Welcome to Episode 174 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, the director of Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation offers farmers tips for strategically managing their income taxes and reminds farmers of a new federal law with costly consequences. Later in the episode, Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz discusses the impacts of European climate regulations and offers Iowa farmers a chance to study those impacts firsthand, as participants in a 2025 Market Study Tour of Brussels and the Netherlands. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2024 Iowa Farm Income Tax Webinar (Nov. 18) or view the recording. Avoid steep fines and other penalties by filing your farm’s beneficial ownership information (BOI) with the U.S. Treasury Department by Jan. 1, 2025. To learn more about this requirement, visit calt.iastate.edu or fincen.gov. Apply for Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2025 Market Study Tour of Brussels and the Netherlands. Register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting and County Leadership Conference.
Welcome to Episode 173 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we cover the wide range of programs and services Iowa Farm Bureau offers farmers and rural entrepreneurs who want to diversify their businesses or take them to the next level. We also share some helpful tips farms and small ag businesses can use to create their own standout brands and marketing strategies, from an award-winning marketing agency. Finally, we discuss the Farm Bureau Health Plan, a great choice for Iowans who need an affordable alternative to costly individual health coverage. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s four-day Marketing + Branding Workshop Series, Nov. 13 – 14 and Dec. 4 – 5 in West Des Moines. Learn about Iowa Farm Bureau’s Grow Your Future Award. Learn about the most recent (March 2024) Acres of Opportunity Conference – an agenda for next year’s conference will be available in early 2025. Learn about Iowa Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Program and the Young Farmer Conference. Learn about Renew Rural Iowa, including free, half-day sessions for rural entrepreneurs in Manchester (Nov. 19) and Montrose (Dec. 13). Learn more about the Farm Bureau Health Plan.
Welcome to Episode 172 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Brian Waddingham of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers shares timely reminders for livestock farmers who may face DNR or EPA inspections. Later in the episode, we chat with Zac Preston, a young farmer from Warren County who’s helping create opportunities for his peers across the state, as chair of Iowa Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Advisory Committee. Resources mentioned in this episode: • Contact the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers by calling 800-932-2436 or visiting SupportFarmers.com. • Save the date for Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2025 Young Farmer Conference: January 17 – 18, 2025. Registration will open in early December. You can follow updates from the Young Farmer Program via their webpage (IowaFarmBureau.com/YoungFarmers), their Facebook page, and their Instagram page.
Welcome to Episode 171 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Story County brothers Jason and John Maxwell share the journey that led to them becoming Iowa’s 2024 Conservation Farmers of the Year. Later in the episode, Iowa State University Extension behavioral health expert Dr. David Brown reminds farmers of steps they should take to care for their mental health needs during the stressful harvest season. Resources mentioned in this episode: Read more about 2024 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year award winners John and Jason Maxwell. Learn more about Iowa’s conservation progress at ConservationCountsIowa.com. Iowa Concern website and hotline. Farm stress resources, including free, one-on-one, ongoing counseling for Iowa farm families, through Personal Assistance Services.
Welcome to Episode 170 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Spokesman reporter Bob Bjoin sits down with Hiro Iwanaga, CEO and co-founder of Talus Renewables, to discuss modular green ammonia systems that could reduce fertilizer costs for Iowa's farmers. These systems are designed to provide locally produced, low-cost fertilizer with a reduced environmental footprint. We also speak with American Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch about the latest USDA farm income forecast and strategies farmers can adopt in today’s challenging economy. Resources mentioned in this episode: Learn more about the modular green ammonia systems offered by Talus Renewables and Landus. American Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch assesses the drop in U.S. net farm income. Crop marketing and risk management tips from Iowa Farm Bureau Farmer Education Program Manager Zach Brummer. Iowa Farm Bureau’s farm stress management resources for farmers, including a live webinar on September 23. Iowa Farm Bureau’s “How to write a post-harvest marketing plan” webinar on November 7. Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2024 Iowa Farm Income Tax Webinar on November 18.
