The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Welcome to Episode 210 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we highlight two programs helping Iowa's next generation step into farming with confidence: the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers Building Your Livestock Legacy program and Iowa Farm Bureau's Take Root program.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Learn more about the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers Building Your Livestock Legacy program. 
• Register for a Take Root farm succession workshop near you.
• Hear more from Wyoming farmer and author Ron Rabou.
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Acres of Opportunity Conference, February 21 in Spencer, Iowa.

Welcome to Episode 209 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we sit down with farmer and ag celebrity Rob Sharkey (aka The SharkFarmer). Later in the episode, Seth Appelgate of Farm Credit Services of America shares personal budgeting tips for farmers.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Check out the SharkFarmer Podcast.
• Register for the Ag Market Outlook Meeting near you.
• Register for a Take Root farm succession workshop near you.
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Acres of Opportunity Conference, February 21 in Spencer.

Welcome to Episode 200 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we share expert tips for strengthening the communication between farmers and their landlords. Erin Herbold-Swalwell, a Farm Bureau attorney with extensive experience in farm succession and landowner relations, and Catherine DeLong, an ISU Extension professional who specializes in helping farmers and landowners discuss conservation investments, share their advice with farmers.  

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Annual Meeting.
• Visit ISU's Ag Decision Maker website.
• Iowa Farm Bureau's Take Root farm succession program
• Learn more about Iowa State University Extension's Landowner Education Program.

Welcome to Episode 110 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, you'll meet Dr. Jason Ross – the new chair of Iowa State University's Department of Animal Science (part of ISU's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences). You'll also hear about the games and prizes that await you at Farm Bureau Park during this year's Iowa State Fair.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

• Fairgoer attractions at Farm Bureau Park, during the 2022 Iowa State Fair

Welcome to Episode 109 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, American Farm Bureau economist Shelby Myers analyzes the overall farm economy, and Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson talks about what's being done to address the astonishing increase in fertilizer prices.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Farm Bureau members can save on travel (with prices guaranteed to beat public booking sites like Expedia and Priceline) using Travel Sherlock.

Welcome to Episode 108 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we speak with Mike Telford, Executive Director of the Iowa Farm Animal Care Coalition (IFAC). IFAC is a first-of-its-kind network of professionals, veterinarians, animal behavior scientists, and farmers committed to answering Iowans' farm animal care questions and providing livestock farmers with the assistance they need. 

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Call the Iowa Farm Animal Care Coalition at 1-800-252-0577 or visit their website.
• See advice for preparing for potential summer power outages

Welcome to Episode 107 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa State University soil science expert Dr. Michael Castellano shares details about an effort to optimize and localize Iowa's fertilizer application recommendations. And environmental scientist Shawn Richmond discusses how optimal fertilizer applications complement farmers' other efforts to grow the crops we need while protecting water quality. To learn more about farmers' conservation and water quality protection efforts, visit ConservationCountsIowa.com. 

Welcome to Episode 106 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig talks about the benefits of Iowa's new biofuels standard, which Governor Kim Reynolds recently signed into law. Later in the episode, Ben Gleason (the new executive director of the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council) talks about efforts to quantify Iowa's conservation progress. 

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Details on Iowa's new biofuels standard
• Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council

Welcome to Episode 105 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we'll introduce you to some unique opportunities to connect with your farm and agribusiness peers, via tours and other hands-on learning events offered by Farm Bureau. 

This episode also includes an interview with Special Agent Justin King (Drug Enforcement Administration) about a dangerous trend that's sweeping through Midwest communities, involving fake prescription pills.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour
• Iowa Farm Bureau's USDA Crop Report Trip
• Iowa Farm Bureau's Take Root farm succession workshops
• Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Program (website)
• Facebook groups for local (district) Farm Bureau young farmer groups
• Apply for Iowa Farm Bureau's Grow Your Future Award
• Contact your county Farm Bureau
• See all of Iowa Farm Bureau's upcoming events

It's no big deal. I don't have time. Someone else needs help more than me.

Are you creating excuses to not seek out mental health or wellness services?

The Farm Family Wellness Alliance offers farm families free and confidential mental health and wellness services, from skilled professionals who understand the unique challenges of farm life.

In Episode 104 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, we talk with Amie Merz (an account manager and clinician with Personal Assistance Services) and Monica McConkey (a farm and ranch counselor) about those services for farm families and why folks should set aside their reservations about reaching out for help.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Check out the mental health and wellness services available through the Farm Family Wellness Alliance at https://farmfamilywellness.com/. You can also call 833-999-FARM or text 314-451-5727.
• Register for one of Iowa Farm Bureau's upcoming Take Root farm succession planning workshops.
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's upcoming Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour.