Agweek Podcast

Between volatile harvest diesel costs following North Dakota's emergency declaration and an alarming post-COVID increase in fraud hitting rural businesses, today's producers are managing critical financial decisions both in the cab and at the kitchen table . In this episode of the Agweek Podcast, host Al Winmill sits down with ag lenders Wyatt Toso and Kevin Jordre from First International Bank & Trust (FIBT). Drawing from their personal backgrounds farming and ranching in central and western North Dakota, Wyatt and Kevin discuss the practical and financial realities of this harvest season . In this episode, we cover: Harvest Frontlines & Fuel Realities: How producers are responding to diesel costs jumping to $5.50/gal delivered, navigating the temporary red-dyed diesel rules, and budgeting for unpredictable fixed costs . Guarding Against Modern Ag Fraud: The rapid rise in unexpected check schemes, compromised vendor emails (ACH fraud), and multi-factor authentication phishing. Kevin explains why you must always verify account changes by phone, and Wyatt emphasizes the power of gut checks and calling your lender directly. Success Beyond the Combine: Why measuring success extends far beyond bushels per acre to include estate planning, family communication, and securing operations across multiple generations . Innovation & Ag Optimism: From autonomous tractors and spray drones to feeding a growing global population, why the future of Upper Midwest agriculture remains bright . "Only an Ag Lender Would Understand": Harvest mottos, being "30 days away from a drought or 30 days away from a flood," and a little downtime chatter about Yellowstone, Landman, and fall bird hunting . Featured Guests: Wyatt Toso – Ag Lender, First International Bank & Trust (Harvey, ND) Kevin Jordre – Ag Lender & Branch Manager, First International Bank & Trust (Fargo, ND) Episode Resources & Links: Read Midwest farming coverage and news: Agweek.com Connect with the agricultural lending team at First International Bank & Trust Explore more episodes on the Agweek Podcast Network

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss election news, upcoming USDA reports and geopolitical activity on the Agweek Market Wrap. 

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss grain and livestock markets on Oct. 30 on the Agweek Market Wrap. 

Richard Fordyce, undersecretary of agriculture for farm production and conservation, explains how the Harvest Relief Fuel program will work, the timeline for its implementation and what the USDA needs from specialty crop farmers and trade groups. Read more at agweek.com/news/policy/usda-wants-specialty-crop-data-for-harvest-fuel-relief-program

Cultivating Success: Inside Ag Lending with First International Bank & Trust  In agricultural finance, there is a major difference between simply securing a loan and building a true financial partnership with lenders who know your local dirt. In this episode, First International Bank & Trust ag lender Laura A. Ascheman and credit analyst Megan Johnson break down what separates real relationship banking from a basic transaction, why local decision-making matters, and how to navigate unexpected farm challenges.   📌 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Cold Open & Intro 0:45 - First Ag Memories & Getting Involved in Agriculture 3:15 - What Separates a True Ag Banking Partnership from a Loan 7:30 - Why Local Decision-Making & Field Time Matter 11:45 - Expecting the Unexpected: Weather Shifts & Equipment Surprises 15:20 - Common Ag Banking Myths & Explaining the Job to a 5-Year-Old 19:10 - Key Takeaways & Connecting with FIBT   🌾 READ MORE ON AGWEEK: Read the full story and stay up to date on Midwest agriculture news: https://www.agweek.com   🔔 SUBSCRIBE TO AGWEEK ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@AGWEEK?sub_confirmation=1   🎙️ LISTEN TO THE AGWEEK PODCAST: https://www.agweek.com/podcasts

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss tough crop markets and strength in the livestock sector on the Agweek Market Wrap. 

Harvest is happening across the country, and weather conditions across the Cornbelt East have thrown plenty of curveballs this season . In this episode of the AgWeek Podcast, host Al Winmill sits down with Steven Eichenberger, Dyna-Gro Seed Area Manager for Nutrien Ag Solutions, to break down what growers need to watch for as combines and grain carts roll across the region . In this episode, we discuss: The 15-Year Evolution of Agronomy: How digital tools, AI diagnostic apps, and higher yield expectations have changed field management . Harvest Prioritization & Stalk Health: Managing stalk/crown rots and evaluating field risk after excess moisture and heavy rainfall . Beyond N-P-K: Hybrid nutrient efficiency, root architecture (penetrating vs. fibrous), and tailoring fertility management . Managing for 2027, Not Just 2026: Why picking seed based on multi-year data beats reacting to a single season's weather trends . Off the Clock: Steven's fantasy football sleeper picks, his dream vacation spot, and his favorite binge-worthy TV shows . Connect with Nutrien Ag Solutions & Dyna-Gro: Website: nutrienagsolutions.com Visit your local Nutrien Ag Solutions retail branch or connect on social media .

Cultivating Success: Inside Ag Lending with First International Bank & Trust  Episode Description: As harvest season gets into full swing across the region, producers are making critical decisions around cash flow, yield expectations, and equipment planning before the year even wraps up. In this kickoff episode of our special four-part series with First International Bank & Trust, we sit down with ag lenders Justin Bargmann and Levi Hofer to discuss the real-world pressures farmers and ranchers face every fall.   In this episode, we cover: Harvest Cash Flow & Yield Dynamics: What is top-of-mind for producers right now as they navigate market volatility and fall operating needs. The Unseen Challenges of Ag: The unpredictable variables outside a producer's control that make agriculture a 365-day planning business. Only an Ag Lender Will Understand: A lighthearted peek into the unique conversations, farm terminology, and harvest-season realities that confuse anyone outside the ag world. Childhood Dreams to Ag Roots: How Justin and Levi first got involved in agriculture and how their early memories shape their work today. Whether you're in the combine or planning for next year's operating lines, tune in to hear how having an ag lender who truly knows the dirt makes all the difference.   🔗 Learn more & connect with an FIBT ag expert: Visit fibt.com

Jamie Dickerman of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management talk about grain market movements, weather, harvest and cattle on the Agweek Market Wrap. 

Don Wick of Red River Farm Network and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management discuss high fuel, high interest rates, and continued trade hopes on the Agweek Market Wrap.