Need extra grain storage this fall? Grain bagging might be an answer
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Release Date: 09/15/2025
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 . .
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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 .
info_outlineWelcome 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 grain bagging systems from Dammann Farms.
- Visit ConservationCountsIowa.com.
- Catch up on past episodes of The Spokesman Speaks podcast this harvest season.