Linder Farm Network Field Talk

Farmers nationwide have watched as already high fertilizer prices spiked even higher following the start of the conflict between the U.S. and Iran and the subsequent bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz. A project in Blue Earth could lead to a local supply of renewable ammonia. Central Farm Service CEO KC Graner joined the LFN with details on the project. 

Trade and export markets for U.S. commodities are vital for farm profitability. One of the most important trade agreements is being reviewed. Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade joins this podcast for an update on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. 

Many consumers care about how crops and livestock are raised, which is also a priority for farmers. In this Field Talk Podcast, North Carolina pork producer Chad Herring and National Pork Board Director of Animal Welfare Stephanie Wetter highlight some of the ways the pork industry is working to build trust. 

Conditions vary across Minnesota but the desire to get into the fields to start planting the 2026 crop is universal. In this Field Talk Podcast, we connect with farmers and ag professionals scattered throughout the region for an update on activity. 

Ag retailers provide farmers and ranchers with many of the products they need to raise crops and livestock. Hunter Carpenter, senior director of government affairs for the Agricultural Retailers Association explains some of the recent government actions that could affect producers. 

After several spring "false starts," winter could be making a comeback this week in Minnesota. DTN Meteorologist John Baranick joined Linda Brekke to talk about the week ahead, South American weather and if any relief is on the way for devastating wildfires. 

Pork production plays a huge role in Minnesota' ag economy while supporting and strengthening many rural communities. In this Field Talk Podcast, you'll hear from the Minnesota farmer leading the National Pork Board and two Univerisity of Minnesota graduates who dedicated 70 years to the swine industry. 

The farming landscape is constantly changing. One of the ways USDA works to track those changes is through the Farms and Land in Farms summary report. Bryan Combs with the National Ag Statistics Service joined the LFN's Linda Brekke to discuss their latest summary for the U.S. and Minnesota. 

Tne National Corn Growers Association has released a new report warning that U.S. agriculture is at a pivotal moment as the nation approaches its 250th birthday. NCGA Economist Gretchen Kuch joined the Linder Farm Network's Linda Brekke to discuss the report.

Livestock production is a vital sector of the U.S. agriculture economy. The Animal Agriculture Alliance has worked for nearly 4 decades to promote and protect the animal agriculture in the U.S. Animal Agriculture Alliance Director of Communications Emily Ellis is our guest on this week's podcast. 

Pork industry leaders gathered in Mankato for the Minnesota Pork Congress and had plenty to talk about in terms of markets and a new consumer-facing campaign. Learn more about those topics in this week's LFN Field Talk Podcast. 

Transitioning a farm from one generation to the next can be a complex process, but conversations about that process should start sooner than later. Minnesota Department of Agriculture Farm Transition Teams Coordinator Jim Molenaar is our guest on this field talk podcast.  

The EPA is expected to make a ruling in the weeks ahead on their final Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) definition. The WOTUS definition has been a moving target, often changing with presidential administrations. Minnesota Ag Water Resource Center Executive Director Warren Formo joins this Field Talk podcast to discuss the latest proposed definition and to address the upcoming Nutrient Management Conference. 

The National Grain and Feed Association represents more than 700 entities across the U.S. on issues from transportation to trade. NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert joined the Linder Farm Network's Linda Brekke for a conversation about issues the organization is addressing. 

Soil compaction can rob yield and reduce productivity for years to come. University of Minnesota Extension Educator Jodi DeJong-Hughes joins this podcast to talk about compaction causes and their effects. 

So why was a Minnesota pork producer in Brazil at a global conference on the environment and sustainability? Maddie Hokanson of Canon Falls is our guest on the Field Talk Podcast to address her participation in COP30. 

The dairy industry received a welcomed boost recently with Congress' passage of the Whole MIlk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. Now headed to the president for his signature, the bill opens options for school lunches to include whole and 2% milk. Karen Gefvert is Edge Dairy Farmers Cooperative director of government affairs and out guest on this Field Talk podcast. 

