Best Zach Bader Podcasts (2025)

1
“In the weeds” analysis of herbicide rules and the farm economy 33:51

7d ago33:51

33:51

Welcome to Episode 187 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa State University Extension weed specialist Dr. Wesley Everman helps farmers navigate changing herbicide requirements, and economist Dr. John Newton offers his thoughts on the current farm economy. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Contact ISU Extension weed specialist …

1
What’s next for U.S. ag policy? A conversation with President Brent Johnson 41:38

21d ago41:38

41:38

Welcome to Episode 186 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson shares recent policy conversations he has had with new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and national lawmakers. And Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses Iowa’s conservation and water quality progress ahead of Ea…

1
A planting forecast and a roadmap for farm succession planning 35:34

1M ago35:34

35:34

Welcome to Episode 185 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa’s State Climatologist, Dr. Justin Glisan, reveals his weather outlook for spring planting and beyond. Later, Amanda Van Steenwyk (who leads Iowa Farm Bureau’s farm succession planning program, Take Root) and farm succession planning attorney Erin Herbold-Swalwell share th…

1
The future of the global ag economy 48:09

2M ago48:09

48:09

Welcome to Episode 184 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau’s Dr. Christopher Pudenz and Zach Brummer share their outlook for crop and livestock markets, and Todd Thurman (an ag futurist and swine consultant with 25 years of international agriculture experience) predicts the future of the global ag economy. Resources M…

1
Optimize your crop insurance coverage and fertilizer application in 2025 27:26

2M ago27:26

27:26

Welcome 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 Ment…

1
How @IowaDairyFarmer (Dan Venteicher) reaches millions on social media 39:08

3M ago39:08

39:08

Welcome to Episode 182 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we speak with three Iowa farmers who are carving unique paths in agriculture: Meredith Nunnikhoven, who runs a farm and floristry business in Mahaska County, called Barnswallow Flowers. Lillie Beringer-Crock, who sells her family’s beef and a variety of other locally-produced …

1
AI, technology and the future of farming 45:08

3M ago45:08

45:08

Welcome to Episode 181 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, futurist Jack Uldrich and Iowa State University ag innovation professor Matt Darr share their thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI), technology and the future of farming. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Learn more about the Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State Unive…

1
State legislative priorities and two new programs for livestock farmers 31:46

3M ago31:46

31:46

Welcome to Episode 180 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we share Iowa Farm Bureau’s priorities for the 2025 state legislative session, a new program that helps aspiring and beginning farmers get started with livestock, and a new program to help address the critical shortage of veterinarians in rural Iowa. Resources Mentioned in thi…

1
How to overcome adversity in 2025 39:32

4M ago39:32

39:32

Welcome to Episode 179 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson discusses agriculture’s challenges and opportunities in 2025, and motivational speaker John O’Leary shares the inspiring story of how he overcame seemingly impossible odds (surviving burns on 100% of his body, when doctors gave him a 1%…

1
Prepare for 2025: Economic insights and national policy priorities 24:10

4M ago24:10

24:10

Welcome to Episode 178 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, economist and Vice President of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dr. Jason Henderson analyzes the current macro economy and offers farmers insights for 2025. Later in the episode, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall shares agriculture’s national policy prio…

1
Three up-and-coming farm leaders: Part 3, James Hepp 23:30

5M ago23:30

23:30

Welcome to Episode 177 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 2024 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Nate Hofmann of Linn County, Kaitlyn Porter of Franklin County, and James Hepp of Calhoun County. Part 1 (released December 2) features Nate Hofmann…

1
Three up-and-coming farm leaders: Part 2, Kaitlyn Porter 23:25

5M ago23:25

23:25

Welcome to Episode 176 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 2024 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Nate Hofmann of Linn County, Kaitlyn Porter of Franklin County, and James Hepp of Calhoun County. Part 1 (released December 2) features Nate Hofmann…

1
Three up-and-coming farm leaders: Part 1, Nate Hofmann 22:42

5M ago22:42

22:42

Welcome to Episode 175 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 2024 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Nate Hofmann of Linn County, Kaitlyn Porter of Franklin County, and James Hepp of Calhoun County. Part 1 (released December 2) features Nate Hofmann…

1
Navigating your farm income taxes and exploring Europe’s climate policies 32:32

6M ago32:32

32:32

Welcome to Episode 174 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, the director of Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation offers farmers tips for strategically managing their income taxes and reminds farmers of a new federal law with costly consequences. Later in the episode, Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christophe…

1
Farm marketing and branding tips, from an award-winning marketing agency 41:18

6M ago41:18

41:18

Welcome to Episode 173 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we cover the wide range of programs and services Iowa Farm Bureau offers farmers and rural entrepreneurs who want to diversify their businesses or take them to the next level. We also share some helpful tips farms and small ag businesses can use to create their own standout br…

1
Important reminders for livestock farmers and a conversation with young farm leader Zac Preston 26:17

7M ago26:17

26:17

Welcome to Episode 172 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Brian Waddingham of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers shares timely reminders for livestock farmers who may face DNR or EPA inspections. Later in the episode, we chat with Zac Preston, a young farmer from Warren County who’s helping create opportunities for his peers acr…

