The Minnesota Corn Podcast: Recent Episodes
Minnesota Corn Growers Association
The Minnesota Corn Podcast highlights research supported through corn farmers’ investment in the check-off. Each monthly episode will feature researchers discussing projects that identify new uses for corn and improve on-farm practices.
Chris Nicholas, co-founder and president of Låkril Technologies, talks about the company's efforts to develop a bioacrylic acid.
In this episode, Minnesota Corn Growers Association Board of Directors Member Angela Guentzel says Minnesota is one of just two states with county corn grower associations. She also explains how people can get involved with their local county corn organization and how they host fuel events and farm events, and sponsor tractor pulls and educational opportunities.
Learn more about Minnesota's county corn grower associations here. Minnesota Corn also has resources online available for county corn grower associations. Those can be found here.
Episode Highlights:
0:33: Why Angela got involved with MCGA
1:33: The roles farmers can have within MCGA
2:47: The types of events hosted by county corn grower associations
4:00: What's important to tell the non-farming public
5:22: How a corn farmer can get involved
6:50: Angela's message to someone on the fence about getting involved
A new study shows that a plug-in hybrid flex fuel vehicle has major advantages over full battery electric vehicles, says RFA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Market Development Robert White.
Last year, RFA outfitted a 2022 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a kit that allowed it to run on flex fuels like E85. RFA conducted rigorous emissions testing and a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions analysis on the vehicle and put over 34,000 miles of real-world driving on it.
The study was funded in part by Minnesota Corn along with other state corn grower associations. You can learn more about the plug-in electric hybrid flex fuel vehicle here.
Episode Highlights:
0:26: How did RFA get the idea for the plug-in hybrid FFV?
2:28: What did you learn after putting more than 30,000 on the concept vehicle?
6:24: Will you highlight the study to members of Congress?
9:02: Can you talk about different aspects the flex fuel conversion kit, such as how it works, where you get it, etc.?
11:37: What's your message to corn growers in Minnesota as they think about the future of the transportation sector and the federal push for EVs?
Minnesota Corn Executive Director and CEO Adam Birr highlights the organization's new sustainability report, which details the organization's investments in research, rural communities, market development, best management practices, and more.
Minnesota Corn Research Director Maciej Kazula and grower-leader Nick Peterson provide an overview of the organization’s 2024 research portfolio.
University of Minnesota Assistant Professor Lindsay Pease highlights her research into phosphorus fertilizer management in northwest Minnesota.
Nancy Miller, owner of Vinna Human Resources in Willmar, summarizes key Minnesota labor laws, including several that passed during the 2023 state legislative session.
University of Minnesota Professor Fabian Fernandez highlights a corn check-off-funded study of how much nitrogen is lost to the environment when the nutrient is applied at different rates.
The U.S. Grains Council’s Alexander Grabois talks about a Minnesota Corn-funded study that compared U.S. and international corn varieties as a poultry feed source.
U.S. Grains Council Vice President Cary Sifferath explains how the 2023 market year saw some encouraging signs for corn exports, including from the top U.S. trading partner. Minnesota Corn supports USGC as part of its efforts to develop international markets for corn growers.
Dr. Alex Buck, director of industrial innovation for Iowa Corn, explains an effort by researchers to advance direct ethanol fuel cell technology. The project is funded in part by Minnesota Corn.
University of Illinois animal science professor Hans Stein explains his recently completed research into the viability of high-protein corn co-products in weanling pig diets. Stein's work was funded by Minnesota Corn.
University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Fellow CheJen Jerry Hsiao highlights a Minnesota Corn-funded effort to develop a soil amendment that reduces nitrous oxide emissions from cropland.
University of Minnesota Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist Fei Yang highlights his Minnesota Corn-supported study of the extent of European corn borer resistance to Bt proteins in Minnesota.
University of Minnesota Professor Will Northrop is studying the potential of converting carbon dioxide from ethanol plants into e-fuel. Northrop's research is supported by the Minnesota corn check-off.
Professor Candy Hirsch is working to understand what can be done to improve the durability of corn while maintaining yields.
Robert White, vice president of industry relations for the Renewable Fuels Association, gives an overview of the organization's flex fuel plug-in concept vehicle, which was supported in part by Minnesota Corn.
Farmamerica Executive Director Jessica Rollins explains how a recently completed capital project supported in part by Minnesota Corn has affected the Waseca-based agricultural interpretive center.
ClearFlame Engine Technologies cofounder and CEO BJ Johnson highlights his company's efforts to scale up its technology, which allows diesel engines to run on ethanol. ClearFlame is supported in part by Minnesota Corn through the Minnesota corn check-off.
University of Minnesota Associate Professor Dan Kaiser highlights his research project that could help improve nitrogen fertilization rates in corn production.
