Ryan Sirolli is the Senior Director at Danone North America, a food company that focuses on dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and plant-based foods. Ryan is responsible for leading a team that serves to develop and execute agricultural sourcing and improve supply chain sustainability. He and his team emphasizes on soil health as well as creating alternative economic models that advocate both customer satisfaction and environmental sustainability.   Today, Ryan shares how Danone North America is part of a global sustainability project. He discusses many of the company’s current environmental advocacies and how the company has aligned its goals to meet the needs of both health and environmentally conscious consumers. He also provides insight with regards to the GMO and Non-GMO debate and shares his thoughts on the future of organic and sustainable agriculture.   “It’s our responsibility to make sure that whatever we source, whatever system the farmer chooses to use or whatever the consumer wants - it’s our responsibility to make sure we do it in the most sustainable way.” - Ryan Sirolli   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  Ryan's educational background and experience. What is the Dannon Pledge? The products Danone is focusing on. How they establish a level of trust with their customers and investors. The GMO vs. Non-GMO argument. Danone's commitment to their customers and the environment. How they invest in soil health. How they define regenerative agriculture. The possibilities for their supply chain in the future. Ryan Sirolli’s Words of Wisdom: The consumers are more proactive about their health. They want to know where their food is coming from, how it is being made, and they want to buy from brands they can trust. Environmental sustainability is now a major factor of what drives consumers to buy healthy products. Connect with Ryan Sirolli: Danone North America 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...

David Perry is the President, CEO, and Director of Indigo Ag, a company that seeks to harness the power of plant microbes to improve yield and lessen (and potentially eliminate) the use of harmful pesticides and insecticides. David is a well-known entrepreneur, having founded and built three outstanding companies within the last two decades. He has lead the last two companies through successful IPOs while providing significant returns for their investors. Prior to becoming a businessman, David attended the US Air Force Academy and was a National Merit Scholar.   In this episode, David explains how plant-microbe research can benefit the farmer as well as the environment. He describes the thought processes involved in founding Indigo Ag, the benefits of their research as well as its plausible risks towards the environment. He also shares their current research progress and their future projects.     “To improve economic prosperity for farmers, we should move farming from being a completely commoditized business to one where they are increasingly producing things that are value-added.” – David Perry   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  Why he believes microbes can help improve agriculture. Their solutions to identifying microbes that increase yields. Technologies that enabled them to expand and innovate their research. Can they patent the microbes they find? The risks of this type of research towards the environment. The problems they started working on. Can microbes eventually replace chemicals in agriculture? What identity preservation means from a farmer's view point. David Perry’s Words of Wisdom: Developing microbes are much faster than developing chemicals. There's a future in which we use less than half of the chemical fertilizers we use today, and we may eliminate 90% of the chemical pesticides and insecticides. If the farmer is delivering their crop to a local elevator and it's getting piled in with their neighbors, there's no way for them to get paid for better quality or greater sustainability. Resources Mentioned: Marrone Bio Innovations Connect with David Perry: Indigo Ag 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. Join Our 100th Episode Celebration! We are celebrating the Future of Agriculture Podcast’s 100th episode - and we want to celebrate with you! Visit SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg to record your voice and tell us which Future of Agriculture Podcast episode was your number 1 favorite - and why! Who knows? We may even play your voice in a future episode! Head over to SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg today to record your voice and share your favorite episode with us. We Are a Part...

