Podcasts about Upper Midwest

Jack Hedin joins the Brews & Cruise Podcast to talk about his journey from farmer and business owner to candidate for Minnesota Senate District 26.Jack shares the story behind Featherstone Farm and gives us a fascinating look at what it actually takes to grow, harvest, package, and ship semi-trailers of fresh vegetables to grocery stores throughout the region. We discuss why so few farms are doing this type of large-scale vegetable production in the Upper Midwest, the challenges of running a farming business, and the lessons Jack has learned through more than 30 years in agriculture.We also dive into Jack's decision to run for Minnesota Senate, what he's hearing from people across Southeast Minnesota, and how his experiences in farming and business have shaped his approach to politics and public service.From farming and small business to Minnesota politics, this is a conversation about the experiences that have taken Jack Hedin from Featherstone Farm to a run for the Minnesota Senate.Jack Hedin Website https://www.jackhedin.org

We are going a little off the rails today! All for a great cause. Thank you MyTalkers for always bringing your amazing support during our Annual Bid For Kids fundraiser to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities Upper Midwest.We welcome Tim Bratland, President- Crystal Farms, and RMH Board member - A little bit about Tim:After meeting staff at a charitable event a couple years ago, Tim had to ask the RMH staff how Crystal Farms might be able to support families. The rest is history and Tim has responded with care and compassion all in support of RMH's dedication to the meal program and beyond.Screen Queens: Jason went all in for Shark Week, we get his review of "Shark Storm" (HBO Max)Colleen watched "Toxic Love Story" (Netflix) TV Headlines: "The Bombing of Pan-Am 103", Ben Affleck wins a million dollars & Ryan Murphy said he's not against a "Glee" reboot (Jason says don't do it).Heidi Brenegan from The Groove joins us on the phone to talk about her awesome age appropriate (if you are Leah & Colleen's age) dance parties.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ronald McDonald House Upper Midwest Bids for kids day! Listener opportunites to bid on and purchase items abound! Also, the show within the show, Blinded by the Item! The second hour features a story from Laura, whos family has benefited from Ronald McDonald House Upper Midwest, Bradley watched a Netflix show Donna recommended, Hailey Bieber says Nutella and Ruffles are a great snack, is it good? Bradley talks about a study that ranks the fifty statesDawn has a spoiled influencer story, Ben Affleck wins $1mil for charity, one star reviews and the five second rule game!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We chat with Kelly from Ronald McDonald House Charities - Upper Midwest, about the organization and all the incredible work they do! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Milk already feels tight across much of the U.S. That could be the setup for a perfect storm. Summer heat, warm nights, wildfire smoke and plant disruptions have pressured milk production and moved milk into unexpected places. Now, Class I bottlers are preparing for schools to reopen just as cheese plants, protein beverage manufacturers and other processors compete for the same milk solids. In this episode of The Milk Check, guest host Josh White and the Jacoby team break down what could make August, September and October especially interesting for dairy markets. We cover: How heat, smoke and limited nighttime cooling affected milk production Why school bottling demand could tighten the market further How the cybersecurity disruption temporarily increased condensed skim availability How conflict, Red Sea risk and higher freight costs are complicating dairy exports The dairy market is not moving in a straight line. But competition for milk solids is building, and the next few months could determine which product sectors get the milk they need. Listen to The Milk Check episode 103: The Perfect Storm for Milk Solids. Also available on: Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Got questions? We'd love to hear them. Submit below, and we might answer it on the show. Ask The Milk Check Transcript: [Opening commercial] Josh White: [00:00:00] Coming up on the Milk Check. Jennifer S. Kuo: The Red Sea seems to be an issue now as well. Tyler Jokerst: Yeah. Josh, if the Houthis are getting involved, when you’re looking at Yemen that’s a direct effect on the Red Sea, which is the other half of that peninsula . And then it starts to limit the only access point that you can have into the Red Sea being through the Suez Canal. Josh White: ​In absence of our fearless leader, Ted we invite our audience to join us for one of our bi-weekly commercial meetings, where our group gets together and breaks down the market based on our individual disciplines. Today’s group is a fairly large one but we have members representing our fluid team, our ultrafiltered and cream team, cheese, butterfat, milk powder, and whey, which makes up our trading group.  We’re in the dog days of summer right now, schools are out, families are traveling. There’s people out of the office not making decisions. That’s happening both in the U.S. and in Europe. Let’s touch on current market, climate, what we’re experiencing, and then what we’re paying attention to or looking out for in 30 days time. Let’s start with where we’re at on the milk side of things. Greg, both you and Jared, have experienced a little turbulence over the past week or so with some milk movements. We’re just coming out of a big heat stretch. We’re on the cusp of the South starting to refill its bottling pipelines. What are you feeling and seeing right now, Greg? Greg Scheer: We’ve had some plant closures that have pushed milk around the Mideast, the Northeast, and, around the country. We have had a week or two of that. The first heat wave, back several weeks ago, hit the cows harder than expected, and I’m wondering if maybe that’s the age of the herd is a little older that maybe it hit them a little more. Usually, you have a heat wave, the cows recover some. Normal summer, they get another heat wave, and then, it hits them a little harder the second time or third time. Seems like the first heat wave hit the cows a little harder. I think production’s down just a little bit more than we expected or earlier than maybe a normal summer. Other than plant problems that push milk around, it feels tight. We get to next month, schools start up again or are about to, and bottlers start putting milk into the bottle for schools, then it’s gonna get really tight and could be tight through September, October when maybe production comes back a little bit and the pipeline gets filled, and then it levels off demand a little bit. It feels tight other than plant closures. It’s gonna get really tight in a month. And, we’ll see where it goes. But production does seems like it was hit harder. I’m just wondering if maybe the age of the herd may have a little bit to do with it. Josh White: It was also pretty warm nights for the Midwest. It’s pretty well documented that above 70s: tough on cows; below 70s: allows them to recover nicely. I’m in Gurnee, Illinois, which is Grand Rapids [00:03:00] latitude on the Michigan side. For us to get nights above 70 is rare. And we just went through a pretty good stretch where we had a lot of them. The entire Mideast and the Midwest, we went through a solid four or five days of pretty bad smoke. At least our area was bad enough that just walking outside to get your mail, you could taste it. So I can’t imagine that helped anything. Greg Scheer: How much it hurt is hard to quantify maybe, but definitely didn’t help things. Josh White: Are we still really talking about two different countries, more or less? California, everything seems to be fine. They’re running great. They’re just pumping out milk, and then the rest of the country where it feels a little tighter? Greg Scheer: That’s the sense I get everybody I talk to. Yes. You’ve got California on an island there just filling up their plants, and everybody else in a tighter feel, all the way from the Upper Midwest, Mideast, Northeast. And then as you mentioned, I do think the pull to the Southeast will be starting fairly soon as their production slows, and by mid-August when they’re bottling for schools it’ll really get tight. Josh White: Europe is also talking about some of the same things. Heat sounds like it’s impacted France the most. Germany’s been pretty resilient. Everything I’ve read or heard is that in the recent weeks, people have taken their milk production forecast for the remainder of the year down in Europe, and by a noteworthy amount. To be clear, I think most expect European milk production for 2026 to be higher than it was in 2025, but it’s been notably higher through June. And looking ahead, for them to be taking those numbers down to modest growth means that they’re expecting year-over-year numbers to be down the second half of the year. So Europe seems to be slowing its rate of growth. Curious to what that means going into 2027. We seem to be making good milk, and we’ve got plenty of ability to process it, but the rest of the world feels like it’s starting to slow its growth rate, and maybe start to slow down as we look ahead to 2027. Class I plants looking to start filling up a bit in the next two to four weeks. Jared, what’s that mean for you and your team and your products? Jared Miklasz: Yeah, moving over to the condensed and fluid skim side, the market has become noticeably longer over the past couple weeks, and the obvious driver there was the disruption that Fairlife experienced, which affected multiple plants across the country. With those plants still operating below full capacity following that cybersecurity event, milk that would have normally went into their UF and finished protein beverages has been redirected into balancing outlets which, in turn, made condensed skim much more available, and that increased availability was real. We saw a lot more local offers as a result. As operations normalize and those plants continue to ramp up, I would expect some of that excess product to be reabsorbed, although the timing remains still uncertain. Condensed skim has been tight for much of the year. Obviously, that’s been supported by the steady Demand from both Class II and III. And the strong nonfat demand has also kept skim solids competitive. As those dryers continue to pull available skim [00:06:00] away from the condensed markets school milk will also begin here, as Greg alluded to, which should move more milk back into the bottling programs and further reduce the amount of condensed skim available for manufacturing for these Q4 months. Moving over to the UF side of things, that continues to have the strongest long-term demand story. We’ve touched on it almost every podcast, but high-protein dairy appears to have real staying power. Demand is coming from athletes, consumers focused on weight management, older adults trying to maintain muscle. And that’s even beyond the folks using the GLP-1 medications who are told to prioritize protein. That demand also extends well beyond protein shakes. It’s into yogurt, lactose-reduced products, other nutritional beverages, other applications that require greater control over protein, lactose and total solids. But the other key part of that is the cheese, as that’s an important outlet for UF. As those butterfat levels in the farm milk continue to rise, high protein UF can help rebalance that cheese vat and improve yields. The challenge is that cheese makers are competing with higher value protein beverage and yogurt for that same UF supply. More UF capacity is expected to come online, though, here later this year and into ’27, but that does not necessarily mean that the market will become over-supplied. I think the key question is whether capacity grows faster than the demand. The category obviously remains strong, although that increased competition from a wider retail perspective and potential consolidation could eventually slow growth. But so far that demand has continued to outperform expectations. That strong UF demand also tightens the broader skim market because, obviously that milk is moving into UF and no longer available for condensed skim or nonfat. But, overall improving milk production should create more opportunities, particularly in the skim market. However, that strong demand has regional processing constraints and plant reliability all play key factors here long term. Josh White: So we’re probably not gonna be moving in a straight line here, right? As production responds, we’re trying to anticipate how demand continues to grow. We definitely know it’s in vogue. It seems structural, like that we would see more of these protein-enhanced consumer products coming online that are using liquid protein, as well as the popularity of the whey products and some of the others. But over the course of the next 30, 60 days, how are you feeling like that balances out? I heard you mention that we don’t really see a lot more UF coming on until maybe later in the year. In the meantime, if I’m mapping this out correctly, particularly in the eastern half of the country, we’re already snug milk. We have a lot of capacity for cheese that has been filling. We got hit with some heat, and we’re trying to digest the impact on milk production, but we believe there’s been some already in mid-July. And Class I’s gonna start to ramp up in August, and at the moment it feels to me like we’re gonna be competing pretty heavily in all of these sectors for the available milk solids that are out there, and it’s already snug [00:09:00] before the Class I starts to pull their share. Jared Miklasz: Yeah, it feels like a perfect storm here. Everyone’s competing for those solids in the back half of this year before that additional capacity comes online to meet some of that demand. And that competition’s been playing out all summer, but I think it’ll really heat up as we get into August and September, and October, and schools start ramping up, and all, everything aligns there. So I think it’ll be very interesting to see, if any product sectors get shorted.  On the protein beverage side they have shelves to make sure they stock and keep that space at the big box stores as well. So I think they’re gonna try to get their milk, but you alluded to it, these, investments on the cheese side, they’re gonna wanna keep those plants full. Jared Miklasz: So it’s gonna be interesting to watch. Josh White: June milk production was a little bit higher than maybe most expected, 2.3% for the country, if I read it right. But most of that heat impact has been in recent weeks, right? The recent three weeks, so since July. We’re looking at a milk production number that’s dated, but we’re experiencing a milk production climate right now that seems to be a little bit tighter for a variety of reasons. But probably one of the bigger one is normal seasonal summertime heat, but may be coming on a bit earlier than expected and a bit stronger than we’re used to at this point in time. We’ve had more headwinds in July. Let’s talk cream for a second. Butter is moving counter seasonally.  Overall, the market still feels heavy, but normally this time of year we wouldn’t be moving in the direction that we are. So let’s go with where everything starts. What’s happening on the cream side of things? Jared Miklasz: Yeah, fat remains tight, which has been, somewhat surprising given the amount of milk being separated for the high-protein beverages and all the value-added skim products that we just talked about. As those markets continue to grow, obviously that generates butterfat and that has to find a home. But based on that, I, I would’ve expected more cream to be available, but instead that market has continued to absorb it. Butter is currently trading in the 155 to 160 range, well below levels that we saw last year. And at those levels, cream is much easier for the manufacturers to use in ice cream, cultured dairy, cream cheese, and other Class II applications. It reduces that risk far as finished product and carrying less value. but part of that may be the manufacturers that, you know, adding that fat back into formulations after pulling back when butter prices were much higher. Lower fat cost obviously as far as the taste and texture can improve flavor and yield across the board for a range of products. Even with the stronger milk production and continued growth in the farm level butterfat I do not expect that the cream market is suddenly gonna become long, particularly during these summer months and with the heat that’s still on the horizon and pressure on both milk and volume and components. Over time, the additional milk and fat production should help bring the market back into better balance. But right now, it’s been long. That processing capacity will remain just as important as the total volume that’s being produced. Josh White: Is Class II performance still very strong this year? Jared Miklasz: It is, yeah. They’re the ones that are soaking up the majority of that fat right now. Josh White: Do we have a sense for if we had to try to measure the whole category, and I realize there’s a lot of products that go [00:12:00] into that category, it’s pretty difficult to paint the broad brush. But do we have a sense for are people looking at current markets as an opportunity to build structural inventory, or are they just moving that much more at the shelf? Jared Miklasz: I don’t have a good answer for that one, man. Josh White: Yeah, I don’t either. It’d be curious. ‘Cause if our Class II performance, we’ve seen just domestic performance in certain products look really well year to date. Like the amount of nonfat that’s been consumed domestically, the Class II numbers suggest that things are going really well in, in those markets. I’m just curious if consumer demand is up that much for some of these because maybe pricing promotions or other things, or if there’s been some structural stock building in anticipation of needs the rest of the year. Let’s move on. Let’s talk about cheese a bit. Cheese just made a pretty decent move higher. In Europe similar things, mozzarella prices have really started to move higher in Europe. And now all of a sudden with the U.S. moving higher and European cheddar quite a bit lower than the bounce they saw on their mozzarella, we’re not maybe in quite as an advantageous price position internationally as we were before. How do we see that playing out? Jeff Daanen: You just wonder the real effect is it gonna be for a month or two when we see what happens and how much cheese is out there. But there is cheese available. If you wanted extra loads, they are there. We’re pretty heavy in cheese. The only thing that we don’t have a lot of right now is mozzarella. A lot of that had to do with the World Cup, and there’s some plants that shut down for maintenance. Like Jared said, it was kinda like the perfect storm. plants shut down. People were eating a lot of pizza because of the World Cup, a lot of house parties and stuff like that. But in about another month we’ll be out of this, and there’ll be plenty of mozzarella available. Jennifer S. Kuo: Our price is a lot higher right now than compared to Europe. especially in the Middle East, and even in Asia still, so many people delayed what they would’ve normally ordered in Q2 and going into Q3 because of all the uncertainty, the much higher fuel costs. Everybody has depleted their inventory. And despite our higher prices, we are still getting many requests now still from the Middle East. Pricing really isn’t an issue. It’s just how soon can you ship, and how soon can you guarantee that it’ll get here? So price does not seem to be the barrier right now. Everybody has used their inventory, and they all need to restock. We have the supply. They’re willing to pay a little more. Europe hasn’t really been a conversation with any of our customers. They have not really tried to push back and say, “Europe is better priced right now.” But yeah, the demand is definitely there right now, despite the jump in our market recently. Josh White: Interesting. So it feels like the international demand’s there. The customer’s de-stocked. But at least for products other than mozzarella, we feel really heavy domestically. Is that still accurate? Jennifer S. Kuo: Yeah. Yes. Yeah. But we are seeing the demand in the Middle East is not just for mozzarella right now. It is more geared towards [00:15:00] cheddar. We are getting more inquiries for cheddar than mozzarella right now, which is good for us, both white and color. Tyler Jokerst: Obvious barriers there or risk can be tied around the current situation in Iran as well. Jennifer S. Kuo: The Red Sea seems to be an issue now