TREATED SEED: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “As planting season begins across the country, Minnesota Corn reminds farmers to follow the basic steps for stewardship of treated seed . . . Seed treatments help protect the developing seed during its most vulnerable time – at planting and germination. Their highly targeted, precise application means less impact on the surrounding environment. This is one of the many valuable and innovative tools that enable America’s farmers to be more productive, while using resources more efficiently and protecting their seed investment.” STEPS: https://fluence-media.co/4tIzRHc (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)
UNCERTAINTY AHEAD
SURVEY: Via Farm Bureau, VERBATIM: “Rising input costs tied to the conflict in the Middle East are adding strain to an already challenging farm economy. To better understand how global fertilizer market disruptions are affecting producers during spring planting, the American Farm Bureau Federation conducted a Fertilizer Availability Survey of farmers and ranchers across the country . . . Midwestern producers – often relying on a corn and soybean rotation – reported higher pre-booking rates, with 67% securing fertilizer earlier in the season.”
“Given these crop rotations, pre-booking is more common in the Midwest, where fertilizer needs are typically larger and purchasing decisions are often made well ahead of planting. As a result, a larger share of Midwestern farmers reported being able to secure the inputs they need before recent price increases. Even with higher pre-booking rates, nearly one in three Midwestern farmers still report entering the season without securing all of their fertilizer needs.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Q3SNlp
WAR & TARIFFS: Via WCCO-Radio, from an interview with Senator Amy Klobuchar, VERBATIM: “Klobuchar tells WCCO Radio’s Vineeta Sawkar that Minnesota farmers are again paying the price, along with across the board tariffs, which she believes President Trump should ‘reexamine.’” QUOTE: “I’m using a polite word. Reexamine the tariff policy and really pull it back because I think it’s just - there’s no way out of this when it comes to Ag for Minnesota and our whole world,” Klobuchar explains. “(It) affects all rural areas, it affects companies big and small, especially the small companies who are like roadkill when it comes to this. So we need to stand up.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/425FF1I
CHINA: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “Tensions in the Middle East are adding a new layer of uncertainty to U.S.-China trade relations, with energy now taking center stage. Policy Solutions President Jay Truitt says the ongoing conflict in Iran and control over oil flows are reshaping global trade dynamics.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4sFIeCl
FERTILIZER: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “Fertilizer market volatility is once again taking center stage as geopolitical tensions disrupt global supply lines and push input costs sharply higher. New analysis shows the increase in fertilizer prices may not be over, even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens soon. Even with the situation in Iran pushing prices even higher, the sharp increase in fertilizer prices from 2020 to now is catching attention in Washington. Not only did President Donald Trump take to social media to warn of ‘price gouging,’ but Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins also posted on X Monday, specifically expressing frustration over Mosaic’s response to farmers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mwcuyd
DECISIONS: Via Pivot Bio, VERBATIM: “As U.S. farmers finalize crop plans for the 2026 growing season, many are navigating one of the most complex operating decision environments in recent years. Rising fertilizer prices, uncertainty around global supply, pressure on farm margins and shifting crop economics are forcing growers to carefully evaluate fertilizer purchases, crop rotations and nitrogen strategies as planting approaches. To help provide perspective during this critical window, several leading university researchers are sharing insights on how farmers can think about nitrogen management in the current environment.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mAutUj
PRODUCTIVE FARMS, STEWARDSHIP GO HAND IN HAND. via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Corn farmers are demonstrating that productive agriculture and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Through widespread adoption of practices such as reduced tillage, cover crops, crop rotations, and targeted nutrient management, farmers have improved soil health, reduced erosion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and protected water quality across millions of acres in Minnesota. That’s all while implementing advances in seed genetics, fertility management, and precision technology that have improved on-farm productivity.” LEARN MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4stHjG5 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn)
MINNESOTA ISSUES
FERTILIZER: Via KAXE-Radio, VERBATIM: “A Republican state representative and several farm and clean energy groups have posed a question to lawmakers: Why should Minnesota import most of its fertilizer if it can be manufactured inside the state? Rep. Paul Anderson, R-Starbuck, the co-chair of the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, brought the question to the committee on Wednesday, April 8, for an informational hearing. Ammonia is the key to nitrogen fertilizer, and almost all ammonia in Minnesota, nearly 1 million tons per year, is imported from Gulf Coast states and internationally, according to the Minnesota Made Ammonia Coalition.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OI4uh5
LAND: Via Agweek, VERBATIM: “Minnesota lawmakers are talking about giving local governments control over what land should be used specifically for farming. The heart of SF 4479 is aimed at allowing counties to designate certain agricultural lands as unsuitable for electric power facilities, proposing coding for new law in Minnesota statutes. Those lands would be given such a designation if they are considered ‘agricultural priority lands.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/483QMM8
