AgCountry Farm Credit Services: Recent Episodes
AgCountry Farm Credit Services
We're a member-owned financial services cooperative that has served farmers and rural communities in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin for over 100 years.
In the Fielding Questions podcast, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Vice President of Insurance and Commodity Marketing Education Rob Fronning discusses the current market environment. Fronning is encouraging farmers to take advantage of market rallies.
In this edition of Fielding Questions, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Vice President of Insurance and Customer Education Rob Fronning discusses the late start to the planting season, seasonal market trends, and the cattle market. Fielding Questions is a collaboration between AgCountry Farm Credit Services and the Red River Farm Network.
Raising livestock can be a tricky business at times. In this edition of Fielding Questions, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Insurance Specialist Megan Huether discusses the Livestock Risk Protection insurance policy. Listen as Megan details what the program has to offer and why those who raise livestock should explore it.
Getting your start as a young or beginning farmer can be challenging. Wyatt Wardner, AVP loan officer with AgCountry Farm Credit Services, stops by to discuss what options exist for young or beginning farmers, including AgCountry's Starting Gate program.
In this episode of the Fielding Questions, AgCountry's Marketing Education Specialist Cody Didier discusses the latest crop reports. Cody breaks down what the conditions of crops of Argentina and Brazil mean for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
As crop prices remain high, farmers and ranchers are considering ways of protecting that price. One option could be adding SCO or ECO to their multi-peril crop insurance policy. Nick Dreyer, senior insurance specialist with AgCountry, discusses how these policies work and how they could benefit farmers.
In this episode of Fielding Questions, AgCountry Vice President of Insurance and Commodity Marketing Education Rob Fronning recaps the recent USDA crop report. Rob also touches upon the volatility seen during the month of February as crop insurance spring pricing is being calculated.
A new farm bill is being written in Washington, D.C. Howard Olson, SVP Government and Public Affairs with AgCountry, stops by to discuss where we stand in the process. Howard details where opportunities and challenges lie in getting a new bill done in 2023.
Farmers & ranchers have many different options available to them when it comes to a multi-peril crop insurance policy. Keith Wilson, SVP insurance at AgCountry Farm Credit Services, discusses the importance of MPCI and what producers should look for when making their selection for the 2023 crop year.
The Federal Reserve increased the benchmark interest rate by another 50 basis points. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Vice President of Marketing Education Rob Fronning says young and beginning farmers have not seen anything, but near-zero interest rates, while others have been through this cycle before. As the end of the year approaches, Fronning emphasizes the importance of a marketing plan. “Volatility creates volatility and we’ll have more of it going forward,” said Fronning.
On this episode of Fielding Questions, we speak to AVP Branch Manager Jordan Croatt about the rising costs to operate a farm or ranch. We'll cover action steps farmers can take on their farm.
Whether it's hunting, fishing, riding ATVs, or just having a place of your own, purchasing recreational land comes with a different set of considerations than buying farmland. Kyle Rylander, MVP Home Loans with AgCountry, joins the program to discuss the ins and outs of financing rec land.
In the latest edition of Fielding Questions, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Vice President of Insurance and Customer Education Rob Fronning considers the latest market developments. There have been basis opportunities, but growers should be alert to basis levels. A rangebound market and market considerations for 2023 are also discussed.
In the latest edition of the Fielding Questions podcast, Geoff Blegen, SVP Insurance with AgCountry Farm Credit Services, highlights Pasture, Rangeland, Forage insurance. "There is an opportunity to protect your investment or potentially get money back if they need to buy hay or get more pasture ground," said Blegen. This podcast is a collaboration between AgCountry Farm Credit Services and the Red RIver Farm Network.
AgCountry Farm Credit Services VP Insurance and Customer Education Rob Fronning joins the podcast to give listeners an update on how harvest is moving. Rob also discusses transportation and crop insurance options.
The Progressive Agriculture Foundation and AgCountry Farm Credit Services are dedicated to farm safety. Hear more in the latest Fielding Questions podcast episode from Progressive Agriculture Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Kuhl about the work they do and the importance of farm safety.
Farmers have many options when it comes to picking the right crop insurance policies for their operation. On this episode of Fielding Questions, we'll learn more about Margin Protection from Vice President of Insurance and Customer Education Rob Fronning. Can Margin Protection help you? Find out by listening along!
