Euler Bropleh is the Founder & Managing Director of Vested World, an investment platform that seeks to bridge the gap between private investors and startups in emerging markets. Euler focuses on emerging markets because he knows what it’s live in a country that barely made any progress in the last 50 years and how access to substantial capital can make a huge difference in the economy of a developing nation. He has served as an angel investor to multiple businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa, some of which are in the ag industry.   Euler joins me today to share his commitment to helping developing countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda. He discusses how Vested World works and describes some of the companies they helped grow and prosper. He explains some of the risks involved in their business as well as some of its more notable benefits. Euler also discusses what the FIERCE acronym stands for and how he bases his business model around it.     “If you do well by the people you're working with, your company's going to perform better, and everyone benefits from it.” - Euler Bropleh       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: What Vested World is and its business focus. The history of Vested World and some of their notable investments. Risk and benefits in investing in developing countries. Ag-related companies they've invested in. What made Euler want to invest in Sub-Saharan Africa? What it's like to grow up in an African country. Balancing the needs of the communities he is impacting. What FIERCE stands for and how he considers it with their investment models.     Connect with Euler Bropleh Vested World LinkedIn We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram 

  Scott Bennett is the Director of Congressional Relations at the American Farm Bureau Federation, an independent, voluntary, non-government group that is headed by people who represent the best interests of farmers and their families in the US. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics and Political Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Before joining the American Farm Bureau Federation, he was the legislative director for Rep. Bob Goodlatte, a House Agriculture Committee Senior member.   Scott joins me today to discuss the developments on lab-grown protein products and their potential benefits to the economy. He explains some of the political aspects of agriculture, particularly on its relationship with government entities. He also describes the differences between plant-based and lab-based proteins and shares his views for the future of lab-grown proteins as well as advice to those who want to support this idea.     “Five years ago, lab-grown protein was science fiction, but here we are faced with it today. It is the reality.” - Scott Bennett       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: The significance of having a primary jurisdiction with USDA. Policy differences between gene-edited livestock and cell-based meats. His thoughts on the recent press release from the FDA. Plant-based and lab-grown proteins and their key labeling differences. How he sees this technology developing in five years. Getting involved in the local government to pass the necessary laws for agtech. How the public perceives lab-grown protein. The biggest issues facing the current agricultural innovation landscape.     Connect with Scott Bennett American Farm Bureau Federation LinkedIn We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram 

  Henry Gordon-Smith is considered one of the leading experts in urban agriculture. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Agritecture, a global urban agriculture consultation company that seeks to spread and promote the idea of urban and vertical farming. Part of Henry’s duties as Managing Director include overseeing projects, planning events and conferences, and networking with like-minded businesses. He has a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and an MSc in Sustainability Management from Columbia University.   Henry joins me today to share his passion for urban farming and discuss some of its more fascinating details. He explains what urban farming is, what makes it different from local farming, and how it can improve a city’s economic growth as well as its sustainability efforts. He shares research data on urban agriculture, how someone can be eligible to have an urban farm, and the potential profitability. Henry also describes what we can expect from their AgLanta conference in April 2019.     “If a certain population in the city know how to grow food, and there are policies to support it, the city will be able to impact its own food security and be more independent.” - Henry Gordon-Smith       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: How Henry became interested in working in agriculture. Why he chose blogging as a means to spread stories on Agritecture. Why we should be looking into urban farming and how it helps sustainability efforts. Where the most opportunities lie in sustainable urban farming. Emerging green technologies that embody the food, water, and energy systems. The difference between urban and local agriculture. Urban agriculture profitability and investments. The idea of replacing the sun using new technology. The types of plants that can thrive in an urban setting. Minimum requirements for someone to start urban farming. Some of the reasons urban farming fails and how to make it succeed. What to expect at the AgLanta conference. Resources Mentioned:   AgLanta AgTech X     Connect with Henry Gordon-Smith Agritecture LinkedIn We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter...

Dr. Paul Zorner is the CEO of Locus Agricultural Solutions, an agricultural company that develops microbial “probiotics.” These microbial probiotics aim to become the alternative to conventional farm pesticides, effectively reducing chemical interaction with our crops as well as preserving soil health. Dr. Paul’s responsibilities as CEO include overseeing the company’s strategies, operations, and product development. He has over 40 years of experience in science and R&D operations from multiple international companies.   Dr. Paul joins us today to discuss the potential benefits of microbes for soil health and farm yield. He shares the science behind using microbes for soil and their untapped potential for the agriculture industry as a whole. He describes some of the microbes’ functions, how they are to be applied on crops, and how they can reduce pesticide usage. He also explains how these microbes can help reduce carbon gases in the atmosphere.     “We know more about the surface of the moon than we do about soil microbe ecology.” - Dr. Paul Zorner       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Why he thinks microbes will revolutionize the agricultural industry. The microbes they've developed and their purpose in farming. How he proposes their microbes will work on various crops. How their company produces and mixes microbe "cocktails." Their marketing methods and how they do business with farmers. Carbon sequestration, the atmosphere, and soil sustainability. Real world examples of microbe usage in farms and their potential yields. Why microbes can reduce the use of chemical pesticides. Connect with Dr. Paul Zorner Locus Ag LinkedIn We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram 

  Matt Zieger is the Vice President of Village Capital, a company that seeks startups offering innovative solutions and disruptive ideas that promote sustainability. As Vice President, he is responsible for developing strategic partnerships with individual investors, private organizations, and government projects. He specializes in cross-sector collaboration which allows him to weave multiple business entities into focusing on sustainability and economic growth.   Matt joins me today to discuss the idea of disruptive startups and why being disruptive may not be what the ag industry currently needs. He shares what Village Capital is all about, how they determine which companies they will invest in, and their business processes. He also shares the problems their company believes ag startups should focus on and describes when a company should scale and when it should just stay its course.       “The farm economy is the backbone of the American economy.” - Matt Zieger       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: What Village Capital is and the companies they invest in. The problems in the food system Village Capital aims to solve. Why displacing the ag industry is not always the solution. How they choose companies to invest in within the ag industry. What business models should be to benefit both investors and consumers. Why the "move fast and break things" business strategy is not applicable in ag. Determining whether it's time to grow and scale or to keep the cycle. What excites him the most about the future of the ag industry? Resources Mentioned: Abaca Growing a Sustainable Food System Connect with Matt Zieger Village Capital Twitter LinkedIn We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram 

  Ross Thruston is the President and Founder of Livestock Water Recycling, a company that is implementing technology in animal agriculture units that recycles the water and nutrients from animal agriculture systems. He has over 30 years of experience in construction and environmental technology.   Jay Binversie is a third generation dairy farmer and the owner of Robinway Dairy and Bucky Organics. Robinway Dairy is a 1700 cow dairy farm based in Kiel, Wisconsin. Bucky Organics is a company that produces and sells organic plant nutrients. Jay has used the Livestock Water Recycling’s system on his dairy farm for over four years, extracting the nutrients from his cow’s manure and using it to create natural organic plant nutrient supplements for farmers.   Ross and Jay join me today to discuss nutrient cycling and the manure economy. Ross shares what inspired him to create a system for the agriculture industry and how it impacts farm sustainability. Jay shares the agricultural and economic advantages he has experienced since installing the system on his dairy farm as well as how implementing the system has opened new opportunities for growth and revenue. We also discuss how dairy farmers can utilize the LWR recycling system to extract valuable nutrients and materials from their farms to improve their soil health, increase product yields, and make a positive impact on the economy and environment.       “From a sustainability perspective, what we do in terms of compacting and segregating the nutrients lets the manure economy work so you can take nutrients back to your feed sources - which you were never able to do before.” - Ross Thurston       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: How Livestock Water Recycling got started in the animal agriculture industry. What inspired Ross to create the LWR system for the ag industry. How the LWR system is helping farmers increase product yields and create new income streams. Why Jay decided to implement the LWR system on his dairy farm. The economic advantages of implementing the LWR system. How using the system has impacted Jay’s life and business. The primary pain point that often drives producers to connect with Ross. The impact that the LWR system can have on ag sustainability. How the system can reduce greenhouse gasses in the environment. How it opens new opportunities for new marketplaces in the agriculture space. How the system has helped Jay reduce the use of antibiotics on his dairy farm. The impact that the manure economy has on a farmer’s ability to scale. Why farmers are often hesitant to implement new technologies. Related Content: Episode 99: Nutrient Management, Intercropping, and The Sharing Economy with Jason Mauck Episode 139: Building a Family Dairy Business Through a Commitment to Sustainability and Rural Communities with Ken McCarty of McCarty Family Farms Connect with Ross Thurston: Livestock Water Recycling LinkedIn Connect with Jay Binversie: <a...

  Steve Sarracino is the Founder of Activant Capital, a business that invests in growth-stage tech companies worldwide. They provide funding for businesses in commerce, Internet of Things, and data-driven companies. For agriculture, Steve prefers data-driven companies because they can act as a source of truth not just for farmers, but also for consumers. He obtained his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and his BA in Finance and Economics at Southern Methodist University.   Steve joins me today to discuss how the farmers can benefit from data-driven startups and how it can have positive effects on the ag industry. He describes the current business models that govern the ag industry and the emerging trends in startups. He also shares the type of business models farmers need and describes the kind of companies they’re looking to invest in as well as what new ag startups should seek to address.     “Farming is basically a dirty data problem.” - Dr. David Williams This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: The current setup in the AgTech industry. The type of business model that can help today's farmers. Why there's a reluctance from farmers to change business models. Their criteria in looking for ag business investments. How their investment process works from start to finish. The types of business leaders they like working with. Problems in agriculture new startups should tackle. Key Takeaways: If you can partner with the right technology firm and sell direct, that can change the economic model. The average farmer makes about 120 important decisions, all affected by data. Resources Mentioned:   The Merchants of Grain by Dan Morgan       Connect with Steve Sarracino:   Activant Capital LinkedIn     We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad...

