Agweek Podcast

Why canola and sunflower acres are up. How crops are faring in the extreme heat. A German student is learning about swine production in the U.S. Kids learn about ag at North Dakota State Fair.

Don Wick of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss a high heat forecast and geopolitical actions on the Agweek Market Wrap on July 24.

Demand for protein fuels demand for field peas. Livestock producers need to keep animals cool in extreme heat and humidity. Severe storm hits South Dakota. We take you to the Prairie Village Museum.

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management analyze higher grain markets and lower cattle prices on the Agweek Market Wrap, on July 17. 

Clean-up and damage assessments underway after wind storm. Turkey producers fighting avian influenza. Stopping woody encroachment. A unique equine conditioning and rehabilitation center.

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss a volatile week for grain and cattle markets on the Agweek Market Wrap on July 10, 2026. 

Farms ran by veterans who helped to keep us free. Regenerative practices spur return of birds and wildlife. Latest research findings on applying manure. A Minnesota farm celebrates 150 years.

More operators of drones and more acres are seeing applications from drones. Take a walk with alpacas. A domestic avian vaccine gains ground. Drought advancements and a growing flower business.

Host: Alec Winmill (AgWeek) Guests: Stephanie Smith (Enterprise Account Executive, DroneDeploy) and Joe McQueeney (Customer Success Manager, DroneDeploy) Episode Summary This episode explores the transformative role of agricultural drone technology. We dive into how DroneDeploy turns drone imagery into actionable "digital twins" of fields, enabling growers to make immediate, data-driven decisions that save time and reduce input costs compared to traditional methods like satellite imagery Key Discussion Points The "Camera in the Sky" Concept: DroneDeploy provides reality capture that creates high-resolution digital copies of fields, allowing for rapid analysis of stand counts, plant health, and elevation in as little as 15 minutes. Efficiency vs. Satellite: Unlike satellite imagery, which can have significant turnaround latency, drone data provides real-time field-edge results, enabling proactive management of issues like fungus, pests, or replanting needs. Precision Agriculture & ROI: The technology supports precision agriculture by identifying specific areas of impact, allowing growers to treat only what is necessary, which directly addresses rising input costs. Debunking Misconceptions: We address the myths that drone technology is only for "pretty pictures" or that it requires an impossible level of technical expertise; the platform automates complex processes to make data accessible for everyone. Getting Started: For those interested in adopting the technology, the team recommends checking out DroneDeploy Academy for Part 107 certification prep and reaching out to the team to arrange trials before making hardware investments. Future Outlook: The conversation touches on the future of AI in agriculture, including automating the detection of green snap, fungus, and other field stressors to maximize farm profitability. Volumetric Analysis: We highlight the growing utility of volumetric tools for inventory management, helping dairy operations accurately measure silage piles and feed additives. Resources & Contact Inquiries: Listeners interested in demos or support can email [email protected] or contact Stephanie Smith directly at [email protected]. Hardware: The team recommends DJI hardware (Mavic 3 Enterprise, Matrice 4 Enterprise) and offers guidance on procurement.  

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss weather, China, Iran and market reports on the Agweek Market Wrap for June 26, 2026. 

Controversy over Prop 12 for pork producers holds up the farm bill. Global sales of ethanol soar. A look at a farm to fork event. SDSU has a new major to get people working in dairy industry faster.

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss a better week in grain markets, weather risks and tight cattle supply on the Agweek Market Wrap.

How cattle producers make money from byproducts. How far will New World Screwworm spread? A company celebrates National Dairy Month with a big donation. A high-tech boost for keeping track of cattle.

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss a continued slump in grain prices on June 12 on the Agweek Market Wrap.

Crush plants provide a new local market. U.S. Sen. Tina Smith is optimistic about a new farm bill. How donated land helps expand precision livestock education. Why North Dakota land prices are flat.

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss screwworm activity and what needs to happen to rebuild grain prices on the Agweek Market Wrap. 

Dust storms remind of the importance of shelterbelts. Minnesota Legislature ends session with good news for farmers. New partnership focuses on exports. Teenager works to save birds in their fields.

Don Wick of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss what's going on in the agriculture market around the world on the Agweek Market Wrap on Friday, May 29.

E15 gets a boost in Congress. How to prevent the loss of top soil. Money to improve conservation practices on pastures. Learning more about Highland cattle, beyond hair and horns.

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management look for confirmation from China and watch as cattle prices fall to end the week on the Agweek Market Wrap. 

GLP-1 medications mean higher demand for protein. New meat processing plant. Cool and dry conditions impact planting in South Dakota. Minnesota teacher is honored for farm lessons for kindergartners.

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss major news that boosted then dropped soybean prices this month on the Agweek Market Wrap. 

U.S. House passes a farm bill. Problems with rural mail delivery cause headaches for farmers and businesses. Cool weather is getting planting off to a slower start. What's going on with beef prices.

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss a volatile week that gives way to another week of major ag announcements on the Agweek Market Wrap. 

South Dakota's swine industry is growing fast. Minnesota farmers are running for the Legislature. Opinions about a proposed dairy expansion. Meet members of the newest FFA chapter in South Dakota.

Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management and Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network talk about the headlines that pushed markets higher this week.

A big drop off in prices for grains and oilseeds on Thursday was followed by a big turnaround on Friday, and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management told Don Wick of the Red River Farm Network on the Agweek Market Wrap that it appears to have been a combination of profit taking and positioning ahead of the three-day Labor Day weekend.