The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family

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: [email protected].

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.

Welcome to Episode 155 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Iowa's own Alexis Taylor, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, for a deep dive into the future of trade and agricultural exports. Then David Newman of the National Pork Board explores innovative strategies for promoting pork consumption among modern consumers. Whether you're a farmer looking to expand your market horizons or simply interested in the latest trends in agriculture and food consumption, this episode offers valuable insights and forecasts that you won't want to miss.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Acres of Opportunity Conference today.

Welcome to Episode 154 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, American Farm Bureau economist Betty Resnick sheds light on key market drivers, obstacles in trade, and exciting opportunities for renewable fuels. Then Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson joins the conversation to preview some potential national policy breakthroughs in 2024!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Acres of Opportunity Conference today.
• Learn more about online tools and services through the Farm Family Wellness Alliance.

Welcome to Episode 153 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau farmer education program manager Zach Brummer and economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz dissect current crop and livestock market conditions and forecast what farmers can expect later this year.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's February Ag Market Outlook Meeting Series.
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's February 6 crop insurance webinar.

Welcome to Episode 152 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we preview Iowa Farm Bureau's priorities for the 2024 Iowa legislative session. And we learn how Mark Mendick (a young engineer and volunteer firefighter from a town near the Iowa-Missouri border) created a unique fire suppression solution for farmers.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Learn more about Appanoose Manufactured Products.
• Visit the Appanoose Manufactured Products website.
• Follow Iowa Farm Bureau on Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram for updates on the American Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Ag Market Outlook Meeting Series.
• Apply for an Iowa Farm Bureau scholarship.
• Learn how to caucus using Iowa Farm Bureau's Farmers Caucus site.

Welcome to Episode 151 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, internationally acclaimed speaker Will Bowen shares his advice for turning complaints into constructive conversation – and improving our mental health. And America Farm Bureau Director of Government Affairs R.J. Layher provides an update on national policy priorities.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Prepare for the Iowa caucuses with Iowa Farm Bureau's Farmers Caucus guide

Welcome to Episode 150 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, agricultural economist David Widmar shares four key economic trends for farmers to keep their eyes on, and he presents strategies to help farmers navigate economic uncertainty. Later in the episode, renowned Iowa livestock attorney Eldon McAfee shares changes in state regulations that may impact livestock farmers.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Take Root farm succession workshops
• Contact the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers for assistance with your livestock questions
• Apply for one of Iowa Farm Bureau's scholarships
• Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Conference

Welcome to Episode 149 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 3 of our special 3-part podcast series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau's 2023 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Josh Bierbaum of Cass County, Matthew Burt of Marshall County, and Ryan Gibbs of Delaware County.

Part 1 (released December 4) features Josh Bierbaum.

Part 2 (released December 5) features Matthew Burt.

Part 3 (released December 6) features Ryan Gibbs.