KSMQ's "Farm Connections" Sesquicentennial Farms/Farm Safety Camp – 501

On this "Farm Connections," Dan takes us on a visit to some of the oldest farms in our region and meets the families that keep them alive. Then he brings us to Farm Safety Camp where students get valuable lessons on rural living. And we meet our FFA Student Leader of the Week.

KSMQ's "Farm Connections" Ag in the Classroom/Minnesota Youth Institute - 502

On this week's Farm Connections, we visit the intersection of agriculture and education. First, Dan brings us to a classroom where working farmers teach students valuable lessons in agriculture. Then he introduces us to young people from the Minnesota Youth Institute who address the issue of global hunger. We also meet our next FFA Student Leader of the Week.

KSMQ's "Farm Connections" Clean Air and Clean Water – 503

On this episode of Farm Connections, we focus on clean air and clean water. First, Dan Hoffman visits an innovative environmental project that filters farm drainage water the natural way. Then he speaks with Minnesota's climatologist to better understand the science of weather and how the atmosphere affects agriculture. We also meet our next FFA Student Leader of the Week.

KSMQ's "Farm Connections" Exploring the University of Minnesota – 504

On this Farm Connections, we visit one of the leading institutions for agricultural research -- the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. First, we sit down with entomologist Dr. Ken Ostlie to learn how pests are adopting behaviors that threaten our harvest. Then we visit with Dr. Tonya Schoenfuss, a food scientist who's developing new and healthier dairy products. We also meet our next FFA Student Leader of the week.

KSMQ's "Farm Connections" The Art of Farming – 505

The beauty of farm country comes into focus on this Farm Connections when we meet artist Bonnie Mohr, who specializes in paintings of rural life. We visit her studio, which is located on her Glencoe farm, and discover how her ag roots inspired her success. We also learn how she supports the FFA student organization through her art. And we meet our next FFA student leader of the week.

KSMQ's "Farm Connections" Farming Across Borders – 506

On this Farm Connections, we learn how farming is common to all parts of the world. Dan visits with members of a MARL research team that traveled to Morocco to learn how agriculture is practiced in some of the world's most demanding conditions. Then he extends his cross-cultural connections by visiting with David Pratt, the coordinator of a University of Minnesota exchange program that brings ag students from around the world here, to the U.S., to study farming techniques. And we meet our next FFA Student Leader Of The Week.

KSMQ's "Farm Connections" Addressing Global Hunger – 507

On this Farm Connections, we look at one of the world's greatest challenges: Hunger. First, Dan visits with Tim Stromer of Kids Against Hunger who shows how simple food packets made from common ag products right here in Minnesota are delivered to some of the most impoverished countries on Earth. Then Dan visits with Joe Swedberg of Hormel Foods of Austin to learn how another innovative ag product is helping to raise healthy kids in developing nations. We also meet our next FFA Student Leader of the Week.

KSMQ's "Farm Connections" Farmamerica/Ag Watershed – 508

On this Farm Connections, we celebrate Minnesota's strong agricultural heritage by visiting Farmamerica, our Agricultural Interpretive Center. This facility is a state treasure, specifically established to tell the story of agriculture. Then Dan takes a closer look into another state treasure—our clean water supply—by visiting with two local researchers who are monitoring the quality of the water supply in our region. We also meet our FFA Student Leader of the Week.

KSMQ's "Farm Connections" Minnesota Farmfest – 509

On this episode of Farm Connections, Dan explores Minnesota Farmfest, a sprawling annual event that brings people from all walks of life face to face with agriculture. We'll meet some of the people behind this event, learn about this year's hot topics, and speak with ag advocate Trent Loos. And we meet our next FFA Student Leader of the Week. Come to Farmfest on this Farm Connections.

KSMQ's "Farm Connections" Rural Mental Health – 510

On this Farm Connections, Dan visits with a counselor who supports farm families throughout Minnesota as they deal with emotional and mental health challenges. Then he takes part in the 4th Annual Meyer Iowa Tractor Ride, which is dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed away.

KSMQ's "Farm Connections" Land Conversion – 511

On this Farm Connections, Dan travels to a plot of land in rural Mower County that was transformed from farmland into native habitat. He meets with two of the coordinators of this project to learn why the landowners decided to convert arable land into a wildlife preserve. We also take a look at scenes of the harvest in southern Minnesota.

KSMQ'S "Farm Connections" Inside the Grain Elevator 512

On this Farm Connections, Dan looks at what happens to the crop once it leaves the field. He travels to Adams, Minnesota to get a guided tour through a grain elevator and feed mill. He learns firsthand how crops are priced, processed, stored, and eventually delivered to the consumer.

KSMQ'S "Farm Connections" Inside the Grain Elevator 513