The buzz about beekeeping and honey production
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Release Date: 04/27/2026
Exploring free trade and tariffs
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 222 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we explore both sides of the free trade and tariffs debate that has captured news headlines and ag policy discussions in recent years, with Dr. Sam Gregg of the American Institute for Economic Research and Ambassador Bob Lighthizer, who was the former U.S. Trade Representative under President Trump. Resources mentioned in this episode Join Farm Bureau at the
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New research: A deep dive into Iowa’s ag economy
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 221 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz breaks down a new, 107-page report on Iowa’s agricultural economy, including analysis of crops, livestock, trade, ag lending and more. The study – titled “2026 Iowa Agricultural Outlook: The Pressure is Rising” – was published jointly by the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development (CARD) at Iowa State University, the Iowa Bankers Association, and Iowa Farm Bureau. It was first released at Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2026 Economic Summit, July 17 in Ankeny....
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Why young Iowans are ‘beefing up’ with animal-based proteins
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 220 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we explore why young Iowa adults are increasing their consumption of animal-based proteins and other findings from the 2026 Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index ® – an annual survey of Iowa grocery shoppers conducted by The Harris Poll. We also share new data from EPA and Iowa State University demonstrating the progress Iowa’s farmers are making in protecting water quality here in Iowa and down in the Gulf of America. Resources mentioned in this episode Read more highlights from the Read . Learn more...
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Meet the Farm Bureau member turning food waste, manure and other organic matter into fertilizer for farmers
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 219 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we discuss the farm economy with Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz and meet a Harrison County farmer and Farm Bureau member who’s turning food waste, yard waste, manure and other organic matter into natural fertilizer for farmers. Resources mentioned in this episode Register for , July 17 in Ankeny. Learn more about and his company, . Join us in celebrating America’s 250th birthday and !
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Why Iowa’s swans are thriving and how DNR monitors our water
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 218 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we dip into water quality with two DNR experts. Water quality resource coordinator Adam Schnieders discusses Iowa DNR’s extensive – and growing – water quality monitoring capabilities. And avian ecologist Anna Buckardt Thomas shares how Iowa’s trumpeter swans are making a remarkable comeback. Resources mentioned in this episode DNR water quality monitoring sites: , , Learn more about Iowa’s conservation progress on the site and at .
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Kernza: Pros and Cons
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 217 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we talk with a central Iowa corn and soybean farmer who’s experimenting with a unique perennial grain: Kernza. Later in the episode, Mykayla Hagaman of the Iowa Monarch Conservation Consortium explains how Iowa has grown its monarch habitat by more than 10x in just 5 years, while sharing tips for farmers to successfully add pollinator habitat to their fields. Resources mentioned in this episode Register for . Learn more about . Apply for Iowa Farm Bureau’s Learn more about establishing monarch habitat...
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Today’s markets and tomorrow’s trade opportunities
The Spokesman Speaks: Ag Insights for Your Farm and Family
Welcome to Episode 216 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz discusses current crop and livestock market conditions and future international trade opportunities for agriculture. And Brian Waddingham of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers reminds livestock farmers of the free and confidential services the Coalition offers them – including tips to help farmers prepare for potential EPA and DNR inspections. Resources mentioned in this episode Visit to learn more about the free and confidential services offered by the...
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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 .
info_outlineWelcome 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 Spring Valley Honey Farms.
- View Iowa Farm Bureau’s webinar on beekeeping, featuring Iowa’s State Apiarist, Andrew Joseph.