Podcasts about Iowa State University

President Donald Trump reverses course to endorse Zach Lahn. On this Politics Day episode, we take stock of the Iowa governor's race. We talk with political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Kelly Winfrey of Iowa State University. We also preview Trump's primetime address, talk about ICE shootings across the country, the scramble to replace Graham Platner in the Maine U.S. Senate race and more.

Send us Fan MailPricing AI is the hardest pricing problem in software right now, and most SaaS leaders are getting it wrong on the first try. In this episode of Navigating the Customer Experience, host Yanique Grant sits down with Dan Balcauski, founder of Product Tranquility, to unpack why the first AI price a company sets is always wrong, how to set usage caps when you have no historical data, and what smart B2B SaaS leaders do differently to turn pricing from a liability into a strategic advantage.Dan has spent more than 20 years in software, starting as an engineer before moving into product management and discovering that how a company captures value matters far more than how it builds the product. Today he advises B2B SaaS CEOs on the AI pricing and packaging decisions that keep them up at night, and in this conversation he shares the frameworks, the mistakes to avoid, and the practical playbook he uses with real companies.WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODEWhy the first AI price is always wrong, and why that has nothing to do with how smart your team or your consultants are. Dan explains the fundamental economic shift underway in software, where both sides of the pricing equation are moving at once. On the cost side, he points to a benchmark showing the cost per task for a top model dropping by roughly 390 times in a single year, a change no normal business ever absorbs in its cost of goods sold. On the value side, models keep getting more capable, handling this month what they could not handle last month. His research shows that every application layer software company he studied that released AI capabilities revised its pricing and packaging within 18 months. The lesson is not to price perfectly on day one. It is to build for change.How to set usage caps and pricing tiers with zero historical data. Dan frames the real problem plainly. You know what a token costs, but you have no idea what customers will actually do with a new AI feature. Products are full of features that barely got adopted, and AI features do not get to skip that step of the innovation cycle. On top of that, a small group of power users, often around 5 to 10 percent, can drive the overwhelming majority of usage and cost. That makes the tempting shortcuts unreliable. Using dashboard views as a proxy breaks down because good AI gets used far more than the dashboards it replaces, and a beta group rarely matches the usage profile of the full market.The early access playbook that sits between beta and general availability. Dan recommends a stage where companies announce their limits, put a price on the feature, and communicate it clearly, but do not enforce or meter it yet for a defined window that can run anywhere from six weeks to 18 months. This eases customer anxiety about surprise bills, encourages real adoption, and lets the company gather genuine usage patterns instead of guessing from proxies that break down.Why you should separate ordinary plan limits from fair use limits. Even when you are not metering usage, Dan explains, you can reserve the right to throttle or downgrade the rare customer using a capability a hundred or a thousand times more than the average, much like companies already do with API request limits. Those levers let teams keep experimenting during early access without the finance team panicking when the bill arrives.Why communication is where pricing changes succeed or fail. As Dan puts it, most pricing blowups come not from the change itself but from the fact that it was communicated poorly or not at all. Agility beats certainty, and reviewing pricing on a quarterly cadence beats the old annual or five year rhythm.This episode is essential listening for SaaS founders, product leaders, pricing strategists, and customer experience professionals who want to understand how AI is reshaping the economics of software and what to do about it before the market forces the decision for them.ABOUT DAN BALCAUSKIDan Balcauski is the founder of Product Tranquility, where he helps B2B SaaS CEOs turn pricing from a confusing liability into a strategic advantage. With more than 20 years in software, Dan began his career as an engineer before moving into product management and discovering that how companies capture value matters far more than how they build it. His work now centers on one of the most pressing questions in software today: how to price AI. Before founding Product Tranquility, Dan was a principal product strategist at SolarWinds and head of product at LawnStarter. He holds a BSc in computer engineering from Iowa State University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, where he also helps teach executive education courses on product strategy. He is the host of the SaaS Scaling Secrets podcast.QUESTIONS YANIQUE ASKEDCould you share a little about your journey and how you got from where you were to where you are today? You have said the first AI price is always wrong. Why is that, and what should a SaaS company do differently knowing they are going to get it wrong the first time? So many companies are trying to set usage caps and pricing tiers for AI with zero historical data. How would you advise a CEO to make that decision when they are essentially flying blind? What is the one online resource, tool, website, or application that you absolutely cannot live without in your business? Can you share one or two books that have had a positive impact on you, professionally or personally? What is one thing going on in your life right now that you are really excited about? Do you have a quote or saying that keeps you on track during times of adversity? Where can listeners find and connect with you online?KEY TAKEAWAYSThe first AI price is always wrong, and that is not a failure of intelligence. It reflects a fundamental economic shift where both cost and value are moving fast. Every application layer company Dan studied revised its AI pricing and packaging within 18 months. Plan for revision, not perfection. Agility beats certainty. Review pricing on a quarterly cadence rather than annually or every five years. Communication is where pricing changes succeed or fail. Most blowups come from poor communication, not the change itself. Usage proxies break down. Dashboard views and beta groups rarely predict how customers will actually use an AI feature. A small group of power users can drive the majority of usage and cost, so average user assumptions are dangerous. Early access is the smart middle stage. Announce and price the limits, communicate them, but do not meter yet while you gather real data. Separate plan limits from fair use limits. Reserve the right to throttle extreme usage even when you are not metering everyone. Do not borrow problems from the future. Anxiety about what has not happened yet only adds problems to the present. AI is making custom, personal business software economically viable for the first time, opening the door to tools built exactly the way you work.CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 01:51 Dan's Journey: From Engineer to Pricing Strategist 04:03 Learning That Pricing Is Different in Every Industry 04:49 Why the First AI Price Is Always Wrong 05:36 The 390x Cost Shift and the Moving Value Equation 06:49 Agility, Faster Pricing Reviews, and Communication 09:28 Setting Usage Caps With No Historical Data 11:32 Why Dashboard Proxies and Beta Groups Break Down 12:59 The Early Access Playbook Between Beta and GA 13:20 Plan Limits vs. Fair Use Limits 17:04 The One Tool Dan Cannot Live Without: Claude Code 17:38 Book Recommendation: Monetizing Innovation 18:31 Building Custom Business Software With AI 19:55 How to Connect With Dan Online 20:27 Dan's Guiding Quote: Don't Borrow Problems From the FutureFEATURED RESOURCESBook mentioned: Monetizing Innovation by Madhavan Ramanujam and Georg TackeTool mentioned: Claude Code, Dan's work surface and the engine behind his custom business softwareCONNECT WITH DANLinkedIn: Search Dan Balcauski on LinkedIn, and mention that you heard him on the podcast so he can separate you from the spamWebsite: producttranquility.comPodcast: SaaS Scaling Secrets, wherever podcasts are foundDAN'S GUIDING QUOTE"Don't borrow problems from the future." Dan BalcauskiDan explains that most of our anxiety is about things that have not happened yet. Worrying about a future scenario pulls that problem into the present before it ever arrives, giving you more to carry now for no reason. Like debt, it is borrowing against your future self. His practice is to stay focused on what is real and in front of him, which keeps him grounded when challenges or uncertainty threaten to pull him off track.ABOUT N