as well. Tyler Jokerst: Yeah. Josh, you’re dealing with updated issues if the Houthis are getting involved, when you’re looking at Yemen that’s a direct effect on the Red Sea, which is the other half of that peninsula . And then it starts to limit the only access point that you can have into the Red Sea being through the Suez Canal. So it can create a major supply chain choke point for just anybody trying to get any kind of imports into the region. Josh White: Including Europe, right? Tyler Jokerst: Yeah, because, that tends to be a route that can cut down on transit times. So you can run into situations where you might have to go around the Cape of Good Hope to get where you need to get. So it can cause a lot of complications across the board. Josh White: So, you got an international market that does demand product. They’re not well covered, but we’re constantly fighting our ability to access and supply that demand. Same story two months later. Jennifer S. Kuo: Yeah, and freight has doubled, And that did not seem to be a barrier. Tyler Jokerst: Nope. Josh White: Demand seems resilient then, huh? Tyler Jokerst: Yeah, so I guess Josh, not being too familiar on the dairy side, still learning a lot I would imagine that means the price difference there is significant enough where historically logistics has been a major barrier for U.S. product getting international. I think that clearly the opportunities continue to make themselves clearer for international growth with U.S. dairy product. Josh White: If we could wave a wand and the conflict was over tomorrow, which is not likely, I understand that, do we think that customers are going to step in heavily and demand’s gonna feel strong at that moment because they’re not getting an adequate amount of product? Or have they been purchasing to be safe all along and trying to stay ahead of their needs? Jennifer S. Kuo: I think they’ve been trying to wait it out, and they keep thinking, “Oh, okay, it’s, the war is over, the war is over,” and it keeps restarting. I don’t think they have any inventory now. They wanna know how fast can you get it here and how much. Josh White: Specifically as it relates to the Iran conflict, where are we at in terms of demand destruction? Because when we started these conversations, and I think we had Cefetra on a call probably almost two months ago now, and we asked the question: how long does this have to go on before it goes into notable demand destruction within the region because people can’t import the raw materials they need to make the products that they consume? If price isn’t, really the barrier at the moment, it still is access to the supply. I think at that point in time we talked about August sort of being, like, the magic month to where if this lasts into August, we’re gonna start to really hurt dairy consumption within the region. Jennifer S. Kuo: I think that’s still the magical question we’re trying to find the answer to. Tyler Jokerst: The war is prolonging the situation. It could’ve happened by now, but that huge variable is not really giving us a good read. Josh White: Do we think the answer is gonna be universally the same between milk [00:18:00] powders, butterfat, and cheese, or is it different for different products? Jennifer S. Kuo: The answer’s the same because it’s availability. They’re all on the same boats, right? Yeah. You don’t ship cheese separately from powder separately from butter. I think it’s all just access based. Josh White: I’ll clarify the question. It’s less about the ability to get the product and more about at what point in the timeline when you can’t get it conveniently, do you start to have demand destruction on the consumer level? Because you can’t get the cheese, which you will find its way to retail, the butterfat, which is largely an ingredient for processed cheese applications and other things, the milk powders, which serve some of the same and some different manufacturing products. All three of them overlap each other like a chain, but the cheese is closest to consumer. The butterfat is very close to consumer as an ingredient making some of these processed cheese products and other things, milk powder is going into some of that, but then also as an ingredient maybe in other applications like bakery and some consumer packaged goods. If we get into August, which of those areas is most vulnerable? Is it the consumer products because they really are bringing it in just in time, they have to make what they make they’re considered more luxury type items that, you can cut from your diet if you can’t get it versus maybe something along the lines of manufactured products that they may have more deep inventories of, and they will run out, but they might not be running out until September or beyond. At this moment I don’t get the impression talking to European colleagues, talking within our own team in the different product categories, it doesn’t feel like material demand destruction yet. It seems like we’re still finding a way to get some product in, seems like they’re still willing to pay for product, seems like some stuff’s still happening. It’s just at some moment that will come to a head, I think. And we initially expected by August it would become a real problem that meant we’re going to be missing dairy demand out of that region. And we’re knocking on the door of August. Josh White: We’ll be right back after these messages. Diego Carvallo: I’m Diego Carballo with T.C. Jacoby & Co.. T.C. Jacoby & Co. specializes in international dairy markets. For new customers that haven’t done business with Jacoby, I would tell them that we can provide them with many of the powders, dairy products that they consume, not only with the physical product, but we can also help them mitigate their risk. We know dairy. We know the main players. We know the main providers for the whole value chain. We are one of the strongest players in the U.S. market because we have contact all the way from the farmer moving the liquid milk all the way to the end users that buy the end products. I am Diego Carballo with T.C. Jacoby & Co., and we bring dairy to the world. Josh White: Let’s shift gears. Diego, let’s talk a bit about nonfat dry milk, skim milk powder, and what’s happening, globally [00:21:00] there. Yesterday, we had a firm GDT. What does that tell you? Diego Carvallo: We’ve seen the market under heavy pressure, mainly in the U.S., which was the market that was the most expensive for the past I would say six months. It seems like the U.S. market is going back into a price range where we’re competitive internationally. And that had to happen because the U.S., as we’ve mentioned before, we need to export about two out of three loads that we manufacture in the U.S. for nonfat. And we were not competitive for a long period of time. Our prices were $400 to even $1,000 per metric ton higher than European prices. And now that we finally have plenty of availability we have to find a price where exports become competitive again. And that’s what’s happened. In the past few weeks, we’ve had a few additional factors that have added pressure to prices, and that’s what Jared mentioned on plant interruptions in the U.S. And that’s definitely shifted some skim milk concentrate and some products to the drying towers. And that’s adding a lot of pressure onto prices. We’re seeing more inventory, more product availability from the manufacturers. The market is looking for other outlets, and those outlets are in the Middle East, in Asia, and other places, maybe South America, where the cost of the freight has gone up to an extent where we’re paying probably twice what we used to pay. So the exports price has to come down so that we’re competitive again. We should find some support in the current levels. We’re close to the $1.40s and the physical offers are even lower than that especially for SMP. For SMP, we’re seeing offers close to the $1.35, which is ten cents under the current futures. And I think at that level, we’re starting to be competitive even with a more expensive freight rate. I think we should find support unless we start seeing Europe trend lower and New Zealand prices also trending lower, which hasn’t happened at this point. A lot of availability around and not too many customers looking for product at this moment. Josh White: Okay, on the whey product side, it is absolutely the definition of a summer market right now. I think after two quarters of prices constantly moving up for whey proteins, and the whey market trying to rebalance so many changes over the past year. Over the course of 2025 and into early 2026, we saw a lot of large sweet whey powder producers upgrade their facilities to higher protein WPC80 or WPI. At the same time, there was the commissioning of a very large sweet whey powder facility in Texas that is offsetting the production that we’ve lost, and that’s been a bit turbulent. And that just means that we’re exchanging approved brands for both domestic [00:24:00] customers and international customers for a new brand that needs to be approved. And so we’ve seen a trading range for sweet whey powder that’s been 60 to 70 cents for quite a while. But the actual spot market has seen a lot more basis volatility. New brands trying to buy their way into business, brands that remained that have legacy or approvals for perhaps Asian clientele in a market that seems to be pretty short right now, they’re getting bigger basis premiums. So sweet whey powder has been largely range-bound, but that doesn’t really tell the story. It’s been a big shift in who has the product and where that product can go. On the protein side that story’s pretty well-documented and well-reported at the moment. It is shockingly resilient. Diego mentioned that milk proteins are realizing the benefits of this health and wellness movement. Some of the current trade relationships might be supportive of milk proteins. Aside from that, we’re just seeing more demand, people formulating to it, buying more and using more of it. Jared talked about the UF side of things and how there’s just new demand creation in a lot of different categories from beverage to, some of the other Class II products. The whey category remains just on fire. It seems to be both products. Now, we had two quarters in a row where people were terrified they couldn’t get access to supply, and they watched pricing increase by 20-plus percent. Now we get into the summer and pricing hasn’t increased over the last few weeks, and that’s making some people nervous. You’ve got a lot of people out there that are like, “Oh, it’s not gonna continuously go up. does that mean this market’s going to crash?” It’s always possible, of course. These markets don’t move one-directionally. We should expect a retracement at some moment in time. But everything I read from the consumer demand aspect of it, I don’t see any cracks in the floor. What I see is we’ve moved pricing up so rapidly that now that people are going into the summer months and maybe taking some holidays, if they come back in August and need to replenish, this thing goes right back up. If they come into August and find out that the movements on the shelf at the grocery stores have slowed as much of a price increase we’ve seen, we should look out. So I’m not in either camp right now. I guess I’m a little bit more of the belief that the consumer profile seems to be growing, seems to be willing to pay the prices that we’ve seen. And every time we start to think that the GLP-1 catalyst will end or mature, the GLP-1 drug gets cheaper, you can take it in a different form, and a larger percentage of Americans are actively using the drug. I’m also starting to see the GLP-1 aspect of the protein market get reported in Europe more. We have to remember, the U.S. market is nowhere near mature and in terms of its adoption of GLP-1 as a weight loss tool, consumers are educating themselves at a rapid level, trying to understand what the right foods are, and dairy seems to be on the right side of that discussion. Whey protein maybe being the biggest beneficiary. Milk proteins, though, certainly [00:27:00] a beneficiary. And the rest of the world still can follow. So I don’t know. I remain pretty bullish protein overall, but I think it would be irresponsible to assume that this is a one-directional market, and that it’s just gonna resume an uptrend as we get past the summer slowdown that we’re experiencing in North America and Europe. We need to be aware of what some of the potential upside shocks could be to the market as the globe enters those months where we produce the least amount of milk. We should keep our eye on a few potential shocks. Not all to the upside, some to the downside but I think we’re vulnerable to see maybe a little bit of volatility in the months to come. Let’s go through the group as sort of kind of a fun round the table. Most important discussion or impactful thing in the past week that has your attention. So Tristan, let’s start with you. Tristan Suellentrop: One of the most notable developments is the continued shift towards milk proteins. As WPC80 and WPI prices remain expensive and a little bit more difficult to source, I’ve noticed more people are evaluating MPCs as a partial replacement which is creating stronger demand across the entire high proteins category.  Kait, how about you? Kait Holzschuh: There does seem to be a lot of demand for whey permeate and lactose abroad that you just don’t see in the U.S., so I find that kinda interesting. Josh White: Yeah, good point. We didn’t touch on that, but it started with lactose, and now it’s even cascaded to whey permeate. The amount of inquiries that we’ve received in the past couple weeks across all sectors: international feed sectors, international food sectors, domestic food, and domestic feed. There’s clearly it’s clearly a tight market. Great point. Thank you. Miguel? Miguel Aragón: It might be just isolated to Mexico, but there is a glut of cheese in Mexico. When we were in the $1.40s, probably, a lot of cheese made its way down there, and it has affected the market right now. With the prices now, the hope of the customers that we talk to is that things will level off. But right now, still a lot of cheese, a lot of cheap cheese in Mexico. It affects current business right now. And the second one is demand during World Cup was not as good as expected, and this comes from the Association of Supermarkets and Convenience Stores in Mexico. So two things that really caught my eye in the last two weeks. Josh White: How do we feel the same question would be answered in the U.S.? Do we think that the World Cup impact on demand was worse than, equal to, or better than expected? Jeff Daanen: I think it was better than expected. Because when this first came out, I didn’t think that it would impact a whole lot. But when it was all said and done, it just seems like the snack part of the cheese business really took off, along with pizzas. I think there were a lot of pizzas consumed. That’s why mozzarella’s really tight, and it probably will be for at least another month or so. Josh White: Jonathan? Jonathan B. Powers: Yeah, I think probably the most impactful thing is talking about WPC [00:30:00] 34 and nonfat. Nonfat and SMP hasn’t been readily available in the Midwest, and there’s a need for that protein range in the calf milk replacer world, and we’re starting to get a lot more conversations around stockpiles for those products. As we’ve discussed, WPC 34 is kind of a dying product. There’s not a lot of people that are making it anymore, and there seems to be a lot of companies, even in the food space, that are still very reliant on it and trying to satisfy the need for it when it isn’t necessarily available. We’ve had people reach out for permeating lactose. The volume of requests has been astonishing, honestly. Josh White: Manuel? Miguel Aragón: Where I have a lot of my focus is cheese in general. It just feels like there is something brewing right now. Technically, it’s entered a uptrend right now again and it’s still choppy, right? At least on the futures board. But it feels like there’s opportunities there and yeah. So I’m just soaking up everything I can hear about cheese right now and really try to get a feeling for the market there. Besides that, nonfat is just shaving off more and more. We basically broke the support we had for a long time now, so it really feels like it’s on another leg down. Yeah, we’re gonna see how that plays out. I personally also think we’re gonna find support in the 140s. We might test a little lower than that, but at some point, it should stall and become a little more stable. Josh White: Diego, based on what you said about S&P in the 130s and then what Manuel just said about the technical support and what that looks like, that kind of aligns, right? Because I think I heard you make the comment that as we, a 140 nonfat, you can make S&P cheaper for those that don’t really pay attention to the difference. Lactose is really tight, too. Do we think that there’s a connection to why the milk sugars are tight, and all of a sudden, we are seeing pricing that’s a little bit more SMP competitive globally? Diego Carvallo: I do think that there is, yeah. We made very little SMP for the first six months of the year because it wouldn’t make any sense to export when we’re $1,000 higher than European markets. Now that we’re competitive, it does make a lot of sense to make SMP, especially when protein is very high and you can take it down with a cheap product like lactose or milk permeate. It makes sense to find demand in other markets for the SMP. So I do think that the demand for the carbohydrates has picked up now that nonfat has become competitive again. ​ Josh White: For the benefit of everyone so we’re all talking the same language, nonfat dry milk and SMP are typically universally used in applications, but they’re very different products. What we call nonfat dry milk is an unstandardized product. That specification is a minimum protein percent of 34. But today’s productivity [00:33:00] of components in our milk supply, the average unstandardized protein level in nonfat dry milk is pushing 38 or more percent at least 37 and a half in most times. Now, the rest of the world standardizes their product, and they standardize to either one of two things: 32%, which is the old Codex, 34%, which I think is a little bit more common. Or at least it’s common out of the U.S. that we would standardize to 34%. When we say why would there be a connection between lactose and milk powder, you can add lactose or milk permeate to your nonfat supply to bring the protein down to a standard level. So when we stay standardized, that’s what we mean, where they’re basically bringing it to a 34% protein, most commonly out of the U.S., and then that allows us to compete for international business. Certain markets can use either, but certainly would, prefer a higher protein content at a competitive price. So when I mention our futures are at $1.40, that’s nonfat, and our average nonfat has a higher protein. So if we’re standardizing, that means that we can add this cheaper lactose or cheaper milk permeate to the volume, and that lowers the overall price. So the whole conversation there was more or less like, “Hey, are we making SMP now, and are we competing globally for international business? ‘Cause if we are, that also tells us at least we’re closer to finding a support price, finding some type of global support level for the product.” But you’ll hear us really start to break down the difference between SMP, nonfat dry milk. But many customers can use either. I wouldn’t say most, but many Okay. I, we covered a lot. Yara, any discussions over the past week that you that you feel were most interesting? Yara Morales: It’s a lot of inventory in Mexico, and the customer was offering me nonfat dry milk instead of buying. That was the most surprise, we know that since the price is going down so bad, and they have a lot of inventory with high prices. They have a contract that they have to take it. That’s hard for them. They are losing a lot of money. And the inquires, they looking for whey permeate. They are looking for lactose and proteins. But it’s hard to get the whey permeate and the lactose like you mentioned it. But this is the inquiry we have in Mexico so far, just protein basically because otherwise it’s difficult right now. Josh White: Yeah, agreed. Okay, all, I know it was an unusual discussion. Thanks for joining us today on the Milk Check. Mike Brown: For one part of the supply chain to be successful, everyone has to be. My superpower is practical application of data and analysis. I believe firmly that Jacoby’s success is because we help our suppliers and our buyers be successful. I’m Mike Brown, and I love working for T.C. [00:36:00] Jacoby and Co. because I get to help people Make their businesses more successful. ​

