September 2024

“Time has a way of demonstrating that the most stubborn are the most intelligent.”
Yevgeny Yevtushenko

Garden time – Harvest is happening. There is an enthusiasm in the air and a great many smells as summer truly becomes autumn. You can see the smiles on farmers’ faces as it seems all types of crops are turning out to be good. Wheat is at record yields; we hear there are some areas pushing 100 bushels per acre. We cross our fingers and say a prayer that prices will be as kind as the weather has been.

Once I finally let go of summer, I can stop lamenting that the lake water is cooling and enjoy the fruits of my garden. After years of not getting much in the way of tomatoes, I have had some good producing plants. I planted much less this year but still have the same or even more tomatoes with half the plants. Weather certainly has played a part with plenty of rain and sunshine. I might attribute the biggest difference to not over pruning my plants this year. I read about the best way to prune tomato plants and had become quite good at it. I would say I had some of the best looking, most finely pruned plants in the region; however, they lacked tomatoes. Recently I was talking to a cousin who gardens/farms to sell at local markets, and she talked about no longer pruning at all. Even with the suckers, she thought she had more tomatoes. It you think about it, it makes sense. Why spend so much personal energy, not to mention the energy of the plant to strengthen and create healthy plants, when our growing season is so short. This year I pruned early and then stopped. I think I am reaping the benefits. Big smile. Until you get me explaining that my cucumbers did nothing. Between the deer and the antelope running through my garden in South Fargo, I have not found more than a few eaters. Next year I am going to stop pruning my cucumber plants as well. (kidding)

North Dakota made $9.92 million from the lottery for 2024. The Attorney General’s office says $8.6 million went directly into the state’s general fund. One million dollars went to the Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force Grant Fund, and $320,000 went to the Compulsive Gambling Prevention and Treatment Fund.

Homeownership rates rise in North Dakota. Reports show the state has the highest rates in the country. Interestingly we learned this morning in a meeting with one of our partner firms that DR Horton, a large homebuilder we have been following for years, has started producing smaller homes. They are now building houses less than 2,000 square feet with a single stall garage.

Hunting season is just around the corner. This year Pronghorn hunting licenses have rebounded nicely. The animal population is up 31% from 2023. Swan hunting licenses are also available.

Follow the money. In the investment world, we watch to see where money is going. Usually, we are watching it at the national level to see what industries or companies might benefit when contracts are awarded or a company purchases things like semiconductors or pressure gauges. Lately we see some money headed to North Dakota; $24 million will be distributed to three North Dakota airports. The money will be mostly used to reconstruct paved

taxiways. Some will go toward the expansion of Fargo’s Hector Air Terminal and is just a part of the much larger projects.

Have a super day!

Sincerely,

Brien Krank
Financial Advisor, RJFS
Senior Portfolio Manager
Managing Partner – Collins and Krank

Hear me on the radio Wednesday mornings from 7:35 to 7:55 on 1100am The Flag and 970am WDAY.

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