Labels such as "organic" and "sustainable," are confusing for consumers, can technology boost trust in purchases? Sarah Martello believes so. She's the co-founder of Transparency Wise, an innovative company dedicated to enhancing traceability within agricultural supply chains.

Leveraging blockchain technology, their approach provides consumers with clear, verifiable insights into their food's origins, offering videos of ranches and detailed product narratives. She shares her battle against greenwashing, integrating various software systems, and shifting age-old practices of manual data recording.

Recognizing the necessity for digitization and standardization as the backbone of implementing blockchain, her company a comprehensive agricultural data management platform that streamlines data and supports farmers in adopting regenerative practices that qualify for financial incentives like tax credits, facilitating more informed and profitable decision-making.

https://iowapodcast.com/food-tracking-with-blockchain

In an enlightening discussion with Bill, the CEO of Bion, the focus was drawn towards the innovative strides the company is making in the beef industry. With a career spanning over three decades in the meat sector, Bill's journey from pioneering case-ready meat at Fairbank Farms to leading Bion marks a significant shift towards sustainable beef production. Bion aims to revolutionize cattle feeding operations by addressing critical challenges such as labor shortages, water scarcity, and profitability through a novel approach that involves finishing cattle in a controlled environment. This system not only reduces methane and ammonia emissions by immediately collecting waste but also converts it into biogas and eco-friendly fertilizer, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.

Under Bill's leadership, Bion is not merely focusing on environmental benefits but is also enhancing meat quality and cattle health through dietary changes and controlled conditions, paralleling the advancements seen in pork systems. The technology aims for economic viability at a scale of around 15,000 head of cattle, targeting areas within the 40th northern latitude known for barn culture. Moreover, Bion's commitment to sustainability is attracting retail partnerships, enabling the sale of premium, authentically sustainable beef. As the company continues to evolve, it invites feeders and partners to join in its mission to create a sustainable system that benefits air and water quality, soil health, and ultimately, consumers. Bill's vision for Bion extends beyond immediate environmental impacts to fostering a holistic sustainable ecosystem within the beef industry, promising an exciting future for both producers and consumers alike.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/bill-o'neill-agriculture

Hello everyone, I'm Peter Jaques, host of the podcast dedicated to agriculture, a field I've grown deeply passionate about. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Hoiberg, VP of R&D and Technical Sales at Calcium Products, thanks to Jordan's initiative. Our chat delved into the crucial yet often overlooked realm of soil pH management, unveiling Calcium Products' pioneering pelletization of limestone and gypsum for enhanced agricultural benefits. Andrew shared insights on the profound impact of soil pH on nutrient uptake, emphasizing the transformative role of proper lime application in farming.

From the delicate balance of pelletization for quick soil integration to the significance of sulfur as the 'fourth major nutrient,' our conversation shed light on Calcium Products' dedication to delivering consistent yield benefits. To delve deeper, Andrew directed listeners to the Calcium Products website, sparking a rethink of traditional soil management strategies. Join us on this journey of innovation and evolution in agriculture!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/andrew-hoiberg-agriculture

In a comprehensive real estate discussion today, my colleague Cody and I dissected the implications of the National Association of Realtors settlement on the industry and land values. Contrary to alarmist reports, we expect neither a sharp decrease in land values nor significant job losses for real estate professionals following the settlement. Emphasizing the need for greater transparency, especially regarding buyer's agent commissions, we also considered the settlement's limited scope, as it doesn't protect all agents.

Moreover, we contemplated the broader impact on non-member agents and the costly implications for brokerages joining the settlement. We recognized the market's robustness and its capability to reach a new balance while noting the potential need for policy revision for VA loans. Ultimately, we advise industry players and consumers to remain well-informed and flexible, focusing on personal motives over market timing in their real estate ventures, amid current market dynamics of supply constraints and variable interest rates.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/cody-pasa-agriculture

In this recent episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, I had the chance to connect with Paul Stevenson from Nationwide and Dan Neenan from the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), thanks to a network that spans the agriculture industry. Our discussions illuminated the critical issue of grain bin safety and the importance of proper rescue protocols.

Through Nationwide's Grain Bin Safety Week and NECAS's expert training for first responders, we delved into the life-saving measures necessary to combat grain entrapment, highlighting the vital role of education, proper equipment, and community effort in preventing tragedies within the agricultural sector. This episode not only shed light on a matter of life and death but also underscored the power of collaboration and awareness in making a tangible difference.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/grain-bin-safety-week-with-paul-and-dan

Peter Jaques brings you the latest in market trends with a focus on agricultural developments. Last week, the grain markets saw mixed movements; corn prices dipped slightly while soybeans gained. In the livestock sector, there was a uniform rise in market prices. A significant update comes from Chevron's decision to shut down some biodiesel plants in Iowa and Wisconsin, attributing challenging marketing conditions to policies from the Biden administration. This closure impacts grain sales and the farming community, given biodiesel's lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel. The renewable fuels sector faces hurdles, prompting a push for the EPA to increase biodiesel blending requirements to bolster profit margins.

In a move to commend environmental efforts, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship calls for nominations for the 2024 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award, recognizing farmers who contribute significantly to environmental conservation.

Equipment manufacturers like John Deere and Case International Harvester are making headlines with dividend announcements and pre-season service offerings, respectively, while Kinsey introduces a new planter model aimed at enhancing productivity and convenience for operators.

An interesting trend in Iowa reveals a shift in farm sizes over the past two decades, highlighting the economic pressures and changing landscapes in agriculture. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack voices concerns over the declining number of farms, urging for supportive measures for the farming community.

Finally, Iowa contemplates joining the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, promising a sustainable alternative for regional travel. This roundup encapsulates crucial updates and initiatives impacting the agricultural and environmental sectors, underlining the ongoing changes and challenges within these industries.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/peter-jaques-agriculture

There has been a memorial fund in memory of Bill Northey. Please follow the link to contribute. The fund will be used to support scholarship(s) in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at ISU to help continue Bill’s legacy in Iowa Ag – thanks for your willingness to help get the word out and possibly support as the fund gets closer to the level needed to start offering the scholarship.

Additionally, There are a few dates to keep in mind and if you're in the business of serving our producers there may be an opportunity for you to contribute to the Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council’s 7th year.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/peter-jaques-agriculture-news

In today's episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, guest host Andy Peterson delves into significant agricultural developments within Iowa, spotlighting a pivotal decision by the EPA to authorize year-round sales of E15, a fuel blend with higher ethanol content derived from corn. This announcement has been met with mixed reactions from the Iowa Corn Growers Association, which praises the decision but voices frustration over its postponed enforcement until 2025 and its limited nationwide availability. The association is actively working to enhance the carbon intensity (CI) score of corn ethanol to make it more competitive against the lower CI scores of Brazilian ethanol, highlighting the ongoing need for new ethanol markets and acknowledging Governor Reynolds’ support for E15 promotion.

Additionally, the podcast features insightful discussions on challenges facing soybean cultivation, particularly focusing on the issue of herbicide resistance. Andy is joined by Eric Schroeder of Corteva, who discusses the emergence of water hemp resistance to the herbicide 2,4-D, emphasizing the critical importance of employing multiple modes of action and proper stewardship to maintain herbicide efficacy. The episode also covers Corteva's research efforts to discover new herbicides. Furthermore, insights from Brian Fager and Drew Clementson of the Iowa Soybean Association on seeding rate trials illustrate how optimizing seeding rates based on factors like soil type and nutrient availability can significantly boost soybean yield and profitability. Their collaborative approach with farmers on prescription-based seeding rate trials underscores the episode’s overarching theme of innovation, stewardship, and collaboration within the Iowa agriculture sector.

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/epa-and-e15-ethanol-in-iowa