For this episode we welcomed Professor Douglas Haynes into the studio at WDRT in Viroqua to discuss his beautiful new book Teaching Toward Slow Hope: Place-Based Learning in College and Beyond, published this spring by Johns Hopkins University Press. Douglas teaches English at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and also hosts the Monday sessions of "A Public Affair" on Madison's community radio station, WORT-FM.Teaching Toward Slow Hope traces how students and educators across the Upper Midwest are remaking college into a place for connection, meaning, and collective resilience. In the book, Douglas talks about his own teaching experiences at a regional public university and also shares four inspiring examples of place-based education at different colleges and universities in Wisconsin and Michigan, three of them public institutions. These stories and Douglas' reflections about the role of higher education in the lives of young people today make this book both moving and highly practical for anyone working on the revitalization of higher education, whether they are inside an existing organization or starting something new.Douglas Haynes is a nonfiction writer, poet, and teacher. In addition to Teaching Towards Slow Hope, his 2017 nonfiction book Every Day We Live Is the Future: Surviving in a City of Disasters is a cautionary tale of urban inequality and the climate crisis that recounts two Nicaraguan families' quests to reinvent their lives in Managua, one of the world's most disaster-prone cities. Douglas's essays and journalism have appeared in Orion, Longreads, Michigan Quarterly Review, Virginia Quarterly Review, The Progressive, Civil Eats, Boston Review, North American Review and dozens of other publications.Douglas grew up in Iowa and Illinois and studied at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He went on to study literature and languages in Germany, Ireland, and Guatemala while working as a dishwasher, farmhand, freelance writer, and English teacher. He returned to WI to teach English at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, as well as creative writing and environmental humanities.Teaching Toward Slow Hope - https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/53868/teaching-toward-slow-hope"A Public Affair" on WORT-FM - https://www.wortfm.org/tag/douglas-haynes/Douglas' Personal Website - https://www.douglas-haynes.com/Jacob Hundt & Grace Greenwald about microcolleges on WORT - https://rss.com/podcasts/thoreaucollege/2599918/Driftless Field School on WORT - https://www.wortfm.org/teaching-eco-literacy-in-the-driftless-bioregion/Northland Collaborative - https://northlandcollaborative.org/

Send us Fan MailEpisode 103 of the Built2 Media Podcast is here, and this week we're joined by one of the most respected and consistent drivers in Midwest dirt track racing—Mike Anderson, driver of the No. 57 WISSOTA Modified.If you've spent any time around a racetrack in the Upper Midwest, chances are you've seen Mike unloading the car and putting himself in contention by the end of the night. Whether it's a weekly show or one of the biggest paying races of the season, Mike has built a reputation for being one of the toughest competitors in the pit area. Quiet, humble, and incredibly consistent, he's been winning races and earning respect for decades.We sit down with Mike to talk about: How his racing career got started  The biggest highs and toughest lows throughout the years  What it takes to stay competitive in one of the toughest Modified divisions around  The races and moments that stand out the most  What still motivates him to climb behind the wheel today  The people who have helped him along the way  His thoughts on the current state of dirt track racing Of course, we couldn't let Mike leave without putting him through our famous Two-Minute Questions segment. From random and hilarious questions to getting a glimpse of the man behind the helmet, you'll get to see a side of Mike that fans don't often get to hear.If you're a fan of Midwest dirt track racing, WISSOTA Modifieds, or simply appreciate the drivers who have earned their respect one lap at a time, this is an episode you won't want to miss. At QualityFreightRate.com, we make freight shipping simple and affordable. Our expert team secures the best rates in the market while ensuring on-time delivery, clear communication, and dependable service from pickup to final destination. Support the show

