smallfarmsustainability's podcast

In this episode, Christa Hartsook welcomes Ethan Bowers, an Extension Enterprise Development Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, to discuss the upcoming Meat Processor Lifecycle Workshop. This workshop is designed for meat processing professionals, offering essential insights into the entire business lifecycle—from startup financing to transitioning ownership. Join us for this informative episode to prepare for the workshop on November 7, and ensure your meat processing business is equipped for success. Don't miss the early bird registration deadline on October 27! Tune in for all the details you need to thrive in this essential industry. Episode Links:  • Meat Processor Lifecyle Workshop web page: https://go.iastate.edu/PX57B4  • Ethan Bowers: embowers@iastate.edu, (515) 460-6068   

In this episode, Olivia meets with Adam Janke, Wildlife Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Listen in as they talk about livestock grazing amongst wildlife, how to protect wildlife while we are working in our fields, and more!  Episode Links:  • Sign up for the CRP grazing study: https://www.nrem.iastate.edu/project/cattle-grazing-conservation-reserve-program-grasslands • More information on wildlife & grazing: https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/wildlife/managing-pasture-and-hay-wildlife • Adam Janke - ajanke@iastate.edu  |  515-294-7429

In this episode, Olivia meets with Adam Thoms, Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist at Iowa State University. Tune in to hear all about summer lawn care! We know this year has been WET, and Adam gives us some tips on how to get our lawns looking good again after they've had the stress of water pooling.  Episode Links:  • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard and Garden: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/  • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Department of Horticulture: https://www.hort.iastate.edu/extension-and-outreach/ 

In this episode, Olivia visits with Shelby Gruss, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Forage Specialist! Tune in as they discuss what the forage forecast currently looks like and management considerations to take when planning for the season!  Episode Links:  • Shelby Gruss: email: sgruss@iastate.edu Phone: 515-294-3832 

In this episode, Olivia chats with Randall Cass, Bee Extension Specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, for an enlightening discussion on starting your beekeeping journey in Iowa. From colony care to hive management, we explore the essential aspects you need to know. If you're considering taking up beekeeping, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Episode Links:  • Beekeeping-Enterprise Budget Series: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/Beekeeping-Enterprise-Budget-Series • Iowa State University Bee Program: https://bees.cals.iastate.edu/

In this episode, Christa sits down with Dennis Todey, Director of the USDA Midwest Climate Hub, and Madelynn Wuestenberg, Agricultural Climatology Specialist at Iowa State Extension and Outreach. As the weather shifts and farmers gear up for planting season, our focus turns to the forecast for the coming months. Join us for an insightful discussion on what lies ahead! Episode Links:  • Midwest Climate Hub Outlook: https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/hubs/midwest/climate-outlooks  • Sign up for their webinars: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7528179497868100876  • Weather and Climate with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/climate  • Madelynn Wuestenberg on Twitter: https://twitter.com/maddy_climate 

In this episode, Olivia interviews Shannon Coleman, Associate professor and State Extension Specialist with Iowa State Extension and Outreach. Tune in as we discuss Home-based Foods vs. Cottage Foods! This episode is packed with great information for anyone in the industry or thinking about joining! Episode Links:  • Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing: https://dial.iowa.gov/  • Jams and Jelly Fact Sheet: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/15966  • Iowa Food Safety Task Force: https://ia.foodprotectiontaskforce.com/ 

In this episode, Olivia interviews Tim Christensen, Farm Management Specialist with Iowa State Extension and Outreach. Tune in as we discuss some of the tools available through Iowa State University's Ag Decision Maker! One useful tool you can find on the site is the Livestock Enterprise Bidget sheets! These are completely free for you to utilize and can really help with your overall business plan!  Episode Links:  • Ag Decision Maker Livestock Enterprise Budgets: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/ldcostsreturns.html 

Tune in as Olivia interviews Dan Nieland, Small Business Education Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. In this episode, They discuss the upcoming Small Meat Processor Workshop that will take place on April 25, 2024, at the Hansen Agricultural Student Learning Center (2508 Mortensen Rd. Ames, IA 50011). This is a free workshop but registration is required no later than April 10, 2024!   Episode Links:  • Registration Link: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezaODjDpnJltr3E   • Dan Nieland: dnieland@iastate.edu  • Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development News Release: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/small-meat-processor-workshop-be-held-april-25 

