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
The buzz about beekeeping and honey production
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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. We also discuss another ag topic that’s creating plenty of buzz in recent years: regenerative agriculture. Resources mentioned in this episode Learn more about . View , featuring Iowa’s State Apiarist, Andrew Joseph.
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Using algae to clean water and create fertilizer
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 wastewater and create fertilizer. We also discuss crop and livestock market dynamics with Iowa Farm Bureau’s market experts, economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz and farmer education program manager Zach Brummer. Resources mentioned in this episode Learn more about Gross-Wen Technologies at . If you’re looking to take your rural Iowa business to the next level, reach out to Iowa Farm Bureau Senior Investment Manager Adam...
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Why edge-of-field nitrate filters are scaling quickly
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 filtering edge-of-field conservation practices are scaling quickly. And Iowa’s State Climatologist, Dr. Justin Glisan, offers his forecast for planting season. Resources mentioned in this episode Hear more from Dr. Justin Glisan and the . Learn more about Jacob Handsaker and . Learn more about Iowa’s conservation and water quality progress at .
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How to build trust like a top behavioral scientist
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 consumers. Dr. Abbie has trained the FBI, Secret Service and Homeland Security on improving cooperation in high-stakes situations, and the U.S. Department of State has recognized her as being in the top 1% of behavioral scientists. Resources mentioned in this episode Learn more from . Learn more about Iowa Farm Bureau’s . Register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s March 27 webinar: Register for Iowa Farm Bureau’s (March...
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Practical tips to manage soil nitrogen mineralization and protect water quality
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson, Iowa State University researcher Dr. Michael Castellano and Iowa Nitrogen Initiative project manager Melissa Miller. Resources mentioned in this episode Learn more about Iowa’s conservation progress at . Learn more about the at Iowa State University and (the Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Consultation Tool).
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Opportunities for young and aspiring farmers
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers Building Your Livestock Legacy program and Iowa Farm Bureau’s Take Root program. Resources mentioned in this episode Learn more about the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers . Register for a near you. Hear more from . Register for , February 21 in Spencer, Iowa.
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Beneath the surface with The SharkFarmer, Rob Sharkey
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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, Seth Appelgate of Farm Credit Services of America shares personal budgeting tips for farmers. Resources mentioned in this episode Check out the . Register for the near you. Register for a near you. Register for , February 21 in Spencer.
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State legislative priorities and an ag market outlook
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 analyze crop and livestock markets. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Register for the near you. Register for a near you. Register for , February 21 in Spencer.
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Coach Lisa Bluder talks leadership and resilience
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
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 in the episode, you’ll meet two young Iowa entrepreneurs who recently earned national recognition for their innovative ag businesses. Resources Mentioned in this Episode Learn more about . Learn more about .
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'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 . .
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.