County Roads

Kristiana Coutu,Tim Christensen-Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education
  • Updated Biweekly

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

  1. Sep 8

    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

  2. Aug 25

    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

  3. Aug 4

    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

  4. Jul 30

    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

  5. Jul 21

    Leasing Farmland in Iowa, Part I

    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. Resources:  Strong farmland leasing arrangements | Ag Decision Maker Ag Decision Maker - Iowa State University https://www.calt.iastate.edu/iowa-farm-lease-law

  6. Jul 7

    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 in farm estate and succession planning, and how they differ from wills. They cover why probate matters, how trusts can help simplify asset transfers, and why families should consider their goals, assets, and circumstances when choosing planning tool.  Resources: Farm Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm Portal (ISU Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation): https://www.calt.iastate.edu/estate-and-succession-planning Evaluating Your Estate Plan: Estate Planning Questionnaire (Ag Decision Maker) c4-57.pdf Farm Estate and Succession Planning for the Farm Book: https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/farm-environment/farm-and-business-management/estate-planning/calt5.html

  7. Jun 16

    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. 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

  8. Jun 2

    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

  9. May 19

    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

  10. May 5

    Farm Succession Planning: What We’re Hearing from Families

    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/

  • 10 Episodes

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristiana Coutu,Tim Christensen-Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Iowa State University. The content shared does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and you should consult a attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.
  • Show Website
    County Roads

You Might Also Like