WEEKLY NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Plot Tour Season -- The view from the wagon will be a familiar sight for the Red River Farm Network team this week. Today and tomorrow, RRFN will be reporting from seven different field days and plot tours. You'll see us in Kindred, Thompson, Aneta, St. Thomas and Cavalier, North Dakota and Fergus Falls, Warren and Mankato, Minnesota. Before the week is out, we'll be at more field tours, too. At RRFN, we believe it is important to get out into the field and get a first-hand look at crop conditions. We talk to the experts and provide valuable agronomic information to our listeners. This isn't "rip and read" radio; RRFN provides cutting-edge information for the most productive farmers in the world.

CFTC Leader Highlights Complex Market Situation -- Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Walt Lukken was one of the speakers at the American Soybean Association's annual Legislative Forum in Washington. Lukken said the commodity markets have become increasingly complex. "I think they've also gone from brick and mortar organizations to electronics, and they're happening overseas," Lukken told RRFN "I think it's important for regulators to coordinate their efforts within different government agencies having a lot of eyes trying to look at these markets." Lukken is a member of a federal working gorup, which includes the CFTC, the Federal Trade Commission and the Treasury Department, to study these issues. Lukken says the CFTC will have some recommendations, if necessary, by September 15th on the swap markets. In additon, the CFTC plans to disclose many of the transactions made by index funds, speculators and commercial businesses.

Market Transparency Sought -- There is worry an artificial bubble, which has been seen in the mortgage and credit sectors, will impact food and energy. National Farmers Union President Tom Buis expects Congress will ask the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for more transparency from the market. "No one can say for sure what's going on because all of these positions in the futures market are not accounted for; there's exemptions, there's swaps, there's over-the-counter trading that no one really has a handle on because there's no reporting requirements." Excessive speculation is responsible for "anywhere from 30 percent to 70 percent of the price of a barrel of oil." Similar complaints have been made about some of the farm commodities.

Leave Well Enough Alone -- As Congress tries to curb excessive market speculation, one North Dakota farm leader asks lawmakers to leave well enough alone. North Dakota Farm Bureau President Eric Aasmundstad says the market needs to work and speculation is necessary for price discovery. "If Congress does anything to manipulate our markets, it is going to be the wrong thing." Aasmundstad participated in the American Farm Bureau Federation Council of Presidents meeting in Washington, DC. "I farm and I'm as tired as the next guy paying $4-plus for diesel fuel and these ridiculously high prices for our inputs, but if Congress does something with that futures market and drives that money out of this country, I think $4 fuel will be the lesser of two evils."

Three-headed Monster -- Rather than fundamentals, the ag trade is focused on Congress and USDA. Pro Farmer Editor Chip Flory described Washington as a three-headed monster. "Because you've got the legislation dealing with the CFTC; you've got the Renewable Fuel Standard discussion and then there's the talk about opening up some of the Conservation Reserve Program acres on a penalty-free, early-out basis to bring some acres back into row crop production, for 2009." From that list, Flory rates the possible opening of CRP acreage as the most likely scenario.

Corn Rationing is Underway -- Market analyst Virg Robinson, who is with PHI Marketing, says it is difficult to document the changing of feed rations from quarter to quarter, "but, anecdotally, and from a couple of the models that I'm privileged to see, I am beginning to see some rationing of corn in the livestock and the poultry industries; that is clearly underway and is likely to continue, but to suggest it's going on in a wholesale-type style would be misleading; I do not see that." The high price of corn has also sidelined some ethanol plants. Ethanol producers are also cautious about the fate of the Renewable Fuels Standard and its impact on the industry. Robinson said the RFS is a hot topic in Congress and that will continue for the foreseeable future.

Will the Crop Make It? -- In the Crookston area, corn is 180 heat units behind the normal pace. "We either need to accumulate more heat units before our average frost date of September 22nd or we need to extend our frost date," said Extension Educator Russ Severson, "Our projections are, with average heat unit accumulation, it would be October 2nd to make black layer on corn without a frost." Speaking at the field day at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center, Severson said the region has a better chance of making corn this year than it did in 2004.

