Linder Farm Network Field Talk

The University of Minnesota is undertaking an innovative approach to farm research with the establishment of the Future of Advanced Agricultural Research in Minnesota, or FAARM. University of Minnesota College of Food Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences Dean Brian Buhr explains what the effort is about in this Field Talk podcast. 

Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Thom Petersen delivered his state of agriculture address at the recent AgriGrowth Food and Ag Summit in Minneapolis. Commissioner Petersen's address is available here. 

More than 200 agricultural groups have signed on to a letter opposing the EPA's proposed Herbicide Strategy. EPA has developed the strategy as a means to fulfill it's obligations through the Endangered Species Act. American Soybean Association Director of Government Affairs Kyle Kunkler joins the Field Talk podcast to explain concerns with the proposal. 

With a new Speaker of the House in place, agricultural groups are again turning their attention to getting a 2023 Farm Bill written. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Director of Public Policy Pierce Bennett joined the Linder Farm Network to discuss the current situation.

It's not only what happens on the farm that can affect dairy farmers, actions in the hearing room have an impact as well. The federal government established the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) system in the 1930s. The FMMO system saw its last comprehensive revision in 2000. The structure of the U.S. dairy industry has shifted significantly since then so a new FMMO hearing is underway, although...

The Fund for Rural America, Compeer Financial's corporate giving program, recently awarded more than 170 grants to rural emergency response organizations that support rural communities. Compeer Financial's Senior Corporate Giving Specialist Karen Schieler joined the Linder Farm Network to discuss the importance of the awards. 

School agriculture programs are growing in the state and the Minnesota Agricultural Education Leadership Council (MAELC) is helping support those programs in a variety of ways. MAELC Executive Director Sarah Dornink joins this Field Talk podcast to discuss the organization's contributions and the opportunities in ag. 

Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown over the weekend, but many agriculture issues remain unresolved, including the writing of a new farm bill. First District Congressman Brad Finstad joined the Linder Farm Network to discuss ag issues that are still unresolved. 

Propane powers a lot of grain dryers across Minnesota, making it a hot commodity during the fall. Some years, tight supplies have caused headaches for farmers who need the fuel to dry corn. Mike Newland of the Petroleum Education & Research Council joins Linda Brekke to discuss availability and what it takes to get fuel to the farm. 

With harvest activity ramping up across Minnesota, the potential for farm safety incidents increases. This is National Farm Safety and Health Week, which draws attention to the need for farmers and others to emphasize safety. In this Field Talk podcast, Extension safety experts Emily Krekelberg from the University of Minnesota and Angie Johnson from North Dakota State join to highlight farm safety...

The nation's pork producers have dealt with significant economic and market challenges so far in 2023. Industry leaders are in Washington D.C. this week to talk with lawmakers and others about important policy issues including the 2023 Farm Bill, the EATS Act and more. 

Drought conditions are likely to cost farmers more than yield this fall. River levels are dropping, meaning barge movement of grain could be hampered, potentially costing farmers money. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition joins this Field Talk podcast. 

In portions of Minnesota, irrigation is necessary for growers to produce a crop. In 2023, the Minnesota state legislature made some changes to laws affecting irrigation, including toughening penalties and fines for irrigation permit violations. Irrigators Association of Minnesota President Jake Wildman and Tom Heyn from RD Offutt join this Field Talk podcast. 

A new technical service and cost share initiative is now available to help provide assistance to farmers interested in including cover crops on their farm. The effort is jointly supported by the National Corn Growers Association, United Soybean Board and the National Pork Board. Easton farmer and National Pork Board director Dale Stevermer joins this podcast. 

This Field Notes podcast from the University of Minnesota features Extension agronomists Dr. Jeff Coulter addressing corn issues and Dr. Seth Naeve addressing challenges with this year's soybean crop. 

Outreach and education have become important features of today's agriculture. With fewer Minnesotan's directly tied to farming, the need to connect with people outside of agriculture has never been greater. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Promotion & Education Committee Chair Cindy Durheim discusses what MFBF is doing to foster connections. 

Biofuel proponents are pushing for E15 inclusion year-round. While temporary waivers have been granted in recent years, ethanol advocates and others are hoping for a more permanent solution. Troy Bredenkamp of the Renewable Fuels Association joins this LFN Field Talk podcast. 

More than 40 people provided testimony at the Farm Bill listening session held during Day 2 of Farmfest 2023. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson of Pennsylvania provided some closing remarks following the listening session. 

Few industries are more affected by trade than agriculture. Doug McKalip,  Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative was a featured speaker at Farmfest where he addressed the current situation on trade.

Inland waterways are an important artery for moving agricultural products. Once again, dry conditions are causing some disruptions to the supply chain, and not just in the U.S. Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek is this weeks Field Talk Podcast guest. 

Dr. Kevin Smith is this week's guest on the MN CropCast podcast from the University of Minnesota Extension. Dr. Smith is a barley breeder, but is also working on oats and other emerging crops. 

Rep. Michelle Fischbach and Rep. Brad  Finstad have introduced an important piece of legislation for Farm Bill consideration called the Investing in Rural America Act. Compeer Financial Chief Mission Office John Monson joined the LFN to explain why this is needed. 

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers and Ranchers program provides leadership development, educational training and networking opportunities for young producers. Cass County rancher Katie Wiese is on the YF&R committee and she joins this Field Talk podcast.

A multi-year study is underway in Lamberton to evaluate where nitrogen goes once it’s placed in the ground. The comprehensive project is examining how much of the fertilizer plants use and how much is lost to the atmosphere or ground water. Dr. Fabian Fernandez from the U of M and graduate student/researcher Zac Aanerud detail the study in this Field Talk podcast.