CommonGroundND Podcast

From growing up in the city to ranching full time-hear how Jen Meyer's view of food and farming was transformed by life on the land.

Amanda Olson shares how she connects kids to agriculture -through farm-to-school lunches, classroom gardens, and everyday life on her family farm.

Jenn and Heather head to Wahpeton, ND, where they talk about weeds and seeds with a sixth-generation farmer, Kayla Miller, who’s growing our food with precision and efficiency.

Jenn and Heather ride out west to JC Farms in Hettinger, ND, where they find out ranching isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life.

Pull up a chair for this episode about North Dakota grown flowers! Theresa Dessonville teaches us about taking the leap of faith, winter flower farming… in North Dakota, and what it takes to put flowers on the table.

Grab a seat at the table and join the latest kitchen conversation—nothing sweeter than sugar! In this episode, sugarbeet farmer Julie Helm shares her unique farm perspective, from moving to the farm and balancing farm and family life to the simplicity of sugar. Let’s dig in!

Join hosts Heather and Jenn as they explore an introductory course in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) with Calli Thorne. Learn the fundamentals of identifying and responding to mental health and substance use challenges. This episode equips you with initial skills to offer support, manage crises, and connect others to professional help, while also introducing self-care techniques. To register for her full course, visit callithorne.com.

Feel free to crack a cold one as you listen to this episode of the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast, where North Dakota barley farmer Nathan Boll talks about barley production on his farm, trends in consumer alcohol preferences, and the pivotal role North Dakota plays in the industry.

In this episode, hosts Jenn and Heather discover that (spoiler alert) 4-H is for the kids - and not just for those on the farm, but any child looking to grow, learn, and thrive. If you think your 4-H days are behind you, we've got news for you. There are plenty of opportunities for adults to get involved or stay involved in the 4-H community through volunteering at local and state events.

Join us in this episode of the CommonGround ND podcast, as our guest, Megan Overby, discusses her role in agricultural advocacy within North Dakota, including how she brings agriculture into the classroom. One of her favorite subjects is "Special Assignment Pizza." Tune in to discover more about this special assignment.

In this episode of the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast, Heather and Jenn sit down with soil fertility expert Kelsey Griesheim. Join us as we explore North Dakota's soils, learn about Kelsey's innovative research, and discover the art of nurturing the land for agricultural success. Interested in how science is revolutionizing farming? This episode is your soil-to-sprout guide.

This episode is for those wondering what the post-harvest journey of grain looks like. Hosts Heather and Jenn talk with grain merchandiser Angie Heilman about where the grain goes after the farmer delivers it to the elevator, and the role North Dakota agriculture plays in helping to feed the world.

Join Heather and Jenn on this episode of the CommonGround ND Podcast as they welcome Tracey Olson, COO of Guardian Energy (behind the operations at the Hankinson, ND ethanol plant) to discuss the ins and outs of ethanol production. Tracey will help us figure out when and how ethanol can be a choice for our cars.

Join us as we learn about the modern pork farming practices in North Dakota, the technological advancements, and the sustainable and ethical considerations that go into pork production. Discover how the industry is overcoming misconceptions and what makes this protein-packed ingredient a versatile star in various dishes.

In this episode of the CommonGround ND Podcast we’ll tackle some pressing wheat questions. Are there genetically modified wheat varieties in the U.S.? Can wheat be considered a healthful food? Does going gluten-free contribute to weight loss? Erica sheds light on these topics and more, providing clarity and knowledge. Don't miss out on the answers to these important questions.

In this episode, Alison Pokrzywinski, a sunflower breeder, explores details about hybrids, the full bloom tourism, and the flavoring of your sunflower seeds – just like the ones you enjoy at baseball games – all grown right here in ND. Grab your earbuds and tune in to the CommonGround North Dakota Podcast!

Join us as we hear about the global reach of North Dakota agriculture with guest Jean Henning. Discover how initiatives like NDSU's milling school in Tunisia and innovative export practices connect North Dakota farmers to tables worldwide. Learn about the international influence of North Dakota's corn, beef, and ethanol, and hear firsthand about Jean’s experiences fostering agricultural relationships across the globe. From North Dakota to Tunisia and beyond, see how local farms make a global difference.

Join hosts Heather and Jen, alongside guest expert Chris Berg from North Dakota State University, as they explore the cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing the care and management of pigs. Learn about the implementation of RFID tags, electronic sow feeders, and the latest research efforts aimed at enhancing animal welfare and productivity. Chris also shares his journey from and sheds light on challenges in the pork industry, such as labor shortages and legislative changes affecting farm operations. Tune in to discover how precision agriculture is paving the way for a sustainable and efficient future in swine production, right here in North Dakota.

Scott Weinlaeder joins Heather and Jenn on CommonGround North Dakota Podcast to share his expertise in the seed industry. With a family business dating back to 1974, Scott emphasizes the importance of seed quality, from pretreating with fungicides to utilizing cleaning technology like color sorters. The episode delves into the nuances of wheat production in North Dakota, highlighting unique soil benefits that contribute to the renowned 14-16% protein content in spring wheat. Listeners get a glimpse into the balance of yield, quality, and market demands that shape the agricultural landscape. Join Scott as he brings his agricultural acumen to the discussion, revealing the dedication behind the seeds that furnish our food supply.

In this episode of CommonGround North Dakota, hosts Heather and Jenn talk with agronomist Sarah Lovas. Sarah brings her passion for agriculture, sharing expertise on agronomy and precision farming practices. Her commitment to sustainable farming shines through as she discusses soil analysis, pest management, and farming technologies. Tune in as Sarah dispels some agriculture myths and shares the economic challenges and emotional toll that farmers face.