Shows
Straight Talk with NDFBBoots on the ground and in the Capitol: A conversation with NDFB lobbyist Rachel GroszIn this episode of Straight Talk with NDFB, host Emmery Mehlhoff visits with NDFB lobbyist Rachel Grosz. Rachel is a rancher from Mott, and a homeschooling mom to 3 kids. She previously lobbied for NDFB in the 2017 session and has been an advocate for agriculture policy on the state and federal level. We talk about some of the bills relating to property tax, agriculture chemicals, livestock initiatives and more. Join us for this episode. _____Don’t miss NDFB’s legislative review by subscribing to Legislative Front.Contact Government Affairs Liaison Rachel Grosz at rac...2025-05-1434 min
Straight Talk with NDFBCrafting legislation and malting barley: a visit with Senator Greg KesselIn today’s episode, host Emmery Mehlhoff visits with Senator Greg Kessel from Belfield, North Dakota. Senator Kessel farms in Belfield with with his wife and four children. Along with farming, the family is involved in small businesses and recently opened Two Track Malting Company in Bismarck. We visit about: Farming in western North Dakota Malting grains for beerValue-added agriculture Vertical integration can help your bottom lineThey talk about some of his legislation pertaining to the wheat and barley commission, converting abandoned oil wells into cattle waterers, and career programs for high school students. The po...2025-04-3026 min
Straight Talk with NDFBFarming, cows and laws with Senator Randy LemmIn today’s episode, host Emmery Mehlhoff visits with Senator Randy Lemm from Hillsboro, North Dakota. A long-time Traill County Farm Bureau board member, Randy is a familiar name in Farm Bureau circles. He farms and ranches with his wife, Julie, and their daughter, Ellie, and her husband, Luke, and daughter, Reagan. Reagan is the 6th generation of the Lemm family on the farm.Randy visits with us about his diversified operation, balancing time between the farm and Bismarck, and how important it is for farmers and ranchers to take time to serve in the North Dakota le...2025-04-1620 min
Straight Talk with NDFBA former Norwegian city girl stands up for rural North DakotaIn this episode, host Emmery Mehlhoff visits with Senator Janne Myrdal, who farms with her husband and children in Edinburg, North Dakota. She did not always call Pembina County her home, however. Senator Myrdal is originally from Norway and moved to North Dakota after she married a farm boy she met on a mission trip. Since then, North Dakota has been her home. Senator Janne Myrdal talks about her long-time potato storage taxation fight, her work for equitable ag land assessment across counties, the start of the rural caucus, the importance of political integrity, and how Lutefisk i...2025-04-0219 min
Straight Talk with NDFBCovering fiscal, tax and agricultural ground with Rep. Mike BrandenburgThe Legislative Session has reconvened after crossover and Straight Talk host Emmery Mehlhoff visits with Rep Mike Brandenburg from Edgeley, North Dakota. He is a farmer and serves on the LaMoure County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and has served in the North Dakota House of Representatives since 1997. Emmery and Rep. Brandenburg have a laid-back conversation about hauling corn to the ethanol plant, drainage policy, property tax reform, North Dakota’s fiscal outlook, and much more. Join us for this episode. To see Rep. Brandenburg’s legislation and contact him, visit https://ndlegis.gov/biography/mike-b...2025-03-1916 min
Straight Talk with NDFBA farmer's take on the future of North Dakota property taxIn this episode of Straight Talk with NDFB, our host, Emmery Mehlhoff, continues the coverage of the 69th Legislative Assembly. The Legislature has just finished its crossover break where the bills “crossover.” During this break, our host visited with Rep. Robin Weisz from District 14. Rep. Weisz is a farmer from Hurdsfield who, during his extended time in the Legislature, has served as chairman of both the Transportation and Human Services Committees and now serves as Speaker of the House. Rural North Dakota is the focus of the conversation as Rep. Weisz shares his strategy to bring...2025-03-0527 min
Straight Talk with NDFBA rancher's take on the legislative session: A visit with Rep. Dori HauckIn this season we are covering the 69th Legislative Assembly and bringing you issues that are important to agriculture and rural North Dakota. Host Emmery Mehlhoff visits with Rep. Dori Hauck from District 36. Rep Hauck is a rancher from Hebron, North Dakota, and has served in the House of Representatives since 2021. We talk about her experience and service as the vice chair of the House Agriculture committee. We also dive into property tax issues and take an in-depth look at her legislation:HB 1453 - Prohibiting Natural Asset Companies https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/b...2025-02-1223 min
