In this post-Labor Day edition of What's On Your Mind, guest host Vern Thompson—a farmer, trucking business owner, nonpartisan league candidate for North Dakota Ag Commissioner, and former state legislator—sits down alongside co-host and former FSA director Aaron Crowder. Throughout the episode, a lineup of state senators, local representatives, and area producers drop in to break down current events in North Dakota. The group covers everything from the recent legislative special session and hyperscale AI data centers to falling cattle prices, country-of-origin labeling, and the economic pressures facing local agriculture. Standout Moments & Key Topics – Show Introduction & Local Updates Kevin Flynn and Vern Thompson open the show, running through daily local specials across Petroserve USA locations and introducing Vern's background in farming, state government, and energy trucking. – The Current State of North Dakota Agriculture Vern and Aaron Crowder dive into the financial squeeze hitting regional producers, pointing to worsening drought conditions, shifting commodity prices, and rising input costs like fuel and fertilizer. – Special Session Recap with Senator Ryan Braunberger Senator Ryan Braunberger (District 44) joins to unpack the recent legislative special session. He details efforts around non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for public officials, tax exemptions for hyperscale data centers, and transparency concerns. – Legislative Perspectives on Data Centers with Rep. Zack Ista House Minority Leader Zack Ista breaks down the debate over banning NDAs in public project negotiations, asking whether North Dakota is protecting local resources or giving away corporate welfare. – Mercer County Farming & Infrastructure Pressures Michael Berg, a fourth-generation Mercer County farmer, details the on-the-ground impact of proposed 2,000-acre hyperscale data centers, high-voltage lines, and natural gas pipelines in rural communities. – Zoning Ordinances & Development Guardrails Former teacher and local advocate Lynette Irwin outlines her work helping rural townships build comprehensive zoning frameworks, setbacks, and development agreements for large-scale energy and AI projects. – Young Farmers & Economic Survival Chris Olson shares his experience starting a farm from scratch during volatile economic times, discussing how local families navigate high input costs and rapid industrial shifts. – Satellite Data & Modern Ag Technology Lanny Faleide of SatShot visits to detail how satellite imagery, cloud computing, and variable-rate technology help farmers cut costs and optimize crop yields. – Cattle Markets & Country-of-Origin Labeling (M-COOL) Pierce/Benson County producer Scott Shively addresses the recent dip in cattle prices, the impact of foreign beef imports, and the push…