Greg Peterson – Machinery Pete – provides a report on recent and upcoming auctions of used machinery equipment, including his Pick of the Week, and shares a personal story of the loss of a fan. And Professor Alison Robertson of Iowa State University, joins us to share her insights on various potential disease pressures in Iowa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to storms and severe weather, tree limbs are down while tree stress is up. But there are ways to help the timber in your area and to keep damage from happening. On this Horticulture Day episode, Caitlin Troutman sits in for Charity Nebbe. We talk with Iowa State University professor of horticulture Jeff Iles about helping trees with storm damage, as well as preventative measures to consider before the next round of severe weather. Then, Iowa State University Extension Horticulturist Aaron Steil joins us to answer listener questions.

Thanks to storms and severe weather, tree limbs are down while tree stress is up. But there are ways to help the timber in your area and to keep damage from happening. We talk with Iowa State University professor of horticulture Jeff Iles about helping trees with storm damage, as well as preventative measures to consider before the next round of severe weather.

Tensions flare again between the U.S. and Iran and NATO leaders wrap up a tense summit. On this Politics Day episode, we discuss the political fallout with political scientists Jim McCormick of Iowa State University and Evan Renfro of the University of Northern Iowa. We hear about the new round of U.S.-Iran hostilities that overshadows the days-long funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader, take a look back at the nation's 250th birthday celebration and more.

In this episode of The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Michelle Kromm, Principal of Food Forward LLC, explains why highly pathogenic avian influenza requires a broader risk management strategy beyond biosecurity alone. Practical insights include vaccination, surveillance, stakeholder collaboration, trade considerations, and long-term disease resilience to protect poultry health, production, and food systems. Listen now on all major platforms!Click here to read the full research article!"Biosecurity remains essential regardless of housing design because consistent execution by knowledgeable personnel protects poultry more effectively than procedural changes alone."Meet the guest: Dr. Michelle Kromm is a board-certified poultry veterinarian with expertise in risk management, food safety, disease outbreak preparedness, and antimicrobial stewardship. After earning degrees from Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Georgia, she held leadership roles at Jennie O Turkey Store and Hormel Foods. Learn from Dr. Michelle Kromm on The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast. Listen now on all major platforms!Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:41) Introduction(03:33) Vaccine differences(06:46) Production systems(10:55) One Health(13:16) Future success(15:56) Nutrition role(18:21) Closing thoughtsThe Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Fortiva* Kemin- DietForge- Poultry Science Association- Anitox- The Owner's Box- Elevate- WiseVAs- ZentrixOS- Zentrix Insights

Peter Simons, author of 'Global Heartland: Cultivating the American Century on the Midwestern Farm,' shares an in-depth look at the role farmers throughout the Midwest played in America's rise to power post-WWII. Then Adam Janke, Iowa State University wildlife extension specialist, joins the program. Janke's new series of articles shares low-cost, accessible tips for landowners and homeowners to sustain wildlife. (This show was originally produced August 11, 2025.)