Welcome to Episode 169 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we share some crop marketing and risk management tips for farmers to apply in this challenging ag economy. We also introduce you to Brandon Myers, a former Iowa Hawkeye and NFL star who is the newest addition to the ANF (America Needs Farmers) Wall of Honor at Kinnick Stadium. Resources mentioned in this episode: Iowa Farm Bureau’s Cash Bid Search Tool Upcoming farm stress webinar: Successful Self-Care in a Challenging Ag Economy Farm stress resources, including free, one-on-one counseling for Iowa’s farm families Contact Iowa Farm Bureau Farmer Education Program Manager Zach Brummer at zbrummer@ifbf.org Learn more about ANF Wall of Honor inductee Brandon Myers, the ANF Game Day On-Field Experience, and ANF Game Day at Kinnick Stadium
Welcome to Episode 168 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we discuss highlights from the 2024 Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index ®, a survey of Iowa grocery shoppers (by the Harris Poll) about factors influencing their grocery purchases, their feelings about real meat and dairy, and who they trust for information about the nutrition and safety of their food. We also sit down with Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johson to discuss the state of the farm economy and the urgent need to pass a new Farm Bill. Resources Mentioned in This Episode See more highlights from the 2024 Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index®.
Welcome to Episode 167 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we talk with the co-founder and CEO of Distynct, an ag tech company that’s turning traditional livestock alarms into smart alarms. Then we visit with Marshall County farmer and Cloverleaf Animal Welfare Systems COO Jamee Eggers about how Iowa hog farmers can comply with the requirements of California’s Proposition 12, in order to sell pork in that state. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Learn more about Distynct smart alarms for livestock facilities. Learn more about Cloverleaf Animal Welfare Systems (a company that offers Prop 12 compliance certification). See what Iowa Farm Bureau is offering Iowa State Fair visitors.
Welcome to Episode 166 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we discuss new research on the evolution of Iowa farms and agriculture’s contribution to Iowa’s jobs and the overall economy, with Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz and Brian Waddingham of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. Resources Mentioned in This Episode 2024 Iowa Agriculture Economic Contribution Study RSVP for the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers 20th anniversary reception at the Iowa State Fair Iowa Farm Bureau’s Top 10 Farm and Ag Facts Recordings from Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2024 Economic Summit Iowa Farm Bureau’s Cash Bid Search Tool The Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman Subscribe for email news updates from Iowa Farm Bureau Visit Iowa Farm Bureau at the 2024 Iowa State Fair
Welcome to Episode 165 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we share state and federal assistance available to Iowans impacted by recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, with a guest from the FEMA disaster response team that covers Iowa (John Mills) and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. Resources Mentioned in this Episode DisasterRecovery.Iowa.gov Iowa’s new Disaster Recovery Farm Interest Program (DRFIP) Two-sheet background document on Iowa’s Disaster Recovery Farm Interest Program (DRFIP) Iowa Disaster Agriculture Resource Guide FEMA’s national website (DisasterAssistance.gov) and hotline: 1-800-621-3362 Preparing for natural disasters (Ready.gov) Disaster resources through Iowa State University Extension
Welcome to Episode 164 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Washington D.C. insider Frank Kelly shares geopolitical factors farmers should consider as they eye agriculture's future. And Ed Usset, a grain marketing economist from the University of Minnesota, offers his strategic grain marketing recommendations for farmers. Resources mentioned in this episode See slides from Frank Kelly's presentation at Iowa Farm Bureau's Economic Summit. Learn more from Ed Usset and the University of Minnesota's Center for Farm Financial Management. You can purchase Ed's book, "Grain Marketing is Simple (It's just not easy)" here. Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's economic outlook webinar. Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's "Take Root" farm succession seminar, July 25 in Johnston.