Accu Tassel -- Weather conditions appear to be ideal for corn pollination, which is now underway throughout the Cornbelt. Ag forecasters with www.accuweather.com expect overall favorable conditions for pollination in the Midwest through July 30th. Accuweather Senior Meteorologist Dale Mohler doesn't see any prolonged spells of hot weather.

Harvest Hotline -- Each day, RRFN provides an update on harvest conditions. Harvest Hotline is sponsored by AgCountry Farm Credit Services and the North Dakota Mill. Custom cutter Bill Bjorneby, who is from Hoople, North Dakota, has been spending the week in Ogallala, Nebraska. Bjorneby says the crop in southwestern Nebraska is very good. "Everything is dryland that we're doing and we're seeing anywhere from 55 to 65 bushel and the test weight has been excellent on everything--61 to 64 pound test weight." The wheat harvest in Kansas is nearly complete. Kansas Wheat Communication Specialist Bill Spiegel says yields were better than expected, even in the dry areas of western Kansas. "I think farmers, once they got out in the fields, were very pleasantly surprised at the yields they were able to accomplish; I heard some 40 to 50 bushel averages, with very little rainfall." Custom cutter Tracy Zeorian has been working in northeastern Colorado. "It was dry for them this winter; test weights are about 61 pounds, so it is good wheat," said Zeorian. Yields have been disappointing.

No Harvest -- There apparently won't be much wheat to harvest in much of southwestern North Dakota. New England farmer Keith Witte says crops are burning up. In some cases, the small grain crop is being baled. "There are people that are starting to hay their crop; a lot of them can't even do that because the nitrate level is so high that you cannot feed it to cows."

Fields Drying Up in Western ND -- Crop conditions have changed for the worse in parts of western North Dakota. Bob Sanders, local field advisor for Monsanto, says southwestern North Dakota has run out of moisture. "Some places the wheat is even brown; it's gotten burned so bad; I've heard though that there's many locations that they're starting to hay the wheat."

Wheat Tour -- Starting Monday, July 28th, the Red River Farm Network will broadcast from the Wheat Quality Council Spring Wheat Tour. This tour, which begins and ends in Fargo, will provide a first-hand look at crop conditions. RRFN's reports are sponsored by Ag Systems Online and Butler Machinery.

Cool Weather is Ideal for Spring Wheat -- Kevin Capistran, who hosted a field tour on his Crookston area farm Wednesday, is expecting an above average wheat crop. "We've got so much potential right now if we can just finish it off with the right kind of weather and so far, that's what we're getting with cool nights and days that are perfect." Capistran says the weather has been somewhat of a challenge for row crops, but the lack of moisture has helped minimize the disease threat in wheat.

Might be the Best Crop Ever -- Crookston farmer Tim Dufault is anxious to combine his wheat crop. Dufault said it could be his best crop ever. "It is way too early tell, but it is as lush as I've seen it," said Dufault, "We got it in a little late and I thought the bloom was off the rose right away, but we had a cool May and cool into June with timely rains; it is just looking fantastic."

Good Yield Potential -- While there is some moisture stress, University of Minnesota Extension Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma says the spring wheat crop in northwest Minnesota is in very good condition. There does appear to be a big difference between the early planted wheat and the crop that was planted after the last snows. "I see two to three spikelet difference between those two planting dates and that will translate into differences in yield potential," said Wiersma, "As long as you have cooler growing conditions when it is in that initial phase for reproductive growth, which is jointing; if it stays cooler, you have higher spikelet counts and we're seeing that."

Casselton Area Received the Right Amount of Rain This Year -- The problem centers on one issue; it all came at the same time. According to Tom Teigen, director of the NDSU Agronomy Seed Farm, the small grains, corn and sugarbeets have not been hurt by the excess rain. "Our soybeans have been hit with chlorosis problems; of course, the rain exacerbates that, so the beans are behind." Teigen thinks soybean yields have been hurt, but there's still potential to have a pretty decent crop.

