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, …

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 a…

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 works…

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 t…

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, fin…

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 …

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 sustain…

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 Kid…

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 fa…

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 …

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 …

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@seedsaver…

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 w…

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 Assoc…

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 speak…

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 overwint…

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 Regulation…

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 Hor…

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 …

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.…

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.i…

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 …

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…

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…

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 Extens…

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 …

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://…

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 t…

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:…

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 actual…

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 …

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 t…

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 …

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 Univ…

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…

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 a…

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 d…

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 qu…

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 …

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 sh…

Winters in Iowa can be really challenging! How do you prepare for them and keep yourself, your family, and your farm safe? In this episode, Olivia interviews Brandi Janssen, Director of the Iowa Center for Agricultural Safety and Health. Tune in to hear all about winter weather hazards you should be aware of and emergency preparedness on the farm. …

In this episode, Olivia interviews Kendra Meyer, Executive Secretary for the Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association and Christie Jensen, Executive Director for the Iowa Wine Growers Association. Tune in to hear all about the upcoming 2023 Iowa Specialty Producers Conference! The conference will start on February 22, 2023 and go through February 23…

Olivia is 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 they discuss …

Egg prices are rising, and the idea of having backyard chickens is gaining popularity! In this episode, Olivia interviews our very own Christa Hartsook, Small Farms Program Coordinator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Christa shares her professional knowledge about backyard chickens and how one can get started! There are a few thi…

You want to start producing raspberries and/or blackberries, but what does the trellising systems look like for them? In this episode, Olivia is 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 …