Crawford County Farm Bureau

10/16/2026

10/15/2026

Surprising Uses for Iowa-Grown Corn and Soybeans | The Spokesman Speaks Podcast, Episode 227

Why does Iowa grow so much corn and so many soybeans? The answer matters to everyone who enjoys Iowa-raised meat, cleaner-burning homegrown fuel and a wide variety of household products that would require more petroleum-based ingredients – if not for corn and soybeans.

In our new Spokesman Speaks podcast episode, experts from Iowa Corn and the United Soybean Board share some surprising uses for Iowa-grown corn and soybeans.

Follow The Spokesman Speaks podcast in your Apple Podcasts or Spotify app and listen in!

Why does Iowa grow so much corn and so many soybeans?

10/14/2026

Explore the Effects and Treatments of Parkinson's Disease

Growing older is the greatest risk factor for acquiring Parkinson’s disease and many people live with symptoms for several years before being diagnosed. Often people in early stages of Parkinson’s disease assume their symptoms are part of normal aging or are due to other health problems they may have, such as arthritis. However, early Parkinson’s disease symptoms may not be that apparent and may even come and go. Frequently it is the spouse or other relatives who first notice slight problems with a loved one’s movements.

To learn about Parkinson’s disease, its effects, and possible treatments, register now to participate in “A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease” an educational three-part series from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offered virtually, beginning November 4, 2026.

The educational series consists of three, 1-hour sessions held once a week. Cathy Drost and Kimberly Cavalier, health and human sciences educators, will teach the series, which includes interactive lessons, discussions, and activities. The virtual sessions will be held on November 4, November 11, and November 18 from 1:00 -2:00 PM. Register for the virtual three-part series at https://go.iastate.edu/CAZF9P. Thanks to support from the Herb Howell Excellence in Extension Grant, this program is offered at no cost to participants.
“You will learn about the signs of Parkinson’s disease and how to seek medical care, as well as the cause of the disease and how specific treatments work. You will also learn about alternative therapies and in-home activities that can delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease, which is very important for maintaining the best possible quality of life,” said Drost.

Contacts: Elizabeth Stegemoller, Department of Kinesiology, 515-294-5966, [email protected] Cathy Drost, Health and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach, 641-676-9123, [email protected]

https://go.iastate.edu/CAZF9P

10/14/2026

October 14 Webinar: Considering Spatial Variability in Cover Crop Success

Today at 12:00 pm CT, Iowa Learning Farms will host a webinar featuring Lindsay Malone, Ph.D., assistant professor of conservation agronomy, North Dakota State University. Malone’s research program focuses on conservation agronomy, which includes cover crops, soil health, livestock integration, and more. She originally hails from New York State, where she grew up on a Jersey dairy farm, and studied plant sciences at Cornell University. Her M.S. and Ph.D. focused on soil health within soybean cropping systems, both from the University of Wisconsin—Madison.

In this next webinar segment of the Beyond the Basics: Advanced Cover Crop Series, “Space: The Final Frontier of Cover Crop Research?,” Malone will share outcomes from a two-year case study examining spatial variability of cover crops implemented in eastern North Dakota corn crop fields. She will discuss how different productivity zones responded differently to cover crops and how considering the spatial component of cover crops may help address management challenges that are hindering the adoption of this important conservation practice.

“Cover crops can exacerbate in-field variability and impact field-scale productivity,” said Malone. “More research on cover crops in a production context will help us better understand the fuller scope of how cover crops interact with soil properties, weather and related land management practices, and guide development of practices that can accommodate these variables.”

Participants are encouraged to ask questions of the presenters. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are encouraged to join.

Don't miss this webinar!
DATE: Wednesday, October 14, 2026
TIME: 12:00 p.m. CDT
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Shortly before 12:00 pm CDT, click the link below or type this web address into your internet browser: https://iastate.zoom.us/join

Or, join via phone:
Dial: 646-876-9923
Webinar ID: 999 3709 5398

10/13/2026

Food Safety Certification Class in Denison

DENISON, IA. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach-Crawford County is offering ServSafe®, a manager's food safety certification course on Tuesday, November 3 at Crawford County ISU Extension, 35 S. Main Street in Denison.

“Certification in ServSafe® meets the Iowa Food Code requirements to have a certified food protection manager in all establishments,” said Renee Sweers, class instructor and ISU Extension and Outreach health human sciences educator in food and health. "We live in a time when food safety hazards and risks are prevalent. Serving safe food is mandatory. This eight-hour program aims to train food service professionals about food safety requirements and best practices to meet them.”

According to Sweers, the program is based on the National Restaurant Association’s ServSafe® certification program and the Iowa Food Code. The class is beneficial for foodservice managers from all areas such as schools, restaurants, convenience stores, child care, senior meal sites, and health care. Participants will receive a copy of the ServSafe® Manager training manual and will take the ServSafe® certification exam at the end of the class.

Register online by October 13: https://go.iastate.edu/MPTAIT
For more information about the program, contact Kathy Thul, 712-263-4697, [email protected] or Renee Sweers, [email protected].

https://go.iastate.edu/MPTAIT

10/12/2026

Farm/Ag Business Marketing & Branding Workshop

Do you own a farm or agricultural business that sells directly to consumers? Are you looking for ways to attract more customers, strengthen your brand, and stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace?