Wildfires in Canada have become a major story in the US because the smoke from those fires have traveled a very long way, covering the skies of cities in the Upper Midwest as far south as Chicago, over nearly all of Michigan, and to major population centers in the Northeast. Much media coverage blames the fires on human-caused climate change. But what does the actual data say?On Episode 209 of The Climate Realism Show the Heartland Institute's Anthony Watts, Linnea Lueken, Sterling Burnett, Jim Lakely Heartland UK/Europe's Lois Perry will debunk some myths about the fire and also talk about other Crazy Climate News of the Week. The UK is poised to turn off people's heat pumps right when they need them in the cold of winter. Are rolling blackouts coming to the US because of over-reliance on so-called “green” energy? And we'll look at how much typhoons hate solar power.Join us Friday at 1 p.m. ET on YouTube, Rumble, X, and Facebook. Participate in the show by leaving your comments and questions in the chat.Visit our sponsor, Advisor Metals: https://climaterealismshow.com/metalsHeartland UK/Europe: https://heartlandukeu.org/SHOW NOTES:1. CANADA WILDFIRE ANALYSISAMERICAN THINKER: Smokey skies does not mean global warminghttps://www.americanthinker.com/blog/...An interactive map from NASA showing the status of the fires as of right now.https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/...2. NO-HEAT PUMPS IN UKTHE TELEGRAPH (via WUWT): Heat pump households face winter rationing threat: Energy suppliers could remotely turn down heating in people's homes under Labour planshttps://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/07/2...3. ROLLING BLACKOUTS COMING?REUTERS: Grid operator in US central states warns of potential rolling blackoutshttps://www.reuters.com/business/ener...MANHATTAN CONTRARIAN: Rolling Blackouts Hit New Yorkhttps://www.manhattancontrarian.com/b...4. TYPHOONS HATE SOLAR POWER JO NOVA: Typhoon Bavi strikes solar parks in China giving a new meaning to “distributed energy”https://joannenova.com.au/2026/07/typ...Linnea discusses geothermal energy:  • Is Geothermal the Perfect Energy Source?   In The Tank broadcasts LIVE every Thursday at 12pm CT on on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Tune in to have your comments addressed live by the In The Tank Crew. Be sure to subscribe and never miss an episode. See you there!Climate Change Roundtable is LIVE every Friday at 12pm CT on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Have a topic you want addressed? Join the live show and leave a comment for our panelists and we'll cover it during the live show!

Wildfires in Canada have become a major story in the US because the smoke from those fires have traveled a very long way, covering the skies of cities in the Upper Midwest as far south as Chicago, over nearly all of Michigan, and to major population centers in the Northeast. Much media coverage blames the fires on human-caused climate change. But what does the actual data say?On Episode 209 of The Climate Realism Show the Heartland Institute's Anthony Watts, Linnea Lueken, Sterling Burnett, Jim Lakely Heartland UK/Europe's Lois Perry will debunk some myths about the fire and also talk about other Crazy Climate News of the Week. The UK is poised to turn off people's heat pumps right when they need them in the cold of winter. Are rolling blackouts coming to the US because of over-reliance on so-called “green” energy? And we'll look at how much typhoons hate solar power.Join us Friday at 1 p.m. ET on YouTube, Rumble, X, and Facebook. Participate in the show by leaving your comments and questions in the chat.Visit our sponsor, Advisor Metals: https://climaterealismshow.com/metalsHeartland UK/Europe: https://heartlandukeu.org/SHOW NOTES:1. CANADA WILDFIRE ANALYSISAMERICAN THINKER: Smokey skies does not mean global warminghttps://www.americanthinker.com/blog/...An interactive map from NASA showing the status of the fires as of right now.https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/...2. NO-HEAT PUMPS IN UKTHE TELEGRAPH (via WUWT): Heat pump households face winter rationing threat: Energy suppliers could remotely turn down heating in people's homes under Labour planshttps://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/07/2...3. ROLLING BLACKOUTS COMING?REUTERS: Grid operator in US central states warns of potential rolling blackoutshttps://www.reuters.com/business/ener...MANHATTAN CONTRARIAN: Rolling Blackouts Hit New Yorkhttps://www.manhattancontrarian.com/b...4. TYPHOONS HATE SOLAR POWER JO NOVA: Typhoon Bavi strikes solar parks in China giving a new meaning to “distributed energy”https://joannenova.com.au/2026/07/typ...Linnea discusses geothermal energy:  • Is Geothermal the Perfect Energy Source?   In The Tank broadcasts LIVE every Thursday at 12pm CT on on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Tune in to have your comments addressed live by the In The Tank Crew. Be sure to subscribe and never miss an episode. See you there!Climate Change Roundtable is LIVE every Friday at 12pm CT on The Heartland Institute YouTube channel. Have a topic you want addressed? Join the live show and leave a comment for our panelists and we'll cover it during the live show!

Rain and shifting winds have largely cleared wildfire smoke out of the Upper Midwest — but officials say Minnesotans should be ready for a possible return of poor air quality. Nearly 800 firefighters from across the country are working to contain about 25 wildfires burning in or near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.State Highway 93 near Henderson is reopening to drivers starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday. This comes after three summers of construction by the Minnesota Department of Transportation to address chronic flooding that would shut it down for days.St. Paul police say three people were found fatally shot inside an apartment complex leasing office Monday afternoon. Authorities reported a person of interest was taken into custody late Monday night.

Crops are looking solid across much of the Midwest, despite heat stress and wildfire smoke in the Great Lakes area. Soybeans rallied again on more Chinese demand business while corn and wheat were mixed and cattle ended their long losing streak with higher futures on Monday. Mike Minor with Professional Ag Marketing joins us to discuss on one of today's interviews. We also hear from John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing who joins us for analysis and perspective. There are also numerous weather factors being watched right now across the U.S. including wildfire smoke impacts in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes, extreme heat continuing across some areas, severe weather potential and even activity in the Gulf. Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us to discuss on our Weekly Weather Update. Find more at https://www.agweather.com.

Matt Rivers reports on the smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketing the Upper Midwest and Northeast for a second day, triggering air quality alerts in at least 19 states, and Lee Goldberg tracks the smoke as it drifts down the East Coast; Trevor Ault has the latest on the massive water main break that unleashed a torrent of water in West Hollywood, flooding Sunset Boulevard, submerging cars and opening a giant sinkhole; Aaron Katersky has details on the White House teleprompter operator who was put on unpaid leave after allegedly using inside information to make $100,000 betting on Pres. Trump's speeches, sources tell ABC News; and more on tonight's broadcast of World News Tonight with David Muir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningTrump's Election Address President Trump took to the airwaves last night to announce the release of hundreds of pages of declassified material that he says proves U.S. elections aren't safe and stressed the need for Congress to pass his sweeping elections reform bill. John Stolnis has more from Washington.   Hazardous Canadian Wildfire Smoke From the Upper Midwest to the East Coast visibility is horrible, and trying to breathe is even worse.  It's all thanks to smoke from the hundreds of wildfires burning in Canada.  Correspondent Rich Johnson reports air quality in Chicago and New York City has become a serious health concern.   Rescue Turns To Recovery In San Francisco The Coast Guard has suspended its search for three people missing after a boat capsized in San Francisco Bay, and more is being learned about who was in the boat in the waters near Alcatraz Island.  Correspondent Donna Warder reports.   Blue Angels Investigation Ended There will be no reprimands for the famous Blue Angels following an extremely low flyover along a Florida beach.   Teleprompter Operator's Bad Bets His job at the White House was to operate a teleprompter used when President Trump gives speeches, but now the president's longtime staffer is under investigation for placing bets on what would be in those speeches on a prediction market website.  Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports on a gambling incident out of the White House.   Deadly Texas Flooding Two people have died and dozens of water rescues have happened in Texas where some rivers are at record flood stage due to severe rains and flooding.   Latest In The Middle East The United States intensified its strikes against Iran on Thursday, hitting targets farther north and firing into a ship the U.S. accused of trying to break its naval blockade on the Islamic Republic, leading to Iranian drone and missile strikes on several Gulf nations and threats to have their proxy Houthis in Yemen get involved.  Correspondent Ben Thomas reports that President Trump, speaking on Fox News, says that unless Iran returns to the bargaining table, the US military will hit Iran's infrastructure.   World Cup Controversy President Trump will be in New Jersey this weekend for the World Cup final match between Argentina and Spain on Sunday, which will also include a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York.  Overshadowing the contest was a situation that happened after the Argentina and England matchup, won by Leonel Messi's team.  Luke Garratt reports that during the post-match celebrations, Argentine players held a banner handed over by fans regarding the islands that were once fought over by England and Argentina which led to controversy.   Senate's Daylight Savings Time Issues The House passed legislation Tuesday to end the nation's biannual practice of changing the clocks, but despite passing by a wide margin, its fate in the Senate is far from certain.  Taking On Cholesterol The Food and Drug Administration has approved a first-of-its-kind pill that can drastically reduce cholesterol in a way that's previously only been available with expensive, injectable drugs.  Ed Donahue reports on the newest cholesterol drug to soon hit the market. Finally   It was an historic courtroom verdict in Kentucky, where a company that manufactures ghost guns was ordered to pay over $100 million dollars following the death of a teenager who purchased the company's pistol-building kit online.  Correspondent Jennifer King reports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the MorningBlanche On The Hot Seat Much like his predecessor Pam Bondi, Acting-Attorney General Todd Blanche got it, and gave it right back, during his day before the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday as he seeks confirmation to be the permanent A-G.  The details from correspondent Rich Johnson.   Previewing President Trump's National Address President Trump will address the nation tonight, and is expected to focus on elections in America.   Rescue Turns To Recovery In San Francisco The search and rescue operation in the waters near Alcatraz Island is now turning into a recovery mode.  Correspondent Jennifer King reports that searchers remain in San Francisco Bay where a boat sank Tuesday, killing one person and three people went missing.   Reflecting Pool's New Issue The Reflecting Pool next to the Lincoln Memorial has now been drained as it undergoes repairs, but a new problem has emerged.  Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports that the blue paint used to coat the bottom of the basin has now changed color.   Trump OK's ICE Traffic Stops President Trump says he wants Immigration officers to keep pulling over vehicles, signaling his opposition Wednesday to plans announced just a day earlier to suspend most traffic stops following the shooting deaths of two people in one week.    New $1 Coin A coin featuring President Trump will be available starting in the fall.  Ed Donahue reports on the new currency being minted to celebrate America's 250th birthday.   Clayton On The Hot Seat As Acting-Attorney General Todd Blanche sat in a hearing for his nomination, the person President Trump has chosen to become the Director of National Intelligence also sat before senators on Wednesday, but Jay Clayton's meeting with Democrats was focused more on election denying and journalist subpoenas.  Ed Donahue reports that Clayton was given one question over and over again – who was the winner of the 2020 election.   Latest In The Middle East On a day when a new poll released by The Economist showed nearly half of Americans believe the war with Iran could stretch for a year or more, the U.S. has re-imposed a blockade on Iranian ports after Tehran's attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.  As correspondent Jon Gambrell reports, President Trump is considering further military action against Iran, including on energy targets, unless they return to peace talks.   Canada Wildfires Impacting The US From the Upper Midwest to New York City and Washington, DC, air quality is now a serious concern due to wildfires raging in parts of Canada, with heavy smoke prompting evacuations in Minnesota, and air issues are impacting millions in America.  Correspondent Julie Walker reports a train crew in Ontario feared for their lives as flames rapidly surrounded their train.   Democrats Lead Vote To Block Israel Aid More than 100 House Democrats voted to block billions of dollars in military aid to Israel.  Finally   It's been a very rough week for the Paramount and Warner Brothers merger, and now the newest issues include a shareholder lawsuit, and a new judge being named in the state Attorneys General Antitrust lawsuit.  Entertainment reporter Kevin Carr has details.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Canadian Wildfire Smoke: A Comprehensive Forecast (July 15, 2026) Timestamp Breakdown:00:00 Introduction: Tracking the Canadian wildfire smoke plume.00:30 Key message: Ground-level impact of smoke and health risks.00:58 Forecast overview: Where the smoke is now, where it's going, and weekend improvement.01:12 The big picture: Weather patterns driving smoke south.01:50 Elevated vs. surface smoke: Understanding the difference in impact.02:16 Understanding PM2.5 and the Canadian Blue Sky Smoke model.02:50 Model limitations and current severe conditions.03:19 Southern Ontario's poor air quality and US plume spread.03:50 Thursday's forecast: Upper Midwest and Great Lakes concerns.04:29 Thursday's forecast: Northeast and Mid-Atlantic impact.05:05 Specific areas highlighted for Thursday's poor air quality.05:36 Friday's forecast: Plume extension and potential for improvement.06:05 Important consideration: Heat and air quality.06:30 Weekend outlook: Chance for improvement with rain and wind.07:05 Smoke forecast confidence beyond 48 hours.07:25 Understanding the United States Air Quality Index (AQI).07:48 AQI categories and their health implications.08:05 Canada's Air Quality Health Index (AQHI).08:25 Actionable steps to reduce smoke exposure.08:50 Indoor air quality tips and respirator use.09:15 Recognizing symptoms of smoke exposure and seeking medical help.09:30 Where to find current air quality information.09:57 Recap of highest risk areas and overall outlook.10:20 Final recommendations: Check AQI and stay weather aware.20 Hashtags:#CanadianWildfires#WildfireSmoke#AirQualityAlert#PM25#GreatLakesSmoke#NortheastSmoke#MidAtlantic#OntarioSmoke#AirNow#EnvironmentalHealth#WeatherForecast#SmokeForecast#PublicHealth#BreathingClean#ClimateChangeImpact#Heatwave#StaySafe#AirQualityIndex#HealthAdvisory#WeatherAwareBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

