Optimize your crop insurance coverage and fertilizer application in 2025
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Release Date: 03/03/2025
'Batch and build’ conservation progress and national policy analysis
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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” process that’s helping Iowa farmers quickly install edge-of-field practices to filter nitrates from water. And ag policy expert Mary Kay Thatcher offers her outlook on farm policy in 2026. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Learn more about Heartland Co-op’s conservation offerings and contact Conservation Manager Ruth McCabe at . Learn more about Iowa’s conservation progress at . .
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Three young farmers share leadership lessons: Part 3, Blake Anderson
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Devon Murray of Floyd County, Randy Francois of Buchanan County and Blake Anderson of Adams County. Part 1 (released December 8) features Devon Murray. Part 2 (released December 9) features Randy Francois. Part 3 (released December 10) features Blake Anderson. Register to join farmers like Devon, Randy and Blake at Iowa Farm Bureau’s , January 23 and 24 in Des Moines.
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Three young farmers share leadership lessons: Part 2, Randy Francois
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 204 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 2 of our special three-part series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2025 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Devon Murray of Floyd County, Randy Francois of Buchanan County and Blake Anderson of Adams County. Part 1 (released December 8) features Devon Murray. Part 2 (released December 9) features Randy Francois. Part 3 (released December 10) features Blake Anderson. Register to join farmers like Devon, Randy and Blake at Iowa Farm Bureau’s , January 23 and 24 in Des Moines.
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Three young farmers share leadership lessons: Part 1, Devon Murray
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 203 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 1 of our special three-part series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2025 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Devon Murray of Floyd County, Randy Francois of Buchanan County and Blake Anderson of Adams County. Part 1 (released December 8) features Devon Murray. Part 2 (released December 9) features Randy Francois. Part 3 (released December 10) features Blake Anderson. Register to join farmers like Devon, Randy and Blake at Iowa Farm Bureau’s , January 23 and 24 in Des Moines.
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Ag insights from retiring Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 202 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, retiring Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen shares her career highlights and discusses future opportunities and challenges facing agriculture and ISU. And Terrian ag economist Matt Erickson offers his thoughts on the U.S. economy. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Learn more from .
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Sizing up trade and beef markets
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 201 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson shares trade conversations he and other Iowa Farm Bureau leaders are initiating in Washington D.C. and around the globe. And Kansas State University economist Dr. Glynn Tonsor offers a clear-eyed look at beef markets. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Apply to join Iowa Farm Bureau’s . Register for the . Register for . Register for one of .
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Expert tips for working with landlords
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 200 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we share expert tips for strengthening the communication between farmers and their landlords. Erin Herbold-Swalwell, a Farm Bureau attorney with extensive experience in farm succession and landowner relations, and Catherine DeLong, an ISU Extension professional who specializes in helping farmers and landowners discuss conservation investments, share their advice with farmers. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Register for . Visit ISU’s website. Iowa Farm Bureau’s Learn more about .
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40 years of ANF: Stories from Hayden Fry, Chuck Long and other Iowa Hawkeye legends
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 199 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we reflect on the 40th anniversary of ANF (America Needs Farmers) at the University of Iowa, with stories from Iowa Hawkeye football legends Hayden Fry, Chuck Long, Chad Greenway, Marshal Yanda, Aaron Kampman, Bryan Bulaga, Bruce Nelson and Micah Hyde. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Visit for ANF Game Day details, our “40 Reasons Why America Needs Farmers” video series featuring Iowa Nice Guy Scott Siepker, videos with farmers and Iowa Hawkeye legends, opportunities to purchase ANF apparel and support...
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Analyzing U.S. farm income
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 198 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, American Farm Bureau economist Faith Parum analyzes USDA’s most recent forecast of net farm income, and we introduce you to the new chair of Iowa Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer Advisory Committee, Michael McEnany. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Read and subscribe to . Use to find the best grain prices near you. Learn more about . .
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Need extra grain storage this fall? Grain bagging might be an answer
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 197 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we explore a grain bagging system that could be a solution for some farmers facing logistical challenges or inadequate grain storage. We also sit down with Iowa’s 2025 Conservation Farmer of the Year. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Learn more about . Visit . Catch up on past episodes of this harvest season.
info_outlineWelcome to Episode 183 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Farm Bureau Financial Services regional crop consultant Angie Horn walks farmers through their crop insurance options, and Melissa Miller of the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative shares a new online tool to help farmers calculate their optimum nitrogen application rates.
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
- Watch our recorded webinar with Farm Bureau Financial Services to learn more about your crop insurance options.
- Learn more about the Iowa Nitrogen Initiative and N-FACT in our recent Spokesman article.
- Use the new N-FACT calculator to help you determine your optimum nitrogen application rates.