  Dr. David Williams is a professor of agronomy and member of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences with the University of Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Industrial Hemp Program. He has been in the agronomic industry his entire career, wearing hats as a teacher, researcher, and practitioner. David has been a champion of industrial hemp agronomic science research since 2014.   David joins me today to discuss the various ways hemp can be utilized other than for its psychoactive properties. He explains what the industry currently looks like and how that will change in the coming years. He also shares some of the concerns farmers raise when it comes to growing hemp, farm data about the plant, and describes how hemp holds the potential to revolutionize the economy.     “Cannabinoids are evolutionarily thought of as a plant protection molecule. They certainly weren't put on this Earth to get humans high.” - Dr. David Williams       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   David's professional background and thoughts on Kentucky's advancements in the hemp space. What the hemp industry looks like right now and how it might look in the near future. Concerns on hemp sustainability and its effects on the economy. How the Farm Bill will change the way the industry views and uses hemp. The conditions necessary to grow hemp. What farmers can do if they find out their crops are above the THC limit. Common problems farmers encounter in growing hemp. Challenges the hemp industry faces when it comes to scaling. The selling points and applications of hemp. The yield and income farmers can expect from growing hemp.     Key Takeaways:   The supply and demand for hemp are going to define the scope and scale of the industry. Hemp is more than just a psychoactive plant, with applications that can potentially disrupt the industry.     Resources Mentioned:   Nicole Gauthier     Connect with Dr. David Williams:   UK Industrial Hemp Agronomic Research Email: [email protected]               We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook<a href=...

  Zev Paiss is a Managing Partner at Farmers Support Group, a company dedicated to helping hemp farmers as well as laying down the foundations for a U.S. hemp supply chain. Their goal is to guarantee buyers for every hemp seed planted. Zev’s extensive business acumen allows him to provide the group with consultation, supply chain development, and investor relations services. He also manages the company’s sustainability development projects.   Zev joins me today to discuss the hemp industry, its current state, and what the future holds for it. He shares his background, why he became passionate about hemp farming, and his current projects. He explains the massive economic potential of the hemp industry and why companies in various sectors should take a look. He also describes some of the problems farmers encounter when growing hemp as well as some of his proposed solutions.     “As the market demands different products, processors are continuing what they can do and figuring out how to scale up.” - Zev Paiss       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   How Zev got started working in the hemp industry. The state of the hemp industry today and what the future may hold. Companies and businesses getting into the hemp industry. Storing hemp products before they are processed. The two emerging subsets on the CBD side of processing. The necessary conditions and considerations to grow hemp. Common problems farmers experience when growing hemp from the first time.     Key Takeaways:   The challenge with industrial hemp is you don't want that THC of going above 0.3%       Connect with Zev Paiss:   Farmers Support Group LinkedIn Email: [email protected]               We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram   

  Ken McCarty manages McCarty Family Farms, a dairy farm that has been in operation since 1914, making it more than a hundred years old. On top of using state-of-the-art equipment, their farm is also Non-GMO Project Verified. Ken is part of the fourth generation of owners and makes sure their daily operations puts emphasis on environmental sustainability and animal welfare among other concerns.   Ken joins me today to describe how he and his family run and manages their farm. He shares some of its rich history, its humble beginnings, and why they decided to focus on dairy products. He explains why they went after a Non-GMO certification and how it has improved the quality of their operations. He also discusses how using data instead of instinct is the right way to manage a farm.     “Growth, to us, isn't milking more cows and getting bigger. Growth is getting better every day.” - Ken McCarty       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Why you should operate in multiple, small locations instead of expanding from one big hub. What his life was like before they decided to move to Kansas. Focusing on exploring milk marketing opportunities and dairy farming. The reason why they are Non-GMO Project verified. The values and principles they want to instill in their company. What's in store for McCarty Family Farms?     Key Takeaways:   Dairy from an economic development point of view is attractive to rural-American eco-devo groups. Manage by the data. Let data drive your decisions. Being biased will never let you manage your farms efficiently.       Connect with Ken McCarty:   McCarty Family Farms Facebook               We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram   

  Dick Wittman is the Founder of Wittman Consulting, a company dedicated to training consultants who can help family farm businesses in transitional processes and agricultural finance. Dick is a former manager and the current board chair for a 20,000-acre family farm located in Idaho. He has an extensive farming and ranching background in crops, cattle, and timber. He holds a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Idaho and a Master’s degree from the University of Utah. Currently, he focuses on public speaking and running Train-the-Trainer workshops, expanding the international resource base of agricultural consultants for family-owned businesses.   Dick joins me today to share why it’s important for family farm owners to adopt the “Farm CEO” mindset. He explains why family farm managers need to operate more like executives and how they can change their mindset to function at an executive level. He also shares the skills that are required today to better manage family farm businesses and the importance of being able to adapt your organization to market changes in order to to ensure future success.     “Most farmers get into farming to grow things, but if they are going to succeed, then they need to be skilled in finance, marketing, and human relations.” - Dick Wittman This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: How Dave got into the consulting side of the agricultural business. The common areas for improvement and management disciplines seen in the typical family farm. The background of The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers (TEPAP). The downturn in the economic market and recognizing that businesses need to change and be optimized. The quick wins that can get results and creating a to-do list of the low-hanging fruit. Using the resources out there and adapting them to your operation. The Train-the-Trainer seminars for consulting professionals. The agricultural outlook and the opportunities to re-engineer your business. How to use data management to make strategic changes and improve your bottom line. Staying ahead through diversification and analysis of value-added resources. Key Takeaways: Strive to achieve excellence in all areas of your business. Adapt existing resources for your operation. Use data to make strategic business realignments.   Resources Mentioned: Executive Program for Agricultural Producers Granular Connect with Dick Wittman:   Wittman Consulting Building Effective Farm Management Systems Train-the-Trainer Seminar Email: [email protected] This episode is sponsored by: Granular - Manage Your Farm with Confidence   Granular is an agriculture software company dedicated to building stronger, more profitable farms. Since 2014, Granular has become a leader in developing web and mobile apps grounded in advanced data science technology to help farmers make data-driven, real-time business and agriculture decisions with greater confidence. To learn more about how Granular’s digital solutions can help you better manage your farm, visit Granular.ag. 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of...

  Jeff and Garrett Sims are the owners of Sims Farms, a family-owned and operated ag business in the Centralia, Missouri area. The farm was established in 1967, and they’re the 5th generation of farmers who manage and oversee its day-to-day operations. Some of the services they offer include stewardship, soybeans production, and commercial corn production.   Jeff and Garrett join me today to describe how Granular has enabled them to manage their business at a more efficient rate. They share how they run the farm, the people they employ, and the crops they grow. They discuss how they adapted to new technologies and how Granular has served as one of their best investments. They also explain the importance of knowing which “shiny object” to focus on and how to tell if a new tool is worth your time.     “It's great to sell a product, but you have to have people and systems in place to make it work.” - Jeff Sims       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Jeff and Garrett Sims' farming operations and how they manage their farm. Their transition from traditional to automated farm management. How Granular helped them establish an efficient farm system. Sorting through the many new tools and technologies available to them. What matters most when considering using new technology. The number of people they employ and their responsibilities around the farm. Tasks they spend more time on now than they did when they were starting out. What they need to put more emphasis on to continue growing. What they're excited about in the future of agriculture.     Key Takeaways:   Some of the technologies out there today give us a good indication of what's coming. All technologies need to be looked at and applied to your business in some way or form. Adapting to new technology isn't as expensive as it was decades ago. As farms become bigger and more complex, you need to hire outside help.     Resources Mentioned:   Autosteer     Connect with Jeff and Garrett Sims:   SIMS Farms Email: [email protected]             This episode is sponsored by: Granular - Manage Your Farm with Confidence   Granular is an agriculture software company dedicated to building stronger, more profitable farms. Since 2014, Granular has become a leader in developing web and mobile apps grounded in advanced data science technology to help farmers make data-driven, real-time business and agriculture decisions with greater confidence. To learn more about how Granular’s digital solutions can help you better manage your farm, visit Granular.ag. 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the...