Aphids Are Confirmed -- Traill County, North Dakota Extension Agent Ken Nichols advises farmers to scout for soybean aphids. "We're seeing anywhere from none to as high as 400 on some plants; at that point, we definitely have to do some treatments." We're early in the season and Nichols urged growers to be cautious and not too aggressive on the soybean aphids. "We don't want any yield suppression."

Wet Feet -- Crop conditions vary in North Dakota's Cass County. Extension Agent John Kringler says some crops have taken the rain better than others. "I would say the soybeans are probably the ones that are struggling a little bit to keep going; we've been too wet and a little bit too cool," said Kringler, "I think that they've got wet feet and they're not growing good." Central Cass County has had over eight inches of rain in the past month.

Farmers Talk Crops During Coffee Shop Tour -- This past week, RRFN was at Farmers Union Oil in Portland, North Dakota for its monthly Coffee Shop Tour. A group of farmers shared the table with RRFN to discuss crops. "We're pretty optimistic, but it will be a stretch this fall to get everything done in October," said Pete Lovas, a farmer from Hillsboro. Corn GDU's are behind the normal pace, but the crop seems to be catching up."From the 4th of July to last week, we went from knee high to well above my waist." Brad Thykeson, who farms west of Portland, says the wheat crop appears to be disease-free. "The mornings are kind of dewy, but the potential is there for another great wheat crop in the eastern part of the state." In addition to crop conditions, Grandin farmer Jon McSparron discussed the economic conditions seen in today's agriculture. "It is a big learning curve; the financial risks are so much greater than what they had been." The RRFN Coffee Shop Tour is sponsored, in part, by the North Dakota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Corn Growers Association and Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers.

Warmer Weather Helps Row Crops -- Row crops are starting to perk up in the Oslo, Minnesota area. Chad Anvinson farms in Marshall County and says the last two weeks have helped the crops. "The beets have definitely come around; the dry beans are coming around; corn is coming around; the soybeans are a little small yet, but they'll likely catch up."

Straight-Cutting Highlighted -- Speaking at the Langdon Research Extension Center Field Day Thursday, Cavalier County Extension Agent Ron Beneda encouraged canola growers to try straight-cutting on some of their fields. "The people that do it out west say it is the only way to go; we're encouraging it, but we don't want to have 1,000 acres to combine the same day and we can't get there." In addition to saving a trip across the field, Beneda said quality can also improve with straight-cutting.

Fertilizer Frenzy -- Farmers may be wondering why they're being asked to pre-pay for their fall fertilizer needs. Paul Coppin, manager of Reynolds United Co-op, says the current environment has changed dramatically in the last 18 months. Coppin says when his co-op buys fertilizer, it needs to be paid, in some cases the same day. According to Coppin, the tremendous capital needs, with one-thousand dollar-plus fertilizer, and the need to secure additional tons to cover needs for fall, make it necessary to pass some of the risk and capital outlay on to producers.

Fertilizer Bill Keeps Going Higher -- Tim Miller, who manages Northwest Grain in St. Hilaire, Minnesota, says less than 20 percent of the 2008 wheat crop has been sold. "Some of the wheat got bought too soon last year, but even at these levels, if they had their inputs bought last fall or this winter, it should be fairly profitable for them." Miller says the input costs for wheat will be significantly higher in 2009. "The money we make on this crop is going to be put right back into this crop, come fall."

More Risk Than Ever -- There is anxiety in farm country. "Prices are high, so it makes it sound good, but the input costs are great," said Carol Duerr, manager, Colfax Farmers Elevator. In some cases, fertilizer is available, but farmers are being told they must pay for it and take delivery of the product now. "This is something they haven't had to do in the past; the cost for doing business for us is very high and we have to pass some of that costs on, no doubt about it." The Red River Farm Network broadcast from the Colfax Farmers Elevator Thursday.

