Hosts discuss year end considerations for farm succession planning.

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

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/

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

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

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

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

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