Sunflower Highlights
Post Date: Feb 06 2017
N Calculator App Available for Apple Devices
The N calculator—included in a single app including corn, spring wheat/durum, and sunflower—is now available for download onto iPhones and iPads. Search the Apple store for “North Dakota Crop Nitrogen Calculator” and install. Once installed, select the crop and follow instructions. The original NDSU circular document for each crop is also available on the app. The app is also available for Android phones in the “Google Play Store” – again, search for “ND Crop Nitrogen Calculators” and install.
2017 Crop Insurance Prices
On February 1, the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) began the discovery process in determining 2017 crop insurance price elections for sunflower. Producers have the option of choosing Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, and Revenue Protection with the Harvest Price Exclusion. All three policies have the same price election. To follow the direction for sunflower price elections, watch the 2017 CBoT December soyoil contract during the month of February. Final price elections will be announced in early March.
Agricultural Tile Drainage Design Workshop Scheduled
The annual Tile Drainage Workshop will take place March 2-3 at the Grand Forks County Courthouse meeting room in Grand Forks, ND. The design workshop is intended for those interested in a more complete understanding of the planning and design principles and practices for drainage, sub-irrigation, and water table management systems. The workshop will focus on the planning and design of agricultural tile drainage systems, including water management structures and lift stations to meet profitability and environmental objectives. The course content is taught in modules with emphasis on hands-on learning and ample time for discussions. The early registration fee is $250. The workshop is limited to 55 participants. Due to seating limitations, on-site registration will not be available on the day of the event. Click here to register for the workshop and to see the agenda.
Upcoming ND County Elections
Growers are invited to attend elections in their county for the sunflower representative to the North Dakota Oilseed Council. Elections are being held in several areas this month. Here’s a list by county:
  • Traill County: February 16, 11:00 am, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Hillsboro
  • LaMoure County: February 16, 11:30 am, Centerfield Grill, LaMoure
  • Dickey County: February 23, 1:30 am, Grace Lutheran Church, Oakes
  • Sargent County: February 17, 12:30 pm at Forman City Hall, Forman
NSA Scholarship Available
The National Sunflower Association is seeking applicants for the Curtis Stern Memorial Scholarship. In tribute to the dedicated work of Curtis Stern, an industry advocate and former NSA board member, the NSA Board of Directors established a memorial scholarship in his name. Funds assist students who study in the field of agriculture with a special emphasis on sunflower production, promotion, or research. Application deadline is April 1, 2017. $4,600 is available for the scholarship this year. Applications can be submitted on the ND Community Foundation website. Contact Tina Mittelsteadt with any questions.
2017 NSA Gold Award Nominations
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2017 NSA Gold Award. Click here for the eligibility and criteria requirements. Nominations must be received by February 17. The NSA board of directors will review all submitted applications and chose a winner. The Gold Award will be presented during the NSA Summer Seminar, set for June 27-29 in Rapid City, SD.
June 27-29, 2017 – NSA Summer Seminar, Rapid City, SD
 
Markets
Market fears of potential trade wars with our trading partners continues to keep oilseed and product prices on the defensive. Concerns were raised about trade after President Trump said he would impose a 20% tax on goods imported from Mexico to pay for the wall he plans to build on the border. Market analysts, investors and farm groups have expressed concern that if the 20% levy is approved and imposed, Mexico will retaliate by putting its own import tax on US goods, effectively reducing some of the demand for US agricultural products.  Traders are also concerned that the US exit from the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and a revamping or exit from the North American Free Trade Agreement will curb demand for domestic agricultural products as well. Traders are also concerned that overseas buyers are starting to shift to South American oilseed supplies thus reducing US demand. Brazil’s soybean crop looks very good at this point, while Argentina’s recent weather woes are starting to turn around with recent rains in dry areas and drying out in wet areas. This could improve production prospects and weigh on 2017 new crop US oilseed prices. USDA will release its new US/World supply and demand report this week. Traders are not expecting any surprises as USDA is expected to stay near its January numbers.
Weekly Prices Recorded on Monday, February 6, 2017 ($/CWT)
  Deliver Last Year Last Week This Week Change 2017 NEW Crop
Chicago Oil Nearby 30.75 33.61 34.44 +.83 35.08
Fargo, ND NuSun 16.65 14.70 14.70 NC 15.60
Enderlin, ND NuSun 16.70 15.00 15.50 +.50 16.60
Goodland, KS NuSun 16.35 14.00 14.25 +.25 NQ
Goodland, KS High Oleic 17.35 15.65 15.90 +.25 NQ
Prices recorded here are believed to be reliable at the time of posting. All prices are subject to change. Contact these facilities for complete market details.
U.S. CRUDE OIL VALUES recorded on Monday, February 6, 2017
(dollars per 100 lb. internal U.S. location)
  Last Year Last Week This Week Change
Soybean Oil 28.75 31.31 32.14 +.83
Cotton Oil (psby) 45.75 41.61 42.44 +.83
Corn Oil 42.00 43.50 43.50 NC
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