Who Will Succeed Ed Schafer? -- During the Cattle Industry Summer Conference, Kansas State University Economist Barry Flinchbaugh offered predictions on the next Agriculture Secretary. "I think Obama's Secretary, without a doubt, will be the current president of the National Farmers Union Tom Buis, who will listen to Tom Daschle and if that doesn't scare you, you can't be scared," Flinchbaugh told the NCBA audience. For McCain, Flinchbaugh mentioned Kansas Senator Sam Brownback and former American Farmland Trust President Ralph Grossi. Former Texas Congressman Charlie Stenholm has been discussed as a possible Agriculture Secretary, but Flinchbaugh said that won't happen. Stenholm's support for Senator Hillary Clinton during the primary was cited as the reason.

Farm Bill Implementation Moves Slow -- American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Public Policy Mary Kay Thatcher believes it will be mid-2009 before the Farm Bill is fully implemented. "When you think about the big-ticket items, like the ACRE program and the disaster programs, USDA is projecting to us that it will be next April," said Thatcher, "I think, actually, unless some things change, that will be optimistic." That's because the implementation process will stop as a new person takes over in the Oval Office and gets his team in place at USDA.

Temporary Restraining Order, Blocking Haying & Grazing on CRP Land, Remains in Place -- US District Judge John Coughenour told attorneys in Thursday's hearing that USDA cannot unilaterally modify Conservation Reserve Program contracts without doing a more open environmental impact study. The judge did acknowledge that suspending all haying and grazing could be devastating for livestock producers. USDA and the National Wildlife Federation were asked to come to terms and limit haying and grazing to 2.5 million acres. American Farm Bureau Federation lawyer Danielle Quist called the ruling a victory for farmers and ranchers. "Typically, in the Ninth Circuit, the courts will presume environmental harm, period, and issue injunctions; we're very pleased this judge has taken the time to understand that there are important impacts on the agricultural community."

Early-Out Option Impacted -- The CRP court case does not affect emergency haying and grazing privileges, but it could affect USDA's decision to allow a penalty-free early-out option to increase grain production. "The judge's ruling on our critical use CRP issue and the temporary restraining order have to be taken into consideration," said Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer. The National Wildlife Federation has cautioned USDA against opening up the CRP program, while livestock and commodity groups are asking USDA to make a decision.

ASA Meets in DC -- American Soybean Association leaders were in Washington D.C. for their annual legislative forum this past week. ASA Chairman Rick Ostlie is focused on the extension of the biodiesel tax credit. "The biodiesel tax incentive is going to run out at the end of December and our industry won't be able to be profitable; it won't be able to survive; it's difficult for them now with the high prices, but they need that tax incentive."

EPA Ruling -- The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to make a decision regarding Texas Governor Rick Perry's request to modify the Renewable Fuels Standard this week. Perry has asked the EPA to cut the renewable fuel mandate in half.

Why Was There a Closed-Door Meeting? -- A coalition of US Senators are asking EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson for a meeting prior to a decision on the Renewable Fuels Standard. The Senators are alarmed by reports that Johnson met behind closed doors with Texas Governor Rick Perry July 9th to discuss Perry's request for an RFS waiver. Eight senators signed a letter to Johnson saying they expect a fair and open decision-making process; one that includes a good faith consideration of all interested parties. Included in the coalition of lawmakers signing the letter are North Dakota Senator Kent Conrad and Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman.

Argentine Tax Hike Repealed -- Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has repealed a tax hike on soy exports. The move follows the Senate's rejection of the measure on a one-vote margin. Export levies on grains and oilseeds have returned to the fixed rates that were in place before Fernandez imposed a sliding scale mechanism tied to global prices. Farm leaders have praised the government's decision.

Cautious Optimism -- Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer is cautiously optimistic heading into this week's WTO meetings. Schafer says the United States is willing to cut farm subsidies but needs market access. "If our producers are going to accept the lowering of the subsidy programs that enhance their operations, we need to have open access to developing countries so that our products can be sold and marketed overseas."

