People In The Know

Fifty Years of Farm Reporting - Mike Adams and Ken Root

Mike Adams became host of AgriTalk in 2001.   He covered the Ethanol Era and the entire new century as an informed farm journalist.  
We try to keep our conversation in the present and future.
We may even add farmers to future recordings and see where the idea goes.
AgriTalk Look Out!

AgriTalk "The Producers" 30 year reunion

Rustin Hamilton and Julie Doan were the people who produced AgriTalk during the time I was the host.  They found the shows and helped to execute them (sometimes we shot ourselves).  
It is a revealing look a how the seven years of shows came together and the risks we took to make them happen.  A lot of Julie laughing that is infectious...
We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed telling.

Joe Kreger Oklahoma Cowboy Poet

When AgriTalk began in 1994, we received a call from a slow talkin rancher from Northern Oklahoma.  He recited "Small Pleasures" and touch the hearts of our audience.  
Joe became a prolific writer of poetry that was humorous, serious and Christian.
He is now 85 and still going.  He has been Oklahoma Poet Laureate twice.  
After two books, he says he tried to stop writing cowboy poetry but he shares one with us that is new and has not been published.

Flooded Farmland Reaction - Mike Steenhoek, Soy Transportation Council

The extreme flooding in Western Iowa and downstream has caused great difficulty in the region.  What impact does this have on farmers who haul or ship their crops to domestic and international customers?
Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of Soy Transportation Council is Ken's guest.

Religion and Politics with Dr. Val Farmer

Dr Val Farmer has retired from an illustrious career as a clinic psychologist.  He specialized in the life struggles of those who lived in rural America.  He continues to be an outspoken advocate for the human spirit and a long time friend of mine.
We decided to try and talk about religion and politics in a civil and constructive manner.  You decide.   kenroot@gmail.com

The Conflict Between Nature and Human Nature - Mike Smith Meteorologist

Warnings by Weather Forecasters and Government have saved countless lives since the beginning of the 20th Century.  That is a given.  But the public is quick to blame the forecasters for their mistakes or the interruption of their favorite TV shows.
Ken talks with Mike Smith, a noted meteorologist who has forecast weather for the past fifty years.  Smith also wrote a book called "Warnings" that highlights the need for government to do its job better.
A lively discussion on tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes and the need for a National Disaster Review Board.  

Getting Through Life. A book about rural determination and Thankfulness

Jackie Listen's Book is titled: "A Place Called Through"
He is from Oklahoma and talks of his rural upbringing, his mentors and the struggles of being a land developer in the 1980's.
He moved to being a banker for 30 years and now is "Refired" in his determination to be a helper to others who are trying to make their way through life.

Orion Samuelson Turns 90 "The Voice of God"

Orion Samuelson is known by more farmers and city dwellers than any farm broadcaster in the last one hundred years of radio and television.  He is doing well and passes this milestone with dignity and grace.  
I do not talk directly to him but a few excerpts of his voice are heard.  I mainly focus on what he has meant to the people of Chicago and all farmers and ranchers in the United States.
A few twists and turns in his career should impress you.
Also a couple of ladies in a Senior Center in Wisconsin tell what they think of this man with the golden voice.
Happy Birthday to our fellow broadcaster that we affectionately call: God".
 

Surveying Jeremiah Bullfrog and Friends for Science

This could be weird but aren't we all weird for something?
Frogs and Toads make noise.  They "sing" so they can be monitored and their populations estimated if you are willing to take a clipboard and sneak around puddles and wetlands at night.  Fun, Heh?
Serious business for my guest: Stephanie Shepherd with Iowa DNR.
Yes, I made it a bit fun....make a bullfrog your friend and drink some of his wine.

Fishing Iowa - Coast to Coast

Davis Horton has fished all 99 counties of Iowa.  It was a determined three year adventure that he documented.,  In the process he caught the state record Spotted Bass on a fly rod.  He caught fifty-eight species of fish.
One deer tried to assassinate him but only killed his truck.
He made many friends and has lots of stories and tips that he is documenting in a handbook....