Iowa's farmland sits on more than soil — deep underground may be the makings of a clean energy economy. On this episode, we go beneath Iowa's surface to talk about a billion-year-old rock formation where geologic hydrogen is hiding. We talk with Ryan Clark, associate state geologist at the Iowa Geological Survey and Betsy Swanner, an Iowa State University professor of Earth, atmosphere and climate to find out what it would take to actually build a hydrogen economy in Iowa. Then, Iowa State University agronomist Jianming Yu shares what artificial intelligence and citizen science reveal about how plants adapt to their environments.

The Supreme Court has ruled on birthright citizenship, transgender athletes and the flow of money in politics. Today, analysis from political scientists Sara Mitchell of the University of Iowa and Dave Peterson of Iowa State University. We discuss the power balance in Washington and what these rulings mean for Iowans. We also reflect on House leadership sending lawmakers home early, the new Iowa laws going into effect and more.

In this episode of The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Michelle Kromm, a poultry veterinarian and risk management consultant, discusses the ongoing impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza on poultry production. She examines outbreak trends, biosecurity challenges, endemic virus dynamics, economic pressures, mental health considerations, and the evolving discussion around vaccination strategies. Learn how these issues are shaping poultry production today. Listen now on all major platforms!Click here to read the full research article!"Highly pathogenic avian influenza has become endemic within wild bird populations, creating continuous exposure pressure for poultry operations throughout the year."Meet the guest: Dr. Michelle Kromm is a board-certified poultry veterinarian with expertise in risk management, food safety, disease outbreak preparedness, and antimicrobial stewardship. After earning degrees from Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Georgia, she held leadership roles at Jennie O Turkey Store and Hormel Foods. Learn from Dr. Michelle Kromm on The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast. Listen now on all major platforms!Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:42) Introduction(04:14) Avian influenza trends(06:58) Endemic virus challenges(10:07) Commercial flock impacts(12:47) Biosecurity limitations(18:49) Vaccination considerations(19:24) Closing thoughtsThe Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Fortiva* Kemin- DietForge- Poultry Science Association- Anitox- The Owner's Box- Elevate- WiseVAs- ZentrixOS- Zentrix Insights

Native plants improve biodiversity and help local wildlife thrive. On this Horticulture Day episode of Talk of Iowa, host Dani Gehr sits in for Charity Nebbe. She talks with Iowa State extension horticulture specialist Ray Kruse about what natives have succeeded in his garden, and what plants he's needed to pull. Then, Iowa State University extension horticulture specialist Aaron Steil joins us to answer listener questions.

Iowa Business Report Friday EditionJune 26, 2026    U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Red Oak) on her fourth Entrepreneur Expo to be held on the Iowa State University campus in Ames next Tuesday. 

Professor Chad Hart, extension economist at Iowa State University, joins us for a look at the markets as the situation with Iran continues to develop. Cary Artac of artacadvisory.com and wickedstocks.com shares a chart update and stock watch. Jack Scoville of The Price Futures Group has price action perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Newsbuzz episode, IPR's Gavin McGough joins to discuss a new gas power plant that was approved by the Cedar Falls City Council this week, and IPR's Rachel Cramer shares how Iowa's landfills are filling up fast. Cami Koons of Iowa Capital Dispatch reports on a multistate research project that held a panel of rural Iowans Tuesday, and we hear about the U.S. losing ground in the higher education space as Iowa State University and University of Iowa continue to slip in university rankings. Humans for Racial Justice hosts their second annual Juneteenth event which tours local Underground Railroad sites in Cedar County, and IPR Studio One's Nick Brunner grooves us into the weekend.

Three Libertarians who filed to run for governor, lieutenant governor and U.S. House in Iowa won't appear on the ballot. That's after members of the Republican party challenged their paperwork, and the state objection panel voted to remove the names of Nicholas Gluba, Jules Cutler and Marco Battaglia from Iowa ballots. In this episode, host Ben Kieffer recaps that decision as well as the state party conventions with Megan Goldberg of Cornell College and Jonathan Hassid of Iowa State University. They also discuss looming changes to Social Security and the tentative peace deal with Iran.

In this episode of The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Meaghan Meyer, Assistant Professor at Oklahoma State University, discusses broiler social dynamics, environmental enrichment, feeding behavior, and welfare assessment. She explains how enrichment strategies influence activity, resource access, feed intake, and flock behavior while highlighting practical considerations for commercial production and student education in poultry science. Listen now on all major platforms!"Enrichment programs increased activity levels while supporting feed intake and maintaining productive performance within broiler populations."Meet the guest: Dr. Meaghan Meyer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University. She earned her M.S. and Ph.D. at Iowa State University, focusing on broiler welfare and behavior. Her research examines social dynamics, environmental enrichment, and welfare assessment in broiler production systems. Learn more from Dr. Meaghan Meyer on The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:41) Introduction(02:59) Broiler hierarchy(05:14) Enrichment strategies(07:58) Feeding behavior(10:24) Welfare performance(11:56) Poultry education(16:11) Closing thoughtsThe Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Kemin* Fortiva- Poultry Science Association- Anitox- DietForge

Iowa State University President David Cook discusses his first few months leading his alma mater and what he hopes to accomplish in the months and years ahead.

The general election battle has begun in Iowa. On this Politics Day episode of River to River, analysis from political scientists Karen Kedrowski of Iowa State University and Wayne Moyer of Grinnell College on Rob Sand's pick for a running mate, the growing fight for Iowa's open U.S. Senate seat, updates from the war in Iran and more.

