Red River Farm Network

In the latest Pioneer Agronomy Update, Pioneer Field Agronomist Eric Lagge has recommendations for field scouting this week. “It very important to keep an eye out for corn rootworm beetles as they’re beginning to emerge in corn fields and volunteer corn plants in soybean fields,” said Lagge. CRM pressure is increasing in southeast North Dakota and western Minnesota. Click here to listen to the report.

In the Dry Bean Scene, NDSU Plant Pathologist Dr. Michael Wunsch offers insight into edible bean fungicide decisions. Timing remains the key to protecting yield. Click here.

In the Canola Minute, Northern Canola Growers Association Executive Director Barry Coleman discusses the USDA acreage report and the impact on canola. Click here.

What’s Hot What’s Not in the Markets The grain markets have taken over the spotlight after a bullish USDA report and renewed geopolitical concerns, according to Martinson Ag Risk Management President Randy Martinson. Martinson says wheat has become the market leader as escalating conflict involving Russia, Ukraine and Iran raises concerns about global grain logistics.

Renewed tensions in the Middle East are once again creating uncertainty for the energy and fertilizer markets. “That’s just going to create more volatility when the demands are high and the supply is disrupted; it has the ability to cause a really difficult situation,” said Jay Debertin, president/CEO, CHS. “We need to build demand in the U.S. with renewable fuels, processing, and we need trade doors back open and operating efficiency. We keep making that case to policy makers.”

The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified over the weekend, with both sides launching new attacks across the Middle East. The U.S. carried out multiple strikes against Iranian military targets after Iran attacked a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one crew member missing. Iran responded with missile attacks targeting countries that host U.S. military forces, including Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.

Ukraine says a series of drone strikes has forced Russia to suspend shipping through the Sea of Azov, disrupting a key export route for oil, grain and other commodities. Ukrainian officials say dozens of vessels have been targeted in recent days, including oil tankers and ferries, while strikes also hit fuel infrastructure and logistics hubs.

A Long Way to Go and a Short Time to Get There Congress returns to Washington today after a two-week recess. Over the next month, lawmakers will need to move forward on Farm Bill 2.0, a farm assistance package and year-round E-15. Without action, those issues will be punted to the lame duck session after the November 3 elections.

China is giving Australia more access to its market for canola. China, who is the world’s largest canola importer, made trial purchases of Aussie canola in the past year. A broader import license is now available to expand that business.

AFBF and NFU Concerned with Packers and Stockyards Rule Change The American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union have issued a joint statement, saying they are deeply troubled by USDA plans to rescind rules to protect farmers under the Packers and Stockyards Act. The two major general farm organizations said this change would give more power to large processing companies at the expense of the American farmer.