Minnesota is a leader in renewable energy production and advancement with important products like ethanol and biodiesel already in the state's portfolio. Biogas production is also happening in the state with the opportunity for much more. Brad Matuska with AURI joins this Field Talk Podcast to highlight biogas and its potential. 

The Minnesota Biofuels Association has released its 2025 annual report which highlights the positives for the past year and outlines goals for biofuels advocacy in the year ahead. MBA Executive Director Brian Werner is our guest in this Field Talk Podcast. 

Minnesota leads the nation in turkey production and that activity has a ripple effect on the state's economy and local communities. Minnesota Turkey Growers Association Executive Director Ashley Kohls is our guest on this Field Talk Podcast. 

Farming is inherently stressful with so many things outside of farmers' control. Dr. Jeff Bender is Director of the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center and he's also our guest on this Field Talk Podcast discussing rural mental health. 

Two important items have been added to the list of critical minerals by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Potash and phosphate are key nutrients for agriculture. Hunter Carpenter with the Ag Retailers Association joins Linda Brekke to discuss what the designation means. 

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan has served in that role since 2019, but she now has higher aspirations. She joins Lynn Ketelsen for this Field Talk Podcast. 

Farmers have plenty on their minds right now as harvest wraps up and issues such as trade disruptions and high input costs cloud the outlook for agriculture. Green Solutions Group Farm Management Analyst Kent Thiesse talks with Lynn Ketelsen about current issues.

The Motorcade for Trade from Farmers for Free Trade is making its way across the country this fall, highlighting the importance of trade to the nation's farmers. The Linder Farm Network's Linda Brekke was at a recent stop in Lakeville. 

Section 301 tariffs are now in effect as the U.S. Trade Representative has used the process to try to counter China's dominance in shipbuilding and maritime equipment. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition joins this podcast to discuss the impacts on agriculture. 

The nation's most populous state, California, recently approved the use of E15. California is the last state to allow E15, plus it needs no further waivers to use the fuel year-round. Troy Bredenkamp, senior vice president for the Renewable Fuels Association joins this Field Talk Podcast to talk about the impacts of the California legislation. 

The Lower Sioux Indian Community near Morton will host the International Hemp Building Symposium which is coming to the U.S. for the first time. The Lower Sioux Community is a leader in hemp-based building materials, using hempcrete to build and reconstruct homes in the community. Danny Desjarlais is our guest on this Field Talk podcast. 

Farmers face rising input costs, especially for nutrients. Efforts are underway to ensure greater access to one critical ingredient. The Fertilizer Institute's Ed Thomas joins this Field Talk Podcast. 

Farmers are gearing up for long hours as harvest nears. As the hectic harvest season approaches, safety needs to remain front of mind. University of Minnesota Extension Farm Safety and Health Educator Emily Krekelberg joins this Field Talk podcast. 

Long time farm broadcaster and Clara City native Randy Koenen has retired from the radio world but he still has his hands in farming with another new venture in the works. Lynn Ketelsen catches up with Koenen in this Field Talk podcast. 

Depressed export markets for agricultural products are weighing heavily on the agriculture economy and on farmers themselves. Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade is our guest to talk about his organization's efforts to press Congress and the administration to build and maintain market access. 

Cattle markets and beef prices have been on a steady uphill climb in recent months. Cattle industry expert Paul Dykstra and economist Dan Basse provide insights into current and future trends. 

As an industry, agriculture has been quick to adopt technology as a tool to help farmers become more efficient and more profitable. Artificial intelligence is among the emerging technologies that will undoubtedly have a place in agricultre. AI was the focus of a forum held at Farmfest. 

In addition to showcasing the newest ag technology and offering timely, topical forums, Farmfest also presents an opportunity to recognize people who are making valuable contributions to Minnesota agriculture. Niki Jones, Farmfest marketing director joins this Field Talk podcast to highlight some of those recognition opportunities. 

