Podcasts

Dan Kaiser highlights fixed ammonium and potassium research

Lakril catalyzes bioacrylic acid from corn

Chris Nicholas, co-founder and president of Låkril Technologies, talks about the company's efforts to develop a bioacrylic acid.

County corn grower associations reach farmers, non-farming public

In this episode, Minnesota Corn Growers Association Board of Directors Member Angela Guentzel says Minnesota is one of just two states with county corn grower associations. She also explains how people can get involved with their local county corn organization and how they host fuel events and farm events, and sponsor tractor pulls and educational opportunities. Learn more about Minnesota's county corn grower associations here. Minnesota Corn also has resources online available for county corn grower associations. Those can be found here. Episode Highlights: 0:33: Why Angela got involved with MCGA 1:33: The roles farmers can have within MCGA 2:47: The types of events hosted by county corn grower associations 4:00: What's important to tell the non-farming public 5:22: How a corn farmer can get involved 6:50: Angela's message to someone on the fence about getting involved

Flex fuel plug-in hybrids have advantages over full EVs

A new study shows that a plug-in hybrid flex fuel vehicle has major advantages over full battery electric vehicles, says RFA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Market Development Robert White. Last year, RFA outfitted a 2022 Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a kit that allowed it to run on flex fuels like E85. RFA conducted rigorous emissions testing and a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions analysis on the vehicle and put over 34,000 miles of real-world driving on it. The study was funded in part by Minnesota Corn along with other state corn grower associations. You can learn more about the plug-in electric hybrid flex fuel vehicle here. Episode Highlights: 0:26: How did RFA get the idea for the plug-in hybrid FFV? 2:28: What did you learn after putting more than 30,000 miles on the concept vehicle? 6:24: Will you highlight the study to members of Congress? 9:02: Can you talk about different aspects the flex fuel conversion kit, such as how it works, where you get it, etc.? 11:37: What's your message to corn growers in Minnesota as they think about the future of the transportation sector and the federal push for EVs?

Documenting Minnesota Corn’s strides in sustainability

Minnesota Corn Executive Director and CEO Adam Birr highlights the organization's new sustainability report, which details the organization's investments in research, rural communities, market development, best management practices, and more.

Driving on-farm innovation: Minnesota Corn’s 2024 research projects

Minnesota Corn Research Director Maciej Kazula and grower-leader Nick Peterson provide an overview of the organization’s 2024 research portfolio.

How phosphorus sources and rates affect corn production

University of Minnesota Assistant Professor Lindsay Pease highlights her research into phosphorus fertilizer management in northwest Minnesota.

An update on Minnesota's labor laws

Nancy Miller, owner of Vinna Human Resources in Willmar, summarizes key Minnesota labor laws, including several that passed during the 2023 state legislative session.

Dialing in the most economically and environmentally responsible N rate

University of Minnesota Professor Fabian Fernandez highlights a corn check-off-funded study of how much nitrogen is lost to the environment when the nutrient is applied at different rates.

Highlighting the superior performance of U.S. corn

The U.S. Grains Council’s Alexander Grabois talks about a Minnesota Corn-funded study that compared U.S. and international corn varieties as a poultry feed source.

How grain exports fared in 2022-23

U.S. Grains Council Vice President Cary Sifferath explains how the 2023 market year saw some encouraging signs for corn exports, including from the top U.S. trading partner. Minnesota Corn supports USGC as part of its efforts to develop international markets for corn growers.

The potential of ethanol fuel cells

Dr. Alex Buck, director of industrial innovation for Iowa Corn, explains an effort by researchers to advance direct ethanol fuel cell technology. The project is funded in part by Minnesota Corn.

A positive result for high-protein corn co-products

University of Illinois animal science professor Hans Stein explains his recently completed research into the viability of high-protein corn co-products in weanling pig diets. Stein's work was funded by Minnesota Corn.

Research targets nitrous oxide emissions

University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Fellow CheJen Jerry Hsiao highlights a Minnesota Corn-funded effort to develop a soil amendment that reduces nitrous oxide emissions from cropland.

