Linder Farm Network Field Talk

Minnesota leads the nation in turkey production and that activity has a ripple effect on the state's economy and local communities. Minnesota Turkey Growers Association Executive Director Ashley Kohls is our guest on this Field Talk Podcast. 

Farming is inherently stressful with so many things outside of farmers' control. Dr. Jeff Bender is Director of the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center and he's also our guest on this Field Talk Podcast discussing rural mental health. 

Two important items have been added to the list of critical minerals by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Potash and phosphate are key nutrients for agriculture. Hunter Carpenter with the Ag Retailers Association joins Linda Brekke to discuss what the designation means. 

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has served in that role since 2019, but she now has higher aspirations. She joins Lynn Ketelsen for this Field Talk Podcast. 

Farmers have plenty on their minds right now as harvest wraps up and issues such as trade disruptions and high input costs cloud the outlook for agriculture. Green Solutions Group Farm Management Analyst Kent Thiesse talks with Lynn Ketelsen about current issues.

The Motorcade for Trade from Farmers for Free Trade is making its way across the country this fall, highlighting the importance of trade to the nation's farmers. The Linder Farm Network's Linda Brekke was at a recent stop in Lakeville. 

Section 301 tariffs are now in effect as the U.S. Trade Representative has used the process to try to counter China's dominance in shipbuilding and maritime equipment. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition joins this podcast to discuss the impacts on agriculture. 

The nation's most populous state, California, recently approved the use of E15. California is the last state to allow E15, plus it needs no further waivers to use the fuel year-round. Troy Bredenkamp, senior vice president for the Renewable Fuels Association joins this Field Talk Podcast to talk about the impacts of the California legislation. 

The Lower Sioux Indian Community near Morton will host the International Hemp Building Symposium which is coming to the U.S. for the first time. The Lower Sioux Community is a leader in hemp-based building materials, using hempcrete to build and reconstruct homes in the community. Danny Desjarlais is our guest on this Field Talk podcast. 

Farmers face rising input costs, especially for nutrients. Efforts are underway to ensure greater access to one critical ingredient. The Fertilizer Institute's Ed Thomas joins this Field Talk Podcast. 

Farmers are gearing up for long hours as harvest nears. As the hectic harvest season approaches, safety needs to remain front of mind. University of Minnesota Extension Farm Safety and Health Educator Emily Krekelberg joins this Field Talk podcast. 

Long time farm broadcaster and Clara City native Randy Koenen has retired from the radio world but he still has his hands in farming with another new venture in the works. Lynn Ketelsen catches up with Koenen in this Field Talk podcast. 

Depressed export markets for agricultural products are weighing heavily on the agriculture economy and on farmers themselves. Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade is our guest to talk about his organization's efforts to press Congress and the administration to build and maintain market access. 

Cattle markets and beef prices have been on a steady uphill climb in recent months. Cattle industry expert Paul Dykstra and economist Dan Basse provide insights into current and future trends. 

As an industry, agriculture has been quick to adopt technology as a tool to help farmers become more efficient and more profitable. Artificial intelligence is among the emerging technologies that will undoubtedly have a place in agricultre. AI was the focus of a forum held at Farmfest. 

In addition to showcasing the newest ag technology and offering timely, topical forums, Farmfest also presents an opportunity to recognize people who are making valuable contributions to Minnesota agriculture. Niki Jones, Farmfest marketing director joins this Field Talk podcast to highlight some of those recognition opportunities. 

Agriculture is constantly changing and so is the offering of programs and events at Farmfest 2025. Marketing Director Niki Jones joins this Field Talk podcast to highlight some of the new things attendees can see at this year's event Aug. 5-7 near Redwood Falls. 

Forums at the 2025 Minnesota Farmfest will tackle some interesting issues ranging from artificial intelligence in ag to farm policy, market opportunities and workforce development. Forum coordinator Kent Thiesse joins this podcast to detail the forums, including what's happening in the livestock venue. 

The Southeast Minnesota Nitrate Strategies Collaborative Working Group has released recommendations for addressing nitrate in ground water in the region. Warren Formo is executive director of the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center. He was part of the working group and he joins this Field Talk podcast. 

The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) included a wide range of provisions affecting agriculture. While it's not a farm bill, the OBBBA has a lot in it that would typically be found in farm bill legislation. American Soybean Association Chair Josh Gackle from North Dakota joins this podcast to highlight what's in the bill and what's left to be done. 

