Farming Up: How Just Vertical is Growing Food and Impact
What if the future of farming didn’t stretch across miles of rural land—but up your living room wall? In this episode, Peter sits down with Conner Tidd, co-founder of Just Vertical, to talk about how he and his team are reimagining agriculture with vertical farming technology. From leafy greens to cherry tomatoes, they're helping farmers, nonprofits, and everyday consumers grow fresh, sustainable food year-round—whether they live in Iowa or the Arctic. Conner shares the journey of building a startup from a grad school research project to thousands of home gardens and commercial farms. They dive into the challenges of manufacturing, the power demands of controlled environment ag, the wild west of tariffs, and how Just Vertical’s work is feeding both bellies and hope—from food banks in Canada to refugee kitchens in Moldova. This episode is packed with real talk, startup hustle, and ideas that might just change the way you think about where your food comes from. Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/conner-tidd-urban-farming-innovation
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Farming's Financial Fortress: Mastering Risk with 831B
In the high-stakes world of modern agriculture, farmers face a relentless barrage of risks, from volatile markets and unpredictable weather to the ever-increasing costs of equipment and insurance. How can family farms, often operating on razor-thin margins, protect themselves against these uncertainties? This week, we dive deep into a powerful, yet often overlooked, tool that could improve how farmers manage risk and build financial stability. Join us as we sit down with Van Carlson, CEO and founder of SRA 831B Administration, to demystify the 831B tax code. Discover how this provision, originally designed to support farmers, allows agricultural businesses to create their own self-insurance plans, using pre-tax dollars to fund potential losses. From crop insurance gaps to equipment depreciation and even health coverage, Van breaks down the complexities of 831B, revealing how it can empower farmers to take control of their financial destinies and navigate the challenging landscape of today's agricultural economy Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/van-carlson-family-farm-financial-strategies
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Farming Smarter: Ron Dunker on AgTech & Relationship Management
Managing farmland has never been more complex—or more data-driven. In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, Peter Jaques sits down with Ron Dunker of Oaken.ag to discuss how technology is revolutionizing farm management. With a background in business development and a passion for connecting with people, Ron explains how Oaken.ag is helping farmers track leases, streamline operations, and improve efficiency through an intuitive, cloud-based CRM. Whether you're managing thousands of acres or just starting out, this episode dives into why having a single source of truth for farm operations is a game-changer. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by spreadsheets, scattered documents, or the daily juggle of farm relationships, this conversation is for you. Ron and Peter explore how Oaken.ag integrates financial tracking, lease management, and relationship-building tools into one seamless platform—without replacing the personal touch that makes agriculture thrive. Tune in to hear how farmers are cutting down administrative work by 40-50% while future-proofing their operations for generations to come. Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/ron-dunker-farm-management-software
“Hey Hun, I’m going to run down to the local seafood market and get some fresh shrimp.” That isn’t a common saying in Iowa of all places… I mean you can get fresh shrimp in Iowa, but at what cost? Quality? Freshness? Can you really farm shrimp in Iowa? Jackson Kimley, founder and CEO of Midland Co, says yes—and he’s proving it with a revolutionary approach that’s shaking up the seafood industry. In this episode, we dive into Jackson’s journey from lamb farming to launching a sustainable shrimp farming model using innovative algae-based systems. Learn how he’s creating new opportunities for farmers while delivering premium-quality shrimp to consumers in the heartland. Whether you're a farmer looking for a new revenue stream or a foodie curious about fresh, locally raised seafood, this episode has something for you. Tune in as we discuss the challenges of aquaculture, the surprising advantages of growing shrimp inland, and the exciting future of this pioneering industry. You won’t want to miss it! Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/jackson-kimle-how-to-raise-shrimp
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The Power of Venture Capital: A Conversation with Kaylee Williams
How do venture capitalists decide which startups to fund? What does it take to build a $30 million investment fund from scratch? And why is Iowa a hotbed for agricultural innovation? In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, I sit down with Kaylee Williams, Investment Director of InnoVenture Iowa, to explore these questions and more. Kaylee shares her unconventional journey into venture capital, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the Iowa-based startups that are making waves in ag-tech. From natural insecticides to Wi-Fi-enabled barns, these innovations are shaping the future of farming—and venture capital is fueling the growth. If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or simply interested in how new technologies emerge and scale, this episode is packed with insights. Kaylee’s passion, humor, and strategic mindset make for an engaging discussion that highlights why funding bold ideas today is crucial for shaping tomorrow’s industries. Tune in to hear her take on what makes a startup truly investable, the unexpected challenges of the ag-tech world, and why venture capital is more than just writing checks—it’s about building the future. Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/kaylee-williams-venture-capital-in-iowa-innoventure
Welcome to the Iowa Ag Podcast where we explore technology and practices that changing the way Iowans produce food, fuel, and fiber for the world. If you believe it's just a walk in the park to grow 33,000 plants in one acre of ground AND sell it in order to do it all again next season all while hedging against mother nature's naughty behavior well then this podcast is NOT for you. IF this sounds like an impossible task tune in each week for the Iowa Ag Podcast hosted in the Brady Dental Care Studio.
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