NEXT WEEK: Via Minnesota Corn, VERBATIM: “Minnesota Corn will once again have an active presence at Farmfest, the annual farm show and agriculture celebration at Gilfillan Estate near Morgan. This year’s show will run next Tuesday through Thursday, Aug. 5-7. Join Minnesota Corn in Tent 702 at the corner of Seventh Street and Seed Row to learn about how the organization is creating opportunities for growers and enhancing quality of life for agricultural communities.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4oiDmT2 (SPONSORED: Minnesota Corn Growers Association)
All Fluence Media tip sheets are now available to read and share online at our website, The Daily Agenda:
FARM FAMILIES: Via Minnesota Daily, VERBATIM: “The University of Minnesota will honor families from nearly every county in the state this coming week, as part of its program honoring farm agriculture contributions. The Farm Family Recognition Program, which the University has used to honor Minnesota farmers since 1979, will recognize 86 farmers and their families on August 7 at Farmfest, an annual three-day agricultural celebration held in Redwood County.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l9WsrB
FARM BILL: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “An American Soybean Association board member is concerned about the future of the farm bill. Bob Worth, who farms near Lake Benton in southwest Minnesota, tells Brownfield including the Nutrition Title helped garner broader support for the farm bill in Congress. ‘And if we don’t have that part of it, it’s going to be difficult.’ Lawmakers moved the nutrition and commodity titles into the reconciliation package that passed this summer.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3U9zkyj
CROP PROGRESS: Via KEYC-TV, VERBATIM: “A mix of warm temperatures and consistent but not overwhelming rains made for a promising start to the year for local growers. That trend is still continuing, but a particularly wet July has caught the attention of those farmers. While it’s not a full-blown problem quite yet, it’s something that many are keeping an eye on. ‘I’ve been kind of lucky that some of the larger storm systems have missed but the ground has definitely been staying moist by all means. It’s been a little wet but nothing catastrophic yet for me, thankfully,’ local grower Tim Guldan said.” WATCH: https://fluence-media.co/45ttxKm
BEEF: Via Associated Press, VERBATIM: “In a period when retail beef prices are at an all-time high and consumers are still willing to pay, South Dakota rancher Calli Williams would love to cash in. But it's not so simple. Williams and her husband, Tate, raise about 70 cow-calf pairs near Letcher in southeastern South Dakota, roughly 18 miles (29 kilometers) north of Mitchell. They own about 80 acres (32 hectares) and rent additional pasture. Between the drought that hit cattle country hard over the last few years, still being maxed out on the grass available to feed their animals, and with land prices rising, she said, they simply can’t yet make the financial investments that they’d need to raise production.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4lbH0el
Check out all the episodes of Sunday Take on 830 WCCO. CLICK: https://fluence-media.co/3VZAwp9
DOWN PAYMENT: From Assistant MDA Commissioner Patrice Bailey via X, VERBATIM: “Assistant Commissioner here with one of our newest recipients of the down payment assistance program at MDA, Anita Fondikum, CEO of Shining Lights Farm, LLC. Enjoy your new farm Anita!!” PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4oiSijI
SEEDING: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Many farmers are finalizing plans for seeding a fall cover crop. Jeff Jackson with CROPLAN says growers who use the cover for forage will probably want to air seed it or apply with a drill. ‘So that we know our investment is getting put towards a viable, large crop seeded well to come up in the spring.’ He tells Brownfield cover crop seed can also be broadcast with an airplane or drone.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4ofzB0j
FORESTS: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the U.S. Forest Service is investing $106 million to support state and landowner efforts to conserve private working forestlands across the country. Funded through the Forest Legacy Program, these projects will protect forests vital to the economic and social fabric of local communities – ensuring they remain productive, working forests for Americans and tourists to use and enjoy.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4l4LFPv
GRANTS: From MDA via X, VERBATIM: “MN producers, groups, and local governments looking for help purchasing or retrofitting soil health equipment can apply beginning Friday, Aug. 1 for a cost-share grant from our Soil Health Financial Assistance Program. Deadline is Aug. 29.” TWEET: https://fluence-media.co/4flUgfi MORE: https://fluence-media.co/4563RC4
BLACK FARMERS: Via Black Press, VERBATIM: “As the Trump administration moves to eliminate key diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) protections at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Democratic Congressman David Scott of Georgia has introduced legislation aimed at safeguarding the future of Black farmers and reversing decades of systemic discrimination. On July 17, Scott, a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, introduced the Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act of 2025. Illinois Democratic Congressman Jonathan Jackson, also a member of the committee, co-sponsored the bill, which aims to expand market access and enforce civil rights protections for farmers who have historically been denied equitable treatment by the federal government.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3Hb1KoP
WASHINGTON CTY: From MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen via X, VERBATIM: “Pumpkin and I were honored to carry the colors this morning for national anthem at the Washington County Fair!” PHOTO: https://fluence-media.co/4l9TVO7
STUDY: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “Researchers continue to study factors that impact the variability and availability of nitrogen throughout the growing season. University of Minnesota nutrient and water management specialist Dr. Lindsay Pease says she’s trying to answer several questions.” PEASE: “How much of our nitrogen that we’ve applied is being used with the crop? When is it being used? And what are those factors that really are influencing whether the corn is able to take up the nitrogen, or maybe are we losing some of that nitrogen?” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/3UKUuD2
SOIL HEALTH: Via Farm Bureau, VERBATIM: “The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) published a new report entitled Nurturing Healthy Soils for Healthy Communities. The report recommends the Make America Healthy Again Commission support policies that reward stewardship and invest in innovation as part of a national strategy to create lasting, healthy outcomes for all communities, rural and urban alike.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4mhkIZI
DROUGHT: The latest Drought Monitor reflecting data as of Tuesday shows 7% of the state, an area in the northwest corner, remains abnormally dry or worse. Earlier this year, that was the situation in 94% of the state. MAP: https://fluence-media.co/3PP2Kzy
FRESH15: The latest season of Fresh15 includes interviews with new Minnesota House members. So far, five new members have shared their goals, background and fun facts before they take office in a historic session this January.
