Talking shop with fellow farmers

December 18, 2025 | Kriss Nelson

Shop Talk meetings are an age-old idea: farmers learn best from each other.

Rob Davis, watershed program manager for the Iowa Soybean Association, says that the sessions are being held to help exchange practical, farmer-tested ideas to strengthen their return on investment, especially during times of tight margins.

“Shop Talks give farmers space to look at practices that can improve ROI,” Davis says. “But just as important, it gives them support in managing those practices and the details to pay close attention when changing farm or field operations.”

Davis says the format is informal on purpose. The conversation happens in machine sheds, around equipment and with farmers comparing notes about what has worked in their fields.

“The best insights often come from farmer-to-farmer conversation,” he says. “Hearing what works, why it works and how a neighbor down the road is making it successful carries more weight than any presentation. That’s the real value of Shop Talks, farmers sharing real experiences to help each other make informed, confident decisions.”

Shop Talk schedule

The January 2026 Shop Talk series brings that approach to three farm shops across Iowa:

Small grains and big gains | Corning, IA

Date: January 13, 2026 | 9 a.m.

Location: Chris Gaesser Farm Shop, 2507 Quince Ave. Corning, IA 50841

Count Me In

Chris Gaesser will share how he manages small grains within his operation, and how cover crops fit into his farm management goals. Farmers will hear about equipment choices, conditions to pay attention to in order to be successful, and establishing strong stands based on the conditions.

Smart tillage and cover crops | Nora Springs

Date: January 14, 2026 | 9 a.m.

Location: Dean Sponheim Farm Shop, 1399 320th St. Nora Springs, IA 50458

Save A Spot For Me

Dean, his son Josh, and their business partner Rachel Amundson will review tool options and understanding limitations in different weather patterns. The goal of the program is simple and promotes learning from peers who have refined their systems over time. Discussion will focus on cover crop management, tillage strategies and equipment considerations that support on-farm conservation goals without sacrificing profitability.

 Shop location is unheated, please dress accordingly.

Conservation practices that pay | Washington

Date: January 15, 2026 | 9 a.m.

Location: Jim Cuddeback’s Farm Shop with Jim Cuddeback and Rob Stout, 1690 250th St, Washington, IA 52353

I Want To Attend

Jim Cuddeback and Rob Stout will talk about conservation practices in the field—like cover crops—and practices off the field, like bioreactors and saturated buffers. Farmers will compare experiences, discuss equipment needs and look at how diversified approaches can strengthen long-term resilience and profitability.

Farmers hearing from farmers

Davis says the Shop Talk series of meetings are a great resource because of its farmer-focused discussions and open communication.

“When farmers hear from other farmers, it builds trust,” he says. “That's when ideas turn into plans, plans gain a comfort level, and plans become choices that increase profits.”

Farmers are urged to ask questions regarding current and future challenges.

For more information, contact Davis at rdavis@iasoybeans.com.

Written by Kriss Nelson

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