Straight Talk with NDFBBridges, animal agriculture and a lot in between: A talk with Sen. Paul ThomasIn this episode, Host Emmery Mehlhoff visits with Senator Paul Thomas from Velva, N.D. Senator Thomas served in the North Dakota House of Representatives from 2021 - 2024 and was elected to the N.D. Senate last election. They discuss Senator Thomas’ new role on the appropriations committee, property tax reform, and legislation sponsored by Senator Thomas, including value-added agriculture and livestock bills. Join us for this episode. Read Senator Thomas’ bills:SB 2150 - Corporate or limited liability company farming and ranching https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2150.html?bill_year=2025&bill_number...2025-01-2933 min
Straight Talk with NDFBKicking off the Legislative Session with a new governor and property tax reformIn this episode of Straight Talk with NDFB, we return to Bismarck for the 69th Legislative Assembly. Host Emmery Mehlhoff talks with Pete Hanebutt, NDFB Public Policy Director. They discuss the first week of the Legislative Assembly, Governor Armstrong's State-of-the-State Address, property tax reform, livestock issues and more.Join us for this episode.To follow the legislative session, visit ndlegis.gov.To subscribe to NDFB's Legislative Front, visit https://ndfb.org/news/signup/Contact Pete Hanebutt, NDFB Director of Public Policy at pete@ndfb.orgQuestions? Contact us at...2025-01-1526 min
Straight Talk with NDFBHarvesting with NDFB: Tater tales with the KyllosIn today’s episode, host Emmery Mehlhoff visits with Justin and Jenna Kyllo of McCanna, North Dakota. Justin and Jenna operate a multigenerational farm where they grow potatoes and several other crops. Emmery and the Kyllos visit about the ins and outs of growing and harvesting potatoes.Join us for the final episode of Harvesting with NDFBThanks for joining our harvesting with NDFB podcast series. Stay tuned for January as we follow the 2025 Legislative Assembly. For questions or comments, please contact Emmery at emmery@ndfb.org2024-12-1816 min
Straight Talk with NDFBHarvesting with NDFB: Ep 1 - Canola HarvestJoin hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord as they begin a new season of Straight Talk with NDFB, “Harvesting with NDFB.” We are visiting with farmers across North Dakota as they bring in the harvest. In the first episode, our hosts visit with Kristie Sundeen from Brocket, N.D. Kristie and her husband harvest canola on their farm. Kristie visits with us about raising canola, the challenges that come with harvesting, and changes to canola farming over the years. Join us as we find out whether the 2024 canola harvest was a boom or a bust! 2024-09-2517 min
Straight Talk with NDFBDiscipline, freedom and NDFB: Season 7 wrap-upIn today’s episode, cohosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord round out season 7 of Straight Talk with NDFB, reflecting on the season, and discussing plans they have for summer 2024. We discuss:How to prioritize the important things in life Letting things go that no longer serve The importance of showing up How discipline can set you free Our hosts will be taking a break from podcasting for the spring and summer to chase calves and plant fields. To contact our hosts about anything, email emmery@ndfb.org. To find all the NDFB happenings, visit nd...2024-05-0126 min
Straight Talk with NDFBFrom the ground up: Starting a business with your spouseNDFB Straight Talk hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord travel to Wimbledon, N.D., to visit with Matt and Bethany Peterson, owners of Aligned Ag. Aligned Ag offers precision ag services, crop protection, soil sampling services and sells Pioneer seed to the Wimbledon and surrounding areas. Matt and Bethany are active in NDFB and serve on NDFB’s Young Farmers and Ranchers committee. The Peterson’s began growing their business in 2021 and Bethany recently left her job at BASF to work full time in the business. In today’s episode, we talk about: How precision...2024-04-1735 min