Nathan Meyer and Jamie Mosel of the University of Minnesota highlight a Minnesota Corn-funded effort to create a resource hub that could help farmers navigate changing climate conditions.
Marc Hillmyer, director of the University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Polymers, talks about a series of Minnesota Corn-funded research projects that aim to improve upon existing renewable plastics.
Red Lake County farmer Mikayla Tabert explains research into how cover crops and an extended five-year crop rotation affect yields, economics, and soil health. Her work has been funded in part by Minnesota Corn.
Fulda, Minnesota, farmer Mark Enninga explains his upcoming study of how application of a compost extract affects corn yields and crop health. Mark’s work is supported by Minnesota Corn through its Innovation Grant program.
Luca Zullo, senior director of science and technology at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, talks about exploring a new use for ethanol.
Discovery Farms Minnesota Coordinator Tim Radatz about the program's history, what they've learned from 15 years of data collection, and how farmers can reduce nutrient movement without compromising yield. Funded in part by farmers' investment in the Minnesota corn check-off, Discovery Farms Minnesota is an on-farm, edge-of-field water quality monitoring program.
Maciej Kazula, Minnesota Corn's Research Director, provides an overview of the research projects the organization is funding in 2023.
Minnesota State University Assistant Professor Nazli Wodzinski recaps her Innovation Grant project that aimed to create a practical, field applicable drainage filter.
University of Minnesota Associate Professor Paulo Pagliari explains his research into the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Azospirillum brasilense. In 2022, he studied how inoculating corn plants with the bacteria impacted their growth and productivity.
University of Minnesota Extension Educator Dr. Anthony Hanson highlights the continued efforts to monitor corn pests and disease risks in Minnesota. Hanson's work is funded in part by Minnesota Corn.
Funded in part by Minnesota Corn, the University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Agronomy and Horticulture Program reaches over 2,000 kids annually. Extension Educator Brian McNeill explains the history of the program, its various components, and how farmers can get involved.
More information on 4-H agronomy and horticulture can be found here.
Northwestern Minnesota farmer Blair Hoseth discusses his Minnesota Corn Innovation Grant project that compares yields and economic returns when applying manure vs commercial fertilizer in a corn-bean rotation.
Minnesota Corn's Innovation Grant program allows farmers to test or develop best practices in cover crop management, fertility, tillage, water management, and other production methods. Learn more about the Minnesota Corn Innovation Grant Program and apply for a 2023 grant here.
Mark Dorenkamp checks in with staff from Northern Country Coop who are leading the Minnesota Corn-funded Sustainable Answer Acre research project in Mower County. The project is studying how practices such as cover crops, conservation tillage, and split nitrogen application affect nitrate levels.
Read more about the project here.
Market Development & Industry Relations Director Devin Hoffarth highlights Minnesota Corn's investments in biofuel promotion, export markets, and new uses for corn. Visit mncorn.org/utilization to learn more about Minnesota Corn's market development efforts.
Hear from Doug Albin, the 2022-23 chair of the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, about the Minnesota corn check-off and how it benefits the state's corn farmers.
Last week, the U.S. Grains Council led an ethanol trade delegation from Ecuador on a tour of a Minnesota corn farm, ethanol plant, and fuel station. In this episode, Marri Tejada, the organization's regional director for Latin America, explains how USGC is increasing demand for ethanol in that country.
Minnesota Corn is proud to support the U.S. Grains Council through the Minnesota Corn check-off. Learn more about corn check-off-funded efforts to develop export markets at mncorn.org/utilization.
A new research project by University of Minnesota Assistant Extension Professor Dr. Vasudha Sharma is exploring how precision irrigation and nitrogen management affects crop development and groundwater. Join Dr. Sharma as she discusses her project with host Mark Dorenkamp as they cover nitrate leaching, water-use efficiencies, and plant development -- among other topics -- on this episode of the Minnesota Corn Podcast.
Minnesota Corn is proud to fund Dr. Sharma's research through the Minnesota Corn check-off. Learn more about corn check-off-funded research projects at mncorn.org/research.
Olga Brouwer, executive director of Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership, explains how this Minnesota Corn-supported program helps farmers and agriculture professionals develop communication and leadership skills.
University of Minnesota Associate Professor Dr. Melissa Wilson recaps her Minnesota Corn-funded project that explored best practices for integrating cover crops and manure.
Mark Dorenkamp talks with John Hinners, senior vice of industry relations for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, about a recent study on the value of red meat exports to Minnesota's corn farmers. Minnesota Corn supports USMEF as part of our mission to expand international sales of corn and corn co-products.
Carrie Stowers, Education Communications Specialist at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, previews the upcoming 'Corn is Everywhere' event at the Farm at the Arb.
Jane Hunt talks about a recent Minnesota Corn-sponsored workshop in Fargo that taught teachers about the importance of biotechnology and biofuels.
