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.

Episode Links: 

• Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety and Health: https://icash.public-health.uiowa.edu/ 

• Winter Weather Emergency Preparedness: https://icash.public-health.uiowa.edu/programs/seasonal-campaigns/winter-2019-winter-weather-emergency-preparedness/ 

• Prevent Farm Fires: https://icash.public-health.uiowa.edu/programs/seasonal-campaigns/winter-2015-campaign-prevent-farm-fires/ 

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, 2023. There will also be a pre-conference workshop held on February 21, 2023.

Episode Links: 

• Iowa Specialty Producers Conference: https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/ 

• Conference Registration Link: https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/registernow 

• Pre-conference Workshop Registration: https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/registeriscga 

• Session Overview: https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/2023-sessions 

• Conference Speakers: https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/2023-speakers 

• Sponsors and Exhibitors: https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/2023-sponsors 

• Contact the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference: ispc@iowawinegrowers.org 

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 Apple Tree Trellising. They dive into what some of the best practices are, what you need to think about before planting your trees, why trellises are so important for your apple trees, and more!

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 things to consider before going out and buying a handful of chicks! Tune in to this episode and learn what you will all need before getting started!

Episode Links: 

• Small Farm Sustainability with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/smallfarms/ 

• Getting Started with Backyard Chickens eCourse: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/15129 

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 Station, and Liv Meyer, a graduate student in the department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. Listen in as hey go into more details and tips about what a trellising system for raspberries or blackberries should look like and include!