October 12, 2021
MN Wheat Weekly Update
MN Wheat Job Opportunity
PROJECT LEAD – The position of Project Lead is a dynamic role with a variety from day-to-day. This position works in three primary areas: 1) Agronomy/Research 2) Communications/Coordination and 3) Office Support. For more information click here or email cvogel@mnwheat.com.
Grain Storage Facility Safety Cost-Share
Last June The legislature appropriated $100,000 each year for the next two years for the program and MDA is now taking applications for the current fiscal year. This program reimburses 75% of eligible safety equipment expenses up to $400 per bin or silo with a limit of $2,400 per farm. The following link gives information on what type of safety equipment can be reimbursed and who can apply.
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/grainstoragesafetycostshare
US Wheat Associates, Weekly Price Report – Michael Anderson
- Wheat futures were mixed this week. CBOT soft red winter (SRW) futures were down 21 cents to close at $7.34/bu. KCBT hard red winter (HRW) futures were down 22 cents to end at $7.37/bu. MGE hard red spring (HRS) futures gained 17 cents to close at $9.46/bu. CBOT corn futures were up 4 cents to $5.30/bu. CBOT soybean futures were down 42 cents to close at $12.43/bu.
Commercial Sales: View the most recent USW Commercial Sales report here.
- Net U.S. wheat commercial sales of 333,200 metric tons (MT) as of September 30 for delivery in 2021/22 were up 15% from last week’s 290,100 (MT) and within trade expectations of 200,000 MT to 500,000 MT. Year-to-date commercial sales for delivery in 2021/22 total 11.4 million metric tons (MMT), 21% 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.
- Temperatures across the northern Plains and throughout the Midwest were above average, while cooler than average temperatures prevailed in the west. In the Plains states and PNW, rain events brought much-needed moisture. In South Dakota, extreme and severe drought conditions improved in the northern and southern parts of the state. The western portion of Nebraska stretching into neighboring Wyoming saw dry conditions worsen. Neighboring Colorado also saw moderate drought conditions expand. Following rain and cooler temperatures, northeast Washington had exceptional drought conditions improved, as did neighboring Idaho. Further east, Montana saw drought conditions expanded.
Oct 7th
National Policy Update – Mariah Wollweber
Rod Snyder Appointed EPA Agriculture Advisor
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan announced the appointment of Rod Snyder to serve as the Agriculture Advisor at the EPA. “We are pleased with the appointment of Rod to this critical role at EPA. I have worked with Rod for many years in DC and he has extensive experience on agricultural policy issues and is known for working collaboratively across diverse interest groups,” NAWG CEO Chandler Goule. NAWG has also previously worked with Snyder during his time with Field to Market. To read the full press release, click here.
NAWG CEO Discusses Agricultural Disaster Aid
- The continuing resolution that passed last week included $10 billion in agricultural disaster assistance, a major component being the WHIP+ extension. NAWG CEO, Chandler Goule, interviewed with the media this week where he discussed this extension and his appreciation for it. The program as a whole, specifically the extension of it, is beneficial to farmers across the nation. He also discussed the drought assistance threshold changes and what’s next in addressing these weather changes. You can listen to his interview with Red River Farm Network here, and WNAX Radio here.
NAWG Advocacy Campaign
- NAWG’s advocacy campaign to protect family farms and farmers is still in action. So far, 150 participants have joined the campaign, meaning 76 congressional offices have been reached with over 470messages. As Congress keeps negotiating a path for the reconciliation bill, it is crucial to continue to make our voices heard. 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.
US Trade Representative Tai Spoke on Trade Relationship with China
- In a speech on Monday, Ambassador Tai laid out several steps toward re-aligning the US’s trade policies towards the People’s Republic of China (PRC). First, they will discuss China’s Phase 1 performance, including the purchase commitments made involving agriculture that we must enforce. Following that, they will start targeted tariff exclusion processes to ensure our economic interests are being served. Next, they will address concerns with China’s state-centered and non-market trade practices that weren’t discussed in Phase 1. Lastly, USTR will continue to work with our allies to achieve fair trade and healthy competition. To view more information, click here, and to rewatch the speech, click here.
Industry Updates
MN Farm Bureau Federation Weekly Update Excerpts
Sustainable Agriculture Grant Funding Available
- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) anticipates awarding up to $250,000 to demonstrate and publicize the energy efficiency, environmental benefit, or profitability of sustainable agricultural techniques or systems, from production through marketing.
- The Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation (AGRI) Program’s Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant program will accept applications through 4 p.m. on Thursday, December 9, 2021.
- Applicants may request up to $50,000 per project. The first $25,000 does not need to be matched by the applicants. For requests between $25,000 and $50,000, applicants must provide a dollar-for-dollar match on the amount above $25,000.
- Funding will be awarded in 2022. Projects must last two to three years and grantees must be willing to share what they learn with others.
Governor Walz Announces Pathway to Reduce Impact of Transportation on Climate
- Governor Tim Walz directed state agencies to explore ways to reduce climate change impacts from transportation fuels. Led by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Minnesota Department of Transportation, the process will engage a broad cross-section of stakeholders statewide to identify shared goals and opportunities that will help to inform a new Clean Fuel Standard in Minnesota. The agencies will provide a report summarizing the results and recommendations in February 2022