University of Minnesota Associate Professor Candice Hirsch discusses her Minnesota corn-check-off-funded research project that aims to identify variations in the oil content of different hybrids.
Les Anderson and Vance Johnson join Mark Dorenkamp to discuss the results of their 2021 Innovation Grant projects.
Learn more about Anderson's project here and Johnson's project here.
With the support of Minnesota Corn, University of Minnesota Extension developed Digital Crop Doc, a tool that can help farmers diagnose diseases in corn, soybeans, small grains, sugarbeets and forages. Extension Educator Angie Peltier joins Mark Dorenkamp to discuss the program.
Lindsay Pease and Adam Alford join Mark Dorenkamp to discuss the results of their 2021 Innovation Grant projects.
Farmers Gary Prescher and Mark Enninga join Mark Dorenkamp to discuss the results of their 2021 Innovation Grant projects.
Tim Griffis, a professor in the University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, discusses his research into lowering reactive nitrogen emissions associated with agricultural production.
Gail Dennison of the Hormel Institute highlights a research project, funded in part by Minnesota Corn, that is exploring how the aromatic compounds added to fuel to boost octane affect chemicals in the body that control gene expression.
University of Minnesota Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor Melissa Wilson explains her research into maximizing the benefits of cover crops and manure application.
Dr. Fabian Fernandez, a University of Minnesota associate professor who specializes in nutrient management, talks about his Minnesota corn check-off-funded research into how nitrogen rates affect economic return and environmental quality.
University of Minnesota Extension Educator Brad Carlson tells Mark Dorenkamp about the Nitrogen Smart program, which trains farmers to understand how Nitrogen behaves in the environment. The program, which is gearing up for its seventh year, is supported in part by Minnesota Corn.
Melissa Kessler, director of strategic initiatives and engagement for the U.S. Grains Council, talks about the organization's upcoming Trade School in Alexandria, Minnesota. Minnesota Corn is proud to sponsor the event as part of its efforts to help corn farmers learn more about global trade.
Learn about the Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership Program from its executive director, Olga Brouwer. Minnesota Corn is proud to sponsor MARL as part of its mission to support corn farmers and rural communities.
Kelly Marczak, a manager at MEG Corp, recaps the company's efforts in 2021 to teach high school students and auto technicians in training about ethanol's benefits.
Brian Healy, director of global ethanol market development at U.S. Grains Council, recaps the 2021 marketing year, which ended Aug. 31, from an ethanol-exports perspective.
Cary Sifferath, senior director of global programs for the U.S. Grains Council, discusses why the 2021 marketing year set an all-time record for feed-grain exports with Minnesota Corn Podcast host Mark Dorenkamp.
Reporter Mark Dorenkamp talks with Chris Nicholas, president and co-founder of Låkril Technologies, about his company's efforts to produce a bio-based acrylic acid. Acrylic acid and acrylates are chemicals widely used in the manufacturing of paints, coatings, textiles and more. Research has shown that deriving acrylic acid from a renewable feedstock, like corn, could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 35%. Minnesota's corn organizations are funding Låkril as part of their mission to foster new uses for for corn, support innovation and promote sustainability.
Reporter Mark Dorenkamp talks with University of Minnesota Extension Dean Bev Durgan about Extension's partnership with Minnesota's corn organizations and how both are focused on supporting rural communities. In October, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council were honored with the Distinguished Friend of Extension Award.
Gary Feyereisen is a research agricultural engineer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. In this episode of the Minnesota Corn Podcast, he discusses his research project that aims to measure how conservation practices impact water quality and flow on farmland. The project plans to compare the impact of conservation practices in adjacent southern Minnesota watersheds in which over 90% of the land is in a corn-soybean rotation.
John Hinners is senior vice president of industry relations at the U.S. Meat Export Federation. In this episode of the Minnesota Corn Podcast, he talks with Brownfield Ag News reporter Mark Dorenkamp about the relationship between meat exports and U.S. corn.
Bob Dressen is manager of the Farm at the Arb interpretive farm at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. In this episode, he talks about Farm at the Arb's mission, programming planned for September and the involvement of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.
Lindsay Pease, an assistant professor and extension specialist in nutrient and water management at the University of Minnesota, discusses her efforts to identify potential links between land use and phosphorus loss.
Jessica Rollins, executive director of Farmamerica, a Waseca-based agricultural interpretive center, details the latest developments in the organization's capital campaign, which is supported in part by Minnesota's corn farmers.
Shelby Watson, manager of allied industry relations at the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, talks about the latest news on global agricultural trade.
Heather Bryan, an education specialist with educationprojects.org, talks about the corn checkoff-funded, grassroots agriculture-education initiative Nourish the Future.