  Sid Gorham is the President & CEO of Granular, a software and analytics platform that aims to improve farming efficiency and help farmers make better, well-informed business decisions. As the leader of Granular, his responsibilities include setting growth strategies and maintaining a rich and diverse entrepreneurial culture as they scale the company. His extensive experience in leading companies in the tech and mobile industries, as well as seeing the needs of the ag industry, has served as one of his primary drivers in starting the company.   Sid joins me today to share how Granular enables farmers to operate and manage their farms better. He shares his passion for tech, his interests in applying tech in farms, and how he got inspired to start Granular. He describes the farming problems their company solves, explains how their business works, and how they integrate new farmers into using their platform. He also discusses some of the current innovations in ag as well as shares his thoughts on the future of farming and agriculture.   “In the next 3-5 years, we're going to see a dramatic change in how farmers market their crops and use risk management tools.” - Sid Gorham       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Sid Gorham's tech background and what he finds unique in agriculture. What Granular is and his inspiration in founding this type of company. Where agriculture is right now regarding innovative history. The benefits of using Granular for your ag business. The hardships and successes he experienced in establishing Granular. What AcreValue is and how it helps business-minded farmers. Current problems in the industry that still needs solving. Tips on improving business and employee productivity.     Key Takeaways:   The family-owned business structure is unique and dominant in the agriculture industry. It's rare to run across a farmer who isn't trying anything related to data technology.     Connect with Sid Gorham:   Granular LinkedIn             This episode is sponsored by: Granular - Manage Your Farm with Confidence   Granular is an agriculture software company dedicated to building stronger, more profitable farms. Since 2014, Granular has become a leader in developing web and mobile apps grounded in advanced data science technology to help farmers make data-driven, real-time business and agriculture decisions with greater confidence. To learn more about how Granular’s digital solutions can help you better manage your farm, visit Granular.ag. 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: <a...

  Justin Dahlgren and Eric Thalken are farm managers in Nebraska. They have adapted to using Granular, one of the world’s leading farm management software tools. Granular provides farmers with all the necessary tools that analyze operational, agronomic, and financial information for their farms. Justin’s farm primarily grows corn and soybeans tied to their 8,000-head feedlot. On the other hand, Eric’s 2,300-acre farm has transitioned to organic farming recently and aims to be 100% organic this year.   Justin and Eric join me today to share their passion for agriculture and how they utilized current technologies to optimize farm management. They discuss what their farms are all about, the crops they produce, and their specific roles. They describe some of the farming practices that improved the introduction of innovative software. They also explain how farm owners should interpret data in a way that benefits their farming operations and share what they believe the future of agriculture will be like in 25 years.     “Regenerative agriculture will become a commodity because that will be the only way to produce crops that people want to consume.” - Justin Dahlgren       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Justin's and Eric's farm backgrounds and their current agricultural ventures. Why Justin transitioned to organic farming and how it started. How they determine if they can scale a process. What brought Justin from Sales Agronomy to farming again? Focusing on new prospects and how to choose among many new ‘shiny objects’. Utilizing data gathered from different types of technologies in their farms. Technologies that significantly impacted their farming practices. The people they plan to hire to make data analysis easier. What they believe the agriculture setting will look like in the next few decades     Key Takeaways:   Technology is helping farmers become more regenerative. It's not humanly possible to get through all the data and get through everything that is actionable. Farmers have been collecting data for decades, but many farmers have yet to fully utilize them to make the right decisions.     Resources Mentioned:   Future of Agriculture 107: Organic Agriculture at Scale with John McKeon of Tanimura and Antle Future of Agriculture 110: How Carbon Trading Could Benefit Farmers with Aldyen Donelly of Nori Granular     Connect with Justin Dahlgren:   Facebook Email: [email protected]     Connect with Eric Thalken:   Burkey Farms LinkedIn LinkedIn           This episode is sponsored by: Granular - Manage Your Farm with Confidence   Granular is an agriculture software company dedicated to building stronger, more profitable farms. Since 2014, Granular has become a leader in developing web and mobile apps grounded in advanced data science technology to help farmers make data-driven, real-time business and agriculture decisions with greater...

Tim Moffett is known as the Ag Comedian, as he blends comedy and farming into a finely tuned and unique craft. He likes to combine everyday life on the farm and stand-up comedy to show everyone there is always something to smile and laugh about - even in agriculture. Tim frequently performs at agriculture conventions, fairs, business meetings, corporate events, and even at family reunions.   Tim joins me today to discuss comedy in agriculture, a side to the industry most think doesn’t exist. He shares his family background and how he discovered his passion for comedy. He discusses some of his favorite comedic materials and how he engages with his core audience. He also shares his opinions on the idea of organic farming and vaccinations.     “Not just in agriculture, but life can get you down. Sometimes you just need a good laugh.” - Tim Moffett       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Tim's farm background and how he combines comedy and farming. How he manages their farming business and their Happy Cheese concept. What kept him motivated to run his farm despite the stress of being a comedian. How he appeals to his core ag audience. The material he uses for his comedy that relates to agriculture. Why he's not a fan of vaccinations for his cows.     Key Takeaways:   You can only grow as a person by having a mentor that will tell you when you're awful.     Resources Mentioned:   Progressive Dairy     Connect with Tim Moffett:   Ag Comedian Farm Raised on Spotify         2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date, and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by...

  The concept of Soil Health deals with making sure the land where our farms stand will remain the same for the next generation. This was the goal of my journey in bringing the awareness of soil health to the world, and I couldn’t have done it without the help of Jim Loar of Cool Planet.   This special episode will be the culmination of all the farms I visited and the amazing farmers I met along the way. I share where I draw my passion for agriculture and being immersed in this scientifically-driven industry. I discuss the different aspects of agriculture and the farmers who best represented them. I explain how much technology is driving the recent agricultural innovations. I also describe the people behind the farms I went to and how they’re contributing to soil health and sustainability.     “Agriculture exists to solve our most complex problems to meet our most basic needs."       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Round-up of the Stories from the Soil visits and episodes. Where my love for agriculture came from. The farmers I met along the way and why they're awesome. How data and technology have affected the way farmers manage and operate farms today. How innovation is driving the growth of the agriculture industry. The six aspects of agriculture and what they mean from a global perspective.     Key Takeaways:   There is an element in agriculture of collaboration. Be willing to help out your neighbor. If you're not doing what's right for the soil, it's going to be very difficult to sustain it for the next generation.     Resources Mentioned:   Cool Planet Biochar with Jim Loar of Cool Planet Stories from the Soil         2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t...

  Davon Cook is the Co-Founder of Ag Progress, a company that provides management consulting, family business advisory, and facilitation for ag ventures and other groups. Davon facilitates peer groups of ag operations and is a member of the Family Firm Institute, one of the most extensive networks of thought leaders in the family enterprise field. She received her master’s degree from Texas A&M in Ag Econ and her MBA from the University of Illinois.   Davon joins me to share the inspiration behind starting Ag Progress and how their firm works. She describes how their business consulting services help farm owners improve their businesses and the different challenges they face with each client. She also explains the three circles of family business. what succession planning means, and shares what she expects to happen in the future for the ag industry.     “When you change something in one aspect of the organization, there's movement in other places; it has an impact on the entire system itself." - Davon Cook       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Why Davon calls themselves family business advisors. The difference between corporate farms and family farms. How they started their business and the inspiration behind it. The core business challenges they tackle. The life cycle of any business and their different stages. The three circles of family business and the difference between farms in the '90s and farms today. The definition of succession planning and how they help owners manage it. The changes she expects to see in the future for the family farm industry.     Manager Minute   Set goals and your to-do list in A, B, and C categories. Try to focus on what's on your A-list as much as possible.     Key Takeaways:   There is value in having the tough conversations by a business owner with their team. Don't assume parting ways is a failure if you're doing the right thing for your family or the business' health. An organization is made up of several parts, each one complimenting and affecting the other.     Resources Mentioned: FFI     Connect with Davon Cook:   Ag Progress LinkedIn         2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on <a href=...

Joe Breker is the owner of the Coteau des Prairies, a getaway lodge that offers stunning views surrounded by prairie farms and fields. He has been farming for over 40 years and practices what the industry calls “No-till” farming, a method that prioritizes soil health. With his skills and knowledge, Joe managed to successfully operate his farm during the dry ‘80s and wet ‘90s, as well as each decade’s poor farm economy. Joe joins me today to describe how his conservative farming practices have improved their farm’s soil health. He shares how his father was a sustainable farmer and what he did to build on what his father started. He also describes what no-till farming is, how it helps to restore damaged soil and explains the science behind management practices and how it affects soil health for decades.   “Once you lose soil health, it's really difficult to get it back." - Joe Breker   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: The farming legacy Joe is a part of and how his father ran the farm. What no-till farming is and what made him utilize this method. How he started his journey in soil health. Maintaining commitment to soil health despite poor farming business conditions. How he processes their compost and the processes involved. Building soil health and how they nurse damaged soil back to health. Key Takeaways: Farmers know production losses happen because of management practices on their farm. You can't fully restore the health of soil, but you can devise ways to improve it.   Resources Mentioned: Stories from the soil Cool Planet   Connect with Joe Breker: Coteau des Prairies Lodge   2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  <a...

Brady Sidwell is the owner of Sidwell Strategies, a commodity brokerage that provides a variety of risk management solutions that caters towards those in the agricultural industry. They help farmers manage price risks by trading futures and options on the commodity market. Before focusing on this type of business, Brady enjoyed traveling to 95 countries and working in a lot of them. The experiences he had on his many trips allowed him to form a better understanding of how the economy on agriculture works from a global perspective and apply that to his business.   Brady joins me today to share his passion for helping farmers and how it led to the start of Sidwell Strategies. He shares his academic and career highlights, some of the countries he’s worked in and what he learned from them. He describes how China is trying to emulate how Americans look at farming as well as the difference between farmers from either country. He also discusses some of their projects for the coming months.     “If you think you want to do something, go get an internship related to it and see if that is what you want to do." - Brady Sidwell       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   His academic and career achievements and how he ended up working in the agriculture industry. The Chinese mindset and the ways they're trying to catch up with the American model. The big difference between farmers in the US and farmers in China. What made him leave and eventually return to farming. How big his team is right now and some of their current projects. His experience while visiting North Korea.   Key Takeaways: Places that are least populated are where agriculture is the most productive. The entrepreneurial mindset is what sets business leaders apart from those who just want to run a business.   Connect with Brady Sidwell: Sidwell Strategies Facebook Email: [email protected]   2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date, and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please <a href=...

