Welcome to Episode 206 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Heartland Co-op Conservation Manager and agronomist Ruth McCabe shares the "batch and build" process that's helping Iowa farmers quickly install edge-of-field practices to filter nitrates from water. And ag policy expert Mary Kay Thatcher offers her outlook on farm policy in 2026.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Learn more about Heartland Co-op's conservation offerings and contact Conservation Manager Ruth McCabe at ConservationAgronomy.com.
• Learn more about Iowa's conservation progress at ConservationCountsIowa.com.
• Contact your county Farm Bureau.

Welcome to Episode 205 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 3 of our special three-part series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau's 2025 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Devon Murray of Floyd County, Randy Francois of Buchanan County and Blake Anderson of Adams County.

Part 1 (released December 8) features Devon Murray.

Part 2 (released December 9) features Randy Francois.

Part 3 (released December 10) features Blake Anderson.

Register to join farmers like Devon, Randy and Blake at Iowa Farm Bureau's 2026 Young Farmer Conference, January 23 and 24 in Des Moines.

Welcome to Episode 204 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 2 of our special three-part series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau's 2025 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Devon Murray of Floyd County, Randy Francois of Buchanan County and Blake Anderson of Adams County.

Part 1 (released December 8) features Devon Murray.

Part 2 (released December 9) features Randy Francois.

Part 3 (released December 10) features Blake Anderson.

Register to join farmers like Devon, Randy and Blake at Iowa Farm Bureau's 2026 Young Farmer Conference, January 23 and 24 in Des Moines.

Welcome to Episode 203 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 1 of our special three-part series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau's 2025 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Devon Murray of Floyd County, Randy Francois of Buchanan County and Blake Anderson of Adams County.

Part 1 (released December 8) features Devon Murray.

Part 2 (released December 9) features Randy Francois.

Part 3 (released December 10) features Blake Anderson.

Register to join farmers like Devon, Randy and Blake at Iowa Farm Bureau's 2026 Young Farmer Conference, January 23 and 24 in Des Moines.

Welcome to Episode 202 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, retiring Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen shares her career highlights and discusses future opportunities and challenges facing agriculture and ISU. And Terrian ag economist Matt Erickson offers his thoughts on the U.S. economy.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Learn more from Terrian economist Matt Erickson.

Welcome to Episode 201 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson shares trade conversations he and other Iowa Farm Bureau leaders are initiating in Washington D.C. and around the globe. And Kansas State University economist Dr. Glynn Tonsor offers a clear-eyed look at beef markets.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Apply to join Iowa Farm Bureau's 2026 Texas Market Study Tour.
• Register for the 2025 Iowa Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and County Leadership Conference.
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's 2025 Iowa Farm Income Tax Webinar.

Register for one of Iowa Farm Bureau's upcoming Take Root farm succession planning workshops.

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 199 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we reflect on the 40th anniversary of ANF (America Needs Farmers) at the University of Iowa, with stories from Iowa Hawkeye football legends Hayden Fry, Chuck Long, Chad Greenway, Marshal Yanda, Aaron Kampman, Bryan Bulaga, Bruce Nelson and Micah Hyde.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Visit AmericaNeedsFarmers.org for ANF Game Day details, our "40 Reasons Why America Needs Farmers" video series featuring Iowa Nice Guy Scott Siepker, videos with farmers and Iowa Hawkeye legends, opportunities to purchase ANF apparel and support Iowa's food banks, and more.