NCBA Policy Statement -- Members of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association oppose government intervention in the renewable fuels marketplace. During the summer conference in Denver, NCBA delegates voiced their support for a more market-based system for renewable energy. At the meeting, NCBA also launched a governance task force to study the inner working of the association.

Business Model Impacts Beef Checkoff -- During the Cattle Industry Summer Conference, National Cattlemen's Beef Association CEO Terry Stokes said "we are a victim of our success." Cattle numbers are down 28 percent from its high in 1975. The beef checkoff program is built around cattle numbers and those beef production numbers impact the promotion and research program. Stokes' message feeds into an effort to double the current $1-per-head beef checkoff.

Import Violations -- According to a new report from the Office of Inspector General, USDA's oversight of the BSE Minimal-Risk Rule is inadequate. Older Canadian cattle, animals without accurate health certificates and pregnant cows have been imported over the past two years; all of these situations violate import rules. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service spokesperson Karen Eggert said the violations were isolated incidents. "We'd like to point out that the vast majority of imports that came into the country during the time this audit was conducted were in accordance with our Minimal-Risk Rule." Earlier this month, a federal judge ruled USDA must draft new rules, but will allow older Canadian cattle imports to continue.

NAIS Challenged in Court -- A lawsuit has been filed in US District Court, trying to stop USDA from implementing the National Animal Identification System. The Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund targets USDA and the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Michigan is seeking premises registration as part of its mandatory bovine tuberculosis disease control program. Opponents want an injunction to stop implementation of the ID system by any state or federal agency.

Conservation Money -- Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer has announced an additional $200 million will be made available for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. An additional $2.5 million will be available for Agricultural Management Assistance in 16 states. With the extra funding, USDA has provided a total of $1.2 billion to producers in fiscal year 2008 for EQIP.

Milk Output Rises -- Despite rising feed prices, dairy farmers produced more milk in June. Milk production was up 3.4 percent from June of 2007. Minnesota added 3,000 cows to the state herd and milk output went up 2.2 percent. Texas had the biggest increase; up more than 16 percent. Idaho was up 8.4 percent. California milk production increased 2.3 percent. Wisconsin was up 1.6 percent.

CWT Bids Accepted -- In its latest herd retirement program, Cooperatives Working Together will remove 440 million pounds of milk and more than 25,000 cows from the US dairy herd. One-third of the farms accepted in the herd retirement program come from the Midwest, but National Milk Producers Federation spokesman Chris Galen says more cows will be culled in other regions. "The largest number of farms, proportionately, come from the Midwest and the largest number of cows come from the West; that is just due to the fact that farms are larger there." CWT is designed to strengthen farm-gate prices at a time with dairy producers are dealing with high feed and fuel costs

AFACT Summit on Wednesday and Thursday in Chicago -- American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology is encouraging consumers to demand access to high-quality, affordable food. That also means, agriculture must stand up to protect the technology that is available. "We all use technology to grow better crops with higher yields; safer crops while using less pesticides," said AFACT organizer Bill Rowekamp, "We quickly realized the concern about Posilac or our BST was just the tip of the iceberg." The Minnesota dairy farmer says farmers should work together to educate consumers about the importance of technology in agriculture.

Potash Price Pushing Higher -- The export marketing consortium for Canadian potash miners has raised its spot price for some Asian buyers to $1,000 per ton. That's up more than 20 percent from the current delivered price and will take effect in the fourth quarter. As of June, spot prices for potash, exported from Canada, were up 200 percent from one year earlier.

Big Sale Held Friday in Buxton, ND -- There is strong demand for used farm equipment. New equipment can take months to secure, making farm equipment auctions the place to source tractors and combines. Ritchie Brothers Auctioneers Territory Manager Chris Bair says the auction market is the best place for price discovery. "The supply is short and the demand is high for this farm equipment and the auctions really work in a strong market, like this."

