Straight Talk with NDFB

Join hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord as they begin a new season of Straight Talk with NDFB, “Harvesting with NDFB.” We are visiting with farmers across North Dakota as they bring in the harvest. In the first episode, our hosts visit with Kristie Sundeen from Brocket, N.D. Kristie and her husband harvest canola on their farm. Kristie visits with us about raising canola, the challenges that come with harvesting, and changes to canola farming over the years. Join us as we find out whether the 2024 canola harvest was a boom or a bust! And if you'd rather watch the podcast in video format, check it out here.

In today's episode, cohosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord round out season 7 of Straight Talk with NDFB, reflecting on the season, and discussing plans they have for summer 2024. We discuss:How to prioritize the important things in life Letting things go that no longer serve The importance of showing up How discipline can set you free Our hosts will be taking a break from podcasting for the spring and summer to chase calves and plant fields. To contact our hosts about anything, email emmery@ndfb.org. To find all the NDFB happenings, visit ndfb.org.

NDFB Straight Talk hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord travel to Wimbledon, N.D., to visit with Matt and Bethany Peterson, owners of Aligned Ag. Aligned Ag offers precision ag services, crop protection, soil sampling services and sells Pioneer seed to the Wimbledon and surrounding areas. Matt and Bethany are active in NDFB and serve on NDFB's Young Farmers and Ranchers committee. The Peterson's began growing their business in 2021 and Bethany recently left her job at BASF to work full time in the business. In today's episode, we talk about: How precision ag and profitability go hand in hand Working together as husband and wife How to start a business from the ground up Join us for this episode! To contact Matt and Bethany at Aligned Ag, call 701-425-2100 or visit them at their new location west of Wimbledon. Contact Emmery and Alisha, email emmery@ndfb.orgLearn more about NDFB's YF&R program.

NDFB Straight Talk hosts Emmery and Alisha visit with Jeff Schafer, a farmer and rancher near New Rockford, N.D. Jeff is a 5th generation farmer who currently works with his children (6th generation) and grandchildren (7th generation!) on the family farm.Three county Farm Bureaus teamed up to bring Jolene Brown, a farmer and award-winning speaker, to Fessenden, N.D. to talk about succession planning and bridging the gap between the generations.Jeff was part of the group that brought Jolene to North Dakota. Following her presentation, Jeff sat down to talk about his takeaways and the lessons he's learned as he continues to keep his business thriving through the generations.We talk with Jeff about:What it's like to be a 5th generation farmer working with the 6th and 7th generationsHow to begin the conversation with kids and parentsExpectations between the generations (ie: "What do you expect from me?", "Here's what I expect from you.")How to find the "expert" you can trust to help you take the next stepWhy your farm is worthy of the respect of being treated like a business.To hear Emmery and Alisha's conversation with Jeff's daughter, Chelsey click here.To learn more about Jolene Brown, visit here.Keep an eye out for other events hosted by NDFB at ndfb.org/eventsContact Emmery and Alisha at emmery@ndfb.org

Calving, planting, and harvesting are the lifeblood of the farm and ranch. The new beginnings of spring calves and seeds and the completion of harvest in the fall are the things we as farmers and ranchers live for. But what happens when these busy seasons start to pile up and you go from excited to a little bit more… stressed? In today's episode, hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Dr. Amy Missling about stress on the farm and how it can turn from something seasonal to more permanent: chronic stress. Dr. Amy Missling is a licensed clinical psychologist and practices in rural Minnesota.  She specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders as well as trauma and stressor-related conditions.  She provides behavioral health services to adults with a variety of life circumstances and occupations, including local farmers and ranchers.  Outside of her work as a psychologist, she and her husband, Jeff Missling, feed cattle and hogs and co-own a meat locker in Devils Lake, N.D. Dr. Missling shares her experience as a psychologist and agriculturalist. Marrying into agriculture has given her a unique experience about the kinds of stress farmers and ranchers are facing.We talk about: The kinds of stressors farmers and ranchers face Warning signs to look out for that stress is becoming chronicIs stress always bad? What you can do to manage stress on your farm and ranch  Check out your level of stress here For more information about how to find a behavioral health specialist, visit with your primary care doctor. Farm Bureau Member? Visit KonnectMD on NDFB's member benefit page  https://www.ndfb.org/benefits/ Contact Emmery and Alisha at @emmery@ndfb.org

Hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Jolene Brown, a walking, talking spokesperson and champion for the people of agriculture. Jolene is a farmer in eastern Iowa, contributor to Successful Farming magazine's popular family business column, author of two great books, and an inductee into the prestigious CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame. In this episode, your hosts discuss ideas from her upcoming workshop entitled: “If we huff and puff, will we blow your house down?”Jolene shares lessons learned from her 30+ years of working with farm families. She addresses the issues of communication and conflict, fair and equal, entitlement and transition. During the workshop, she will provide 10 template tools to help with the transition of labor, management, leadership, and ownership.When your business is constructed correctly, not only do we have a productive and profitable result, but we have also laid the foundation for the legacy of a family business.To find out more about the March 22 workshop visit the NDFB website's event Jolene Brown succession planning event. RSVP for this free event to jpepple@nodakins.netTo hear more from Jolene Brown, visit www.JoleneBrown.com Contact our hosts at emmery@ndfb.org

In this episode, Straight Talk with NDFB hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Randy Martinson, founder of Martinson Ag Risk Management. Martinson Ag offers a variety of crop marketing and crop insurance packages to its customers.Randy grew up on a family grain and livestock farm near Milnor, N.D., where he farmed for ten years. Randy is well-known for introducing complex marketing strategies in a simple, straightforward manner.In this episode we talk about:Grain prices: Where the market is going and what to plant this springCattle Prices: When is the cattle market going to crash?And three strategies every producer should implement for a successful marketing year: 1) Know your cost of production; 2) Write your plan out and look at different levels you want to sell at; and 3) Have the discipline to stay with the plan (don't chase the highs!).Join us for this insightful marketing episode. Contact Martinson Ag Risk Management at https://martinsonag.com/contact-us/ or give them a call at (701)205-4200.Download their app https://martinsonag.com/contact-us/ Contact Emmery and Alisha at emmery@ndfb.org

Our Straight Talk hosts, Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord, were live and in person at NDFB's 2024 Young Farmers and Ranchers conference., February 2-3 and spoke with Dahltin Pahl.Dahltin is a farmer from Ellendale and active NDFB member, who joined our hosts to talk about his experience with NDFB. Dahltin is an ag lender for Ag Country and has been involved with NDFB for several years. He has served on the NDSU Collegiate board to as well as the NDFB's Board of Directors as the chair of the NDFB Young Farmer and Rancher Committee. Join us as Dahltin shares his:Experience coming back to the family farm Experience as a bank lender and farmerInsights on why you should be involved in NDFB Favorite memory from Farm Bureau To get in touch with Dahltin Pahl, contact him on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/dahltin-pahl-7828b5123To learn more about YF&R, visit https://www.ndfb.org/aboutus/yfrcommittee/program/To contact our hosts, email emmery@ndfb.org or visit ndfb.org

In today's episode, we answer the question “What are you going to do today so your great-grandkids can farm someday?” Hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Andy Junkin about his business “Stubborn Farm.” Andy is originally from Bobcaygeon, Ontario, but now lives in eastern Iowa with his wife and four kids. Andy helps stubborn farmers work better together. Join us as we talk about how:77% of farmers do not have a succession planMany farms that have a succession plan have parties who are not happy about it Farm succession should not happen in the funeral home The first land every farmer should buy should be the cemetery plotLearn how to turn stubbornness into:Stubbornness at listening to each otherStubbornness in improving your character And stubbornness in having good relationships with your family and your partnersTogether, we talk about how to save the family farm. Learn more about Andy and Stubborn Farm at https://stubborn.farmListen to his audiobook for FREE https://stubborn.farm/stubbornbook/Take the next step to save the farm https://stubborn.farm/nextsteps/Contact Andy at caygeon@stubborn.farm or 1-800-474-2057Or schedule your call here https://stubborn.farm/schedulecall/Contact Emmery and Alisha at emmery@ndfb.org

Merry Christmas to all from Straight Talk with NDFB! In this episode, hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Courtney Lesmeister, part-owner of Wayne-N-Jean's Evergreens. Courtney Lesmeister, friend of Alisha, married into a family owned and operated Christmas tree farm when she married Lloyd Lesmeister, son of Wayne and Jean, owners of Wayne-N-Jeans Evergreens. Courtney now works on the family tree farm along with Wayne and Jean, Lloyd, and two children.Although the farm sells trees year-round, Wayne-N-Jean's is best known for their cut-your-own and pre-cut Christmas tree sales, wreaths, and gift shop. From the middle of November to Christmas Eve, Wayne-N-Jean's Evergreens is open for the public to choose and cut down a Christmas tree. The farm hosts several Christmas events including a visit from Santa Claus, the Grinch, Ladies Day, and much more! To find Wayne-N-Jean's Evergreens, visithttps://www.wjevergreens.com or find them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064651511013 . To contact Straight Talk with NDFB, email emmery@ndfb.org 

In this episode, Straight Talk hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Nic de Castro, founder and CEO of LandTrust. Nic grew up hunting and exploring the outdoors. After several years in the corporate world across the United States, Nic found himself in Bozeman, Mont., with a passion to begin his own company founded on his love of the outdoors. Enter LandTrust.LandTrust is an online platform connecting landowners and recreators. Similar to AirBnb, Vrbo and other hosting platforms, LandTrust allows landowners to sign up their land for free.In today's episode we talk about how:LandTrust works and what it is You can protect your liability AND share your land with othersTo protect your property rights and give access to huntersTo find out more about LandTrust and to sign up visit https://landtrust.comFarm Bureau members receive an additional 5% on their LandTrust listings. Find out more https://ndfb.org/benefits/landtrust/. Contact our hosts at emmery@ndfb.org . 

Hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Chelsey Erdmann, a 6th generation farmer and social media influencer. She also serves on NDFB's Promotion and Education Committee. Chelsey lives with her husband Kyle in Fessenden, N.D., and farms with her brother, parents and three children on the family farm. Chelsey is a North Dakota native and has an Ag Economics degree from NDSU. She originally began her career after graduation at an equipment dealership, b​ut Chelsey wanted to come back to the farm. Growing up, Chelsey's parents made it clear there would always be room on the farm and family business for her and her siblings. So, she took the opportunity and went back in 2018.In this episode we talk about:Returning to the family farm What it's like to farm with familyWhy it's important to tell your storyAnd the big question… how Chelsey farms with three active childrenRead Chelsey's blog:  https://ohthatschelsey.comFollow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohthats_chelsey/Contact our hosts at emmery@ndfb.org To learn more about NDFB, visit us at ndfb.org.

