The Spokesman Speaks: News from Iowa Farm Bureau

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 fa... Read more

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 Bau... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 Cr... Read more

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... Read more

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.

Welcome to Episode 8 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, you'll hear U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo share his thoughts on how America's farm belt is growing security and prosperity. Secretary Pompeo addressed a group of Farm Bureau members and agribusiness professionals at the World Food Prize building in Des Moines on March 4, 2019. Iowa Farm Bureau hosted the event.

Welcome to Episode 7 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we learn about a series of meetings Iowa farmers can attend to learn about their best risk management options through the new Farm Bill. You can learn more about those Farm Bill meetings here. This episode also includes the Chair of Iowa State University's Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, Dr. Ruth MacDonald, talking about imitation meat and milk and... Read more

Welcome to Episode 6 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we hear a grain market forecast from Iowa State University economist Dr. Chad Hart and discuss the consequences of GMO misconceptions with University of California, Davis researcher Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam.

Welcome to Episode 5 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we recap Iowa's achievements at the 100th American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in New Orleans. We also sit down with Nestle's VP of Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing to talk about the ways that farmers and food companies can work together on sustainability, and we speak with the North American Meat Institute's VP of Public Affairs about "fake meat."

Welcome to Episode 4 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Spokesman editor Dirck Steimel sits down with Iowa Farm Bureau’s Director of Government Relations to hear about Farm Bureau’s priority issues for the 2019 Iowa legislative session. Also, podcast host Laurie Johns interviews the CEOs of Fareway and the Iowa Restaurant Association about the trends they’re seeing in Iowa consumers’ meat purchasing and consumption h... Read more

Welcome to episode 3 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. Depression, anxiety, suicide - these are tough topics, but it's important that we talk about them, especially as farmers face the pressures of a downturned agricultural economy. In this episode, podcast host Laurie Johns sits down with Iowa farmer and psychologist Dr. Mike Rosmann to talk about ways farmers and their loved ones can recognize and respond to signs of stress in the... Read more

Welcome to episode 2 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we hear about China, Japan, Europe and other trade markets from the Trump administration’s Chief Agricultural Trade Negotiator, Ambassador Gregg Doud, and Paul Clayton of the U.S. Meat Export Federation. Also, podcast host Laurie Johns sits down with former NASA astronaut Dr. Peggy Whitson to talk about Whitson's inspiring journey from a small family farm in Rin... Read more

Welcome to episode 1 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Spokesman editor Dirck Steimel speaks with Iowa Farm Bureau’s chief economist (and Lucas County farmer) Dave Miller about cash flow opportunities for Iowa’s farmers to pursue in this tough farm economy, and podcast host Laurie Johns talks with Farm Bureau field service manager (and resident Iowa Farm Bureau historian) Tim Niess about the moments and mentality th... Read more

Welcome to our special, sneak peek edition of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. Since 1934, The Iowa Farm Bureau Spokesman has been Iowa’s leading agriculture news source, and today it is the largest circulation ag newspaper in Iowa. While the newspaper is available exclusively to Iowa Farm Bureau members, the new Spokesman Speaks podcast is available publicly, reaching farmers on-the-go with stories that matter to them. Starting Decem... Read more