- FBAugust 24 · 11 min
CLA President and Executive Director | Brit Dinnis and Travis Grant
Britt Dinis, the new president of the Colorado Livestock Association (CLA), discussed his background and the challenges faced by livestock producers, particularly the drought affecting water and feed prices. He highlighted the importance of succession planning to retain agricultural land and membership. Travis Grant, CLA's executive director, emphasized efforts to support young producers through government programs and foster relationships with legislators. They also stressed the need for a federal farm bill and the importance of educating new legislators about agriculture. Both underscored the resilience and adaptability of Colorado's agricultural community.
- FBAugust 21 · 13 min
Matt Reardon | Senior Atmospheric Scientist | Nutrien
Matt Reardon, senior atmospheric scientist at Nutrien, discussed the unprecedented severe weather in Illinois, with 204 tornado reports as of mid-August, far exceeding normal levels. The state is experiencing a break from severe weather, with a dry pattern expected over the next 10 days. However, excessive rainfall in some areas has led to flooding. Reardon noted the impact of El Niño on weather patterns, predicting more rainfall in the fall. He also highlighted the European drought, affecting major rivers and crops, and its potential impact on global commodity markets. Growers should monitor rainfall patterns and hurricane activity in the coming months.
- FBAugust 19 · 19 min
Rita Deveney, district manager for Farmers Mutual Hail | Crop Insurance Change and Reminders
Rita Deveney, district manager for Farmers Mutual Hail discussed the recent crop insurance premium extension due to the nationwide drought, allowing producers to defer payments until November 30th. Interest accrues at 1.25% per month. She emphasized the importance of reviewing the summary of coverage, ensuring accurate acreage and legal descriptions, and updating ownership and policy changes. Deveney also highlighted the significance of precision ag reporting and the new enhanced coverage option (ECO) and supplemental coverage option (SCO), which are highly subsidized. She advised producers to ensure their crop insurance aligns with their risk and market conditions
- FBAugust 19 · 11 min
Mike LeFever | US Grains Bioproducts Director (CCPC)
Mike LeFever, U.S. Grains Bioproducts Director, discussed his role and the impact of tariffs on U.S. corn exports, which have increased by 27% to 72.5 million metric tons over the past year. Despite geopolitical challenges, the U.S. Grains Council's global presence in 27 countries, including Mexico, Canada, and the EU, has been crucial. LaFever highlighted the importance of personal relationships with buyers and the potential for expanding U.S. corn and ethanol exports to countries like India and Southeast Asia. He also emphasized the need for improved storage facilities and the competitive advantage of U.S. transportation systems.
- FBAugust 10 · 11 min
CALP | Kathy Whitman | August 2026
Kathy Whitman, an extension veterinarian at Colorado State University, discussed her role in addressing the rural veterinary shortage through the Colorado Ag Leadership Program (CALP). She highlighted the multifactorial challenges, including financial incentives, isolation, and lack of resources. Whitman organizes rotations for students to expose them to rural medicine and works with the state veterinarian to secure loan repayment programs. She emphasized the importance of mentorship and creating a pipeline for new veterinarians. Whitman also shared her experience with CALP, noting its impact on leadership and professional skills, and its role in fostering connections across diverse agricultural communities in Colorado.
- FBAugust 10 · 12 min
Matt Montgomery | Beck's Hybrids | August 10, 2026
Matt Montgomery, agronomy education lead at Beck's Hybrids, discusses the advancements in See and Spray Technology and Smart Scripts for weed control. Montgomery also touches on the potential of generic versus name-brand fungicides, emphasizing the importance of dual-mode action generics to prevent resistance. Lastly, he highlights the importance of pattern testing with drones to ensure consistent spray coverage
- FBJuly 28 · 11 min
Chelsie Keys | International Dairy Foods Association, Sr. Vice President of Government Relations
International Dairy Foods Association, Senior Vice President of Government Relations Chelsie Keys breaks down the new Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program — an expansion of the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives that lets SNAP households get discounts on a wider range of nutrient-dense dairy (whole and 2% milk, cheese, yogurt, sour cream) to stretch benefits and improve access. DNIP is included in both House and Senate Farm Bill drafts, making it a potential near-term policy win for nutrition and dairy producers alike.
- FBJuly 22 · 10 min
Mike Michner | Executive Director of the American Sheep Industry Association
Executive Director of the American Sheep Industry Association, Mike Michner, discussed the USTR's positive recommendation to the ITC to investigate the impact of imported lamb on the domestic industry. Since 2020, lamb imports have surged by 45%, now comprising 70% of the U.S. market, selling at an average 11% below domestic lamb. ASI submitted data showing substantial financial harm to domestic producers. The ITC's timeline includes questionnaires to lamb processors by July 30, an injury hearing on October 16, and a final determination by January 11. Mitchner also highlighted emerging opportunities in sheep grazing and the challenges of predation.
- FBJuly 22 · 12 min
Mark Twenhafel | Midwest Ag Risk Kontrol (Firebull)
Mark Twenhafel, owner of Midwest Ag Risk Kontrol, discussed his company's fire control product, Firebull. His farm, established in 1910, inspired him to seek a better fire extinguisher after experiencing ineffective traditional methods. He discovered Fireball, which attacks fire by cooling it, creating a protective coating, and preventing burnback. Firebull mixes with water to create foam, magnifying its effectiveness. A 3% mix handles most farm fires, while a 6% mix tackles magnesium and metals. The Air Three system, which produces 60 gallons of foam from 3 gallons of liquid, enhances reach and efficiency. Twinhoffel emphasized the importance of quick fire response to prevent significant damage.