In this episode of Straight Talk with NDFB, our hosts visit Billy Kelly from Killarney, Ireland. Billy comes to the United States every year to work for Demeray Harvesting and Trucking (DHT)  as a crew chief. Billy begins harvest in Arizona and works his way north, finishing in North Dakota before driving back to Arizona to fly home to Ireland. Emmery and her family have worked with DHT and Billy over the last few years to custom harvest their crop. Learn about:What it's like to manage a custom harvest crewBilly's experience with the H-2A programWhat it's like to harvest from Arizona to North DakotaDifferences in agriculture between the U.S. and IrelandJoin us for this fun episode!Learn more about Demeray Harvesting https://www.demarayharvesting.com/pages/employmentContact our hosts at emmery@ndfb.org

In this episode of Straight Talk with NDFB, hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Dr. Ruchi Bhardwaj, Grower and Education Program Manager for Grand Farm. Ruchi was born and raised in New Delhi, India and moved to Fargo in 2009 to attend NDSU, where she met our co-host, Alisha Nord. Ruchi has a Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate – all from NDSU. She joined the staff of Emerging Prairie where she eventually became the Grower and Education Program Manager for Emerging Prairie's agricultural branch, Grand Farm. Join us for our conversation with this fascinating woman and learn about what Grand Farm is doing to bridge the gap between agriculture and technology. Learn more about Grand Farm https://grandfarm.comContact Ruchi ruchib@grandfarm.comLinkedIn profile: ruchib@grandfarm.comContact our Host Emmery Mehlhoff emmery@ndfb.org

In this episode of Straight Talk with NDFB, hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Doug Ferguson who owns a stocker/backgrounding operation in SE Nebraska and is the author of Doug's Market Intel. Doug teaches a cattle marketing school focused on helping people become Master Marketers in the cattle industry. In this episode we talk about: An overview of Sell/Buy Marketing How to make money with cows every year How your mindset affects profitability Advice for the highschool graduate How to build a cattle operationInterested in learning more about being a master marketer in the cattle industry? Check out:Mr Cattlemaster blog https://mrcattlemaster.comInformation on Sell/Buy Marketing Schools: https://mrcattlemaster.com/marketing-school/ Doug Ferguson, BEEF Magazine https://www.beefmagazine.com/author/doug-ferguson Doug's Market Intel, Farm Progress https://www.farmprogress.com/series/doug-s-market-intel Find him on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/mrcattlemaster?lang=enOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mr-CattleMaster-100068903720827/Learn about NDFB at https://ndfb.orgContact host Emmery Mehlhoff at emmery@ndfb.org

Straight Talk with NDFB hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord talk to Matt Retka about ND Ag Wetland Trade, a program to give farmers an opportunity to buy and sell wetlands. Matt  works for Stantec, the engineering firm contracted to facilitate the development and establishment of bank sites and work with landowners through every step of the process.In this episode, learn: How ND Ag Wetland Trade gives a tool to farmers who are interested in field drainage.More about how the program works. What it looks like to sell credits. What it looks like to buy credits.How the program provides a work-around for the Swampbuster program in the 1985 Food Security Act that prevented farmers from draining their land. More about NDAM, and the six agricultural groups in North Dakota overseeing ND Ag Wetland Trade. Interested in NDAM's ND Ag Wetland Trade? Contact Matt Retka 701-893-2322 or email him at matthew.retka@stantec.com to learn more. Learn more about NDFB at ndfb.org.Contact host Emmery Mehlhoff at emmery@ndfb.org

In the first episode of Season 7 of Straight Talk with NDFB, hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord-Donelly get down to the nitty-gritty of marketing with Progressive Ag's owner and founder, Ray Grabanski. Ray has several degrees in economics and law and is a recognized industry leader in risk management methods. Progressive Ag pursues excellence in farm risk management specializing in wheat, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, dry beans, canola, potatoes, and livestock. Each year, Progressive Ag exceeds its goal of 10-20 cents per bushel more than the customer's previous marketing plan.In today's episode we talk about: The success or failure of a farm/ranch often comes down to how good the producer is at risk management . Strategies to become a better risk manager in ten minutes or less. The best time to sell grain. The key to success is always found by asking the question, “How can I get better?”Futures price + basis price = cash price. A new member benefit with NDFB, Progressive Ag offers invaluable ten-minute-a-week videos created to improve your risk management in ten minutes or less. Check out this and many more of Progressive Ag's services offered to NDFB members, visit https://www.ndfb.org/benefits/progressive-ag/Contact your host, Emmery: emmery@ndfb.org

In this promo episode for Season 7, Emmery introduces her new cohost, Alisha Nord-Donnelly.Learn more about Alisha, in her own words, and find out how the communications landscape has changed for NDFB from a long-time employee, Dawn Smith-Pfeifer, who has been with the organization since before the internet.Your also cohosts provide food for thought on the good, the bad and the ugly side of technology and how it relates to their jobs and their farms.To learn more about NDFB staff, visit https://ndfb.org/aboutus/staff/To contact host Emmery Mehlhoff, email her at emmery@ndfb.orgLook for their Season 7, Episode 1 on Wednesday, Sept. 20.   