  Irving Fain is the CEO & Co-Founder of Bowery Farming, a company that seeks to innovate indoor and urban farming through sustainable methods without the need for pesticides. He is a seasoned entrepreneur who is passionate about expanding access to quality produce. Before he became the CEO of Bowery Farming, Irving began his career assisting early-stage companies and startups in raising capital as an investment banker.   Irving joins me today to discuss how he and his company plan to improve indoor farming. He explains the many benefits to indoor farming and what separates them from other companies. He discusses some of the projects they’re running and will run in the near future and shares why they decided to focus on indoor farming. He also explains the technologies they use to reinvent and innovate the local produce supply chain.     “The best way to generate positive impact is tying that to an economically viable business model." -Irving Fain       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   What Bowery Farming is and why they focused on indoor farming. The technologies that allowed the innovations they developed. What Bowery Farming looks like today. Why they prioritize being in the commercial farming business. Managing pests and diseases without the use of pesticides. The most exciting aspect of their business.       Key Takeaways:   In building businesses, focus matters a lot. Being focused is a critical component in being successful. With the current systems we have, not only can we know what's happening with the crop, but also what we expect to see from it.     Connect with Irving Fain:   Bowery Farming LinkedIn         2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more...

  Israel Morales Sr. is JV Farms Organic’s lead grower, carrying with him over forty years of farming experience. JV Farms Organic is committed to growing organic crops in an innovative and eco-friendly manner. Israel has extensive experience in not just knowing what produce matches the type of soil you have, but also the various factors involved in soil health. From types of plants and soil varieties to the very insects thriving within the soil itself, Israel’s wisdom regarding organic farming only serves to impress his younger peers.   Israel joins me today to impart his wisdom regarding soil health. He shares the story of he and his family came to California and how he met his partner and started JV Farms Organic. He describes what the farm was like before they developed techniques to improve the soil and what it looks like today. Israel also explains how their farm solved the pest issue without the use of pesticides.     “Your footprints are the best fertilizer. Walk the field." - Israel Morales       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   How Israel came to settle in California. The kind of produce he grows on his farm. How they made the soil capable of growing a variety of plants. The challenges he faced in improving soil health and removing weeds. The best lesson he's learned in his 40 years of being a farmer. When he plans on retiring and what he'll do afterward.       Key Takeaways:   In maintaining soil health, it's all in the balance of minerals.       Resources Mentioned: Stories from the Soil EPISODE 7 - Next-Gen Farming Cool Planet     Connect with Israel Morales:   JV Farms Organic         2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite...

  Connie Bowen is the Principal and Program Manager of The Yield Lab as well as the Principal of Cultivation Capital. The Yield Lab is an accelerator program for entrepreneurs in the agriculture industry. The program’s mission is to enable agribusinesses to revolutionize agrifood systems and promote sustainability through educational resources and support.   Connie joins me today to share The Yield Lab’s mission and how they help entrepreneurs build sustainable agribusinesses through their accelerator program. She discusses how technology is impacting the agriculture industry, how the company utilizes agtech to promote global expansion, and how the company is revolutionizing the accelerator model. She also shares what startup agribusinesses can expect by applying and participating in The Yield Lab’s programs as well as her perspective on the state of technology in the agriculture industry.     “Our global network is an asset for companies - so we can help them to expand at a rate that is appropriate for them.” - Connie Bowen       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: What inspired her to build a career in the agriculture industry. How she began working with The Yield Lab. How the company is revolutionizing the way accelerators are meeting the needs of agtech and agribusinesses. How The Yield Lab defines agtech. What agribusinesses can expect when applying and working with the accelerator program. Why the company decided to expand into multiple countries. Which countries are their accelerator programs currently available? How The Yield Lab customizes their programs to meet the needs of their portfolio companies. The various programs available through the program. Her perspective on the state of agtech. Key Takeaways: It is very difficult to expand into a new foreign country, but it is necessary for companies to scale. There is a need for more people to look at ag as a very serious opportunity for innovation. Ag technology, right now, is such a collaborative space. Connect with Connie Bowen: The Yield Lab 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders...

  Nave Strauss is an arborist and the Director of Street Tree Planting for NYC Parks. His primary function is to make sure New York City and its surrounding areas are equipped with the right combination of trees and plants that can help sustain both public and environmental health. He obtained a degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis in Forestry from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY in 2008 and has worked with NYC Parks since 2009. He and his team aim to become the best tree planting program in the world.   Nave joins me today to share his passion for trees and environmental sustainability. He explains what an arborist is, what they do, and how they participate in various programs involving nature and trees. He also discusses the considerations made when assessing locations and trees to be planted and explains how they aim to improve soil health by way of enhancing soil microbiome as well as how they make use of biochar.     “Trees are are investments that will outlive all of us." -Nave Strauss This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: What an arborist is and the responsibilities that come with this title. Why it's not odd to be an arborist in New York City. The amount of resources New York City should put into its parks. How trees factor into the public and environmental health in cities. Assessing the number of trees as well as the kind of trees needed per area. What soil science says about soil health and how they address it. Short and long-term solutions to improving soil microbiome. Processes involved in basic tree health. What made Nave choose to work in New York City. Key Takeaways: Governments shouldn’t hesitate to put more resources on tree planting because the benefits trees provide are in the interest of public health. An arborist’s main job is to speak for the trees. Resources Mentioned: Stories from the Soil EPISODE 6 - Soil In The City Cool Planet Million Trees NYC   Connect with Nave Strauss: NYC Parks 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for...

  Alexander Reichert is the Co-Founder & CEO of AgVend, an eCommerce platform that partners with various ag retailers to adapt to the evolving needs of American farmers. Their platform allows farmers to connect with retailers and purchase their products and/or services anywhere and at any time. Alex practices the Build-Measure-Learn philosophy in his life and believes customer satisfaction isn’t an option, but a critical part of success in any industry.   Alexander joins me today to describe AgVend, what inspired him to start the company, how it works, and how it seeks to help farmers. He explains the need to have an online presence in the ag industry and why farmers today are more open to online retail stores. He discusses the various ways AgVend can help both farmers and ag retailers in as transparent a manner as possible. He also shares the values and culture he promotes in his company.     “The ones who start and get on track early are the ones who will be most successful." - Alexander Reichert       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   What AgVend is and what it is designed to do. The story that inspired him to start AgVend. The reason behind the surge of online eCommerce platforms in the ag space. How they develop their business strategies and project ideas. How they guarantee a healthy and profitable platform. Fixing constantly fluctuating quotations on online items. Why customers would be inclined to use their platform. The company values he instills in AgVend.     Manager Minute   Retrofitting a culture to a company is nearly impossible.     Key Takeaways:   Growers appreciate if they can work with retailers within their community. Technological solutions that combine with the human element are the ones that stick. Farmers today are more comfortable in obtaining information and buying ag products online.     Connect with Alexander Reichert:   AgVend Facebook Twitter Instagram Email: [email protected] Direct Email: [email protected]         2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today. 

Todd Janzen is an attorney whose practice covers the agricultural industry with the intent to represent farmers and their respective businesses. He is the President of Janzen Agricultural Law LLC, a law firm that specializes in the legal needs of an innovative agricultural industry. He also serves as the Administrator for Ag Data Transparent, a non-profit organization that aims to bring transparency, trust, and simplicity to ag tech contracts. Todd joins me today to help bring awareness to the idea of data transparency in the agricultural industry. He shares his career journey, what inspired him to become an ag industry lawyer, and explains how data transparency can enable farmers to improve their systems and how they manage their farms. He also explains how companies can get involved, the processes they need to partake, and how he thinks this project can impact the industry as a whole.  “Farmers have a much easier time letting a complete stranger know what they're doing on their farm than they would be letting their own neighbor know." -Todd Janzen This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Where Todd got his love for agriculture. The risks that come with Ag Data and how to manage them. Technologies that could be collecting data without us knowing. The type of data farmers should be wary of sharing. The processes involved to help farmers become certified. Companies that will not find this type of service useful. The big questions we still need to answer about Ag Data. Key Takeaways: With social media, people are much more tolerable of sharing private data. We have to treat Ag Data with respect and diligence. Connect with Todd Janzen: Janzen Ag Law Ag Data Transparent 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30  Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted.  Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date, and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  <a...

  Dr. Abbey Wick is an Extension Soil Health Specialist for North Dakota State University. In her position, she is responsible for producing soil health videos with topics ranging from soil erosion to cover crops. She is trained in soil organic matter dynamics, soil structural development, and microbial ecology. She believes all systems need a holistic approach encompassing every interaction within them. She implements this belief by working with landowners, industry, and government agencies throughout North Dakota.   Abbey joins me today to discuss the importance of soil health in the agricultural industry. She shares the story of how she got into the industry despite not having a rural background and why she decided to work on soil health. She describes what her normal, day-to-day routine is like especially when interacting with farmers. She also explains some of the projects she’s working on and how they can help the ag industry as well as the environment.     “Most farmers are not farming for themselves. They’re farming for the next generation." -Dr. Abbey Wick       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   How she got into the agricultural industry despite not growing up on a farm. Her role as an extension specialist and what she does on a daily basis. What the farmers she works with think about soil health and their primary concerns. The goals farmers set their priorities to. The first step in maintaining soil health. Can they optimize one crop to become the best cover crop? Nitrogen and when farmers can utilize the type from the soil and not from fertilizers. The tests involved in evaluating soil health. What Abbey loves so much about soil.     Key Takeaways:   Data always lead us to directions that provide good guidance to within systems we can understand No farmer wants to see soil just slough away. Apply soil health practices in small sections of land first before covering the whole farm. Planting nitrogen-fixing cover crops won't replace nitrogen fertilizers.     Resources Mentioned Stories From The Soil   Connect with Dr. Abbey Wick:   North Dakota State University Twitter     2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30   Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories: Agribusiness Production Agriculture Research & Technology Entrepreneurship Education & Advocacy Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted. Winners will be announced March 2019. To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag...

