A farmer-led program called Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) is taking a novel approach to carbon sequestration and other environmental practices that have public benefit. In this episode of the Linder Farm Network Field Talk podcast, we talk to a former USDA official and a Minnesota dairy farmer who are helping lead the way in the development of the RIPE100 program.

Former Minnesota State representative and USDA Rural Development state director for Minnesota Brad Finstad is one of several Republican candidates for the First District Congressional seat left vacant at the passing of Con. Jim Hagedorn. Finstad outlines some of his stances on this Field Talk podcast with Lynn Ketelsen.

Agriculture is in a constant state of change as economic, political and social influences evolve. The U.S. Farmer and Ranchers in Action or USFRA, is a collaborative organization that contends farmers can be positive agents of change for shaping the future of agriculture and much more. USFRA board member and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council director Rochelle Krusemark joins for this Field Talk podcast.

Biofuels hold great potential for helping to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gases in light and heavy duty applications. A new engine technology could help open even more avenues for ethanol.

Programs designed to pay farmers to sequester carbon have proliferated in recent years. Each program has its own features. A unique program called the Soil and Water Outcomes fund operates in several states. Adam Kiel with AgOutcomes explains the program in this Field Talk podcast.

A special election is being held in Minnesota's First Congressional District following the death of Con. Jim Hagedorn. One of the candidates for the seat is Kevin Kocina of Red Wing. He talked with the Linder Farm Network's Lynn Ketesen about his campaign.

Minnesota is one of the nation's leaders in the development and usage of biodiesel. What began as a farmer-led effort to use excess soybean oil has grown into a sustainable industry with expanding potential. Minnesota Soybean's Mike Youngerberg has been a key figure in the growth and development of biodiesel.

Former state lawmaker and USDA Rural Development director Brad Finstad has joined the field of candidates vying for Congress in Minnesota's First District. FInstad, who has a long history working in agriculture and policy, joins Lynn Ketelsen on this Field Talk podcast.

Candidates are lining up for numerous local, state and federal elections. Even though the 2022 election is still months away, candidates are working to get voters familiar with their positions. Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Dr. Scott Jensen and his running mate Matt Birk have hit the ground running with stops that included a visit with Lynn Ketelsen.

Half of the checkoff Minnesota soybean farmers contribute is used to fund research and promotion activities in Minnesota, while the other half goes to national efforts through the United Soybean Board. Those funds are overseen by farmers from across the nation, including Martin County farmer Lawrence Sukalski who joins the Field Talk podcast to highlight USB priorities.