Jason Mauck is a farmer in Gaston, Indiana and the CEO of Constant Canopy, an operation dedicated to closing the gap between livestock and grain production. He is passionate about demystifying misconceptions and bringing public awareness to how the farming and agriculture industry truly works from a large-scale farming perspective. Jason joins me today to share how his large-scale nutrient management system works, discuss the imbalance between supply and demand, and why he believes a sharing economy is a perfect solution to addressing these issues. He shares the intercropping strategy he uses to create higher crop yields, effective strategies for using manure as a soil nutrient management technique, and how he describes “true soil wealth” for large-scale farmers. He also explains the concept of wheat spreading and how it impacts production costs and the benefits of planting soybeans early in the growing season.   “I don’t think there’s one subject that is more compatible with the sharing economy than manure distribution.” - Jason Mauck   This Week on the Future of Agriculture Podcast: Effective strategies for using manure as a nutrient management technique on large-scale farming operations. Why newer methods of using manure to manage soil nutrients are more effective and economical than older methods. How the sharing economy can address supply and demand issues related to manure distribution. The cropping system he uses to keep production costs low while using manure-based nutrient management techniques. The benefits of locally placing manure versus widespread placement. The benefits of developing an intercropping system. Why he advocates for early soybean planting - even when predicting another freeze. Understanding the concept of wheat spreading and how it impacts production costs. How he harvests wheat without harming soybean crops with his intercropping system. Benefits of early bean seed planting. How allowing bean plans to grow side-by-side - instead of upright - impacts the overall growth and production. Why he believes more farmers do not experiment with intercropping strategies. How farmers evaluate annual soil health. How he describes “true soil wealth.”   Connect with Jason Mauck: Jason Mauck on 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. Join Our 100th Episode Celebration! We are celebrating the Future of Agriculture Podcast’s 100th episode - and we want to celebrate with you! Visit SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg to record your voice and tell us which Future of Agriculture Podcast episode was your number 1 favorite - and why! Who knows? We may even play your voice in a future episode! Head over to SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg today to record your voice and share your favorite episode with us. We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!

Marc Brazeau is the Chief Organizer and Editor at Food and Farm Discussion Lab, a food system think tank and online magazine for people within the agriculture industry to share evidence-based solutions, ideas, and concepts related to sustainable agriculture, hunger and food security, and public health and nutrition concerns. With previous experience as a chef and restaurant owner as well as organizing unions within the agriculture space, he brings a unique perspective to the food-to-table movement. He is passionate about helping others form their opinions regarding agricultural issues based on evidence, science, and facts. Marc joins me today to share how he became interested in evidence-based agriculture concerns, what inspired him to create the Food and Farm Discussion Lab, and how his views of food sustainability have evolved. He explains the variables that affect the global sustainability of food, why he believes scalability is a critical factor to consider when addressing food sustainability matters, and the issues that he believes have become over-hyped within the industry.   “If you’re not dealing with corn, soy, wheat, forage crops, or meat, then you’re not really having a serious conversation about sustainability.” - Marc Brazeau   This Week on the Future of Agriculture Podcast: What inspired him to start the Food and Farm Discussion Lab. The pivotal moment that lead him to begin searching for evidence-based information regarding sustainability issues in agriculture. How agriculture professionals currently view the term “sustainability” and how we should transition to more productive views. The variables that create the most impact on the global food sustainability crisis. Why corn, soy, wheat, meat, and forage crops are critical to the overall scalability factor of food sustainability. Over-hyped technologies and initiatives within the agriculture industry related to food sustainability. How his views and opinions regarding food sustainability have evolved since starting the Food and Farm Discussion Lab.   Resources Mentioned: Bio Fortified Tomorrow’s Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food book by Raoul Adamchak and Pamela Ronald Accountable Ag blog post by John Phipps   Connect with Marc Brazeau: Food and Farm Discussion Lab Food and Farm Discussion Lab Forum     Join Our 100th Episode Celebration! We are celebrating the Future of Agriculture Podcast’s 100th episode - and we want to celebrate with you! Visit SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg to record your voice and tell us which Future of Agriculture Podcast episode was your number 1 favorite - and why! Who knows? We may even play your voice in a future episode! Head over to SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg today to record your voice and share your favorite episode with us. 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!

