COUNTY ASSOCIATIONS: From Minnesota Corn via Facebook, VERBATIM: “Our county corn grower associations have been in full swing these last few weeks, holding member outings and activities. Last week, the Freeborn County Corn & Soybean Growers held their Ag Open golf tournament, raising money for scholarships. Thanks to all of our local growers for their efforts this summer!” PHOTOS: https://fluence-media.co/4gAGhU7 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)
COUNTOWN TO THE FAIR
13 DAYS AWAY: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “Fairgoers of all ages can connect agriculture to their daily lives with educational, engaging, and interactive activities and games at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4wpXXaz
FARM BILL: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Ag policy conversations are front and center at the 2026 Iowa State Fair. US Senator Chuck Grassley says fairgoers have been asking him about the future of the next five-year farm bill. ‘The five-year farm bill of 2018 has become and eight-year farm bill,’ Grassley said Friday morning. He tells Brownfield there’s still optimism the US Senate can get it passed despite a recent roadblock.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/45ul4G3
MOORHEAD: Via Forum, VERBATIM: “Minnesota DFL leaders met with local farmers in Moorhead on Wednesday, Aug. 12, to discuss the challenges facing the agricultural industry. DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom, state Sen. Rob Kupec and U.S. congressional candidate Erik Osberg organized the roundtable discussion at Minnesota State University Moorhead. Topics included rising fuel and fertilizer costs, tariffs, and concerns over potential cuts to rural health care.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TZJpB9
NEW LAW: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “As of August 1, 2026, charitable food assistance programs in Minnesota that receive donated eggs from retailers are now allowed to distribute them to end consumers up to 30 days past their quality assurance date. Gov. Tim Walz signed the Shell Egg Bill (SF3891) into law on May 26, 2026. The law supports balanced nutrition for all Minnesota families and reduces food waste across the state.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4zf9VGM
MORE: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “Commissioner @ThommyPetersen spoke today at the @ICAFoodShelf in Minnetonka on the new shell egg donation law.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4fZNfD0
INPUTS: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A southwest Minnesota farmer is discouraged by rising input costs. Bob Worth grows corn and soybeans near Lake Benton.” WORTH: “It really does look tough, because I’ve already done some pricing on fertilizer. And they’re really scared to even give you a price, but it’s going to be higher than it was last year.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/45tEECk
MORE LEADERS. MORE IDEAS. COMPLIMENTARY REGISTRATION. You are invited to attend Compeer Financial’s complimentary Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum this September 14-16 as leaders from across rural communities come together to strengthen the towns we call home. The event brings together community champions, local officials, nonprofit partners and business leaders to explore strategies that strengthen rural economies and expand opportunities. You’ll join more than 30 speakers and fellow leaders for practical ideas, inspiring stories and meaningful connections focused on economic development, workforce, housing, entrepreneurship and community leadership. We encourage you to invite a colleague, community partner or fellow rural changemaker to join you. Registration will remain open as space allows. Secure your seat at no cost today at www.Compeer.com/RuralForum. (SPONSORED: Compeer Financial)
IN THE FIELDS
DROUGHT: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “Crops in west-central Minnesota are hanging on, but another rain is needed to finish the season. Wilkin County farmer Galen Affield says conditions are particularly dry around Fergus Falls, although some areas north of Breckenridge have held up better.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3RUncnw
MORE: From MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen via X, VERBATIM: “Tough to see drought expand across some parts of MN w/ 45% now in D2 Severe drought & 75% in D1. DNR has had to suspend irrigation permits in some areas as well. Expect more disaster declarations soon which unlock emergency state & federal loans.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/45ob94X
NUMBERS: The latest Drought Monitor out this week shows 75% of the state in formal drought status, up from 70% a week earlier. 45% is in severe drought, up from 34%. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo
FIELD CONDITIONS: Via Successful Farming, VERBATIM: “For the week that ended Aug. 9, the USDA said there were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork in Minnesota. The previous week, which ended Aug. 2, there were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork. At this time last year, Minnesota farmers had 4.7 suitable days.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SBtAjE
RELATED: Via Brownfield, extreme weather is impact grain elsewhere in the world as well. LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3SzLOlF
40 YEARS AGO: Farm Progress looks back to 1986 when a dry summer ended in so much rain, many Minnesota farmers had trouble getting into their fields. READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fYsKXd
SOYBEANS: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “While another round of weather extremes is bearing down on soybean fields as mid-August gets underway, growers still have opportunities to protect 2026 yield potential, according to Missy Bauer. Bauer, Farm Journal Field Agronomist and co-owner of B & M Crop Consulting in Coldwater, Mich., says the focus now should be on the soybean yield components growers can still influence: number of seeds per pod and seed weight.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qh84ND
MARKETS
CORN: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “An extension grain market economist is confident a floor has been set under corn prices. Ed Usset with the University of Minnesota says new crop contracts are moving toward $5 a bushel.” USSET: “Here’s my bold prediction, we’re not going to sink below $4 again this fall. We may get back to the June lows, somewhere around $4.25, $4.30 on the December contract. That’s assuming weather is cooperative (and) harvest is cooperative.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xHIy6F
CATTLE: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “Cattle futures were sharply lower reacting to the news Tyson is closing its Joslin, Ill. beef plant immediately and will be selling its Pasco, WA plant. Plus its case ready plant in Eagle Mountain, UT will be shuttering. The company may add a second shift to its Amarillo, TX plant. Joe Kooima with Kooima Kooima Varilek says the market had been pricing some of this fear in the last couple of sessions with various rumors hitting the market.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4xAebiq
TRACKING CHIPS: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Two swine industry experts say the use of RFID technology can improve traceability and make the U.S. herd more resilient. Brent Pepin a veterinarian and the director of swine health for the National Pork Board says RFID tags would shorten the response times in the case of a foreign animal disease outbreak.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4qhFXh6
AG PRODUCTS
PEAS: Via Star Tribune, VERBATIM: “To create the next generation of protein to upgrade cereals, shakes and even ice cream, Minneapolis-based Puris isn’t changing the source it has long held sacred: the humble pea. Puris’ newest product transforms peas into powder and, according to the company, can pump more than 30 grams of protein into a drink without the grit, chunks and thickness of common muscle-building beverages.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4xI8kI1
SPECIALTY CROPS: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “Peterson is expanding specialty crop opportunities across the Upper Midwest through a new partnership with HC International. Peterson President Carl Peterson says the agreement will connect seed development with growing demand for identity-preserved, organic, non-GM and other specialty crops.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3TX4KLy
FUEL: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Eric Lawson with MEG Corp, a contractor that helps provide awareness for the renewable fuels industry, says additional demand for biodiesel can provide up to $2 per bushel of value. But, he says, that’s only the beginning if farmers consume more of it.” LAWSON: “It’s not quite readily available yet to pipeline it, it’s got to be blended offsite of the pipeline. We need suppliers to be handling it. What will push those suppliers to handle it is the demand from farmers asking for it.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4xEijOi
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
GLOBAL ROOTS: Via Sahan Journal, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is showcasing three story gardens this summer, including an Igbo traditional farm, Hidatsa earth lodge agriculture and an Ojibwe food and medicine garden. Curators Chidi Chidozie, Marique ‘Miriguá Miásh’ Moss and Naawakweose say with each of the gardens, they set out to tell their culture’s story.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x2EdLv
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