The U.S. House is now reviewing and debating the budget reconciliation bill recently passed by the U.S. Senate. Compeer Financial Vice President for Legislative Affairs Perry Aasness joins this podcast for an upate and information on key provisions within the bill. 

Soybean aphids are a common pest in Minnesota that can rob yield if populations climb high enough. That's not the case yet, but University of Minnesota Entomologist Dr. Robert Koch says it's not too early to scout for aphids before they become a problem. 

The Environmental Protection Agency provided the ethanol and biodiesel industries with some positive news through increased blending requirements through the Renewable Fuel Standard. Industry leaders Brian Werner, Troy Bredenkamp and Paul Winters give their perspectives on the development. 

Between difficult economics, Proposition 12 housing requirements and now the Make America Healthy Again report, there has been no shortage of challenges facing the pork industry in recent years. However, Bryan Humpreys, National Pork Producers Council CEO says the industry remains strong. He joins this Field Talk podcast. 

Seed oils are a staple food product in diets around the world. Oils like sunflower, canola and soybean oil are widely used. Seed oils have recently come under scrutiny, including by the Make American Healthy Again commission. Dr. Mark Messina is the Director of Nutrition Science and Research for Soy Nutrition Institute Global. He joined the Linder Farm Network to talk seed oil. 

Precision agriculture already has changed the landscape of farming in many ways. The advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning promises to take the technology to the next level. Yuxin Miao is director of the University of Minnesota Center for Precision Agriculture. He's also our guest on this Field Talk podcast. 

The Make America Healthy Again commission is expected to release a report on May 22. While Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has testified that farmers shouldn't be worried about the contents, ag groups are concerned the report could unfairly target agriculture. American Soybean Association Director Alan Meadows joins this Field Talk Podcast. 

The Make America Healthy Again commission is expected to release a report on May 22. While Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has testified that farmers shouldn't be worried about the contents, ag groups are concerned the report could unfairly target agriculture. American Soybean Association Director Alan Meadows joins this Field Talk Podcast. 

On-farm income can come from an assortment of sources. For some farms and rural operations, agritourism provides an opportunity for education and income. University of Minnesota Extension Educator DeeDee LeMier joins this Field Talk podcast to talk agritourism. 

Trade has always been important for U.S. farmers because the nation's growers produce more than can be consumed here. Many of those export markets have been built by farmers and farmer-supported organizations like the U.S. Grains Council. USGC Vice President Cary Sifferath is our guest on this week's Field Talk Podcast. 

The International Dairy Foods Association recently announced it would eliminate certified artificial colors from products sold into the national school lunch and breakfast program. Matt Herrick, Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer for the IDFA is our guest to explain the move. 

Renewable Volume Obligations through the Renewable Fuel Standard specify the amount of renewable fuel that refiners, importers, and blenders of gasoline and diesel must blend into their fuel supply each year. Those RVOs are overdue and that's having a negative impact on the biofuels industry. Paul Winters with Clean Fuels Alliance America joins this Field Talk podcast. 

Tariff threats and trade war concerns aren't the only issues looming over agriculture. The threat of fees being placed on cargo ships connectd to China is adding another layer of concern. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition helps us sort out the issue.

Tariff turmoil has roiled markets and caused serious concern among ag leaders over the impact those tariffs will have in both the long and short term. Doug Magnus from Slayton is a former chair of the United Soybean Board who worked to help develop overseas markets for U.S. soybean products. He joins this Field Talk Podcast. 

Energy demand keeps growing while the push for carbon-free energy is shaping the conversation about power sources. The Minnesota Rural Electric Association (MREA) is pushing for Minnesota officials to lift a moratorium on the construction of one type of power plant in the state. Darrick Moe, MREA President and CEO details the group's position. 

Farmers increasingly rely on seed treatments to protect their crop seed and get the plants off to a good start. The Seed Care Institute near Stanton is a unique facility that is used for the development of new seed treatments and the training of applicators. 

Commodity Classic is one of the nation's largest agricultural events, including a large trade show with hundreds of exhibitors. Some of the exhibitors may not be what you'd expect to see at a farm show. Corey Harguth caught up with one of those unexpected participants. 

One of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins first addresses took place at Commodity Classic, giving farmers from across the country their first opportunity to hear from the new USDA chief. 

Influences such as South American weather, tariff talk and some upcoming USDA reports are all having an impact on U.S. grain markets. Ed Usset, Grain Marketing Economist for the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of Minnesota joins this podcast to help make sense of it all.