In the final episode of NDFB's Straight Talk legislative season, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with N.D. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.The 68th Legislative Assembly was a success for agriculture in North Dakota.Landmark changes to the "corporate" farming structure in North Dakota will help expand animal agriculture and create partnerships that were unavailable before.Zoning and infrastructure changes to help counties and townships come into compliance ag zoning ordinances and upgrade services were all passed by legislators and signed by the governor.To learn more about how NDFB lobbyists viewed legislative outcomes this year, read the highlights from the last episode of Straight Talk here.Contact Ag Commissioner Doug Goehring at ndda@nd.govContact Straight Talk host Emmery Mehlhoff at emmery@ndfb.orgTo learn more about NDFB policy positions, visit ndfb.org/policy

North Dakota's 68th Legislative Assembly finished its work in late April. Overall, the session was very positive for agriculture in North Dakota.Your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with NDFB's lobbyists, Pete Hanebutt and Meghan Estenson, about the significant wins and some disappointing losses during the session.NDFB went into the session with a mission to move animal agriculture forward by supporting a bill that would allow for more capital investment in animal agriculture, as well as zoning bills requiring counties and townships to adhere to the state code. Those efforts were successful and should allow those wishing to grow animal agriculture to be more successful.NDFB also weighed in on water bills, foreign ownership issues, extension budgeting, property rights and deer baiting, to name just few.Contact Pete Hanebutt: pete@ndfb.orgContact Emmery Mehlhoff: emmery@ndfb.orgLearn more about NDFB's policy positions at: ndfb.org/policy

We might think the state of North Dakota spends way too much money, but there are leaders in the appropriations committee who are fiscally responsible and are looking for ways to give money back to the taxpayers of the state.In this episode of Straight Talk, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with the chairman of House Appropriations, Rep. Don Vigesaa, who has also been a strong friend of NDFB for many years.Representative Vigesaa shares more about the appropriations process and some of the unique situations that legislators addressed this year due to the unrelenting winter weather and much more, and still balance the state's budget.Reach Rep. Vigesaa: dwvigesaa@ndlegis.govRead Emmery Mehlhoff: emmery@ndfb.orgLearn more about NDFB's policy positions at ndfb.org/policy

Our polarized society makes assumptions that the people serving in our Legislature only want to win instead of doing the right thing. Learn why that's not true from two North Dakota legislators.As the 68th Legislative Assembly draws to a close, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff, takes an opportunity to interview two freshman legislators and their thoughts going into the session and what they learned throughout it.Rep. Karen Anderson of District 19 is a long-time Farm Bureau member and Walsh County commissioner. She also has experience in human service issues on the local level, which she used in her committee assisngment on the House Human Services Committee. View her N.D. Legislative branch bio page .Senator Judy Estenson of District 15 is also a long-time Farm Bureau member. She is a retired registered nurse and farms with her family near Warwick. View her N.D. Legislative branch bio page . To learn more about Farm Bureau's position on issues visit our policy page on the NDFB website.Contact Senator Estenson: @jestenson@ndlegis.gov Contact Rep. Anderson: @kanderson@ndlegis.gov Contact Emmery Mehlhoff: @emmery@ndfb.org 

In recent years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards have become increasingly popular in the investment world. While these were supposed to encourage investments in companies that prioritize environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and good governance practices, as with anything, when you impose specific standards on society some necessary segments suffer.Agriculture and energy are the pillars of North Dakota's economy. But ESG requirements target those very pillars. Are we being socially responsible when this  feel-good framework causes people to lose their jobs?In this episode, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with District 33 Representative Anna Novak (R), Hazen, about why ESG requirements are harming our state and what she hopes to accomplish with legislation, HB 1429, which would create a new section in North Dakota Century Code that would address unfair discrimination in the business of insurance and the investment and management of public funds that ESG requirements cause. In addition, the bill calls for a study during the interim to evaluate the level of involvement North Dakota has with companies using ESG criteria.Contact Rep. Novak at anovak@ndlegis.govContact host Emmery Mehlhoff at emmery@ndfb.orgLearn more about NDFB policy positions at ndfb.org/policy/

Cloud seeding and hail suppression sound great until you learn how the unintended consequences impact people who are not part of the program.In this episode of Straight Talk, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff talks with Representative Matthew Ruby of Minot, representing District 40.Rep. Ruby shares his concerns about weather modification and why he is sponsoring HB 1166 in the North Dakota 68th Legislative Assembly. The bill would scale back county cloud seeding efforts when nearing the border of a non-participating county.NDFB has policy against state funding for weather modification programs and stands opposed to weather modficiation. (Under Section 500 in Fiscal Policy)Emmery also speaks with Roger Neshem, a Berthold farmer who is also a self-confessed weather geek and understands the intricacies of weather modification. While Roger's grandfather helped organize the weather modification program many years ago in Ward County, Roger says he stepped away when he realized it was not living up to expectations.Contact Rep. Ruby: mruby@ndlegis.govContact Roger Neshem: 701-720-7454Contact Emmery Mehlhoff: emmery@ndfb.orgSign up for NDFB's Legislative Front (scroll to bottom of page).

