Michael Johnson

2 weeks ago | agweek.com | Michael Johnson

Developing news about the Environmental Protection Agency releasing renewable fuel standard details moved markets to end the week on Friday, June 13, 2025. The news was the main focus of discussion between Randy Martinson, president of Martinson Ag Risk Management and Randy Koenen of Red River Farm Network during the Agweek Market Wrap Friday morning. Initial news on Thursday was that the numbers would be lower than hoped, but Friday news showed numbers were higher than expected.

2 weeks ago | agweek.com | Michael Johnson

EDITOR'S NOTE: If you or somebody you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Call the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline at 833-600-2670 or visit minnesotafarmstress.com for resources and support 24/7. When a farmer is under the weight of stressful, out-of-control situations, often the last thing they want to do is stop what they’re doing to get help from a stranger. “No farmer ever calls a psychologist,” said Ted Matthews, one of two Minnesota rural mental health counselors.

3 weeks ago | agweek.com | Michael Johnson

The seasoned farmer likely doesn’t come across too many things that surprise them, yet it does happen on occasion. I can recall that one summer when reports of an armadillo sighting were stirring through our little part of the country in central Minnesota. It was as if Bigfoot himself had passed through on his way to the deep north woods. The excitement ended abruptly one morning when the little armadillo showed up as roadkill not far from the farm.

3 weeks ago | agweek.com | Michael Johnson

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is seeking input on an update to its animal feedlot rules, which regulate about 17,000 sites in the state. It's been 25 years since the last big update. The main purpose of this rulemaking is to amend existing feedlot rules to improve land application of manure practices to address nitrate and fish kills and establish additional technical standards to protect water quality and avoid fish kills, according to the MPCA.

4 weeks ago | agweek.com | Michael Johnson

The northern Plains head into the weekend with hazy skies, brought on by wildfires, not likely helping temperatures rise during a time when the crop needs some heat units. The effect of the lack of growing degree units was a central topic on Friday, May 30, during the Agweek Market Wrap with Randy Koenen of the Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson, president of Martinson Ag Risk Management.