1
Tips from Iowa’s 2024 Conservation Farmers of the Year 26:51

7M ago26:51

26:51

Welcome to Episode 171 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Story County brothers Jason and John Maxwell share the journey that led to them becoming Iowa’s 2024 Conservation Farmers of the Year. Later in the episode, Iowa State University Extension behavioral health expert Dr. David Brown reminds farmers of steps they should take to ca…

1
Iowa's new, more affordable fertilizer, a locally produced solution 35:39

7M ago35:39

35:39

Welcome to Episode 170 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Spokesman reporter Bob Bjoin sits down with Hiro Iwanaga, CEO and co-founder of Talus Renewables, to discuss modular green ammonia systems that could reduce fertilizer costs for Iowa's farmers. These systems are designed to provide locally produced, low-cost fertilizer with a …

1
Crop marketing and risk management tips for harvest season 24:01

8M ago24:01

24:01

Welcome to Episode 169 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we share some crop marketing and risk management tips for farmers to apply in this challenging ag economy. We also introduce you to Brandon Myers, a former Iowa Hawkeye and NFL star who is the newest addition to the ANF (America Needs Farmers) Wall of Honor at Kinnick Stadium.…

1
Iowa Farm Bureau President assesses the farm economy, calls for a new Farm Bill 26:11

8M ago26:11

26:11

Welcome to Episode 168 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we discuss highlights from the 2024 Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index ®, a survey of Iowa grocery shoppers (by the Harris Poll) about factors influencing their grocery purchases, their feelings about real meat and dairy, and who they trust for information about the nutritio…

1
How to sell pork in California by complying with Prop 12 29:42

9M ago29:42

29:42

Welcome to Episode 167 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we talk with the co-founder and CEO of Distynct, an ag tech company that’s turning traditional livestock alarms into smart alarms. Then we visit with Marshall County farmer and Cloverleaf Animal Welfare Systems COO Jamee Eggers about how Iowa hog farmers can comply with the re…

1
New study: Agriculture’s economic impact is growing 33:50

9M ago33:50

33:50

Welcome to Episode 166 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we discuss new research on the evolution of Iowa farms and agriculture’s contribution to Iowa’s jobs and the overall economy, with Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz and Brian Waddingham of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. Resources Mentioned in This Epi…

1
Disaster recovery assistance for Iowa’s farmers 37:53

10M ago37:53

37:53

Welcome to Episode 165 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we share state and federal assistance available to Iowans impacted by recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, with a guest from the FEMA disaster response team that covers Iowa (John Mills) and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. Resources Mentioned in this Episode …

1
Insights from geopolitical insider Frank Kelly and grain marketing expert Ed Usset 40:34

10M ago40:34

40:34

Welcome to Episode 164 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Washington D.C. insider Frank Kelly shares geopolitical factors farmers should consider as they eye agriculture's future. And Ed Usset, a grain marketing economist from the University of Minnesota, offers his strategic grain marketing recommendations for farmers. Resources men…

1
VP of ISU Extension dissects Iowa’s ag economy, shares keys for future economic success 40:58

11M ago40:58

40:58

Welcome to Episode 163 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Vice President of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dr. Jason Henderson analyzes Iowa’s current ag economy and explores keys he sees for future economic success. And young Iowa farmer Hans Riensche shares what he hopes to learn about transitioning farms to future ge…

1
Meet ISU Extension's new ag climatologist 25:29

11M ago25:29

25:29

Welcome to Episode 162 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Madelynn Wuestenberg, an Iowa native and recent master's graduate in Agricultural Meteorology from Iowa State University, speaks with us about her new role as the Agricultural Climatology Specialist for ISU Extension. Then Iowa Farm Bureau’s Farmer Education Program Manager of…

1
Greenhouse gases: Agriculture’s untold story 26:01

12M ago26:01

26:01

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 Fa…

1
How ‘Choose Iowa’ helps farmers add value and save labor, while encouraging Iowans to buy local 35:16

12M ago35:16

35:16

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 Fa…

1
State Climatologist shares a growing season forecast 35:28

1y ago35:28

35:28

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…

1
‘Boots on the ground’ analysis of California’s Prop 12 and Iowa’s water quality progress 43:49

1y ago43:49

43:49

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 ep…

1
A 'must-attend' Economic Summit for farmers 32:13

1y ago32:13

32:13

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 expe…

1
Build trust like FBI spy recruiter Robin Dreeke 32:42

1y ago32:42

32:42

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 former FBI spy recruiter Robin Dreeke and subscribe to hi…

1
Talking trade with Iowa native, USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor 27:44

1y ago27:44

27:44

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 consump…

1
Navigating ag market drivers and national policy priorities 27:01

1y ago27:01

27:01

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 2…

1
2024 crop and livestock market outlook 18:07

1+ y ago18:07

18:07

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 F…

1
How an Iowa engineer/firefighter created a mobile fire suppression unit for farmers 29:53

1+ y ago29:53

29:53

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 t…

1
Resolve to stop complaining (and improve your mental health) in 2024 22:18

1+ y ago22:18

22:18

Welcome to Episode 151 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, internationally acclaimed speaker Will Bowen shares his advice for turning complaints into constructive conversation – and improving our mental health. And America Farm Bureau Director of Government Affairs R.J. Layher provides an update on national policy priorities. Resource…