About the Guest Dwight Mogler is the managing partner of Iowa Craft Meats and a partner in Mogler Farms/Dayspring Farm in Lyon County, Iowa. A graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in agricultural business, Dwight returned to the family operation after working in the feed and grain industry and helped grow the farm’s farrow-to-finish operation to 200,000 head of annual marketing’s. Today, the family enterprise includes pork production, beef feedlot operations, crop farming, a country grain elevator and Iowa Craft Meats, a business focused on creating value-added pork products and connecting consumers more closely to the people who raise their food. Dwight is passionate about the future of pork demand, product innovation, and helping producers build stronger connections with consumers. Dwight previously served on the National Pork Producers Council board and is currently a producer board member of the National Pork Board.  He has been recognized by the Iowa Pork Producers Association for his contributions to the pork industry. He and his wife, Donna, live in Lester, Iowa, and enjoy spending time with family when not working. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? How a multi-generation farm family laid the foundation for Iowa Craft Meats. Why Dwight believes producers can build brands and connect directly with consumers. How Iowa Craft Meats is creating value beyond traditional pork production. What different pork cuts offer and how cultures around the world use pork. Why Dwight sees convenience and fully cooked products as an important opportunity for pork.

In this episode of The Pet Food Science Podcast Show, Dr. Krysten Craft, Health and Wellbeing Scientist at Kemin Pet Food & Rendering, explores challenges in pet nutrition research, including immune markers, microbiome models, and ethical study design. She explains how to interpret null results and highlights opportunities using vaccines and alternative models. Practical insights on owner surveys and clinical relevance are also discussed. Listen now on all major platforms!“Microbiome models enable high-throughput screening of dietary interventions, allowing researchers to evaluate functional outputs and population-level trends without maintaining live animal studies.”Meet the guest: Dr. Krysten Craft earned her PhD in Animal Science from Iowa State University, focusing on nutrition, immunity, and the microbiome across species. With 18 peer-reviewed publications, her work follows a science-first, species-second approach. Now leading Health and Wellbeing R&D at Kemin Pet Food & Rendering, she advances pet nutrition research. Learn more on The Pet Food Science Podcast Show with Dr. Krysten Craft, available on all major platforms!Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!Don't miss the chance to be part of the Pet Food Inner Circle!Join now and connect with leading experts in pet nutrition: https://petfoodinnercircle.com/What will you learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:34) Introduction(04:40) Research challenges(10:32) Immune markers(14:53) Vaccine design(17:59) Alternative models(26:03) Null results(31:08) Final QuestionsThe Pet Food Science Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Kemin* Trouw Nutrition- Rangen Group- Biorigin- DietForge

Often called the "queen of climbers," clematis are known for their beautiful blooms and ability to add height to your garden. These vining members of the buttercup family make a beautiful addition to almost any yard and they are in full bloom right now. Cindy Haynes, professor of Horticulture at Iowa State University and Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension Horticulture Specialist join the program to tell us about growing and caring for clematis.

Iowa Republicans rejected a candidate President Donald Trump endorsed for governor. On this politics day episode, we dive into the primary results. Political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Kelly Shaw of Iowa State University analyze these results and look ahead to the midterms. They also discuss the Senate race and the competition in Iowa Congressional Districts.

On episode 75 of the Innovators Podcast, Rick Sanders, President and Director of the ISU Research Park, interviews Chris Sievers, University Partnership and Talent & Technology leader at John Deere. In this episode, Chris shares about his time at Iowa State University and his experience working at John Deere. He also shares his relationship to the Research Park. Thank you for listening!

Bolu Ojo joins The Fabricator Podcast to discuss SparkDefy, a startup developing fire-resistant welding head coverings for people with long or thicker hair. She shares how a welding job inspired the idea, the challenges of bringing a new PPE product to market, and her mission to make welding safety more inclusive with more products. Ojo also discusses launching the business, learning how to sew, and honing her welding skills while studying industrial design at Iowa State University. Email us at podcast@fmamfg.org with any comments, questions, or suggestions. Learn more about SparkDefy and the 2026 FAB 40.

About the Guests Lee Schulz joined Ever.Ag as their chief economist in 2024. In this role, he speaks on various industry topics, develops and delivers economic data and analyses, and provides clients with critical economic perspectives for informed decision-making. He also serves as the consulting economist for the National Pork Board. Lee grew up on a crop and livestock farm in central Wisconsin. From 2012 to 2024 he was on the economics faculty at Iowa State University where he served as a professor and as the statewide extension specialist on livestock economics and markets. Lee has a bachelor's degree in agricultural business from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, a master's in agricultural economics from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in economics from Kansas State University. Kiersten Hafer, vice president of business intelligence and innovation for the National Pork Board, provides strategy, insights and guidance to the pork industry and supply chain on where to play and how to win with pork. She has leveraged her 30 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies and high-growth organizations to uncover and unlock potential, facilitate change and measure expansion. As a lifelong connector and change agent, she has strategized business growth with retailers, marketing agencies, food brokers, foodservice operators, market research firms and consumer goods manufacturers. Before her role with the National Pork Board, she served as vice president of marketing for Clemens Food Group, where she was responsible for marketing, innovation and business insights across its retail and foodservice businesses. Hafer is a graduate of Saint Joseph's University with a Master of Science degree in Food Marketing from the Haub School of Business. She resides in the Greater Philadelphia region with her husband, two children and two golden retrievers. Jesse Heimer owns Heimer Hampshires, a 500-sow show pig enterprise, where he leads a team of eight raising competitive pigs for junior livestock enthusiasts nationwide and sells progressive genetics via semen and breeding stock to other breeders. Heimer is a founding member and past board member of the Missouri Youth Show Pig Circuit (2009-2023) and a current Missouri Pork Association board member. At the national level, he is a Pork Leadership Institute graduate (2021); hosted dialogue with industry leaders to foster harmony between show pigs and commercial sectors; sits on the NPPC Traceability task force; participates in the AgView working group and represents exhibition swine on the General Conference Committee of the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan. What can you expect to learn from this episode of Popular Pig? Why growing pork demand starts with understanding the consumer not just the product How data is being used to target the right people with the right message at the right time Why demand growth is a long game and what realistic expectations should look like How marketing efforts actually connect back to producer profitability and value

