Latest news with #NorthDakotaStateUniversity
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Dakota launching farm loans for storm recovery
A shelter belt is destroyed and littered with debris east of Enderlin, N.D., after tornadoes and strong winds hit the area on June 20, 2025. (Dan Koeck/For the North Dakota Monitor) FARGO — North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Tuesday said the state didn't need to collect a lot of data to realize that farmers have an urgent need for grain storage after storms swept across the state last month. The state has responded with a program to help farmers pay for temporary storage through low-interest loans and repair and replace damaged farm assets such as barns, irrigation systems, bins and grain-handling equipment. He called the program an area 'where the state could do the most good, the fastest,' Armstrong said in a press conference at North Dakota State University. Storm impact on North Dakota agriculture 'tremendous,' ag commissioner says Farmers can apply for the Grain Storage and Facility Rebuilder Program starting July 9 by contacting their banker. Farmers can get up to a $150,000 loan for temporary storage. The repair and rebuild program will take into account insurance settlements from the storm. If the cost of rebuilding exceeds the insurance payment by 25% of the farmer's net worth or $500,000 (whichever is less) collateral may be required. Both loan options have a maximum term of 24 months at an interest rate of 2% while requiring an annual interest-only payment. All remaining principal and interest will be due when the loan matures. The program will be paid for with up to $37 million from the state's emergency fund and will be administered by the Bank of North Dakota. The Bank of North Dakota will also coordinate directly with grain elevators impacted by storms. 'We wanted this to be as flexible as possible,' Armstrong said. More information on the program from BND can be found at High winds and tornadoes on June 20-21 damaged property and crops from near Bismarck across the eastern half of the state and into Minnesota. Four people were killed by the storms. Steve Johnson, a farmer from Page, northwest of Fargo, joined Armstong Tuesday in announcing the loan program. He had storage for 400,000 bushels of grain. After the storm, he has zero. The storms hit with corn and soybean harvest about two months away. Small grains, such as wheat, will be harvested even sooner. North Dakota State University Extension is gathering data on storm damage to agriculture with more than 100 responses so far. Miranda Meehan, the disaster education coordinator for Extension, said Tuesday that data will be aggregated and reported at the county level, with no information collected that would identify an individual farm. Armstrong declared a statewide disaster after the storms. Tuesday, he encouraged all farmers with damage to talk with their banker about the state program as a first step in recovery from storms. He said he has been in contact with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins about federal assistance but said the state needs to compile more information. He said he told Rollins, 'I don't know what I am asking for yet but you're going to get an ask.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Low-carbon jet fuel company foresees huge investment in western North Dakota
Chris Ryan, right, president and chief operating officer of renewable fuels company Gevo, speaks June 10, 2025, in West Fargo, N.D., at the Midwest Ag Summit. At left is Greg Lardy, vice president for agriculture at North Dakota State University. (Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor) WEST FARGO, N.D. — The demand for jet fuel is going up. The demand for gasoline is going down. That's the simple explanation from Chris Ryan, the president and chief operating officer of Gevo, on why the company plans to add a sustainable aviation fuel plant to the corn-based ethanol plant it purchased at Richardton in southwest North Dakota. Ryan said the low-carbon jet fuel won't come cheap – throwing out a ballpark figure of $500 million for a potential project still years down the road. Ryan spoke Tuesday in Fargo at the Midwest Agriculture Summit hosted by The Chamber of Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo. Colorado-based Gevo bought the Red Trail Energy ethanol plant at Richardton last year. The Red Trail plant was the first ethanol producer in the country to implement carbon sequestration — capturing carbon dioxide from the plant's corn fermentation tanks and pumping it into permanent underground storage. The CO2 sequestration is key in lowering the carbon intensity score of the plant and for sustainable jet fuel production. Low-carbon fuels can fetch a higher price than traditional liquid fuels. 'We could make gasoline, but it's a diminishing market,' Ryan said. 'So jet fuel is a kind of sexy thing to talk about these days.' In an interview with the North Dakota Monitor, Ryan said there is plenty of room to add a jet fuel plant at the 500-acre Richardton site. He said the plant would add about 50 jobs, about the same number that the ethanol plant employs. Expanding the ethanol plant also is a possibility, Ryan said. The company also is considering adding wind turbines at Richardton to provide power and lower the carbon score even further, he said. Even though renewable energy tax credits are a possible target for budget cuts under President Donald Trump, he said wind energy at the site still makes good economic sense. Corn price connection to carbon capture hard to pin down Gevo also has plans for a sustainable aviation fuel plant at Lake Preston in southeast South Dakota. The future of that plant depends in large part on the five-state Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project that would take carbon emissions from ethanol plants to western North Dakota for underground storage. Ryan said when the South Dakota project was conceived, it did not include carbon capture. But as construction costs soared with the COVID-19 pandemic, he said it became necessary to sign on to the Summit pipeline project. He said the federal tax credits for carbon sequestration would help offset the higher building costs. The project has stalled as Summit has run into permitting challenges and a new state law giving landowners more power in easement negotiations. 