Straight Talk with NDFBBuilding mental resilience on the farm: a talk with a psychologist and farmerCalving, planting, and harvesting are the lifeblood of the farm and ranch. The new beginnings of spring calves and seeds and the completion of harvest in the fall are the things we as farmers and ranchers live for. But what happens when these busy seasons start to pile up and you go from excited to a little bit more… stressed? In today’s episode, hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Dr. Amy Missling about stress on the farm and how it can turn from something seasonal to more permanent: chronic stress. Dr. Amy Miss...2024-03-2042 min
Straight Talk with NDFBHow to start the conversation about taking over the farm with Jolene BrownHosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Jolene Brown, a walking, talking spokesperson and champion for the people of agriculture. Jolene is a farmer in eastern Iowa, contributor to Successful Farming magazine’s popular family business column, author of two great books, and an inductee into the prestigious CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame. In this episode, your hosts discuss ideas from her upcoming workshop entitled: “If we huff and puff, will we blow your house down?”Jolene shares lessons learned from her 30+ years of working with farm families. She addresses the issues of com...2024-03-0627 min
Straight Talk with NDFBWhen will the grain market hit the bottom? Will high cattle prices continue? A conversation with Randy Martinson.In this episode, Straight Talk with NDFB hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Randy Martinson, founder of Martinson Ag Risk Management. Martinson Ag offers a variety of crop marketing and crop insurance packages to its customers.Randy grew up on a family grain and livestock farm near Milnor, N.D., where he farmed for ten years. Randy is well-known for introducing complex marketing strategies in a simple, straightforward manner.In this episode we talk about:Grain prices: Where the market is going and what to plant this springCattle Prices: When...2024-02-2125 min
Straight Talk with NDFBWhat can Farm Bureau do for you? A conversation with Dahltin PahlOur Straight Talk hosts, Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord, were live and in person at NDFB’s 2024 Young Farmers and Ranchers conference., February 2-3 and spoke with Dahltin Pahl.Dahltin is a farmer from Ellendale and active NDFB member, who joined our hosts to talk about his experience with NDFB. Dahltin is an ag lender for Ag Country and has been involved with NDFB for several years. He has served on the NDSU Collegiate board to as well as the NDFB’s Board of Directors as the chair of the NDFB Young Farmer and Rancher Committee. J...2024-02-0723 min
Straight Talk with NDFBSaving the farm: A New Year's resolution worth keepingIn today's episode, we answer the question “What are you going to do today so your great-grandkids can farm someday?” Hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Andy Junkin about his business “Stubborn Farm.” Andy is originally from Bobcaygeon, Ontario, but now lives in eastern Iowa with his wife and four kids. Andy helps stubborn farmers work better together. Join us as we talk about how:77% of farmers do not have a succession planMany farms that have a succession plan have parties who are not happy about it Farm succession should not happen in the fune...2024-01-2449 min
Straight Talk with NDFBAn old-fashioned Christmas, courtesy Wayne-N-Jean's EvergreensMerry Christmas to all from Straight Talk with NDFB! In this episode, hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Courtney Lesmeister, part-owner of Wayne-N-Jean's Evergreens. Courtney Lesmeister, friend of Alisha, married into a family owned and operated Christmas tree farm when she married Lloyd Lesmeister, son of Wayne and Jean, owners of Wayne-N-Jeans Evergreens. Courtney now works on the family tree farm along with Wayne and Jean, Lloyd, and two children.Although the farm sells trees year-round, Wayne-N-Jean's is best known for their cut-your-own and pre-cut Christmas tree sales, wreaths, and gift shop. 2023-12-2022 min
Straight Talk with NDFBAn entrepreneur's story about building trust with landownersIn this episode, Straight Talk hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Nic de Castro, founder and CEO of LandTrust. Nic grew up hunting and exploring the outdoors. After several years in the corporate world across the United States, Nic found himself in Bozeman, Mont., with a passion to begin his own company founded on his love of the outdoors. Enter LandTrust.LandTrust is an online platform connecting landowners and recreators. Similar to AirBnb, Vrbo and other hosting platforms, LandTrust allows landowners to sign up their land for free.In today’s epi...2023-12-1528 min
