Jenny Schlecht

Luther Markwart has been CEO and executive vice president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association since 1982. As he nears retirement at the end of 2026, he reflects on changes and challenges.

Some parts of the country struggle with a shortage of tax professionals who understand ag taxes. Iowa State University is using a USDA grant to create a training program to help.

Technology like artificial intelligence is changing agriculture, just like much of modern life, Jenny Schlecht says. But ranchers are nowhere near being replaced at this point.

While South Dakota, Montana and Minnesota have more drought concerns than North Dakota, North Dakota did see a portion of the state enter drought conditions in the first week of May.

A complex combination of weather features, farm management practices and existing soil properties have led to salts coming to the surface in North Dakota fields, which could hurt crop production.

The House on Wednesday, April 13, on a 218-203 vote passed the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would allow sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol.

The May 14 wind featured gusts higher than 60 mph in some areas, with many parts of the region experiencing wind speeds above 40 mph. That moved top soil from fields and damaged vulnerable plants.

Members of Congress and the American Sugar Alliance have asked the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to investigate sugar imports from foreign countries.

NDSU Extension crops economist Frayne Olson doesn't expect fertilizer prices to drop any time soon, and he expects a high level of volatility in markets this summer due to a variety of factors.

Jenny Schlecht realizes she needs to be better about taking care of little things -- like buying a new pair of work boots before her feet start to hurt -- so that she can stay healthy for the future.