Richard Lackey is the Chairman and CEO of the World Food Bank, an organization founded in 2015 to provide sustainable solutions to the food security and hunger issues around the world. He is a highly-regarded expert in the trading and securities industry and is passionate about finding solutions that will help end world hunger. Richard joins me today to share the driving force behind World Food Bank, their mission, and how their unique program is designed to significantly impact the food security and hunger issues we currently face worldwide. He explains how his systematized approach helps impact the world from an economic standpoint and why systematic approaches are more sustainable solutions to combating world hunger and poverty. He explains how they use model farms to help farmers in third-world countries gain access to the tools, techniques, and strategies that can improve their crop grades, quality, and profits. He also shares his prediction for investors considering food as a future asset commodity and the potential impact that a single 5,000-acre farm can have on the lives of those living in countries such as Uganda.   “The ability to now store commodities for years and years - and maintain grade - is a game-changer.” - Richard Lackey   This Week on the Future of Agriculture Podcast: The food security issues that the World Food Bank focuses on solving. What is post-harvest loss and how it impacts the export market worldwide? How they use model farms as an educational tool within third-world countries. Why organizations are beginning to shift their focus from project-based programs to systematic solutions. How the company works with investors and creates profits. The technology they use to store commodities and remove the calendar risk associated with long storage periods. How his organization helps third-world countries mitigate and control price volatility. How the systematic approach is impacting the lives of farmers as well as the poverty crisis within third-world countries. His prediction on investors considering food commodities as an asset class in the future. The potential impact that one sustainable farm can have in a third-world country. How they determine how well crop genetics will work within each region.   Connect with Richard Lackey: World Food Bank The Case for Food as an Asset Class - Whitepaper   Join Our 100th Episode Celebration! We are celebrating the Future of Agriculture Podcast’s 100th episode - and we want to celebrate with you! Visit SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg to record your voice and tell us which Future of Agriculture Podcast episode was your number 1 favorite - and why! Who knows? We may even play your voice in a future episode! Head over to SpeakPipe.com/FutureofAg today to record your voice and share your favorite episode with us. 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=...

Tom Bottoms earned his bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and in 2013, he received his Ph.D. in Horticulture and Agronomy from the University of California. He currently works as an employee of a large farming operation based in Northern California with the intention of eventually accumulating his own farm land and building his own operation. Tom joins me today to share what inspired him to work in the agriculture industry and what motivated him to continue his education in agriculture. He shares why he decided to pivot his career from agriculture academia to work in the private sector, his experience while working with the African Leadership Partners in Swaziland, Africa and the challenges he has faced and overcome while helping a small farm operation significantly grow during his missionary operation in Africa. He also explains the importance of networking and building relationships within the farming industry to help you achieve your goals as a professional, the importance of self-awareness and professional development, and tips on how to get started in farming.   “You’ve got to continue to develop yourself - to put yourself in a situation where you’re learning about the industry.” - Tom Bottoms   This Week on the Future of Agriculture Podcast: Tom’s experience as a missionary in Africa. How he helped the African farm operation become successful. How he balances his personal life while advancing his career. The importance of networking with others in the industry and how it has impacted his career. The farming operation he is currently working with. Why he believes setting firm, inflexible deadlines on certain goals is dangerous. The importance of focusing on improving processes more than the financial opportunities available when you are just starting out in farming. The importance of building trust within your farm operation. How to get started in farming. Assets that young professionals can offer to established farming operations. Resources Mentioned: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don’t book by Jim Collins Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies (Harper Business Essentials) book by Jim Collins Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business book by Gino Wickman Tom Bottom’s Tips for Getting Started in Farming: Try to keep your day job as long as you can while you are trying to get started. Ask yourself what you are doing now to make it possible. Read and understand how basic farming operations work. Question everything. Connect with Tom Bottoms: 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 <a...