From the Stones to the Second Amendments -- There was a party in Washington, celebrating the new Farm Bill. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson took the stage with his band, the Second Amendments. Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell, who operates a tree farm in Georgia, joined the all-congressional band for one set Wednesday night.

Farm-Aid in New Location -- Willie Nelson is bringing his Farm Aid concert to the Boston area. The fundraiser will be held September 20th. This is the first time the benefit concert is being held in the New England states.

Optimum GAT Clears Regulatory Hurdle -- DuPont has received regulatory approval for its Optimum GAT herbicide tolerance trait in soybeans. In a news release, DuPont says the Optimum GAT trait is key to the company's efforts to increase soybean yields by 40 percent in the next ten years. This new trait should be available on a commercial basis for the 2011 growing season.

Section 18 Granted -- The EPA has approved a Minnesota Section 18 Emergency Exemption for DuPont Coragen insect control on sweet corn. Potential severe infestations of corn earworm prompted the Section 18.

Milking Equipment Firm Expands -- GEA WestfaliaSurge has acquired Norbco Incorporated. Norbco has been the exclusive supplier of conventional heavy and medium-duty milking parlor stalls to GEA WestfaliaSurge. In addition, Norbco manufactures and distributes ventilation equipment, free stalls, barn cleaners and other products for the dairy industry.

Valmont Reports 2Q Results -- Valmont Industries reported net earnings of more than $37 million. That compares to $27 million in the same period last year. Valmont manufactures irrigation equipment for agriculture.

New Regional Headquarters for Syngenta -- Syngenta Seeds has kicked off construction for its new Regional Seeds Headquarters in Minnetonka, Minnesota. The facility will be home to the North American operations for the field crop division, including the NK, Garst and Golden Harvest brands. The building should be complete by the summer of 2009.

Environmental Stewards -- Seven US cattle operations are finalists for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Environmental Stewardship Award. The Hovde Ranch of Alexander, North Dakota is on that list. The North Dakota Stockmen's Association nominated the Hovde family for this recognition. The national winner will be announced in January.

Beef Checkoff Launches New Website -- A new Cattlemen's Beef Board website has made its debut. The interactive site can be found at www.mybeefcheckoff.com. The site includes expanded state beef council information and producer profiles.

Groundbreaking for Canola Research Farm -- Cargill is building a specialty canola research and production centre in Saskatchewan. The facility is scheduled to open in November. The research farm supports Cargill's specialized hybrid breeding program.

Gowan Gets Rights to Dow AgroSciences Product -- The Gowan Company has an agreement with Dow AgroSciences to acquire the rights of its zoxamide fungicide business. This is a highly active, low-use fungicide, used primarily in potatoes, vines and vegetables.

E-85 Racing Team Visits RRFN Broadcast -- During Tuesday's RRFN Coffee Shop Tour, Jason Strand of Portland, North Dakota showcased his race car. The North Dakota Corn Growers Association-sponsored vehicle runs on nearly 100 percent ethanol. "It runs a lot better; I can get more power out of it; it also runs cooler." Strand races in Ada, Fargo, Jamestown, Devils Lake and Glyndon. Strand, who also farms, is at the top of the standings in Fargo.

Reese Takes Role with Biotech Group -- Former National Association of Wheat Growers President Sherman Reese is the 10th board member of Growers for Biotechnology. The current vice chairman of the Oregon Wheat Commission says farmers can only keep pace with the food, fuel, feed and fiber needs of the world's burgeoning billions by adapting and incorporating the best of technology that agri-science has to offer.

AdFarm Hires Team Lead -- Jamie Johnson has been named the Team Lead for AdFarm's US operations and will work in the agency's Kansas City office. Previously, Johnson was an account manager at Bernstein Rein.

National Pork Board Elections Will be Held This Week -- Karen Richter of Montgomery, Minnesota will join the National Pork Board this week. Elections for the Pork Checkoff board are also on the agenda. Lynn Harrison of Elk Mound, Wisconsin will see his term as president end. Steve Weaver of Elk Grove, California is the group's vice-president and is expected to move into the presidency.