In this episode of the Fielding Questions podcast, Russ Tweiten, senior vice president of succession and retirement planning with AgCountry Farm Credit Services, emphasizes the need to stay on track with the succession and retirement plan. "The key is to have a written plan for every component of the farm." Accountability is critically important. "What we like to do initially is to have a separate meeting with the parents and a separate meeting with the successors to make sure a shared vision is there."
In the latest Fielding Questions episode, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen talks markets, crop conditions, and takes a closer look at the August USDA report findings.
Taking out your first farm loan can be intimidating. AgCountry Farm Credit Services VP Loan Officer Jack Buckley has a few tips for first-time borrowers in the latest Fielding Questions episode.
AgCountry SVP of Government and Public Affairs Howard Olson outlines the current political environment. In addition, Olson previews a Midwest Ag Council event and an executive-level conference about the next five years in agriculture.
AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen talks about the grain markets and the wrap-up of spring planting. Hear more about it in the latest Fielding Questions podcast episode, presented by AgCountry Farm Credit Services.
Another round of disaster relief payments are coming to Northern Plains crop farmers with crop losses due to drought in 2020 and 2021. AgCountry Farm Credit Services VP Insurance and Customer Education Rob Fronning has more details about the USDA’s new Emergency Relief Program.
The cold, wet weather is delaying spring planting in the Northern Plains. Prevent plant is one decision farmers will need to make in the next few weeks. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Crop Insurance Supervisor Nick Dreyer says this prevent plant year is different from others. Strong commodity prices and global demand incentivize getting a crop planted, if possible, this spring. That means several Northern Plains farmers may end up planting past the final planting date. Hear more in the latest Fielding Questions podcast episode, presented by AgCountry Farm Credit Services.
With the average age of farmers & ranchers ticking up, farm transitions will soon be taking place. Bobbi Sondreal, consultant-succession and retirement planning with AgCountry, drops by the podcast to discuss the basics of succession planning.
Farmers will soon begin planting their 2022 crops. With each new crop year comes questions about what growing conditions will look like. We will preview what the near-term weather has in store for the upper Midwest as Paul Trambley, chief meteorologist with Weatherology, joins the program.
In this episode of the Fielding Questions podcast, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen previews the USDA Prospective Plantings Report and considers market strategies during a very volatile time.
Costs are rising for farmers and ranchers - be it inputs or land. A key to success is having a good grip on your operation's numbers. Market Vice President Ron Haugen joins us to discuss the importance of knowing your numbers and how it leads to success.
In the Fielding Questions podcast, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen offers insight into the markets. “We are seeing a lot of outside money coming in and concerns about inflation which is fairly friendly to commodities,” said Tangen. Fielding Questions is a presentation of AgCountry Farm Credit Services and the Red River Farm Network.
Farmers are making preparations for their 2022 crop year. With that comes decisions on the type of crop insurance policy that is right for them. AgCountry Insurance Specialist Joel Lysne discusses multi-peril crop insurance on this edition of Fielding Questions.
AgCountry Farm Credit Services Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen says there's been a lot of back-and-forth in the commodity markets. Farmers are keeping those prices in mind, along with input costs, as they make acreage decisions for 2022. Hear more in the latest Field Questions podcast.
How do supply chain disruptions change the approach for farmers as they go into spring? AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen answers that question, and more, in the latest Fielding Questions episode. This podcast, produced in collaboration between AgCountry FCS and the Red River Farm Network, explores the world of farm finance and rural life.
The credit risk chain is a concept used by lenders to assess financial risk. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Branch Manager at Lisbon, North Dakota Park Wiltse cover this topic and more in the latest Fielding Questions episode. This podcast, produced in collaboration between AgCountry FCS and the Red River Farm Network, explores the world of farm finance and rural life.
In the latest Fielding Questions episode, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen dives into the markets, including the latest supply/demand numbers from USDA, export markets and more.
This podcast, produced in collaboration between AgCountry FCS and the Red River Farm Network, explores the world of farm finance and rural life. If you have a questions, send AgCountry a message on Facebook, Twitter or through the AgCountry Farm Credit Services website.
Farmers and ranchers have many different options when it comes to financing equipment. On this episode, we're learning about one of those options from Tate Moser, territory manager for AgDirect.
Young and beginning farmers are an important segment within agriculture. Although there are challenges to getting started, resources exist to help young and beginning farmers get off the ground. AVP Loan Officer Sarah Schaffer stops by to discuss what resources can be used along with tips for keeping a good relationship with your lender.
