Through a business and legal lens, the County Roads Podcast by ISU Extension and Outreach's Beginning Farmer Center takes a practical look at the challenges farmers face every day. Whether you’re getting started in farming or have years of experience, this podcast offers valuable insights on topics that matter to you.
Each episode features Kristiana Coutu, director of the Beginning Farmer Center, and Tim Christensen, ISU Extension and Outreach farm management specialist. They will discuss the business and legal aspects of running a farm, featuring straightforward conversations about production, financing, land access, labor, taxes, succession, and more - all grounded in how farms actually operate.
Publisher
Kristiana Coutu,Tim Christensen-Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
Exciting Changes in the Iowa Beginning Farmer Center
Tim and Kristiana interview the new leader of the Iowa Beginning Farmer Center Madeline Schutz. And she talks about the future of the IBFC.
Ag Leadership Conference:
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agmgmt/leadership-conference
Resources:
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/
https://beginningfarmer.iastate.edu/
https://www.calt.iastate.edu/
20 Oct 2026
Farm Succession - Year End Planning
Hosts discuss year end considerations for farm succession planning.
6 Oct 2026
World Food Prize - an Interview with CEO Thomas Vilsack
County Roads hosts Kristiana Coutu and Tim Christensen are joined by CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, Thomas Vilsack. In addition to discussing the mission of the World Food Prize, Governor Vilsack invites all to help set a new world record by packing 600,000+ hunger-relief meals alongside fellow volunteers on October 20th.
Show Notes:
World Food Prize
World Record Meal Packaging Attempt, Tue, Oct 20th, 2026 @ 5:30 PM Accelevents
22 Sept 2026
Farm Safety week with I-Cash
We interview Rich Gassman Director of I-Cash and talk about National Farm Safety Week and how to keep safe while working on the farm.
Iowa Center for Agricultural Safety and Health
https://icash.public-health.uiowa.edu/
8 Sept 2026
Farm Risk Assessment Checklists
Tim Christensen and Ann Johanns Discuss the new Risk Assessment Checklist available on Ag Decision Maker
Resources:
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/pdf/c6-73.pdf
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/AgDM////wholefarm/pdf/c6-71.pdf
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/pdf/c6-72.pdf
25 Aug 2026
Employment on the Farm
Most farms will hire an employee at some point, and even a little planning can help avoid problems later. In this episode, Tim and Kristiana discuss some of the employment rules that can come into play on the farm.
Resources:
U.S. Dept. of Labor guidance on Agricultural Employment
Fact Sheet #12: Agricultural Employment Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) | U.S. Department of Labor
Fact Sheet #40: Overview of Youth Employment (Child Labor) Provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) for Agricultural Occupations | U.S. Department of Labor
Iowa Dept. of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing Wage and Child Labor Unit Guidance
Wage | Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
Child Labor | Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing
4 Aug 2026
Takeaways from Farm Succession Workshops
In this episode, Kristiana and Tim reflect on recent workshops and discuss recurring themes in farm estate and succession planning, including the importance of involving multiple generations in the planning process.
Resources:
Business, Estate and Succession Planning | Beginning Farmer Center
30 Jul 2026
Leasing Farmland in Iowa Part II - Bonus Episode
In this bonus episode, Tim and Kristiana continue the discussion about leasing farmland in Iowa. They discuss the Iowa State University Cash Rental Rates Survey and other tools landowners and tenants can use to determine and negotiate lease rates.
Resources:
2026 Farmland Leasing Arrangements Meetings Offered Across Iowa | Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Home
Cash Rental Rates for Iowa 2026 Survey - Ag Decision Maker File c2-10.pdf
Computing the Iowa Corn Suitability Rating for Your Farm | Ag Decision Maker
Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program | Economic Development & Finance Authority
AgLink | Beginning Farmer Center
21 Jul 2026
Leasing Farmland in Iowa, Part I of II
Tim and Kristiana discuss farmland leasing in Iowa, Including lease terms successful arrangements, and important dates to keep in mind as farmers are thinking about the next crop season.
7 Jul 2026
The Role of Revocable Trusts & Wills in Farm Estate and Succession Planning
In this episode, Kristiana and Tim discuss how revocable trusts can be used infarm estate and succession planning, and how they differ from wills. They cover whyprobate matters, how trusts can help simplify asset transfers, and why families shouldconsider their goals, assets, and circumstances when choosing planning tool.
Resources:Farm Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm Portal (ISU Center for Agricultural Lawand Taxation): https://www.calt.iastate.edu/estate-and-succession-planningEvaluating Your Estate Plan: Estate Planning Questionnaire (Ag Decision Maker) c4-57.pdfFarm Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm Book: https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/farm-and-business-management/estate-planning/calt5.html
16 Jun 2026
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Program: A Tool for Cattle and Swine Producers
Tim and Kristiana discuss USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection, and how it can be used by beginning and established producers of all sizes.
2 Jun 2026
Farm Succession Planning: Working with an Attorney
Good farm succession plans are rarely developed alone. In this episode, we discuss the role attorneys play in the succession planning process, how to select the right attorney for your situation, and what to expect when working together to create a plan that meets your goals.
https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/farm-and-business-management/estate-planning/calt5.html
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/wholefarm/html/c4-57.html
https://www.calt.iastate.edu/transition-planning-terms
https://www.calt.iastate.edu/
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/homepage.html
19 May 2026
Soil Testing, Analysis, and Management Decisions
The episode welcomes ISU field agronomist Aaron Saeugling to the podcast to share his expertise on soil sampling and report analysis, along with management considerations for both new and experienced producers in Iowa.
Resources mentioned in today's episode: https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/crops-and-soils/soil-fertility-and-management/pm1688.html
5 May 2026
Farm Succession Planning: What We’re Hearing from Families
In our first episode, Kristiana & Tim take a general look at succession planning related to Iowa farms, what items are affecting Iowa farm families, what items do they need to be concerned about, and what items are Kristiana and Tim hearing as they are working with farmers around the country.
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