Growing Harvest Ag Network

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

Brian Amundson serves as Vice Chair of the North Dakota Beef Commission. We caught up with him while in Mexico attending the U.S. Red Meat Symposium, which is hosted by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Picture Credit: Brian Amundson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Farm Talk segment is brought to you by North Dakota Corn. Brianna Richel, Outreach and Education Intern of the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council, introduces herself to our listeners and talks more about her position. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Congress back in session following a two-week recess, the Renewable Fuels Association is renewing its push for legislation allowing year-round sales of E15. The group says the policy is critical as Americans face rising fuel prices and farmers navigate ongoing economic challenges. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski provides USDA's latest outlook for beef production and steer prices. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the latest report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, U.S. sales of agricultural tractors and combines declined in March 2026 compared to the previous year, signaling continued challenges in the agricultural economy. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This NDSU Ag Minute features Leigh Ann Skurupey, NDSU Extension Assistant Director of the 4-H Youth Development Program. Skurupey highlights some of the opportunities that are available to North Dakota youth this summer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National FFA Organization announced that members, alumni, and supporters raised more than $1.6 million during this year’s Give FFA Day, held February 26. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA's latest agricultural trade mission is one of its largest ever with the destination - the Philippines. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Agricultural Outlook Board Chair Mark Jekanowski provides details of USDA's April global soybean balance sheet estimate. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brazil has just finished harvesting another very large crop of soybeans, while Argentina’s harvest is just getting started. Dr. Michael Cordonier, president of Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc., estimates the Brazilian yield at 179 million tons. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corn growers are increasingly frustrated about fertilizer prices, with a new survey showing concern accelerating well beyond the current planting season. The National Corn Growers Association surveyed two groups of farmers. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karl Hoppe, NDSU Extension Specialist at the Carrington Research Extension Center, has some advice for producers who are looking to turn their cows out on grass.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With tax deadline day coming up April 15, farmers are looking for shelters and other benefits they may not have had in the past. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than one month ago, the House Agriculture Committee passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act on a bipartisan basis. Brian Glenn, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said it’s time for Congress to continue its progress. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rise in producer sentiment during the March Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer may have caught a few industry experts by surprise. Michael Langemeier, the director of the Center for Commercial Agriculture at Purdue University, talked about the rising March sentiment. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several states report dry topsoil conditions to USDA in the Department's first national topsoil moisture condition report of the year. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising energy and fuel costs are placing increasing strain on rural American communities, even as the broader U.S. economy shows signs of resilience in early 2026. CoBank said a strong first quarter, marked by steady job growth, solid consumer spending, and continued investment, has done little to shield rural areas from the outsized impact of surging gasoline and diesel prices. NAFB News ServiceSee 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.

This NDSU Ag Minute features Karl Hoppe. Hoppe is a NDSU Extension Specialist at the Carrington Research Extension Center. Hoppe offers some advice to producers who are calving and lambing during these muddy spring conditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryan Dean farms in the Velva area, east of Minot. He says producers are starting to “get ready” for spring.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says near to above normal temperature nationwide and above normal precipitation in much of the country is in the weather forecast for the period of April 14 - 20. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryan Dean is a farmer in the Velva area and represents District 3 for the North Dakota Corn Growers Association. Dean recently attended the Great American Agriculture Celebration event in Washington D.C. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The crops grown in rural America are having a positive impact on the largest urban areas of the United States. Heather Buechter, director of communications for Clean Fuels Alliance America, said the fuels made from crops like soybeans are significantly improving the air quality in America’s largest cities. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Farm Talk segment is brought to you by North Dakota Corn. Bryan Dean is a farmer in the Velva area and represents District 3 for the North Dakota Corn Growers Association. Dean recently attended the Great American Agriculture Celebration event in Washington D.C. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farmer sentiment improved in March as the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Index rose from 116 points in February to 127. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Farm costs and bankruptcies continue to rise as Ag-state lawmakers seek ways to provide relief. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For ranchers it is a profitable time to be in the cattle business, but for packers times are tight. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Payment limit relief and new tax breaks will help producers this season under the president’s tax and spending bill, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey covers some of the state corn crop planting numbers for the period ending April 5th. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fertilizer prices have become a major concern for producers as the spring planting season is fast approaching.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Departments of Agriculture and Interior have recently announced plans to formalize collaboration between the two agencies when it comes to grazing on public lands. Shelby Hagenauer, senior director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau, said these plans were announced via a memorandum of understanding. NAFB News ServiceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Exports of U.S. pork posted another strong month in February. U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO, Dan Halstrom has the details. Source: USMEFSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says near to above normal temperatures for most of the country and a mixed bag of precipitation will be the weather outlook for the period of April 7 to 13. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new surge in oil prices will hit farmers right in the bottom line. New estimates suggest a $90-per-barrel market, which could significantly raise production costs across the board. NAFB News ServiceSee 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.

This NDSU Ag Minute features James Rogers, NDSU Extension Forage Specialist. Rogers offers some spring grazing tips for producers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins shares egg production, laying hen inventory and wholesale egg price changes from March of last year. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ecuador recently became the ninth country to sign an agreement on reciprocal trade with the U.S. And while it will take some time to implement, once in place, the deal will greatly expand opportunities for U.S. beef and pork in Ecuador, according to U.S. Meat Export Federation Vice President for Economic Analysis Erin Borror. Source: U.S. Meat Export FederationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Knowing what type of ham you may be cooking for Easter dinner or any time will determine what food safety tips you should utilize. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meredith Carothers of USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline says consideration must be made to properly thaw a frozen ham to prepare for cooking. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As spring fieldwork ramps up across Minnesota, many farmers and applicators will soon begin applying anhydrous ammonia. With tight weather windows and increasing pressure to get into fields, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture urges everyone who handles NH3 to make safety their top priority. Accidents involving anhydrous ammonia can result in severe, life‑threatening injuries when proper precautions are not followed. Source: Minnesota Department of AgricultureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.