On this episode of The Squeal, we're taking a closer look at one of the most critical, but often overlooked, components of swine health management: truck wash biosecurity.  Our host, Dr. Rebecca Robbins, PIC Health Assurance Veterinarian is joined by Dr. Kate Dion, Postdoctoral Research Associate at Iowa State University, and Emiliano Hidalgo, PIC Technical Operations Manager to discuss the importance of a truck wash and its procedures.  Transportation plays a major role in protecting herd health, and even small gaps in cleaning and disinfection protocols can create significant disease risk across production systems. From trailer sanitation and drying time to employee compliance and facility design, maintaining strong truck wash biosecurity requires attention to detail at every step. Whether you're managing transportation logistics, overseeing site health, or working directly in the wash bay, this episode offers actionable insights to help strengthen one of the industry's most important lines of defense.

Ag View Solutions: https://www.agviewsolutions.com/Farm Profit Manager: https://www.farmprofitmanager.com/Today's guest is Shay Foulk of Ag View Solutions and the Farm Profit Manager app. I've known of Shay for years as a podcaster and farm management consultant, and his presence on social media. Shay and I both have been a part of webinars for Fractal Ag in the past, and shout out to Ben at Fractal for helping to make today's episode happen. Some background on Shay: Shay Foulk is a farm business consultant with Ag View Solutions who works with operations to improve profitability and efficiency, manage risk, and grow. They offer this to farmers in the form of consulting, coaching, Peer Group facilitation and the Profit Manager app that we'll talk a lot about today. He grew up in NE Iowa working on a row crop and livestock operation with his father, uncles, and grandfathers. He attended Iowa State University where he majored in Agronomy. After graduating, Shay enlisted in the United States Army, and served 5 years with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He continues to serve with the Illinois National Guard out of Peoria. He also farms and runs Monier Seed with his father-in-law and wife, Hannah, near Sparland, IL.Shay's step dad, Chris Barron, started Ag View Solutions clear back in the mid 90s. He developed the foundation of what became what they called Profit Manager. He noticed that he knew his numbers a lot better on the hog production side of his farm, and wanted to apply the same business analysis to the crops side. So with his college roommate he developed the first version of Profit Manager on DOS. After years of consulting with farmers he turned it into an Excel-based tool. For years they have sold the tool and offered consulting services. Shay joined the business in 2019, and just this year they converted the Excel-based Profit Manager into this new app called Farm Profit Manager, and offered it for free.

In this episode Ed interviews Dr. José González-Acuña, recent Ph.D. graduate at Iowa State University. They discuss José's Thesis work on frogeye leaf spot and efforts to expand the ever growing library of plant disease predictive models. Additional Resources https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-46975-z#Sec14 https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/27/5/article-p710.xml https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/news/new-crop-risk-tool-enhances-disease-management-decisions Time Stamps 00:00 Understanding Machine Learning Models 03:23 Choosing the Right Model for the Project 06:13 Metrics for Model Evaluation 08:48 Challenges in Data Collection and Standardization 11:38 Insights on Frog Eye Leaf Spot Modeling 13:44 Future Directions and Improvements 17:40 Understanding Weather Data's Role in Disease Modeling 19:42 Data Collection and Analysis for Disease Severity 21:29 Introduction to Decision Support Systems (DSS) 22:27 The Importance of Decision Support in Agriculture 24:09 Future of Predictive Modeling and Decision Support Systems 28:44 The Role of Farmers in Utilizing Predictive Models 32:14 Economic Benefits of Decision Support Systems 34:29 Elevator Pitch: Explaining Predictive Modeling to the Public 37:58 outro with logo.mp4 Zaworski, E. (Host) and González-Acuña, J. (Interviewee). S5:E8 (Podcast). Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 2. 5/20/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

Fire blight can spread fast through orchards and backyard fruit trees, leaving growers scrambling to protect their crops. On this Horticulture Day episode, we talk with Iowa State University assistant professor and fruit tree specialist Suzanne Slack about how fire blight develops, what warning signs to look for and the impact it can have on fruit trees across Iowa. Later, Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, joins the conversation to share more gardening insight and answer listener questions.

