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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 Anna Novak (R), Hazen, about why ESG requirements are harming our state and what she hopes to accomplish with legislation, HB 1429, which would create a new section in North Dakota Century Code that would address unfair discrimination in the business of insurance and the investment and management of public funds that ESG requirements cause. In addition, the bill calls for a study during the interim to evaluate the level of involvement North Dakota has with companies using ESG criteria.Contact Rep. Novak at anovak@ndlegis.govContact host Emmery Mehlhoff at emmery@ndfb.orgLearn more about NDFB policy positions at ndfb.org/policy/

Cloud 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 to weather modficiation. (Under Section 500 in Fiscal Policy) Emmery also speaks with Roger Neshem, a Berthold farmer who is also a self-confessed weather geek and understands the intricacies of weather modification. While Roger's grandfather helped organize the weather modification program many years ago in Ward County, Roger says he stepped away when he realized it was not living up to expectations. Contact Rep. Ruby: mruby@ndlegis.gov Contact Roger Neshem: 701-720-7454 Contact Emmery Mehlhoff: emmery@ndfb.org Sign up for NDFB's Legislative Front (scroll to bottom of page).

Benjamin 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 state and learn more about the bills that are being heard in the 68th Legislative Assembly that pertain to income and property taxes.Read more about Rep. Headland's income tax bill: House Bill 1158Contact Rep. Headland: cheadland@ndlegis.govContact Emmery Mehlhoff: emmery@ndfb.orgSign up for NDFB's Legislative Front (scroll to bottom of the page.)Learn more about NDFB policy .

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 Task Force determined that Senator Paulson's bill was the best one to support. Other bills addressing foreign ownership include: HB 1135 HB 1356 HB 1503 SB 2371 is in a committee hearing as this episode is being posted. To see bill updates or amendments, click on the links to the bills. Contact Senator Paulson at bpaulson@ndlegis.gov Contact host Emmery Mehlhoff at emmery@ndfb.orgTo learn more about NDFB's work in the Legislature or positions on issues, visit ndfb.org/policy/

Representative 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 milk HB 1515 regarding the sale of raw milk directly to consumers Rep. Holle explains both bills and shares why he feels they are necessary to help dairy grow in the state. Contact Representative Holle at dholle@ndlegis.govContact host Emmery Mehlhoff at emmery@ndfb.orgTo sign up for NDFB's weekly legislative newsletter, Legislative Front, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page for the form.

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 Sen. Luick, animal agriculture has a number of opportunities to capture growth markets in the state if lawmakers can initiate changes to make the climate more inviting for entrepreneurs. Learn more about what each of them hopes to accomplish in this session.To learn more about all the bills being discussed during the 68th Legislative Assembly, visit the North Dakota Legislative Assembly website.To learn more about NDFB's priority issues for the Legislature, visit: NDFB Issues.To become a member of NDFB visit: Become a new member — NDFB Contact emails:NDFB Public Policy Director Pete Hanebutt: pete@ndfb.org Representative Paul Thomas: paulthomas@ndlegis.gov Senator Larry Luick: lluick@ndlegis.govHost Emmery Mehlhoff: emmery@ndfb .org  « Less 00:00 / 29:19

Just up the road a piece from the Ayr exit on Interstate 94 lies an experience you won't want to miss.In the final episode of Straight Talk's Farmhouse Treasures for You season, Emmery visits with Rodney Hogen, the owner of the "oldest and largest" vineyard in North Dakota and the only one to service wine made entirely with North Dakota grapes.Rodney visits with Emmery about how he planted his first grapes in North Dakota and started Red Trial Vineyard. He also provides details about an upcoming educational experience and the exciting opportunities for future grape growers in the state.Give the gift of the Red Trail Vineyard Experience to a loved one this Christmas.Book your visit or event at http://www.redtrailvineyards.com Become a fan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RedTrailVineyards/ Find the Red Trail Coffee Experience on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/redtrailcoffee/Interested in learning how to grow grapes in North Dakota? Check out the upcoming N.D. Grape and Wine Association Conference .Want to be featured in NDFB's Farmhouse Treasures for You ? Contact us at ndfb.org 

A twenty-something, Colleen Finley, shares why she wanted to be a business owner and help build her community through her company Far Out Nuts.Far Out Nuts produces deliciously roasted nuts and seeds using locally grown sugar and seeds for the Grand Forks community. Colleen has also moved the business online, providing delicious snacks for weddings, events, wholesale, or for gifts! Have an event coming up? Order Far Out Nuts with your own unique event or business label. Far Out Nuts would make a great Christmas gift! Find them at: Far Out Nuts website Wholesale opportunities Etsy store  Find them on social media: On FacebookOn InstagramOr follow your nose for the wonderful smell of roasted nuts at football and hockey games in Grand Forks, N.D.!