Tune in as Olivia interviews Radall Vos, Commercial Fruit Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. In this episode, we discuss what is going on with fruit crops this year and how has this warm front effected the plants? Also is there time to still get new crops planted? If so, when should we plant and where should we purchase them? Episode Links:  • Fruit Cultivars of Iowa: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/Fruit-Cultivars-for-Iowa  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISUExtensionFruit  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iowafruitguy/ 

Tune in as Olivia interviews Catherine DeLong, Water Quality Program Manager with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. In this episode, we discuss the new Landowner Education Program being offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach! This unique learning experience will bring together experts on conservation, agronomy, financial and legal topics. Landowners will have the opportunity to learn from ISU experts and from each other as part of a small learning group.    Episode Links:  • Apply now to be a part of the first cohort: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Ili9mFC5wjueQ6  • Catherine DeLong: crdelong@iastate.edu  

Tune in as Christa interviews Kelsey Willardson, Policy Associate for the Center for Rural Affairs. In this episode, we dive into the world of crop insurance, focusing on tailored options for organic and specialty crop growers. Gain valuable insights to help you navigate and choose the insurance solution that aligns with your needs. Don't miss out on essential information to make informed decisions in your agricultural journey!   Episode Links:  • United States Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency (USDA, RMA): https://www.rma.usda.gov/ • Center for Rural Affairs: https://www.cfra.org/ 

Join Olivia in an engaging conversation with Tina Krug, Assistant Teaching Professor at Iowa State University. In this episode, we delve into the world of lawn and ornamental planning as we anticipate the arrival of spring. Explore visually stunning alternatives that not only elevate the charm of your space but also prioritize environmental sustainability. Tune in for insightful discussions on making eco-friendly choices for your acreage, and let the spirit of spring inspire your landscaping decisions! Episode Links:  •Tina Krug: tkrug@iastate.edu  |  515-294-6375 • North Creek Nursery: https://www.northcreeknurseries.com/  • Prairie Moon Nursery: https://www.prairiemoon.com/  • Van Engelen Bulbs: https://www.vanengelen.com/  • State Forest Nursery: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Forestry/State-Forest-Nursery 

Tune in as Olivia interviews Carolyn Ihde, Iowa State University and University of Wisconsin Small Ruminant Specialist. In this episode, we discuss important things to keep in mind when going into the kidding season! From before the birth, all the way to weening the kids, there are a lot of different things to consider to keep both the Does and Kids safe and healthy, especially in the cold winter months!  Episode Links:  •Carolyn Ihde: cihde@iastate.edu • University of Wisconson-Madison (Livestock Division of Extension): https://livestock.extension.wisc.edu/  • Small Ruminant Webinar Series: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcucO-hrzkoG9Ak4Soe7O2AqO-B-8Ps9UK4#/registration 

Tune in as Christa interviews Kitt Tovar-Jensen, Staff Attorney with the Center for Agricultural Law & Taxation at Iowa State University. In this episode, we discuss the importance of planning for farm transitions as well as the Farm Transitions Conference that will be held in Ames, Iowa (and online) February 8-9, 2024.  Whether you want to begin farming, you are looking to transition your farm business to the next generation, or you are a producer somewhere in between, this conference is for you! It will teach you about opportunities, pitfalls to avoid, and tools required for a successful farm transition! Episode Links:  • Farm Transitions Conference: https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/farmtransitions/  • Kitt Tovar-Jensen: Phone (515-294-5608) Email (kwtovar@iastate.edu) 

Tune in as Olivia interviews Adam Thoms, Assistant Professor and Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Turfgrass Specialist, Joe Hill, Manager of Turf & Grounds with Iowa State University Athletics, and Michael Young, Assistant Manager of Turf & Grounds with Iowa State University Athletics. In this episode, we discuss the benefits of having a natural field for athletes to play on as well as how they maintain the natural field! Episode Links:  • Iowa State University Extension store (lawn): https://store.extension.iastate.edu/ProductList?Keyword=lawn&S=0&A=0&F=0 