Rob Saik is the founder of the Agri-Trend® group of companies whose primary goal is to help farmers grow food through agriculture consulting services in areas such as agronomic production, carbon-offset trading, grain marketing strategies, and data management systems for producers around the world. He is the creator of The Agri-Prize contest series, a TEDx and keynote speaker, and the author of the book The Agriculture Manifesto - 10 Key Drivers That Will Shape Agriculture in the Next Decade which has earned an Amazon 2014 Best of Books award. Additionally, he is the Executive Producer of the movie KNOW GMO as well as the webisode series LEARN GMO.   Rob joins me today to discuss the mission behind The Agri-Trend and the connection between the organic movement and the non-GMO movement. He explains how he believes GMOs can impact the future of agriculture, sustainability, and the food supply around the world as well as the impact they can have on the health of consumers. He also shares why he believes many consumers refuse to use GMO-friendly products and the importance of due diligence when educating yourself about organic and genetically engineered crops.   “Most of what you are reading about GMOs on social media are an absolute distortion of the truth.” - Rob Saik This Week on the Future of Agriculture Podcast: How Agri-Trend helps farmers allocate scarce resources. The impact that banning GMO products have had on certain countries and cultures. The connection between the organic movement and the non-GMO movement. What farmers should consider to grow more crops organically. Why farmers shouldn’t be at odds when deciding to grow organically or become GMO-friendly. Why he believes many people think GMOs are bad or unhealthy. How “organic” and “non-GMO” food labels are misleading consumers. How GMOs can contribute to the agriculture industry’s long-term sustainability. The impact that embracing genetically modified food can have on the world’s starvation crisis and consumer health. Connect With Rob Saik: KNOW Ideas Media KNOW Ideas Media on Facebook KNOW Ideas Media on YouTube Will Agriculture be ALLOWED to Feed 9 Billion People - Rob Saik’s TEDx Talk 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...

Simone Kain is the co-creator of George the Farmer, a social enterprise that focuses on educating kids about proper farming practices as well as how food and fiber are produced using apps, music, videos, picture books, and free curriculum-aligned educator’s guides. She drew inspiration from a 2012 survey in Australia that shows 10-12-year-old students don’t know where their food comes from. Simone describes George the Farmer as “everyone’s mate” and tackles the daily activities of Australian farming with passion.   In this episode, Simone explains how George the Farmer educates children. She shares the story behind George the Farmer, how they structured their app, and why knowing where your food comes from is essential. She also discusses the need for people to learn that a career in agriculture is not always about farming and how George the Farmer aims to do just that.     “We try to get kids to start thinking about the amazing opportunities available in agriculture.” – Simone Kain   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  The origins of George the Farmer. What their app aims to do. Who their market is and their target age group. Their response from those who don't have a farm background. How kids have benefited from their app. Their future projects for George the Farmer Their process in trying to get George the Farmer in television. The challenges they've faced What surprised her the most in this project? Connect with Simone Kain: George The Farmer Facebook Twitter 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 

Chris Rawley conceived the idea of crowdfunding platforms for agriculture while visiting a farm investment in Central America. He would soon start Harvest Returns, a crowdfunding company that serves investors looking to diversify their portfolio and invest their money on actual farms. Before founding Harvest Returns, Chris obtained corporate management roles in various companies and once served as a defense consultant at Special Operations Command Headquarters thanks to his military experience. He has been investing in real estate and agriculture for almost twenty years.   In this episode, Chris discusses how his company helps both farmers and investors. He shares how he got the idea of starting Harvest Returns, the company’s main goals, and what makes them different from other agricultural crowdsourcing platforms. He also shares some of their recent projects as well as some of their strategies in handling difficult markets.     “Agriculture is for people with long-term investment horizons.” – Chris Rawley   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What is equity crowdfunding? Who are their primary clients? What does Harvest Returns invest in? What assurance do investors have that their farm will be well managed? What would compel farmers to give up some of their ownership to get money? How do they handle a two-sided marketplace? How does their company make money? What made them start the company? How many deals have they closed so far? Resources Mentioned: AgFunder Connect with Chris Rawley: Harvest Returns Facebook Twitter 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 

