In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger - @GeigerReports sits down with Cody Messer during National FFA @iowaffa Week to talk about the realities facing farmers today and how policy, markets, and communication shape the future of agriculture. Cody shares insight from his own operation and involvement in farm advocacy, highlighting the importance of staying engaged beyond the fence row. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: iowapodcast.com/future-farme… 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq The conversation explores how farmers navigate economic pressures, input costs, and regulatory conversations while also working to tell agriculture’s story more effectively. Cody explains why relationships with consumers, lawmakers, and fellow producers are essential to keeping agriculture strong and why participation in industry organizations continues to matter. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction 00:35 - State Officer Road Trip 02:46 - Why FFA Week Matters 04:57 - Youth as Ag Ambassadors 07:06 - Bridging Urban and Rural 10:57 - Cody Messer Origin Story 15:43 - Sharing Your Ag Story 18:26 - What Excites Him Most 19:53 - Wrap Up and Conclusion

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger (@GeigerReports) sits down with Meaghan Anderson (@mjanders1), agronomist with @ISUExtension and Outreach, to discuss what farmers should be thinking about as the 2026 planting season approaches. From the lessons of last year’s Southern Rust outbreak to hybrid selection and disease management planning, the conversation explores how growers can prepare for the unexpected. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: iowapodcast.com/into-the-wee… 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq But the discussion goes beyond agronomic strategy. Meaghan shares what it’s like to serve as a trusted advisor to farmers, balancing research-based recommendations with the realities of uncertain weather, volatile markets, and high-stakes decisions. The episode also touches on invasive species concerns, including Palmer Amaranth and Japanese knotweed (spoiler: it IS a weed), and the importance of communication between farmers and consumers in an increasingly complex agricultural landscape. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome Meet Extension Agronomist Megan Anderson 00:55 - Planting Season Mindset for 2026 02:07 - Southern Rust in 2025: Why It Hit Iowa and What to Watch Next 03:47 - Hybrid Resistance & Fungicide Strategy 05:13 - Decision Paralysis in Agronomy: How Extension Helps Farmers Choose with Confidence 08:30 - “60% Agronomist, 40% Therapist”: Being a Trusted Advisor on Call 10:59 - Why Megan Chose Agronomy: Family Roots, Bob Hartzler, and the Battle Against Weeds 12:54 - Explaining Complex Ag Topics Simply: What Extension Communication Really Means 13:59 - Talking ‘Weeds’ in Plain Language 14:34 - Winter Meeting Season: ICM, Crop Advantage, and Planner U 16:50 - Pesticide Training & the Invasive Species Conference Circuit 17:59 - Invasive Spotlight: Japanese Knotweed vs. Teasel (and the ‘Worst Weed’ Bracket) 18:42 - New Threat on the Radar 19:40 - Palmer Amaranth Returns 22:55 - Heading Into Planting: Sharing Spring Guidance, Residue Hopes, and Field Prep 25:16 - Big-Picture Agronomy: Bridging Farmers, Consumers, and Tough Conversations 27:06 - Wrap-Up

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger sits down with Grant Kimberley, executive director of the @IowaBiodiesel Board, to discuss Iowa’s role as the leading biodiesel producer in the nation and the policy landscape shaping the industry. The conversation covers the fundamentals of biodiesel, how it fits alongside ethanol in the fuel market, and why it plays a critical role in agriculture, national security, and rural economic development. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: iowapodcast.com/fundamentals… 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Grant helps break down the much-anticipated 45Z tax credit guidance, explaining how carbon intensity scoring, conservation practices, and production credits could impact farmers and biofuel producers. With uncertainty still surrounding USDA guidance and Renewable Fuel Standard volumes, the episode explores what farmers should be watching for and why biodiesel demand matters in a challenging farm economy. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and Introduction 00:54 - Iowa’s Biodiesel Industry: History, Growth & Feedstocks 02:07 - Where Biodiesel Gets Used: Trucks, Rail, Ag, Construction & Marine 03:04 - 45Z Tax Credit Explained 04:59 - Farmer vs Producer Benefits 07:44 - RINs, RFS & the Bigger Energy Policy Picture (National Security Diversification) 12:07 - Why 45Z Was Needed: Fixing Policy & Indirect Land-Use Penalties 13:09 - Farm Economy Reality Check 14:02 - What Farmers Should Do Now 15:12 - Record keeping Tips: Document Practices Now to Avoid Future Headaches 16:12 - Why Biodiesel Matters in Iowa 18:11 - What’s Next for Biofuels 20:29 - Iowa Biodiesel Board’s Message 21:47 - Wrap-Up: Guest Thanks and Podcast Sign-Off

Seven years ago, I released my documentary, but I had started it nearly 10 years ago. I reflect on that here. Crazy how time flies!