Straight Talk with NDFBChelsey's Story: Farming + ParentingHosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Chelsey Erdmann, a 6th generation farmer and social media influencer. She also serves on NDFB's Promotion and Education Committee. Chelsey lives with her husband Kyle in Fessenden, N.D., and farms with her brother, parents and three children on the family farm. Chelsey is a North Dakota native and has an Ag Economics degree from NDSU. She originally began her career after graduation at an equipment dealership, but Chelsey wanted to come back to the farm. Growing up, Chelsey's parents made it clear there would always be r...2023-11-2926 min
Straight Talk with NDFBGrand Farm: Bridging the gap between ag and techIn this episode of Straight Talk with NDFB, hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Dr. Ruchi Bhardwaj, Grower and Education Program Manager for Grand Farm. Ruchi was born and raised in New Delhi, India and moved to Fargo in 2009 to attend NDSU, where she met our co-host, Alisha Nord. Ruchi has a Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate – all from NDSU. She joined the staff of Emerging Prairie where she eventually became the Grower and Education Program Manager for Emerging Prairie’s agricultural branch, Grand Farm. Join us for our conversation with this fascinat...2023-11-0122 min
Straight Talk with NDFBHow your mindset affects profitabilityIn this episode of Straight Talk with NDFB, hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord visit with Doug Ferguson who owns a stocker/backgrounding operation in SE Nebraska and is the author of Doug's Market Intel. Doug teaches a cattle marketing school focused on helping people become Master Marketers in the cattle industry. In this episode we talk about: An overview of Sell/Buy Marketing How to make money with cows every year How your mindset affects profitability Advice for the highschool graduate How to build a cattle operationInterested in learning more about being a master...2023-10-1840 min
Straight Talk with NDFBManaging your wetlandsStraight Talk with NDFB hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord talk to Matt Retka about ND Ag Wetland Trade, a program to give farmers an opportunity to buy and sell wetlands. Matt works for Stantec, the engineering firm contracted to facilitate the development and establishment of bank sites and work with landowners through every step of the process.In this episode, learn: How ND Ag Wetland Trade gives a tool to farmers who are interested in field drainage.More about how the program works. What it looks like to sell credits. What it looks like...2023-10-0420 min
Straight Talk with NDFBBecome a better risk manager in 10 minutes or lessIn the first episode of Season 7 of Straight Talk with NDFB, hosts Emmery Mehlhoff and Alisha Nord-Donelly get down to the nitty-gritty of marketing with Progressive Ag’s owner and founder, Ray Grabanski. Ray has several degrees in economics and law and is a recognized industry leader in risk management methods. Progressive Ag pursues excellence in farm risk management specializing in wheat, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, dry beans, canola, potatoes, and livestock. Each year, Progressive Ag exceeds its goal of 10-20 cents per bushel more than the customer’s previous marketing plan.In today’s episode...2023-09-2029 min
Straight Talk with NDFBSeason 7 Promo - From the plow to the internet: a staff conversation about technology, NDFB and agricultureIn this promo episode for Season 7, Emmery introduces her new cohost, Alisha Nord-Donnelly.Learn more about Alisha, in her own words, and find out how the communications landscape has changed for NDFB from a long-time employee, Dawn Smith-Pfeifer, who has been with the organization since before the internet.Your also cohosts provide food for thought on the good, the bad and the ugly side of technology and how it relates to their jobs and their farms.To learn more about NDFB staff, visit https://ndfb.org/aboutus/staff/To contact host...2023-09-1819 min
Straight Talk with NDFBNew opportunities for ag with Ag Commissioner Doug GoehringIn the final episode of NDFB's Straight Talk legislative season, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with N.D. Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring.The 68th Legislative Assembly was a success for agriculture in North Dakota.Landmark changes to the "corporate" farming structure in North Dakota will help expand animal agriculture and create partnerships that were unavailable before.Zoning and infrastructure changes to help counties and townships come into compliance ag zoning ordinances and upgrade services were all passed by legislators and signed by the governor.To learn more about how NDFB lobbyists...2023-05-2524 min