A dense plume of wildfire smoke from Ontario and northern Minnesota is spreading across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes today, July 16, 2026.This episode examines Chicago's dangerous air quality and reduced visibility, the cities experiencing the worst smoke, how far south the surface plume may travel, and whether smoke will lower afternoon temperatures. It also explains the difference between elevated and near-surface smoke and provides practical steps for reducing exposure.Conditions are based on information available around 9:20 AM CDT and may change quickly.Check current conditions: https://fire.airnow.gov/Music: “Glass Beads” by Blue Dot Sessions, from The Balloonist. https://www.sessions.blue/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simchaThis episode includes AI-generated content.

As of midyear 2026, farmland values across Compeer Financial's Upper Midwest territory have held firm despite weak farm incomes. Today's guest is Brent Wiest, a Regional Manager Appraisal for Illinois at Compeer Financial. He works closely with appraisers across Compeer's territory and has a unique perspective on the trends we're seeing throughout the Upper Midwest farmland market. He will discuss lower crop margins, elevated financing costs and uneven sales activity have made buyers more cautious. For more expert updates and in-depth analysis throughout the year, subscribe to Compeer's monthly appraisal e-newsletter and the Appraisal Report podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As heat waves are hitting the Upper Midwest for the next few days, Xcel Energy says its crews and operation teams are prepared. Xcel says they have more crews on standby and the company also pushed people to sign up for alerts and report outages.The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote this week on whether to approve a reconstruction project on Lyndale Avenue South. Project officials with Hennepin County say the street is due for improvements. But some business owners are seeking a delay. They say they're worried about losing customers as some businesses on nearby Hennepin Avenue continue to struggle after recent road work there.The Minnesota Department of Commerce has advice for homeowners affected by the recent rash of weather events around the state. The agency recommends homeowners document all damages and should not repair anything until talking to their insurance provider first.Enrollment in the state's MNsure health insurance plans plunged 12 percent already this year in the wake of rising health insurance costs.

As heat waves are hitting the Upper Midwest for the next few days, Xcel Energy says its crews and operation teams are prepared. Xcel says they have more crews on standby and the company also pushed people to sign up for alerts and report outages.The Minneapolis City Council is set to vote this week on whether to approve a reconstruction project on Lyndale Avenue South. Project officials with Hennepin County say the street is due for improvements. But some business owners are seeking a delay. They say they're worried about losing customers as some businesses on nearby Hennepin Avenue continue to struggle after recent road work there.The Minnesota Department of Commerce has advice for homeowners affected by the recent rash of weather events around the state. The agency recommends homeowners document all damages and should not repair anything until talking to their insurance provider first.Enrollment in the state's MNsure health insurance plans plunged 12 percent already this year in the wake of rising health insurance costs.

Listen to the SF Daily podcast for Monday, July 13, 2026, with host Lorrie Boyer. Start your morning with the latest agriculture news, commodity market updates, weather impacts, and the stories shaping farming and rural America. Today's episode covers: • Grain markets: Corn and soybeans remain firm, while wheat markets see profit-taking.• USDA WASDE report: Tighter ending stocks for corn and soybeans provide market support.• Global trade: Black Sea tensions could impact grain exports and global supply concerns.• Market trends: Investors increased bullish soybean positions, while speculators reduced short positions in corn and wheat futures.• Livestock markets: Live cattle and feeder cattle futures posted losses, while wholesale box beef prices moved higher.• Agriculture weather: Excessive rain and drought concerns continue across parts of the Corn Belt, with extreme heat warnings impacting the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Subscribe to SF Daily for quick, trusted updates on farm news, grain markets, livestock, USDA reports, and weather conditions affecting agriculture every morning. Listen to the SF Daily podcast for Monday, July 13, 2026, with host Lorrie Boyer. Start your morning with the latest agriculture news, commodity market updates, weather impacts, and the stories shaping farming and rural America. Today's episode covers: • Grain markets: Corn and soybeans remain firm, while wheat markets see profit-taking.• USDA WASDE report: Tighter ending stocks for corn and soybeans provide market support.• Global trade: Black Sea tensions could impact grain exports and global supply concerns.• Market trends: Investors increased bullish soybean positions, while speculators reduced short positions in corn and wheat futures.• Livestock markets: Live cattle and feeder cattle futures posted losses, while wholesale box beef prices moved higher.• Agriculture weather: Excessive rain and drought concerns continue across parts of the Corn Belt, with extreme heat warnings impacting the northern Plains and Upper Midwest. Subscribe to SF Daily for quick, trusted updates on farm news, grain markets, livestock, USDA reports, and weather conditions affecting agriculture every morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meat raffles are a beloved Minnesota bar tradition: Buy a ticket, watch the wheel spin, and maybe go home with steaks, brats or ground beef for dinner. But where did this unusual game of chance come from? In this episode of Curious Minnesota, host Erica Pearson talks with reporter Eleanor Hildebrandt about the surprisingly rich history of meat raffles, from their earliest roots in Wisconsin to their role in Minnesota's charitable gambling scene today. Along the way, they uncover tales of banned raffles, “fallen off a truck” beef, packed small-town bars and why this quirky game has become such a social ritual across the Upper Midwest. Plus: how recent law changes could make meat raffles more valuable for nonprofits — and more tempting for players.

Send us Fan MailThe "Tardy Memorial" has quickly become one of the premier dirt track racing events in the Upper Midwest, and this week we're joined by one of the men helping make it happen — Ryan Aho from "The One To Go Show"Ryan joins the Built2 Media Podcast to preview the massive Tardy Memorial coming to Hibbing Speedway on July 10th. We break down the incredible payout structure, bonus prizes, special awards, and everything racers and fans can expect from what could be the highest-paying Super Stock race ever held. We also discuss the addition of the Fast Lane Super Stock Series, the tremendous amount of work that goes into organizing an event of this magnitude, and why the Tardy Memorial is one of the most prestigious races on the Iron Range.Beyond the event itself, Ryan reflects on his legendary racing career, including his four consecutive national championships, the keys to sustained success, and some of the memories that stand out most from his time behind the wheel.We also dive into all the action from Rice Lake Speedway this past weekend, including:

Send us Fan MailThis week on the Built2 Media Podcast, Blake and Ben are back to break down a huge weekend of dirt track racing from Red Cedar Speedway and Cedar Lake Speedway's legendary Masters Weekend!The guys dive into Alex Myers continuing his hot streak, John Parish putting on one of the most impressive drives through the field Friday, and the Panitzke family making plenty of noise at Cedar Lake. Plus, Jake Timm adds another big victory to his resume during Masters Weekend competition.Who impressed us the most? Which races had the biggest storylines? Who's building momentum as the season rolls on? We cover it all while throwing in our usual mix of racing talk, bad takes, and a few laughs along the way.We'll also discuss the latest news and notes from around the Upper Midwest racing scene, highlight the weekend's biggest movers, and look ahead to another busy week of racing.If you missed the action, we've got you covered. If you were there, relive it with us!This Episode brought to you by - MBTV Sports At QualityFreightRate.com, we make freight shipping simple and affordable. Our expert team secures the best rates in the market while ensuring on-time delivery, clear communication, and dependable service from pickup to final destination. Support the show

Top stories on today's show include:-An extension livestock veterinarian encourages producers in the Upper Midwest to have a level-headed response to New World screwworm.-It's official. El Nino has arrived. -Consistent rains are greening up pastures in Missouri, but cattle producers say that same moisture is slowing hay production and threatening forage quality.-An ag economist says a new tool from Purdue's Center for Commercial Agriculture could help producers calculate the cost of production.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Martha Raddatz reports on the U.S. military unleashing a new wave of attacks across Iran, striking "multiple targets,” according to Central Command; Alex Perez has details on the tornado watch issued for parts of Iowa, Missouri and Kansas as a multi-day severe weather threat continues for 100 million Americans from the Upper Midwest to the Northeast, and Lee Goldberg tracks it all out; in an interview with ABC News' Linsey Davis, Anthropic CEO and co-founder Dario Amodei has issued an urgent warning about the dangers of AI, calling for government regulation as companies across the globe develop the technology; and more on tonight's broadcast of World News Tonight with David Muir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, what the rain and snow are telling about PFAS pollution in the Upper Midwest—plus some information about new PFAS laws in Minnesota that could be a blueprint for Wisconsin. Host: Amy Barrilleaux Guest: Alexander Frie, Research and Fellowship Coordinator, Minnesota Sea Grant Resources for you: Amara's Law regulating PFAS in Products (Minnesota) Episode 62: What to Know about PFAS in Pesticides PFAS Contamination in Public and Private Wells in Wisconsin (Health Research Brief)    

The Trump administration is preparing to temporarily lower tariffs on imported beef in an effort to ease record-high beef prices for American consumers. That news on Monday sent cattle futures on a wild ride that ended well off of session lows, as some early week cash cattle trade surfaced on the day as well. John Heinberg with Total Farm Marketing joins us to discuss the livestock and grain trade to start the week, including a look ahead to the May WASDE Report, US/China meeting and more on tap this week. Find more online at https://www.totalfarmmarketing.com. Could we see a warmup in the weather pattern to help propel more spring planting this week? What about the early week frost concerns in the Upper Midwest? Eric Snodgrass with Nutrien Ag Solutions joins us to discuss on our Weekly Weather Update as we look at U.S. weather, updates for South America and Europe and more. Find more at https://www.ag-wx.com. In Segment One, we also get some market perspective from Tyler Schau with AgMarket.net and Arlan Suderman with StoneX at the top of the show.

