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.