Tune in as Christa interviews Alexis Stevens, Farm Management Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. In this episode, we discuss the importance of cyber security and how even our small farm business could be at risk. Alexis gives us a few tips on how we can protect ourselves and talks about the upcoming Cyber Security on the Farm Conference being held in Ames at the Iowa State Alumni Center on January 11, 2024. Episode Links:  •Cyber Security on the Farm Conference: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/info/cybersecurityevent.html 

Tune in as Olivia interviews Jamie Hanson, Orchard Manager at Seed Savers Exchange. In this episode we learn about Seed Savers and their efforts to saving historic apples! Did you know you can actual visit their orchard in Decorah, Iowa and pick apples for free?  Episode Links:  • Seed Savers: https://seedsavers.org/  • Jamie Hanson: jhanson@seedsavers.org 

Tune in as Olivia interviews Adam Janke, Wildlife Specialist with Iowa State University Extension & Outreach. In this episode they discuss winter wildlife habitat! What can we do to enrich wildlife habitat this winter, as well as things we can incorporate into our land and yard so we can enjoy the different wildlife that spends their winters here with us in Iowa! Episode Links:  • Natural Resource Stewardship Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR): https://www.iowadnr.gov/  • Iowa DNR Wildlife Landowner Assistance: https://www.iowadnr.gov/conservation/wildlife-landowner-assistance 

In this episode, Christa interviews Olivia Hanlon, Executive Secretary with the Iowa Specialty Crop Grower's Association, as well as Christie Jensen, Executive Director of the Iowa Wine Grower's Association. Tune in as they discuss the 2024 Iowa Specialty Producers Conference coming up on January 8-9 as well as the Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association's Post Conference Workshops which will be on January 10, 2024! Learn how you can get discounted registration and be sure to register early for extra saving with "early bird" pricing! Episode Links:  • Iowa Specialty Producers Conference: https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/  • Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association: https://www.iowaspecialtycrop.org/  • Iowa Wine Growers Association: https://iowawinegrowers.org/ 

In this episode, Olivia interviews Madeline Schultz, Women in Ag Program Manager with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, as well as Rylee Sloss & Kiley Allan, interns with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Women in Ag Program. Tune in as they discuss the conference coming up as well as talk about some of the exciting speakers that will be joining them this year! Episode Links:  • Women in Ag Website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag/  • Women in Ag Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ISUWomeninAg  • Conference Registration: https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/womeninag/ 

Do you have flower beds around your yard? In this episode, Olivia interviews Aaron Steil, Consumer Horticulture Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, where they discuss what we should be doing this fall to get our flower beds ready for the cold season. Aaron also explains some different plants we can bring inside to overwinter and be replanted in the spring! Episode Links:  • Iowa State University Extension and outreach Horticulture and Home Pest News: https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/ 

In this episode, Olivia interviews Tyler Harms, Wildlife Biometrician with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Listen in as they discuss whitetail deer and bobcat populations in Iowa and discover where to look if you're hoping to see a bobcat! Episode Links:  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources: https://www.iowadnr.gov/  • Hunting Regulations: https://www.iowadnr.gov/hunting/hunting-licenses-laws  • Population and Harvest Trends: https://www.iowadnr.gov/hunting/population-harvest-trends 

In this episode, Olivia interviews Aaron Steil, Consumer Horticulture Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Tune in as they talk about garden tasks in the fall and Aaron gives some tips and reasons why some things are better done in the fall versus the spring! Episode Links:  • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Horticulture and Homepest News: https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/ 

In this episode, Olivia interviews Andy Kellner, Wildlife Biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Tune in as they discuss some considerations folks can take when it comes to wildlife and depredation. There are resources for landowners who have problem wildlife that Andy mentions as well as advice on preventing problematic wildlife from inhabiting your land. Episode Links:  • Iowa Department of natural Resources: https://www.iowadnr.gov/  • Landowner Assistance from the Iowa DNR: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Landowner-Assistance 

In this episode, Olivia interviews Adam Janke, Associate Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist for Iowa State University. Tune in to learn more about different invasive species around Iowa, whether that's plants, animals, or bugs, Adam is full of knowledge!   Episode Links:  • Invasive Species in Iowa: https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/invasives   • Chemical Control of Unwanted Vegetation:  https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/chemical-control-unwanted-vegetation   • Forestry Contacts: https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/contacts/forestry   • Wildlife Habitat Programs and Consultation Contacts:  https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/contacts/wildlife-habitat-programs-and-consultation   • Midwest Invasive Plant Network: https://www.mipn.org/   • Iowa Department of Natural Resources - Forest Invasive Species Guide:  https://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Forestry/Forest-Health/Invasive-Plants   • Iowa Department of Natural Resources - Aquatic Invasive Species:  https://www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/About-Fishing-in-Iowa/Fighting-Invasive-Species

