Common Ground ND Podcast

Pull up a chair for a conversation about who's shaping the story of agriculture — and how you can find the truth for yourself. Billie and Heather sit down with Sarah McNaughton-Peterson, senior editor of  Dakota Farmer  and host of the FP Next Podcast, to dig into ag media: where farmers get their information, why food labels can be misleading, and how social media is changing the way consumer...

 Farmer's market season is almost here, and Billie and Heather couldn't be more ready. In this episode, they sit down with Dawn Rognerud, president of the Grand Forks Farmer's Market, to talk about what it takes to run a market, how vendors get started, and why these community gatherings are about so much more than fresh produce. From cottage food laws to the best finds at markets acro...

In this episode, Billie and Heather sit down with Annie Sondrol of Three Sisters Flower Farm to talk dried flowers, family legacy, and building a business on the same land her grandparents farmed.  Follow Annie on Instagram at: @threesistersflowerfarm

If you've ever wondered how to find local food near you, start a farmers market in your community, or get fresh North Dakota produce into your kids' school lunches, this episode is your roadmap. Heather and Billie sit down with Jenna Neiters, Local Foods Marketing Specialist with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, to explore all the ways local food is bringing communities together...

In this episode, Billie and Heather sit down with Dr. Julie Garden-Robinson, Professor of Food and Nutrition at North Dakota State University and Extension Specialist in food safety, preservation, and nutrition. With a PhD in cereal science and food technology, Julie breaks down the science of why food preservation works, how to do it safely, and what every home cook and farmer should know about k...

Fiber is having a moment — and it might already be in your pantry without you knowing it. In this episode, Billie and Heather sit down with Katie Compton, Marketing and Communications Manager at Baystate Milling, to talk about HealthSense, a high fiber flour that's quietly making its way into everyday foods from pasta to mac and cheese. Katie breaks down the science behind how this wheat was d...

There's something about small town life that's hard to explain until you've lived it. In this episode, Billie and Heather swap stories about leaving North Dakota, coming back, and why they wouldn't trade rural living for anything. From creating your own job opportunities to knowing your neighbors by name, they dig into what makes small town life in North Dakota so special — and pro...

What does it take to grow leaders in a state as vast and varied as North Dakota? In this episode, Billie and Heather sit down with Katie Tyler, Extension Program Director for Rural Leadership North Dakota, to explore the 18-month program that's building a network of committed leaders across the state. From seminars in small towns to a trip to Washington D.C. and an international experience, Ka...

Food is more than what's on your plate. It's memory, community, and pride. This episode, Billie Lentz and Heather Schneider sit down with Melinda Goodman of  Edible North Dakota , to talk about the stories that connect us to the farmers, makers, and neighbors who shape our state's food culture and why North Dakota's agricultural roots deserve to be celebrated.

Heather and Billie talk grocery shopping strategy, creative food prep tips, and ingredient pairings, as well as where they do - and don’t - get their inspiration for cooking and eating. #northdakota #farming #agriculture

In this episode of the CommonGround North Dakota podcast , Heather and Billie talk with Sarah M. Tee, MPH, RDN, LDN, owner of Inspire Nutrition, about GLP-1 medications. Sarah explains what GLP-1s are, how they work in the body, and why nutrition, movement, and individualized care are important when considering them. She also shares the value of evidence-based information and the role dietitians p...

In this episode of the CommonGround North Dakota podcast, Heather talks with Billie about what farmers do during the winter months. Billie shares how farmers spend their time after harvest, from planning and equipment maintenance to preparing for the next growing season.

For this episode of CommonGround North Dakota, hosts Heather and Billie talk about beating the winter blues and navigating the long North Dakota winter. They discuss how the season can impact mood and energy, share thoughts on routines and habits that help during the colder months, and reflect on ways people cope when daylight is limited and schedules slow down.

A new season of CommonGround North Dakota begins with a fresh perspective and a new host at the mic. In this premiere episode, the hosts introduce themselves, share their backgrounds, and talk about what shaped their paths in agriculture and rural life. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at who they are, what matters to them, and why they’re passionate about telling North Dakota’s stories. It’...

From growing up in the city to ranching full time-hear how Jen Meyer's view of food and farming was transformed by life on the land.

Amanda Olson shares how she connects kids to agriculture -through farm-to-school lunches, classroom gardens, and everyday life on her family farm.

Jenn and Heather head to Wahpeton, ND, where they talk about weeds and seeds with a sixth-generation farmer, Kayla Miller, who’s growing our food with precision and efficiency.

Jenn and Heather ride out west to JC Farms in Hettinger, ND, where they find out ranching isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life.

Pull up a chair for this episode about North Dakota grown flowers! Theresa Dessonville teaches us about taking the leap of faith, winter flower farming… in North Dakota, and what it takes to put flowers on the table.

Grab a seat at the table and join the latest kitchen conversation—nothing sweeter than sugar! In this episode, sugarbeet farmer Julie Helm shares her unique farm perspective, from moving to the farm and balancing farm and family life to the simplicity of sugar. Let’s dig in!

Join us as we hear about the global reach of North Dakota agriculture with guest Jean Henning. Discover how initiatives like NDSU's milling school in Tunisia and innovative export practices connect North Dakota farmers to tables worldwide. Learn about the international influence of North Dakota's corn, beef, and ethanol, and hear firsthand about Jean’s experiences fostering agricultural re...

Join hosts Heather and Jen, alongside guest expert Chris Berg from North Dakota State University, as they explore the cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing the care and management of pigs. Learn about the implementation of RFID tags, electronic sow feeders, and the latest research efforts aimed at enhancing animal welfare and productivity. Chris also shares his journey from and sheds light on...

Join hosts Heather and Jenn as they explore an introductory course in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) with Calli Thorne. Learn the fundamentals of identifying and responding to mental health and substance use challenges. This episode equips you with initial skills to offer support, manage crises, and connect others to professional help, while also introducing self-care techniques. To register for h...

Feel free to crack a cold one as you listen to this episode of the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast, where North Dakota barley farmer Nathan Boll talks about barley production on his farm, trends in consumer alcohol preferences, and the pivotal role North Dakota plays in the industry.

In this episode, hosts Jenn and Heather discover that (spoiler alert) 4-H is for the kids - and not just for those on the farm, but any child looking to grow, learn, and thrive. If you think your 4-H days are behind you, we've got news for you. There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved or stay involved in the 4-H community through volunteering at local and state events.