Live from the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, this episode of What’s On Your Mind dives deep into the Midwest Agriculture Summit. Scott Hennen and guests tackle everything from ag policy, carbon markets, and workforce development to the chaotic unrest in L.A. and the latest on school safety. Featured guests include Zach Jaworsky (NCFC), Kevin Price (American Crystal Sugar), Steve Olson (Ag Strategist), Amy McBeth (BNSF), and Dr. Greg Lardy (NDSU). Buckle up: it’s a wild ride across fields, freight rails, and fiery headlines.
⏱️ Timestamps & Standout Moments:
00:00 – 02:24
🎙️ Broadcast kicks off from the Midwest Agriculture Summit.
Opening remarks on the event’s scale and simultaneous headlines from L.A. and Austria.
06:55 – 10:04
🌾 Zach Jaworsky (NCFC):
Insightful dive into the 2018 Farm Bill, tax policy updates, and federal priorities for farmers.
14:13 – 16:09
📉 Farm Economy Check-In:
Zach assesses the challenging financial landscape for ag producers in 2025.
17:43 – 22:06
⚠️ Civil Unrest Deep Dive:
High-tech surveillance, shield drops, ankle monitors — welcome to 2025 protests?
30:27 – 32:32
💸 Crop Economics:
Zach returns to weigh in on inflation, trade uncertainty, and the path to “getting the crop across the finish line.”
51:03 – 53:00
🇲🇽 ICE & Immigration:
Coverage of ICE raids, sanctuary cities, and border tensions with commentary from former DHS leaders.
1:01:11 – 1:03:54
🍬 Kevin Price (American Crystal Sugar):
Why 15–20% of America’s sugar is born in the Red River Valley. Trade, tariffs, and the sticky politics of sweeteners.
1:08:31 – 1:10:12
🚛 Steve Olson (Ag Strategist):
Autonomous trucks, CDL shortages, and how video games may save the trucking industry.
1:12:33 – 1:16:33
👩🌾 Rural Workforce Crisis:
Jane Vannis Frisch (FMWF Chamber) on attracting young people to modern agriculture.
1:31:34 – 1:39:36
🚂 Amy McBeth (BNSF Railway):
Using lasers, AI, and wayside detectors to modernize rail shipping — and keep ag goods rolling.
1:46:34 – 1:47:57
🌎 Dr. Greg Lardy (NDSU):
Are carbon markets the next great opportunity for Midwest farmers?