ABOUT LAST WEEK: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Corn has wrapped up another successful Farmfest! Scores of farmers, family members, elected officials, and members of the public joined Minnesota Corn at the annual trade show and celebration of agriculture at Gilfillan Estate near Morgan.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3U4Qhx1 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)
MORE: Via MinnPost, photos from Farmfest. SEE: https://fluence-media.co/4wSFRzi
A BUSY AG NEWS DAY
FARM BILL: Via RFD-TV, VERBATIM: “Farmers and ranchers will have to wait for answers on the farm bill as lawmakers remain on August recess. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman said the committee plans to resume work shortly after members return to Washington.” BOOZMAN: “We’re going to come back in September, probably early in the week. We might wait a day or two just to make sure all of our members are back.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4go38D9
MORE: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “When senators return after the August recess, they’ll have just 16 legislative days before September 30th. During that time, Congress must complete another Senate Agriculture Committee vote, find floor time amid government funding debates, and begin reconciling major differences between the Senate and House farm bills.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4hrossu
NOTE: The Senate over the weekend passed a budget that includes a provision to delay a nationwide hemp ban. More in morning take. ICYMI: https://fluence-media.co/3TE8qlk
DISASTER RELIEF: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for farmers to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to Sept. 30, 2026. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing greater flexibility for farmers who experienced quality losses on eligible crops. Now, when applying for this key program, farmers who experienced quality-related discounts can use verifiable and reliable documentation to show quality losses due to natural disasters occurring 2023 and 2024. Farmers also now have the flexibility to use a quality loss percentage for crops having a final use that is different from their intended use.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45RdtkZ
SURVEY: Via Purdue, VERBATIM: “Farmer sentiment improved in July, ending three consecutive months of decline, as the Purdue University-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer (AEB) Index increased from 113 points in June to 126 points in July (see Figure 1). Both subindices also increased: the Index of Current Conditions rose by 20 points, while the Index of Future Expectations increased by 11 points (see Figure 2). This improvement came as corn and soybean prices increased from mid-June to mid-July. The percentage of respondents who listed high input costs as their biggest concern was 46% in July. When asked about their biggest challenge to success in the next five to ten years, 30% of respondents indicated that crop or livestock prices were their biggest challenge.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4fOyzGF
MORE: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “According to the latest Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, there’s a sentiment gap between crop and livestock producers. But, Michael Langemeier, the director of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture, tells Brownfield, ‘There’s still concerns about input costs in the short run. If you look longer term, cost control, financial considerations, and margins particularly for crop producers are a concern.’” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Uos5ps
SURVEY: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “If you were hoping for a break on borrowing costs or input prices heading into 2027, the latest Farm Journal Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor isn’t offering much comfort. The July survey shows the panel expects both to stay elevated, or even grow worse, putting fresh pressure on margins that are already stretched thin across the row-crop sector. Out of the 15 economists that responded to the latest survey:
11 economists say they expect the average interest rate on ag operating loans to be slightly higher in 2027 than in 2026
No economist is forecasting a decline of any size
4 expect rates to hold steady
But the message from more than two-thirds of the group is the same: financing a crop is about to get more expensive, not less.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4z9hQFp
STRESS: Via Red River Farm Network, VERBATIM: “Farming comes with its share of stress, but farmers and ranchers shouldn’t feel like they have to face these challenges alone. American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall was part of a Red River Farm Network podcast about farm stress six years ago, following the death of his wife, Bonnie. Duvall revisited that conversation with RRFN at Farmfest, saying it helped inspire a stronger focus on rural mental health through the Farm Bureau’s Farm State of Mind program.” READ | LISTEN
INPUTS: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A leader with the Minnesota Corn Growers Association is encouraged by steps taken by the federal government to address rising input costs. Todd Wentzel serves as vice president and farms near Murdock.” WENTZEL: “There’s been a bill introduced for fertilizer transparency, I think that will help a lot. Trying to get some price transparency on fertilizer and hopefully with the objective of lowering the fertilizer prices (and) knowing what the supply is. That might help.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4g8Tkff
(DISCLOSURE: Minnesota Corn is a Fluence sponsor)
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)
WEATHER MATTERS
DROUGHT: Via MPR, VERBATIM: “It’s been a dry summer for many Minnesotan farmers as drought conditions blanket much of the state. But rain has come for key production areas in recent weeks. Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen called the showers ‘crop-saving rain’ at this year’s annual ag trade show, Farmfest, in Redwood County in southwest Minnesota.” QUOTE: “Right here, we were dry, but the crop looks really good,” Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish added. “We’ve been blessed here, just getting some timely rains in this immediate area.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3SnKsuc
