Farm Bill Update 

Congress hasn’t passed a Farm Bill since 2018 , and producers across the region are eagerly waiting for a new one. The question however is, will congress be able to reach a new deal? Ag Country Farm Credit Services VP of Legislative and Public Affairs Andy Martin tells us what’s been done, and what still needs to be done. 

While there’s a lot of bipartisan support for items in the Farm Bill, Martin says there are some things that may slow progress as well. Martin also tells us what he’s hearing in terms of progress. 

The Farm Bill will also be competing with a lot of other legislative priorities, and Martin highlights some other pieces of legislation that may take time away from the Farm Bill. 

You can listen to Andy Martin’s full presentation on the Farm Bill on the Your Live Event YouTube Channel.

Education Minnesota Supports Walz Reelection

Education Minnesota says it welcomes Governor Tim Walz’s announcement that he is seeking reelection in 2026. Union President Monica Byron said, “Governor Walz has been a steady supporter of educators and students through some of the most difficult years.”

She called the governor a trustworthy ally and good friend to educators. Education Minnesota’s endorsement process for governor and other races will begin next month when they send a candidate questionnaire developed by Minnesota educators.

Warroad Mayor to Meet with Lake Township on Railroad Quiet Zones

Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith will meet with Lake Township supervisors at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Lake Town Hall to discuss proposed railroad quiet zones.

The plan covers eight zones in Lake Township, Roseau County and the city of Warroad. If approved, Lake Township would be responsible for three crossings, Warroad for two and Roseau County for three.

Each crossing is estimated to cost $100,000. The proposal requires approval from all three governing bodies. Goldsmith previously met with county officials on the issue. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow and update on this story.

New NTC–BSU Partnership Opens Doors for Nursing Students to Advance Careers

A New partnership will give Northwest Technical College Nursing graduates a clear, affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. Graduates from Northwest Technical College’s associate’s degree program in nursing have a new, flexible and affordable path to a bachelor’s degree, through Bemidji State University’s Operation LEAD. Officials at NTC were joined by BSU nursing administrators and academic leadership to officially enter the partnership at a signing ceremony yesterday in the college’s Nursing Simulation Lab. Operation LEAD creates a pathway for nursing students to “Learn to lead; Expand their knowledge; Advance their careers; and Discover new jobs” en route to accessible, affordable bachelor’s degrees from BSU. Operation LEAD participants who graduate from NTC are automatically admitted to the BSU nursing program, and all of their NTC credits will transfer. The program started as a partnership between BSU and Minnesota North College. In addition to NTC and Minnesota North, nursing programs at Alexandria Community & Technical College and Pine Technical & Community College are also participating.

Take a Kid Hunting Weekend Returns; Deer Hunters Asked to Report Wildlife Sightings

Take a Kid Hunting Weekend returns Sept. 20–21, encouraging adults to introduce kids under 16 to small game hunting. During the weekend, Minnesota residents hunting with youth may do so without a license, provided they follow regular seasons, limits, and regulations. The program helps kids learn firearm safety, wildlife tracking, and access to hunting land. Resources, how-to guides, and webinars are available on the Minnesota DNR website.

Meanwhile, deer hunters are invited to log their wildlife observations through an online field log. The DNR uses this hunter-reported data to strengthen population models that guide wildlife management. Hunters can record sightings of deer, turkey, bear, fisher, and other species after each outing. The log will remain open through the end of 2025.

For more details on both programs, visit the Minnesota DNR website at mndnr.gov.

Wild Rice Watershed Update

Deer hunting season has arrived, and the Wild Rice Watershed District (WRWD) is reminding hunters, and other recreationalists about the rules regarding access to WRWD properties. Tara Jensen of the WRWD reminds the public that these lands are not open to the public, and she explains why.

Jensen also shared a reminder regarding permits, as the October deadline is fast approaching.

More Wild Rice and Ag updates available at rjbroadcasting.com