David Geiger

Iowa Farm Broadcaster with @FieldForwardPOD

[IowaPodcast.com @IowaPod]

In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger - @GeigerReports sits down with Cody Messer during National FFA @iowaffa Week to talk about the realities facing farmers today and how policy, markets, and communication shape the future of agriculture. Cody shares insight from his own operation and involvement in farm advocacy, highlighting the importance of staying engaged beyond the fence row.

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The conversation explores how farmers navigate economic pressures, input costs, and regulatory conversations while also working to tell agriculture’s story more effectively. Cody explains why relationships with consumers, lawmakers, and fellow producers are essential to keeping agriculture strong and why participation in industry organizations continues to matter.

Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome and Introduction
00:35 - State Officer Road Trip
02:46 - Why FFA Week Matters
04:57 - Youth as Ag Ambassadors
07:06 - Bridging Urban and Rural
10:57 - Cody Messer Origin Story
15:43 - Sharing Your Ag Story
18:26 - What Excites Him Most
19:53 - Wrap Up and Conclusion

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In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger (@GeigerReports) sits down with Meaghan Anderson (@mjanders1), agronomist with @ISUExtension and Outreach, to discuss what farmers should be thinking about as the 2026 planting season approaches. From the lessons of last year’s Southern Rust outbreak to hybrid selection and disease management planning, the conversation explores how growers can prepare for the unexpected.

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But the discussion goes beyond agronomic strategy. Meaghan shares what it’s like to serve as a trusted advisor to farmers, balancing research-based recommendations with the realities of uncertain weather, volatile markets, and high-stakes decisions. The episode also touches on invasive species concerns, including Palmer Amaranth and Japanese knotweed (spoiler: it IS a weed), and the importance of communication between farmers and consumers in an increasingly complex agricultural landscape.

Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome + Meet Extension Agronomist Megan Anderson
00:55 - Planting Season Mindset for 2026
02:07 - Southern Rust in 2025: Why It Hit Iowa and What to Watch Next
03:47 - Hybrid Resistance & Fungicide Strategy
05:13 - Decision Paralysis in Agronomy: How Extension Helps Farmers Choose with Confidence
08:30 - “60% Agronomist, 40% Therapist”: Being a Trusted Advisor on Call
10:59 - Why Megan Chose Agronomy: Family Roots, Bob Hartzler, and the Battle Against Weeds
12:54 - Explaining Complex Ag Topics Simply: What Extension Communication Really Means
13:59 - Talking ‘Weeds’ in Plain Language
14:34 - Winter Meeting Season: ICM, Crop Advantage, and Planner U
16:50 - Pesticide Training & the Invasive Species Conference Circuit
17:59 - Invasive Spotlight: Japanese Knotweed vs. Teasel (and the ‘Worst Weed’ Bracket)
18:42 - New Threat on the Radar
19:40 - Palmer Amaranth Returns
22:55 - Heading Into Planting: Sharing Spring Guidance, Residue Hopes, and Field Prep
25:16 - Big-Picture Agronomy: Bridging Farmers, Consumers, and Tough Conversations
27:06 - Wrap-Up

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In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger sits down with Grant Kimberley, executive director of the @IowaBiodiesel Board, to discuss Iowa’s role as the leading biodiesel producer in the nation and the policy landscape shaping the industry. The conversation covers the fundamentals of biodiesel, how it fits alongside ethanol in the fuel market, and why it plays a critical role in agriculture, national security, and rural economic development.

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Grant helps break down the much-anticipated 45Z tax credit guidance, explaining how carbon intensity scoring, conservation practices, and production credits could impact farmers and biofuel producers. With uncertainty still surrounding USDA guidance and Renewable Fuel Standard volumes, the episode explores what farmers should be watching for and why biodiesel demand matters in a challenging farm economy.

Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome and Introduction
00:54 - Iowa’s Biodiesel Industry: History, Growth & Feedstocks
02:07 - Where Biodiesel Gets Used: Trucks, Rail, Ag, Construction & Marine
03:04 - 45Z Tax Credit Explained
04:59 - Farmer vs Producer Benefits
07:44 - RINs, RFS & the Bigger Energy Policy Picture (National Security + Diversification)
12:07 - Why 45Z Was Needed: Fixing Policy & Indirect Land-Use Penalties
13:09 - Farm Economy Reality Check
14:02 - What Farmers Should Do Now
15:12 - Record keeping Tips: Document Practices Now to Avoid Future Headaches
16:12 - Why Biodiesel Matters in Iowa
18:11 - What’s Next for Biofuels
20:29 - Iowa Biodiesel Board’s Message
21:47 - Wrap-Up: Guest Thanks and Podcast Sign-Off

[David Geiger @GeigerReports]

@IowaPod

[David Geiger @GeigerReports]

Seven years ago, I released my documentary, but I had started it nearly 10 years ago. I reflect on that here. Crazy how time flies!

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In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host @GeigerReports steps behind the microphone to reflect on one of the most ambitious and formative projects of his farm reporting career, his documentary, Journey of a Bean. The episode looks back on how a simple question about agriculture turned into a multi-year, self-funded storytelling effort that followed soybeans from the Midwest to South Korea.

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David revisits the lessons learned along the way, from navigating logistics, travel, and production challenges to discovering how deeply agriculture is woven into everyday life. The episode highlights why curiosity, communication, and asking fundamental questions remain essential to telling agriculture’s story and why Journey of a Bean still shapes how David approaches farm communication today.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:15 Reflecting on a Decade-Old Ambitious Project
01:18 The Genesis of 'Journey of a Bean'
03:22 Challenges and Triumphs in Documentary Filmmaking
08:03 The South Korea Experience
09:49 Final Thoughts and Reflections
12:37 Closing Remarks and Documentary Preview

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In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger talks with Renato Firmento, finance and operations manager with @SpraytecUSA, about why Iowa plays a key role as a hub for international agriculture and agribusiness. Renato shares his perspective as someone who grew up in Brazil, entered agriculture without a traditional farm background, and built a career in Iowa’s agriculture community.

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The conversation explores Spraytec’s global footprint, the role of adjuvants in crop protection, and how knowledge from South American agriculture translates to Midwest farming. Renato also discusses why Iowa’s credibility, geography, and ag community make it a natural home for international companies and how exchange between farmers across borders strengthens agriculture as a whole.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the Iowa Ag Podcast
00:59 The Journey of Spray Tech: From Argentina to Global Presence
02:29 NATO's Personal Journey: From Soccer to Agribusiness
06:04 Understanding Adjuvants: Enhancing Agricultural Applications
09:29 Brazil's Expertise in Crop Protection: Lessons for the US
11:50 Exploring Soybean Production in Brazil and the US
13:21 The Importance of Consistency in Agriculture
14:28 The Role of Iowa in Agricultural Innovation
16:50 International Agricultural Collaborations
19:26 Future Plans and Developments at Spray Tech
20:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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How do you "trick" seeds into perfect emergence? @GeigerReports interviewed Brandon Meiners of @MidwesternBioAg. He discusses soil health, regenerative agriculture, and next-gen seed treatment technology that uses "bio gel?" 💦

Chapters:
00:33 - Midwestern Bio Ag: Company Overview
01:33 - The Importance of Soil Health
03:19 - Regional Focus and Custom Fertility Programs
08:23 - Introducing Hydro Prime: A New Seed Treatment
17:30 - The Future of Agricultural

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🐮 Tallow was a waste product?! Alyssa Yoder-McClary of Canaan Farms told @GeigerReports how she created a profitable agribusiness company from the hot new tallow trend.

