The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family

Does Iowa really have too much manure, as livestock opponents claim? Or could the state actually use more manure to fertilize its crops?

Welcome to Episode 18 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa State University's Dr. Daniel Andersen (aka "Dr. Manure") answers those questions and more. The episode also features an interview with ISU's Dr. Mark Licht, a cover crops expert with important tips and information for farmers who are considering planting cover crops this year.

Welcome to Episode 17 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we chat with some of our speakers from the 2019 Farm Bureau Economic Summit. You'll hear about:

• Tips on prevented planting from Dr. Dennis Todey (USDA)
• How to successfully manage your operation financially as well as agriculturally from Jim Knuth (Farm Credit Services of America)
• Transparency in food production, blockchain, and tech trends in ag from Debra Bauler (Cargill)
• How to handle industrial hemp from Adam Ornawka (farmer from Canada)
• Crop insurance and risk management strategies from Dr. Art Barnaby (Kansas State University)

Welcome to Episode 16 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we learn about the Green Farmstead Partner Program, which has been helping many Iowa livestock farmers reduce their snow removal and energy costs, while improving the appearance and smell of their farms, over the past decade.

Welcome to Episode 15 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, USDA senior economist Dr. Jan Lewandrowski shares the results on a new study he led on the greenhouse gas emissions of corn-based ethanol (compared to regular gasoline). Also in this episode, Dr. Sara Place (Senior Director of Sustainable Beef Production Research with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association) dispels myths about the environmental footprint of cattle in the U.S.

Welcome to Episode 14 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau's senior economist previews the learning opportunities for farmers at Iowa Farm Bureau's Economic Summit, June 28 in Des Moines, including sessions on blockchain technology, crop insurance, industrial hemp, trade, farm lending, and more. Also in this episode, we share how a group of eastern Iowa farmers helped revitalize aquatic life in Lime Creek.

Welcome to Episode 13 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, the new Dean of Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) shares his vision for the future of the college, and Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill talks about Farm Bureau's achievements during the 2019 legislative session.

Welcome to Episode 12 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau's Dr. Sam Funk provides an update on planting and flooding conditions, and Iowa State University Extension's Dr. Charles Schwab offers tips for staying safe during a hectic spring season.

Welcome to Episode 11 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this Earth Day episode, we reveal the most extensive survey of Iowa's conservation progress and discuss laser technology that actually quantifies the conservation structures on Iowa's landscape.

Welcome to Episode 10 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau President Craig Hill provide updates on flooding along the Missouri River and the assistance available to flood victims. The episode also features an interview with Charlie Arnot (CEO of the Center for Food Integrity) about a plan to help food companies reach their sustainability goals, while avoiding inaccurate and harmful claims about farming practices and technology.

Welcome to Episode 9 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, nationally-recognized air quality expert Dr. Frank Mitloehner (an animal science professor at UC Davis) challenges misinformation about the environmental impact of livestock production and meat consumption. The episode also includes an important update on EPA's Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule.