County Roads
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.
Episodes
Jun 16, 2026
Jun 16, 2026
30 min
Tim and Kristiana discuss USDA’s Livestock Risk Protection, and how it can be used by beginning and established producers of all sizes.
Resources:
RMA quote page: https://www.rma.usda.gov/tools-reports/livestock-reports-lrp-lgm
RMA agent finder: https://www.rma.usda.gov/tools-reports/agent-locator
Ag Decision Maker File B1-50 Livestock Risk Insurance Plans for Cattle Producers: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/agdm/livestock/html/b1-50.html
Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
18 min
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
May 19, 2026
May 19, 2026
32 min
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
May 5, 2026
May 5, 2026
26 min
In our first episode, Kristiana and Tim take a broad look at farm succession planning and the dynamics shaping transitions on today’s family farms. Drawing from conversations with farmers in Iowa and across the country, they discuss common concerns and the issues weighing on farm families as they plan for the future of their farms.
Resources for today's episode: https://beginningfarmer.iastate.edu/