Dr. Jason de Koff is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at Tennessee State University. He holds a Ph.D in agronomy from Purdue University and has received numerous awards including the NACAA Achievement Award and the TAAA&S Communications Award (Learning Module Southeast Region) in 2016. Dr. de Koff joins me on today’s episode to discuss how cooperative extension programs are helping to spread unbiased information throughout the agriculture industry to help improve the future of agriculture. He also explains how cooperative extensions are encouraging the future of careers in agriculture, how they are helping new farmers get started in the agriculture industry, and how drones can be used in agricultural production.   “Cooperative extension agents are really the unsung heroes of the extension program.” - Dr. Jason de Koff This Week on the Future of Agriculture Podcast: The history of cooperative extension programs and how the organization was funded. The importance of the cooperative extension providing an unbiased voice in the agriculture community. Who the cooperative extension programs help on a day-to-day basis. Project examples of how the cooperative extension programs work. What are “needs assessments” and how they help cooperative extensions decide which projects to focus on next. How cooperative extensions work with private industries. How they are helping new farmers learn valuable skills in the agriculture industry. How they are educating farmers and children to use drones in agriculture. Evaluating project effectiveness for the USDA and stakeholders. How to learn more about cooperative extension programs in your local area. Resources Mentioned: 40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World book by Howard G. Buffett New Farmer Academy Connect with Dr. Jason de Koff: Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Twitter

Jerod McDaniel is a farmer and cattleman from Texhoma, Oklahoma. He is progressive when it comes to farm-related data, and new technology and practices. He is quite open and excited about the idea behind blockchain and how it would impact farmers like him. Jerod took over his grandfather’s farm in 1995 when he was just 18 years old which has enabled him to acquire the necessary skills for traditional farming as well as learn and integrate new ways to make the different processes involved much more efficient. He is considered one of the agriculture industry’s top Twitter influencers.   In this episode, Jerod discusses what farmers like him expect from blockchain technology. He shares some of the issues farmers and ranchers currently face and their current solutions, and how blockchain technology can elevate the systems they already have in place. He also describes the importance of having the right data when it comes to breeding with the right genetics and how it can make an otherwise slow year profitable.     “The best thing about blockchain technology is it would unify the platform people use.”– Jerod McDaniel   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  How much do farmers value data? Why, even with data, it would be difficult to remove the farmer from farming. What data is he collecting now that he didn't previously? Data points regarding cows he is more interested in. How will blockchain help ranchers? When it comes to data, what makes the beef industry different from the poultry and swine industries? His opinion on the cryptocurrency trend? Connect with Jerod McDaniel: Twitter 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 

Emma Weston is the CEO and one of the founders of AgriDigital, a commodity management company that combines advanced technical and industry expertise with aesthetic design and intelligent systems to develop seamless solutions to complex logistical, risk, customer management, and commodity issues in the agricultural sector. Emma leads the company’s business strategies, investor engagement, and their own Blockchain and talent management. She also has responsibilities in sales and operations.   In this episode, Emma shares how their company works with Blockchain and how it enables them to support farmers. She describes the impact Blockchain has on the future of transactions and why it will eventually become a standard in the industry.     “A platform approach means there is a single source of data and a single source of truth.”– Emma Weston   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  How Blockchain helped solve problems for their company. How does Blockchain solve the payment security problem? What's the difference between Blockchain transactions and today's internet transactions? How their company utilizes Blockchain tech when it comes to finance. Incentivizing the buyer to pay earlier than they should. How can Blockchain provide transparency without exposing sensitive information? Connect with Emma Weston: AgriDigital Email: [email protected] Win a free book on Blockchain! Want to know more about Blockchain? We are giving one lucky listener a copy of the book Blockchain: The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Technology Behind Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency. Learn the basics of Blockchain, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies and how they work. To enter for your chance to win, click this link and follow the instructions. The lucky winner will be randomly selected on February 15 2018, so don’t miss out! 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 