If 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. Brandon talks all about the process of tapping trees, collecting sap, and boiling the sap into syrup. Syrup makes great Christmas gifts! If you would like to purchase syrup, contact Brandon Lindstrom at lindstromenterprises@protonmail.com View the Farmhouse Treasures for You booklet 

Three 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 matter in life. Watch the Farmhouse Treasures video Visit Robison Custom Leather's website Check out NDFB's Farmhouse Treasures for You 

One person's junk is another person's treasure. And when you have an eye for making something old new again, you just have to go with it!Amanda Njos turned her passion of making decorations out of reclaimed wood from a rundown barn to eventually renovating an old barn on their farm. Driven by her desire for community and a passion for creating, she and her husband started Cow Chip Creations. Their renovated barn hosts events, classes, and a store showcasing Amanda’s work as well as other local artists.Amanda and her husband Chad, along with their kids own and operate Cow Chip Ranch in rural Bowman, North Dakota. This is where Cow Chip Creations is headquartered. Take an inside look at the barn and store in this Farmhouse Treasures video.  Find Amanda at Cow Chip Creations Check out NDFB’s Farmhouse Treasures 

It 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 shift in power from the legislative branch to the executive branch and lobbyists have all occurred. NDFB has taken a position against term limits and is urging a no vote on Measure 1. Learn more about the organization's position at https://ndfb.org/policy/issues/term-limits/

He's retiring from public service as a North Dakota representative. So, he has nothing to gain from taking this position. Find out why Representative Jeff Delzer opposes term limits in this new episode of Straight Talk.

Should we go down the term limits path Montana did in an effort to "clean the government house?" Not according to Montana Farm Bureau Senior Director, Governmental Affairs, Nicole Rolf.Listen to find out how term limits impacted Montana's legislative process.To learn more about NDFB's position, visit NDFB takes a position on term limits.

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 https://ndfb.org/policy/issues/term-limits/

It seems like a great idea. Initially. Limit the terms of state legislators and the governor and watch our state prosper and grow with new ideas and fresh blood. In reality? It doesn't happen. The corruptors keep corrupting and the balance of power shifts away from the people.Learn more as your host, Emmery Mehlhoff asks the tough questions about term limits with those who have experienced it first-hand. Her guest for this first episode is Jay Rempe, an economist with Nebraska Farm Bureau.Emmery will be sharing weekly podcasts about the issue leading up to the November election, so be sure to listen in and learn what others are saying about term limits.For more information on term limits from NDFB's perspective, visit https://ndfb.org/policy/issues/term-limits/

Randy Martinson with Martinson Ag joins our hosts to talk about late spring planting, changes to prevent plant rules, and cover crops. In this episode, we discuss: Cover crop  Prevent Plant rule change Ways to stabilize herd numbers  The global crop outlook  The shift in soil management techniques  Randy grew up on a family grain and livestock farm in rural Milnor, where he farmed for ten years after graduation from NDSU. Randy founded Martinson Ag Risk Management in 2016. Martinson Ag Risk Management offers a variety of crop marketing and crop insurance packages. Find Martinson Ag's free app here: http://martinsonag.com Contact Randy and his staff at: 701-205-4200 or randy@martinsonag.comResources: 2022 Prevent Plant FAQ Cover crop informationWant to join NDFB? Become a member here.

Our hosts are joined by Marshall Erickson, NDFB member, farmer and loan officer for Goose River Bank in Mayville, North Dakota. We talk about:  Navigating rising interest rates  Improving the value of land  Purchasing land strategies  Opportunities for new producers  What to do with $100,000  What to bring to the bank  Marshall Erickson lives and farms with his wife Brandi and three children in the Clifford area. Graduating from NDSU, Marshall entered the banking world as a credit analyst and now serves as a Loan Officer for Goose River Bank in Mayville, North Dakota. Marshall enjoys working with producers and has a passion for agriculture. Connect with Marshall at Goose River BankLocal Phone: (701) 788-3110Email: merickson@gooseriverbank.com Want to join the ranks of NDFB? Become a member. 

Farming with Mom and Dad and wondering what the future holds? Want to continue your family’s legacy? Emmery and Ezra visit with Marissa Nehlsen about the five steps to successfully transition the farm from one generation to the next. We talk about how to: Determine the Why, What, Who, When and How of starting the process Manage risk and take advantage of tax opportunities  Cut the government out Get a will and a health care directive for $75  Ask the important questions: What is critical for this farm to continue?  Marissa Nehlsen grew up on a farm in North Dakota and is the CEO of Freedom Financial, LLC. Marissa is dedicated to educating business owners about how to make sound business decisions. With a passion for agriculture, Marissa and her team help transition the farm to the next generation. ResourcesTo access the free resources Marissa mentioned in her podcast, email Marissa at marissa@ffgnd.com or visit http://www.freedomfinancialminot.com . To listen to more from Marissa visit https://marissanehlsen.comInterested in more from NDFB? Become a member 

In episode 12 of Straight Talk with NDFB, Dr. Kevin Sedivec, NDSU Extension, gives his outlook for 2022 and how to recover pastures after the drought. In this episode, we talk about how to: Manage pastures during and after drought  Heal saline soils Identify the health of your pasture Utilize grazing principles to improve pastures, enhance ecosystem services, and increase pounds per acre Kevin Sedivec works one-on-one with ranchers to optimize rangeland and troubleshoot soil health issues. If you are interested in visiting more with Dr. Sedivec, you can find him at https://www.ndsu.edu/snrs/people/faculty/kevin_sedivec/You can also contact him by phone or email. Phone: 701-231-7647Email: kevin.sedivec@ndsu.eduHave a guest suggestion for our hosts? You can contact our hosts here: emmery@ndfb.org Become a member of NDFB and join hundreds of young farmers and ranchers across the state!