Agriculture of America

On the Memorial Day Weekend edition of AOA, powered by Cenex, we begin the show learning about Cotton Incorporated launching a new Life Cycle Assessment of United States Cotton Fiber Production. Dr. Jesse Daystar, chief sustainability officer for Cotton Incorporated, joins us to discuss what the findings mean for U.S. cotton growers and the broader industry.
 
In Segment Two, we hear the full conversation we had earlier in the week with USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce about their updates and enhancements to the livestock insurance programs LRP, LGM and DRP for the 2027 crop year. Then we close the show learning about research being done by the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute to explore new uses for alfalfa. Alan Doering, a senior scientist at AURI, joins us to discuss research AURI is doing to expand the opportunities for alfalfa, focusing primarily on non-ruminant feed opportunities and fertilizer.

On Friday's AOA, powered by Cenex, we begin the show with an update on fertilizer prices and the Trump Administration's efforts to expand domestic production with StoneX VP of Fertilizer Josh Linville. In Segment Two, we hear from American Soybean Association CEO Steve Censky who joins us to clarify ASA's position on E15. In Segment Three, we talk with Joe Mahon, Regional Outreach Director for the Minneapolis Federal Reserve, who shares details of their first quarter survey on economic conditions for agriculture in the Ninth District. Then, in Segment Four, we close the show with a conversation between Susan Littlefield and Brad Kooima from KKV Trading about the market impacts of Cargill's worker lockout at its plant in Fort Morgan, CO this week.

On Thursday's AOA, powered by Cenex, we kickoff the show with market analysis and perspective ahead of Memorial Day with Mike Zuzolo from Global Commodity Analytics. In Segment Two, as we celebrate Beef Month we sit down for a financial conversation for ranchers and talk with Marshall Hansen, senior vice president with FCSAmerica's corporate protein team. In Segment Three, we discuss cattle health during the hot summer months and talk Dr. Steve Lerner, Senior Scientific and Business Advisor at Novonesis. Then we close the show with ag news headlines in Segment Four.

On Wednesday's AOA, powered by Cenex, we begin the show with Michael Amato from Amato Advisors. He shares details on their Farmer & Rancher Policy Sentiment Survey, fielded in April 2026, which shows farmers are feeling the pinch and don't feel heard by lawmakers. In Segment Two, we hear from Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation President Dan Glessing who shares details on state legislative wins and more. In Segment Three, National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles joins the show with an update on the growing concern about Potato Wart on Prince Edward Island. We also discussed trade, the Farm Bill, aid for specialty crops and more. Then we close the show in Segment Four with ag news headlines.

On today's AOA, powered by Cenex, we begin the show with market analysis and perspective from Brady Huck with EmpowerAg Trading followed by a conversation with The Fertilizer Institute's President and CEO Corey Rosenbusch in Segment Two. In Segment Three, we discuss several issues, including fertilizer prices, year-round E15 legislation, trade and more with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Then in Segment Four, USDA's Risk Management Agency announced several updates to its livestock insurance programs including LRP, LGM and DRP. USDA Undersecretary Richard Fordyce joined us on Monday for an exclusive interview to discuss the changes.