Creating the next “moonshot” advancement in global ag production: a conversation with Dr. Cary Fowler of the U.S. Department of State
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Release Date: 11/06/2023
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 161 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. By now, we're all pretty familiar with the inaccurate greenhouse gas (GHG) accusations against agriculture. In this episode, American Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch shares the other (less publicized) side of the story, using recently released GHG data from EPA. Also in this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau national policy advisor Daniel Heady updates us on negotiations for a new Farm Bill. Resources mentioned in this episode: Read economist Danny Munch's . , including environmental progress Register now for Iowa Farm Bureau's .
info_outline How ‘Choose Iowa’ helps farmers add value and save labor, while encouraging Iowans to buy localThe Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 160 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we hear from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Beth Romer about Choose Iowa, a program through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship that provides value-added grants to farmers and markets Iowa-grown products to consumers. We also visit with Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz about Farm Bureau's upcoming Economic Summit. Resources mentioned in this episode: Register now for
info_outline State Climatologist shares a growing season forecastThe Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 159 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan offers his forecast for the 2024 growing season. And Brian Waddingham shares how the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers has been helping farm families raise livestock responsibly and successfully for the past 20 years. Resources mentioned in this episode: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Iowa Farm Bureau's
info_outline ‘Boots on the ground’ analysis of California’s Prop 12 and Iowa’s water quality progressThe 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 on June 14. Visit to learn...
info_outline A 'must-attend' Economic Summit for farmersThe Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 on June 14. Visit for additional resources. Plan for your farm's future with help from . This program is...
info_outline Build trust like FBI spy recruiter Robin DreekeThe Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 and subscribe to his “Forged by Trust” podcast.
info_outline Talking trade with Iowa native, USDA Under Secretary Alexis TaylorThe Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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...
info_outline Navigating ag market drivers and national policy prioritiesThe Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 today. Learn more about online tools and services through the .
info_outline 2024 crop and livestock market outlookThe Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 . Register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s February 6 .
info_outline How an Iowa engineer/firefighter created a mobile fire suppression unit for farmersThe Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 . Visit the . Follow Iowa Farm Bureau on , and for updates on the American Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge. Register for Iowa Farm Bureau's . Apply for an . Learn how to caucus using .
info_outlineWelcome to Episode 145 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we talk with the U.S. Department of State’s Special Envoy for Global Food Security about what it will take to meet global food needs in 2050. The episode also includes a discussion about how farmers can save thousands of dollars on their taxes, through IRS-approved tax-saving plans offered by BASE.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Learn about BASE tax-saving plans available to Iowa Farm Bureau members
- Dr. Cary Fowler, Special Envoy for Global Food Security with the U.S. Department of State
- Register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s Farm/Ag Business Marketing + Branding Workshop Series