In this episode, Olivia interviews Secretary Mike Naig about their Choose Iowa Program. Tune in to learn more about how you can become a member and/or if you could take advantage of the Choose Iowa Grant opportunity!   Episode Links:  • Choose Iowa Homepage: https://www.chooseiowa.com/  • Become a Member: https://www.chooseiowa.com/user/register 

In this episode, Olivia interviews Dan Fillius, Commercial Vegetable and Specialty Crop Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Listen in as they discuss the eighth annual Greenhouse Short Course that will be held September 13, 2023, in the Garden Room at Reiman Gardens in Ames!   Episode Links:  • Registration: https://www.aep.iastate.edu/greenhouse/index.html  • Dan Fillius: Email: fillius@iastate.edu Phone: 515-957-5791

In this episode, Olivia interviews Christa Hartsook, Small Farms Program Coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and the State Coordinator for the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE). Listen in as they discuss the grant opportunities SARE offers, who is eligible, where to apply, and when applications are due!   Episode Links:  • North Central Sustainable Agriculture and Education: https://northcentral.sare.org/  • Christa Hartsook: Email: hartc@iastate.edu Phone: 515-294-4430  

In this episode, Olivia interviews Suzanne Slack, Fuit Crop Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Tune in as they discuss the Iowa State University Fruit and Vegetable Field day happening August 8, 2023, at the Iowa State University Horticulture Research Station (55519 170th St, Ames, IA 50010 from 2:00 pm until 5:30 pm with supper to follow!   Episode Links:  • Registration: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/vegetablelab/2023-isu-fruit-and-vegetable-field-day  • Suzanne Slack: Email: slacksuz@iastate.edu Phone: 515-294-0035 • Ajay Nair: Email: nairajay@iastate.edu Phone: 515-294-7080 

In this episode, Olivia interviews Dr. Jean Contina, Research Director with the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center. Tune in as they discuss the Rodale Institute Midwest Organic Center Field Day coming up in august!   Episode Links:  • Registration: https://rodaleinstitute.org/midwest-organic-center-field-day/ 

In this episode, Olivia interviews Maury Wills, Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association (ISCGA), Board President and Benji Deal, ISCGA Board Member and Head Cider Maker at Deal's Orchard. Tune in as they discuss the upcoming ISCGA Field Day that will be held July 27, 2023, and what participants can expect from the day!   Episode Links:  • Registration Link: https://www.iowaspecialtycrop.org/events-2/#!event/2023/5/10/test-page-summer-field-day • Orchard Questions: benjaminpdeal@gmail.com • Registration Questions: ohanlon@iastate.edu

What are your favorite flowers? In this episode, Olivia interviews Dan Brabec, Assistant Professor of Practice with Iowa State University Horticulture Department. Tune in as they discuss cut flower arrangements, how to make them last longer, and what you can find outside here in Iowa to create your own!   Episode Links:  • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardener Program: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/   • Aaron Steil: ajsteil@iastate.edu, 515-294-8953 • Dan Brabec: dbrabec@iastate.edu, 515-294-2751

In this episode, Olivia interviews Adam Janke, Wildlife Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Tune in as they share some sounds that may or may not be familiar to you, and learn how you can identify some common sounds of summer here in Iowa! Episode Links: Iowa State Extension Natural Resources Iowa State University Habitat How To

In this episode, Olivia interviews Ajay Nair, Commercial Horticulture Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Tune in as the discuss what some of the benefits may be with tarping your vegetable plots, and what Ajay and his team are doing to research this topic!   Episode Links:  • Sustainable Vegetable Poduction Website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/vegetablelab/  • Ajay Nair Email: nairajay@iastate.edu • Ajay Nair Office Number: 515-294-7080

Tune in as Olivia interviews Aaron Steil, Consumer Horticulture Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. In this episode, they discuss a few different spring garden crops, including rhubarb, asparagus, and horse reddish!   Episode Links:  • Horticulture and Home Pest News: https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/ 