Rapid planting progress continues across much of the Corn Belt as farmers also navigate tightening fertilizer supplies, shifting trade developments, and ongoing weather concerns heading deeper into the 2026 growing season. This week's agriculture headlines include the latest USDA Crop Progress report showing corn and soybean planting continuing ahead of the five-year average across much of the Midwest. Weather updates focus on improving planting conditions following recent frost concerns, while hotter and drier conditions continue stressing winter wheat in parts of the Plains. Other headlines include President Donald Trump delaying planned action tied to beef imports, a federal trade court ruling against the administration's global tariff policy and fertilizer markets tightening as global supply concerns continue driving volatility for key crop nutrients. Additional stories include updates on nationwide E15 legislation, a new biofuels partnership between Bayer Crop Science and bp focused on camelina production, new EPA conservation grant funding and Smithfield Foods releasing its latest sustainability report. Today's interview is with Ag News Daily summer intern Josie Kelly. She is a junior at Iowa State University studying Agricultural & Rural Policy Studies alongside Public Relations. In today's conversation, she shares more about her background, interests in agriculture and what she is looking forward to this summer with the Ag News Daily team. Stay connected with us for daily agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, along with our weekly videos!

Fire blight can spread fast through orchards and backyard fruit trees, leaving growers scrambling to protect their crops. We talk with Iowa State University assistant professor and fruit tree specialist Suzanne Slack about how fire blight develops, what warning signs to look for and the impact it can have on fruit trees across Iowa.

In this episode Ed interviews Dr. José González-Acuña, recent Ph.D. graduate at Iowa State University. They discuss José's Thesis work on frogeye leaf spot and efforts to expand the ever growing library of plant disease predictive models. Additional Resources https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-46975-z#Sec14 https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/27/5/article-p710.xml https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/news/new-crop-risk-tool-enhances-disease-management-decisions Time Stamps 00:44 Introduction to Jose's Academic Journey 03:13 The Path to Plant Pathology 13:45 Understanding Frog Eye Leaf Spot 18:55 Management Strategies for Frog Eye Leaf Spot 21:51 Fungicide Resistance and Its Implications 23:39 The Journey to Predictive Modeling 25:57 The Role of Predictive Models in Agriculture 28:49 Understanding Predictive Modeling 34:26 Types of Predictive Models 40:09 Logistic Regression and Machine Learning Models 45:36 outro with logo.mp4   Zaworski, E. (Host) and González-Acuña, J. (Interviewee). S5:E7 (Podcast). Frog Eye-PM: Predictive Modeling Part 1. 5/13/2026. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.   Transcript

In this episode of the ISU Dairy News & Views Podcast, we sit down with Liz Brock to explore the powerful connection between herd health and human well-being in agriculture. While dairy production often focuses on animal performance and efficiency, this conversation shifts attention to the people behind the cows—the farmers, students, and professionals who carry the emotional and physical weight of the industry. Together with voices from Iowa State University, we discuss the pressures facing agricultural communities, the importance of mental health awareness in rural spaces, and practical ways to build resilience and support systems within dairy and livestock production. Additional Resources: https://health.extension.wisc.edu/mental-well-being/wecope/ https://extension.umn.edu/get-help/resources-difficult-times#coping-with-stress-or-crisis-1250210  

Two psychologists from Iowa State University join the program. Their whose research seeks to improve accuracy in witness and suspect testimony in the criminal justice system. Professor of psychology Zlatan Krizan discusses how sleep deprivation may influence confessions and witness statements, while associate professor of psychology Andrew Smith explains how video recording of eyewitness suspect lineups could improve confidence in those practices and assist in criminal trials. Later, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine researcher Colin Kenny explains how using zebrafish in research can help to better understand a rare eye cancer and improve treatment.

Walking is a totally free, easy exercise that requires little effort, and benefits not only your physical but also your mental well-being. If you're looking for a simple yet very effective way of losing weight and improving your overall health, walking is something just for you. People who are physically active throughout their life are much less prone to this disease than those who have a more sedentary lifestyle. And that's because they have more volume in their hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for verbal memory and learning. A daily half-hour walk helps avoid serious problems, like coronary heart disease to name one, by lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol levels and improving blood circulation. Because of better-quality and deeper breathing, some symptoms associated with lung disease can show significant improvement thanks to walking. Muscle tone and weight loss is also totally achievable through simple walking. Find your optimal pace, but don't break out into a jog. This sort of speed walking is low impact and doesn't require any recovery time, which means no sore muscles to keep you from getting out and walking the next day. The Arthritis Foundation recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate walking a day to reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. Building strong bones will help you prevent osteoporosis and reduce bone loss. Walking contributes to better blood circulation within the spinal structures, pumping important nutrients into the soft tissues and improving posture and flexibility, both of which are vital for a healthy spine. A group of researchers at Iowa State University worked with hundreds of college students. Walking changed their mood for the better, even though no one warned them it could do so. If you still don't feel motivated enough to start walking for your health, try joining a class or find a buddy who also wouldn't mind getting all the benefits of walking. Another idea could be to hire a personal trainer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we're joined by Ames High senior Isabelle Stagg as she reflects on where her cheer journey began, and whether she ever imagined it would lead her to Iowa State University. You'll hear how her time in Ames High cheer shaped her skills while building leadership, teamwork, and perseverance, along with the moments that made her experience truly meaningful.