  Georg Banauch is a molecular biotechnologist with extensive knowledge of synthetic biology and biofuels research. He is also a Co-Founder and Development Director for HATCH, an accelerator program focused exclusively on the aquaculture industry seeking to develop and scale disruptive aquaculture startups.   Joel Harris is Ag Startup Engine’s Co-Director. Ag Startup Engine is a privately-owned accelerator program that funds AgTech entrepreneurs and supports them through mentorship and funding. Joel’s responsibility includes coordinating investor relations and mentoring new entrepreneurs.   Georg and Joel join me today to discuss how their accelerator programs work, the type of ideas they want to support, and what makes each company unique from other accelerators. Georg explains how they developed the idea to launch HATCH, why they focused on aquaculture startups, and how aquaculture can help the world grow. Joel shares what their company is all about and the checklist they use when selecting companies as well as how Ag Startup Engine can help business owners. Joel also offers great advice when dealing with investors from a new entrepreneur’s viewpoint.     "For new entrepreneurs, a small pat on the back can go a long way." - Joel Harris This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: What is HATCH accelerator and how it got started. Their motivation in starting Hatch Accelerator. How their accelerator program works and their interactions with startups. An estimate on how many aquaculture startups are out there. What Hatch looks for in startups and ideas they want to see. What excites Georg on the future of aquaculture? Joel Harris’ perspective as an entrepreneur and someone working with entrepreneurs. Joel’s best advice on how to succeed in growing an AgTech startup. Is Ag Startup Engine open to startups worldwide? How Joel motivates budding entrepreneurs into achieving their goals. Ag Startup Engine's programs and how they help entrepreneurs. Joel's advice to new entrepreneurs when it comes to communicating with investors. Key Takeaways: Aquaculture is efficient compared to others in the agricultural industry. Working with an accelerator is an opportunity, but where you’ll end up after that is up to you. Connect with Georg Baunach: HATCH Email: [email protected] Connect with Joel Harris Ag Startup Engine   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website <a...

The Iowa AgriTech Accelerator is a mentor-led program that allows startups to collaborate with agriculture industry leaders and present their solutions to refine product market fit, perform customer discovery within the industry, and build strategic partnerships. Iowa AgriTech Accelerator Executive Director Megan Vollstedt joins the show to share more about their program. One of their success stories is Rabbit Tractors, that you may remember from Future of Agriculture 118.  Learn more at https://agiowa.com   Check out the "Future of Agriculture" Blog: www.FutureOfAg.com Like the "Future of Agriculture" Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/futureofag/  

Andrew Diprose is the CEO at Rootwave, a UK tech startup that aims to provide a sustainable and efficient solution to weed problems by zapping them from the root up. The goal is to reduce weeds without using chemicals which could help solve soil contamination issues. His role is to lead the product and technology department, making sure the technology is safe and effective when it is commercially available in 2020.    Andrew joins me today to discuss Rootwave, what inspired him to start this type of technology, and how it works. He explains the need for clean methods of killing weeds relative to soil health and describes some of the ways this technology is superior to the conventional means of removing weeds in farms. He also shares his prediction of what agriculture will look like in the future.     “Electricides will be a benefit to society. It will better the environment and the health of individuals.” - Andrew Diprose       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   What are electricides and how does it work in agriculture? Why Andrew believes electricides are the best alternative to herbicides. What inspired him to come up with the idea of inventing electricides. What makes electricides different from using fire and other thermal methods? How electricides are energy efficient and where the energy comes from. Why electricides won’t adversely affect general soil health. The type of plants they aim to use the technology initially. The current stage the technology is currently in and when it is expected to become available commercially. How Andrew envisions agriculture looking differently in the future.     Key Takeaways:   With soil contamination being rampant all over the world, the need for a localized yet efficient and sustainable herbicide is critical. Electricides protect crops from unwanted vegetation without collateral damage.     Resources Mentioned: FoA118 Autonomous Swarm-Enabled Tractors with Zack James of Rabbit Tractors     Connect with Andrew Diprose:   Rootwave   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  <a href=...

Tony Chen is the Co-Founder of Manolin Inc., a new startup in the aquaculture space. Manolin is a software company that aims to accelerate resource sharing between salmon farms as well as prevent and manage sea lice outbreaks through digital health management. Before co-founding Manolin, Tony was developing software for the U.S. government and was only interested in aquaculture as a hobby. His fascination grew to new heights when he discovered how oyster farming works and the plight of its farmers.   Tony joins me today to share his thoughts on aquaculture and why he thinks it’s going to radically change the way we look at agriculture in the near future. He explains what aquaculture is all about, how he believes it can contribute to solving the world food production crisis, and how their company aims to help ocean farmers. He discusses some of the issues of aquaculture and how they tie with the ocean’s current problems. He also describes why they worked with HATCH among other startup accelerators in the industry.   “Aquaculture is another industrial revolution and the world is starting to recognize that.” - Tony Chen This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: What is Aquaculture and how can it impact the future of agriculture? Why he focused on Aquaculture despite having a degree in Computer Science from MIT. What is Manolin and what do they aim to do? Their clients and what their operation might look like. Why they pursued a partnership with the startup accelerator HATCH. The challenges and benefits of being a U.S. company operating in a foreign country. His advice to startups planning to work with accelerators. Why people need to pay more attention to aquaculture. How their app works and what it can provide to its users. Key Takeaways: We're at a stage where there is an opportunity for regeneration in the ocean. Knowing what's happening at a nearby farm is just as important as what's happening at your specific farm. The lack of aquaculture is one of the larger problems when you think about food production globally. Resources Mentioned: HATCH Connect with Tony Chen: Manolin Manolin Aqua Email: [email protected]  We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook<a href=...

 Jim Loar is CEO and President of Cool Planet, an innovations company that seeks to improve upon the current agricultural technologies we have today to facilitate increased profits and crop production at a low cost in a sustainable manner. Jim has over 30 years of experience in the industry and worked with big corporations like Wilbur-Ellis Company and Griffin LLC. He has a Bachelor of Nautical Science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and obtained his Master's degree in Business administration from Ohio University.   Jim joins me today to discuss his ideas around soil health and why he says it’s the future of agricultural innovations. He explains what soil health is and what exactly makes soil healthy. He introduces a new project called Stories From The Soil and describes its purpose and what he wants it to achieve. Jim also discusses how improving soil health benefits not only the environment but also the economy around the agricultural industry.     “Soil health really is the next evolution of agriculture.” - Jim Loar       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Why is soil health so important in agriculture? Why he began focusing on innovating soil for agricultural purposes. The properties of healthy soil and what makes soil not healthy. The tools available to the farmer to help make the soil healthy. How Cool Planet plans to initiate the innovations of soil health. The goal of launching "Stories From The Soil" and what you can expect from it.     Key Takeaways:   Farmers have always been focused on health and it's a priority that's passed to the next generation. Improving soil health positively affects soil biology which translates to better crops and bigger profits.     Resources Mentioned:   Biochar with Jim Loar of Cool Planet     Connect with Jim Loar:   Cool Planet Stories From The Soil             We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  <a...

  Zack James is the Founder of Rabbit Tractors, a team that designs and builds swarm-enabled, compact, and autonomous farm equipment. His company’s aim is to help farmers save time and money while increasing productivity. He has a degree in Finance from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and attended University of Michigan Law School with a focus on corporate governance and securities.   Zack joins me today to share his company’s ideas and solutions when it comes to increasing farm efficiency. He introduces the concept of Rabbit Tractors, describes how they developed the idea and explains how it can improve farm productivity. He also describes how they incorporated autonomy in their technology and how farmers can simply run their machines with smartphones.     “What autonomy will do is let us break the paradox of one farmer driving one tractor at a time.” - Zack James This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: What is Rabbit Tractors? How Zack got the inspiration to start the company. His unconventional background prior to starting his company. How having smaller farm equipment can help farmers with their work. How Rabbit Tractors products can help farmers save time and increase productivity To what point is their technology autonomous? Can Rabbit Tractors replace 100% of what farmers use? The current status of Rabbit Tractors. The qualities that made the company attractive to accelerators Their current business focus and their plans for the future. Key Takeaways: Most ag tech companies have a great technology component but don't have a good delivery method for it. Resources Mentioned: AgLaunch Connect with Zack James: Rabbit Tractors Email: [email protected]   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram 

