Ag Business Briefs

American Lamb Board now soliciting Cooperative Funding applications

The American Lamb Board has budgeted $40,000 for their second round of FY 2014 Coop Funding, and applications are due in the ALB office no later than April 30, 2014. The Cooperative Funding Program is designed for American Lamb suppliers and direct marketers to help fund branded retail and/or foodservice promotions. The Board established the program to expand projects and activities that promote American Lamb and further the goals and objectives of the American Lamb Board’s Strategic Plan. Visit LambCheckoff.com for more information or click here to download the application.

Two N.D. producers re-elected to National Sunflower Association board

Two North Dakota sunflower producers will serve another three years on the National Sunflower Association’s Board of Directors. In District 3, Arnold Woodbury of Wyndmere, ND was elected to his third term as a ND Oilseed Council Board Member and NSA Board Member. Ben Vig of Sharon, ND, was re-elected to his second term as a ND Oilseed Council Board Member in Sunflower District 2. We’re happy to have both men back for another three-year term on our board of directors.

Sunflower summer seminar June 24-26 in Deadwood

Make plans now to attend the 2014 National Sunflower Association Summer Seminar. This year’s Summer Seminar will be held June 24-26, 2014 at “The Lodge at Deadwood” in Deadwood, South Dakota. For room reservations call: 877-393-5634 or 605-584-4800. A block of rooms is being held under the “National Sunflower Association” for June 24 and 25, 2014. The program is being finalized now, and registration will open soon on our website, so check www.sunflowernsa.com for more information coming soon.

Titan Machinery to close 8 stores across U.S.

WEST FARGO, N.D. (AP) – Titan Machinery says it is closing eight construction stores across the country.

The company based in West Fargo, N.D., on April 10 cited a slow recovery in construction sector among the reasons for the move, which will leave 128 people unemployed.

The stores being closed are located in Clear Lake and Oskaloosa, Iowa; Cheyenne, Wyo.; Flagstaff, Ariz.; Rosemount, Minn.; and Helena, Bozeman, and Big Sky, Mont. All locations will cease operations by the end of April.

The company sells and rents agriculture and construction equipment. CEO David Meyer says the decision will help the company improve its pre-tax profits.

The company says affected employees will receive benefits and severance package and the option to apply for jobs at nearby stores. Titan Machinery will continue to operate 96 stores in the U.S.

Benatar to headline Corn Palace Festival

MITCHELL (AP) — Rocker Pat Benatar is among the performers slated to play the 2014 Corn Palace Festival this summer in Mitchell.

The 1980s star with such hits as “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” and “Heartbreaker” will join her musician husband, Neil “Spyder” James Giraldo, for a Friday night performance.

Sunday will head back to the 1960s with a performance by Tommy James and the Shondells. The group’s hits include “Hanky Panky,” ‘‘Mony Mony” and “Crimson and Clover.”

Singer-songwriter Chris Young is scheduled for Thursday.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 3.

National Association of Wheat Growers holds webinar for growers

NAWG, along with the Montana Grain Growers Association (MGGA), organized a webinar for the 22 NAWG affiliated states on April 8 to provide growers with information on new farm bill programs, particularly in Title I and Title XI. Lola Raska, MGGA’s executive director, lead the discussion and talked the group through a slideshow presentation explaining the new elements of the farm bill based on NAWG’s discussions with USDA and Congress. NAWG encourages growers to come forth with their questions about the new farm bill programs throughout the implementation process. To listen to the full webinar and download a copy of the presentation visit http://bit.ly/1gjaPX6.

Dickinson man killed in tractor rollover

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say Dickinson man was killed and another could face charges of drunken driving after a tractor crash near New England, in southwest North Dakota.

The Bismarck Tribune reported that 29-year-old Kyle Binstock was killed in the crash on April 11.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol said Binstock was thrown from the tractor after it left the road, hit a culvert and overturned. Binstock was pronounced dead at the scene.

Troopers said the tractor’s driver faces a Class A felony charge of causing death while operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

South Dakotans encouraged to dial AnswerLine for gardening & food preservation questions

BROOKINGS — SDSU Extension encourages South Dakotans to consider AnswerLine when they are faced with gardening or food preservation questions this summer.

AnswerLine is a toll-free connection to Extension family and consumer science specialists dedicated to answering questions and directing consumers to research-based resources related to gardening, food preservation, food safety, cleaning tips or balanced nutrition.

“This is a one-stop-shop for answers to family and consumer science questions,” said Suzanne Stluka, Food & Families Program Director.

To call AnswerLine with questions, simply dial 1-888-393-6336. South Dakotans can also access credible food and family experts by visiting www.extension.org and using the Ask An Expert option.

To learn more, visit iGrow.org.

Girl, 10, found dead after hay fire in Minnesota

ADRIAN, Minn. (AP) — A 10-year-old girl has been found dead after a hay bale fire on a farm in southwestern Minnesota.

Firefighters were called to the Todd Heideman farm west of Adrian, Minn., just before 7 p.m. on April 10 on a report of round bales on fire.

After putting out the fire, firefighters found the body of Perri Heideman.

Nobles County Sheriff Kent Wilkening tells the Daily Globe of Worthington, Minn., Perri’s family had noticed the girl was missing.

Wilkening says authorities searched the property but didn’t find anything. Once the fire was out, firefighters took the bales apart and found her lying among the bales. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities don’t know what caused the fire.