Straight Talk with NDFB

Cloud seeding and hail suppression sound great until you learn how the unintended consequences impact people who are not part of the program. In this episode of Straight Talk, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff talks with Representative Matthew Ruby of Minot, representing District 40. Rep. Ruby shares his concerns about weather modification and why he is sponsoring HB 1166 in the North Dakota 68th Legisla...

Benjamin Franklin famously said, "in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." While death isn't discussed in this Straight Talk episode, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff does talk taxes with Representative Craig Headland, who serves as chairman of the House Finance and Taxation Committee. Serving on the Finance and Taxation Committee wasn't his first choice, but Rep. H...

Foreign ownership of land in North Dakota has been a major concern recently. Learn why a North Dakota Senator has introduced a bill prohibiting foreign adversaries from owning land in our state. Senator Bob Paulson of Minot has introduced Senate Bill 2371, which would prohibit United States adversaries from owning land in our state. Senator Paulson is a retired Navy pilot and rancher. He served in...

Representative Dawson Holle is 18 years old and serving his first term in the North Dakota Legislature. He ran for a seat in District 31 because he wants to do what he can to help grow North Dakota's dairy industry. With only 37 dairies still operating in the state, Rep. Holle says more doors have to be opened to keep the dairies we have as well as open new markets. He has sponsored two bills...

Growing animal agriculture in North Dakota is a priority for all three guests on this first episode of the legislative season of Straight Talk with NDFB. Learn why as your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with NDFB and agriculture legislative leadership. In this first episode of the sixth season, Emmery talks with NDFB Public Policy Director Pete Hanebutt about the priority issues the organization wil...

Just up the road a piece from the Ayr exit on Interstate 94 lies an experience you won't want to miss. In the final episode of Straight Talk's Farmhouse Treasures for You season, Emmery visits with Rodney Hogen, the owner of the "oldest and largest" vineyard in North Dakota and the only one to service wine made entirely with North Dakota grapes. Rodney visits with Emmery about...

A twenty-something, Colleen Finley, shares why she wanted to be a business owner and help build her community through her company Far Out Nuts. Far Out Nuts produces deliciously roasted nuts and seeds using locally grown sugar and seeds for the Grand Forks community. Colleen has also moved the business online, providing delicious snacks for weddings, events, wholesale, or for gifts! Have an event...

If you look around, you may find untapped potential in the most unusual places. Who knew gnarly boxelder trees could be tapped for rich maple syrup with hints of butterscotch? Join host Emmery Mehlhoff for this special Farmhouse Treasures season of Straight Talk with NDFB as she talks with Brandon Lindstrom. Brandon farms in Amenia, N. D. His family also makes syrup from the boxelder trees located...

Three jobs, two kids, a ranch... Sometimes you have to let something go to find out what is most important to you. Learn how Max Robison turned a leather-working side job into a thriving business. In this episode, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with Max Robison, the owner and creator of Robison Custom Leather. Max converted an old grainery on his ranch into a leather workshop where he creates c...

One person's junk is another person's treasure. And when you have an eye for making something old new again, you just have to go with it! Amanda Njos turned her passion of making decorations out of reclaimed wood from a rundown barn to eventually renovating an old barn on their farm. Driven by her desire for community and a passion for creating, she and her husband started Cow Chip Creat...

It wasn't term limits that paved the way for property tax reform in South Dakota. It was institutional knowledge. In our final episode of this special season of Straight Talk, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff speaks with South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation Public Policy Director Matthew Bogue about what happened in that state when term limits were imposed. Prior to term limits, institutional knowle...

He's retiring from public service as a North Dakota representative. So, he has nothing to gain from taking this position. Find out why Representative Jeff Delzer opposes term limits in this new episode of Straight Talk.

Should we go down the term limits path Montana did in an effort to "clean the government house?" Not according to Montana Farm Bureau Senior Director, Governmental Affairs, Nicole Rolf. Listen to find out how term limits impacted Montana's legislative process. To learn more about NDFB's position, visit  NDFB takes a position on term limits .