  Pete Nelson is the President and Executive Director of AgLaunch, an agriculture accelerator that supports startups that innovate food and provide sustainable solutions. He has over twenty years of experience as a farmer, writer, consultant, speaker, and entrepreneur emphasizing farm-based innovation technologies and models. He has worked with a variety of public and private sector partners building a support ecosystem for new ag companies.   Pete joins me today to discuss what AgLaunch is about and how they work with new entrepreneurs in the industry. He shares his background and what inspired him to start AgLaunch and explains the problems farmers encounter when choosing which companies to invest in. He also describes the kind of startups they prefer to partner with - especially when it comes to AgTech.     “There is a lack of calibration between what is needed on the farm and the solutions coming forward.” - Pete Nelson This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: An overview of what AgLaunch is all about Pete's role in the early-stage startups they help. How agriculture is different from other industries regarding Farmers’ perspectives on the current state of AgTech. What it takes to grow the ecosystem to where it needs to be. How AgLaunch selects and works with entrepreneurs. The kind of technology or ideas AgLaunch would love to work with. Why agriculture startups have difficulty "crossing the chasm." Key Takeaways: Ag startups aren’t adopted by clients as fast as startups in the tech world. There are too many agriculture startups to choose from, and farmers have a hard time choosing which ones to invest in. Resources Mentioned: GroGuru Connect with Pete Nelson: AgLaunch Twitter Email: [email protected]   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram 

    Martin Gross is the Founder and President of Gross-Wen Technologies, a next generation wastewater treatment company that makes use of microalgae to provide a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional water treatment methods. As President, he has raised over $3 million in Angel and Series A investments, applied for numerous patents, and served as Principal Investigator in non-diluting SBIR grant funding. Martin has a Ph.D. in Agriculture & Biosystems Engineering, and a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from Iowa State University.   Martin joins me today to discuss the potential of microalgae in innovating the world’s wastewater treatment industry. He explains how their technology works, what sets it apart from traditional methods, and why he believes their process is sustainable and efficient. He also shares how they grow microalgae and why we shouldn’t worry about the possibility of algae-produced toxicity in water as well as describes how accelerators impacted the growth of his company.   “How do you have a successful business with algae? There are two ways today. That is to clean water or produce high-value algae products.” - Martin Gross   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   How Gross-Wen Technologies grows and farms algae. The major advantage of algae to bacteria or chemical to clean nitrogen phosphorus from water. Where the nitrogen-phosphorus in water originates. Martin's background and how he started Gross-Wen Technologies. What piqued his interest in starting a business. How the technology works and how they validated the process. What makes their system much more efficient and cost-effective than conventional algae-growing technology? The challenges in growing one species of algae. How have accelerators impacted his business?   Key Takeaways:   Algae is better than bacteria or chemicals when it comes to cleaning water. An efficient water treatment system is sustainable.   Resources Mentioned: Ag Startup Engine Iowa State University Startup Factory   Connect with Martin Gross:   Gross-Wen Technologies We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on...

  Fatma Kaplan and Cameron Schiller are the founders of Pheronym, an agricultural biotechnology company that develops safe and nontoxic solutions to protect a wide variety of plants. Their flagship product is based on pheromones which is extracted from microscopic roundworms called nematodes. Fatma is Pheronym’s CEO/CSO and is an accomplished scientist with a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology and postdoctoral training in Natural Product Chemistry. Cameron is the COO and has extensive experience in entrepreneurship with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a Master of Science degree in pharmacy healthcare management.   Fatma and Cameron join me today to discuss their pheromone-based pesticide and how it can improve the agricultural landscape in the future. They describe the primary problem regarding nematodes, what inspired them to investigate the use of pheromones as a pesticide, and what eventually lead them to make nematodes work for farmers instead of against them. They also explain the science behind their product and its mechanical and legal challenges as well as share their experience with accelerators.     “We need to have rotations and multiple solutions when it comes to pest control options.” - Fatma Kaplan       This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   What made them look at nematodes for agricultural purposes? What pheromones are and how they utilize it to control nematodes. The challenges of developing nematodes and the pheromones to control them. How to collect nematode secretions. How farmers can identify if they have a nematode problem. The most effective treatment against parasitic nematodes. The difference between nematodes with pheromones vs nematodes without pheromones. How damaging are nematodes to agriculture? Their experience with accelerators and how they helped the business grow. How do connections and networking work with accelerators? Should they be worried about nematodes developing pheromone resistance?     Fatma Kaplan and Cameron Schiller’s Key Takeaways:   Nematodes can hinder farm production, but they can be utilized to benefit the agriculture industry. If you’ve done everything but can’t seem to grow your crops or produce right, you might have a nematode problem.   Connect with Fatma Kaplan and Cameron Schiller   Pheronym Email: [email protected] Phone: (352) 219-4464             We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website <a...

  Welcome back to another episode of the Future of Agriculture’s Follow Up Friday series - the segment when we follow up with listener-submitted questions and comments related to their favorite previous episodes of the show.   This week, I highlight Village Capital, an accelerator that finds, trains, and invests in leaders and entrepreneurs solving real-world problems. Village Capital’s US Ventures Manager Alex Arrivillaga responds to some of my questions regarding the company’s missions and goals, including what Village Capital is and its background and history as well as what sets them apart from other accelerator programs. Alex also shares what she loves about working with food and ag companies.   Resources & Related Content:   Future of Agriculture 114: Sustainable Plastics for Agricultural Use with Tony Bova and Jeff Beegle of Mobius Village Capital Alex Arrivillaga LinkedIn Join the Conversation! To get your most pressing ag questions answered and share your perspective on various topics we’ve discussed on the Future of Agriculture podcast, head over to SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg and leave a recorded message! We want to hear from you and feature you on a future Follow Up Friday segment!

    Jeff Beegle and Tony Bova are the Founders of Mobius, a biotechnology company that envisions to build a future where the world sees organic waste as a valuable resource instead of a burden on the planet. Tony is officially the Chief Executive Officer, and Jeff is the Chief Science Officer. Their current project is a form of biodegradable plastic made from a unique substance found in plants called Lignin. They seek to use their special plastic in various industries such as agriculture, horticulture, and food services.   Jeff and Tony join me today to discuss Mobius’ latest innovation. They share their thoughts on the current economic and environmental issues that surround traditional plastics. They describe their latest product, how it’s made, and why it’s environmentally friendly. They also discuss the different challenges of competing in a plastic market, the difficulty of getting investors, and how they accomplished solving those two problems.   “If someone really wants what you have and they're willing to give you a dollar for it, that's the thumbs up we need to know we're on the right track.” - Tony Bova This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: How they became inspired to start Mobius and the problems they are trying to solve with their products. Why plastics are double-edged swords How their biodegradable plastic works. What makes their product different from traditional PET plastics? How their biodegradable mulch affects the soil. What they did to prevent their product from biodegrading too fast. How they scaled their business. The challenges they faced while searching for investors. Why they chose to team up with Village Capital as an accelerator. The most challenging part of establishing their brand. What's in store for Mobius in the near future? Tony Bova and Jeff Beegle’s Key Takeaways: Biodegradable mulch films are actually improving soil health. There's no bacteria and fungi that can actually eat plastic in the soil. When we start using low-cost, but durable materials like plastic for single use, the problem is what we do with them afterwards. Resources Mentioned: Village Capital Accelerator Connect with Tony Bova and Jeff Beegle: Mobius Facebook Twitter Tony Bova LinkedIn Jeff Beegle LinkedIn We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website <p

    Welcome back to another episode of the Future of Agriculture’s Follow Up Friday series - the segment when we follow up with listener-submitted questions and comments related to their favorite previous episodes of the show.   TERRA’s Regional Manager Anil Suren answers some of my questions regarding the company’s ideas and services, including what it’s like being part of the TERRA organization, the company’s partners an this week, I highlight the TERRA Accelerator, a business that seeks to bring together the ag industry’s most disruptive startups and progressive corporations to boost innovation and set new standards for food and agriculture. d achievements, and the benefits startups can expect by becoming part of their accelerator program.     Resources & Related Content:   TERRA Accelerator Join the Conversation! To get your most pressing ag questions answered and share your perspective on various topics we’ve discussed on the Future of Agriculture podcast, head over to SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg and leave a recorded message! We want to hear from you and feature you on a future Follow Up Friday segment!

  Abi Ramanan is the CEO of Impact Vision, a company that seeks to build a more secure and transparent food system with the use of hyperspectral technology. The company envisions to reduce the cost of food waste and food fraud through software that provides users with information on food quality, rapidly and non-invasively. Abi is also the founder of Papi’s Pickles and Co-founder of DayOld, food enterprises that tackles food waste and unemployment in migrant communities and promotes gender equality.   Abi joins me today to discuss her company’s fantastic innovation for the food and ag industry. She describes what hyperspectral imaging technology is and how space technology can fuse with the food supply chain to solve food waste and food fraud problems. She also describes how their software works in detecting food fraud, how it provides users with information, and shares some of their current and future projects.     “We need to decrease food production and produce more food for the growing population with less resources.” - Abi Ramanan   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   What hyperspectral technology is and how it can benefit the agriculture industry. What inspired Abi to apply hyperspectral technology to food? How this technology can reduce food waste. The economical and global impact of testing 100% of food instead of a small representative. What food fraud is and how hyperspectral technology can help test for it. Their business strategy in choosing where to apply this technology. The company's plans for the future. Why they choose Terra over other accelerators.     Abi Ramanan’s Key Takeaways:   We need to equip the supply chain with newer tools to test for food safety. We can combine space technology with the supply chain in order to bring about a technological revolution in the ag industry.     Resources Mentioned: TERRA     Connect with Abi Ramanan:   Impact Vision Papi’s Pickles DayOld Email: [email protected] We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  <a href=...