Straight Talk with NDFBHow did the N.D. Legislature treat agriculture?North Dakota's 68th Legislative Assembly finished its work in late April. Overall, the session was very positive for agriculture in North Dakota.Your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with NDFB's lobbyists, Pete Hanebutt and Meghan Estenson, about the significant wins and some disappointing losses during the session.NDFB went into the session with a mission to move animal agriculture forward by supporting a bill that would allow for more capital investment in animal agriculture, as well as zoning bills requiring counties and townships to adhere to the state code. Those efforts were successful and should allow...2023-05-1230 min
Straight Talk with NDFBBudgets and projections: How the N.D. Legislature balances the budgetWe might think the state of North Dakota spends way too much money, but there are leaders in the appropriations committee who are fiscally responsible and are looking for ways to give money back to the taxpayers of the state.In this episode of Straight Talk, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with the chairman of House Appropriations, Rep. Don Vigesaa, who has also been a strong friend of NDFB for many years.Representative Vigesaa shares more about the appropriations process and some of the unique situations that legislators addressed this year due to the unrelenting...2023-04-2718 min
Straight Talk with NDFBDoing the right thing is top of mind for these N.D. legislatorsOur polarized society makes assumptions that the people serving in our Legislature only want to win instead of doing the right thing. Learn why that's not true from two North Dakota legislators.As the 68th Legislative Assembly draws to a close, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff, takes an opportunity to interview two freshman legislators and their thoughts going into the session and what they learned throughout it.Rep. Karen Anderson of District 19 is a long-time Farm Bureau member and Walsh County commissioner. She also has experience in human service issues on the local level, which she...2023-04-1224 min
Straight Talk with NDFBIs North Dakota investing in anti-agriculture companies?In recent years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards have become increasingly popular in the investment world. While these were supposed to encourage investments in companies that prioritize environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and good governance practices, as with anything, when you impose specific standards on society some necessary segments suffer.Agriculture and energy are the pillars of North Dakota's economy. But ESG requirements target those very pillars. Are we being socially responsible when this feel-good framework causes people to lose their jobs?In this episode, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with District 33 Representative A...2023-03-2916 min
Straight Talk with NDFBWeather watch: A forecast on weather modification legislationCloud seeding and hail suppression sound great until you learn how the unintended consequences impact people who are not part of the program.In this episode of Straight Talk, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff talks with Representative Matthew Ruby of Minot, representing District 40.Rep. Ruby shares his concerns about weather modification and why he is sponsoring HB 1166 in the North Dakota 68th Legislative Assembly. The bill would scale back county cloud seeding efforts when nearing the border of a non-participating county.NDFB has policy against state funding for weather modification programs and stands opposed...2023-03-1526 min
Straight Talk with NDFBLowering your taxes in the N.D. LegislatureBenjamin Franklin famously said, "in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes."While death isn't discussed in this Straight Talk episode, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff does talk taxes with Representative Craig Headland, who serves as chairman of the House Finance and Taxation Committee.Serving on the Finance and Taxation Committee wasn't his first choice, but Rep. Headland embraced the challenge and has become an expert on taxes and improving the tax climate for North Dakotans.Learn why it has been Rep. Headland's mission to get rid of income tax in our...2023-03-0123 min