If you're looking to purchase land or build your dream home, odds are good you'll go through the appraisal process. AgCountry's Chief Appraiser, Tim Kreft, joins the podcast to talk about what goes into an appraisal, what appraisers are looking for and how can sellers add value to their property. Take a listen!
There is a lot of discussion about policy changes and what that would mean for taxes. Is that accelerating discussions about farm transitions? Bobbi Sondreal with AgCountry Farm Credit Services answers that question, and more, in the latest Rural Perspectives podcast.
Leasing has many benefits - like providing a flexible way to control cash flow while preserving capital. Amy Weum of Farm Credit Leasing joins the podcast to discuss what can and cannot be leased and why a farmer or rancher should consider a lease the next time they're in the market for equipment or facilities.
Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen joins Don Wick of the Red River Farm Network to talk about some recent volatility in commodity markets. Learn about what's driving it in the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives.
Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) is an insurance option that is designed to insure against unexpected declines in the quarterly revenue from milk sales relative to a guaranteed coverage level. AVP Loan Officer Dennis Bangart joins the podcast to talk about DRP and what it could mean for farmers.
The heat and lack of moisture are taking a toll on crops in North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. That has farmers are fine tuning their marketing plans with the ongoing drought conditions in parts of the Northern Plains. While crop prices are attractive, it is hard to devise a marketing plan during drought. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen says farmers will have to decide what that crop’s potential will be after this heat streak. Hear more from Tangen in the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives podcast.
One question farmers and ranchers can struggle with at times revolves around purchasing additional farmland. Multiple factors should be considered before moving forward with such a large purchase. Ross Hebrink, VP loan officer, helps walk us through the lending process for purchasing additional land.
School is winding down, which means kids will be spending more time around the farm. However, these are what Safe Kids Grand Forks coordinator Carma Hanson refers to as the 100 deadliest days of the year. One danger on the farm this time of the year is the large equipment moving in and out of the yard and to and from fields. The size of that equipment has also got larger over time. “Just think about the size of that equipment and how long it takes for it to stop,” says Hanson. “There are also blind zones where a child, animal or a car can’t been seen. That’s why we need to give kids boundaries and a safe place to play.” Hear more from Hanson in the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives podcast.
Although farmers may have plans, nature can get in the way. Luckily, farmers can hedge against the natural risks to their revenue. On this episode of Fielding Questions, we learn about hail insurance. Listen along as Insurance Specialist/Coordinator Beth Erickson and VP Loan Officer Jeff Schaefer break it all down.
The corn and soybean markets moved higher the first week of May. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen takes a closer look at the grain market rally, previews the upcoming May USDA report and has a few grain marketing tips in this week’s RRFN Rural Perspectives. Take a listen!
This is part two of our conversation with Andy Zenk, consultant-succession and retirement planning. Listen along as we explore the basics of a will. What is it? Why should a will be created? What about the who and when? We're answering those questions and more!
Having a farm and ranch succession and retirement plan is one important piece of the puzzle often overlooked. In the latest edition of theRRFN Rural Perspectives podcast, Andy Zenk of AgCountry Farm Credit Services talks about how to put together a plan.
In the very first episode of Fielding Questions, we explore the basics of a will. What is it? Why should a will be created? What about the who and when? Learn more as Andy Zenk, consultant-succession and retirement planning, walks us through what you need to know in part 1 of our conversation!
The markets continue to tell a story as prices trend upward. According to AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen, weather is starting to play into market mentality. Some farmers in the Northern Plains put seed in the ground before the rain and snow started to fall, others did not. Weather uncertainty could start influencing planting and marketing decisions as well. In the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives, Tangen said farmers who’ve received some relief from dry conditions are more certain about production than those who haven’t.
In this episode of Rural Perspectives, AgCountry’s Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen joins the Red River Farm Network to discuss the latest news surrounding the CFAP program along with farming intentions, which will be released next week.
Soybeans continue to be a point of discussion in the commodity markets. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen thinks there could be some confusion when interpreting soybean stock numbers from USDA. That market is very seasonal, so it’d be normal for the U.S. soybean sales to be lower in the coming months. Looking further down the road in the late July/August timeframe, Tangen says U.S. soybeans start to become more competitive again. Hear more in the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives podcast episode.
