Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network Podcasts

Ken talks about President's Day and visits with Chris Clayton, DTN/Progressive Farmer Policy Reporter who just returned from a tour through the interior of Brazil's farm country.

Anna speaks with Iowa Ag Secretary, Mike Naig, on the Century Farm Recognition Program

Dustin speaks with Iowa Governor, Kim Reynolds, on her message to the acting administrator of the EPA

Yes, there is some questionable music as Ken picks songs of the week, focusing on President's Day.

This week we start with the USDA Data Dump and the closing markets from Friday. 

Ken speaks to Dustin Hoffman about the Renewable Fuels Conference and Anna Hastert about Hereford Cattle.

He also talks with Mike Steenhoek regarding the State of the Union mention of rebuilding infrastructure in the years ahead.

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Dustin Hoffman covered the Iowa Power Farming Show

Anna Hastert was forced to go to New Orleans for the National Cattlemen's Convention

Ken stayed home and found songs that make you laugh and make you cold.

This show highlights Ken's story of a very unfortunate couple who ventured out into a blizzard.  On the upside, Dustin Hoffmann attended the Iowa Pork Congress and Anna Hastert reports on Pioneer's Enlist Herbicide System for Soybeans and the new registration by China.   Ken talks to an Air Quality Scientist who says U.S. livestock contribute less than 4% to global warming.  His science is interesting, especially if you are a dairy or beef producer who grows bigger cattle than a generation ago.

This may be one of the best of Ken's Weekend Ag Matters Programs.  (seven stars out of five)  It is philosophical and balanced.  Critical yet humorous.  

Really good piece on BASF helping Monarch Butterflies make a comeback.  

Anna and Dustin did some pretty good reporting as well.  Is that Elvis?

Rawhide Theme, really?  George McGargill with "Republicrat"?    Haa!!

Songs from the grain bin.  Ken finds songs by those who love to climb into big, hollow bins and sing!  He also talks with Dustin Hoffmann about the impact of USDA closures on farmers.  Ken and Anna visit about the latest on U.S. / China trade.  

Arlan Suderman, predictor of the future for INTL-FCStone, is our guest for this almost all business program.  He projects corn and soybean acreage for the coming year and touches on the need for meat protein in China.  Very interesting!

Anna has decided to become an entomologist and this week talks about Soybean Cyst Nematodes.  She compares the problem to High Blood Pressure.

Dustin is calm as he examines the reality of current and future trade with China.  The flower is still unfolding and you can see if his insight matches up with this week's reality in trade talks in Beijing.

Ken can't resist playing another of George McGargill's ballads:  "All Hat, No Cattle"  which is the guy we don't want to be.

This week is a solid show with an extended interview with Senator Pat Roberts, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.  Conducted by Spencer Chase from Agri-Pulse.  Roberts is the most experienced "Farm Hand" in DC.  He has seen it all from both sides of the capitol.

Dustin Hoffman reports on the progress of Nuisance Lawsuits brought against hog farmers in North Carolina.  The tide may be turning but the judgments assessed by the court system are astonishingly large.

Anna Hastert provides us information on a new plant pest in Iowa.  Soybean Gall Midge is a devastating little insect that has no effective control yet.  The crop losses are large but research is underway to try to bring it back in bounds.

Ken gives a warning that New Year's Eve is "Amateur Night" and the best thing to do is come home early or just watch it on TV.

Oh my!  This week Ken suggests we can live without Washington, D.C.   He compares the shutdown of government to and ice storm that just makes life a little more real.  Musical guest: of course...Hang Williams Jr.  

The real content is Dustin Hoffman reviewing the efforts of the Trump Administration to place restrictions on those qualifying for Supplemental Nutrition. Anna Hastert reports on farmers converting to organic production.

Weather forecast for the winter season from Bryce Anderson, Chief Meteorologist from DTN who regrettably has been friends with Ken for many years.  Have you ever asked a weather forecaster to recommend someone for a second opinion?

Ken Root's comments are his own and do not reflect the views of this station or any sane person, for that matter.

This week we count up to the blessings of the season.   What better way than to listen to cowboy music.  Gene Autry and Roy Rogers to start and end. Featured interview with Colin Hurd, Founder and President of Smart Ag.  His company has developed hardware and software to allow a tractor and grain cart to run autonomously.  Without a driver!  Really!  

Show concludes with Ken's favorite Cowboy Poet, Joe Kreger.  His moving poem: "Goin After One" is a cowboy translation of the story of the Good Shepherd.  It will bring tears to your eyes.  

Of course many of you say you cry when you listen to Ken and that's why you turn the show off.