Raja Ramachandran is the CEO of Ripe.io, a company that considers itself as the Blockchain of food. Ripe.io offers solutions to food problems that involve data transparency while also providing answers to many consumer questions. Raja has a background in finance and FOREX trading and is fond of using financial technology, cloud-based systems, machine learning, and Blockchain to help solve problems around food on a global scale.   In this episode, Raja shares the idea behind Ripe.io, their mission, and how they can make use of Blockchain to solve problems specific to food and agriculture. He explains why Blockchain is not the answer, but part of a solution and how consumer feedback helps make the system work better. He also describes the current application of Blockchain now as well as how he sees it being implemented in the short term.     “Once you recognize the things you know and don't know, you're gonna be looking for different tools to make certain things happen.”– Raja Ramachandran This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  Why they created Ripe.io Why did they focus on food in applying Blockchain? Where does the data end up and where is the value in it? How consumers can contribute to the Blockchain. How does a company insert themselves in the middle of a system where the purpose is to get rid of the middle? Who are their ideal customers? What was the Sweet Green Pilot all about? What can Blockchain do for food waste? Is an ICO something Ripe.io is interested in? Connect with Raja Ramachandran: Ripe.io Win a free book on Blockchain! Want to know more about Blockchain? We are giving one lucky listener a copy of the book Blockchain: The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Technology Behind Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency. Learn the basics of Blockchain, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies and how they work. To enter for your chance to win, click this link and follow the instructions. The lucky winner will be randomly selected on February 15 2018, so don’t miss out! 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 

Alex Danco is an Associate and member of the Discover Team at Social Capital, a partnership consisting of philanthropists, capitalists, and technologists who together share the same goal of funding startups and ideas that can create value and change on a global scale. Alex is fond of thinking and writing about the future, and has authored a number of blogs that discuss the future of human society and technology all over the web. This penchant for futurism has made him grow fond of little yet novel ideas that just need a bit of capital to get started.   In this episode, Alex explains how Blockchain works. He discusses what made Blockchain a necessity, how it was initially conceptualized, and why Bitcoin paved the way for its mainstream introduction. He also describes just how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have value, and why they are not that different from gold.     “When people talk about Blockchain, it’s just the record of the process that happens.” - Alex Danco   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  The beginnings of Blockchain The problems that Blockchain could solve Why Bitcoin and Ethereum have value. How to determine the value of cryptocurrencies. The difference and similarities between gold and Bitcoin. What does it mean to build an agricultural product on the Blockchain? Connect with Alex Danco: Social Capital Win a free book on Blockchain! Want to know more about Blockchain? We are giving one lucky listener a copy of the book Blockchain: The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Technology Behind Bitcoin & Cryptocurrency. Learn the basics of Blockchain, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies and how they work. To enter for your chance to win, click this link and follow the instructions. The lucky winner will be randomly selected on February 15, 2018, so don’t miss out! 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 

FoA085 FOA How Blockchain Technology Can Help Farmers in Developing Countries   David Davies is the Founder of AgUnity and AgriLedger. AgUnity enables the world’s smallest and poorest farmers to have access to a means to lift themselves out of poverty through smartphone and blockchain solutions. AgriLedger is the smartphone app AgUnity developed that records and transacts incorruptible data through blockchain technology. The app allows virtually every user to know their transactions and data are kept safe and tamper-proof.   In this episode, David Davies shares his ideas and vision for the future of blockchain and the agricultural industry. He explains the different problems blockchain can solve, how their app integrates blockchain technology as well as how it can boost farmer’s income significantly.     “What we use the blockchain here for is having a permanent record of trust.”– David Davies This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What inspired him to start AgUnity and AgriLedger? How their app helps farmers increase their income and efficiency. What blockchain would enables us to do that the internet wouldn't. Why they give farmers free phones. How does a typical transaction work with their app? Why they don't use any form of cryptocurrency in their transactions. Other industries that can benefit from their app. Things blockchain just isn’t capable of despite the hype. Connect with David Davies: AgUnity AgriLedger Facebook Twitter Win a free book on Blockchain! Want to know more about Blockchain? We are giving one lucky listener a copy of the book Blockchain: The Beginner’s Guide to one lucky listener. All you have to do is click this link, follow the instructions, and you might just win this awesome book! The lucky winner will be randomly selected on February 15 2018, so don’t miss out! 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 

