The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family

How Iowa helps farmers sell food to local consumers and schools

Welcome to Episode 224 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we talk with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson

Examining the markets for U.S. grains and protein

Welcome to Episode 223 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we analyze U.S. grain and protein markets with two experts who spoke at Iowa Farm Bureau's 2026 E

Exploring free trade and tariffs

Welcome to Episode 222 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we explore both sides of the free trade and tariffs debate that has captured news headlines and a

New research: A deep dive into Iowa's ag economy

Welcome to Episode 221 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz breaks down a new, 107-page report on Iowa's ag

Why young Iowans are 'beefing up' with animal-based proteins

Welcome to Episode 220 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we explore why young Iowa adults are increasing their consumption of animal-based proteins and ot

Meet the Farm Bureau member turning food waste, manure and other organic matter into fertilizer for farmers

Welcome to Episode 219 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we discuss the farm economy with Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz and meet a Har

Why Iowa's swans are thriving and how DNR monitors our water

Welcome to Episode 218 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we dip into water quality with two DNR experts. Water quality resource coordinator Adam Schnieder

Kernza: Pros and Cons

Welcome to Episode 217 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we talk with a central Iowa corn and soybean farmer who's experimenting with a unique perennial g

Today's markets and tomorrow's trade opportunities

Welcome to Episode 216 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz discusses current crop and livestock market con

The buzz about beekeeping and honey production

Welcome to Episode 215 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we sit down with a central Iowa farm family that's been producing honey for more than 40 years. W

Using algae to clean water and create fertilizer

Welcome to Episode 214 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Martin Gross, a central Iowa entrepreneur who's using algae to treat wastewa

Why edge-of-field nitrate filters are scaling quickly

Welcome to Episode 213 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa farmer, Farm Bureau leader and ag excavating contractor Jacob Handsaker shares how nitrate f

How to build trust like a top behavioral scientist

Welcome to Episode 212 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, renowned behavioral scientist Dr. Abbie Maroño shares tips to help farmers build trust with consu

Practical tips to manage soil nitrogen mineralization and protect water quality

Welcome to Episode 211 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we dive into water quality progress and challenges (including soil nitrogen mineralization) with

Opportunities for young and aspiring farmers

Welcome to Episode 210 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we highlight two programs helping Iowa's next generation step into farming with confidence: the C

Beneath the surface with The SharkFarmer, Rob Sharkey

Welcome to Episode 209 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we sit down with farmer and ag celebrity Rob Sharkey (aka The SharkFarmer). Later in the episode,

State legislative priorities and an ag market outlook

Welcome to Episode 208 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we discuss Farm Bureau members' priority issues for the 2026 state legislative session and analyz

Coach Lisa Bluder talks leadership and resilience

Welcome to Episode 207 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, legendary Iowa Hawkeye women's basketball coach Lisa Bluder shares her advice for leaders. Later

'Batch and build' conservation progress and national policy analysis

Welcome to Episode 206 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Heartland Co-op Conservation Manager and agronomist Ruth McCabe shares the "batch and build" proc

Three young farmers share leadership lessons: Part 3, Blake Anderson

Welcome to Episode 205 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 3 of our special three-part series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau's 2025