On this Politics Day, political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Jonathan Hassid of Iowa State University dissect the debate between Democrat Senate hopefuls Josh Turek and Zach Wahls. They also reflect on the end of the 2026 Legislative session, Vice President J.D. Vance's stop in Iowa to campaign for Rep. Zach Nunn and the Iowa Secretary of State's choice to turn over voter data to the Trump administration.

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Send us Fan MailJoe Morgan is CEO of Poky Feeders, a custom cattle feeder in Scott County, KS. He began feeding cattle after his graduation from Iowa State University in 1973. He began at Poky in 1985, and has grown the yard from a 17,000 head capacity to 103,000 one-time capacity today.Joe serves as Vice-Chair of US Premium Beef and is a long time member of the Kansas Livestock Association and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

The Dirty Thirties might seem like the distant past but according to IDEAS contributor and professor Evan Fraser now is the time to dust off the lessons about what worked to save farmers and agriculture. The confluence of drought, scorching temperatures and terrifying storms was devastating for farm families forced to abandon their land. Fraser argues the Dust Bowl should serve as a warning of compounding crises that lie ahead. But he adds it can also be a guide to solutions that could help us muddle through as the world lurches into another chapter of environmental, political and economic upheaval.Guests in this episode:Evan Fraser is a geography professor and director of Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph.Pamela Riney-Kehrberg is a distinguished professor of history at Iowa State University.Robert McLeman is a professor of geography and environmental studies at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Guest Minnesota native Aaron Hebeisen grew up hunting, fishing, and recreating outdoors. His lifelong passion for wildlife led him to earn an Animal Ecology degree from Iowa State University. He has worked for the Minnesota Conservation Corps, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on wildlife disease research, and is now the Field Operations Coordinator with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, supporting chapters in 10 states across the Midwest and the southern U.S. Summary This episode explores the meaning, management, and future of public lands in the United States. The discussion begins by defining public lands—roughly 640 million federally managed acres overseen by agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service—and emphasizes their "multiple-use" mandate, balancing recreation, resource extraction, and conservation. Aaron highlights BHA's mission to advocate for these lands on behalf of all users, not just hunters and anglers, framing Americans as "public landowners" with both rights and responsibilities. A key theme is the complexity of land and water access, illustrated through conflicts over stream access laws in states like Illinois, where differing definitions of "navigability" create legal gray areas and tension among stakeholders. The conversation also examines policy advocacy, including coalition-building, lobbying, and navigating bipartisan politics. Aaron describes BHA's approach as "radically purple"—engaged but nonpartisan—focused on finding common ground across competing interests. A major case study is the rollback of mining protections near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area via H.R. 140, which Aaron argues could set a precedent for weakening environmental safeguards nationwide. Despite such challenges, the episode remains grounded in a broader philosophical reflection: public lands are a uniquely American inheritance that fosters personal connection, humility, and stewardship. Ultimately, Aaron underscores that protecting these lands requires active civic engagement—if people don't participate, they risk losing access to what is collectively theirs. A key takeaway Public lands belong to all of us, but their future depends on whether people actively engage in protecting them—through stewardship, advocacy, and participation in the political process. References / Links Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Beyond Fair Chase: The Ethic and Tradition of Hunting LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

In this episode of The Dairy Podcast Show, Dr. Kurt Rosentrater, Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, breaks down what sustainability really means across food and agriculture. He explains why feed efficiency matters more than any single additive, how DDGS and ethanol co-products fit ruminant diets, and why systems thinking, not silver bullets, drives lasting results. Listen now on all major platforms!“Feed efficiency is one of the holy grails of sustainability. It is all about converting protein and energy into an animal product.”Meet the guest: Dr. Kurt Rosentrater is a Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University. His research focuses on grain processing, ethanol co-products including DDGS, and sustainable food and feed systems, bridging historical data with precision feeding tools to help producers make better decisions. Learn more from Dr. Kurt Rosentrater on The Dairy Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!What you'll learn:(00:00) Highlight(01:59) Introduction(03:18) Growing up on a farm(11:50) Sustainability across systems(17:42) Carbon scoring in formulation(24:49) Value of historical research(30:25) Feed efficiency as sustainability(37:13) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:* Agri-Comfort* Adisseo* Afimilk* Evonik* Priority IAC* CowManager- DietForge- Agrarian Solutions- BoviSync- Chemlock- Protekta- dsm-firmenich- AHV- Natural Biologics

In today's episode, Lorrie Boyer is joined by Iowa State University expert Mark Licht who shares insights on planting progress, stand establishment, early emergence, and replant decisions, helping farmers optimize yield and manage risks effectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The magic of spring has done its work. Iowa is green again, and with lawns waking up across the state, it's time to start thinking about spring yard care. From knowing when to mow for the first time to getting your grass off to a healthy start, the season's first lawn decisions can shape how your yard looks all summer long. On this Horticulture Day episode, Adam Thoms, Iowa State University turfgrass specialist, joins to talk about spring lawn care and how to tell when it's finally time to mow. Then, Aaron Steil, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist, joins the conversation to answer listener questions about lawns, gardens and making the most of spring growth.