Planting season is moving forward, but late April and early May are bringing plenty of questions for corn, soybeans, and grain marketing decisions. In this Weekly Market Outlook from The Ag View Pitch, we break down where acreage may still shift, how planting progress differs across the Corn Belt, and what farmers should be watching as the market reacts to weather, demand, and upcoming USDA reports.This episode covers corn acreage expectations, possible soybean acreage shifts, delayed planting conditions in parts of the Upper Midwest, and why large acreage changes may be less likely as southern crops continue moving ahead. We also discuss new crop marketing strategy, old crop grain decisions, storage management, cash flow needs, and why many producers may want to have bins cleaned out by the Fourth of July.On the market side, the conversation looks at strong corn export demand, fund positioning, drought concerns, soybean crush margins, biofuel demand, wheat crop conditions in Kansas, and the upcoming May USDA WASDE report. If you are a farmer trying to manage old crop sales, new crop pricing opportunities, planting risk, or grain storage decisions, this episode provides a practical look at the week ahead.

Scott Stipetich, Senior Precision Ag and Conservation Specialist for Pheasants Forever in Wisconsin, joins Tyler and Matt to unpack how yield and profitability data are reshaping habitat conservation on working farms. We dig into identifying marginal cropland, converting unprofitable acres into prairie strips, pollinator plantings, and wetland restoration, and why wider habitat corridors mean better nesting success against fox, skunk, and coyote predation. A must-listen for upland hunters, landowners, farmers, and anyone interested in pheasant habitat, CRP, and practical farm conservation in the Upper Midwest. If you are looking for more information on the topics in this episode, check out these links: Pheasants Forever - Find A Biologist Precision Ag & Conservation in Wisconsin Story Map Precision Ag & Conservation in Wisconsin Minidocumentary Check out the following links for even more content: Instagram Facebook Youtube More About the Upduck Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode of WeatherBrains is all about Colorado weather! Tonight's show features Guest WeatherBrain and Colorado State Climatologist Dr. Russ Schumacher.  He's also a Professor at Colorado State University and is Director of the Colorado Climate Center.  He's been involved in extreme precipitation, weather prediction, and is the guru of Colorado weather.  Dr. Schumaker, welcome to the show! Second Guest WeatherBrain is the project manager of CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network).  He is the CoCoRaHS East Central Region Illinois State Coordinator and has been an active observer in Illinois for over 19 years.  He retired as the director of the MRCC and is a big fan of winter weather.  Steve Hilberg, thanks for joining us tonight! Third Guest WeatherBrain Noah Newman is a Research Associate with the Colorado Climate Center at Colorado State University.  He's been the Education Coordinator at CoCoRaHS since 2008, and has teaching experience from astronomy to rocketry to various Earth sciences.  Noah, welcome to WeatherBrains! Our email officer Jen is continuing to handle the incoming messages from our listeners. Reach us here: email@weatherbrains.com. Upper Midwest severe weather event (03:00) What is it like to be a State Climatologist?  (07:00) 2019 Colorado hail record (14:30) How did Noah get into meteorology?  (24:30) Deep dive into CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network) (27:00) Snowfall vs snow depth and the confusion between them (41:00) CoCoRaHS Significant Weather Reports (48:45) Moderate risk busts vs overachieving conditional systems (57:00) Dr. Schumacher's current research in Colorado (01:05:00) Process to get involved at CoCoRaHS (01:10:00) The Astronomy Outlook with Tony Rice (01:15:30) This Week in Tornado History With Jen (01:18:15) E-Mail Segment (01:20:00) and more! Web Sites from Episode 1056:   CoCoRaHS Alabama Weather Network Picks of the Week: Steve Hilberg - Ag Weather Noah Newman - CoCoRaHS Data Explorer Dr. Russ Schumacher - CoCoRaHS All About Hail James Aydelott - NWS Norman Observed Sounding Jen Narramore - County Road 69 Tornado April 15th, 2011 Rick Smith - Out Troy Kimmel - Out Kim Klockow-McClain - Reed Timmer tornado video John Gordon - NWS Louisville Shareholders Report 2025 Bill Murray - Out James Spann - James Spann on X: Emmetsburg, IA tornado video The WeatherBrains crew includes your host, James Spann, plus other notable geeks like Troy Kimmel, Bill Murray, Rick Smith, James Aydelott, Jen Narramore, John Gordon, and Dr. Kim Klockow-McClain. They bring together a wealth of weather knowledge and experience for another fascinating podcast about weather.

Today's EM Morning Brief covers an active multi-day severe weather outbreak across the Southern Plains and into the Upper Midwest, with confirmed tornadoes in Kansas and Minnesota and an enhanced threat continuing through Tuesday. Emergency operations continue in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands under Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with a Presidential emergency declaration in effect. NIFC is at Preparedness Level 2, with active large fires on the Southern Plains and a growing wildfire near the Colorado–New Mexico border. USGS reports Kīlauea's eruption paused, while three Alaska volcanoes remain at elevated alert levels. CISA adds a new Adobe Acrobat vulnerability to the KEV catalog, and CDC's HAN on medetomidine in illicit fentanyl remains active. EM Morning Brief is your concise daily update on national and state-by-state emergency management news. Produced by Sitch Radio, an EOC Voices podcast.Key Takeaways* Multi-day severe weather outbreak is the top national concern, stretching from the Southern Plains into the Upper Midwest; confirmed tornadoes and damage reported in Kansas (Ottawa, minor injuries in Franklin County) and southern Minnesota late Monday, with tornado watches continuing through Tuesday across TX, OK, AR, MO, and WI.* Excessive rainfall and flooding risk flagged by the National Water Center from the Texas Hill Country through the Great Lakes through mid-week.* Super Typhoon Sinlaku remains the Pacific operational priority — Presidential emergency declaration in effect for Guam (signed April 12), Typhoon Warnings for Rota, Tinian, Saipan, and the Northern Islands, Tropical Storm Warning for Guam.* Wildfire posture is elevated for April — NIFC at National Preparedness Level 2; active large fires include Buffalo Gap (SD, ~5,400 acres), Horny Toad (TX Panhandle), and Glen Ferris (WV).* Early-season fire activity in the Southwest — Colorado fire near the NM border grew to ~450 acres; New Mexico maintains statewide fire restrictions banning prescribed burns, fireworks, campfires, and smoking on state lands.* Volcanic activity — USGS reports Kīlauea's Halemaʻumaʻu eruption paused after episode 44 (ADVISORY / YELLOW); Great Sitkin remains at WATCH / ORANGE; Shishaldin and Atka Volcanic Complex at ADVISORY / YELLOW.* Cyber — CISA added a new Adobe Acrobat vulnerability to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, triggering federal remediation timelines.* Public health — CDC's Health Alert Network advisory on medetomidine in the illicit fentanyl supply remains active guidance for EMS, EDs, and harm-reduction programs.* Planned federal exercise — FEMA biennial radiological emergency preparedness exercise at the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station (PA/MD border); not an actual emergency.* Water advisory — Precautionary boil-water notice for the Island of Rota (CNMI) tied to planned water system maintenance.* Travel posture — U.S. State Department travel advisory posture remains elevated across multiple regions; operators with international deployments should re-check country-specific levels before travel.SourcesNOAA / NWS / Storm Prediction Center• SPC Convective Outlook — Daily severe weather outlooks covering the Plains and Mid-Mississippi Valley tornado threat• NWS Active Alerts — National map and feed of active watches, warnings, and advisories• National Water Center — Flood and hydrologic outlook for Upper Midwest and Great LakesNational Hurricane Center / NWS Guam• NWS Guam / WFO GUM — Tropical cyclone warnings and advisories for Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands• Central Pacific Hurricane Center — Central and Western Pacific tropical cyclone productsUSGS — Earthquakes and Volcanoes• USGS Volcano Notices (HANS) — Current volcanic alert levels and aviation color codes, including Kīlauea and Alaska volcanoes• USGS Earthquake Map — Real-time global earthquake feed and magnitude filtersNIFC / InciWeb• NIFC Situation Report — Daily national Incident Management Situation Report and preparedness level• InciWeb Incident Information System — Current large-fire tracking, including Buffalo Gap and other active incidentsFEMA• FEMA Press Releases — Disaster declarations, grants, and operational announcements• FEMA Disaster Declarations — Searchable database of federal disaster and emergency declarationsDHS / NTAS• National Terrorism Advisory System — Current DHS National Terrorism Advisory bulletin postureCISA• CISA News & Events — Advisories, alerts, and operational cybersecurity guidance• CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog — Current KEV catalog including newly added Adobe Acrobat vulnerabilityCDC / Public Health• CDC Health Alert Network — Current HAN advisories including medetomidine in illicit fentanylU.S. State Department• Travel Advisories — Country-by-country travel advisory levels and recent updatesColorado• Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control — State wildland fire information and incident statusKansas• Kansas Division of Emergency Management — State emergency management updates and severe weather response• NWS Topeka — Local forecast office warnings and confirmed tornado reports for eastern KansasMinnesota and Wisconsin• NWS Twin Cities — Severe weather warnings and storm reports for southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin• Wisconsin Emergency Management — State severe weather response and county-level watchesNew Mexico• New Mexico Fire Information — Statewide fire restrictions, red flag warnings, and active incident updatesOklahoma• Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management — State emergency management severe weather response• NWS Norman — Local forecast office tornado watches and warnings for central OklahomaPennsylvania and Maryland• FEMA Peach Bottom REP Exercise — Biennial radiological emergency preparedness exercise noticeSouth Dakota• South Dakota Wildland Fire — State wildland fire situation and incident resourcesTexas• Texas Division of Emergency Management — State severe weather and wildfire response updates• Texas A&M Forest Service — Statewide wildland fire situation and active incident trackingWest Virginia• West Virginia Division of Forestry — State wildland fire situation and active incident informationGuam and Northern Mariana Islands• Guam Homeland Security / OCD — Territorial emergency management and typhoon response coordination• CUC Public Advisories — Commonwealth Utilities Corporation notices, including Rota boil water notice• NWS Guam Tropical Cyclones — Current warnings and advisories for Super Typhoon Sinlaku This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

Audio from our free seasonal tasks masterclass on March 31  Spring makes people want to rush outside and “fix” the yard, but we've learned that the fastest way to a healthier landscape is slowing down. We kick off with a practical Upper Midwest spring gardening checklist: last-chance dormant-season pruning for shrubs and fruit trees, a clear warning to leave oak trees alone once temperatures warm, and a gentler spring cleanup that protects overwintering native bees, caterpillars, and other beneficial insects. If you only tidy one spot, we suggest keeping it near high-visibility areas and leaving the rest of the habitat intact a bit longer. From there, we get into planting and maintenance decisions that actually make life easier. We talk about timing for perennials and native grasses, early cool-season vegetable seeding, and why “leave the leaves” still applies in spring. We also share our take on bed edging, why we minimize dyed mulch, when bird feeders should come down, and how lilacs are getting thrown off by climate patterns plus when to prune them without losing blooms. You'll also hear how we aim for a realistic sweet spot with natives while still leaving room for fun color like dahlias and gladiolus. Then we shift into spring lawn care: overseeding a bee lawn with clover and other pollinator-friendly plants, mowing higher for deeper roots, why we skip No Mow May here, and the hard no on Weed and Feed. We cover irrigation timing, power raking myths, and a simple organic fertilizer approach including the half-pound nitrogen guideline. If you want a yard that saves water, stores carbon, and feeds pollinators, this one's for you. Subscribe, share with a neighbor who loves their lawn, and leave a review with your biggest spring yard question.Save $30 on your first month of A Better Yard!Head to ABetterYard.org and use coupon code PODCAST at checkout to save $30!