Evaluating Bt resistance in European corn borer

University of Minnesota Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist Fei Yang highlights his Minnesota Corn-supported study of the extent of European corn borer resistance to Bt proteins in Minnesota.

Could carbon dioxide from ethanol plants be made into alternative fuels?

University of Minnesota Professor Will Northrop is studying the potential of converting carbon dioxide from ethanol plants into e-fuel. Northrop's research is supported by the Minnesota corn check-off.

Researcher studies grain durability in corn

Professor Candy Hirsch is working to understand what can be done to improve the durability of corn while maintaining yields.

Combining electricity and flex fuel: RFA’s concept vehicle

Robert White, vice president of industry relations for the Renewable Fuels Association, gives an overview of the organization's flex fuel plug-in concept vehicle, which was supported in part by Minnesota Corn.

Farmamerica tells the story of Minnesota agriculture

Farmamerica Executive Director Jessica Rollins explains how a recently completed capital project supported in part by Minnesota Corn has affected the Waseca-based agricultural interpretive center.

ClearFlame decarbonizes diesel engines with ethanol

ClearFlame Engine Technologies cofounder and CEO BJ Johnson highlights his company's efforts to scale up its technology, which allows diesel engines to run on ethanol. ClearFlame is supported in part by Minnesota Corn through the Minnesota corn check-off.

Studying interactions between fixed ammonium and potassium

University of Minnesota Associate Professor Dan Kaiser highlights his research project that could help improve nitrogen fertilization rates in corn production.

Helping farmers adapt to a changing climate

Nathan Meyer and Jamie Mosel of the University of Minnesota highlight a Minnesota Corn-funded effort to create a resource hub that could help farmers navigate changing climate conditions.

Developing the next generation of corn-based plastics

Marc Hillmyer, director of the University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Polymers, talks about a series of Minnesota Corn-funded research projects that aim to improve upon existing renewable plastics.

Lessons of long-term cover cropping

Red Lake County farmer Mikayla Tabert explains research into how cover crops and an extended five-year crop rotation affect yields, economics, and soil health. Her work has been funded in part by Minnesota Corn.

Studying how compost extract affects corn production

Fulda, Minnesota, farmer Mark Enninga explains his upcoming study of how application of a compost extract affects corn yields and crop health. Mark’s work is supported by Minnesota Corn through its Innovation Grant program.

Assessing ethanol as a feedstock in hydrogen production

Luca Zullo, senior director of science and technology at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, talks about exploring a new use for ethanol.

Discovery Farms Minnesota: 15 years of on-farm research

Discovery Farms Minnesota Coordinator Tim Radatz talks about the program's history, what they've learned from 15 years of data collection, and how farmers can reduce nutrient movement without compromising yield. Funded in part by farmers' investment in the Minnesota corn check-off, Discovery Farms Minnesota is an on-farm, edge-of-field water quality monitoring program.

Introducing Minnesota Corn's 2023 research portfolio

Maciej Kazula, Minnesota Corn's Research Director, provides an overview of the research projects the organization is funding in 2023.

Designing a filter to treat agricultural surface runoff

Minnesota State University Assistant Professor Nazli Wodzinski recaps her Innovation Grant project that aimed to create a practical, field applicable drainage filter.

How a nitrogen-fixing bacteria affects corn production

University of Minnesota Associate Professor Paulo Pagliari explains his research into the nitrogen-fixing bacteria Azospirillum brasilense. In 2022, he studied how inoculating corn plants with the bacteria impacted their growth and productivity.

Monitoring the state for crop pests

University of Minnesota Extension Educator Dr. Anthony Hanson highlights the continued efforts to monitor corn pests and disease risks in Minnesota. Hanson's work is funded in part by Minnesota Corn.

4-H agronomy program develops future ag leaders

Funded in part by Minnesota Corn, the University of Minnesota Extension 4-H Agronomy and Horticulture Program reaches over 2,000 kids annually. Extension Educator Brian McNeill explains the history of the program, its various components, and how farmers can get involved. More information on 4-H agronomy and horticulture can be found here.

