Farm Broadcaster, Lorrie Boyer

Lorrie

Interviews with those that feed and clothe the world and never give up.

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26 episodes
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English

Episodes 26

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Wednesday · 9 min
Kurt Harms | Nebraska LEAD Program Executive Director
The Nebraska LEAD Program is a two-year leadership development program for people in agriculture. Fellows learn about Nebraska, national, and global agriculture, build a strong network, and prepare to take on leadership roles. According to their website, "The program is recognized both statewide and nationally as an innovative organization that has contributed to the success of Nebraska agriculture. The program's 1,100+ alumni have served - or continue to serve - on commodity boards, extension boards, school boards and church councils.
Tuesday · 11 min
Public Lands Council | Ron Cerri
The Public Lands Council has elected Nevada rancher Ron Cerri as its new president following the organization’s 58th Annual Meeting. Cerri operates a cow-calf ranch near Orovada, Nevada. He takes over leadership of the PLC as the organization continues to represent ranchers who depend on grazing livestock on federal public lands.
September 30 · 11 min
Nick Frillman | University of Illinois, Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator
In this show, we talk about shiitake and other edible mushrooms. We talk about how they can be grown on hardwood logs, especially sugar maple or white oak. Submerging established logs in water about 15°F colder than the air can trigger fruiting, with mushrooms typically ready to harvest in seven to ten days. Growers often sell them fresh and unprocessed, bringing them to customers soon after harvest.
September 29 · 12 min
Nutrien Dyna-Gro Area Manager | Steve Eichenberger
In this interview, Dyna-Gro Area Manager Steve Eichenberger discussed choosing corn hybrids based on performance across multiple years and local conditions, rather than relying on one season’s results. He highlighted heavy rainfall, crown rot, stalk diseases, and heat during pollination as key challenges, and described recommendations including careful hybrid selection, seed treatments, and tailored nutrition. He also advised growers to test new hybrids regularly and prioritize fields with weaker stalks during harvest.
September 15 · 9 min
Matt Montgomery | Beck's Hybrids | September 8, 2026
Matt Montgomery, agronomy education lead at Beck's Hybrids, discussed the impact of extreme heat on crops, particularly nitrogen deficiency due to heavy rains. He noted that the heat has led to crop cannibalization, with soybean pod formation being halted and corn kernels not filling out as expected. Montgomery emphasized the importance of scouting fields for vulnerabilities, especially lodging risks, and suggested early harvest to mitigate issues. He estimated a drying rate of 0.5 to 1 point per day for corn. Montgomery also stressed the need for safety during the fast-paced harvest season.
September 15 · 11 min
Rob Uhlemann CHS Director, Enterprise Strategy and Ventures | Open Tug
Cooperative Ventures—formed by CHS and Growmark—has invested in Open Tug, a logistics tech company using a cloud-based AI platform to monitor and analyze barge movements. The tool aggregates GPS and barge-company data into a command-center view, enabling faster decisions, improved efficiency, and better planning for moving grain—ultimately aiming to return value to the agricultural community.
August 26 · 11 min
IDFA's Becky Rasdal Vargas on ag labor hurdles, USMCA updates and new "Project Diversify" market tool launch
Becky Rasdall Vargas, Senior Vice President of Trade and Workforce Policy at the International Dairy Foods Association, discussed ag labor reforms, emphasizing Chairman Thompson's proposal to address dairy farm needs. She highlighted the challenges of advancing labor legislation amidst a busy political year. On USMCA, she stressed the need for modernization to preserve the trilateral agreement, noting Mexico's unique issues with cheese names and self-sufficiency proposals. Vargas also introduced Project Diversify, a data-based tool to help dairy exporters identify new markets, aiming to reduce reliance on Canada, Mexico, and China, which currently account for over half of U.S. dairy exports.
August 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.
August 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.
August 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
August 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.
August 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.
August 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
July 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.
July 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.
July 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.
July 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.
July 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.
July 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.
June 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.

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