Broadcasting live from the campus of North Dakota State University, host Scott Hennen takes listeners inside a historic day as the Board of Higher Education selects the 16th President of NDSU. From the search for a new leader to the university’s bold move into FBS football, we explore the future of this premier research institution.
Later in the episode, we recap Scott’s recent trip to the White House for the Celebration of American Agriculture. Featuring interviews with industry titans and local farmers, we tackle the "Maha" movement, the rising costs of fertilizer, and the critical importance of precision agriculture and biofuels in keeping the backbone of rural America strong.
Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:01:25] The Presidential Search Scott and reporter Chris Larson break down the interviews of the three finalists—Dr. Marshall Stewart, Dr. Bernie Savarese, and Dr. Alan Smith—detailing the tough questions they faced regarding enrollment, retention, and the land-grant mission.
[00:05:40] Philanthropy & The $800 Million Milestone NDSU Foundation CEO John Glover discusses the incredible loyalty of the 100,000 living alumni and how over $800 million has been committed in the last decade to transform student lives.
[00:08:35] Battle for the Land Levi Otis of the Landowners Association of North Dakota joins the show to discuss the decades-long struggle with federal water easements and previews a massive upcoming meeting in Devil’s Lake featuring Senator Cramer.
[00:15:30] Stepping into the Big Leagues Athletic Director Matt Larson discusses the "electric" atmosphere surrounding NDSU’s transition to FBS football, the $50–60 million investment required, and the fight to lift moratoriums on championship eligibility.
[00:19:10] Red Iron at the White House Titan Machinery CEO B.J. Knutson shares the surreal experience of seeing a Case IH tractor wrapped in the Stars and Stripes on the White House lawn while advocating for E15 and farmer profitability.
[00:22:15] View from the Interim Chair Interim President (and former Congressman) Rick Berg reflects on his unfiltered "short-term" presidency, the challenges of flat enrollment, and his optimism for the Fargo Dome’s renovation.
[00:26:40] The Fertilizer Monopoly McCluskey farmer Kim Sarasek gets candid about the "bleak picture" of input costs, the struggle against fertilizer monopolies, and how precision ag is the only way to "variable rate" survival.
[00:33:45] The "Banana" Crowd vs. Animal Ag Brian Dean of the Livestock Alliance sounds off on the "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) activists and foreign-funded groups trying to stop the growth of North Dakota’s dairy and pork industries.
[00:40:05] Trump’s Emergency TSA Fix Scott closes with a political deep dive into President Trump’s executive order to pay TSA agents following the "Schumer shutdown" and the ongoing legislative battle over ICE funding.