Benjamin Franklin famously said, "in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes."While death isn't discussed in this Straight Talk episode, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff does talk taxes with Representative Craig Headland, who serves as chairman of the House Finance and Taxation Committee.Serving on the Finance and Taxation Committee wasn't his first choice, but Rep. Headland embraced the challenge and has become an expert on taxes and improving the tax climate for North Dakotans.Learn why it has been Rep. Headland's mission to get rid of income tax in our state and learn more about the bills that are being heard in the 68th Legislative Assembly that pertain to income and property taxes.Read more about Rep. Headland's income tax bill: House Bill 1158Contact Rep. Headland: cheadland@ndlegis.govContact Emmery Mehlhoff: emmery@ndfb.orgSign up for NDFB's Legislative Front (scroll to bottom of the page.)Learn more about NDFB policy .

Foreign ownership of land in North Dakota has been a major concern recently. Learn why a North Dakota Senator has introduced a bill prohibiting foreign adversaries from owning land in our state.Senator Bob Paulson of Minot has introduced Senate Bill 2371, which would prohibit United States adversaries from owning land in our state.Senator Paulson is a retired Navy pilot and rancher. He served in the House from 2019 to 2022 and is serving his first term as a senator.Several other bills pertaining to foreign ownership of land have been introduced, however, NDFB's Legislative Task Force determined that Senator Paulson's bill was the best one to support.Other bills addressing foreign ownership include:HB 1135HB 1356HB 1503SB 2371 is in a committee hearing as this episode is being posted. To see bill updates or amendments, click on the links to the bills.Contact Senator Paulson at bpaulson@ndlegis.govContact host Emmery Mehlhoff at emmery@ndfb.orgTo learn more about NDFB's work in the Legislature or positions on issues, visit ndfb.org/policy/

Representative Dawson Holle is 18 years old and serving his first term in the North Dakota Legislature. He ran for a seat in District 31 because he wants to do what he can to help grow North Dakota's dairy industry.With only 37 dairies still operating in the state, Rep. Holle says more doors have to be opened to keep the dairies we have as well as open new markets. He has sponsored two bills:HB 1255 regarding the definition of milkHB 1515 regarding the sale of raw milk directly to consumersRep. Holle explains both bills and shares why he feels they are necessary to help dairy grow in the state.Contact Representative Holle at dholle@ndlegis.govContact host Emmery Mehlhoff at emmery@ndfb.orgTo sign up for NDFB's weekly legislative newsletter, Legislative Front, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page for the form.

Growing animal agriculture in North Dakota is a priority for all three guests on this first episode of the legislative season of Straight Talk with NDFB. Learn why as your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with NDFB and agriculture legislative leadership.In this first episode of the sixth season, Emmery talks with NDFB Public Policy Director Pete Hanebutt about the priority issues the organization will work on during the session.She also visits with new House and Senate Agriculture Committee chairs, Rep. Paul Thomas and Senator Larry Luick.According to both Rep. Thomas and Sen. Luick, animal agriculture has a number of opportunities to capture growth markets in the state if lawmakers can initiate changes to make the climate more inviting for entrepreneurs. Learn more about what each of them hopes to accomplish in this session.To learn more about all the bills being discussed during the 68th Legislative Assembly, visit the North Dakota Legislative Assembly website.To learn more about NDFB's priority issues for the Legislature, visit: NDFB Issues.To become a member of NDFB visit: Become a new member — NDFB Contact emails:NDFB Public Policy Director Pete Hanebutt: pete@ndfb.org Representative Paul Thomas: paulthomas@ndlegis.gov Senator Larry Luick: lluick@ndlegis.govHost Emmery Mehlhoff: emmery@ndfb .org « Less00:00 / 29:19

Just up the road a piece from the Ayr exit on Interstate 94 lies an experience you won't want to miss.In the final episode of Straight Talk's Farmhouse Treasures for You season, Emmery visits with Rodney Hogen, the owner of the "oldest and largest" vineyard in North Dakota and the only one to service wine made entirely with North Dakota grapes.Rodney visits with Emmery about how he planted his first grapes in North Dakota and started Red Trial Vineyard. He also provides details about an upcoming educational experience and the exciting opportunities for future grape growers in the state.Give the gift of the Red Trail Vineyard Experience to a loved one this Christmas.Book your visit or event at http://www.redtrailvineyards.com Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RedTrailVineyards/ Find the Red Trail Coffee Experience on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/redtrailcoffee/Interested in learning how to grow grapes in North Dakota? Check out the upcoming N.D. Grape and Wine Association Conference .Want to be featured in NDFB's Farmhouse Treasures for You ? Contact us at ndfb.org 

A twenty-something, Colleen Finley, shares why she wanted to be a business owner and help build her community through her company Far Out Nuts.Far Out Nuts produces deliciously roasted nuts and seeds using locally grown sugar and seeds for the Grand Forks community. Colleen has also moved the business online, providing delicious snacks for weddings, events, wholesale, or for gifts! Have an event coming up? Order Far Out Nuts with your own unique event or business label. Far Out Nuts would make a great Christmas gift! Find them at: Far Out Nuts website Wholesale opportunities Etsy store  Find them on social media: On FacebookOn InstagramOr follow your nose for the wonderful smell of roasted nuts at football and hockey games in Grand Forks, N.D.!