Straight Talk with NDFBShould foreign countries own land in North Dakota?Foreign ownership of land in North Dakota has been a major concern recently. Learn why a North Dakota Senator has introduced a bill prohibiting foreign adversaries from owning land in our state.Senator Bob Paulson of Minot has introduced Senate Bill 2371, which would prohibit United States adversaries from owning land in our state.Senator Paulson is a retired Navy pilot and rancher. He served in the House from 2019 to 2022 and is serving his first term as a senator.Several other bills pertaining to foreign ownership of land have been introduced, however, NDFB's Legislative...2023-02-0814 min
Straight Talk with NDFBHow North Dakota's youngest legislator is working to grow the dairy industryRepresentative Dawson Holle is 18 years old and serving his first term in the North Dakota Legislature. He ran for a seat in District 31 because he wants to do what he can to help grow North Dakota's dairy industry.With only 37 dairies still operating in the state, Rep. Holle says more doors have to be opened to keep the dairies we have as well as open new markets. He has sponsored two bills:HB 1255 regarding the definition of milkHB 1515 regarding the sale of raw milk directly to consumersRep. Holle explains both bills and shares why...2023-01-2517 min
Straight Talk with NDFBHow will agriculture issues be addressed in the 2023 ND Legislature?Growing animal agriculture in North Dakota is a priority for all three guests on this first episode of the legislative season of Straight Talk with NDFB. Learn why as your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with NDFB and agriculture legislative leadership.In this first episode of the sixth season, Emmery talks with NDFB Public Policy Director Pete Hanebutt about the priority issues the organization will work on during the session.She also visits with new House and Senate Agriculture Committee chairs, Rep. Paul Thomas and Senator Larry Luick.According to both Rep. Thomas and...2023-01-1129 min
Straight Talk with NDFBTapping new opportunities with Brandon LindstromIf you look around, you may find untapped potential in the most unusual places. Who knew gnarly boxelder trees could be tapped for rich maple syrup with hints of butterscotch? Join host Emmery Mehlhoff for this special Farmhouse Treasures season of Straight Talk with NDFB as she talks with Brandon Lindstrom. Brandon farms in Amenia, N. D.His family also makes syrup from the boxelder trees located on their farm. The Lindstrom family discovered the boxelder trees could be tapped and the sap boiled into syrup resulting in a rich maple-butterscotch flavored syrup. ...2022-12-0718 min
Straight Talk with NDFBTooling around with Robison Custom LeatherThree jobs, two kids, a ranch... Sometimes you have to let something go to find out what is most important to you. Learn how Max Robison turned a leather-working side job into a thriving business.In this episode, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff visits with Max Robison, the owner and creator of Robison Custom Leather. Max converted an old grainery on his ranch into a leather workshop where he creates chaps, belts, earrings, and all sorts of leather products. Max visits with Emmery about his leather work and his insights on pursuing the things that really...2022-11-3018 min
Straight Talk with NDFBHow South Dakota's institutional knowledge led to property tax reformIt wasn't term limits that paved the way for property tax reform in South Dakota. It was institutional knowledge.In our final episode of this special season of Straight Talk, your host, Emmery Mehlhoff speaks with South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation Public Policy Director Matthew Bogue about what happened in that state when term limits were imposed.Prior to term limits, institutional knowledge paved the way for property tax reform that benefitted all taxpayers.Since the state moved to term limits in the 1990s, more political maneuvering, increased spending and a...2022-11-0227 min
Straight Talk with NDFBWhen you have a true citizen legislature, why would you want to change it?There is a major misconception in North Dakota that Measure 1 will solve issues with U.S. legislators. It won't. It will limit North Dakota legislator terms, however, and curtail your rights as an individual to vote for who you want.In this special season of Straight Talk, your host Emmery Mehlhoff shares insights from other states, as well as North Dakota individuals, about how term limits can increase bureaucracy, rather than reduce it.This week, Emmery speaks with Senator Doug Larsen from Mandan.For more information on term limits from NDFB's perspective, visit...2022-10-1225 min