1
Farm strategies for navigating economic uncertainty 34:17

1+ y ago34:17

34:17

Welcome to Episode 150 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, agricultural economist David Widmar shares four key economic trends for farmers to keep their eyes on, and he presents strategies to help farmers navigate economic uncertainty. Later in the episode, renowned Iowa livestock attorney Eldon McAfee shares changes in state regulati…

1
Three rising stars in Iowa agriculture: Part 3, Ryan Gibbs 20:08

1+ y ago20:08

20:08

Welcome to Episode 149 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 3 of our special 3-part podcast series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2023 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Josh Bierbaum of Cass County, Matthew Burt of Marshall County, and Ryan Gibbs of Delaware County. Part 1 (released December 4) features Josh Bie…

1
Three rising stars in Iowa agriculture: Part 2, Matthew Burt 19:42

1+ y ago19:42

19:42

Welcome to Episode 148 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 2 of our special 3-part podcast series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2023 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Josh Bierbaum of Cass County, Matthew Burt of Marshall County, and Ryan Gibbs of Delaware County. Part 1 (released December 4) features Josh Bie…

1
Three rising stars in Iowa agriculture: Part 1, Josh Bierbaum 19:05

1+ y ago19:05

19:05

Welcome to Episode 147 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast, which is also Part 1 of our special 3-part podcast series with three farmers who are receiving Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2023 Young Farmer Leadership Award: Josh Bierbaum of Cass County, Matthew Burt of Marshall County, and Ryan Gibbs of Delaware County. Part 1 (released December 4) features Josh Bie…

1
See behind the Prop 12 curtain and hear a winter weather forecast 32:46

1+ y ago32:46

32:46

Welcome to Episode 146 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we peek behind the curtain of California's Proposition 12 law, with Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz. And Dr. Dennis Todey (Director of USDA's Midwest Climate Hub) shares his winter weather forecast for Iowa. Resource mentioned in this episode: Learn more abou…

1
Creating the next “moonshot” advancement in global ag production: a conversation with Dr. Cary Fowler of the U.S. Department of State 27:43

1+ y ago27:43

27:43

Welcome 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 …

1
The impact of record-low Mississippi River levels and a conversation with young farm leader Vanessa Trampel 33:15

1+ y ago33:15

33:15

Welcome to Episode 144 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek shares the Iowa farm implications of record-low Mississippi River water levels and other avenues for farmers to market their crops. And Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Advisory Committee Chair Vanessa Trampel discuss…

1
A first-of-its-kind tool to compare local cash bids and a Farm Bill status update 27:08

1+ y ago27:08

27:08

Welcome to Episode 143 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episode explores a new tool that allows farmers to easily search and compare the best cash bids for grain in their area. It also features a Farm Bill update, from Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson.By Iowa Farm Bureau

1
Near-death experience inspires Iowa student to pursue innovative cattle research 31:39

1+ y ago31:39

31:39

Welcome to Episode 142 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episode features cybersecurity tips for farmers and the story of an Iowa student who was inspired to pursue innovative cattle research following a near-death experience on her family’s farm. Resource mentioned in this episode: Iowa’s Jasmyn Hoeger named a finalist for National FFA’s Ameri…

1
Farmer/counselor shares tips for managing stress during a busy harvest 31:08

1+ y ago31:08

31:08

Welcome to Episode 141 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episode will help prepare farmers for the beginning of the busy and often stressful harvest season. Adrienne DeSutter is an Illinois farmer, a counselor, and a nationally-recognized Ag Mental Health Specialist (through Sow Hope Grow Hope). She joins The Spokesman Speaks podcast to share h…

1
How Farm Rescue helps farm families in crisis 17:50

1+ y ago17:50

17:50

Welcome to Episode 140 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episode features Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides on-farm assistance to farm families who have experienced a major injury, illness or natural disaster. Farm Rescue Development Officer Terry Johnston and Iowa volunteer Ron Donohue share Farm Rescue's work and how Iowans …

1
How Iowa Farm Bureau supports an innovative water treatment company and other diverse rural businesses 34:55

1+ y ago34:55

34:55

Welcome to Episode 139 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episodes highlights Iowa Farm Bureau’s work to support diverse rural businesses, including a Slater, Iowa-based company that uses algae to treat water for cities. The episode also includes a conversation with Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig about Iowa’s Grain Indemnity Fund, which…

1
Mid-summer market and crop conditions analyses 42:53

2y ago42:53

42:53

Welcome to Episode 138 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. This episode features a mid-summer market analysis by Karl Setzer of Mid-Co Commodities and a crop conditions update from Bayer Crop Science agronomist Andrew Penney. Resources mentioned in this episode: July WASDE and quarterly stocks webinar recording Reasons to visit Iowa Farm Bureau at the…

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