Dr. Kellie Lindquist was raised in a rural area part of Northern California. Her first career interest was human medicine, but she changed her focus to veterinary medicine during her undergraduate studies. She earned her veterinary degree from Iowa State University in 2011.After graduation, she worked in a mixed animal practice in Oregon before she joined a small animal practice in Anchorage, Alaska. She still works at that same practice.Her holistic interest started after a personal health challenge. She is a Reiki Master, is certified in Acupuncture by IVAS, in TCVM Palliative and End of Life Care and Chinese Herbal Medicine by Chi University, and in Veterinary Spinal Manipulative Therapy and Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy by the Healing Oasis. She combines these modalities with traditional care for her patients.Please enjoy this conversation with Dr. Kellie Lindquist as we discuss her education, practice experience, and holistic training.

Ticks are becoming a growing concern across the Midwest as species like the Lone Star tick and Asian Longhorned tick expand their range northward. In this episode, FarmSafe explores what that means for both livestock producers and rural communities, with expert insight from Grant Dewell of Iowa State University and Iowa State Public Health Veterinarian Andrew Hennenfent. The conversation highlights how ticks can impact cattle health, the symptoms to watch for, and management strategies. Episode ResourcesTicks and Tick-borne Diseases in Iowa, ISU ExtensionAlpha-gal Communication Resources, CDCAbout Alpha-gal Syndrome, CDC

Crabapple trees get a bad rap for cluttering yards and attracting pests, but Iowa State University professor of horticulture Jeff Iles says not to write off all varieties. On this Horticulture Day, Iles joins to talk about the small trees missing from your yard. Then, Iowa State University Extension horticulture specialist Aaron Steil joins the conversation to answer listeners' gardening questions.

Steven welcomes Cason Murphy, associate theatre professor at Iowa State University to this episode to discuss Murphy's commentary on theatre organizations seeking to "fix" Shakespeare in an appeal to modern American audiences and what effect that may have on the authorship mystery. Support the show by picking up official Don't Quill the Messenger merchandise at www.dontquillthepodcast.com and becoming a Patron at http://www.patreon.com/dontquillthemessenger  Made possible by Patrons: Clare Jaget, Courtney L, David Neufer, Deduce, Earl Showerman, Edward Henke, Ellen Swanson, Frank Lawler, Garrett Jackson, Heidi, James Warren, Jen Swan, John Creider, John Eddings, Jon Foss, Kara Elizabeth Martin, Michael Hannigan, Neal Riesterer, Patricia Carrelli, quizzi, Richard Wood, Sandi Boney, Sheila Kethley, Stephen Hopkins, Teacher Mallory, Tim Norman, Tim Price, Vanessa Lops, Yvonne Don't Quill the Messenger is a part of the Dragon Wagon Radio independent podcast network. For more great podcasts visit www.dragonwagonradio.com

Artists Tommy Riefe and Lexa Walsh join me to discuss the New Museum expansion and show, New Humans: Memories of the Future curated by Massimiliano Gioni and Gary Carrion-Murayari. We discuss the success of the building itself and then move onto the show's major themes—the history of the human body as mediated by technology.    Additional Resources:  Tommy Riefe Lexa Walsh  The New Museum, New Humans: Memories of the Future Jeffrey Deitch, Post Human, 1992   Boris Groys, Art Power, 2008 Jason Farago, The New Museum Reopens Asking: “What is Human?”, 2026, The New York Times   Artist guests:  Tommy Riefe  Riefe earned his BFA in Art History and Sculpture from the University of Northern Iowa in 2014, and later received his MFA from the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis in 2017. He has been in numerous group exhibitions and has public sculptures in the collections of Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Ashburn, VA (2022) Fort Dodge, IA (2021) Lakewood, MN (2019), Iowa State University (2018), Minnesota State University (2018), Laneken, Belgium (2018), Cedar Falls, IA (2017) Rock Island, IL (2016), and Sioux City, IA (2016).   Lexa Walsh Lexa Walsh is an artist, cultural worker and experience maker.  With a background in both sculpture and social practice, Walsh makes site specific projects, exhibitions, publications and objects, using an array of materials including ceramics and textiles, employing social engagement, institutional critique, and radical hospitality to question hierarchies, power and value.   Walsh founded the experimental music and performance venue the Heinz Afterworld Lounge, and co-founded and conceived of the all women, all toy instrument ensemble Toychestra.  Walsh worked for many years as a curator and administrator at CESTA, an international art center in Czech republic, whose team created radical curatorial projects to foster cross-cultural understanding. She founded Oakland Stock & Soup for Social & Racial Justice, and the Bay Area Contemporary Art Archive. She is a graduate of Portland State Universitys Art & Social Practice MFA program and was Social Practice Artist in Residence in Portland Art Museums Education department. She was a recipient of Southern Exposures Alternative Exposure Award, the CEC Artslink Award, the Gunk Grant and was a de Young Artist Fellow. Walsh has participated in projects, exhibitions and performances at Apexart, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, FOR-SITE, Grand Central Art Center, Kala Art Institute, Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, NIAD, Oakland Museum of California, SFMOMA, Smack Mellon, Walker Art Center, Williams College Museum of Art, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and has done several international artist residencies, tours and projects in Europe and Asia.