The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family

Welcome to Episode 78 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we dig into the crucial issue of cattle market transparency. We also receive a status update on the Shell Rock Soy Processing plant in northern Iowa – a project that combines rural economic development with the latest advancements in renewable energy technology and valued-added agriculture.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Virtual Roundtable | Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know
• Webinar | New Services for Managing Farm Stress

Welcome to Episode 77 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Representative Chad Ingels discusses a recently-signed state bill that provides support for new and existing meat lockers, as well as the workforce needed to make those lockers successful. Also, Dr. Kathryn Polking (the Bureau Chief for the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureau) joins us to discuss the requirements for Iowans who want to open a locker or participate in other local meat processing opportunities.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Iowa Department of Agriculture's Meat and Poultry Inspection Bureau
• Webinar: Market Implications of the July WASDE Report
• Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know | Virtual Roundtable
• Webinar: New Services for Managing Farm Stress

Welcome to Episode 76 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, you'll hear some basics about private-sector sustainability markets for farmers, from Iowa Farm Bureau senior economist Dr. Sam Funk and American Farm Bureau economist Shelby Myers. This episode will prepare you for an even deeper dive into these markets, during Iowa Farm Bureau's virtual roundtable on July 14, titled "Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know."

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Register to attend Iowa Farm Bureau's "Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know" virtual roundtable on July 14.
• Apply for Iowa Farm Bureau's Grow Your Future Award.

Welcome to Episode 75 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episode features two key players in a new, collaborative water quality "blitz" project that's adding 51 saturated buffers and bioreactors to the central Iowa landscape over the next year: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Hardin County farmer (and Farm Bureau leader) Jacob Handsaker, who also runs the excavating company that's constructing these conservation practices.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Read more about central Iowa's water quality "blitz" project
• Learn more about Iowa's various water quality protection initiatives at ConservationCountsIowa.com.
• Stay tuned for Iowa Farm Bureau's upcoming "Carbon Credit Markets: What Farmers Need to Know" virtual roundtable. The roundtable will take place on July 14, and more details will be released here soon.
• Register for the Innovative Livestock Price Risk Management Webinar Series.

Welcome to Episode 74 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This special episode features a one-on-one conversation with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (on May 24, 2021), regarding harmful estate tax proposals, proposed carbon/climate change policies, and an outlook for biofuels.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Iowa Farm Bureau will host a virtual roundtable for farmers who are interested in private sector carbon/climate programs and the potential for farmers to earn credit for their carbon sequestration practices, on July 14. Watch IowaFarmBureau.com/ Events for more details on that virtual learning opportunity in the coming days.

Welcome to Episode 73 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

In this episode, we introduce the Iowa Farm Family Wellness Alliance, a new first-in-the-nation service (created by Farm Foundation and Iowa State Extension) that provides Iowa's farm families with free, ongoing wellness coaching and counseling, from experts. Shari Rogge-Fidler (President and CEO of Farm Foundation) joins us to discuss the alliance and how it is designed to serve the unique needs of farm families.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Visit FarmFamilyWellness.com call (833)999-FARM
• Watch for a webinar on the Iowa Farm Family Wellness Alliance, later this summer: IowaFarmBureau.com/Events
• Additional farm stress resources available at IowaFarmBureau.com/FarmStress

Welcome to Episode 72 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

In this episode, we introduce you to ChopLocal – an online marketplace for farmers and butcherers that has dubbed itself "the Etsy of meat." Hear how ChopLocal co-founders Jared Achen and Katie Olthoff started their business in response to COVID-19 disruptions and an ongoing farm-to-table renaissance.

We also chat with Demi Johnson, a behavioral health program coordinator for Iowa State Extension, about ways to identify and appropriately react to signs of worrisome stress in our friends and family members.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Visit ChopLocal.com
• Mental Health First Aid class through ISU Extension
• Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR) through ISU Extension
• More mental health and wellbeing resources through ISU Extension
• Contact Demi Johnson of ISU Extension at (515)344-4907 or [email protected]
• More farm stress resources available at IowaFarmBureau.com/FarmStress

Welcome to Episode 71 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Elyssa McFarland of the Soil Health Partnership offers tips for improving your soil's health – to benefit the environment and your farm's bottom line. And Barb Ristau of the Iowa Farmers Market Association shares the unique value that Iowa's farmers markets contribute to their local communities.

Resource mentioned in this episode:

• Nominate your worthy neighbor for Iowa's 2021 Conservation Farmer of the Year Award by May 1.

Welcome to Episode 70 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

In this episode, Shawn Richmond of the Iowa Nutrient Research and Education Council (INREC) reports the latest data on Iowa farmers' efforts to conserve soil and protect water quality. And American Farm Bureau economists Dr. John Newton and Shelby Myers share how farmers are reducing greenhouse gas emissions (as well as the potential economic incentives).

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• INREC's latest report on agriculture's water quality protection progress
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• American Farm Bureau's Market Intel articles
• Successful grazing and pasture management webinar (April 9)
• Introduction to high tunnel and produce production webinar (April 13)

Welcome to Episode 69 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Dennis Todey (the director of USDA's Midwest Climate Hub) offers his forecast for the 2021 growing season. And Mike Steenhoek (executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition) shares some innovative solutions that could save your county hundreds of thousands of dollars on rural bridge repairs and replacements.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• A 2021 growing season forecast webinar with Dr. Dennis Todey (exclusively for Iowa Farm Bureau members)
• Dennis Todey's contact information and Twitter account.
• Report: Top 20 Innovations for Rural Bridge Replacement and Repair – for more information, contact Mike Steenhoek at the Soy Transportation Coalition.