Michael Johnson

3 days 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.

1 week 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.

1 week ago | agweek.com | Michael Johnson

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Agriculture budget and policy bill passed through both the House and Senate on Sunday, May 18, and was signed into law on May 23 by Gov. Tim Walz. The $164 million funding package will take effect on July 1. Its passage was celebrated by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture commissioner, Thom Petersen.

1 week ago | agweek.com | Michael Johnson

Producers who were awarded contracts with the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture pilot program are expected to begin receiving at least a portion of payments within days, according to those administering the project across four states. That comes after freezing of funds during a review of the program by the Trump administration, which has delayed producer and administrative funds for months.

2 weeks ago | agweek.com | Michael Johnson

The markets saw a relatively quiet week leading up to a long Memorial Day weekend. There were some positives to note this week, which Randy Martinson, president of Martinson Ag Risk Management, outlined on Friday, May 23, during the Agweek Market Wrap with Randy Koenen of the Red River Farm Network. Technically, the markets saw some strength in the corn and wheat markets.