Manure vs commercial fertilizer in a corn-bean rotation

Northwestern Minnesota farmer Blair Hoseth discusses his Minnesota Corn Innovation Grant project that compares yields and economic returns when applying manure vs commercial fertilizer in a corn-bean rotation. Minnesota Corn's Innovation Grant program allows farmers to test or develop best practices in cover crop management, fertility, tillage, water management, and other production methods. Learn more about the Minnesota Corn Innovation Grant Program and apply for a 2023 grant here.

Studying nitrate reduction strategies in southeastern Minnesota

Mark Dorenkamp checks in with staff from Northern Country Coop who are leading the Minnesota Corn-funded Sustainable Answer Acre research project in Mower County. The project is studying how practices such as cover crops, conservation tillage, and split nitrogen application affect nitrate levels. Read more about the project here.

Building demand for corn, ethanol, and ethanol co-products

Market Development & Industry Relations Director Devin Hoffarth highlights Minnesota Corn's investments in biofuel promotion, export markets, and new uses for corn. Visit mncorn.org/utilization to learn more about Minnesota Corn's market development efforts.

Reintroducing the Minnesota corn check-off

Hear from Doug Albin, the 2022-23 chair of the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, about the Minnesota corn check-off and how it benefits the state's corn farmers.

Growing the Ecuadorian ethanol market

Last week, the U.S. Grains Council led an ethanol trade delegation from Ecuador on a tour of a Minnesota corn farm, ethanol plant, and fuel station. In this episode of the Minnesota Corn Podcast, Marri Tejada, the organization's regional director for Latin America, explains how USGC is increasing demand for ethanol in that country. Minnesota Corn is proud to support the U.S. Grains Council through the Minnesota Corn check-off. Learn more about corn check-off-funded efforts to develop export markets at mncorn.org/utilization.

Precision irrigation and nitrogen management in central Minnesota

A new research project by University of Minnesota Assistant Extension Professor Dr. Vasudha Sharma is exploring how precision irrigation and nitrogen management affects crop development and groundwater. Join Dr. Sharma as she discusses her project with host Mark Dorenkamp as they cover nitrate leaching, water-use efficiencies, and plant development -- among other topics -- on this episode of the Minnesota Corn Podcast. Minnesota Corn is proud to fund Dr. Sharma's research through the Minnesota Corn check-off. Learn more about corn check-off-funded research projects at mncorn.org/research.

Helping farmers, ag professionals develop leadership skills

Olga Brouwer, executive director of Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership, explains how this Minnesota Corn-supported program helps farmers and agriculture professionals develop communication and leadership skills.

Studying manure and cover crop integration

University of Minnesota Associate Professor Dr. Melissa Wilson recaps her Minnesota Corn-funded project that explored best practices for integrating cover crops and manure.

Developing international markets for corn-fed red meat

Mark Dorenkamp talks with John Hinners, senior vice of industry relations for the U.S. Meat Export Federation, about a recent study on the value of red meat exports to Minnesota's corn farmers. Minnesota Corn supports USMEF as part of our mission to expand international sales of corn and corn co-products.

Celebrating all things corn at the Arb

Carrie Stowers, Education Communications Specialist at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, previews the upcoming 'Corn is Everywhere' event at the Farm at the Arb.

Training teachers on biotech and biofuels

Jane Hunt talks about a recent Minnesota Corn-sponsored workshop in Fargo that taught teachers about the importance of biotechnology and biofuels.

Studying oil composition of corn hybrids

University of Minnesota Associate Professor Candice Hirsch discusses her Minnesota corn-check-off-funded research project that aims to identify variations in the oil content of different hybrids.

Recapping Minnesota Corn's 2021 Innovation Grants (Part Three)

Les Anderson and Vance Johnson join Mark Dorenkamp to discuss the results of their 2021 Innovation Grant projects. Learn more about Anderson's project here and Johnson's project here.

Helping farmers diagnose crop diseases

With the support of Minnesota Corn, University of Minnesota Extension developed Digital Crop Doc, a tool that can help farmers diagnose diseases in corn, soybeans, small grains, sugarbeets and forages. Extension Educator Angie Peltier joins Mark Dorenkamp to discuss the program.

