Outreach and education have become important features of today's agriculture. With fewer Minnesotan's directly tied to farming, the need to connect with people outside of agriculture has never been greater. Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Promotion & Education Committee Chair Cindy Durheim discusses what MFBF is doing to foster connections. 

Biofuel proponents are pushing for E15 inclusion year-round. While temporary waivers have been granted in recent years, ethanol advocates and others are hoping for a more permanent solution. Troy Bredenkamp of the Renewable Fuels Association joins this LFN Field Talk podcast. 

More than 40 people provided testimony at the Farm Bill listening session held during Day 2 of Farmfest 2023. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson of Pennsylvania provided some closing remarks following the listening session. 

Few industries are more affected by trade than agriculture. Doug McKalip,  Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the United States Trade Representative was a featured speaker at Farmfest where he addressed the current situation on trade.

Inland waterways are an important artery for moving agricultural products. Once again, dry conditions are causing some disruptions to the supply chain, and not just in the U.S. Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek is this weeks Field Talk Podcast guest. 

Dr. Kevin Smith is this week's guest on the MN CropCast podcast from the University of Minnesota Extension. Dr. Smith is a barley breeder, but is also working on oats and other emerging crops. 

Rep. Michelle Fischbach and Rep. Brad  Finstad have introduced an important piece of legislation for Farm Bill consideration called the Investing in Rural America Act. Compeer Financial Chief Mission Office John Monson joined the LFN to explain why this is needed. 

The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation's Young Farmers and Ranchers program provides leadership development, educational training and networking opportunities for young producers. Cass County rancher Katie Wiese is on the YF&R committee and she joins this Field Talk podcast.

A multi-year study is underway in Lamberton to evaluate where nitrogen goes once it’s placed in the ground. The comprehensive project is examining how much of the fertilizer plants use and how much is lost to the atmosphere or ground water. Dr. Fabian Fernandez from the U of M and graduate student/researcher Zac Aanerud detail the study in this Field Talk podcast. 

Mental health is a serious issue in all parts of the country, including agriculture and rural communities. Minnesota Con. Tom Emmer joined the Linder Farm Network Field Talk podcast to talk about an effort he is leading to allocate more resources to the issue.