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger talks with Renato Firmento, finance and operations manager with @SpraytecUSA, about why Iowa plays a key role as a hub for international agriculture and agribusiness. Renato shares his perspective as someone who grew up in Brazil, entered agriculture without a traditional farm background, and built a career in Iowa’s agriculture community. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: iowapodcast.com/internationa… 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq The conversation explores Spraytec’s global footprint, the role of adjuvants in crop protection, and how knowledge from South American agriculture translates to Midwest farming. Renato also discusses why Iowa’s credibility, geography, and ag community make it a natural home for international companies and how exchange between farmers across borders strengthens agriculture as a whole. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to the Iowa Ag Podcast 00:59 The Journey of Spray Tech: From Argentina to Global Presence 02:29 NATO's Personal Journey: From Soccer to Agribusiness 06:04 Understanding Adjuvants: Enhancing Agricultural Applications 09:29 Brazil's Expertise in Crop Protection: Lessons for the US 11:50 Exploring Soybean Production in Brazil and the US 13:21 The Importance of Consistency in Agriculture 14:28 The Role of Iowa in Agricultural Innovation 16:50 International Agricultural Collaborations 19:26 Future Plans and Developments at Spray Tech 20:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections

How do you "trick" seeds into perfect emergence? @GeigerReports interviewed Brandon Meiners of @MidwesternBioAg. He discusses soil health, regenerative agriculture, and next-gen seed treatment technology that uses "bio gel?" 💦 Chapters: 00:33 - Midwestern Bio Ag: Company Overview 01:33 - The Importance of Soil Health 03:19 - Regional Focus and Custom Fertility Programs 08:23 - Introducing Hydro Prime: A New Seed Treatment 17:30 - The Future of Agricultural 💡 Find it on your favorite app: iowapodcast.com/midwestern-b… 🗞️ Get interviews emailed: iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Buy $100 get $30 for free from Jethro's BBQ: iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq

🐮 Tallow was a waste product?! Alyssa Yoder-McClary of Canaan Farms told @GeigerReports how she created a profitable agribusiness company from the hot new tallow trend. Chapters: 07:51 -Challenges and Opportunities in Value-Added Agriculture 03:47 -From Farming to Skincare: Alyssa's Journey 07:51 Challenges and Opportunities in Value-Added Agriculture 12:46 - Balancing Regulation in Agriculture 14:36 - Networking and Learning Opportunities 15:16 - Challenges of First-Generation Farming 16:59 - The Importance of Open-Mindedness 19:36 - Cost and Value in Direct-to-Consumer Meat Production 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: iowapodcast.com/first-genera… 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq

We talk about changes to SNAP and how it affects the end of the agriculture supply chain. Blake Willadsen with @DMARCunited joins us to talk about what Iowa is doing and how that affects grocery stores and folks buying food. apple.co/4j2GRsU

Markets ended 2025 under a bit of pressure, Don Roose, president of @US_Commodities says the end of the year saw a rally before some profit-taking. open.spotify.com/show/6sLUu6…

While Southern Rust was devastating for farmers, it allowed research farms to better test fungicides. We hear from @ISUExtension field crops pathologist @alisonrISU about the results of her research. apple.co/4j2GRsU

How do small farms compete with the big conglomerates? Tucker Maxwell tells @GeigerReports how his custom beef business in the heart of downtown Des Moines using a clever tech-forward approach. Chapters: 01:29 - Tucker Maxwell's Background and Journey 03:22 - Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture 05:23 - Custom Beef Operations Explained 10:42 - Consumer Education and Market Trends 15:00 - Future Goals and Community Building

David Geiger looks at the biggest biosecurity concerns in the U.S. with Dr. Stephanie Mercier with the @FarmJFoundation, she authored a report analyzing the economic impact of some of the worst pest and disease threats farmers face. open.spotify.com/show/6sLUu6…

A conversation about adding value to production, Scott Ahrenholtz with AcreEdge joins us to talk about enhancing and planning for a modern crop. apple.co/4j2GRsU @LandusAg

In a season of helping one another, we chat with Brian Waddingham with @supportfarmers about the work they do and opportunities they have to elevate farmers. open.spotify.com/show/6sLUu6…

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host @GeigerReports talks with Cody Williams, a farmer member at the 2025 @IowaFarmBureau Annual Meeting. Cody shares what it means to volunteer and work with the Iowa Farm Bureau. Auto-play timestamps: 00:09 Meet Cody Williams 00:20 Cody's Role and Involvement 01:53 Community Engagement and Benefits 04:01 Challenges in Agriculture 05:02 The Farm Bill Discussion 08:24 Communication in Agriculture 15:17 Looking Forward to 2026 16:21 Conclusion and Farewell

We take a look at challenges in the supply chain during winter with Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition. open.spotify.com/show/6sLUu6…

We look at working with sustainable practices on the farm, Craig Mouchka with @LandusAg joins us to talk about the evolving landscape of conservation. apple.co/4j2GRsU

Farmer Bridge Assistance was announced to help out producers, David Geiger speak with @ISUExtension Economist Chad Hart about what that means. apple.co/4j2GRsU

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host @GeigerReports talks with Blake Willadsen of @DMARCunited about the reality of hunger in Iowa and how food pantries are helping families. Auto-play timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:15 Meet Blake Willadsen: Communications and Marketing Manager 00:33 Understanding DMAC: Des Moines Area Religious Council 01:29 Food Pantry Operations and Community Support 05:54 Challenges Faced by Food Pantries 13:27 Impact of Government Shutdown on Food Pantries 23:25 The Role of Agriculture in Food Pantries 36:19 How to Get Involved and Support Food Pantries 38:32 Conclusion and Farewell

The Product of USA label goes into effect soon, we chat with Kelli Klink of @IAcattlemen about what it involves and when we might see it on store shelves. open.spotify.com/show/6sLUu6…