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell speaks with Rep. Esther Agbaje about urgent legislative efforts to support Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC), a critical safety net hospital serving the Upper Midwest. She discusses her upcoming “Ball Park” tax bill and the need for bipartisan cooperation as the legislative session winds down. Rep. Agbaje emphasizes that the future of HCMC impacts all Minnesotans, from urban communities to rural areas, making it a statewide concern. The conversation highlights the importance of securing sustainable funding to ensure continued access to essential healthcare services.

Heavy thunderstorms this week may bring hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flooding rain from the Plains to the Great Lakes, disrupting travel and outdoor plans into Easter weekend. Also, rounds of snow and ice will sweep from the Upper Midwest to northern New England later this week, raising the risk of slippery travel and power outages as ice and snow accumulates on trees and power lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable experiences of Holly Burns, psychic, from the Minneapolis, Minnesota area, who shares her ongoing encounters with the Sasquatch people across the Upper Midwest. Living near a network of wooded corridors and rural landscapes, Holly describes how her interactions began to intensify over the past few years, leading to repeated activity near her property and nearby wilderness areas. From unusual gifting exchanges and food interactions to large footprints appearing in deep snow, Holly recounts moments that have steadily strengthened her belief that a Sasquatch clan lives closer to civilization than many would expect.Holly also shares a series of late-night sightings that left a lasting impression, including a moment when glowing eyes watched from the tree line and a brief video she captured during one of these encounters. Her experiences extend beyond Minnesota as well, with surprising discoveries in places like Utah and Wisconsin that suggest these beings travel along natural corridors stretching far beyond a single location.Along the way, Holly reflects on the intelligence and awareness she believes these beings possess and the unusual ways they communicate with those who notice them. Her story offers a detailed look into what it might be like to live near a Sasquatch clan while slowly building a connection with something rarely seen and even more rarely understoodJoin us as we explore Holly's ongoing journey in Minnesota and the growing mystery surrounding Sasquatch activity in places many people pass through every day without ever realizing what might be watching from the woods.Resources: https://www.youtube.com/@hollyburnspsychic1523https://www.instagram.com/hollyburnspsychic/https://www.facebook.com/Hollyburnspsychichttps://www.hollyburnspsychic.com/

Today on America in the MorningTrump Finds No Help For Strait Of Hormuz Plans In a Monday press conference, President Trump discussed the war with Iran, but also vented frustration with a number of America's allies over their reluctance to aid the US military in getting ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz and getting Middle East oil to its destinations.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports President Trump is urging other nations to help, but many European and Asian countries are rejecting his pleas.   Severe Weather & TSA Trouble The combination of Monday's severe weather in the Upper Midwest and the East Coast, combined with those tasked with providing security at the nation's airports still not getting paid due to the partial government shutdown is putting pressure on lawmakers to act.  Correspondent Julie Walker reports there were over 4,000 canceled flights in the US on Monday, and people waited as long as 4 hours to get through security checkpoints due to a lack of staffing.   Cuban Power Outage President Trump is again considering action against Cuba as the country suffers economic hardships and island-wide power outages.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   SCOTUS To Hear Immigration Case The Supreme Court says it will hear another Trump administration immigration case, this one involving migrants from nations in the Caribbean and the Middle East.  Correspondent Ed Donahue has details.   Striking Slaughterhouse Workers About 3,800 workers for the world's largest meatpacking company began striking Monday in Colorado, and if they don't get a new contract soon, already costly beef could become even more expensive for U.S.   Trump-Kennedy Center To Close President Trump announced it last month, and now it's official.  The Trump-Kennedy Center will close for a massive two-year renovation project inside and out.  More from correspondent Rich Johnson.   Historic Nebraska Wildfire It's being called the worst wildfire in the history of the state of Nebraska.  More than 700-thousand acres of rangeland are burning in the Cornhusker state, and cattle farmers say it's leading to big losses that could stretch over the next few years.  Correspondent Joan Jones has the story.   EU Saying No To Trump President Trump's pleas to the European Union and other nations to help the United States work to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open to shipping as Iran targets vessels and oil facilities in the region seems to be falling on deaf ears.  Correspondent Karen Chammas reports on E-U foreign ministers weighing up a decision of what to do to keep the Strait of Hormuz open in order to stop an energy crisis. Richins Guilty Kouri Richins, the Utah woman accused of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl, and then self-published a children's book on grieving following his death, has been found guilty of murder following a weeks-long trial.  Finally   There were some surprising snubs, at least one missing winning actor, and a number of controversial moments at Sunday night's Oscar's.  The details from entertainment reporter Kevin Carr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on America in the Morning Trump Wants Help Reopening The Strait As gas prices around the world continue to rise due to the U.S. led war with Iran, President Trump is urging allies, and a main adversary, to help secure a highly used oil shipping waterway off Iran's coast.  John Stolnis has more from Washington. Severe Weather In America Snow measured in feet in the Upper Midwest, severe rain and bad weather for the South and Midwest, excessive heat in the West, and record rainfall for Hawaii that has caused flooding and power outages for over 100 thousand people is wreaking havoc for a majority of the states.  Correspondent Julie Walker says from Florida to Minnesota, the East Coast and over to the Hawaiian Islands, mid-March is roaring in like a lion with more bad weather today.   Latest On Michigan Synagogue Attack The Israeli government is claiming they have evidence that the brother of the man who carried out Thursday's attack on a synagogue in the Detroit suburb of West Bloomfield Township, Michigan was a Hezbollah unit commander responsible for launching hundreds of rockets into Israel who was killed in Israeli airstrikes against the terror group in Lebanon days earlier.  The latest from correspondent Ed Donahue.   FCC Chair On War Coverage There's bipartisan pushback to a comment made over the weekend by the FCC Chairman regarding media coverage of the war in Iran.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   Gun Seller Charged In ODU Attack In Virginia, the government is bringing criminal charges against the man who sold the Old Dominion University shooter a gun.  Lisa Dwyer reports.   Iran On The Sunday Shows In the Middle East, nations are responding with caution after President Trump called on countries including China, France, the UK and South Korea to join an effort to help protect ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively shut down due to attacks.  The topic of the war with Iran and the shutdown of shipping was heavily discussed on the Sunday TV talk shows.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   US-Cuba Talks There were protests in Cuba including the torching of Communist Party headquarters in the central part of the island nation over rolling blackouts and a lack of fuel due to the US effectively cutting off oil supplies.  Correspondent Cristiana Mesquita reports.   Powell Subpoenas Blocked The Department of Justice plans to appeal a judge's decision to block subpoenas issued to the Federal Reserve and Jerome Powell involving a criminal investigation that the DOJ claims has what it alleges as a mountain of evidence.  Correspondent Ed Donahue reports.   Talking About Higher Prices President Trump's Energy Secretary took to the Sunday talk shows to discuss the rapidly increasing price at the gas pump, but as Sue Aller reports, the answer from the Trump administration is that gas prices will remain higher, but not for the long term. Pain At The Pump Gas prices continue to soar by the day across the nation.  At one Chevron gas station in the Chinatown section of Los Angeles, regular unleaded priced out at $7-61-a-gallon, nearly $3 more than the city average, and about $2 more than the Golden State statewide average.  Finally   The Oscars took center stage in Los Angeles with a showdown between Sinners and One Battle After Another.  With a Hollywood recap, here's entertainment reporter Kevin Carr.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Devil's Ledger Week of March 2 Winter is doing what winter does — and depending on where you live, it's doing a lot of it. If you're under 35 and living in the Northeast, this may be the coldest winter of your life. In parts of the Southwest, it might be the warmest. Here in Los Angeles, it's been suspiciously perfect. Sorry to our friends back East. The Creepiest Thing I Heard This Week Apparently, Bigfoot is alive and well… and wandering along power line clearings in the Upper Midwest. Multiple sightings, same week. Tall, broad, covered in dark hair, walking upright before disappearing into the tree line. Either it's misidentification — or something out there really prefers utility access roads. On The Devil Within We begin a two-part series on the possession of Anna Ecklund, one of the most documented exorcism cases in American history — a story that may connect back more than a century and across an ocean. On The Ides of April Alexander reaches Egypt and starts naming everything after himself — cities, allies, probably his lunch — until his exhausted army finally refuses to follow him any farther toward India. On Criminal Mischief Carolyn covers the trial of Kouri Richins, the mother who wrote a children's grief book after her husband's death — and now stands accused of causing it. On Taboo Treasures The guys dig into the long history of executions — and how capital punishment has become one of the most politically charged debates of our time. On Finding Me with Josh Wolf Josh continues his daily pursuit of accountability, honesty, and becoming the best version of himself — one uncomfortable truth at a time. This Week in Horror The Bride! reimagines the Frankenstein story in 1930s Chicago, starring Christian Bale, Jesse Buckley, and Jake Gyllenhaal. Follow The Devil's Ledger for weekly updates from across the Evio universe — and share it with someone who likes their news with a darker edge. Because sometimes the strangest stories aren't legends. They're the ones happening right now.

Ross Willits is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Association. He swings by to talk about the modern state of Bluegrass in the Upper Midwest and to share all the details of the upcoming 46th Minnesota Bluegrass Winter Weekend. Enjoy!

You've probably heard of a watershed or a foodshed, but have you heard of a fibershed? On today's show, host Douglas Haynes unpacks the growing movement of farmers and fiber artists rebuilding Wisconsin's wool and flax textile systems. He's joined by Leslie Schroeder of the Midwest Linen Revival, Jane Hansen, a sheep farmer and Board Member of the Three Rivers FIbershed, and WORT's Talk Producer, Sara Gabler, whose article about fibersheds is featured in this month's Isthmus magazine. Fibersheds focus on what can be readily grown within a particular bioregion. In the Upper Midwest, that's not cotton or indigo, but wool and flax. These grassroots organizations nurture place-based relationships–between sheep, the soil, water systems, and the farmers and laborers who grow and process the raw materials into the quality yarns that fiber artists love.  Going local is a choice that supports the environment and local farmers at a time when small family farms need as much backing and better crop opportunities as they can get. Hansen and Schroeder recommend mending the clothes that you already own and avoiding buying synthetic fabrics that shed microplastics. Schroeder says to start small, make one garment from locally sourced materials and it will become something you always cherish. Hansen describes the work that goes into raising healthy sheep, including her pasture management practices and the process of prepping fleece to go to the fiber mill. She gets support from her fibershed and uses her farm to educate the public about the importance of locally grown textiles.  Though there are several cottage mills in the state, Wisconsin lacks the infrastructure that would make it possible for sheep farmers to produce wool at a commercial scale. We don't have any infrastructure for producing linen, the fiber that is derived from the flax plant. There's a healthy demand for locally grown linen, says Schroeder, but you'd have to grow and prepare it yourself at the moment. Schroeder hopes to change that with her grant-funded work to source high-quality domestic seeds, purchase and import harvesting equipment, and site a multi-million dollar mill.  You can learn more about wool and fibersheds by reading one of Schroeder's recommended books (Vanishing Fleece, Women's Work, or Fibershed) and find your local organization here. Jane Hansen raises Coopworth sheep in Ogema, WI. She is a board member of the Three Rivers Fibershed, Northern Pines fibershed and Embrace (a domestic and sexual violence advocacy service provider in a 4 county region of Northern WI). She is also an active member of Wisconsin Farmers Union and host of a monthly Fiber Fun on the Farm event at her own farm. Leslie Schroeder is the co-founder of Midwest Linen Revival, an organization dedicated to laying the groundwork for establishing flax for fiber as an agricultural crop in our region. She is co-curator of the Field to Frock festival, co-creator of two teenaged daughters, and sleeps outside whenever she can. Featured image of the stages of flax production. Courtesy of Sara Gabler/WORT. Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Local Fiber Movement Is Re-Stitching the Social Fabric appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Wildfire response constitutes the primary national concern as we delve into the developments surrounding the ongoing fires in the Southern Plains, particularly in Oklahoma's Panhandle and its western counties. The Ranger Road Fire, which has expanded significantly into Kansas, exemplifies the critical nature of this situation, with emergency management reporting substantial acreage affected and a mere 15% containment. Additionally, the state of Texas has received federal assistance for the Eight Ball fire, underscoring the severity of the crisis and the necessity for coordinated firefighting efforts. Concurrently, winter weather impacts persist in the Upper Midwest, complicating travel and safety for residents in those regions. As we navigate these pressing issues, it is imperative to remain informed about local conditions and heed official advisories to ensure personal safety and community resilience.Takeaways:* The ongoing wildfire response remains a paramount national concern, particularly in Oklahoma and Texas.* In Oklahoma, the Ranger Road Fire has reached an alarming 283,283 acres with only 15% containment.* Winter weather advisories in the Upper Midwest forecast hazardous travel conditions due to accumulating snow.* California experiences cold conditions prompting freeze warnings, necessitating protective measures for vulnerable entities.Sources[NWS Sacramento | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=CAZ216&lat=39.732&local_place1=Chico+CA&lon=-121.842&product1=Flash+Flood+Watch&warncounty=CAC007&warnzone=CAZ016][Kansas Dept. of Agriculture | https://www.agriculture.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/629/17] [Oklahoma OEM | https://oklahoma.gov/oem/news/newsroom/wildfire-situation-update-2---feb-18-2026.html][NWS Duluth | https://www.weather.gov/dlh/][NWS Hazard Info | https://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?firewxzone=MNZ012&lat=47.796&local_place1=10+Miles+NW+Schroeder+MN&lon=-91.112&product1=Winter+Storm+Warning&warncounty=MNC075&warnzone=MNZ012][Oklahoma OEM | https://oklahoma.gov/oem/news/newsroom/wildfire-situation-update-2---feb-18-2026.html][TDEM | https://www.tdem.texas.gov/press-release/2-19-26] [TDEM Disaster Page | https://tdem.texas.gov/disasters/26-0001-february-wildfires][NWS WWA Text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=mpx&wwa=winter+weather+advisory] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

