Linder Farm Network Field Talk

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. 

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. 

Beef and dairy producers have seen some positive movement in markets in recent months, but there are still plenty of challenges. In this Field Talk Podcast we'll hear from beef and dairy marketing experts as well as get an update on the H5N1 virus. 

Minnesota's pork producers have faced some economic headwinds in recent years, but better economics and market opportunities are leading to increased optimism in the industry. National Pork Board CEO Bill Even and Vice President of Market Growth Dr. David Newman join this Field Talk Podcast. 

As airlines work to reduce their carbon footprint, the interest in and demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) continues to grow. SAF can be made from a variety of feedstocks, many of which are ag-based. Jeff Davidman of Delta Airlines and farmer Richard Syverson give their perspectives on the potential for SAF to be a game changer. 

Brazil is the largest producer of soybeans in the world, growing almost 40% of all soybeans. University of Minnesota Extension Agronomist Dr. Seth Naeve returned to Brazil after being away for about two decades. Naeve talks about what he saw in this Field Talk Podcast. 

Research from the University of Minnesota shows that insects like soybean aphids remain problematic in many areas of the state. However, aphids aren't the only yield-robbing insects infesting Minnesota fields. UMN Extension Entomologist Robert Koch explains in this Field Talk podcast. 

National Pork Producers Council President Lori Stevermer of Easton, Minnesota, joins this podcast to highlight some of the issues and opportunities in the pork industry. 

Despite a difficult ag economy and low commodity prices, farmland values across Minnesota remain quite strong. Chuck Wingert with Wingert Land Services is our guest on this podcast. Chuck reviews 2024 and looks ahead to factors that could influence farmland values and rental rates in 2025. 

Farming is already a stressful lifestyle and difficult economic conditions and the approaching winter can all weigh on farmers and their familiies. Rural Behavioral Health Counselor & Consultant Monica McConkey joins this Field Talk Podcast to assess the current environment and how we  care for ourselves and others. 

Grain markets have faced headwinds for much of the year. With the threat of potential tariffs and other market influences looming, University of Minnesota Grain Marketing Specialist Ed Usset joins this Field Talk podcast to provide some insights. 

Dawn and Grant Breitkreutz of Redwood Falls have been selected as the recipients of the inaugural Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award.  The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. Grant Breitkreutz joins this Field Talk Podcast. 

President-elect Trump has vowed to impose 25% import tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on top of existing tariffs on products from China. The news is concerning for agriculture leaders as those three countries are among the top destinations for U.S. commodities. In this Field Talk Podcast we have response from some ag leaders and a perspective from north of the border. 

As is the case with other farm animals, horse owners are concerned with animal health. A Kasson, Minnesota company has developed a line of feed ingredients and supplements that support horse health. One of the unique ingredients is sainfoin. What is sainfoin, you ask? Check out the Field Talk Podcast with Mary Hartman from StableFeed to find out.