MORE: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A dry July made for a memorable month in northwest Minnesota. Cass County cow-calf producer Miles Kuschel says a cool spring gave way to heat and dryness.” KUSCHEL: “And then we continued on through the heat and the dry all through July. In fact, we set a new recording for haying. We started haying the 8th of July and were able to hay all the way through to the 31st when we finally picked up a little bit of rain. So conditions around our area are extremely dry.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3S6uCUH
NOTE: The next weekly Drought Monitor is out Thursday – watch for it that day in lunch take and in Friday’s ag take. Last week’s showed 70% of the state in drought, 34% in severe drought. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3zN8TDo
EL NIÑO: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “As combines prepare to roll across the Corn Belt, a rapidly strengthening El Niño is shaping up to be one of the biggest wild cards for both U.S. harvest weather and South America’s upcoming growing season. The warnings have been around for months: this El Niño could be one of the strongest on record. Eric Snodgrass, Senior Atmospheric Scientist for Nutrien Ag Solutions, says the reason farmers need to pay attention is because this El Niño isn’t just strong, it’s on pace to be historic.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4q62c9I
THREATS: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “An agronomy specialist with Corteva says producers are closely monitoring several issues that could affect late-season crop performance. Matthew Peterson tells Brownfield, ‘A lot of guys are being vigilant on what’s going on corn disease wise after southern rust last year and tar spot the last few years.’” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fQfx2I
SELLING
MARKETS: Via Ag Web, VERBATIM: “Brad Kooima of Kooima Kooima Varilek says live cattle failed at the 50% retracement levels, even with higher cash trade. So, what will it take to get through those resistance areas on the futures?” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4hrorF4
EXPORTS: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Corn export inspections continue to make a strong push into the end of the marketing year. The USDA says that with just over three reporting weeks remaining, more than enough corn left U.S. ports to meet the USDA’s projection during the week ending August 6th, primarily headed to the key markets Mexico and Japan. Sorghum and soybean inspections also topped their respective marks, while wheat fell short.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UqyQHl
TAIWAN: Via WCCO-TV, VERBATIM: “A farm in Minnesota is hosting soybean buyers from Taiwan on Monday. The visit comes at a time when farmers in the state have been struggling due to rising costs and tariffs. Soybeans are Minnesota’s number one agricultural export. Six buyers toured Matt Purfeerst‘s family farm just outside of Faribault, which dates back to the 1850s. Managers of the site showed off some of their latest equipment.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/4fNyCT8
USDA: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins applauds the Senate confirmation of Glen R. Smith of Atlantic, Iowa, as U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development. This reaffirms the Trump Administration’s commitment to rural America and the farmers, small towns, and rural communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UqenSY
LOOKING AHEAD & BACK
THIS/NEXT MONTH: Via Minnetonka-based Pivot Bio, VERBATIM: “The Year of One Million Thanks Buddy Seat Tour presented by Pivot Bio, is heading to three of the biggest state fairs in the country this summer, giving fairgoers in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota an opportunity to join a national celebration of America’s farmers.” READ/SCHEDULE: https://fluence-media.co/4woDGCd
FARMFEST: From farm management analyst Kent Thiesse, VERBATIM: “Candidate forums have been part of Farmfest in every even numbered year since 1990, and these forums usually offer a variety of political views and insights. In 2026, Farmfest hosted candidate forums for the open races for Minnesota Governor and U.S. Senate, as well as Congressional candidate forums. The candidate forums included all of the major candidates in Minnesota running for the various elected offices, with discussions on various issues affecting farm families and rural communities in Minnesota. Farmfest also featured a keynote address by U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins, as well as a special Ag Outlook Forum that included several top-notch economists and marketing analysts, who provided insights on many key farm economic topics.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4x1Zvc3
MORE: Via MDA, VERBATIM: “More than 125 farm families had their private well water tested for nitrate at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) onsite clinic during Farmfest 2026.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4woPlkt
ST PAUL: From MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen via X, VERBATIM: “Any day there’s a [tractor] in front of the Capitol is a good day! Thx to @pivotbio CEO Chris Abbott for chance to talk about the state of agriculture in Minnesota this morning.” PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4wj45kU
NEXTGEN: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom is celebrating 40 years. Foundation director Ann Marie Ward says the impact of the ag literacy program has been remarkable.” WARD: “What started as an idea to put agriculture back into classrooms has become a true team movement between so many organizations, commodity groups, and individuals moving this work forward.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4g29net
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
AWARD: Feikema Farms, Inc. near Luverne is one of seven regional winners of Environmental Stewardship Awards from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, QUOTE: “These regional winners undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources and they share their learnings with fellow producers,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver. “Their dedication to conserving natural resources is ensuring a bright future for the next generation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45f3t4X
FARM FAMILIES: Via Agweek, VERBATIM: “Each year, farm families from across Minnesota are recognized by the University of Minnesota Extension during Farmfest. This year, 86 families were represented, each one picked from the state’s 87 different counties.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45DtE5D
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