In this episode, Christa interviews Matt Russell, State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Iowa. Tune in as they talk about the USDA FSA, the importance of having a relationship with your local FSA, and what opportunities they offer.   Episode Links:  • USDA Website: https://www.usda.gov/  • USA Jobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/ 

If you have a private water well, do you get it tested every year? Did you know Iowa has a water well program that allows private well owners to have their private well water tested for free? Tune in as Olivia interviews Catherine DeLong, Water Quality Program Manager for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. In this episode, they discuss the importance of having your private well water tested yearly, the things you would want to test for, and the resources to help.   Episode Links:  • County Environmental Health Sanitarians for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources: http://www.iowasrf.com/media/cms/Sanitarians5_1A50952E9532E.pdf  • Extension Staff by county: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/countyservices/  • The Private Well Class: https://privatewellclass.org/  • Iowa Department Of Natural Resouces: https://www.iowadnr.gov/  • State of Iowa Department of Health and Human Services: https://hhs.iowa.gov/  • State Hygienic Laboratory at The University of Iowa: http://www.shl.uiowa.edu/  • Drinking Water Quality in Iowa from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach - Natural Resource Stewardship: https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/drinking-water-quality-iowa 

Do you know the best practices when mushroom foraging? Tune in as Olivia interviews Chelsea Harbach, Plant Disease Diagnostician in Iowa State University's Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic. They discuss tips when it comes to foraging for mushrooms and even growing your own at home. Chelsea also gives some great resources you can use!   Episode Links:  • Iowa Mushroom Calendar: https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/encyclopedia/mushroom-foraging-iowa • Safe Mushroom foraging webinars by Lina: part 1- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bdiEBwMzZI&t=534s • Safe Mushroom foraging webinars by Lina: part 2- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNIPxbGbJtU&t=3s • Safe Mushroom Foraging Book: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/Safe-Mushroom-Foraging • Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic e-mail: pidc@iastate.edu  Growing mushrooms at home resources from other universities: • Pen State University- https://extension.psu.edu/forage-and-food-crops/mushrooms/production-and-harvesting • University of Florida- https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/growing-mushrooms-at-home.html • Cornell University- https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/projects/mushrooms/ • University of Vermont- https://www.uvm.edu/news/extension/growing-mushrooms-indoors

Do you have coyotes or foxes around your farm? Or maybe you even see/hear them around town! Tune in as Olivia interviews Andy Kellner, Wildlife Biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. They discuss why you may see these creatures around, what steps you can take if they become a problem, and some of the great benefits they can actually provide for us!   Episode Links:  • Andy Kellner: (515) 975-8318 • Vince Evelsizer: (641) 231-1522 • University of Wisconsin Urban Canid Project: http://uwurbancanidproject.weebly.com/  • Iowa Department of Natural Resources: https://www.iowadnr.gov/  • The Red Fox in Iowa by Ron Andrews: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Portals/idnr/uploads/Hunting/book_red_fox.pdf 

We're happy to share a podcast from our friends, Dan Fillius, ISU Extension Horticulture Field Specialist, and Dr. Justin Glisan, Iowa's State Climatologist.  This episode is the pilot episode and gives a recap of weather this past winter, how it stacks up against past winters, and provides a climate outlook for the coming growing season. Typically this podcast will be for those who want to learn more about weather, its recent impacts on fruits and vegetables, and it'll provide a climate outlook for the coming week. Stay tuned for details on how to subscribe and future weekly episodes!

In this episode of the Beginning Fruit Farm Series, Suzanne Slack, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Iowa State University specializing in perennial fruit crops, Brandon Carpenter, Agriculture Specialist with Iowa State Horticulture Research Station, and Liv Meyer, a graduate student in the department of Horticulture at Iowa State University talk about getting your small fruit farm ready for spring! What needs to be cleaned up, when is the most opportune time to clean those things up, what sort of maintenance do we need to keep in mind, when to plant new plants, and MORE!

