Info

smallfarmsustainability's podcast

This show is a production of the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Small Farm Sustainability program. We will be discussing all things small farm, acreage living, and sustainable agriculture related.
RSS Feed
smallfarmsustainability's podcast
2024
March
February
January


2023
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March


2019
December
November
October
June
May
April
March
January


2018
November
September
August
July
June
May
March
January


2017
November
October
September
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
June
May
April
February
January


2015
November
October
September
August
July
June


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: Category: Agriculture
May 26, 2023

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://www.extension.iastate.edu/vegetablelab/ 

• Ajay Nair Email: nairajay@iastate.edu

• Ajay Nair Office Number: 515-294-7080

Apr 7, 2023

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 talk about getting your small fruit farm ready for spring! What needs to be cleaned up, when is the most opportune time to clean those things up, what sort of maintenance do we need to keep in mind, when to plant new plants, and MORE!

Apr 1, 2023

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 University are discussing grape pruning. Tune in to learn all about pruning your grape vines!

Mar 27, 2023

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 explored in this podcast.

 
Seth Harbecke is a student at Iowa State University who farms organically with his family in western Illinois. Seth speaks with Dr. Delate on the advantages of utilizing data tracking technologies like FieldView in organic systems and provides guidelines on deciding if you should use them on your farm.
 
Levi Lyle farms organically in Washington, Iowa, and chats with Dr. Delate on all things organic weed management. From weed zapping to organic no-till, Levi highlights the latest tools and production practices he utilizes to help manage weeds in his organic system.
 
Scott Shriver, who farms 2,000 organic acres in Jefferson, Iowa, shares with Dr. Delate how he uses tractor steering guidance systems, like RTK, and provides a detailed explanation of how the technology works and how it can benefit larger organic operations.
 
Michael O’Donnell is a Crop Specialist with Grain Millers in Indiana, and the Farm Certification Manager for the 4,000-acre organic Living Prairie Family Farm in northwest Indiana, where he has been helping perfect organic strip tillage and other innovations. He takes Dr. Delate through the process and provides details on how to integrate this system on your farm.
 
Brad Heins is a professor of organic animal science at the University of Minnesota. He walks Dr. Delate through dairy management technologies from robotic milkers to sensors which improve breeding success and herd management for organic producers. He concludes with CowVacs for natural fly management and their research on automated calf feeders.
Mar 17, 2023

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 discuss all things bramble (mainly raspberries and black berries) pruning. Tune in to learn tips, tricks, and best practices when it comes time to prune brambles.

Feb 25, 2023

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/ 

Feb 8, 2023

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!

Feb 3, 2023

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 

Feb 1, 2023

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!

Jan 24, 2023

Do you really need a trellis on your fruit farm?

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. Tune in as they dive into the ins and outs of trellises, the different options you have when it comes to them, questions to consider before putting yours in, when is the best time to put a trellis in, and more! 

 

Episode Links: 

• Gripples: https://www.gripple.com/en-us/ 

• Diagram and publication links coming soon.

Dec 22, 2022

What tools would you need in order to start a fruit farm? Join us and listen in on the second episode of the Beginning Fruit Farm Series!

In this episode, Olivia is joined by Suzanne Slack, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Iowa State University specializing in perennial fruit crops, and Liv Meyer, a graduate student in the department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. Learn about the equipment you would need in order to get started with a small fruit farm and what you may need going a conventional route vs. an organic route!

 

Episode Links: 

• Registry for producers of commercial crops sensitive to pesticides: https://driftwatch.org/ 

• Registry for beekeepers and apiarists: https://beecheck.org/signup#beekeeper 

• Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM): https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/ 

• Newa Weather Monitoring: https://newa.cornell.edu/ 

• Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide 2021-2022: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/Midwest-Fruit-Pest-Management-Guide-2021-2022 

• Great Lakes Expo: https://glexpo.com/ 

• Local Extension Specialists by County: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/staffdir/

Dec 16, 2022

In this episode, Olivia interviews Kate Hansen, Policy Associate with the Center for Rural Affairs. Tune in as she answers our questions about the different options for contract pricing and micro-farm policy. She explains some of the eligibility concepts and why this topic is worth looking into.

 

Be sure to let us know what you think about our podcast for your chance to win a $50 gift card to your local farm store! https://go.iastate.edu/ZRF9GG  (Survey will close December 16, 2022.)