'We really need the pipeline,' Ryan said. He added that Gevo bought more land than it needed for the project. That is allowing for other projects at the site, benefiting Gevo and the Lake Preston area, he said. The Summit delays spurred the purchase of Red Trail, which had the advantage of sitting almost on top of an area suitable for underground carbon storage. 'We had to take our destiny into our own hands,' Ryan said, and not be dependent on the Summit pipeline. He said Gevo can 'copy and paste' the engineering work done for the South Dakota site to the Richardton site. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX While the carbon dioxide from the Richardton plant is being pumped underground, Ryan said Gevo recognizes that it has a potential for use in North Dakota's oilfields, making oil wells more productive through what is called enhanced oil recovery. North Dakota leaders have been trumpeting the economic benefits of enhanced oil recovery. Ryan said if the oil industry is willing to pay for carbon dioxide to use in enhanced oil recovery, Gevo would sell the CO2 rather than pump it underground. 'We don't care where the revenue comes from, right? Today, we sequester it for a tax credit, and we can sell carbon credits,' Ryan said. 'Or you can sell it to somebody for enhanced oil recovery.' He said he sees it as another advantage of doing business in North Dakota. 'People in North Dakota get that, they understand the value of that,' Ryan said. This story was updated to correct Chris Ryan's title. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
TimesLIVE
05-06-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Bail hearing over smuggled fungus scheduled for Chinese researcher
A Michigan court has scheduled a bail hearing on Thursday for a Chinese researcher accused of smuggling biological samples into the US. Yunqing Jian, 33, and her boyfriend Zunyong Liu, 34, who conducted biological studies in the same field, were accused of smuggling a fungus into the US for research. Jian, who according to a federal criminal complaint has worked on research projects in the US since 2022, made her first court appearance on Tuesday. Liu was denied entry into the US last July, when the pathogen, a fungus identified by the US department of justice as Fusarium graminearum, was found in his luggage. Liu said he wanted to conduct research on the fungus at a University of Michigan laboratory where Jian worked, according to the complaint. Prosecutors described the fungus as a dangerous biological pathogen that had the potential to be used as an agricultural terrorism weapon. The fungus is already widespread on US farms, tested for and tightly controlled in grains, and is not considered dangerous unless consumed in large quantities. Clair Keene, an agronomist at North Dakota State University, said she was puzzled by US authorities' description of the fungus. 'It's a common pathogen. We have it here. The claim that Fusarium graminearum can be used as a biological weapon doesn't strike me as accurate,' she said. The fungus can cause Fusarium head blight, typically known as scab. It is common among wheat, barley and other grains, especially during rainy years. The telltale salmon-pink streaks on the grain heads contain a toxic byproduct called vomitoxin, which in high quantities can cause nausea and vomiting when eaten. Keene said farmers often spray fungicide to protect their crop and researchers have developed strains of wheat that are resistant to the fungus. Reuters was unable to contact Jian or her lawyer for comment. The case involving the researchers comes as the University of Michigan and other universities have faced pressure from the Trump administration over allegations they have done too little to combat anti-Semitism on campus and what the administration depicts as radical ideology in the classroom. Universities' ties to China also have come under scrutiny. The University of Michigan said in a statement it condemned 'any actions that seek to cause harm, threaten national security or undermine the university's critical public mission'. 'It is important to note that the university has received no funding from the Chinese government in relation to research conducted by the accused individuals,' the university said, adding it will 'continue to co-operate' with federal law enforcement in its ongoing investigation and prosecution. FBI director Kash Patel said in a post on X that the case was a reminder that China's ruling Communist Party 'is working around the clock to deploy operatives and researchers to infiltrate American institutions and target our food supply, which would have grave consequences ... putting American lives and our economy at serious risk.' In response to a request for comment, the Chinese embassy in Washington sent a statement from its spokesperson Liu Pengyu. 'I don't know the specific situation, but I would like to emphasise that the Chinese government has always required overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws and regulations and will also resolutely safeguard their legitimate rights and interests,' Liu said.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists make incredible breakthrough after studying human urine — here's how it could transform the way we grow food
A report from New Scientist will give you something to think about during your next bathroom break. That's because experts are finding that human urine aged in the sun for a couple of months can be an effective fertilizer and pesticide. It was discovered during a trial in Niger that tested pee as a soil treatment. Pest management ability was proved, too. It's a solution on multiple fronts, as soil quality in West Africa is often poor, and fertilizer costs can be prohibitive, all according to the report. What's more, excess chemical fertilizers and pesticides can leach off the field, contaminating water sources. The fallout can cause environmental and health problems, according to North Dakota State University and For its part, urine has all the key components to be a replacement, containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, according to findings highlighted by Scientific Research Publishing. That article included experts Ibrahim Boukari Baoua and Laouali Amadou, from the Dan Dicko Dankoulodo University of Maradi and the National Institute of Agricultural Research in Niger, respectively. Both researchers were