AgCountry Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen joins Don Wick of the Red River Farm Network to discuss the latest happenings within ag commodity markets, including recent activity from China.
In this week's RRFN Rural Perspectives podcast from AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen talks about the January Crop Production Summary and upcoming events from AgCountry
Even though the soybean markets leveled off at the beginning of December, that market has found its foot ever since. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen says South American weather continues to be a driver. “We continue to see a lot of (soybean) demand. It is uncertain if Brazil will be able to fulfill that demand over the next six months.” Hear more from Tangen on a rally in the markets, the latest COVID-19 relief package and more in the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives podcast.
Newly elected leaders will soon begin their terms across the country. We speak with AgCountry's Howard Olson, SVP government & public affairs, about the recent November election results and discuss what they mean for farmers and ranchers. We also preview of what's to come for the state legislators in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
As 2020 comes to a close, the agriculture industry is still asking one important question: Will China meet phase one trade agreement requirements with the U.S.? “I think they will do their best, but I don’t know if the dollar target will be met,” said Katie Tangen, market education specialist at AgCountry Farm Credit Services. “It’s two-fold; how much and at what price. I do think we will see some sustained interest.” Tangen says the other piece of the puzzle is South America. Hear more by listening along!
It’s the holiday season. With that comes a lot of tasty food. Odds are good that among that tasty food is cranberries. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we're going to learn all about the cranberry industry and what makes Wisconsin the perfect place to grow one of North America's only native fruits. Joining us is Mary Brazeau Brown, owner and operator of Glacial Lake Cranberries and Honestly Cranberry.
There is a large inverse in the markets between old and new crop corn and soybeans. “I would be cautious about selling ahead. That will work when you have a carry, but then obviously you’d rather just go straight ahead to the new crop month,” says Katie Tangen, market education specialist at AgCountry Farm Credit Services. “When there is this large of an inverse, that is hard to erase. It’s not impossible, but it does mean you have to be sure of a couple things.” Hear more from Tangen in the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives.
Farmers and ranchers have seen a host of government payments in the past year. From trade mitigation to COVID-19 relief, these payments are sure to have an effect come tax time. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we speak with Ashley Kieke of AgCountry about tax issues related to government programs along with Section 179 relief in Minnesota.
This recent market rally is pretty unusual for this time of the year. “I know of some sales out there that farmers wish they hadn’t made,” says Katie Tangen, AgCountry market education specialist. “However, you have to remember that hindsight is 20/20. You look back saying ‘oh I shouldn’t have done that,” but you did it for a reason. At that time with the knowledge you had it was the right marketing decision.” Hear more from Tangen in the latest edition of the RRFN Rural Perspectives podcast.
AgCountry Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen joins Don Wick of the Red River Farm Network to talk about where markets stand today with the latest USDA numbers and estimates.
Despite perceptions among the non-farming general public, farming is still very much a family affair. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we speak with Don Schiefelbein from Schiefelbein Farms about how his family established one of the most successful angus operations in the country and how they continue to add value to the operation each time a new family members joins the fold.
A trifecta of farm programs are on the short list of agriculture producers right now. According to AgCountry Farm Credit Services Vice President of Insurance and Commodity Marketing Education Rob Fronning, those include WHIP+, CFAP 2.0 and ARC/PLC. Hear more from Fronning in the latest edition of the RRFN Rural Perspectives podcast.
Women have always played critical roles within farming operations. However, the perception of the role they play has changed over time. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we speak with Karolyn Zurn, president of the American Agri-Women, about her story and why more women are getting involved in the industry.
Farmers and ranchers are certainly busy this time of year. Not only are they focused on harvest, but they are also trying to sell crops during markets rallies and sign up for a new round of coronavirus-related assistance. In this edition of RRFN Rural Perspectives, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen talks about the USDA Quarterly Stock Report, CFAP 2 and more. Listen now!
When a commodity leaves the farm, it gets transported to locations around the state, the country and world. This is done using road ways, railways and water traffic. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we speak with the executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, Mike Steenhoek, about the current state of transportation within rural America.
There was certainly no shortage of agricultural news this past week. The grain markets saw nice rallies all week long, along with the announcement from USDA on a second Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. In this edition of the Rural Perspectives podcast, AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen has the full details.
The fall harvest is right around the corner. With increasing amounts of farm activity, now is a great time to keep farm safety in mind. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we speak with Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center Outreach Coordinator Megan Schossow about how everyone can stay safe on and around the farm.
Southern portions of Minnesota and North Dakota are wrapping up spring wheat harvest while corn and soybean harvest are a way off in the Norther Plains. The markets are keeping a close eye on corn and bean conditions. AgCountry Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen discusses this and more on the latest RRFN Rural Perspectives.
In part two of our two-part conversation, we continue our conversation with Tamara Nelsen, executive director of the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council. Take a listen as we discuss tariffs, nationalism, and how long it takes for a trade deal to go from idea to official policy.
Southern portions of Minnesota and North Dakota are wrapping up spring wheat harvest. While corn and soybean harvest are a ways off in the Norther Plains, AgCountry Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen says crop conditions are holding up. The markets are keeping a close eye on corn and bean conditions. Hear more in this edition of the RRFN Rural Perspectives.
Access to foreign markets is critical for American farmers. International trade has come into focus as the Trump administration looks to renegotiate deals across the globe. In part one of our two-part conversation, we speak with Tamara Nelsen, executive director of the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council, about the current state of international trade.
Election season is right around the corner and there are some major races that will determine the future of ag policy in Washington, D.C. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we'll get a recap of the political happenings in Minnesota, North Dakota & Wisconsin from Howard Olson, SVP government & public affairs at AgCountry, while discussing some of the largest races coming up in November.
Basis levels have remained steady this summer. AgCountry Farm Credit Services Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen says there are a couple reasons behind that. “One, as many people know, is because the 2019 crop wasn’t in particularly good quality. The reward for having that higher-grade crop is there.”
Sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices have gradually become more mainstream over time. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we speak with Jared Luhman of the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota to learn more about what this all entails and what benefits farmers and ranchers might see by implementing such practices.
Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen breaks down the latest USDA crop progress report for the week of June 22nd, 2020
Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen breaks down the latest USDA Crop Progress report for the week of June 15th, 2020.
We live in an increasingly visual society. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we speak with Katie Knapp, also known as the ag photographer, about her professional work telling the story of agriculture through the lens of a camera.
On this episode, Don Wick of the Red River Farm Network speaks with Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen on a few reports from the USDA.
Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen breaks down the latest USDA Crop Progress report for the week of June 8th.
Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen breaks down the latest USDA Crop Report for the week of June 1, 2020.
The USDA recently announced details for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen breaks it all down. Take a listen!
Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen breaks down the latest USDA Crop Report for the week of May 26th.
What does the latest USDA Crop Production Report mean for Northern Plains farmers? Find out more from AgCountry Farm Credit Services Market Education Specialist Katie Tangen in the latest Rural Perspectives podcast found above.
With the explosion of craft beer, more and more varieties of unique-tasting brews are being created. Farmers like Eric Sannerud at Mighty Axe Hops are helping make it all possible. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we learn about how growing hops can be both risky and rewarding.
With the COVID-19 outbreak, there’s been significant altering of food supply chains that is having dramatic effects on meat and dairy markets. Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen breaks down how the pandemic is impacting the livestock markets.
Monthly WASDE numbers are out and while they will undoubtedly change, this is the first reflection we have about the “official” impact of COVID-19 on the grain markets. Take a listen as Marketing Specialist Katie Tangen breaks it all down.
Elected officials in Washington, D.C. recently passed the CARES Act. Marketing Education Specialist Katie Tangen breaks down what the legislation all entails, and what it means for farmers.
AgCountry President & CEO Marc Knisely joined KFGO to discuss the state of agriculture & the impacts of COVID-19.
AgCountry President & CEO Marc Knisely joined the Linder Farm Network to discuss the state of agriculture & the impacts of COVID-19.
AgCountry President & CEO Marc Knisely joined Brownfield Ag News to discuss the state of agriculture & the impacts of COVID-19.
Farming can be a dangerous profession, and grain bins oftentimes present real safety risks. On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we explore grain bin safety with Dale Ekdahl of Outstate Data, LLC. Dale travels around the Midwest training fire departments & first responders how to handle such emergencies.
Greg "Machinery Pete" Peterson sees it all when it comes to the world of auctions. Find out how he came to be known as Machinery Pete and hear some of his favorite auction stories over the course of his career.
Jim Wiesemeyer has spent 48 years covering agriculture policy in Washington, D.C. In this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, Jim gives his analysis on the changing landscape of politics and what it means for agriculture going forward.
In this episode, we speak with Zack Nicklin, who serves as the program manager and UAS instructor at Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Unmanned Arial Systems, also commonly known as drones, are becoming very popular for both personal and commercial use, including within agriculture.
The following audio was taken from the LifeExpress Minute Podcast, courtesy of FCS LifeExpress. On this episode, Doug Van Wyck speaks with AgCountry Loan Officer Brian Luther about how life insurance can be beneficial to farm families, including a very personal story from one of Brian's customers.
On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we learn all about the potato industry from Ted Kreis, marketing & communications director for the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association. Wisconsin, North Dakota & Minnesota each are among the national leaders in potato production.
Wild rice is the only cereal grain native to North America. It also happens to be native to northern Minnesota. On this episode, we speak with Peter Imle of Pine Lake Wild Rice, Inc. to learn more about this fascinating crop.
Another week, another crop report. Katie Miller breaks down the conditions of corn and soybeans across the upper Midwest.
We’re in an age of connectivity. From smart phones and computers to TVs and watches, people have become more and more reliant on all the cool perks that technology provides. But an internet connection is needed to make it all possible. On this episode, we speak with Broadband Development Officer Angie Dickison at the Office of Broadband Development in Minnesota about efforts to connect rural residents.
The latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) were a bit of a shock for both farmers & crop markets when released on Monday, Aug. 12th. Marketing Education Specialist Katie Miller breaks down the report and the acre number from FSA.
The USDA announced further details and rates for the new round of the Market Facilitation Program. What does it mean? Katie Miller breaks it all down in the second edition of AgCountry Insights.
In this episode, we speak with Carolyn Olson, who along with her husband, farm 1,100 acres of organic crops in southwestern Minnesota. The couple also raises conventional hogs. We'll hear about the organic process and much more!
The world of agriculture, like most businesses, can require a great deal of capital to make it work. When someone doesn’t have enough of their own, financial organizations help fill the gap. AgCountry Market Vice President Dustin Theurer joins the podcast to talk about how the loan process works and the important financial documents that are needed within it.
On the first episode of AgCountry Insights, Marketing Education Specialist Katie Miller breaks down the latest USDA marketing reports, which shows the effects of a challenging spring planting season across much of the Midwest.
You might not think of the Upper Midwest when it comes to growing grapes and producing wine, but thanks to the development of some hardy grape varieties, this industry is taking off. The President of the Minnesota Grape Growers Association and co-owner of Round Lake Vineyards and Winery, Jenny Ellenbecker, joins us to talk about this fascinating industry and the flavors that come from the Bold North.
When moisture issues get in the way of planting season, the Prevent Plant (PP) coverage in the MPCI policy can help fill some of the financial gap that farmers are left with. What is Prevent Plant? How does it work? Find out as Senior Insurance Specialist Kirsten Huschka breaks it all down for us!
Veterinarians help support healthy livestock populations for farmers & ranchers. In this episode, we chat with Gerald Stokka, associate professor of Animal Sciences at North Dakota State University, about the world of animal medicine.
Health & nutrition play a vital role in all of our lives. What we eat impacts the food that farmers grow & raise. We're joined by Registered Dietitian Sue Dudding of CentraCare Health to talk about diets, proper nutrition & changing dietary guidelines.
Renting farmland to plant crops or graze livestock is common practice within agriculture. However, this issue gets heightened within a tough commodity environment. Extension Educator David Bau of the University of Minnesota-Extension joins the podcast to discuss how to create a fair rental agreement for both the landowner and tenant.
Hormel Foods went from being a small two story building in 1891 on the Minnesota prairie to a Fortune 500 company. Being home to over 50 different brands, we speak with Jeff Grev, vice president legislative affairs at Hormel, about the food processing business and how they've been able to continue innovating for more than a century.
When you think of shrimp, you probably don't think of the Upper Midwest. However, that might soon change. We talk to Robert Gervais, senior director of operations at tru Shrimp in Balaton, Minn. about their work in establishing a new industry.
With fewer people living on farms, education is a critical component to teaching students about agriculture. Sue Knot, education specialist with Minnesota Ag In The Classroom, joins the program to discuss the resources available to enhance student learning.
American farmers have a rich tradition of passing along their operation to the next generation when it's time to step away. However, not everyone is prepared for that moment. We chat about this topic and what retirement planning all entails with Russ Tweiten, VP succession & retirement planning at AgCountry.
Sunflowers are an iconic crop. These big, yellow plants are popular among gardens, but they're also grown commercially for a host of products. Kevin Capistran, board member of the National Sunflower Association, chats with us about the sunflower industry.
Biofuels contribute significantly to the state and farm economies of the upper Midwest. Tim Rudnicki, the executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, sits down with us to chat about the industry, it's impact both economically and environmentally, and what the process of refining biomass into fuels all entails.
Finding a niche market within agriculture can be both challenging and rewarding. We speak with Craig Dischinger, owner of the Hot Disch Farm, about what life is like running one of the few yak operations in the upper Midwest.
On this episode of the Rural Perspectives Podcast, we chat with Alise Sjostrom, cheesemaker at the Redhead Creamery in central Minnesota, about the growing movement of value-added farm operations within agriculture.
June is celebrated as Dairy Month within the U.S. Kim and Ken Heiman of Nasonville Dairy, located near Marshfield, Wisconsin, chat with us about the cheesemaking process while also discussing the pride that dairy farmers take in their work.
Congressman Collin Peterson of Minnesota's 7th District stopped by to talk about the political happenings in Washington, D.C. that are impacting agriculture and rural communities. He also addresses his legacy, bipartisan approach and the work he still wants to finish.
May is National Beef Month. Ashley Kohls, the executive director of the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association, chats with us about the beef industry and the issues that are affecting it.
As younger generations take over the farm, they're met with many challenges. One such challenge is connecting consumers long removed from the farm to those that grow & raise the food that we eat. Zach Johnson, better known as the Minnesota Millennial Farmer, shares his take on life as a young farmer & how to best connect with consumers in an interactive way.
Crop insurance has become a focal point of the Farm Bill. Keith Wilson, VP Insurance with AgCountry, talks about how the program works and why it's so important to farmers, especially in a time of challenging markets.
The stress of challenging commodity markets and uncertainty within agriculture can lead to problems for the mental health of farmers. The Director of Mental Health Outreach for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Ted Matthews, joins our podcast to discuss this timely and important topic.
Rural health care systems are facing mounting challenges. However, the advancement of technology is helping patients receive first-rate care. Nathan Blad, CEO of the Renville County Hospital and Clinics joins the podcast to talk about the changing environment of this industry.
Elk once roamed freely across the upper Midwest. Now ranchers like Scott Groen are raising the animal commercially for meat, velvet and hard antlers, among others. Find out more about this fascinating animal as Groen walks us through the elk industry!
You may not know it, but Wisconsin is a world leader in producing high-quality ginseng. Bob Kaldunski, president of the Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, joins the Rural Perspectives Podcast to talk about what makes the state the perfect spot to grow such a fascinating crop.
The end of the 2017 tax year is quickly approaching. Mike Ness, VP Tax with AgCountry Farm Credit Services joins our podcast to talk about tax options for farmers. In this episode, we also discuss the major tax reform proposal being debated by Congress and what it means for agriculture.
Carl Wittenburg, chairman of the National Turkey Federation, joins our podcast to speak about the industry, the tradition of the presidential pardon and the impact of the Thanksgiving holiday. Two lucky turkeys from Carl's flock will be officially pardoned by the president.
Millions of bison once roamed North America, but quickly disappeared once settlers arrived. Bison are making a comeback thanks to a combination of conservationists and ranchers. We talk all things bison with the Executive Director of the North Dakota Buffalo Association, Kevin Leier.
October is Pork Month. David Preisler, CEO of the Minnesota Pork Producers Association, joins the podcast to talk all things bacon, foreign trade and industry trends.
October is Cooperative Month in the U.S. Ethan Giebel of Cooperative Network discusses the celebration along with the impact co-ops make in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
Natasha Mortenson of Riverview, LLP joins the podcast to discuss agriculture education and advocacy. Natasha has previously worked as an ag instructor before transitioning to a full-time ag advocate in the dairy industry.
In honor of National Honey Month, Zac Browning, co-owner and operator of the Browning Honey Company, joins the podcast to talk about his beekeeping and honey production operation near Jamestown, North Dakota.
Perry Aasness of the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council joins the Rural Perspectives Podcast for its very first episode. We discuss a wide range of issues such as the challenges and opportunities with agriculture; political topics, like trade and immigration; and rural workforce development.