Do you have a backyard garden, or maybe a flower bed or two? Do you know what you should do in the spring to get them cleaned up and ready for planting? In this episode, Olivia interviews Aaron Steil, Consumer Horticulture Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Aaron gives us great advice and insight on best spring practices to get your gardens and flower beds ready!   Episode Links:  • Horticulture and Home Pest News: https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/  • Spring Garden Tasks: https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/spring-garden-tasks 

In this episode of the Beginning Fruit Farm Series, Suzanne Slack, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Iowa State University specializing in perennial fruit crops, Randall Vos, Commercial Fruit Crop Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Liv Meyer, a graduate student in the department of Horticulture at Iowa State University are discussing grape pruning. Tune in to learn all about pruning your grape vines!

We're bringing you a very special episode with guest host Dr. Kathleen Delate. Tune in as she interviews 4 organic farmers and an organic researcher engaged in organic technologies that may offer some value in organic operations. As with all technology, the benefits of technological innovations must be evaluated along with any trade-offs, which are explored in this podcast.   Seth Harbecke is a student at Iowa State University who farms organically with his family in western Illinois. Seth speaks with Dr. Delate on the advantages of utilizing data tracking technologies like FieldView in organic systems and provides guidelines on deciding if you should use them on your farm.   Levi Lyle farms organically in Washington, Iowa, and chats with Dr. Delate on all things organic weed management. From weed zapping to organic no-till, Levi highlights the latest tools and production practices he utilizes to help manage weeds in his organic system.   Scott Shriver, who farms 2,000 organic acres in Jefferson, Iowa, shares with Dr. Delate how he uses tractor steering guidance systems, like RTK, and provides a detailed explanation of how the technology works and how it can benefit larger organic operations.   Michael O'Donnell is a Crop Specialist with Grain Millers in Indiana, and the Farm Certification Manager for the 4,000-acre organic Living Prairie Family Farm in northwest Indiana, where he has been helping perfect organic strip tillage and other innovations. He takes Dr. Delate through the process and provides details on how to integrate this system on your farm.   Brad Heins is a professor of organic animal science at the University of Minnesota. He walks Dr. Delate through dairy management technologies from robotic milkers to sensors which improve breeding success and herd management for organic producers. He concludes with CowVacs for natural fly management and their research on automated calf feeders.

In this episode of the Beginning Fruit Farm Series, Suzanne Slack, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Iowa State University specializing in perennial fruit crops, Brandon Carpenter, Agriculture Specialist with Iowa State Horticulture Research Station, and Liv Meyer, a graduate student in the department of Horticulture at Iowa State University are discussing Apple Tree pruning. Tune in to learn tips, tricks, and best practices when it comes to pruning your apple trees!

In this episode of the Beginning Fruit Farm Series, Suzanne Slack, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Iowa State University specializing in perennial fruit crops, Brandon Carpenter, Agriculture Specialist with Iowa State Horticulture Research Station, and Liv Meyer, a graduate student in the department of Horticulture at Iowa State University discuss all things bramble (mainly raspberries and black berries) pruning. Tune in to learn tips, tricks, and best practices when it comes time to prune brambles.

Are you considering buying an acreage? You should keep a handful of things in mind before doing so! There are also plenty of resources you can research before committing to a property. In this episode, Olivia interviews Ann Johanns, Extension Program Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Ann gives us some great advice and questions to ask ourselves before we make an acreage purchase. She also informs us of some great resources we can utilize to research a property and other surrounding properties!     Episode Links:  • Ag Decision Maker: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/  •  Beacon Shneider: https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/ • Iowa Land Records: https://iowalandrecords.org/  

Olivia is again joined by Suzanne Slack, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Iowa State University specializing in perennial fruit crops, Brandon Carpenter, Agriculture Specialist with Iowa State Horticulture Research Station, and Liv Meyer, a graduate student in the department of Horticulture at Iowa State University and on this episode of our Beginning Fruit Farm Series, they discuss grape trellising. Tune in as they discuss the different trellising options and what options would best suit your grapes here in Iowa!

Have you been noticing more Bald Eagles in Iowa lately? In today's episode, Olivia interviews Heidi Anderson, a Naturalist with Polk County Conservation, and we're talking about Bald Eagles! Where can we go to see them, what should we do if we see them, and what are some ways we can attract them?!

It's that time of year again when we can go out and shed hunt! If you're interested in shed hunting but don't know where to start, or maybe you're just looking for a few tips on where to find them, tune in to this episode! Olivia interviews Heidi Anderson, a Naturalist with Polk County Conservation, who gives some great tips on where to look for sheds, things to avoid, and what you can do with them once you find them!