Welcome to Episode 163 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Vice President of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dr. Jason Henderson analyzes Iowa’s current ag economy and explores keys he sees for future economic success. And young Iowa farmer Hans Riensche shares what he hopes to learn about transitioning farms to future generations sustainably, through an international study program. Resources mentioned in this episode: Learn more about the Nuffield Scholar program and Hans Riensche. Register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s “Take Root” farm succession seminar, July 25 in Johnston. Register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2024 Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour.
Welcome to Episode 162 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Madelynn Wuestenberg, an Iowa native and recent master's graduate in Agricultural Meteorology from Iowa State University, speaks with us about her new role as the Agricultural Climatology Specialist for ISU Extension. Then Iowa Farm Bureau’s Farmer Education Program Manager offers a sneak peek of our upcoming Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour, which will include stops at unique ag sites across western Iowa & Nebraska. If you’re a young Iowa farmer, ages 21-40, register by June 30 to secure your spot. Resources mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour.
Welcome to Episode 161 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. By now, we're all pretty familiar with the inaccurate greenhouse gas (GHG) accusations against agriculture. In this episode, American Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch shares the other (less publicized) side of the story, using recently released GHG data from EPA. Also in this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau national policy advisor Daniel Heady updates us on negotiations for a new Farm Bill. Resources mentioned in this episode: Read economist Danny Munch's analysis of agriculture's GHG emissions. Top 10 Iowa farm facts , including environmental progress Register now for Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Ag Insights Tour.
Welcome to Episode 160 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we hear from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Beth Romer about Choose Iowa, a program through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship that provides value-added grants to farmers and markets Iowa-grown products to consumers. We also visit with Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz about Farm Bureau's upcoming Economic Summit. Resources mentioned in this episode: ChooseIowa.com Register now for Iowa Farm Bureau's Economic Summit
Welcome to Episode 159 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan offers his forecast for the 2024 growing season. And Brian Waddingham shares how the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers has been helping farm families raise livestock responsibly and successfully for the past 20 years. Resources mentioned in this episode: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Climatology Bureau Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers website Iowa Farm Bureau's 2024 Economic Summit
Welcome to Episode 158 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Pudenz shares insights from the Iowa Farm Bureau's recent Market Study Tour of California. With 22 Iowa Farm Bureau members in tow, the journey offered firsthand observations and discussions on navigating California's Proposition 12 regulations. Also in this episode, Shawn Richmond (an environmental scientist with nearly three decades of experience) demonstrates the growing momentum behind Iowa's conservation initiatives. Resources mentioned in this episode: Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Economic Summit on June 14. Visit ConservationCountsIowa.com to learn more about Iowa's conservation and water quality progress.
Welcome to Episode 157 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we delve into the heart of agriculture's economic challenges and opportunities with Dr. Christopher Pudenz, who previews Iowa Farm Bureau's much anticipated Economic Summit. Also joining us is Elaine Froese. Known as "Canada's farm whisperer," Froese shares her invaluable experience helping farm families enhance their communication and conflict resolution skills. Resources mentioned in this episode: Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Economic Summit on June 14. Visit Elaine Froese's website for additional resources. Plan for your farm's future with help from Iowa Farm Bureau's Take Root program. This program is managed Amanda Van Steenwyk: avansteenwyk@ifbf.org.
Welcome to Episode 156 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Robin Dreeke (a former FBI special agent and expert in spy recruitment) shares his insights into building trust, a critical skill for farmers and other ag advocates. Resources mentioned in this episode: Learn more about former FBI spy recruiter Robin Dreeke and subscribe to his “Forged by Trust” podcast.
Welcome to Episode 155 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Iowa's own Alexis Taylor, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, for a deep dive into the future of trade and agricultural exports. Then David Newman of the National Pork Board explores innovative strategies for promoting pork consumption among modern consumers. Whether you're a farmer looking to expand your market horizons or simply interested in the latest trends in agriculture and food consumption, this episode offers valuable insights and forecasts that you won't want to miss. Resources mentioned in this episode: Register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s Acres of Opportunity Conference today.