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👉 What’s Happening: Despite tight credit and shaky economic signals, farmland values across the Midwest continue to hold firm. In Q1 2025, Minnesota land values rose 3%, with even sharper gains in the Dakotas. That’s according to new data from the Chicago Fed and Farm Progress.
✅ Why It Matters: Even in a high-interest-rate climate, soil that’s managed well is holding its value—and in some cases, gaining ground.
👉 Your Move: Treat your soil like your most valuable asset and it will keep giving back. Litter-based fertility, cover crops, and reduced passes don’t just grow this year’s yield—they protect your land’s long-term value.
OTHER STORIES
Big Foundations Are Backing Soil—Even if the Feds Aren’t
👉 What’s Happening: With over $1 billion in USDA funding cuts freezing sustainability programs, the private sector is stepping in. The Rockefeller Foundation’s new TransCap Initiative aims to fund regenerative ag across the Midwest—focusing on soil health, carbon tracking, and input efficiency.
✅ Why It Matters: This isn’t political. It’s financial. The folks with capital are following the biology, and the ROI.
👉 Your Move: If you’re already using sustainable practices—keep tabs on this. You likely have a head start on eligibility for these new private-sector dollars. Get in touch with sales to help you organize your records to unlock new revenue streams when they’re available.
Rockefeller Foundation
No‑Till’s Hidden Price Tag
👉 What’s Happening: New reports show that no‑till fields are still driving one-third of national pesticide use. Chemical resistance is growing, prices are up, and the “reduced input” promise just isn’t panning out for many operations.
✅ Why It Matters: No‑till without biology is just slower erosion. And relying on more chemistry doesn’t cut your costs—it just changes which bucket the money’s going into.
👉 Your Move: Take back control. Integrating poultry litter and cover crops gets biology working for you—cutting your dependence on herbicides and reducing your risk long-term. You’ve still got time this season to course-correct.
Minnesota Increases Livestock & Wildlife Damage Payouts
👉 What’s Happening: Minnesota’s new ag finance bill increased livestock depredation compensation to $525,000 and crop-damage payouts to $485,000—up $350,000 overall. This is a direct response to increased predator pressure and weather-driven wildlife shifts.
✅ Why It Matters: Whether it’s wolves, elk, or storm-driven deer damage, compensation is finally catching up to reality. But you only get paid if you’re in the system.
👉 Your Move: If you’ve had damage—or expect it—start keeping records now. Photos, reports, losses. Even better, talk with your insurer or SWCD office. There’s more protection on the table—but you’ve got to raise your hand to collect.
THE FIELDS REPORT
JULY: The heat’s on, storms are lurking, and your crops are sweating.
🌧️ Soil Moisture Refilled: Mid-June storms brought 1–2" across southern MN & IA.
☀️ Heat Wave Ahead: 90s expected across the Corn Belt—plan for heat stress.
🌽 Crop Progress: Corn is past V6, soybeans holding at V3–V5.
🌾 Weed Pressure Climbing: Rain + heat = weeds. Move fast with smart control.
🐓 Top-Dress Opportunity: Drier zones in western MN and eastern Dakotas could benefit from late N or poultry litter.
CBOT NUMBERS
CORN
SEP: $3.84½ | DEC: $4.07
Summary: New-crop export sales are up 13% year over year, even as old-crop demand fades. Prices eased on cooler-weather forecasts, but global buyers are still in the market.
Outlook: Don’t wait for a weather rally that may not come—lock in profitable bushels now, and track low-CI practices to grab biofuel premiums (see our forthcoming guide on 45z).
SOYBEANS
SEP: $9.71⅜ | DEC: $9.77⅜
Summary: Beans popped to a two-week high on weather risk and a jump in soy oil. Export pace is still beating last year, even with China buying light.
Outlook: Strong crush and export demand point to solid support—secure September prices before harvest pressure sets in.
WHEAT
SEP: $5.18¼ | DEC: $5.39
Summary: Futures are climbing on tight HRW supply and aggressive export interest.
Outlook: Watch local basis closely—if bids firm, now could be the time to move wheat.
EVENTS
Hastings Kernza Field Day
Aug 14, 2025 | 📍 Hastings, MN
Explore Kernza—the perennial grain gaining traction for yield stability, soil health benefits, and diversification. Includes lunch with registration by Aug 1.
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No-Till, No Problem: From 60-Inch Corn to Full-Season Forage (Hosted by SFA-MN)
Aug 20, 2025 | 📍 Hines, MN
A free, field-based learning on how wide-row corn and full-season forage can work together in a no-till system. Learn strategies for maximizing forage yield and soil health without tillage.
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CLC Ag & Energy Center Field Day
Aug 29, 2025 | 📍 Staples, MN
Showcase of irrigation tech, soil conservation practices, energy-efficient farm systems, and cover crop demos.
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UW–Madison Agronomy & Soils Field Day
Aug 27, 2025 | 📍 Arlington Agricultural Research Station, Arlington, WI
Theme: Profits and Progress—research-backed insights on crop management, weed control, and soil health ROI. Tours, drone demos, and CEUs available.
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Cover Crop Drone Seeding Field Day
Aug 27, 2025 | 📍 Shenandoah, IA
Learn how drones can quickly establish cover crops, plus see rainfall simulator demos and hear expert talks.
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Iowa State Fair
Aug 7–17, 2025 | 📍 Des Moines, IA
A major ag networking opportunity with exhibits, livestock shows, and education sessions.