Growing Harvest Ag Network

Drones are more of a mainstream farm management tool than ever before. Bernt (BEAR-ent) Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, said drones are blanketing a rapidly increasing number of farmland acres. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nominations are now open for the 2027 Environmental Stewardship Awards, recognizing cattle producers who demonstrate outstanding conservation and land-management practices. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parts of Nebraska and elsewhere across the Plains states and Midwest were impacted by heavy rainfall in September, and that has discolored some of the soybean crop. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski goes over month over month changes in USDA's October supply and demand estimates for our nation's corn crop. USDA Radio Newsline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey says above normal weather and near to above normal precipitation are in the forecast for the period of October 20 - 26. USDA Radio Newsline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Farmers Union is welcoming a new USDA and Federal Trade Commission inquiry into competition concerns in the agricultural equipment market. NFU President Rob Larew says farmers have long raised concerns about consolidation and limited competition. He believes the investigation could help ensure existing antitrust laws are enforced. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich share the week's top stories in agriculture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a draft rule to reallocate 100 percent of renewable fuel volumes lost through small refinery exemptions. The EPA proposed a rule would provide 100 percent reallocation of the renewable fuel volume requirements that were recently waived for 29 small refineries. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With limited cattle supplies continuing to support high prices, how long will it take to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd and turn the markets? Tim Strunk is a hedging strategist with AgMarket.net. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 70,000 FFA members, advisors, and supporters are expected in Indianapolis October 21st through 24th for the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kennedy, MN grower Tom Dowdle says he has not started harvesting sunflower yet. His sunflowers are starting to dry down and turn brown. Source: National Sunflower Association See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Farm Talk segment features Carson Klosterman, North Dakota Corn Utilization Council Chairman. Klosterman shares the details on the Pink at the Pump campaign. He also shares a harvest update from the Wyndmere area in southeastern North Dakota. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA Chief Meteorologist Brad Rippey goes over soybean crop conditions ratings for the period ending October 11. USDA Radio Newsline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fall migration is underway. USDA is urging livestock and poultry producers to stay vigilant against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exports of U.S. beef posted a strong month in August. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom has the details. U.S. Meat Export Federation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration’s plan to import 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free foreign-grown beef may not be having the anticipated impact. Dr. Nevil Speer, a beef industry consultant, talked about how the White House plan is working in U.S. grocery stores. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump's executive order allowing tax-free dyed diesel on roads could help farmers. But an agricultural economist at Kansas State University says the benefit to a typical grain farmer may be limited. Greg Ibendahl says most of the diesel used by grain farmers is already exempt from the federal fuel tax. The main savings is hauling grain to the elevator. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent ag trade numbers show our nation's trade deficit at over half from the start of 2025, that decrease due to partnerships in the U.S. ag sector to find new and expand existing markets for products. USDA Radio Newsline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. farm debt has climbed to a record level, and agricultural economists warn the actual amount owed by producers could be considerably higher than government estimates. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will there be enough fertilizer for fall nitrogen applications in rural America? The war in Iraq and pressure on the Strait of Hormuz are still limiting shipments. Josh Linville, the vice president of fertilizer for StoneX, said there’s a lot of pressure on world supplies right now. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three major row crops had production forecasts adjusted higher Friday by USDA, but by what amount, and what might it mean regarding potential record crops? Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio Newsline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says farmers will get about $13.8 billion in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage – ARC and PLC – payments for the 2025 crop year. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmer sentiment took a significant step backward in September on the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich share the week's top stories in agriculture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dairy producers now have until December 18th to enroll in the latest USDA Dairy Margin Coverage risk management offering. USDA Radio Newsline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The nation's cattle inventory in feedlots remains larger than a year ago, but a closer look at the latest USDA data shows supplies outside those feedlots continue to tighten. USDA livestock analyst Anthony Fischer has more. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This NDSU Ag Minute features Lacey Quail, NDSU Extension Livestock Management Specialist. Quail offers some advice to ranchers who are sorting through their ultrasound and preg checking results. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Dakota Corn Growers Association Board Member Tyler Qual farms near Lisbon and provides a harvest update. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Family farms continue to dominate U.S. agriculture, accounting for about 97 percent of all farms in 2024, according to USDA data. Small family farms, those with gross cash farm income below $350,000, made up about 86 percent of all farms. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As farmers head into the fields for harvest, they are getting hit hard at the fuel pump. Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, has calculated what an average farm operation might be paying this year over last. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Farm Talk segment is brought to you by North Dakota Corn. Tyler Qual farms in the Lisbon area. Qual discusses harvest progress in southeastern North Dakota, as well as the continued push for year-round E15. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As harvest gets underway across much of the Corn Belt, propane suppliers are keeping a close eye on crop conditions and weather forecasts. Despite the potential for heavy grain drying demand in some areas, industry leaders say propane supplies remain strong and preparations are already underway to meet farmers' needs. Michael Newland, director of Agriculture Business Development at the Propane Education & Research Council, explains. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under Secretary for Food Safety Mindy Brashears discusses USDA food safety efforts connected to recent Presidential Executive Orders to boost meat production and market access. USDA Radio Newsline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

October is National Cooperative Month . This year's theme for National Cooperative Month focuses on the long serving cooperative business model in our nation and its rural areas, and how they are designed for long-term service to their communities. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio Newsline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade remains one of the biggest influences on grain markets, but shifting global supply patterns and rising production costs are also shaping the outlook for farmers. Garrett Toay, owner of AgTraderTalk, says trade is the top factor he's watching, while input costs remain a key concern for producers. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When food safety issues make the news headlines, consumers take notice. Consumer confidence in an entire category can suffer, and that’s why the dairy checkoff makes food safety a big priority. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cattle prices continue to be the bright spot in agriculture, but that doesn’t mean ranchers can let their guard down when it comes to costs. Nebraska Extension Livestock System Educator Brock Ortner says there are several ways cattlemen can keep their operations lean. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As policymakers debate foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, questions remain about how much risk those foreign holdings actually pose. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staying safe on the farm should always be top priority, but when things get busy during the harvest season it’s even more important that producers take the time to slow down and use caution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advanced planning can help home cooks make meals throughout the week versus takeout or eating out. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio Newsline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The price of diesel remains near record-high levels, squeezing farmers’ profit margins. Gregg Ibendahl, Farm Management Specialist at Kansas State University, says geopolitical issues have disrupted key areas like the Strait of Hormuz, as has the Russia and Ukraine war. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rusty Halvorson and Sarah Heinrich share some of the week's top stories in agriculture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA says rebuilding staffing levels in local Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service offices remains a priority. Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce says office staffing is a concern he’s hearing from farmers nationwide. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How has recent innovations in artificial intelligence expanded efficiencies in beef inspection and grading? Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio Newsline See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States has begun banning nearly $1 billion worth of Canadian imports, including certain dairy products, alcoholic beverages, and motorcycles. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New analysis is signaling that the Trump administration’s plan to lower the tariffs on imported beef has not met the intended goal of lowering prices for consumers. Faith Parum, an economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said her organization studied beef prices at 41 grocery stores in September to measure the impact. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The calendar has officially shifted to fall, and the attention is turning to what the winter forecast might look like. And according to the Old Farmers Almanac, this coming winter is expected to be similar to the winter of 1997-1998. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Farm Service Agency has completed a major upgrade to acreage reporting, moving producers nationwide onto a new system designed to improve efficiency and reduce paperwork. FSA Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs Jared Hagert says the transition is already showing promising results. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Red meat in storage rose as pork supplies surged, USDA said in a monthly Cold Storage report. Meat in freezers on Aug. 31 rose eight percent from the same date last year to 862.1 million pounds. NAFB News Service See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This NDSU Ag Minute features James Rogers, NDSU Extension Forage Crops Production Specialist. Rogers visits with listeners about the weather this growing season and the impact it has had on this year's forage crops. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.