The Iowa Ag Podcast

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger talks with Cody Williams, a farmer member at the 2025 Iowa Farm Bureau Annual Meeting. Cody shares what it means to volunteer and work with the Iowa Farm Bureau.

They also discuss the broader mission of Farm Bureau and how the organization works to support farmers through advocacy, communication, and local engagement. From community-building to helping farmers navigate challenges, Cody offers a grounded look at the people behind Iowa's Farm Bureau.

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/cody-williams 

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger talks with Blake Willadsen of DMARC about the reality of hunger in Iowa and how food pantries are helping families. Blake shares how DMARC sees increased demand inside local pantries and explains how recent SNAP and government shutdown disruptions have made things even harder for vulnerable households.

They also discuss how food pantries fit into the larger food system and the important role farmers and producers play through donations and community support. From the logistics of feeding a city to the disconnect between urban consumers and...

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger talks with Gretta Irwin and Sheila Larson of the Iowa Turkey Federation about the reality of Iowa's turkey industry during Thanksgiving. While most of the state's nearly 12 million turkeys end up as deli or processed meat rather than whole birds, it's a great time to highlight the industry's role in the state economy.

David, Gretta, and Sheila discuss how biosecurity efforts, disease testing, and ongoing vaccine research are helping Iowa farmers support bird health and the producer's bottom line. They also explore gratitude during the Thanksgiving...

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger talks with Mitchell Hora, CEO of Continuum Ag and a seventh-generation Iowa farmer, about how conservation practices are rapidly expanding across the state and how that might continue to grow. Mitchell shares how data and carbon footprint measurements are giving farmers new ways to understand their soil, carbon intensity score, and their long-term profitability.

They dive into the 45Z tax credit and how important Hora believes it is for farmers. Then they explore how it could help major conservation adoption by helping farmers better afford practices...

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger talks with Julie Kenney, CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, about how agribusiness and the farm economy are intertwined. They discuss the challenges community-based companies face in rural America, and how global markets and federal policies influence operations at every level.

Julie also shares how better communication can help bridge the urban-rural divide and strengthen understanding between those who are on the farm every day all the way to those who barely interact with agriculture. The conversation wraps with a look at the upcoming Agribusiness...

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger talks with April Hemmes, a central Iowa farmer, about what went on during this year's growing season. With no recent government crop reports to lean on, April shares what she's hearing from the countryside about yields and harvest results, along with how those insights shape planning for the next season.

They also discuss how global markets, particularly news from China, can influence soybean prices here at home. From rising input costs to the ripple effects when farm businesses tighten their belts and agribusinesses feel the strain...

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger talks with Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, about how renewable fuels connect city life with farm life. They explore how biofuel production supports both rural economies and urban consumers.

The discussion also dives into the diversification of farm production, from the opportunities it creates to the expectations farmers face in adapting to new markets and technologies. Shaw goes over the challenge of innovation and modern policy.

Full show notes: https://iowapodcast.com/monte-shaw 

On this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, we explore why diversification could be important to the future of American agriculture. Dr. Stephanie Mercier, senior policy adviser of the Farm Journal Foundation and author of the article "Why Diversified Farming Could Be the Future for U.S. Agriculture" explains ways to rethink agriculture by adding new crops, integrating livestock, and embracing conservation practices. She says these diversified systems not only reduce financial and environmental risks but also strengthen soil health, biodiversity, and long-term farm resilience amid shifting markets and unpredictable weather.

The conversation also highlights the challenges...

 Welcome to the Iowa Ag Podcast, where we talk about the nuanced topics of agriculture and try to bridge the urban rural divide. I'm your host, David Geiger, here at the Jethro's Barbecue Studio. Happy to be here to start up a conversation about important issues on and off the farm. This is the Iowa Ag Podcast.