 

Episode Links: 

• Fact sheet: Impacts Of The Conservation Stewardship Program in Iowa: https://www.cfra.org/publications/fact-sheet-impacts-conservation-stewardship-program-iowa 

• Fact Sheet: Impacts Of The Conservation Stewardship Program in Minnesota: https://www.cfra.org/publications/fact-sheet-impacts-conservation-stewardship-program-minnesota 

• Fact Sheet: Impacts Of The Conservation Stewardship Program in Nebraska: https://www.cfra.org/publications/fact-sheet-impacts-conservation-stewardship-program-nebraska 

• Fact Sheet: Impacts Of The Conservation Stewardship Program in South Dakota: https://www.cfra.org/publications/fact-sheet-impacts-conservation-stewardship-program-south-dakota 

• Contact information: Phone - 515-215-1294  |  Email - kateh@cfra.org

Dec 7, 2022

Why start a fruit farm? Tune in to the first episode of the Beginning Fruit Farm Series!

In this episode, Olivia interviews Suzanne Slack, Assistant Professor of Horticulture at Iowa State University specializing in perennial fruit crops, and Liv Meyer, a graduate student in the department of Horticulture at Iowa State University. Learn about the benefits of having a fruit farm and why you may want to start one of your own!

 

Be sure to let us know what you think about our podcast for your chance to win a $50 gift card to your local farm store! https://go.iastate.edu/ZRF9GG  (Survey will close December 16, 2022.)

 

Episode Links: 

• Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/

• Local Extension Specialists by County: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/staffdir/

Nov 15, 2022

Christa Hartsook interviews Denise Schwab, Extension Beef Specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. The cold weather is here! In his episode, we discuss fall grazing and winter forage concerns. Tune in to get tips on best practices with beef grazing, and learn about pasture alternatives and ways to keep your pasture grass strong and healthy. 

 

Be sure to let us know what you think about our podcast for your chance to win a $50 gift card to your local farm store! https://go.iastate.edu/ZRF9GG

 

Episode Links: 

• Iowa Beef Center: https://www.iowabeefcenter.org/

• Who We Are https://www.iowabeefcenter.org/whoweare.html 

Nov 9, 2022

In this episode, I interview Kathleen Delate, an Iowa State University Professor and Extension Organic Specialist. We talk about the upcoming Iowa Organic Conference that is to take place at the University of Iowa on November 20th and 21st. Kathleen informs us of the exciting topics we can expect to be covered at this year's conference and key dates and information you don't want to miss!

Nov 2, 2022

In this episode, I interviewed Ajay Nair, Associate Professor and Vegetable Extension Specialist with Iowa State University. Ajay talks with us about his upcoming Annual High Tunnel Short Course and what we can expect if we join him next week. The course will discuss advanced production-related issues in high tunnel crops.

This course is an opportunity for growers, educators, and industrial personnel to discuss the different aspects of high tunnel crop production, As well as highlight more recent research, and hear from speakers from the region and other states who work on high tunnels so our growers can get a different perspective on crops and management techniques that can be utilized inside of a high tunnel.

Links:

High Tunnel Short Course information page: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/vegetablelab/events

High Tunnel Short Course registration page: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/vegetablelab/2022-iowa-high-tunnel-short-course

Sep 1, 2022

In this episode, I interviewed Aaron Steil, the Consumer Horticulture Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. He shares some of his knowledge with us about fall flower beds and best practices for them! 

Frost dates in Iowa: 

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/frost-dates-iowa

To see a list of what cool-season annuals do well in Iowa, go to:

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/what-cool-season-annuals-do-well-iowa

To see a list of fall-blooming Perennials, go to: 

https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/yard-and-garden-fall-blooming-perennials

To access the Fall Garden Clean-up article by Arron Stein visit:

https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/fall-garden-clean

Aug 17, 2022

In this episode, I interviewed Robin Pruisner, the State Entomologist with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. She shares some insight about the Spotted Lantern Fly and what to look for when spotting them. Robin also gives some great advice on how we can avoid hitchhiker bugs!

Feb 1, 2022

Kitt Tovar-Jensen and I discuss an upcoming Farm Transitions conference for those looking to enter or exit farming.

Jan 13, 2022

Lambing and kidding season has arrived! Are you prepared? Listen as we visit with Amy Powell, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 4-H animal science program specialist to discuss proper preparation.

Nov 18, 2021

Dr. Justin Glisan, climatologist for the state of Iowa, shares his insights into the current fall and winter weather outlook.

Oct 4, 2021

In this episode, I visit with Dr. Erin Hodgson, extension entomologist and professor of entomology and Ashley Dean, education extension specialist in entomology to talk about the recent outbreak of fall armyworms in Iowa and the damage they are causing throughout the state.

Mar 24, 2021

In this episode, I visit with Denise Schwab, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, on spring calving.

Jun 25, 2019

In this episode, I interview Adam Janke, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Wildlife Specialist and talk about predators on our small farms.

1 2 3 Next »