So my wife is right. It isn't what you say it is how you say it. In this conversation, my guest, Lisa Fox, discusses the importance of effective communication and how it can make a significant impact in various industries, including agriculture. According to Fox, authenticity is key when delivering a presentation or message. She emphasizes the importance of making eye contact and using hand gestures in the upper quadrant to enhance communication. 

Fox also breaks down the percentages of what an audience perceives during a presentation, with 55% being what they see, 38% being what they hear, and just 7% being the actual information shared. She explains that using eye contact and hand gestures can positively influence what an audience hears. Additionally, she highlights the value of using a purpose, outcome, building block (POB) framework when constructing a presentation, as well as the significance of clearing the screen and delivering a message directly to the audience. Fox concludes by expressing her passion for helping individuals become effective communicators and showcasing the transformative power of improved communication skills.

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/leisa-fox-communication  

Today's podcast episode paid homage to Bill Northey, a revered figure in Iowa's agriculture sector, whose sudden passing left a profound void. Despite the host's brief acquaintance with Northey, his warmth and humility left an indelible mark. Northey, known for his personal touch, graciously accepted a podcast invitation and subsequently expressed his gratitude through a handwritten note. At his funeral, the host discovered a unanimous sentiment among attendees: Northey's kindness, authenticity, and impactful presence were universally acknowledged. His departure not only marks the loss of a remarkable individual but also underscores the rarity of such genuine connections in professional realms.

Born on May 27th, 1959, Bill Northey's journey in agriculture was both rich and influential, stretching from his academic pursuits in agriculture business at Iowa State University to pivotal leadership roles that shaped the industry. As Secretary of Agriculture for Iowa and later as the nation's first Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Northey championed critical issues such as soil conservation, water quality, and sustainable energy, leaving an indelible mark on agriculture policy and practice. Beyond his professional achievements, Northey's life was a testament to the power of dedication, mentorship, and community engagement. His story, punctuated by personal anecdotes like his unyielding support at community events, serves as a beacon for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their communities and industries. Northey's legacy, characterized by his relentless work ethic and commitment to the betterment of agriculture and its people, will undoubtedly inspire future generations to lead with kindness, integrity, and a deep-seated passion for their work.

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/remembering-bill-northey          

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Jim Rothermich of Iowa Appraisal gives a detailed overview of Iowa's farmland market. He touches on the emotional ties families have to their land and the tough decisions for retiring farmers. Despite a minor 1% dip in land values in 2023, with average prices at $13,798 per acre, the market remains stable. 

Post-harvest, prices saw a temporary rise, but the trend is cooling, partly due to high interest rates dissuading buyers and some sellers holding out for higher prices. This has led to an increase in auction no-sales. While live auctions bring excitement, online platforms attract more bidders, offering privacy. With cash rent rates holding strong, Rothermich anticipates continued stability in land values and suggests that those able to buy during the current volatility should consider it. He expects interest rates to hover between 5-6% in 2024 and advises buyers to seize the moment amidst market fluctuations.

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/jim-rothermich-agriculture-part-2        

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In a compelling interview, Brad Whipple, Chief Operating Officer of MercyOne Medical Group, sheds light on the critical challenges facing healthcare in rural Iowa. Mr. Whipple's extensive experience in the field reveals a stark contrast between rural and urban healthcare dynamics, emphasizing the unique struggles rural areas face. He highlights the alarming gap between Medicare reimbursements and actual healthcare costs, a gap that has widened to 30-35%, placing significant financial strains on healthcare providers in these communities. This issue, coupled with the complexities of healthcare finance, insurance, and government regulations, paints a concerning picture of the rural healthcare landscape.

Delving deeper, Mr. Whipple addresses the operational hurdles within the healthcare system, such as staffing shortages and real estate costs. He speaks to the innovative solutions being employed, including the integration of technology and AI, to enhance efficiency and overcome these challenges. The conversation then pivots to the difficulties of attracting healthcare professionals to rural areas, a challenge exacerbated by a national physician shortage. Brad Whipple's insights culminate in a call for payer reform in healthcare and active political engagement to bring about change. This interview is not just an eye-opener but a clarion call to action, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform in rural healthcare.

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/brad-whipple-agriculture                                        

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Andy Petersen of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network guest hosts on the topic of sustainable agriculture practices for 2024. eaturing interviews with Jolene Riessen, President of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and Melissa Miller, Project Director of the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative. The discussion focuses on carbon capture in 2024, sustainable farming practices, and policy initiatives around E15.

Alex Schaffer with the Iowa Soybean Association and Brent Friest, a participant in the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative also give their perspectives. The episode underscores the ongoing efforts in Iowa's agricultural community to embrace sustainable practices and innovative technologies for a more efficient and environmentally friendly farming future.

See the full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/sustainable-farming-practices 

In the heart of Iowa, veterinarian Shawn Nicholson stands out with his unique expertise in mixed animal practice. Operating in Stewart and Anita, his clinics are bustling hubs where cows and cats are treated with equal care and proficiency. Nicholson, with a special fondness for these animals, brings a rare combination of skills to his practice, catering to both large and small creatures. His approach is not just about medical treatment; it's about understanding the intricate bond between animals and their owners. His team, comprising five veterinarians in Stewart and two in Anita, serves a diverse clientele. From beef cow-calf producers to owners of exotic breeds like llamas and alpacas, they address a wide range of veterinary needs.

