Report

Industry News – Clippings from the MN Farm Bureau Impact 

MFBF Joins Letter on Tax Proposals

  • Minnesota Farm Bureau along with American Farm Bureau, 45 other state Farm Bureaus and 280 organizations representing family-owned agribusinesses, sent a letter this week to congressional leaders urging them to leave important tax policies in place as they draft legislation implementing President Biden’s “Build Back Better” agenda. The letter addresses four key tax provisions that make it possible for farmers and ranchers to survive and pass their businesses on to the next generation: estate taxes, stepped-up basis, 199A small business deduction and like-kind exchanges

Know Where and When to Apply Fall Nitrogen Fertilizer

  • The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding farmers and commercial applicators that fall nitrogen fertilizer applications are restricted in some areas of the state. Under the MDA’s Groundwater Protection Rule, fall nitrogen fertilizer application is prohibited in vulnerable areas of Minnesota due to environmental concerns or risks. Areas with coarse-textured soils or areas above fractured bedrock or karst geology are the most vulnerable to nitrate loss and groundwater contamination. View a map of the vulnerable regions of the state. For more information on the restrictions outlined in the Groundwater Protection Rule visit mda.state.mn.us/nfr. 
  • In other areas of the state where fall nitrogen fertilizer application is allowed, the MDA advises farmers and commercial applicators to check soil temperatures and wait for cooler conditions. Research shows that delaying fall application of anhydrous ammonia and urea fertilizer, as well as manure, until the average soil temperatures reach 50 degrees F or cooler helps prevent nitrogen loss, protects water quality, and ensures more nitrogen will be available for next season’s crop. 
  • To assist in tracking soil temperature, the MDA provides real-time, 6-inch soil temperatures at 25 locations across the state. In addition, the MDA provides links to soil temperature from the University of Minnesota research stations and the North Dakota Ag Weather Network (NDAWN) weather stations. View the interactive map to find the current 6-inch soil temperature and the past week’s history. 
  • Although the soil temperature network was established to support the application of nitrogen fertilizer, it is equally useful for those applying manure in the fall. The University of Minnesota Extension recommends the same temperature delay (6-inch soil temperature below 50 degrees F) to prevent leaching losses. Research from the University of Minnesota showed liquid dairy and hog manures injected in November produced yields 10 bushels per acre higher than manures injected in September and October.
  • For more information on the Six-inch Soil Temperature Network visit mda.state.mn.us/soiltemp.

Industry News – Clippings from the MN Farmers Union – E-news
National Farmers Union D.C. Virtual Fly-In scheduled

  • Join Fellow MFU Members at the NFU Fall Legislative Virtual Fly-In! 

Sept. 20-23, 2021

  • Sign up to join Farmers Union members from across the country for the 2021 Fall Legislative Virtual Fly-In!
  • Register here: https://bit.ly/MFUFlyIn2021
  • Registering will ensure you stay up-to-date on meetings with your Congressional leaders, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and others, all of which will be held via Zoom between Monday, Sept. 20 and Thursday, Sept. 23.
  • Registering is not an obligation to attend every meeting. You can find an updated list of national events at: www.nfu.org/fly-in.
  • MFU members who join us will learn about ongoing work on competition and resiliency in the food system. Even more importantly, they will meet with their elected representatives in Congress, helping to ensure that lawmakers understand the needs and perspectives of family farmers. Policymakers in Washington, D.C. are regularly making decisions about health care, market competition, trade, climate change,

Stress resources
Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? We always need to be aware of our mental health, and we need to look out for each other and make sure our community members get the support they need. Here are some common warning signs from Rob Holcomb, UMN Extension Educator, which may indicate that you or someone you love needs a hand with mental health:

  • They isolate themselves
  • They abruptly sell land/livestock or their equipment/farmstead falls into disrepair
  • Their substance use increases
  • They lack motivation, become less productive, or their mood changes
  • They use statements of hopelessness or giving up
  • Their sleep patterns are altered
  • They have unpaid bills
  • Their spouse/significant other/children exhibit stress

The most important thing is that if you see something, say something. Here is a list of phone lines, websites and other resources can be used by farmers and others in rural communities. And do not underestimate the power of a cup of coffee and a conversation. Taking 5 minutes out of your day to call someone may make the difference for a farmer and their family.

Financial assistance

University of Minnesota Extension Free, Confidential Financial Counseling for Farmers: 800-232-9077, z.umn.edu/financehelp