Sarah Nolet is the Founder and CEO of AgThentic, a company that helps ag businesses and their entrepreneurs and innovators build the food systems of the future. She is a renowned food systems innovation expert and is the reason behind Australia’s early stage agtech ecosystem. Sarah holds a degree in System Design and Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a B.S. in Computer Science and Human Factors Engineering.   Sarah joins me today to share her insight regarding the future of ag businesses and how she seeks to help expand them faster. She shares the story behind AgThentic, how it started, and how it helps farmers and agbusinesses bridge the gap between agtech and traditional agriculture techniques to create innovative solutions for various problems throughout the industry. She also defines the concept of business accelerators and incubators and how they help agtech startups gain the traction they need to succeed in the agtech industry.   “If connecting to a big company is of strategic importance to your startup, then an accelerator or incubator program can be a good way to do that.” - Sarah Nolet This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: What inspired her to start AgThentic. Her experience regarding farmers who don't adapt to the latest technologies. Do a lot of farmers need help when it comes to using basic software? What agtech accelerators are and how they help agtech startups. The criteria your agtech startup must meet to join an accelerator program. The difference between agtech accelerator programs and agtech incubators. The transformation that happens when an agtech startup goes through an effective accelerator program. Budding countries in the agtech startup space. How AgThentic helps improve the agtech ecosystem between agriculture and agtech. Sarah Nolet’s Key Takeaways: There is potential in combining technology and entrepreneurship that can solve a lot of problems. There's a gap between ag and agtech, and it needs to be filled to push innovation. Connect with Sarah Nolet: AgThentic AgThentic Resources Tool Bushtech Podcast Twitter Email: [email protected] Check Out Our Sponsor for the “Sustainability at Scale” Series Have you ever heard of Marrone’s BIO WITH BITE? Marrone Bio Innovation offers crop pest protection for the modern organic and conventional production systems. To make sure every grower using their products realize the best possible return on investment, Marrone invests time and resources to thoroughly test and demonstrate the efficacy of those new state of the art products. With serious trial data to back it up! You can see more and connect directly with Marrone by visiting them at www.marronebio.com Marrone is very proud to support The Future Of Agriculture blog series on sustainability in agriculture with Tim Hammerich. We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews

Dr. Jeremy Williams is the Vice President of Biotechnology and Agricultural Productivity Innovations at Monsanto, one of the largest modern agricultural companies in the world that develops products and tools to help farmers grow more crops and make use of resources more efficiently. His responsibilities include leading the chemistry and trait research teams that assist farmers to succeed through innovative means such as artificial intelligence. His ultimate goal is to create a discovery pipeline that streamlines projects that affect agricultural development into commercialization.   Jeremy joins me today to discuss the future of agriculture and how artificial intelligence and machine learning can impact the agriculture industry. He describes the concept of artificial intelligence, its current applications, and why he believes these technologies can create new job opportunities throughout the agriculture industry. He also explains the difference between machine learning and deep learning, how artificial intelligence can improve productivity and sustainability within the industry and shares his perspective on the future of the agriculture industry.    “Over time, there’s going to be increasing desires from society to have agriculture be even more sustainable. The development of automation, the use of data science, is going to help us meet those demands from society.” – Dr. Jeremy Williams     This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   How he ended up working with Monsanto and his responsibilities. What is artificial intelligence and how is it used in the ag industry? The difference between Machine Learning and Deep Learning. Applications of artificial intelligence on the farm. How machine learning can impact the ability to discover new crop protection chemistries. How artificial intelligence can help discover new insect control traits for expression in plants. How humans and artificial intelligence can work together. The impact that artificial intelligence and machine learning can have on future job opportunities in the agriculture industry. How the Bayer-Monsanto acquisition can impact agriculture innovation. Advice for new ag-tech entrepreneurs. His predictions for the future of the ag industry.     Dr. Jeremy Williams’ Tips for New Ag-Tech Entrepreneurs:   The quality of your team is very important. Remember: You don’t know everything as an organization. Be externally focused. Partner aggressively. Use the leverage of a much bigger ecosystem than you can build yourself with your organization. The ability to fail, learn, and recover is critical. Be patient, but also be persistent and tenacious.     Connect with Dr. Jeremy Williams:   Monsanto LinkedIn Twitter       Check Out Our Sponsor for the “Sustainability at Scale” Series Have you ever heard of Marrone’s BIO WITH BITE? Marrone Bio Innovation offers crop pest protection for the modern organic and conventional production systems. To make sure every grower using their products realize the best possible return on investment, Marrone invests time and resources to thoroughly test and demonstrate the efficacy of those new state of the art products. With serious trial data to back it up! You can see more and connect directly with Marrone by visiting them at www.marronebio.com Marrone is very proud to support The Future Of Agriculture blog...

  Aldyen Donnelly is the Director of Carbon Economic at Nori, a startup company dedicated to creating trust and transparency while lowering transaction costs throughout the carbon trading industry. Her mission is to reward carbon sequestering farmers with blockchain-backed carbon credit certificates. Nori is a blockchain-enabled platform allowing users to trace where carbon dioxide is sequestered and is currently the world’s only carbon dioxide sequestration marketplace.   Aldyen joins me to share the mission behind Nori and how it can help both the environment and farmers. She shares how she became inspired to help the world reduce its carbon emissions, where carbon emissions are primarily derived, and the company’s business strategy to help reverse this problem. She also explains the role of blockchain with regards to transparency in their platform and how farmers can benefit from regenerative and carbon sequestering practices.   “When we create a market that is transparent, a whole bunch of ideas about how to do this will come up that have never entered our mind yet.” - Aldyen Donnelly   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Where greenhouse gases are primarily stored. How soon can we reduce the greenhouse gases to 350 ppm? The theory behind Cap and Trade and why it’s not an optimal strategy to address the greenhouse gas emission issues. The true value of one carbon certificate. Why California is a special case when it comes to emissions certificates. How Nori works and how it utilizes blockchain. Who are the buyers of the carbon certificates? How regenerative practices allows farmers to generate marketable carbon credits, even during natural disasters. Causes of the downward pressure on the price of carbon certificates. How funding U.S. farmers to sequester carbon can offset transport and gas plant emissions. Aldyen Donnelly’s Key Takeaways:   When most people are buying a certificate in the state of California market for $15, they think it’s costing $15 to reduce one ton of CO2, but if a certificate is really only worth 25% of a ton, they’re actually paying $60 a ton. Every cap and trade pollution market has crashed and burned within seven years. If we fund U.S. farmers to sequester carbon at top price, they can offset all of the U.S. transportation emissions and all of the gas plant emissions.   Connect with Aldyen Donnelly:   Nori Twitter   Check Out Our Sponsor for the “Sustainability at Scale” Series Have you ever heard of Marrone’s BIO WITH BITE? Marrone Bio Innovation offers crop pest protection for the modern organic and conventional production systems. To make sure every grower using their products realize the best possible return on investment, Marrone invests time and resources to thoroughly test and demonstrate the efficacy of those new state of the art products. With serious trial data to back it up! You can see more and connect directly with Marrone by visiting them at www.marronebio.com Marrone is very proud to support The Future Of Agriculture blog series on sustainability in agriculture with Tim Hammerich. We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network...

Del Ficke and Graham Christensen own farms that advocate a practice called Regenerative Agriculture. This practice sequesters a massive portion of CO2 in the soil and even in forests. Del is the owner of Ficke Cattle Company, a family run farm and livestock operation with a history dating back to 1860. Graham is the Founder of GC Resolve, an environmental consulting company based in Nebraska that specializes in grassroots community development, education, and mobilization.   Del and Graham join me today to discuss the practice of Regenerative Agriculture and what they have done to implement it in their farms. They share how they learned about regenerative practices and their success stories and explain why this type of practice is based on what’s already been done before, but long forgotten due to mass production. They also share examples of how regenerative ag can benefit farmers financially.   “We don't need to get bigger; we just need to get smarter on this and work with nature.” - Del Ficke   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   How they began working in the ag industry. Their farms before and after they embarked on their journey to regenerative ag. How they're able to earn more despite having smaller farms. The first step in moving towards regenerative ag. Common concerns towards regenerative agriculture. How they trained their banker to be comfortable with the regenerative agriculture approach. How regenerative practices revitalize rural communities.   Resources Mentioned:   Episode 098: Evidence-Based Agriculture and Defining Sustainability with Marc Brazeau of Food and Farm Discussion Lab   Del Ficke and Graham Christensen’s Key Takeaways:   It's helpful when you have other farms doing regenerative ag successfully. It makes you realize this type of farming does work. You can try to run a farm at 90% efficiency, but there's always something you can't eliminate.   Connect with Del Ficke:   Ficke Cattle   Connect with Graham Christensen:   GC Resolve Regenerate Nebraska Facebook Check Out Our Sponsor for the “Sustainability at Scale” Series Have you ever heard of Marrone’s BIO WITH BITE? Marrone Bio Innovation offers crop pest protection for the modern organic and conventional production systems. To make sure every grower using their products realize the best possible return on investment, Marrone invests time and resources to thoroughly test and demonstrate the efficacy of those new state of the art products. With serious trial data to back it up! You can see more and connect directly with Marrone by visiting them at www.marronebio.com Marrone is very proud to support The Future Of Agriculture blog series on sustainability in agriculture with Tim Hammerich. We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  <p...