Dr. Nishant Dass is an associate professor and Ph.D. Coordinator in finance at Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business. His areas of expertise include major areas of financing and business management including CEO-Compensation, Corporate Governance, Mutual Funds, Trade Credit, and International Finance. He has plenty of published papers under his name with regards to financing and has extensive experience providing sage financial advice to startups and other small companies. He has recently picked up an interest in Blockchain technology, citing it as the next big thing since the internet.   In this episode, Dr. Nishant Dass discusses the potential and limitations of Blockchain technology. He explains why Bitcoin is not Blockchain, the kinds of problems Blockchain can solve in the near future, and why Blockchain doesn’t guarantee truth. He also shares what he believes will happen within the next two to three years with regards to its inevitable global implementation.     “If the internet is about exchanging information and Bitcoin exchanging money, then Blockchain is about exchanging value.”– Dr. Nishant Dass This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  Why he likes to work with startups. How he discovered Blockchain How he applies his knowledge of Blockchain to his work Is the concept of Blockchain overhyped? The differences between Bitcoin and Blockchain. How he sees Blockchain tech developing in supply chains. Situations where Blockchain tech can improve efficiency. The limitations of Blockchain. What we expect to see from Blockchain in the near future. What needs to happen for Blockchain to be successful. Connect with Dr. Nishant Dass: Georgia Tech profile 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 

Tomaz Levak and Ziga Drev are the founders of OriginTrail, a service that developed the first purpose-built protocol blockchain-based supply chains. Their protocol aims to bring trust into the supply chain without the need for a middleman brokering trust. The OriginTrail platform was created to bring blockchain tech to supply chains in an interoperable, scalable, and decentralized manner.   In this episode, Tomaz and Ziga discuss their product and how it can solve many of the problems encountered with the current supply chain structure. They explain how their product works, the companies they are testing it on, and how it can impact the agricultural sector in the near future. They also share some of the ways you can become involved in their product, such as by being an investor.     “Blockchain is a technology that allows you to get rid of this middleman that is brokering trust.”– Ziga Drev   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  How do you get Blockchain technology to scale? What are the incentives in implementing Blockchain? When did they realize Blockchain was the solution to supply chain problems? How does OriginTrail's protocol work? How Blockchain changes the way we do open source projects. What is Trace and can you buy it with currency or is it only acquired by participating in the supply chain? What's the next step for OriginTrail? Connect with Tomaz and Ziga: OriginTrail 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 

In part 1 of our Blockchain series, I discussed the concept of Blockchain and how it can impact the agricultural industry. I highlighted reputable resources, possible points where Blockchain can positively change, and how it can build trust in all market participants from beginning to end. I also compared Blockchain to BitCoin, emphasizing on their similarities, and why it is the next big thing in the agricultural industry. I also discussed the advantages farmers will reap from it and how a Blockchain system can affect our current supply chain.   In this episode, I’ll explain other potential applications of Blockchain as well as some of its current limitations and scenarios where applying a Blockchain system helps improve the system for everyone involved in terms accountability and data accuracy. I’ll also explain how Blockchain can help farmers focus on farming instead of other time-consuming transactions.     “Enough people need to adopt Blockchain, to where it could be an effective use to the supply chain.”– Tim Hammerich   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  Limitations and challenges with Blockchain. Additional applications and opportunities for Blockchain. What needs to be built to utilize Blockchain's full potential? How it can create a more efficient transaction between clients and suppliers. The potential benefits of Blockchain to logistics. 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 

Innovations in the agricultural industry come in many forms. From technological advances to improving farming practices, the world is slowly but surely guaranteeing safe and sustainable food sources for generations to come. But, what if we take that a step further? What if we have a system in place that enables traceability, security, improves food safety and gets everyone involved in making sure food quality is top notch? That is what the concept of Blockchain seeks to implement.   In this episode, Tim discusses the concept of Blockchain and why it’s one of the most ambitious, yet sensible approaches when it comes to advancing the agricultural industry. He lays down the facts, his sources, and why it’s not so different to how Bitcoin operates. He also explains how a typical Blockchain approach would work with our current supply chain.     “Blockchain is a series of technologies that can build trust in our supply chain.”– Tim Hammerich This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What is Blockchain and how can it affect agricultural businesses? What information does it provide farmers? Can you trust Blockchain with sensitive data? The similarities between BitCoin and Blockchain The five areas in agriculture where Blockchain is currently being explored. The limitations of Blockchain? Resources Mentioned: Future of Agriculture – Leveraging Data to Optimize Commodity Decisions with Mike Neal of DecisionNext Future of Agriculture - Disruptive Agricultural Technologies with Aidan Connolly, CIO of Alltech Blockchain Meets Agriculture: Supply Chain Transformation Possibilities How the blockchain will radically transform the economy 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