Melissa Kessler, director of strategic initiatives and engagement for the U.S. Grains Council, explains the interconnected nature of today's agricultural markets.
Mark Jirik, director of the Northern Crops Institute, explains how a new study conducted in partnership with Minnesota Corn, the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council and U.S. Grains Council looks at milling and feed efficiency.
The growing season is filled with a host of challenges, including insect, disease, and weed pests, resistance concerns, agronomic issues, and soil fertility questions. The Field Notes program is designed for farmers and agricultural professionals as a weekly webinar program addressing all your crop-related questions in real-time in an interactive, discussion-based format.
With support from Minnesota Corn, 4-H is bringing new and exciting agriculture-related materials and programming to youth across the state.
The Minnesota Corn Innovation Grant Program has invested nearly $850,000 in 78 original projects identifying practical innovations that can be replicated by Minnesota farmers and farmer-led research.
Minnesota Corn worked with MEG Corp Fuel Consulting to create an ethanol lesson plan for Minnesota educators. The lessons cover everything from ethanol’s journey beginning on the farm to the benefits of ethanol-blended fuels at the pump,
Listen as John Hinners of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) talks about the organizations' efforts to build relationships and markets abroad for American beef and pork. Through their investment in the Minnesota corn check-off, farmers support the efforts of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
University of Minnesota Professor Dan Kaiser is mapping potassium availability throughout the state to maximize yields on the farm.
U.S. Grains Council Senior Director of Programs Cary Sifferath recaps 2020 and the emergence of China while also looking ahead to 2021 and working with the Biden Administration.
Executive Director Warren Formo discusses the work of Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center to both help farmers become better stewards of the land and share the many ways they are protecting water quality today.
As part of its mission to grow demand for corn, farmers' investment in the corn check-off is used to support the efforts of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council and their innovative approach to increase the popularity of poultry products.
CommonGround volunteer and Minnesota farmer Lauren Biegler discusses the organization's mission. CommonGround volunteers share personal experiences, as well as science and research, to help consumers sort through the myths and misinformation surrounding food.
ClearFlame Technologies CEO BJ Johnson on his company's goal to replace diesel with ethanol in semi-trucks and heavy duty machinery.
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Director Peter Moe discusses the Arboretum's "Farm at the Arb" exhibit and its mission to share the story of modern agriculture with thousands of visitors annually.
U.S. Grains Council Director of Global Programs Cary Siferath discusses the recent Virtual Grain Exchange and how they were able to continue to make deals without in-person conversations.
University of Minnesota Professor Tim Griffin uses mesocosms to evaluate how farmers can adapt their nitrogen management to reduce loss during extreme weather events.
University of Minnesota professor Mikael Elias on his work to disrupt the communication between bacteria that could stop bacteria-based disease infection in corn.
University of Minnesota Extension Educator Brad Carlson discusses how nitrogen best management practices continue to evolve and how farmers can adapt to become more efficient.
University of Minnesota Extension Educator Jodi DeJong-Hughes discusses the soil health practices that prevent erosion, and why farmers are still hesitant to make the switch.
Padu Krishnan, a professor of food science at South Dakota State University, discusses his work to bring DDGS to the kitchen table by enhancing taste and appearance.
Minnesota Corn Growers Association board member Brian Thalmann discusses MCGA's work to promote biofuels as part of the state's plan to reduce air emissions from transportation.
As new pests and diseases become problems and pest resistance to widely used genetic and pesticide tools increases, the study launches a survey to better understand risk from pests becomes increasingly important to corn growers, particularly when farm revenues decrease.
University of Minnesota researcher John Baker researches perennial living mulches that can be established in sensitive locations within cropped fields and managed so that they can support continued row crop production with environmental benefits.
University of Minnesota Assistant Professor Melissa Wilson is researching practices that will allow cover crops to thrive on fields using manure.
Lindsey Pease, a professor with the University of Minnesota' department of soil, water and climate, is leading data collection in northwest Minnesota to determine how ag practices and off-farm practices are driving nutrient loss.
University of Minnesota Soil Scientist Anna Cates looks at how newly installed tile impacts the soil carbon sequestration balance and how long it takes for the system to rebound and rebuild in comparison to undrained fields.
Jeff Vetsch, soil science researcher at the University of Minnesota's Southern Research and Outreach Center, evaluates the effectiveness of cover crops as a nitrate reduction strategy in northern climates.
University of Minnesota professor Candice Hirsch discusses her project using drone flights over farm fields to identify genetic and morphological traits that thrive under different stressors.
Center for Sustainable Polymers Researcher Ian Tonks discusses his work to take components of corn and make them into products like diapers, plastics and more.
Hear Will Northrop discuss his project examining the role E85 could play in future electrified vehicles. His research focuses on using E85 in an internal combustion engine that charges the battery, acting as a range extender for electrified vehicles.