On a warm-for-February day in Minnesota, Brad dives into two topics shaping today's dairy landscape: changing dairy herd demographics in the Upper Midwest and new research on dairy cow preferences for grooming brushes.The episode opens with a look at dairy farm numbers in Minnesota, where the state has lost nearly 37% of its dairy farms since 2019—dropping from 2,567 to just 1,622 operations. Brad breaks down herd size distribution, showing Minnesota remains dominated by small herds (especially 50–100 cows), even as the number of very large herds continues to grow. He also highlights where dairy farms are concentrated geographically, with Stearns County leading the state, and notes that seven Minnesota counties now have no dairy farms at all.Brad then compares Minnesota to Wisconsin, which still has over 5,100 licensed dairy farms. Wisconsin's dairy industry includes a notable number of goat dairies (nearly 400) and a small but interesting presence of sheep dairies. He walks through the top dairy counties in Wisconsin, illustrating how dairy production clusters in central, southwestern, and Green Bay–adjacent regions.In the second half of the episode, Brad discusses a new Purdue University study examining dairy cow preferences for grooming brushes. Researchers compared three brush types—swinging and rotating, swinging only, and stationary—and found that more than 75% of cows preferred the swinging, rotating brush. Cows spent several minutes grooming their heads, backs, and rumps, with rotating brushes offering the most engagement and relaxation. While stationary brushes were used mainly for head scratching, the study suggests that offering a variety of brush types may give cows valuable choice and enrichment.Brad wraps up by reflecting on what these trends mean for dairy farm viability, animal welfare, and management decisions—leaving listeners with practical insights and plenty to think about.Questions, comments, scathing rebuttals? -> themoosroom@umn.edu or call 612-624-3610 and leave us a message!Linkedin -> The Moos RoomTwitter -> @UMNmoosroom and @UMNFarmSafetyFacebook -> @UMNDairyYouTube -> UMN Beef and Dairy and UMN Farm Safety and HealthInstagram -> @UMNWCROCDairyExtension WebsiteAgriAmerica Podcast Directory 

Episode #1685 of Dentistry Uncensored with Howard Farran explores 12 Practical Tips for Practice Management with Bill Rossi. Bill Rossi is a nationally recognized dental practice management consultant with over 35 years of experience helping dentists grow more profitable, efficient, and sustainable practices. Through Advanced Practice Management, Bill and his team are actively involved in the ongoing management of 250+ dental practices across the Upper Midwest. Each month, Bill analyzes more than $30 million in dental activity and conducts 600+ on-site consultations annually, giving him a uniquely deep and practical perspective on what truly works in real-world dentistry. His approach is tactical, data-driven, and focused on delivering measurable results dentists can implement immediately.

Bankers, Realtors, the Land itself, and Personal Finances. All Key aspects to consider and shop around when buying land in today's Wisconsin or Upper Midwest market.

This podcast episode provides a comprehensive overview of current weather conditions and natural events affecting various regions of the United States. The salient point of discussion centers on the notable warmth in the western states juxtaposed with a winter storm impacting the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes. Additionally, the episode addresses ongoing freezing spray hazards in the Bering Sea and the current status of wildfire incidents, which remain low but are nearing containment in Kentucky, Texas, and Missouri. Other significant updates include new flood maps released by FEMA for Pima County, Arizona, and winter weather advisories for Northern Michigan. We conclude with a reminder to monitor local forecasts for any evolving weather situations and to prioritize safety during adverse conditions.Takeaways:* The National Weather Service has reported significantly above normal warmth across the western United States.* In Alaska, freezing spray hazards are currently affecting portions of the Bering Sea, posing risks to mariners.* A prolonged Santa Ana event is anticipated in Southern California, with strong gusts and dry conditions.* Residents of Pima County, Arizona, are encouraged to review newly released flood maps from FEMA.* Winter weather advisories have been issued in Michigan, warning of slippery roads and reduced visibility due to blowing snow.* Flood watches are in effect for parts of Washington State, where minor flooding is a concern due to recent rains.Sources[NWS Anchorage Marine | https://marine.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?product1=Heavy+Freezing+Spray+Warning&warnzone=PKZ414][FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20260112/fema-updates-flood-maps-pima-county][NWS Los Angeles | https://www.weather.gov/lox/][NWS San Diego FWF | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=SGX&product=FWF&site=sgx][NWS Bay Area AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=mtr&product=AFD&site=mtr][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn][NWS — Winter Weather Advisory text | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=usa&wwa=winter+weather+advisory][NWS Grand Forks/Duluth — WWA/HWO | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=fgf&wwa=all][NIFC | https://www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn][NWS Seattle — Flood Watch | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=all][NWS Seattle AFD | https://forecast.weather.gov/product.php?issuedby=SEW&product=AFD&site=sew] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

From the shadowy northern forests where the elusive Canada lynx roams, to the fragile prairies guarding tiny butterflies and rare orchids. Join us as author Adam Regn Arvidson takes us on a captivating journey through Minnesota's most threatened wild critters and plants.  In his book Wild and Rare: Tracking Endangered Species in the Upper Midwest, Adam shares stories of hope, discovery, and the dedicated people fighting to protect our state's incredible biodiversity.    Presented by Kinetico (kineticoMN.com/), Star Bank (star.bank/), FishUSA (fishusa.com/), Ebels Voyageur Houseboats (ebels.com/), & Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota (https://davmn.org/)

John Chang analyzes how perception and data often diverge in real estate investing. Drawing from fresh insights after speaking with investors in Dallas, he contrasts Texas Sunbelt markets with the Upper Midwest to reveal surprising five-year trends in rent growth, vacancies, and pricing. John breaks down why overdevelopment has dampened returns in high-growth metros like Austin and Dallas, while steady markets like Chicago and Cincinnati quietly outperformed. He closes by encouraging investors to look beyond the headlines, challenge herd mentality, and explore under-the-radar markets where fundamentals—not hype—drive performance. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Podcast production done by ⁠Outlier Audio⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Jon Steigerwaldt, a Forest Conservation Director for the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. Jon talks about the critical habitat work happening in the Driftless Region and northeast Iowa, highlighting the challenges facing ruffed grouse populations, the impact of forest management, and ongoing conservation efforts. From habitat restoration to dealing with invasive species, this conversation covers key conservation strategies while also touching on Jon's experiences hunting and training his bird dog, Hazel. Jon Steigerwaldt is a dedicated conservationist and upland bird hunter with a deep background in forestry and forest ecology. With a focus on sustainable forest management, Jon works with multiple states across the Upper Midwest to improve habitats for ruffed grouse, woodcock, and other species. In his role with the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, Jon is directly involved in large-scale projects to restore forest ecosystems and support wildlife populations in the Driftless Region and beyond. Expect to Learn The importance of forest management for ruffed grouse and other upland species How dynamic forest restoration blocks help improve habitat for grouse populations Challenges faced by forest management in the Driftless Region, including parcelization and topography The role of invasive species like multiflora rose and honeysuckle in disrupting habitat Jon's insights into training bird dogs like his setter, Hazel, and the role of dogs in upland hunting Current efforts to revitalize grouse populations in northeast Iowa and other parts of the Midwest Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction [04:00] - Nick's First Ruffed Grouse Hunt of the Year [10:22] - Jon's Bird Dog, Hazel, and How She's Developed Over the Years [11:32] - Jon's First Big Dog [13:33] - Jon's Career and Education [23:01] - Parcelization and Landowner Challenges in Logging [35:51] - Invasive Species and Their Impact on Forest Ecosystems [44:50] - Forest Management After Natural Disasters [50:13] - Stewardship Agreements and Reinvestment Into Forests [57:28] - Upcoming Events and Community Management Follow the Guest Jon: Ruffed Grouse Society: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruffedgrousesociety/?hl=en  Fall Membership 2025: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/  Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/ The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, host Nick Larson is joined by Jon Steigerwaldt, a Forest Conservation Director for the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society. Jon talks about the critical habitat work happening in the Driftless Region and northeast Iowa, highlighting the challenges facing ruffed grouse populations, the impact of forest management, and ongoing conservation efforts. From habitat restoration to dealing with invasive species, this conversation covers key conservation strategies while also touching on Jon's experiences hunting and training his bird dog, Hazel. Jon Steigerwaldt is a dedicated conservationist and upland bird hunter with a deep background in forestry and forest ecology. With a focus on sustainable forest management, Jon works with multiple states across the Upper Midwest to improve habitats for ruffed grouse, woodcock, and other species. In his role with the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society, Jon is directly involved in large-scale projects to restore forest ecosystems and support wildlife populations in the Driftless Region and beyond. Expect to Learn The importance of forest management for ruffed grouse and other upland species How dynamic forest restoration blocks help improve habitat for grouse populations Challenges faced by forest management in the Driftless Region, including parcelization and topography The role of invasive species like multiflora rose and honeysuckle in disrupting habitat Jon's insights into training bird dogs like his setter, Hazel, and the role of dogs in upland hunting Current efforts to revitalize grouse populations in northeast Iowa and other parts of the Midwest Episode Breakdown with Timestamps: [00:00] - Introduction [04:00] - Nick's First Ruffed Grouse Hunt of the Year [10:22] - Jon's Bird Dog, Hazel, and How She's Developed Over the Years [11:32] - Jon's First Big Dog [13:33] - Jon's Career and Education [23:01] - Parcelization and Landowner Challenges in Logging [35:51] - Invasive Species and Their Impact on Forest Ecosystems [44:50] - Forest Management After Natural Disasters [50:13] - Stewardship Agreements and Reinvestment Into Forests [57:28] - Upcoming Events and Community Management Follow the Guest Jon: Ruffed Grouse Society: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruffedgrousesociety/?hl=en  Fall Membership 2025: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/  Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/ The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices