Farm Futures Unfold on Pivot Points

By Andi Anderson

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has launched a new podcast for farmers navigating change. Called Pivot Points, the series explores the turning points that lead producers to rethink production, ownership, markets, and even personal identity.

The show is produced in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension Dane County and FairShare CSA Coalition, bringing together practical field experience and farmer-centered education.

Host Dan Fillius, horticulture field specialist for commercial vegetables with ISU Extension and Outreach, says the goal is to uncover what really happens when growers “shake things up.” What began as exit interviews with vegetable producers evolved into broader conversations with farmers who restructured their operations to survive and thrive.

Co-host Sarah Janes Ugoretz, farm labor extension educator with Dane County Extension and FairShare, notes that many farmers keep concerns private out of fear of isolation. Hearing peers speak openly can create space to imagine new futures.

Season 1 releases weekly and invites farmers from all backgrounds to listen. The schedule includes:

• Sept. 10: Katie and Hans Bishop, PrairiErth Farm — quitting vegetables to raise row crops (sponsored by Practical Farmers of Iowa)
• Sept. 10: Hannah Weber and Nate Lada, Green Things Farm Collective — joining forces to survive
• Sept. 17: Jim Crawford and Jenni Glenister, New Morning Farm — transitioning to new ownership
• Sept. 24: Ellen Polishuk (Plant to Profit) and Ariel Pressman (Whole Farm Strategies) — former farmers supporting current farmers
• Oct. 1: Jenny Quiner, Dogpatch Urban Gardens — pivoting out of farming (sponsored by Practical Farmers of Iowa)
• Oct. 8: Jordan Scheibel, Middle Way Farm, and Adam Montri, Ten Hens Farm — focusing on family and personal life (sponsored by Practical Farmers of Iowa)
• Oct. 15: Season 1 reflections with hosts Dan and Sarah

Each episode pairs real-world stories with practical takeaways on finances, labor, stress, community, and long-term sustainability. Listeners will hear how peers evaluated risk, managed transitions, and protected family wellbeing while adapting business models. Find Pivot Points on major podcast platforms. For information, contact Dan Fillius at fillius@iastate.edu

Photo Credit: iowa-state-university