smallfarmsustainability's podcast

In this episode, Christa Hartsook welcomes Ethan Bowers, an Extension Enterprise Development Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, to discuss the upcoming Meat Processor Lifecycle Workshop. This workshop is designed for meat processing professionals, offering essential insights into the entire business lifecycle—from startup financing to transitioning ownership. Join us for...

In this episode, Olivia meets with Adam Janke, Wildlife Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Listen in as they talk about livestock grazing amongst wildlife, how to protect wildlife while we are working in our fields, and more!  Episode Links :  • Sign up for the CRP grazing study: https://www.nrem.iastate.edu/project/cattle-grazing-conservation-reserve-program-grasslands...

In this episode, Olivia meets with Adam Thoms, Assistant Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist at Iowa State University. Tune in to hear all about summer lawn care! We know this year has been WET, and Adam gives us some tips on how to get our lawns looking good again after they've had the stress of water pooling.  Episode Links :  • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Yard and Gard...

In this episode, Olivia visits with Shelby Gruss, Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Forage Specialist! Tune in as they discuss what the forage forecast currently looks like and management considerations to take when planning for the season!  Episode Links :  • Shelby Gruss: email: sgruss@iastate.edu Phone: 515-294-3832 

In this episode, Olivia chats with Randall Cass, Bee Extension Specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, for an enlightening discussion on starting your beekeeping journey in Iowa. From colony care to hive management, we explore the essential aspects you need to know. If you're considering taking up beekeeping, this is an episode you won't want to miss! Episode Links :  • Beekeep...

In this episode, Christa sits down with Dennis Todey, Director of the USDA Midwest Climate Hub, and Madelynn Wuestenberg, Agricultural Climatology Specialist at Iowa State Extension and Outreach. As the weather shifts and farmers gear up for planting season, our focus turns to the forecast for the coming months. Join us for an insightful discussion on what lies ahead! Episode Links :  • Midwest Cl...

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/   •...

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...

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 Apr...

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: h...

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...

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 decision...

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 mak...

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...

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 bu...

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 natural field for athletes to play on as well as h...

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 Farm Conference being held in Ames at the Iowa Sta...

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@seedsavers.org  

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 with us in Iowa! Episode Links :  • Natural Resourc...

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 Association's Post Conference Workshops which will be o...

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 speakers that will be joining them this year! Episode L...

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 overwinter and be replanted in the spring! Episode Links :...

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 Regulations:  https://www.iowadnr.gov/hunting/hunting-li...

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 Horticulture and Homepest News: https://hortnews.ex...

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 from inhabiting your land. Episode Links :  • Iowa...