ETHANOL: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Demand for corn from ethanol producers continues to be solid. The U.S. Energy Information Administration says ethanol production was a five-week high, averaging 1.12 million barrels per day last week, rising 4,000 from the previous week and 108,000 from a year ago. Demand signals were mixed.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4ctMM9a
OUTSIDE ISSUES: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “Strong winds whipped around Doug Bartek, a fifth-generation farmer, as he headed into a grain bin to shovel soybeans onto a conveyor chute. The 60-year-old was anxious at the onset of the spring planting season, rattling off the long list of issues affecting his family’s livelihood at their 2,000-acre farm near Wahoo, Nebraska. The high cost of fuel, equipment, and fertilizer — compounded by the Iran war — and also tariffs, perceived ‘price gouging’ by suppliers, and low soybean prices driven by a global supply glut. All of it weighs on Bartek, who is chairman of the Nebraska Soybean Association.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/41FulJw
AID: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “As Congress returns from the Easter recess, uncertainty remains about whether farmers will see relief through the budget reconciliation process. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says current discussions do not point to farm aid being included in the package.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mwlSC7
DEADLINES: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) offers can be submitted during a second batching period that runs through May 1, 2026. Additionally, USDA reminds producers and landowners of the upcoming April 17, 2026, deadline for both the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program and the General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Signup 66.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3OHTC2M
MARKETS: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “Corn and soybeans are higher early Wednesday with wheat lower. Cattle and hogs started lower then turned mixed.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/41wnMch
BEES: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “Lost bees? Think chemicals may be to blame? We’re here to help. Our compensation program supports beekeepers w/ verified pesticide-related losses. If you suspect a bee kill, file a written complaint and our investigation team will get to work.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4sFLI7T
CONSERVATION: Via Agweek, VERBATIM: “More than 40 women gathered at the Rice County Fairgrounds last week, sharing stories, swapping ideas and building connections around a common goal — caring for land and water in their communities. The event, hosted by the Rice County Soil and Water Conservation District and Minnesota Women in Conservation, reflects a broader shift across Minnesota: conservation efforts increasingly driven by peer networks, particularly among women landowners and farmers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mwHzlr
AG HEADLINES
EXPORTS: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “Ag Commissioner @thommypetersen , Board President of Food Export Midwest, kicked off the 2026 @FoodExports Spring Meeting in Pittsburgh with welcome remarks yesterday. We’re proud members of Food Export, working to expand global market opportunities for MN food & ag businesses.” SEE: https://fluence-media.co/41AvpOY
LIVESTOCK: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “2025 saw continued improvement for Minnesota livestock producers. University of Minnesota Extension economist Pauline Van Nurden says new data shows hog, dairy, and beef operations all posted improved profitability.” QUOTE: “Beef producers definitely, especially cow-calf producers, saw improved profitability. Hog producers also rebounding from some real challenges in 2023 especially. And dairy producers saw a good year as well.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/48RQbgL
CATTLE FUTURES: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “Live cattle futures surpassed the historic $250 mark on Tuesday, driven by record-breaking $250 cash trades in the North and a 75-year low in U.S. cattle inventory. Despite geopolitical tensions and higher fuel costs, robust consumer demand and a lack of Mexican imports continue to push both fed and feeder cattle to all-time highs as the industry enters the peak spring grilling season.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cabn3O
DEADLINE: For those wanting to vote on a proposed increase in the beef checkoff, ballots must be postmarked by Monday. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4tNGIPJ
POULTRY: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Price impacts from the conflict in the Middle East are not being felt by the U.S. poultry industry, yet. MPF board director Steve Taylor of Indiana-based MPS Egg Farms says the poultry sector is bracing for disruptions caused by unrest in the Middle East.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4tcQWcm
MONDAY: Via American Ag Network, VERBATIM: “For the first time, Minnesota FFA will host an Agricultural Education Career Development Event on Monday, April 20, during its annual State Convention at the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The event is designed to encourage FFA members to explore agricultural education as a potential career and to provide them with an introduction to the basic skills necessary to facilitate learning experiences.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4cmUH84
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
RETAIL
FARM STOP: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “Minnesota will soon see its first ‘farm stop,’ a year-round market designed to support small-scale farmers, in Minneapolis. The Radish Farm Stop, set to open in June, will offer coffee as well as local produce and other goods. MPR News host Clay Masters spoke with Radish Farm Stop founder Lily Gross about the state’s first farm stop.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4cuwjS2
GROCERIES: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “Grocery stores are where many Minnesotans experience local food in their everyday lives. Thanks to @mngrocers for the opportunity to present Minnesota Grown’s Retailer of the Year awards today. Congratulations to this year’s winners!” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/41Di3RX WINNERS LIST: https://fluence-media.co/4pn9ILX
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