WATER RULE: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has opened a public comment period on the adequacy of the state’s Groundwater Protection Rule. The action is in line with a court-approved stipulation agreement between the plaintiffs (a coalition of environmental groups) and the defendants (Attorney General/MDA and a Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) led coalition of farmer organizations).” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49L7P5w (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)
AG NEWS UPDATES
FARM BILL: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “There are mixed opinions among House Agriculture Committee members on a farm bill timeline. Iowa Republican Randy Feenstra tells Brownfield Chair GT Thompson remains optimistic . . . Ranking Member Angie Craig, a Democrat from Minnesota, referred to Chairman Thompson as the ‘ultimate optimist’ during a news conference Thursday.” READ/LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/49rEjTy
DATA: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden today unveiled the Lender Lens on the Rural Data Gateway. This dashboard will make Rural Development’s entire commercial guaranteed loan portfolio available to the public, guaranteed borrowers and commercial lending stakeholders.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45Pdo1C
NEW NUMBERS
REPORTS: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “The January USDA reports, considered the most influential data releases of the year, delivered unexpected increases in corn yield, harvested acreage and total production, pushing the U.S. corn crop above 17 billion bushels and sending futures sharply lower. Ahead of the reports, average trade estimates pointed to only minor adjustments, a typical pattern for January. Instead, USDA delivered one of the more consequential end-of-season revisions in recent years, triggering frustration among farmers who struggled with disease pressure and weather challenges during the growing season.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jOk0D9
WASDE: From farm management analyst Kent Thiesse, VERBATIM: “The multiple USDA reports that are typically released in January are often known as being a ‘market mover’, and it appears that 2026 will continue that trend. The World Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report released on January 12th seems to have set a negative tone for corn and soybean markets in the early months of 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4qWrXIN
TRADE & AID
USMCA: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “The Commissioner of Agriculture in Minnesota says he’s encouraged following a recent visit with the Mexican Consulate in St. Paul. Thom Petersen tells Brownfield Mexico is a top market for Minnesota and U.S. ag exports.” PETERSEN: “Trying to continue to build that relationship. Mexico for corn, ham, turkey, those are all top markets.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4quD8Jb
FARMER AID: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Nearly 60 state and national farm groups are asking for Congress to pass immediate economic support for both row crop and specialty crop farmers. Kam Quarles is the CEO of the National Potato Council and co-chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance.” QUARLES: “We’re hearing very positive things that what we are recommending is included in, obviously, a much larger package intended to cover the breadth of all of these U.S. producers.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3LqF8CZ
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
WINTER ACTIVITIES
WORKSHOPS: Via Farm Forum, VERBATIM: “Farm transition and estate planning helps guide families to their own unique answers. Recognizing a statewide need, University of Minnesota Extension began hosting one-day workshops on farm transfer and estate planning for families in 2004. In 2018, Extension partnered with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to add one-and-a-half-day retreats for deeper family discussion. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture also has become a partner.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3ZhgYho
SCHOOLS: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “Applications for the 2026–2027 Farm to School Institute are now open! We also have two information sessions [this] week where schools can learn more about the Institute and how to apply.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/3NTGNS4 MORE: https://fluence-media.co/49wQG0A
TOYS: Via Agweek, VERBATIM: “The world of farm toys is a place where kids of all ages can come together to play. That was clear on a blustery winter morning on Jan. 10, at the Osakis Community Center. A mom was carrying around her toddler, both scanning rows and rows of 1/64 tractors. Two young boys were counting their money to see what they could buy from a display of new and old tractor models. Across the crowded room of about 37 tables of farm toys were grown men, well into their 70s, with eyes affixed on classic tractors from their youth.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/49usgot
AG OPPORTUNITIES
CONSERVATION: Via Morning Ag Clips, VERBATIM: “Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award. The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4jNALhK
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
150 YEARS OLD: Via Morning Ag Clips, VERBATIM: “Applications are now open for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Sesquicentennial Farm program, honoring Minnesota families that have owned their farms for at least 150 years. The deadline to apply is March 2, 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4pL4RE4
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