Iowa Farm Bureau is offering an exclusive two-part Marketing & Branding Workshop Series designed specifically for farmer-entrepreneurs and rural business owners who want to grow their direct-to-consumer operations.

Through this interactive two-part workshop, you'll learn how to:
- Build a memorable brand that connects with consumers
- Develop effective marketing strategies for growth
- Navigate today's digital and social media landscape
- Create a plan to differentiate your business from the competition

Marketing and branding expertise can cost $150+ per hour, but Iowa Farm Bureau has partnered with a local agency to bring this valuable training to members at an affordable rate.

Workshop Dates: November 5-6 and December 3-4
Location: Iowa Farm Bureau Home Office, West Des Moines
Cost: $100
Registration includes all workshop sessions plus breakfast and lunch each day.

Exclusive to Farm Bureau members.

For more information and to register visit:

Join Iowa Farm Bureau and Flying Hippo for a two-part Marketing + Branding Workshop to help your farm or ag business stand out with a strong brand and effective digital and social strategies.

10/12/2026

Secretary Naig Invites Community Meat Lockers to Apply for Choose Iowa Butchery Equipment Grants

Small-scale meat processors and custom lockers are eligible for funding to purchase equipment that expands processing capacity

DES MOINES, Iowa (Oct. 12, 2026) - Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today invited small-scale meat processors and custom lockers to apply for a Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant. Eligible businesses may receive up to $20,000 of state funding to purchase cold storage, meat processing and/or packaging equipment that helps increase meat and poultry processing capacity in Iowa.

“As I travel the state meeting with farmers, I consistently hear about the need for more local meat and poultry processing. That need continues to intensify as we see larger plants closing and Iowa’s livestock producers working to grow the U.S. beef herd,” said Secretary Naig. “The Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation grant program helps local meat lockers and custom processors grow their businesses to better serve local farmers and consumers. I will continue asking the Iowa Legislature for additional funding for this and other Choose Iowa programs that support farm families, small businesses and rural communities, and help strengthen the local food system.”

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has allocated $105,000 to support the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant program in FY2027.

“The Butchery Innovation Grant Program continues to be an important tool for Iowa's independent meat processors,” said Iowa Meat Processors Association President Katie Anderson, co-owner of Edgewood Locker in Edgewood. “These investments help businesses modernize operations, improve efficiency, and create opportunities for future growth while continuing to provide high-quality processing services to Iowa livestock producers and consumers.”

How to Apply

State or federally inspected, small-scale meat processors based in Iowa are eligible to apply for the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant. Eligible businesses may receive up to $20,000 to purchase cold storage, meat processing and/or packaging equipment that helps increase meat and poultry processing capacity in Iowa. Applicants must provide at least a one-to-one financial match. Grant funds are paid out as a reimbursement after the project is completed. Full details including financial matching requirements, application, eligibility, and scoring criteria are available on the Choose Iowa website.

Grant applications should be submitted through the link provided on the Choose Iowa website by 12 p.m./CT on Nov. 20, 2026. Grant recipients will be announced in December 2026. The project cannot be in progress before the application is submitted and projects must be completed by June 30, 2027. Questions about the Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant or the Choose Iowa marketing program and member benefits may be emailed to [email protected].

In 2025, IDALS awarded $355,000 in Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation grants to nine local businesses. Approved projects required at least a one-to-one financial match, generating a total investment of about $1.94 million to expand local processing capacity in nine Iowa counties.

About Choose Iowa

Choose Iowa is the state’s signature branding and marketing program to promote Iowa-grown, Iowa-raised and Iowa-made food, beverages and agricultural products. Initiated by Secretary Naig and administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Choose Iowa continues to build momentum with nearly 360 members statewide. Through its growing membership, consumer promotion, grant programs and food purchasing initiatives, Choose Iowa is creating new market opportunities for Iowa farmers and small businesses while making it easier for consumers to find and purchase Iowa products.

Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Equipment Only Grant The Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation and Revitalization Grant was established for the purpose of awarding financial assistance to eligible businesses for the following projects per Iowa Code 2025, Section 15E.370:

10/08/2026

2026 Iowa Farm Income Tax webinar

Preparing farm income taxes is a challenge in any year — and this one brings the first full filing season under the tax law changes enacted in 2025. Permanent 100% bonus depreciation, a higher Section 179 limit, the permanent qualified business income deduction and a larger estate tax exemption all change the math on year-end decisions, machinery purchases and long-term transition planning. Kristine Tidgren, director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation at Iowa State University, will walk through what's new, what's changed and what it means for your operation — plus practical tips and essential information to help you prepare for this year's tax season during Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2026 Farm Income Tax webinar at 10 a.m. Nov. 20. For more information or to register, visit

Preparing farm income taxes is a challenge in any year — and this one brings the first full filing season under the tax law changes enacted in 2025. Permanent 100% bonus depreciation, a higher Section 179 limit, the permanent qualified business income deduction, and a larger estate tax exemption a...