If you look around, you may find untapped potential in the most unusual places. Who knew gnarly boxelder trees could be tapped for rich maple syrup with hints of butterscotch? Join host Emmery Mehlhoff for this special Farmhouse Treasures season of Straight Talk with NDFB as she talks with Brandon Lindstrom. Brandon farms in Amenia, N. D.His family also makes syrup from the boxelder trees located on their farm. The Lindstrom family discovered the boxelder trees could be tapped and the sap boiled into syrup resulting in a rich maple-butterscotch flavored syrup. Brandon talks all about the process of tapping trees, collecting sap, and boiling the sap into syrup. Syrup makes great Christmas gifts! If you would like to purchase syrup, contact Brandon Lindstrom at lindstromenterprises@protonmail.com View the Farmhouse Treasures for You booklet 

Three jobs, two kids, a ranch... Sometimes you have to let something go to find out what is most important to you. Learn how Max Robison turned a leather-working side job into a thriving business.In this episode, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with Max Robison, the owner and creator of Robison Custom Leather. Max converted an old grainery on his ranch into a leather workshop where he creates chaps, belts, earrings, and all sorts of leather products. Max visits with Emmery about his leather work and his insights on pursuing the things that really matter in life. Watch the Farmhouse Treasures video Visit Robison Custom Leather's website Check out NDFB's Farmhouse Treasures for You 

One person's junk is another person's treasure. And when you have an eye for making something old new again, you just have to go with it!Amanda Njos turned her passion of making decorations out of reclaimed wood from a rundown barn to eventually renovating an old barn on their farm. Driven by her desire for community and a passion for creating, she and her husband started Cow Chip Creations. Their renovated barn hosts events, classes, and a store showcasing Amanda's work as well as other local artists.Amanda and her husband Chad, along with their kids own and operate Cow Chip Ranch in rural Bowman, North Dakota. This is where Cow Chip Creations is headquartered. Take an inside look at the barn and store in this Farmhouse Treasures video.  Find Amanda at Cow Chip Creations Check out NDFB's Farmhouse Treasures 

It wasn't term limits that paved the way for property tax reform in South Dakota. It was institutional knowledge.In our final episode of this special season of Straight Talk, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff speaks with South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation Public Policy Director Matthew Bogue about what happened in that state when term limits were imposed.Prior to term limits, institutional knowledge paved the way for property tax reform that benefitted all taxpayers.Since the state moved to term limits in the 1990s, more political maneuvering, increased spending and a shift in power from the legislative branch to the executive branch and lobbyists have all occurred. NDFB has taken a position against term limits and is urging a no vote on Measure 1. Learn more about the organization's position at https://ndfb.org/policy/issues/term-limits/

He's retiring from public service as a North Dakota representative. So, he has nothing to gain from taking this position. Find out why Representative Jeff Delzer opposes term limits in this new episode of Straight Talk.

Should we go down the term limits path Montana did in an effort to "clean the government house?" Not according to Montana Farm Bureau Senior Director, Governmental Affairs, Nicole Rolf.Listen to find out how term limits impacted Montana's legislative process.To learn more about NDFB's position, visit NDFB takes a position on term limits.

There is a major misconception in North Dakota that Measure 1 will solve issues with U.S. legislators. It won't. It will limit North Dakota legislator terms, however, and curtail your rights as an individual to vote for who you want.In this special season of Straight Talk, your host Emmery Mehlhoff shares insights from other states, as well as North Dakota individuals, about how term limits can increase bureaucracy, rather than reduce it.This week, Emmery speaks with Senator Doug Larsen from Mandan.For more information on term limits from NDFB's perspective, visit https://ndfb.org/policy/issues/term-limits/

It seems like a great idea. Initially. Limit the terms of state legislators and the governor and watch our state prosper and grow with new ideas and fresh blood. In reality? It doesn't happen. The corruptors keep corrupting and the balance of power shifts away from the people.Learn more as your host, Emmery Mehlhoff asks the tough questions about term limits with those who have experienced it first-hand. Her guest for this first episode is Jay Rempe, an economist with Nebraska Farm Bureau.Emmery will be sharing weekly podcasts about the issue leading up to the November election, so be sure to listen in and learn what others are saying about term limits.For more information on term limits from NDFB's perspective, visit https://ndfb.org/policy/issues/term-limits/

Randy Martinson with Martinson Ag joins our hosts to talk about late spring planting, changes to prevent plant rules, and cover crops. In this episode, we discuss:Cover crop Prevent Plant rule changeWays to stabilize herd numbers The global crop outlook The shift in soil management techniques Randy grew up on a family grain and livestock farm in rural Milnor, where he farmed for ten years after graduation from NDSU. Randy founded Martinson Ag Risk Management in 2016. Martinson Ag Risk Management offers a variety of crop marketing and crop insurance packages. Find Martinson Ag's free app here: http://martinsonag.com Contact Randy and his staff at: 701-205-4200 or randy@martinsonag.comResources: 2022 Prevent Plant FAQ Cover crop informationWant to join NDFB? Become a member here.

