Linder Farm Network Field Talk

The Minnesota House of Representatives looks like it will go into the 2025 legislative session with 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats seated. That divide will likely present some interesting challenges in the session ahead. Rep. Paul Anderson joins to give us his perspective on the unique circumstances lawmakers will face.

Changes are ahead following the November 6 election and agriculture will undoubtedly be affected. John Monson, Chief Mission Officer for Compeer Financial joins the Linder Farm Network's Lynn Ketelsen to assess the results and what lies ahead. 

Dry fall conditions are being eased by recent rains, but not everyone is getting in on the action. Also, is warm fall weather a sign of a mild winter? Senior DNR Climatologist Kenny Blumenfeld fills us in in this Field Talk Podcast.

Herbicide resistant weeds are a growing problem for the nation's farmers. Tough to control weeds like waterhemp, giant ragweed and kochia are becoming increasingly difficult to control using just herbicides. Research at the University of Minnesota into combine-mounted seed pulverizers may give growers another non-chemical option. University of MInnesota Assistant Professor and Extension Weed Scien...

Corn and soybean farmers would pay a heavy price if a trade war with China were to escalate. The National Corn Growers Association and the American Soybean Association commissioned a study to find out how impactful a renewed trade war would be. ASA Economist Scott Gerlt joins this Field Talk Podcast to explain. 

Oats could see a resurgence if a new oat processing plant planned for Albert Lea comes to fruition. The plant would process oats from about 30,000 acres in Southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Landon Plagge with Green Acres Milling joins this field talk podcast.

After a wet early season across Minnesota, conditions have turned very dry, increasing the risk of fires across the state. With harvest picking up speed, University of Minnesota Extension Farm Safety & Health Educator joins this Field Talk conversation to highlight some harvest fire safety reminders. 

With harvest activity ramping up across Minnesota, farm safety and health needs to remain front of mind, especially during this hectic time of year. University of Minnesota Extension Educator for Farm Safety and Health Emily Krekelberg joins this episode of Field Talk. 

Soy industry leaders recently travelled to The Netherlands to promote the St. Lawrence Seaway as an alternative route for shipping to and from Europe. Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council Director and Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance representative Gail Donkers from Faribault was on the mission and she joins this podcast. 

Innovative research in Morris is showing how solar energy and agriculture can coexist. Michael Reese, Director of Operations at the University of MInnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center is our guest. 

Dairy prices have trended higher in recent months with many factors at play. University of Minnesota Extension Dairy Educator Jim Salfer joined the Linder Farm Network's Linda Brekke to highlight some of those factors. 

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Red River Farm Network and Linder Farm Network have joined forces to create the radio and podcast series called TransFARMation . Fran and Mary Ann Miron are in the process of transitioning their Hugo, Minnesota dairy farm to two of their sons. Fran shares his family’s experience in this conversation. 

Nearly 30 years ago, Carl and Julie Peterson founded a seed company near Fargo, North Dakota that has grown into one of the most recognizable brands in the region. Carl Peterson joins this Field Talk podcast to describe how Peterson Farms Seed has worked to set itself apart from the competition. 

Many sectors of the agriculture economy are facing strong economic headwinds. The ag economy was the focus of a forum at Farmfest and features Robert Craven from the University of Minnesota Center for Farm Financial Management, Bernt Nelson, economist for the American Farm Bureau and Todd Stencel, farm business management instructor from South Central College. 

Farmfest 2024 offers a look at some of the latest ag technologies, but it also offers some diverse forums with experts addressing issues ranging from the farm bill to the ag economy and issues related to animal agriculture. There's also several candidate forums scheduled. Farmfest Forum Coordinator Kent Thiesse joins this Field Talk Podcast with details on the forums. 

Farmers affected by storms and flooding may have some options through the USDA. Minnesota Farm Service Agency Executive Director Whitney Place joined the Linder Farm Network's Linda Brekke to highlight some of the key programs farmers may have at their disposal. 

South Dakota is one of the top vacation destinations for traveling Minnesotans. Lynn Ketelsen caught up with author Paul Horsted who has written books about some of the historical events in and around the Black Hills. 

The Renewable Fuels Association has released a study documenting the economic and environmental benefits of the world’s first plug-in electric hybrid flex fuel vehicle. Robert White with the RFA is our guest on the Field Talk Podcast to explain the project and the findings. 

Much of Minnesota is experiencing very wet conditions following several rounds of heavy rain. DTN Meteorologist John Baranick joined the Linder Farm Network's Linda Brekke to explain why we're at risk for more heavy rains and what will be influencing our weather in the weeks ahead. 

Ethanol industry leaders came to Minneapolis this week for the Fuel Ethanol Workshop. Geoff Cooper with the Renewable Fuels Association and Chris Bliley with Growth Energy provide updates on some of the key policy issues and growth areas for ethanol and other biofuels. 

Wet weather is keeping some Minnesota farmers out of the field while drowned out areas will likely send other growers back into the field to replant. University of Minnesota Extension Soybean Agronomist Seth Naeve joins Linda Brekke to talk late and replanted soybeans. 

Three southeastern Minnesota women have turned a hobby into thriving cheese making business in Cannon Falls. Jackie Ohmann, Deeann Lufkin and Kathy Hupf each bring unique backgrounds and skills to CannonBelles. 

Minnesota farm organizations spent months monitoring activity at in St. Paul during the recently completed legislative session. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Executive Director Joe Smentek and Minnesota Corn Growers Association Senior Policy Director Amanda Bilek joined the Linder Farm Network to give their assessment of actions affecting agriculture. 

Bovine influenza remains a concern among dairy producers even though the number of new confirmed cases has slowed in recent weeks. Dr. Joe Armstrong with the University of Minnesota joins this podcast to explain why the illness is still causing concern. 

USDA estimates about 17% of Minnesota's soybean crop is planted. With wet conditions keeping many farmers stuck on the sidelines, U of M Extension Soybean Agronomist Seth Naeve joined the Linder Farm Network's Linda Brekke to address early season concerns.