📝 Episode Summary:
Broadcasting live with a heatwave across the Midwest and smoke in the skies, Weather and Ag in Focus takes you on a whirlwind tour of drought damage, popcorn farming in North Dakota, and what fertilizer and pollinators have in common.
Special guest Justin Halverson joins to talk about his rare and fascinating venture: growing popcorn in Sheldon, ND! Plus, Bridgette previews her big Baltic Field Day appearance, and Dean offers weather insights and fun Midwest trivia — including why people in Wishak, ND pronounce it Vishak (yes, really).
⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps:
[00:01:00] – ☀️ Storms & Derecho Damage
Dean recaps last night’s 90+ mph winds in Iowa & Minnesota. Corn is down, grain bins destroyed, and a South Dakota dairy had to relocate 15,000 cows overnight.
“How do you tell cows to just hold on a sec?!”
[00:15:45] – 🔧 Popcorn Farming in ND? Meet Justin Halverson
Justin shares how he started raising popcorn on 6 acres — and why it nearly filled a semi. He talks crop yields, planting adjustments, and how popcorn differs from field corn.
“We’re hand cleaning popcorn pans right now… still figuring out the food safety side.”
[00:35:00] – 🍿 Taste Test & Market Dreams
Justin hopes to sell locally in stores and online, but jokes about needing time to build a packaging setup between all his other farm duties.
“Right now, it’s just local, homegrown, hand-packed popcorn.”
[00:53:10] – 🌽 Popcorn vs Field Corn: What’s Different?
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Shorter stalks
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Needs less moisture
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Can’t be dried the same way
“If it’s too wet, it won’t pop right.”
[01:06:30] – 🌾 North Dakota Crops Update
Justin shares that his corn and canola are looking solid despite local storm damage. Beans? Too early to call.
“We had 3 inches of rain and standing water. Drainage matters more than ever.”
[01:14:00] – 🏛️ Corn Growers & D.C. Lobbying
Justin discusses his past service on the North Dakota Corn Growers Board and the importance of speaking directly to lawmakers.
“More and more, our elected officials have no ag background. That’s why we have to go.”
[01:23:00] – 🌫️ Weather Outlook & Smoke Forecast
Expect upper 70s through Friday, with smoke thickening midweek and southerly winds blowing it in. Isolated storms possible this weekend.
[01:35:00] – 💻 Cybersecurity for Farmers
Guest Chris Sherman (live from Hefty Field Day) discusses protecting agribusinesses from digital threats — yes, farmers need cybersecurity too.
[01:43:00] – 🐝 Pollinator Myths Busted
Bridgette explains that dandelions aren’t ideal for bees, despite popular belief. Instead, plant milkweed, mint, or roses for better pollination support.
[01:49:00] – 🚢 Barges on the Mississippi
Bridgette has a “never-seen-before” moment witnessing barge movement on the Mississippi — and gives a primer on U.S. fertilizer logistics.
“Potash from Canada takes 21–29 days to reach Minnesota!”