Rep. Kari Rehrauer
Rep. Wayne Johnson
Rep. Julie Greene
Rep. Keith Allen
Rep. Peter Johnson
Follow on your favorite podcast platform, or at www.TheDailyAgenda.com/Podcasts. (SPONSORED: Minnesota Telecom Alliance)
NEXT WEEK: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins invites families, food lovers, and patriots alike to the Great American Farmers Market on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., August 3 – 8, 2025. This weeklong celebration will be a vibrant showcase of American agriculture, with over 50 daily booths from farmers, ranchers, producers, and vendors across the country, offering a diverse array of goods and experiences that embody the heart of rural prosperity and innovation as a celebration of American agriculture and entrepreneurial spirit.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UGXQXO
MASTER FARMERS: Via Farm Progress, VERBATIM: “Minnesota farmers are special, but The Farmer is looking for those who have mastered their crafts. Do you have what it takes to be a Master Farmer? Get your nominations in to be part of the inaugural class of Master Farmers, which will be announced early in 2026. Nominate a family member, neighbor or even yourself to be one of Minnesota’s first Master Farmers.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/4frfgS0
RUST: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “A corn disease is spreading across the Midwest at an alarming rate. Iowa State University Extension plant pathologist Daren Mueller says Southern Rust has been reported from the deep south all the way up to Minnesota. ‘Honestly, in my twenty-some years here in Iowa, I’ve never seen it this early. Usually it comes in in August, or maybe September even.’ In addition to nearly half the counties in Iowa, Southern Rust has also been confirmed in Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, South Dakota, Indiana, and Kansas.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4fiFGFd
SOYBEANS: Via Brownfield, VERBATIM: “An extension entomologist says soybean gall midge is a difficult crop pest to manage. Bob Koch with the University of Minnesota says the insect is still new so threshold levels for treatment have not been established.” KOCH: “It seems like the seed-applied insecticides aren’t providing much control, based on research from my colleagues in Iowa (and) Nebraska. Foliar-applied insecticides, the insecticide sprays, aren’t really doing all that much. And that may be due to the fact that these larvae are protected inside these stems.” LISTEN: https://fluence-media.co/4lTpJI7
FINALISTS: Via Agweek, profiles of finalists for Woman Farmer of the Year:
“Kayla Cohrs, of Glencoe, Minnesota, wears many hats in the world of agriculture. Just how she wears those hats is why she's been selected as a finalist for Woman Farmer of the Year at this year's 2025 Farmfest. Here's what a nominator had to say about her. QUOTE: "Kayla's ability to connect, teach, and lead is woven into everything she does. She is more than a farmer; she is a mentor, a caretaker, and a role model. And just like the records she keeps with unwavering precision, the impact she makes on these children is something that will stay with them for a lifetime." READ: https://fluence-media.co/3UHUFz4
“Meet Noreen Thomas, who grew up in agriculture and now devotes much of her time helping others thrive in farming, too. Find out more about the Farmfest 2025 Woman Farmer of the Year finalist. Noreen Thomas owns and operates Doubting Thomas Farm with her husband in Dilworth, Minnesota. On that farm she finds ways to help other emerging farmers by renting hundreds of acres out. She also mentors farmers, hosts farm tours and seeks to share her knowledge and resources with those in need.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45haCRN
“Holly Saehr makes the dream work on her family’s farming operation, even as the youngest member of the operation, taking on a leadership role that spans every aspect of the business. She can be found tilling fields, hauling manure, running the grain cart, loading hogs or picking rocks, handling each task with confidence and competence. On the dairy side, she milks their 180-head herd twice daily, cares for calves, beds stalls, and manages the daily cleanings. In addition to her field and livestock work, she is the organizational backbone of the operation.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IX2z55
USDA: Via USDA, VERBATIM: “U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins congratulates Tyler Clarkson on his confirmation to serve as General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Agriculture.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/45ekfkh
FORUM: If you’re interested in having the Fluence Forum host a topic, please contact Blois Olson at bloisolson@gmail.com
4-H: Via Marshall Independent, VERBATIM: “Kicking off the fun of the annual Lincoln County Fair was a series of 4-H shows Thursday afternoon with participants showcasing their poultry and rabbits. As festival goers began to trickle in on the fairgrounds throughout the day for the first of the four-day festival, several 4-H members prepared their chickens and hens in the barn.” QUOTE: “This year’s competition is much more hardcore … Last year, I think we had half this,” Samantha Hauschild, one of the competitors said. “This year’s numbers have more than doubled. It’s been so much fun now, because that just means you have to be that much better and you have to push for it.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/3IQmnY1
FARMFEST: Via Agweek, VERBATIM: “This year’s Farmfest continues its tradition of informational forums, educational sessions and acres of opportunities to learn about and talk with vendors from across the agriculture industry at Gilfillan Estate near Morgan, Minnesota, Aug. 5-7. While there is plenty of time to sit and gain insight from experts in ag, Farmfest is chock-full of things to do and part of the problem can be trying to navigate what to do and when. IDEAg marketing director Niki Jones said there's always lots to do at Farmfest, and an expanded focus on kid activities is sure to appeal to the whole family. But to take it all in stride, Jones suggests visitors come with a plan.” READ: https://fluence-media.co/40KrHCd
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