Our hosts are joined by Marshall Erickson, NDFB member, farmer and loan officer for Goose River Bank in Mayville, North Dakota. We talk about: Navigating rising interest rates Improving the value of land Purchasing land strategies Opportunities for new producers What to do with $100,000 What to bring to the bank Marshall Erickson lives and farms with his wife Brandi and three children in the Clifford area. Graduating from NDSU, Marshall entered the banking world as a credit analyst and now serves as a Loan Officer for Goose River Bank in Mayville, North Dakota. Marshall enjoys working with producers and has a passion for agriculture. Connect with Marshall at Goose River BankLocal Phone: (701) 788-3110Email: merickson@gooseriverbank.com Want to join the ranks of NDFB? Become a member. 

Farming with Mom and Dad and wondering what the future holds? Want to continue your family's legacy? Emmery and Ezra visit with Marissa Nehlsen about the five steps to successfully transition the farm from one generation to the next. We talk about how to:Determine the Why, What, Who, When and How of starting the processManage risk and take advantage of tax opportunities Cut the government outGet a will and a health care directive for $75 Ask the important questions: What is critical for this farm to continue? Marissa Nehlsen grew up on a farm in North Dakota and is the CEO of Freedom Financial, LLC. Marissa is dedicated to educating business owners about how to make sound business decisions. With a passion for agriculture, Marissa and her team help transition the farm to the next generation. ResourcesTo access the free resources Marissa mentioned in her podcast, email Marissa at marissa@ffgnd.com or visit http://www.freedomfinancialminot.com . To listen to more from Marissa visit https://marissanehlsen.comInterested in more from NDFB? Become a member 

In episode 12 of Straight Talk with NDFB, Dr. Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension, gives his outlook for 2022 and how to recover pastures after the drought. In this episode, we talk about how to:Manage pastures during and after drought Heal saline soilsIdentify the health of your pastureUtilize grazing principles to improve pastures, enhance ecosystem services, and increase pounds per acreKevin Sedivec works one-on-one with ranchers to optimize rangeland and troubleshoot soil health issues. If you are interested in visiting more with Dr. Sedivec, you can find him at https://www.ndsu.edu/snrs/people/faculty/kevin_sedivec/You can also contact him by phone or email. Phone: 701-231-7647Email: kevin.sedivec@ndsu.eduHave a guest suggestion for our hosts? You can contact our hosts here: emmery@ndfb.org Become a member of NDFB and join hundreds of young farmers and ranchers across the state!

Are you Solopreneur looking to meet all your goals? Multi-generational farm figuring out how to work together? Ranching with several employees and trying to get organized? Join Emmery and Ezra as they visit with Patrick Metzger, EOS certified coach, to talk about how to clarify, simplify and achieve your vision for your farm. Learn about how to:Clarify functions and responsibilities on your operationPut the Right Person in the Right Seat Set 90-day rocks, the most important priorities for your businessBe proactive instead of reactivePatrick Metzger lives in Casselton, N.D., and partners with businesses in North Dakota and across the Midwest to achieve their visions. Request a free 90 minute meeting with Patrick Resources for Straight Talk with NDFB Listeners: Download EOS Business Management Tools Free Chapter of Traction, book by Gino WickmanRequest a Free 90 Minute meeting with Patrick MetzgerHow to conduct a Level Ten Meeting More EOS and Patrick Metzger resources and tools Like what you hear? Become a member of NDFB

In this episode of Straight Talk with NDFB, Emmery and Ezra visit with Ray Grabanski, president of Progressive Ag risk management firm. They visit about high input costs, rising fuel prices, strained trade relationships and how to make sound marketing decisions in uncertain times. We talk about: Managing risk in times of inflation How politics and global events influence the marketsMake good decisions in the midst of crisesMarketing techniques and timeline (how to recognize when to sell)Progressive Ag is a multi-state risk management firm whose mission is to provide farmers with a marketing plan to capture prices in the top one-half of the market while reducing risk. Reach Ray at (701) 277-9210 or rlg@progressiveag.com . Become a member of NDFB Contact our hosts at emmery@ndfb.org

Our hosts, siblings Emmery and Ezra, drive to Carrington to visit with the VanBedaf siblings, Piet and Maartje and tour the family's dairy farm and creamery!Piet shares the ins and outs of the dairy operation and at about 18:20, Maartje joins to talk about building a successful family business and legacy.Tune in as they talk about:The history of the farm and why Carrington, N.D.The importance of animal agriculture to North Dakota Building relationships with the community as the key to successful diversificationManaging business, large or smallFinding true joy and fulfillment in your workLinksPiet VanBedaf's Youtube channel Maartje's Cows & Co. CreameryIdeas for our hosts or invitation to your farm? Email Emmery at emmery@ndfb.orgLike what you're hearing? Become a member of NDFB! 