quoted in the New Scientist report. "The odor is very, very strong," Amadou said in the story, describing the sunbathed containers of urine. It's part of a process that kills pathogens. And while it's unclear why the urine keeps insects away, the experts surmise that smell may play a role, per the news site. Baoua sees urine as a potential money-saving lifeline for strapped farmers in the region, noting that the sandy dirt requires "very" expensive treatments. "Soil fertility is very low in West Africa," he added. That's why recycling the human waste stream is an exciting possibility for the experts. "The team found that plots treated with synthetic pesticides had the lowest insect damage. But those treated with human urine had 20.5 times less infestation than control areas and their crop yields were 1.8 times higher," according to the New Scientist report. This isn't the only case of human waste being used in farming. Biosolids — treated human and industrial streams — are already spread on American farm fields. But farmers and watchdogs are starting to worry about the impact because forever chemicals are turning up in the leavings. Contaminated biosolids are linked to cattle deaths in Texas, among other worrisome reports. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Urine isn't absent of potentially dangerous chemicals, either. Researchers recently found a couple of substances in human samples from South China. And in many places in the U.S., treated sewer sludge used as fertilizer on farms, once thought to be beneficial, has recently been found to contain PFAS "forever chemicals," and thus direct urine usage would likely need testing or filtration methods to avoid this as well. Other research for better fertilizer management includes a hydrogel in Texas that is being worked on to catch excess nitrate from additives before it causes problems. In Africa, the experts plan to study the urine approach more closely to better understand why it works and how to improve its impact. It's a good reminder to stay educated about our food system and policies regarding what's allowed to be used during crop production. You can support cleaner brands and even grow your own food, too. Try composting for a fertilizer alternative. You can make your own soil treatment without harmful chemicals as another planet-friendly option. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
With beer drinking down in US, barley farmers now fear tariffs
By Heather Schlitz CHICAGO (Reuters) - Overdue loans and mounting interest payments often weigh on Montana barley grower Mitch Konen as he bales hay and loads trailers at his remote farm overlooking the snow-capped Rocky Mountains. As spring sunshine warms the fields, Konen, 65, and other barley farmers worry tariffs will take away crucial export markets and increase the cost to grow the grains, even as sinking U.S. beer consumption has slashed demand for barley. "Down here on the farm we're already stretched pretty thin financially," said Konen, who is also vice president of the National Barley Growers Association. "It makes us wonder whether or not we can even stay in business." Roughly half of Konen's barley is destined for Mexico, where it will be turned into beer. Some will be shipped back to the U.S. in bottles of Modelo, Corona and Pacifico. Mexico is the third largest importer of U.S. barley and the biggest importer of U.S. malt, made from germinating kernels of barley and a key ingredient in beer. If Mexico issues tariffs in retaliation or switches to buying barley from other trading partners, experts say it could deal another economic blow to American farmers as U.S. consumers increasingly ditch beer. Canada, the largest importer of U.S. malt barley, issued tariffs against U.S. barley and other agricultural goods that went into effect on March 4. Frayne Olson, crop economist at North Dakota State University, said farmers are worried that tariffs could decimate U.S. barley exports to Canada. U.S. President Donald Trump has said his back-and-forth tariffs against major trading partners are intended to curb the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the U.S., and has downplayed the market impacts for U.S. companies and consumers. "The people who pay for tariffs are the farmers," said barley farmer Steve Sheffels, vice president of the Montana Grain Growers Association. "We grow way more barley than we can possibly consume, so if those markets go away, then farmers are going to be competing for a much more limited number of buyers." Costs for fertilizer, which is mostly sourced from Canada, will rise with tariffs. Prices for imported crop chemicals from China have already risen because of tariffs that took effect on February 4. "There's a sinking feeling and a feeling of dread that things are bad, and things are going to stay bad for a while," Sheffels said. "We are scared almost to death about tariffs." A SLOW DECLINE Beer consumption in the U.S. has been sliding and in 2024 it hit its lowest level in over 40 years as more Americans chose other alcoholic beverages, said Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association. Recently, hard seltzer drinks and canned cocktails have posed particularly bruising competition to beer. Others are giving up alcohol altogether. Gen Z-ers and millennials are drinking less than most previous generations, according to a 2024 Gallup poll. In January, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for cancer warnings on alcoholic drinks. Multiple high-profile studies have stated no amount of alcohol is safe to drink. Watson believes major beer companies such as Anheuser-Busch, maker of Bud Light and Michelob Ultra, may keep prices steady to preserve market share and maintain sales volume. Craft breweries may be less able to absorb higher costs and are likely to raise prices, he said. The 25% tariffs the White House has slapped on metals will likely hike the costs brewers pay for kegs and cans, which are often made from steel and aluminum imported from Canada. The price of a bottle of Corona or Modelo, both produced in Mexico, may be more likely to spike if U.S. malt is subject to tariffs by Mexico as it heads south and the finished beer is slapped with tariffs again as it is shipped north. "Breweries are going to have to choose to pass this along or choose to eat it," Watson said. "It will have an impact." Sign in to access your portfolio
