Conditions vary across Minnesota but the desire to get into the fields to start planting the 2026 crop is universal. In this Field Talk Podcast, we connect with farmers and ag professionals scattered throughout the region for an update on activity. 

Ag retailers provide farmers and ranchers with many of the products they need to raise crops and livestock. Hunter Carpenter, senior director of government affairs for the Agricultural Retailers Association explains some of the recent government actions that could affect producers. 

After several spring "false starts," winter could be making a comeback this week in Minnesota. DTN Meteorologist John Baranick joined Linda Brekke to talk about the week ahead, South American weather and if any relief is on the way for devastating wildfires. 

Pork production plays a huge role in Minnesota' ag economy while supporting and strengthening many rural communities. In this Field Talk Podcast, you'll hear from the Minnesota farmer leading the National Pork Board and two Univerisity of Minnesota graduates who dedicated 70 years to the swine industry. 

The farming landscape is constantly changing. One of the ways USDA works to track those changes is through the Farms and Land in Farms summary report. Bryan Combs with the National Ag Statistics Service joined the LFN's Linda Brekke to discuss their latest summary for the U.S. and Minnesota. 

Tne National Corn Growers Association has released a new report warning that U.S. agriculture is at a pivotal moment as the nation approaches its 250th birthday. NCGA Economist Gretchen Kuch joined the Linder Farm Network's Linda Brekke to discuss the report.

Livestock production is a vital sector of the U.S. agriculture economy. The Animal Agriculture Alliance has worked for nearly 4 decades to promote and protect the animal agriculture in the U.S. Animal Agriculture Alliance Director of Communications Emily Ellis is our guest on this week's podcast. 

Pork industry leaders gathered in Mankato for the Minnesota Pork Congress and had plenty to talk about in terms of markets and a new consumer-facing campaign. Learn more about those topics in this week's LFN Field Talk Podcast. 

Transitioning a farm from one generation to the next can be a complex process, but conversations about that process should start sooner than later. Minnesota Department of Agriculture Farm Transition Teams Coordinator Jim Molenaar is our guest on this field talk podcast.  

The EPA is expected to make a ruling in the weeks ahead on their final Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) definition. The WOTUS definition has been a moving target, often changing with presidential administrations. Minnesota Ag Water Resource Center Executive Director Warren Formo joins this Field Talk podcast to discuss the latest proposed definition and to address the upcoming Nutrient Management Conference.