Bonus Straight Talk contentLunchtime Conversations! Listen to our hosts talk about what's on their mind:  Time Management! Emmery and Ezra visit about tools they are using to manage their time better to prioritize the important things in life. Time Management tools Emmery's time management tool the Everbook (She made her own–but this was the inspiration!)Ezra's time management tool for social media: Business Suite Movie referenced in our conversation: Netflix's The Social Dilemma For 11 Years, the Soviet Union Had No Weekends: The experiment of a 'continuous week' was shift work, on a colossal scale. And it failed. Have any feedback or ideas for lunchtime conversations? Email Emmery at emmery@ndfb.org or DM Straight Talk with NDFB on Instagram

 30 x 30 is a plan by environmentalists to protect 30% of America's land and oceans by 2030. Growing up on a large cow-calf operation in Nevada, our guest Margaret Byfield recounts the federal interference on her family's ranch. After fighting in courts for 27 years, she and her family founded a property rights organization which eventually merged with another into  American Stewards of Liberty, with the purpose of protecting private property rights.In this episode we talk about:What is behind 30 x 30Programs and ways the government is competing with private landownersWhat you can do to protect your property Join us as we talk about the drive to shift policy, moving America from private property principles to one controlled by the administrative state. Fight 30 by 30 How to fight the 30 x 30 program Ask your local governments to pass a resolution opposing 30 x 30 American Stewards of Liberty Get in touch with Margeret ByfieldFor those interested, articles pushing 30 x 30 referenced in the episode:InProgress spelling out the 30x30 agenda for the United States New Mexico Governor is already pushing 30x30 on the state The Biden Administration's 30 x 30 push: America the Beautiful The program is being advanced by the Biden Administration through Executive Order 14008, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Aboard,” signed January 27, 2021.  ) ____We believe our members are the best prepared to confront issues like 30x30. Join NDFB and be part of the conversation.Thoughts or input for our hosts? Email Emmery at emmery@ndfb.org

 Want to add value to your family's operation? On this Valentine's Day, join Emmery and Ezra as they visit with Maartje (van Bedaf) Murphy, founder of Duchessa Gelato. Maartje shares why her family immigrated from the Netherlands to settle in North Dakota. She talks about how her passion for cows, family, and the Netherlands inspired her to begin Duchessa Gelato.Maartje shares her strategies for success in diversifying agriculture and starting a small business. Maartje works with her family's dairy in Carrington, N.D., and has recently opened Cows and Co Creamery producing artisan gelato, authentic gouda cheese, and cheddar cheese curds all made with their farm fresh milk.Maartje was featured on Forbes 30 under 30  in 2021. Order gelato and cheese here!Have a small business and want to be featured in NDFB's Farmhouse Treasures publication? Become an NDFB member here!

In episode six of Straight Talk with NDFB, we interview North Dakota's own Dr. Gerald Stokka, Livestock Stewardship Director at NDSU. Dr. Stokka shares his wealth of knowledge as a researcher, teacher, and small-town veterinarian. In this episode we talk about:A “systems” approach to raising cattleOptimizing profitabilityHow to stop ranching in crisis modeDr. Jerry Stokka works one-on-one with ranchers to optimize herd health, productivity, and livestock stewardship. During our conversation, Dr. Stokka shared his interest in working with young producers. If you are interested in visiting more with Dr. Stokka, you can find him at https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-home/directory/gerald-stokkaYou can also contact him by phone or email. Phone: 701-231-5082Email: gerald.stokka@ndsu.eduHave a question or suggestion for our hosts? You can contact Emmery and Ezra here: emmery@ndfb.org Become a member of NDFB and join hundreds of young farmers and ranchers across the state!

In episode 5, Emmery and Ezra visit with Tom Dosdall, licensed StoneX broker with decades of experience in ag commodity trading. We chat about:What futures and options areWhy the Chicago Board of Trade was startedHow to manage inputs and break evensFour principles for trading successCheck out special StoneX discounts for NDFB members here.Know-Risk™ Crop Marketing-Market IntelligenceAccess to Events and EducationFutures/OTC TradesMore info  on how to get 10 free trades each yearInterested in a one-on-one conversation with Tom? Email: Thomas.Dosdall@StoneX.comCall : 312-651-4686More about Tom: Tom Dosdall specializes in working with both producers and end users in agriculture, to better manage price risk and opportunity for the commodities they buy or sell. As a Series 3 licensed futures and options broker with over a decade of experience, Tom has focused expertise in the corn, soybeans, wheat, cattle, dairy, and lean hog markets.More about StoneX: StoneX is a leading international brokerage firm that specializes in underserved mid-market clients in the food chain and agriculture industries. As a Fortune 500 company with over 30,000 customers, StoneX provides Farm Bureau members expert guidance, insights, and data solutions to make educated risk management and crop marketing decisions for their farm business.Like what you're hearing? Become an NDFB member. 

In this episode, we visit with Nick Horob, creator of Harvest Profit, a software tool focused on making it easier for farmers to track farm costs, profit, grain marketing positions and inventory. Founded by Nick in 2015, Harvest Profit was recently acquired by John Deere. Nick is a North Dakota farm kid who left to pursue business in Minneapolis. After the crop price boom in 2012, Nick came home to find many farmers had no idea what marketing strategy to pursue.  Nick's passion to help farmers better use and understand their farm data drove him to develop the software. In this episode we discuss:The ins and outs of Harvest ProfitBreaking the cycle of letting the bank manage your operationThree strategies to get your finances in order Resources for our Straight Talk ListenersFREE 14-Day trial of Harvest ProfitSupport from Harvest Profit expertsMore Free spreadsheets, webinars and tools from Harvest Profit Want more? Become a member of NDFB