Common Ground ND Podcast

Pull up a chair for this episode about North Dakota grown flowers! Theresa Dessonville teaches us about taking the leap of faith, winter flower farming… in North Dakota, and what it takes to put flowers on the table.

Grab a seat at the table and join the latest kitchen conversation—nothing sweeter than sugar! In this episode, sugarbeet farmer Julie Helm shares her unique farm perspective, from moving to the farm and balancing farm and family life to the simplicity of sugar. Let’s dig in!

Join us as we hear about the global reach of North Dakota agriculture with guest Jean Henning. Discover how initiatives like NDSU's milling school in Tunisia and innovative export practices connect North Dakota farmers to tables worldwide. Learn about the international influence of North Dakota's corn, beef, and ethanol, and hear firsthand about Jean’s experiences fostering agricultural re...

Join hosts Heather and Jen, alongside guest expert Chris Berg from North Dakota State University, as they explore the cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing the care and management of pigs. Learn about the implementation of RFID tags, electronic sow feeders, and the latest research efforts aimed at enhancing animal welfare and productivity. Chris also shares his journey from and sheds light on...

Join hosts Heather and Jenn as they explore an introductory course in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) with Calli Thorne. Learn the fundamentals of identifying and responding to mental health and substance use challenges. This episode equips you with initial skills to offer support, manage crises, and connect others to professional help, while also introducing self-care techniques. To register for h...

Feel free to crack a cold one as you listen to this episode of the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast, where North Dakota barley farmer Nathan Boll talks about barley production on his farm, trends in consumer alcohol preferences, and the pivotal role North Dakota plays in the industry.

In this episode, hosts Jenn and Heather discover that (spoiler alert) 4-H is for the kids - and not just for those on the farm, but any child looking to grow, learn, and thrive. If you think your 4-H days are behind you, we've got news for you. There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved or stay involved in the 4-H community through volunteering at local and state events.

Join us in this episode of the CommonGround ND podcast, as our guest, Megan Overby, discusses her role in agricultural advocacy within North Dakota, including how she brings agriculture into the classroom. One of her favorite subjects is "Special Assignment Pizza." Tune in to discover more about this special assignment.

In this episode of the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast, Heather and Jenn sit down with soil fertility expert Kelsey Griesheim. Join us as we explore North Dakota's soils, learn about Kelsey's innovative research, and discover the art of nurturing the land for agricultural success. Interested in how science is revolutionizing farming? This episode is your soil-to-sprout guide.

This episode is for those wondering what the post-harvest journey of grain looks like. Hosts Heather and Jenn talk with grain merchandiser Angie Heilman about where the grain goes after the farmer delivers it to the elevator, and the role North Dakota agriculture plays in helping to feed the world.

Join Heather and Jenn on this episode of the CommonGround ND Podcast as they welcome Tracey Olson, COO of Guardian Energy (behind the operations at the Hankinson, ND ethanol plant) to discuss the ins and outs of ethanol production. Tracey will help us figure out when and how ethanol can be a choice for our cars.

Join us as we learn about the modern pork farming practices in North Dakota, the technological advancements, and the sustainable and ethical considerations that go into pork production. Discover how the industry is overcoming misconceptions and what makes this protein-packed ingredient a versatile star in various dishes.

In this episode of the CommonGround ND Podcast we’ll tackle some pressing wheat questions. Are there genetically modified wheat varieties in the U.S.? Can wheat be considered a healthful food? Does going gluten-free contribute to weight loss? Erica sheds light on these topics and more, providing clarity and knowledge. Don't miss out on the answers to these important questions.

In this episode, Alison Pokrzywinski, a sunflower breeder, explores details about hybrids, the full bloom tourism, and the flavoring of your sunflower seeds – just like the ones you enjoy at baseball games – all grown right here in ND. Grab your earbuds and tune in to the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast!

Scott Weinlaeder joins Heather and Jenn on CommonGround North Dakota Podcast to share his expertise in the seed industry. With a family business dating back to 1974, Scott emphasizes the importance of seed quality, from pretreating with fungicides to utilizing cleaning technology like color sorters. The episode delves into the nuances of wheat production in North Dakota, highlighting unique soil b...

In this episode of CommonGround North Dakota, hosts Heather and Jenn talk with agronomist Sarah Lovas. Sarah brings her passion for agriculture, sharing expertise on agronomy and precision farming practices. Her commitment to sustainable farming shines through as she discusses soil analysis, pest management, and farming technologies. Tune in as Sarah dispels some agriculture myths and shares the e...

In this episode, Christie Jaeger, a longtime volunteer for CommonGround North Dakota, shares her insights on the challenges of debunking farming myths in the age of social media and the importance of educating the public about agriculture. Christie also discusses her involvement with CommonGround ND and the organization's efforts to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. Stay tuned as w...

On this episode of the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast, hosts Jenn and Heather sit down with a dynamic mother-daughter duo who share their experiences running a farm and ranch operation. From finding their passion within the agriculture industry to juggling different roles while navigating the challenges that come with farming, our guests offer valuable insights and lessons learned along the way...

In this episode, we're excited to have a conversation with Marjie Broden, a devoted farmer and mother. She shares her unique farming journey, which encompasses managing two separate family farms located miles apart. Amidst her responsibilities on the farm, she also navigates maintaining the household and being a present parent for her children.

Join us on the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast as we welcome Scott Sinner from Casselton, ND, representing SB&B Foods. In this episode, Scott takes us through the journey of SB&B Foods, a company that has been producing food-grade soybeans and shipping them directly to food manufacturers around the world for over thirty years!

In this episode of the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast, hosts Jenn and Heather sit down with guests Lavy Steiner and Carter Fong from the Dickinson Chamber. Lavy and Carter share exciting updates on the growing popularity of their event, "Banquet in a Field: Western Style.” At this event, individuals are invited out to a farm to enjoy a meal that showcases 13 of North Dakota’s commodities....

In this episode, we're joined by Kassy Doan, a rancher who shares her insights on her and her husband’s cattle and bison operation. We also delve into the importance of protein, such as beef and buffalo, which provide all the necessary amino acids for athletes and individuals following a proper diet. Kassy emphasizes the value of consuming real, wholesome food. Stay tuned for an engaging conve...

In this episode of the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast, our hosts Jenn and Heather sit down with Piet Van Bedaf, a dairy farmer in Carrington, North Dakota. Join them as they explore the intricacies of dairy farming, nutrition management, and the importance of transparency in the agriculture industry.

In this episode, we're joined by Kassy Doan, a rancher who shares her insights on her and her husband’s cattle and bison operation. We also delve into the importance of protein, such as beef and buffalo, which provide all the necessary amino acids for athletes and individuals following a proper diet. Kassy emphasizes the value of consuming real, wholesome food. Stay tuned for an engaging conve...

Join us as Maartje Murphy shares her family’s journey from a dairy farm in the Netherlands to Carrington, North Dakota. Learn how Maartje merged her passion for gelato with her entrepreneurial spirit, attracting consumers and leading them to her family’s dairy farm.