Former White House Staffer Gets New Post -- Colleen Litkenhaus has been named the assistant US trade representative for intergovernmental affairs. Litkenhaus now is a deputy assistant in the Commerce Department.

ASTA Recognizes Industry Leaders -- The American Seed Trade Association has presented Gary Beil of the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association with its Distinguished Service Award. In addition, ASTA presented Bill Latham of Latham Seeds with the Honorary Lifetime Member Award.

Tractorcade Moves From Lankin to Pisek -- On Saturday, Lankin, North Dakota hosted its second annual tractorcade. Nearly 70 antique tractors traveled to Pisek and back. The event attracted participants from as far away as Winnipeg. The Red River Farm Network was represented, too. John Vasichek was in his boyhood hometown for this fun community event, driving an 'A' John Deere.

Last Week's Trivia -- Before joining the Green Bay Packers, Brett Favre played briefly for the Atlanta Falcons. Charleston Orwig CEO Lyle Orwig, who resides in Packer Country, is our weekly trivia winner. Congratulations, Lyle! Matt Winsand of Choice Financial, Kevin Stiles of the Midwest Dairy Association, Gene Leach of SunOpta and Paul Baessler of Wells Fargo grab runner-up honors. Our trivia 'first 20' list includes NDSU student Kevin Moore, St. Cloud agronomist John Hunczak, Roger Chamberlain of AgriBank, Gentilly farmer Tim Dufault, Grand Forks County Extension Agent Lionel Olson, UM CFANS Associate Communications Director Martin Moen, Cathy Riley of AgStar Financial Services, Stephen Jones of Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Rita Haugen of R & D Auction, Evan Markestad of AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Jim Merritt of North Dakota Sow Cooperatives, Ryan Snobelen of Hyland Seeds, Pioneer Hi-Bred sales rep Neil Bernhoft, Dean Nelson of Colgate Commodites and Fertile dairy farmer Alan Grunhovd.

This Week's Trivia -- Looking back in history, Kika de la Garza, Pat Roberts, Thomas Foley, Larry Combest and Bob Goodlatte shared the same job title. This group served in this political post during different times. What is the job they shared? Send your answer to don@rrfn.com. Don't forget to include your own job title and/or hometown.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 18-26 -- ND State Fair-Minot, ND July 20-21 -- EPAC Ethanol/Biodiesel Confernece-Kalispell, MT July 21 -- Beef Industry Military Appreciation Day-Minot, ND July 21 -- Grand Forks Co. Ag Improvement Assoc./Extension Variety Tour-Grand Forks, ND July 22 -- NDSU Live Lamb Carcass Contest-Minot, ND July 22 -- Sugarbeet Plot Tour-Cavalier and St. Thomas, ND July 24 -- Pulse USA Plot Tour-Wilton, ND July 24 -- MN FFA Foundation Golf Tournament-Cannon Falls, MN July 25 -- Farm & Ranch Guide Country Woman of the Year Program-Minot, ND July 28-31 -- Wheat Quality Council Hard Spring Wheat and Durum Tour-Fargo, ND July 29 -- NDSU Irrigation Tour/Symposium-Oakes, ND July 29 -- ND Corn Classic Golf Outing-Mapleton, ND July 30 -- Polk Co. Soybean Growers Variety Plot Tour-Fosston, MN July 31-Aug. 1 -- Breeding and Gestation Management Training-Waseca, MN July 31 -- Polk Co. Soybean Variety Plot Tour/Corn Hybrid and Fertility Plot Tour-Crookston, MN Aug. 2 -- NDSU/ND Lamb & Wool Producers Assoc. Ram Sale-Fargo, ND Aug. 5-7 -- Farmfest-Gilfillan, MN Aug. 8 -- Spanish Language Farrowing Management Course-Lamberton, MN Aug. 10-12 -- Independent Community Banks of ND Convention-Bismarck, ND Aug. 11 -- NPSAS Livestock Handling Seminar-Jamestown, ND

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