Recapping Minnesota Corn's 2021 Innovation Grants (Part Two)

Lindsay Pease and Adam Alford join Mark Dorenkamp to discuss the results of their 2021 Innovation Grant projects.

Recapping Minnesota Corn's 2021 Innovation Grants (Part One)

Farmers Gary Prescher and Mark Enninga join Mark Dorenkamp to discuss the results of their 2021 Innovation Grant projects.

U of MN researcher studies nitrogen losses

Tim Griffis, a professor in the University of Minnesota Department of Soil, Water, and Climate, discusses his research into lowering reactive nitrogen emissions associated with agricultural production.

Evaluating the toxigenicity of aromatics in gasoline

Gail Dennison of the Hormel Institute highlights a research project, funded in part by Minnesota Corn, that is exploring how the aromatic compounds added to fuel to boost octane affect chemicals in the body that control gene expression.

Integrating cover crops and manure

University of Minnesota Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor Melissa Wilson explains her research into maximizing the benefits of cover crops and manure application.

Studying the impact of Nitrogen rates

Dr. Fabian Fernandez, a University of Minnesota associate professor who specializes in nutrient management, talks about his Minnesota corn check-off-funded research into how nitrogen rates affect economic return and environmental quality.

Training farmers on nitrogen best practices

University of Minnesota Extension Educator Brad Carlson tells Mark Dorenkamp about the Nitrogen Smart program, which trains farmers to understand how Nitrogen behaves in the environment. The program, which is gearing up for its seventh year, is supported in part by Minnesota Corn.

Building an understanding of global trade

Melissa Kessler, director of strategic initiatives and engagement for the U.S. Grains Council, talks about the organization's upcoming Trade School in Alexandria, Minnesota. Minnesota Corn is proud to sponsor the event as part of its efforts to help corn farmers learn more about global trade.

Furthering leadership skills among farmers, rural leaders

Learn about the Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership Program from its executive director, Olga Brouwer. Minnesota Corn is proud to sponsor MARL as part of its mission to support corn farmers and rural communities.

Helping students, auto technicians learn about ethanol's benefits

Kelly Marczak, a manager at MEG Corp,  recaps the company's efforts in 2021 to teach high school students and auto technicians in training about ethanol's benefits.

Ethanol exports bounce back in 2021

Brian Healy, director of global ethanol market development at U.S. Grains Council, recaps the 2021 marketing year, which ended Aug. 31, from an ethanol-exports perspective.

A record year for feed-grain exports

Cary Sifferath, senior director of global programs for the U.S. Grains Council, discusses why the 2021 marketing year set an all-time record for feed-grain exports with Minnesota Corn Podcast host Mark Dorenkamp.

Using corn to help make consumer products more sustainable

Reporter Mark Dorenkamp talks with Chris Nicholas, president and co-founder of Låkril Technologies, about his company's efforts to produce a bio-based acrylic acid. Acrylic acid and acrylates are chemicals widely used in the manufacturing of paints, coatings, textiles and more. Research has shown that deriving acrylic acid from a renewable feedstock, like corn, could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 35%. Minnesota's corn organizations are funding Låkril as part of their mission to foster new uses for for corn, support innovation and promote sustainability.

Partnering with U of MN Extension to strengthen rural communities

Reporter Mark Dorenkamp talks with University of Minnesota Extension Dean Bev Durgan about Extension's partnership with Minnesota's corn organizations and how both are focused on supporting rural communities. In October, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council were honored with the Distinguished Friend of Extension Award.

Monitoring water flow, quality in adjacent southern Minnesota watersheds

Gary Feyereisen is a research agricultural engineer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. In this episode of the Minnesota Corn Podcast, he discusses his research project that aims to measure how conservation practices impact water quality and flow on farmland. The project plans to compare the impact of conservation practices in adjacent southern Minnesota watersheds in which over 90% of the land is in a corn-soybean rotation.

