Carlson Ag Aviation

05/29/2026

Our oldest son has been a key player in our operations for six years. Since he was 15, he has been actively involved in all aspects of the business. He recently graduated from SDSU and he will take up his new role at Consolidated Grain and Barge in Hennepin, Illinois next week trading grain. We know he’ll do great things on his new adventures. Thank you, Alex, for dedicating so much time in order to help our business grow and succeed.

05/23/2026

The MDA is accepting public comments until July 31, 2026 on whether to add new regulations on neonicotinoid-treated seeds. As a certified commercial applicator farming corn, sugar beets, and soybeans in Minnesota, I’ve submitted my comment — and I’m encouraging every grower, ag retailer, and anyone who cares about keeping science-based, workable agriculture policy in this state to do the same.
This isn’t about ignoring the environment — existing federal law (FIFRA) and EPA registration already provide a rigorous, multi-layered framework. More state rules on top of that won’t help the bees. It will hurt Minnesota farmers.
Some of these sources might help you if you comment.

Where you can go to research and back up your own comments:
• EPA — Benefits of Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments: https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/benefits-neonicotinoid-seed-treatments-soybean-production
• Health Canada PMRA — Neonicotinoid Re-evaluation: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety/pesticides-pest-management/growers-commercial-users/neonicotinoids.html
• USGS Agricultural Wetlands Neonicotinoid Study: https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70226676
• National Ag Law Center — Treated Seeds Exemption Ruling: https://nationalaglawcenter.org/federal-court-upholds-treated-seeds-exemption/
• University of Minnesota Extension — umn.edu/extension for Minnesota-specific crop pest management research
• MDA’s own pesticide monitoring reports — available at mda.state.mn.us (search: pesticide monitoring)
• Woodcock et al. 2017, Science — search Google Scholar for the full study to read the authors’ own caveats firsthand

We're seeking public comments to help determine the adequacy of MN rules protecting natural resources from contamination allegedly resulting from neonicotinoid-treated crop seeds. Comments are due by July 31.

🔗 https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-seeks-public-comment-neonicotinoid-treated-seed-rules

04/30/2026

We’re excited to introduce Riley Farder to the team of pilots!

Riley was raised in Oslo, MN and has been rooted in agriculture his entire life. He started in the industry back in 1998 and went on to attend the University of Minnesota Crookston for ag aviation. Since beginning his flying career in 2003, he has flown everything from an Ag Cat to all models of Air Tractors.

Riley has sprayed across the country, including a few seasons in the Texas rice fields, with most of his experience right here in the Red River Valley working in sugar beet country. This season, he will be flying an Air Tractor 802 for us.

He currently lives in Fisher, MN and is engaged to Cecilia, with plans to relocate to Grant County in the near future.

When he’s not flying, Riley enjoys traveling, bird hunting, fishing, and spending time at the dirt track or anything aviation related.

Please join us in welcoming Riley!

04/21/2026

04/21/2026

https://agairupdate.com/category/united-states/

If you're operating a drone this summer, please read this article that pertains to aircraft safety.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – APRIL 20, 2026 – As the United States agriculture industry enters the upcoming growing season, the National

04/15/2026

As previously reported in January, our wings were sent to Texas for spar replacement. They have since been returned to Minnesota. The I-beam shown in the first photo is the component being replaced, running roughly halfway along the wing. In addition to this, several smaller yet crucial parts are also being replaced. The two smallest holes in the silver section experience the most wear over time. We appreciated the opportunity to visit the team at George's Aircraft and witness their work, gaining a better understanding of the importance and substantial cost of this process.

04/13/2026

01/20/2026

01/12/2026

Here are a couple of Enlist Webinars for anyone interested.

01/08/2026

Did you know agricultural planes undergo wing spar replacement after reaching a certain number of flight hours? One of our planes is currently in the process of having its wing spars replaced, with the wings removed and en route to Texas. Our oldest son, Alex, is spending his last week of college break escorting the wings, with the assistance of three friends. We are grateful for the diligent team at Prairie Air, who successfully detached and secured the wings for transport, and the capable crew at George’s Aircraft in Texas, who consistently deliver excellent results in a timely manner.