Michael Gilbert is the Founder and CEO of Semios, a Canadian company that helps farmers manage their pest problems using onsite sensing, big data, and predictive analytics solutions. He has over twenty years of experience in the field of biotech research and development. Before founding Semios, Michael held positions with federal research institutions, large multinationals, medium-sized public companies, and startups.   Today, Michael joins me to share the goal of Semios and how they plan to contribute to sustainability. He explains the driving idea behind Semios, the technologies they apply in their business, and the many problems they help farmers solve. He also explains why pesticides can eventually stop working and the different applications farmers can use based on the data gathered from sensors.   “You need to have more data to understand why things are occurring and how to best manage it.” - Michael Gilbert   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  How Semios helps farmers find solutions to pest problems. How producers previously managed pest issues before using sensors. How Semios analyzes pests. How to incorporate machine learning in the agriculture industry. The four V’s of Big Data. The benefits of IoT and Machine Learning technology. His background and how he stumbled upon the pest problems farmers face. How farmers can apply the data gathered by sensors. How their technology can aid sustainability throughout the agriculture industry. Problems they hope to solve in the future. Michael Gilbert’s Words of Wisdom: Having a bad year has nothing to do with luck. Our job is to understand what made the risk occur. Connect with Michael Gilbert: Semios Check Out Our Sponsor for the “Sustainability at Scale” Series Have you ever heard of Marrone’s BIO WITH BITE? Marrone Bio Innovation offers crop pest protection for the modern organic and conventional production systems. To make sure every grower using their products realize the best possible return on investment, Marrone invests time and resources to thoroughly test and demonstrate the efficacy of those new state of the art products. With serious trial data to back it up! You can see more and connect directly with Marrone by visiting them at www.marronebio.com Marrone is very proud to support The Future Of Agriculture blog series on sustainability in agriculture with Tim Hammerich. We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website <a...

John McKeon is the Senior Manager of Organic Compliance, Commission, and Consolidation at Tanimura and Antle. Founded in 1982, Tanimura and Antle is a farm company that grows and sells both conventional and organic produce. John has almost two decades of experience working in the agricultural industry with skills in operations, management, quality assurance, and compliance.   Today, John joins me to share how he and his company are working to fulfill the world’s surging preference for organic produce. He shares the difference between managing a conventional farm and an organic farm, as well as what it’s like to have both. He also describes the business benefits of growing organic produce as well as the challenges many farmers face when transitioning to organic farming.     “There's a lot more going into organic farming than just the health claim.” - John McKeon   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What is Tanimura and Antle and how it started? How many acres are organic and how many are conventional? What is the Organic Standard and what makes a food "organic." The hurdle growers face when transitioning to organic production. Financial benefits of growing organic crops. The logistical advantages of having both organic and conventional crops. Are organic crops difficult to scale? Various regulations regarding organic farming. John McKeon’s Words of Wisdom: Changes to the organic regulations typically mean a change to the law as it's written in general. Organics take a little bit of a different mindset and toolset when it comes to scaling. You want to pay attention to the details when you're growing both organic and conventional crops. Connect with John McKeon:   Tanimura and Antle Email: [email protected] Check Out Our Sponsor for the “Sustainability at Scale” Series Have you ever heard of Marrone’s BIO WITH BITE? Marrone Bio Innovation offers crop pest protection for the modern organic and conventional production systems. To make sure every grower using their products realize the best possible return on investment, Marrone invests time and resources to thoroughly test and demonstrate the efficacy of those new state of the art products. With serious trial data to back it up! You can see more and connect directly with Marrone by visiting them at www.marronebio.com Marrone is very proud to support The Future Of Agriculture blog series on sustainability in agriculture with Tim Hammerich.   We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website <p...

Rachel Laudan is a food historian and award-winning author of Cuisine and Empire: Cooking in World History, a book about the rise and fall of various culinary traditions and philosophies. She has over twenty years of dedicated research to the evolution of our food systems. She’s also an engaging speaker who helps industry professionals, students and professors, and public groups see food from a long-term and global perspective. Today, Rachel joins me to share a brief overview of what food history is all about. She shares her thoughts on various food movements and diets, how traditional foods came to be considered traditional, and why people today have better food than most kings and queens in the past. She also explains the importance of separating processed food from what is “bad food” and what she believes we should consider to be “good food.”   “One should tell food history as a series of expansions, migrations, cuisines, or systems of eating.” - Rachel Laudan   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What encouraged her interest in agriculture and food history? Foods we think are traditional, but really not. Is there truth to having better sustainability in the pre-processed food era? Her thoughts on how to feed the exploding human population. Why she thinks corn is an amazing crop. Her perspective on the "Natural Food" trend. What counts as a "good" food? What is "Culinary Modernism"? Rachel Laudan’s Words of Wisdom: We should realize how great modern food is. Average-earning populations can eat better than most kings or royalty in the past. Almost everything we eat has been transformed from its natural state. If we eat nothing but raw food, the human race will find survival difficult. Connect with Rachel Laudan: Rachel Laudan official website Twitter Cuisine and Empire The Food Paradise Check Out Our Sponsor for the “Sustainability at Scale” Series Have you ever heard of Marrone’s BIO WITH BITE? Marrone Bio Innovation offers crop pest protection for the modern organic and conventional production systems. To make sure every grower using their products realize the best possible return on investment, Marrone invests time and resources to thoroughly test and demonstrate the efficacy of those new state of the art products. With serious trial data to back it up! You can see more and connect directly with Marrone by visiting them at www.marronebio.com Marrone is very proud to support The Future Of Agriculture blog series on sustainability in agriculture with Tim Hammerich. We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please <a href=...

Olympia Yarger is the Founder and CEO of GOTERRA, an Australian-based waste management company that redefines the idea of food waste through decentralized waste management. Their company’s primary goal is to manage food and animal waste using insects of which the byproduct could be used as a feed additive. This approach is an alternative and sustainable way of feeding livestock that also reduces global waste.   Today, Olympia shares how maggots can help solve global food waste. She describes what it was like to start a maggot farm, how to manage one, and what makes it unique compared to typical farms. She also explains how maggots convert food waste to animal feed and how this could be the future of sustainable agriculture.   “It's one thing to get the flies to do the act and get viable eggs, but it's another to manage consistency of production at any scale.” - Olympia Yarger   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  The problems they initially encountered with their maggots when they were starting out. What it's like to run a maggot farm vs a typical farm. What a Black Soldier Fly farm looks like. How much food waste could one shipping container go through? How they structure their business model. How long it takes to raise maggots. What they do with waste that wasn't consumed. Food items they can't use in the farm. Olympia Yarger’s Words of Wisdom: You can streamline insect farming in a way that makes it affordable and also gives you access to a wave of ideas. There is a need to breed a lot of maggot eggs and refine the system in a way that is commercially viable. Connect with Olympia Yarger: GOTERRA LinkedIn Check Out Our Sponsor for the “Sustainability at Scale” Series Have you ever heard of Marrone’s BIO WITH BITE? Marrone Bio Innovation offers crop pest protection for the modern organic and conventional production systems. To make sure every grower using their products realize the best possible return on investment, Marrone invests time and resources to thoroughly test and demonstrate the efficacy of those new state of the art products. With serious trial data to back it up! You can see more and connect directly with Marrone by visiting them at www.marronebio.com Marrone is very proud to support The Future Of Agriculture blog series on sustainability in agriculture with Tim Hammerich. We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots!  Learn more about AgGrad by visiting:  Future of Agriculture Website AgGrad Website <a...

Dr. Pamela Marrone is the founder and CEO of Marrone Bio Innovations, a company dedicated to finding practical, sustainable pest management solutions that are safe for people as well as the environment. She is also the founding Chair and former board member of the Biopesticides Industry Alliance, a cluster of over a hundred biopesticide and related companies. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research as well as a member of the Board of Trustees for Cornell University.   Today, Dr. Pamela shares the mission behind Marrone Bio Innovations and how their products help farmers through environmentally-safe pest management solutions. She describes what drew her to founding the company and explains why biopesticides are critical for tomorrow’s world. She also enlighten us on the technical aspect of their products and provides examples of how their products can help farmers.   “There's a lot more science and technology behind today's biological products, so they are better than they have been in the past.” - Pamela Marrone   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What the "biologicals" category is all about Why are chemical solutions still preferred over biologicals? Why "snake oil" products are all but gone. Limitations on biological pesticides. How they produce biological products. What it takes to get approval of their product. How they design their products according to storage, use, and user. How the agriculture and pest control industry has changed over recent decades. What are molluscicides and how do they work? The future products of Marrone Bio. Pamela Marrone’s Words of Wisdom: Organic farming is difficult because of weed control, so expect biological weed control products to be a household name in the future. Many farmers are also fishermen, hence the need for solutions to water infestations. There are different residue rules between export and not export. Connect with Dr. Pamela Marrone: Marrone Bio Innovations LinkedIn Check Out Our Sponsor for the “Sustainability at Scale” Series Have you ever heard of Marrone’s BIO WITH BITE? Marrone Bio Innovation offers crop pest protection for the modern organic and conventional production systems. To make sure every grower using their products realize the best possible return on investment, Marrone invests time and resources to thoroughly test and demonstrate the efficacy of those new state of the art products. With serious trial data to back it up! You can see more and connect directly with Marrone by visiting them at www.marronebio.com Marrone is very proud to support The Future Of Agriculture blog series on sustainability in agriculture with Tim Hammerich. We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!  The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today.  Share the Ag-Love!  Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please <a href=...