- FBJuly 15 · 9 min
July Colorado Corn Promotion Council | Matt Mulch | Corn Congress
Matt Mulch, a past president and current board member of the Colorado Corn Promotion Council, discussed highlights from the recent Corn Congress in Washington, D.C. Key points included the re-election of Troy Schneider to the National Corn Board and the election of three new members. The biggest highlight was the House's passage of E15 as a standalone bill, a surprising achievement. The Senate is now considering its next steps. Mulch also addressed concerns about prediction markets influencing commodity prices and the ongoing negotiations regarding the USMCA agreement, emphasizing its importance for corn and ethanol exports. Additionally, he mentioned a study on the potential impact of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail merger.
- FBJuly 8 · 9 min
2026/2027 CO State FFA President, Brody Jones
Brody Jones, the new Colorado State FFA president, shares his journey and goals. Brody, a four-year member and chapter president, aims to continue the success of the Colorado FFA and build connections with over 10,000 members. He will serve at the CSU Spur campus in Denver, along with nine other state officers. Brody plans to attend the Summit Conference in DC and various county fairs. He will pursue agricultural engineering at Iowa State University after his service. Brody emphasizes the importance of passion and care for members in his role. He lists his fellow state officers and looks forward to both exciting and challenging opportunities ahead.
- FBJuly 6 · 11 min
Dr. Carolyn Lawrence-Dill, dean of the Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences, and Dr. Chris Goemans, professor in the CSU Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics | Economics Related to Drought
Dr. Carolyn Lawrence-Dill, dean of the Colorado State University College of Agricultural Sciences, and Dr. Chris Goemans, professor in the CSU Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, discussed the economic impacts of drought in Colorado. Dr. Goemans highlighted the importance of water sources like snowpack and precipitation and how droughts affect crop yields and economic activity. He noted that early-onset droughts allow producers to adjust, but late-onset droughts can lead to significant reductions in planted and harvested acres, impacting the regional economy. Dr. Lawrence-Dill emphasized the outdated water rights policies and the need for policy changes. They also discussed the cascading effects on commodity prices, with localized products like alfalfa seeing more significant price changes than globally traded commodities.
- FBJune 30 · 5 min
Dustin Schmer | DeKalb Technical Agronomist
Dustin Schmer, a technical agronomist for DeKalb, covers Northeast Colorado, parts of Nebraska, and Southeast Wyoming. He gives a mid-season growing update.
- FBJune 30 · 12 min
Andy Maul | Bayer technical agronomist
Andy Maul, a technical agronomist for Bayer, discussed his extensive territory in Illinois, covering from Decatur to Quincy. He highlighted the dual challenges of dry and wet conditions during planting, leading to delayed planting and replanting in some areas. Maul noted increased disease pressure, including gray leaf spot, physoderma, and tar spot, and the early emergence of aphids. He emphasized the importance of sound nutrient management, particularly nitrogen timing, to mitigate weather extremes
- FBJune 25 · 8 min
Jami Loecker, Syngenta Agronomy Service Manager | Detecting and Treating Tar Spot 2026
Jamie Loecker, an agronomy service manager at Syngenta, discussed the emergence of tar spot in the Midwest, particularly in Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and possibly Illinois. Tar spot appears as black flecks on corn leaves and can be mistaken for insect feces. Early detection is crucial for managing 2026 corn disease risk, with fungicide applications recommended at the V14 stage or pre-tassel.
- FBJune 25 · 17 min
IDFA: Dairy in Growth Mode
Tom Wojno COO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), discussed the robust growth and optimism in the dairy industry. He highlighted a $13 billion investment, making dairy the largest retail category with $80 billion in sales and nearly $10 billion in annual exports. He noted the impact of GLP-1s, with 9-13% of consumers currently using them, and the potential for oral GLP-1s to increase this to 30%. Wojno emphasized the importance of flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency in dairy production. He also mentioned IDFA's new state government affairs team and Project Diversify, aimed at expanding dairy exports.
- FBJune 23 · 12 min
Marketing Beef According to Jim
Jim Krause, owner of Marketing Beef, teaches new and inexperienced farmers how to market their beef effectively. He emphasizes the importance of quality in every aspect of the operation, from pasture management to customer engagement. Jim prefers local marketing over internet sales, believing in long-term, sustainable relationships rather than price-based transactions.
- FBJune 23 · 11 min
ACME Ag Consulting launches six‑person network to help ag startups scale
ACME Ag Consulting is a six-person network of independent agricultural consultants based in St. Louis. The group, with diverse backgrounds in farming, government, and major agribusinesses, offers a collaborative approach to ag consulting, combining their specializations in government relations, trade policy, product launches, and communication strategies. They emphasize their ability to provide quick, nimble solutions for startups, leveraging their international network to support clients in various regions. Acme Ag Consulting focuses on row crops and ag technology, but can also assist with livestock and other ag sectors through their extensive contacts.
- FBJune 18 · 10 min
Colorado Corn Promotion Council | June 2026
Nick Colglazier, Executive Director of the Colorado Corn Promotion Council, discussed the impact of high fertilizer costs on farmers, noting a 100% increase since 2020. He highlighted an FTC investigation into fertilizer price manipulation, emphasizing the lack of competition due to consolidation in the U.S. market. Glaser also mentioned efforts to promote E15 fuel,