Country Morning Presented by CHS Ag Services
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This episode of the Red River Farm Network, presented by CHS Ag Services, delivers a comprehensive update on current farm news, economic challenges, and policy developments affecting U.S. agriculture. Hosts Cole Zerman and Don Wick cover severe winter weather across the northern Plains, including snow, sleet, and potential severe storms in eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin. The discussion shifts to pressing economic concerns, with experts like Purdue’s Michael Langemeyer and Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Bozeman highlighting inflation, rising interest rates, and the financial strain on farmers. Bozeman emphasizes the historic $68 billion in farm bill funding secured, yet warns that without long-term policy—such as a 10-year farm bill—farmers face ongoing instability. Former House Ag Chair Colin Peterson criticizes short-term aid and calls for coherent, forward-looking policy, while also expressing concern over Minnesota’s diminishing influence in Washington due to leadership changes. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins attributes high input costs to market consolidation, particularly in fertilizer, and announces plans to invest in domestic infrastructure using funds from tariffs and trade renegotiations. FSA Administrator Bill Beam discusses critical IT modernization efforts to improve efficiency. Minnesota Corn Growers Association’s Amanda Billig details legal actions defending farmers’ rights against environmental litigation, and warns against state-level bans on federally approved crop protection tools like Paraquat. The episode closes with updates on the $35 million renovation of the historic 4-H building at the Minnesota State Fair, funded in part by major donations, and current commodity market prices.
Farmers face a generational financial crisis, with record income losses over the past three years and growing uncertainty due to inflation and short-term policy.
The $68 billion farm bill funding is historic, but long-term stability requires a 10-year bill updated to reflect today’s economy, not 20-year-old benchmarks.
Market consolidation in agricultural inputs (fertilizer, seed, equipment) is driving up costs; federal investments are planned to rebuild domestic infrastructure.
Farmers are increasingly involved in legal defense of their rights, challenging environmental groups’ attempts to regulate farming through litigation.
State-level bans on federally approved pesticides like Paraquat threaten access to essential crop protection tools and undermine federal regulatory authority.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Weather Update
Cole Zerman introduces the episode and CHS Ag Services, followed by a weather update on winter storms affecting northeast North Dakota and northwest Minnesota.
Winter Weather and Severe Storm Threats
Detailed forecast of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and potential severe weather including tornadoes in eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin due to a strong cold front.
Economic Pressures and Inflation
Purdue economist Michael Langemeyer discusses inflation risks and rising interest rates due to Middle East tensions, with nearly 40% of farmers expecting inflation over 3%.
Farm Bill Progress and Long-Term Policy Needs
“We actually need a 10-year bill, not a 5-year bill. And it needs to be updated on what's actually going on because the safety net payments that are in the law are based on something that's not happening anymore. They're based on what we did 20 years ago.”
Farmer Financial Crisis and Policy Advocacy
“You used to have a five-year farm bureau. You'd go into the banker and you could say, well, this is what it's going to be. Now, who the hell knows what it's going to be?”
“We actually need a 10-year bill, not a 5-year bill. And it needs to be updated on what's actually going on because the safety net payments that are in the law are based on something that's not happening anymore. They're based on what we did 20 years ago.”
“You used to have a five-year farm bureau. You'd go into the banker and you could say, well, this is what it's going to be. Now, who the hell knows what it's going to be?”
“We've gotten involved in three different litigation actions... looking to kind of use the courts to enact new regulations on farmers.”
Hosts
Guests
Colin Peterson
person
John Bozeman
person
Brooke Rollins
person
4-H Building
other
Paraquat
other
Amanda Billig
person
Bill Beam
person
CHS Ag Services
organization
Don Wick
person
Tina Smith
person
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