This week’s University of Minnesota Extension "Minnesota CropCast” has as its guest Tom Hoverstad, Researcher at the Southern Research and Outreach Center in Waseca. Hoverstad provided an update about this season’s weather and its effect so far on the growth of the area’s corn and soybean crops.

Farmers involved with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council often find their checkoff dollars go farther and do more for the industry than they first imagined. Hear Dover farmer Ben Storm's story in this Field Talk podcast. 

The Minnesota legislative session ended just over a week ago, but the impacts of what happened in St. Paul is still up for debate. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Public Policy Specialist Kaytlin Bemis joins this Field Talk podcast to offer an assessment. 

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and others filed a federal lawsuit in March challenging the Walz administration's adoption of California's emission standards. MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek joined the LFN to update the suit. 

The fallout from heavy rains and resulting issues, including insect pressure, is the focus of this week's University of Minnesota Agronomy podcast featuring Dave Nicolai, Seth Naeve and Bruce Potter. 

A lot happens to the crops grown in Minnesota once they leave the farm gate. In addition to being used for food, fiber and fuel, a large portion of the state's corn, soybeans, wheat and other products are bound for markets around the world. May is World Trade Month, which recognizes the importance of global trade. U.S. Grains Council Vice President Cary Sifferath joins this podcast. 

Agriculture and rural communities are closely linked. Compeer Financial President and CEO Jase Wagner and Chief Mission Officer John Monson joined Lynn Ketelsen on the Midday Farm Review to talk about their organization's efforts to support ag and rural communities. 

Early season weed control shouldn't be overlooked in the rush to get crops planted. University of Minnesota Extension Weed Specialist Debelin Sarangi joins this week's University of Minnesota agronomy update podcast. 

Renewable fuels are in high demand as the nation moves towards a lower carbon fuel system. One potential area for biofuel growth is in aviation fuel. Scott Fenwick, technical director for Clean Fuels Alliance America joins this Field Talk podcast to discuss sustainable aviation fuel, its potential and what it could mean for soybean farmers. 

The latest University of Minnesota Extension update addresses early season crop diseases. It features plant pathologist Dean Malvick, soybean agronomist Seth Naeve and Extension educator David Nicolai.