There is a major misconception in North Dakota that Measure 1 will solve issues with U.S. legislators. It won't. It will limit North Dakota legislator terms, however, and curtail your rights as an individual to vote for who you want. In this special season of Straight Talk, your host Emmery Mehlhoff shares insights from other states, as well as North Dakota individuals, about how term limits...

It seems like a great idea. Initially. Limit the terms of state legislators and the governor and watch our state prosper and grow with new ideas and fresh blood.  In reality? It doesn't happen. The corruptors keep corrupting and the balance of power shifts away from the people. Learn more as your host, Emmery Mehlhoff asks the tough questions about term limits with those who have experienced...

Randy Martinson with Martinson Ag joins our hosts to talk about late spring planting, changes to prevent plant rules, and cover crops.  In this episode, we discuss: Cover crop  Prevent Plant rule change Ways to stabilize herd numbers  The global crop outlook  The shift in soil management techniques  Randy grew up on a family grain and livestock farm in rural Milnor, where he farmed for ten years a...

Our hosts are joined by Marshall Erickson, NDFB member, farmer and loan officer for Goose River Bank in Mayville, North Dakota.  We talk about:  Navigating rising interest rates  Improving the value of land  Purchasing land strategies  Opportunities for new producers  What to do with $100,000  What to bring to the bank  Marshall Erickson lives and farms with his wife Brandi and three children in t...

Farming with Mom and Dad and wondering what the future holds? Want to continue your family’s legacy? Emmery and Ezra visit with Marissa Nehlsen about the five steps to successfully transition the farm from one generation to the next.   We talk about how to: Determine the Why, What, Who, When and How of starting the process Manage risk and take advantage of tax opportunities  Cut the government out...

In episode 12 of Straight Talk with NDFB, Dr. Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension, gives his outlook for 2022 and how to recover pastures after the drought.  In this episode, we talk about how to: Manage pastures during and after drought  Heal saline soils Identify the health of your pasture Utilize grazing principles to improve pastures, enhance ecosystem services, and increase pounds per acre Kevin Se...

Are you Solopreneur looking to meet all your goals? Multi-generational farm figuring out how to work together? Ranching with several employees and trying to get organized? Join Emmery and Ezra as they visit with Patrick Metzger, EOS certified coach, to talk about how to clarify, simplify and achieve your vision for your farm. Learn about how to: Clarify functions and responsibilities on your opera...

In this episode of Straight Talk with NDFB, Emmery and Ezra visit with Ray Grabanski, president of Progressive Ag risk management firm. They visit about high input costs, rising fuel prices, strained trade relationships and how to make sound marketing decisions in uncertain times.  We talk about:  Managing risk in times of inflation  How politics and global events influence the markets Make good d...

Our hosts, siblings Emmery and Ezra, drive to Carrington to visit with the VanBedaf siblings, Piet and Maartje and tour the family’s dairy farm and creamery! Piet shares the ins and outs of the dairy operation and at about 18:20, Maartje joins to talk about building a successful family business and legacy. Tune in as they talk about: The history of the farm and why Carrington, N.D. The importance...

Bonus Straight Talk content Lunchtime Conversations! Listen to our hosts talk about what's on their mind:  Time Management! Emmery and Ezra visit about tools they are using to manage their time better to prioritize the important things in life. Time Management tools Emmery’s time management tool the Everbook (She made her own–but this was the inspiration!) Ezra’s time management tool for soci...

 30 x 30 is a plan by environmentalists to protect 30% of America’s land and oceans by 2030. Growing up on a large cow-calf operation in Nevada, our guest Margaret Byfield recounts the federal interference on her family’s ranch. After fighting in courts for 27 years, she and her family founded a property rights organization which eventually merged with another into  American Stewards of Liberty, w...

 Want to add value to your family's operation? On this Valentine's Day, join Emmery and Ezra as they visit with Maartje (van Bedaf) Murphy, founder of Duchessa Gelato. Maartje shares why her family immigrated from the Netherlands to settle in North Dakota. She talks about how her passion for cows, family, and the Netherlands inspired her to begin Duchessa Gelato. Maartje shares her strat...