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, Appeals, & Licensing: https://dial.iowa.gov/ 

• Jams and Jelly Fact Sheet: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/15966 

• Iowa Food Safety Task Force: https://ia.foodprotectiontaskforce.com/ 

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 and can really help with your overall business plan! 

Episode Links: 

• Ag Decision Maker Livestock Enterprise Budgets: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/ldcostsreturns.html 

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 workshop but registration is required no later than April 10, 2024!

Episode Links: 

• Registration Link: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezaODjDpnJltr3E  

• Dan Nieland: dnieland@iastate.edu 

• Farm, Food, and Enterprise Development News Release: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/ffed/small-meat-processor-workshop-be-held-april-25 

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 them?

Episode Links: 

• Fruit Cultivars of Iowa: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/Fruit-Cultivars-for-Iowa 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISUExtensionFruit 

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iowafruitguy/ 

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, financial and legal topics. Landowners will have the opportunity to learn from ISU experts and from each other as part of a small learning group. 

Episode Links: 

• Apply now to be a part of the first cohort: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1Ili9mFC5wjueQ6 

• Catherine DeLong: crdelong@iastate.edu

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 on essential information to make informed decisions in your agricultural journey!

Episode Links: 

• United States Department of Agriculture, Risk Management Agency (USDA, RMA): https://www.rma.usda.gov/

• Center for Rural Affairs: https://www.cfra.org/ 

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 sustainability. Tune in for insightful discussions on making eco-friendly choices for your acreage, and let the spirit of spring inspire your landscaping decisions!

Episode Links: 

•Tina Krug: tkrug@iastate.edu  |  515-294-6375

• North Creek Nursery: https://www.northcreeknurseries.com/ 

• Prairie Moon Nursery: https://www.prairiemoon.com/ 

• Van Engelen Bulbs: https://www.vanengelen.com/ 

• State Forest Nursery: https://www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Forestry/State-Forest-Nursery 

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 Kids safe and healthy, especially in the cold winter months! 

Episode Links: 

•Carolyn Ihde: cihde@iastate.edu

• University of Wisconson-Madison (Livestock Division of Extension): https://livestock.extension.wisc.edu/ 

• Small Ruminant Webinar Series: https://uwmadison.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcucO-hrzkoG9Ak4Soe7O2AqO-B-8Ps9UK4#/registration 

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 farming, you are looking to transition your farm business to the next generation, or you are a producer somewhere in between, this conference is for you! It will teach you about opportunities, pitfalls to avoid, and tools required for a successful farm transition!

Episode Links: 

• Farm Transitions Conference: https://www.regcytes.extension.iastate.edu/farmtransitions/ 

• Kitt Tovar-Jensen: Phone (515-294-5608) Email (kwtovar@iastate.edu)