Agriculture is constantly changing and so is the offering of programs and events at Farmfest 2025. Marketing Director Niki Jones joins this Field Talk podcast to highlight some of the new things attendees can see at this year's event Aug. 5-7 near Redwood Falls. 

Forums at the 2025 Minnesota Farmfest will tackle some interesting issues ranging from artificial intelligence in ag to farm policy, market opportunities and workforce development. Forum coordinator Kent Thiesse joins this podcast to detail the forums, including what's happening in the livestock venue. 

The Southeast Minnesota Nitrate Strategies Collaborative Working Group has released recommendations for addressing nitrate in ground water in the region. Warren Formo is executive director of the Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center. He was part of the working group and he joins this Field Talk podcast. 

The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) included a wide range of provisions affecting agriculture. While it's not a farm bill, the OBBBA has a lot in it that would typically be found in farm bill legislation. American Soybean Association Chair Josh Gackle from North Dakota joins this podcast to highlight what's in the bill and what's left to be done. 

The U.S. House is now reviewing and debating the budget reconciliation bill recently passed by the U.S. Senate. Compeer Financial Vice President for Legislative Affairs Perry Aasness joins this podcast for an upate and information on key provisions within the bill. 

Soybean aphids are a common pest in Minnesota that can rob yield if populations climb high enough. That's not the case yet, but University of Minnesota Entomologist Dr. Robert Koch says it's not too early to scout for aphids before they become a problem. 

The Environmental Protection Agency provided the ethanol and biodiesel industries with some positive news through increased blending requirements through the Renewable Fuel Standard. Industry leaders Brian Werner, Troy Bredenkamp and Paul Winters give their perspectives on the development. 

Between difficult economics, Proposition 12 housing requirements and now the Make America Healthy Again report, there has been no shortage of challenges facing the pork industry in recent years. However, Bryan Humpreys, National Pork Producers Council CEO says the industry remains strong. He joins this Field Talk podcast. 

Seed oils are a staple food product in diets around the world. Oils like sunflower, canola and soybean oil are widely used. Seed oils have recently come under scrutiny, including by the Make American Healthy Again commission. Dr. Mark Messina is the Director of Nutrition Science and Research for Soy Nutrition Institute Global. He joined the Linder Farm Network to talk seed oil. 

Precision agriculture already has changed the landscape of farming in many ways. The advent of artificial intelligence and machine learning promises to take the technology to the next level. Yuxin Miao is director of the University of Minnesota Center for Precision Agriculture. He's also our guest on this Field Talk podcast. 

The Make America Healthy Again commission is expected to release a report on May 22. While Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has testified that farmers shouldn't be worried about the contents, ag groups are concerned the report could unfairly target agriculture. American Soybean Association Director Alan Meadows joins this Field Talk Podcast. 

On-farm income can come from an assortment of sources. For some farms and rural operations, agritourism provides an opportunity for education and income. University of Minnesota Extension Educator DeeDee LeMier joins this Field Talk podcast to talk agritourism. 

Trade has always been important for U.S. farmers because the nation's growers produce more than can be consumed here. Many of those export markets have been built by farmers and farmer-supported organizations like the U.S. Grains Council. USGC Vice President Cary Sifferath is our guest on this week's Field Talk Podcast. 

The International Dairy Foods Association recently announced it would eliminate certified artificial colors from products sold into the national school lunch and breakfast program. Matt Herrick, Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer for the IDFA is our guest to explain the move. 

Renewable Volume Obligations through the Renewable Fuel Standard specify the amount of renewable fuel that refiners, importers, and blenders of gasoline and diesel must blend into their fuel supply each year. Those RVOs are overdue and that's having a negative impact on the biofuels industry. Paul Winters with Clean Fuels Alliance America joins this Field Talk podcast.