The relationship between U.S. corn and meat exports

John Hinners is senior vice president of industry relations at the U.S. Meat Export Federation. In this episode of the Minnesota Corn Podcast, he talks with Brownfield Ag News reporter Mark Dorenkamp about the relationship between meat exports and U.S. corn.

Farm at the Arb gears up for third year

Bob Dressen is manager of the Farm at the Arb interpretive farm at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. In this episode, he talks about Farm at the Arb's mission, programming planned for September and the involvement of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.

Quantifying phosphorus loss in changing cropping systems of northwestern Minnesota

Lindsay Pease, an assistant professor and extension specialist in nutrient and water management at the University of Minnesota, discusses her efforts to identify potential links between land use and phosphorus loss.

A milestone for Farmamerica's capital campaign

Jessica Rollins, executive director of Farmamerica, a Waseca-based agricultural interpretive center, details the latest developments in the organization's capital campaign, which is supported in part by Minnesota's corn farmers.

Promoting U.S. poultry and eggs around the world

Shelby Watson, manager of allied industry relations at the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, talks about the latest news on global agricultural trade.

Connecting students and teachers to agriculture

Heather Bryan, an education specialist with educationprojects.org, talks about the corn checkoff-funded, grassroots agriculture-education initiative Nourish the Future.

The importance of global trade to U.S. farmers

Melissa Kessler, director of strategic initiatives and engagement for the U.S. Grains Council, explains the interconnected nature of today's agricultural markets.

Northern Crops Institute study compares Midwest corn to international product

Mark Jirik, director of the Northern Crops Institute, explains how a new study conducted in partnership with Minnesota Corn, the North Dakota Corn Utilization Council and U.S. Grains Council looks at milling and feed efficiency.

UMN introduces new Strategic Farming: Field Notes series

The growing season is filled with a host of challenges, including insect, disease, and weed pests, resistance concerns, agronomic issues, and soil fertility questions. The Field Notes program is designed for farmers and agricultural professionals as a weekly webinar program addressing all your crop-related questions in real-time in an interactive, discussion-based format.

4-H Connecting Youth With Agriculture Statewide

With support from Minnesota Corn, 4-H is bringing new and exciting agriculture-related materials and programming to youth across the state.

Innovation Grant Update with recipient Mark Enninga

The Minnesota Corn Innovation Grant Program has invested nearly $850,000 in 78 original projects identifying practical innovations that can be replicated by Minnesota farmers and farmer-led research.

Ethanol Lessons Now Available via MN Ag in the Classroom

Minnesota Corn worked with MEG Corp Fuel Consulting to create an ethanol lesson plan for Minnesota educators. The lessons cover everything from ethanol’s journey beginning on the farm to the benefits of ethanol-blended fuels at the pump,

Exports of U.S. beef and pork drive demand for American corn

Listen as John Hinners of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) talks about the organizations' efforts to build relationships and markets abroad for American beef and pork.  Through their investment in the Minnesota corn check-off, farmers support the efforts of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Mapping soils to increase efficiency

University of Minnesota Professor Dan Kaiser is mapping potassium availability throughout the state to maximize yields on the farm.

U.S. Grains Council recaps a wild 2020 and looks ahead

U.S. Grains Council Senior Director of Programs Cary Sifferath recaps 2020 and the emergence of China while also looking ahead to 2021 and working with the Biden Administration.

Making the most of water on the farm

Executive Director Warren Formo discusses the work of Minnesota Agricultural Water Resource Center to both help farmers become better stewards of the land and share the many ways they are protecting water quality today.

Growing the popularity of poultry worldwide

As part of its mission to grow demand for corn, farmers' investment in the corn check-off is used to support the efforts of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council and their innovative approach to increase the popularity of poultry products.

CommonGround celebrates 10 years of breaking down barriers

CommonGround volunteer and Minnesota farmer Lauren Biegler discusses the organization's mission. CommonGround volunteers share personal experiences, as well as science and research, to help consumers sort through the myths and misinformation surrounding food.

Ethanol's future in long-haul and heavy duty transportation

ClearFlame Technologies CEO BJ Johnson on his company's goal to replace diesel with ethanol in semi-trucks and heavy duty machinery.