Facing challenges like the shortage of large animal veterinarians, Nicholson's team often steps into uncharted territories, dealing with new clients and complex cases. They strive to balance public concerns about antibiotic use with the necessity of treating animals effectively, adhering to stringent regulations to combat antibiotic resistance. Innovatively, Nicholson has integrated ultrasound technology into his practice, revolutionizing how meat quality in cattle is assessed. This advancement not only enhances animal welfare but also aids farmers in optimizing their livestock's value. Looking ahead, Nicholson is excited about the potential of electronic ID tags and telemedicine, tools that promise to transform veterinary care by improving animal tracking and enabling remote consultations. His advice to aspiring veterinarians is clear: embrace the science and problem-solving aspects of the field, and cherish the diverse experiences and connections that a career in mixed animal practice brings.

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/dr-shawn-nicholson-agriculture                                      

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Growers Edge is an agricultural fintech company that aims to help ag retailers and manufacturers provide farmers with new products and practices by reducing the risk through warranties. The company's main product is the Warranty Backed Crop Plan, which allows partners to offer a warranty behind a set of products or recommendations to give farmers confidence in using them. This helps drive the adoption of sustainable farming practices and encourages the mainstream adoption of these practices. 

Growers Edge also offers input financing to retailers, allowing them to provide farmers with favorable terms on products and practices that they believe will help them be successful. The company is also planning to launch a mortgage product that will simplify the transaction process for farmland and offer financing options. The company's focus is on working with full-service ag retailers who act as trusted advisors to farmers. The goal is to help retailers deliver new ideas and reduce the risk for farmers in adopting them. Growers Edge is dedicated to providing retailers with the tools they need to support their farmers and drive success in the industry.

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/todd-robran-agriculture

In this insightful podcast, Scott Walker and Jason Richards from Pioneer delve into the nuances of agricultural practices and seed marketing. They begin by outlining their roles as corn and soybean marketing managers for the western U.S., sharing their perspectives on various aspects of agricultural technology and marketing. The discussion then pivots to the critical role of test plots in seed selection, with Scott emphasizing Pioneer's extensive testing process, which meticulously evaluates millions of combinations to ensure only the highest quality seeds reach farmers. This process, they note, is not just limited to the U.S., but spans globally, ensuring seeds are adapted to local conditions, a testament to Pioneer’s commitment to agricultural excellence.

The conversation further explores what farmers prioritize when purchasing seeds, revealing that test plot results are surprisingly lower on their list compared to yield, consistency, and trust in the seed provider. Both guests underscore Pioneer’s strengths in meeting these priorities, particularly in yield and reliability. They also share compelling success stories from recent years, highlighting impressive yields achieved in various U.S. test plots. These anecdotes not only reflect the successes in corn and soybean yields but also illustrate the challenges and triumphs in dealing with environmental factors and diseases like tar spot. The podcast wraps up with Scott and Jason sharing exciting developments in corn and soybean breeding, including innovative traits for disease resistance and herbicide tolerance, marking a step forward in agricultural technology and sustainability.

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/pioneer-seed-test-plot-results

In this podcast episode, financial planner Matt Roberts discusses end-of-year tax planning and charitable giving strategies. He emphasizes the importance of starting the conversation early in the year rather than waiting until December. When it comes to charitable giving, Roberts suggests starting with identifying one's charitable passions and values. This can involve supporting organizations that focus on specific causes, such as education or food insecurity. 

Roberts also mentions the use of donor-advised funds, which allow individuals to make a contribution to a fund and then recommend grants to different nonprofits over time. Other strategies discussed include charitable remainder trusts, qualified charitable distributions, and retirement plans. Roberts also highlights the need to consider where funds will go when one is no longer able to manage them, and the importance of involving family in the giving process.

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/matt-roberts-agriculture                                

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In a revealing interview, Jason Haglund, a part-time farmer and counselor specializing in behavioral health, sheds light on the increasingly complex world of modern agriculture and its impact on the mental health of farmers. As technology reshapes the agricultural landscape, all farmers face mounting pressures, from heightened competition to financial uncertainties. These challenges, often intensified by factors beyond their control such as weather and market fluctuations, contribute to a pervasive atmosphere of chronic stress and mental health issues within the farming community. Haglund’s dual perspective as a mental health professional and a farmer provides a unique vantage point, intertwining insights into the intricate relationship between technological advancement in farming and its psychological ramifications.

Addressing the mental health crisis in rural areas, Haglund highlights several key resources. The 988 National Suicide Hotline stands out as a critical tool for immediate crisis intervention. Additionally, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers educational programs tailored to rural emotional well-being, while Haglund's own Rural Policy Partners focuses on systemic changes in mental health care. Emphasizing the role of community and informal support networks, he also points to the value of Mental Health First Aid Training and the accessibility of Mobile Crisis Teams in every Iowa county. These resources collectively underscore a comprehensive approach to confronting the silent yet growing issue of mental health in America's agricultural heartlands.  

Full show details are at https://iowapodcast.com/jason-haglund-agriculture                              

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