Chapters:
07:51 -Challenges and Opportunities in Value-Added Agriculture
03:47 -From Farming to Skincare: Alyssa's Journey
07:51 Challenges and Opportunities in Value-Added Agriculture
12:46 - Balancing Regulation in Agriculture
14:36 - Networking and Learning Opportunities
15:16 - Challenges of First-Generation Farming
16:59 - The Importance of Open-Mindedness
19:36 - Cost and Value in Direct-to-Consumer Meat Production

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[Field Forward @FieldForwardPOD]

We talk about changes to SNAP and how it affects the end of the agriculture supply chain. Blake Willadsen with @DMARCunited joins us to talk about what Iowa is doing and how that affects grocery stores and folks buying food.

https://t.co/wLurTWJyRE

[Field Forward @FieldForwardPOD]

Markets ended 2025 under a bit of pressure, Don Roose, president of @US_Commodities says the end of the year saw a rally before some profit-taking.

https://t.co/m8y9Zg9hL2

[Field Forward @FieldForwardPOD]

While Southern Rust was devastating for farmers, it allowed research farms to better test fungicides. We hear from @ISUExtension field crops pathologist @alisonrISU about the results of her research.

https://t.co/wLurTWJyRE

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How do small farms compete with the big conglomerates? Tucker Maxwell tells @GeigerReports how his custom beef business in the heart of downtown Des Moines using a clever tech-forward approach.

Chapters:
01:29 - Tucker Maxwell's Background and Journey
03:22 - Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture
05:23 - Custom Beef Operations Explained
10:42 - Consumer Education and Market Trends
15:00 - Future Goals and Community Building

[Field Forward @FieldForwardPOD]

David Geiger looks at the biggest biosecurity concerns in the U.S. with Dr. Stephanie Mercier with the @FarmJFoundation, she authored a report analyzing the economic impact of some of the worst pest and disease threats farmers face.

https://t.co/m8y9Zg9hL2

[Field Forward @FieldForwardPOD]

A conversation about adding value to production, Scott Ahrenholtz with AcreEdge joins us to talk about enhancing and planning for a modern crop.

https://t.co/wLurTWJyRE @LandusAg

[Field Forward @FieldForwardPOD]

In a season of helping one another, we chat with Brian Waddingham with @supportfarmers about the work they do and opportunities they have to elevate farmers.

https://t.co/m8y9Zg8JVu

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In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host @GeigerReports talks with Cody Williams, a farmer member at the 2025 @IowaFarmBureau Annual Meeting. Cody shares what it means to volunteer and work with the Iowa Farm Bureau.

Auto-play timestamps:
00:09 Meet Cody Williams
00:20 Cody's Role and Involvement
01:53 Community Engagement and Benefits
04:01 Challenges in Agriculture
05:02 The Farm Bill Discussion
08:24 Communication in Agriculture
15:17 Looking Forward to 2026
16:21 Conclusion and Farewell

[Field Forward @FieldForwardPOD]

We take a look at challenges in the supply chain during winter with Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition.

https://t.co/m8y9Zg8JVu

[Field Forward @FieldForwardPOD]

We look at working with sustainable practices on the farm, Craig Mouchka with @LandusAg joins us to talk about the evolving landscape of conservation.

https://t.co/wLurTWJyRE

[Field Forward @FieldForwardPOD]

Farmer Bridge Assistance was announced to help out producers, David Geiger speak with @ISUExtension Economist Chad Hart about what that means.

https://t.co/wLurTWJyRE

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In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host @GeigerReports talks with Blake Willadsen of @DMARCunited about the reality of hunger in Iowa and how food pantries are helping families.

Auto-play timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:15 Meet Blake Willadsen: Communications and Marketing Manager
00:33 Understanding DMAC: Des Moines Area Religious Council
01:29 Food Pantry Operations and Community Support
05:54 Challenges Faced by Food Pantries
13:27 Impact of Government Shutdown on Food Pantries
23:25 The Role of Agriculture in Food Pantries
36:19 How to Get Involved and Support Food Pantries
38:32 Conclusion and Farewell