Linder Farm Network Field Talk

Biodiesel and renewable diesel are growing in popularity and demand as the push in on for lower carbon fuels. Recent research through Clean Fuels Alliance America (CFAA) indicates that human health impacts may be an even more compelling benefit to biofuels. CFAA Director of State Government Affairs Floyd Vergara joins this episode of Field Talk. 

Minnesota is one of the nation's top pork producing states, with several of the state's hog producers in leadership roles. Dale Stevermer, who farms near Easton, serves on the National Pork Board. He joined the Linder Farm Network to talk about some of the checkoff priorities. 

Minnesota soybean farmers contribute to the soybean checkoff, which works to develop markets and support research efforts to enhance soybean productivity and profitability. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is made up of elected farmers who direct the investment of those funds. Gail Donkers of Faribault is one of those grower leaders. She joins this Field Talk podcast. 

Electric vehicles (EV) are being developed at a rapid pace as the push is on for lower carbon transportation options. However, EVs have limitations, especially in cold climates. In this Field Talk podcast, we talk to a researcher at the University of Minnesota who is examining ways ethanol could be paired with EVs to extend their range.

Compeer Financial's John Monson and Ron Ziegler with Economic Development Associates join Lynn Ketelsen to discuss a new partnership effort to enhance rural vitality.

Gas prices are on the rise again across Minnesota and elsewhere. Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy joins Linda Brekke to explain why prices are climbing.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed attendees at the MN Ag Expo in Mankato January 18. Walz discussed biofuels and the upcoming state ag budget.

Farmers across the country are dealing with rising input costs, including fertilizer. Jason Troendle with The Fertilizer Institute joins this episode to discuss the current situation and what famers can expect for 2023.

The MN Ag Expo takes place in Mankato on January 18 and 19. The annual Ag Expo brings together farmers, researchers and ag leaders from across the state together. Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth joins this Field Talk podcast with details about the event.

A recent rule announced by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on what constitutes Waters of the United States or WOTUS is not being well received by many agriculture groups who call the measure a bureaucratic overreach. Warren Formo with the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center joined the Linder Farm Network to shed some light on what the new rule means.

The University of Minnesota is kicking off a series of webinars in 2023 as part of their Strategic Farming program. The first session will feature weather and economic forecasts for 2023. Extension Educator Liz Stahl joins the LFN Field Talk podcast to highlight the Strategic Farming program.

December has been an active weather month with more challenging conditions expected in the days ahead. State Assistant Climatologist Pete Boulay joins Dan Lemke to take a closer look at what's happened in December and to give us a glimpse of what's ahead.

AgriGrowth advocates for Minnesota's food and agriculture sector. With activity in Washington and St. Paul ramping up in January, AgriGrowth Executive Director Tamara Nelson joined the Linder Farm Network's Linda Brekke to talk about AgriGrowth's priority issues.

Water management is an important consideration for many farms in Minnesota. Tile drainage is one mechanism landowners use to help control water. A multi-year, multi-organizational research and demonstration project is underway at FarmAmerica near Waseca to gather field-scale data on the economics and impacts of controlled drainage. Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center Director Warren Formo...

Despite rising input costs and climbing interest rates, farmland values across Minnesota have remained strong. Chuck Wingert with Hertz Farm Management joins this podcast to explain what's happening with land values and why.

There is no shortage of economic factors facing farmers, including diesel and fertilizer costs. American Farm Bureau Federation economist Veronica Nigh was a featured speaker at the recent Minnesota Farm Bureau annual meeting and addressed some of those economic issues.

As the saying goes, elections have consequences. Former U.S. Congressman Collin Peterson joins Lynn Ketelsen to discuss how he thinks the recent election results will impact agriculture.

Soil productivity and health is something most farmers strive for each year. The annual Soil Management Summit brings together researchers, farmers and industry experts who are interested in learning more about improving soil health. University of Minnesota Extension Educator Jodi Dejong-Hughes joins this Field Talk Podcast to talk about the Summit and soil health.

The Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance has unveiled the U.S. Identity Preserved quality assurance plan and brand mark at an event in Vietnam. SSGA leaders say the move symbolizes a landmark advancement in the verification of trust, traceability and value for food manufacturers, processors and exporters. SSGA Executive Director Eric Wenberg joins Dan Lemke to explain the program.

Tar spot is a relatively new concern for corn farmers in Minnesota, but the disease took a toll on some corn yields this fall. Golden Harvest Agronomy Manager Steve Wilkens joins Linda Brekke to talk about issues with tar spot and what growers can do about it.

The November 8th election is just days away. Former Minnesota Congressman Gil Gutknecht joins Lynn Ketelsen to talk about issues of concern heading into election day.

Harvest may be winding down in many areas of Minnesota, but the season for getting grain to markets is in full swing. Transportation challenges, including low water levels on working rivers and a potential rail strike in the weeks ahead are disrupting the normal flow of products. Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition assess the current situation in this Field Talk podcast.

Midwest soybeans are in demand around the world for meal and oil that provide nutrition for animals and people. On this Field Talk podcast, Linda Funk, Executive Director of the Soyfoods Council joins us to talk about the role of soy in human nutrition.