Nick Horob is the founder of Harvest Profit, a company that provides a set of management tools focused on the business side of the farm. Their aim is to allow farmers make decisions based on objective analysis and data, preventing emotionally-driven choices which in turn gives them better, long-term returns. While Nick grew up in a family of farmers, his extensive experience in risk management, real estate investment, and business best practices motivated him to start Harvest Profit so he could help farmers not just increase their yield, but to let them know where to invest and where to cut their investments.   In this episode, Nick explains what Harvest Profit is all about. He discusses the many problems encountered by farmers when it comes to investments and how their services provide the answers to those issues. He also shares why his company stands out among the competition, their goals for 2018, and his thoughts on the future of AgTech.     “Producing a crop is a combination of hundreds if not thousands of micro variables.”– Nick Horob This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  How does Harvest Profit improve a farmer's business? What inspired him to start Harvest Profit? Farmers attitudes towards new technologies and new software. What makes Harvest Profit much more attractive to farmers than other competitors? What it’s like to compete with bigger companies? Connect with Nick Horob: Harvest Profit 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 

Tyler Mayoras is a Principal at Advantage Capital Partners, a company that invests in small businesses that are ready for growth. As a principal, his duties revolves around screening and identifying potential opportunities for investments, facilitate due diligence, and close transactions. His primary focus is on investments made by their agriculture wing, aptly called Advantage Capital Agribusiness Partners. Some of the most prominent businesses he watched over were Hip Chick Farms, Shenandoah Growers, and NurturMe.   In this episode, Tyler shares the kind of businesses their company looks for when it comes to investing. He explains their requirements, what convinces them to invest in that particular business, as well as why almost half of the businesses they look at are rural or close to rural. He also shares how the government is involved in their investments and his experience working with NurturMe, a gluten-free baby food company.     “A lot of the whole food revolution is being driven by people under 40: The Millennials and Generation Z.”– Tyler Mayoras   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  The type of investing Tyler does with Advantage Capital Partners. How hard is it to invest in a new industry? Would wheat-based products still be considered plant-based? Is it hard to merge those who are interested in progressive food and ag business and those supporting a rural economy? The trends in the natural space and how companies manage to stay unique. What do they consider as impact investing? Spaces he would like to find more companies to invest in. The impact of information accessibility on food trends. Resources Mentioned: 23andMe NurturMe Connect with Tyler Mayoras: Advantage Capital Partners Twitter 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 

How does a 30,000 acre farm operate with just 9 employees? Lon Frahm shares with Tim how he has grown his row crop operation to over 30,000 acres, and how he uses economies of scale such as self-insuring and storing his own grain, to develop advantages over other farmers.  Lon has a very impressive story. He took over his family's farm upon his father's death when he was just 28 years old. He has lead the operation to tremendous growth over the past 30 years and has experiences very little employee turnover.  Lon knows the value in keeping good people on the team, learning quicker than your competition, and networking with peers in the industry.  Whether you are a farmer, in agribusiness, or not in any related field, there are still some business gems in this episode.  Learn more about Frahm Farmland at http://www.frahmfarmland.com Wall Street Journal Article Featuring Lon Frahm Visit http://www.AgGrad.com to connect to careers and employers in agriculture.  Reach out to Tim on Twitter @timhammerich. 

Steven Brockshus is the CEO and Founder of TERVA, an online real estate marketplace dedicated to empowering farmland professionals with knowledge, insights, and data. They aim to build a marketplace not only to educate, but to also connect with people looking to buy and sell farmland. He aims to bring the agricultural real estate industry online to shift the industry and how people interact and think about farmland.   In this episode, Steven shares his story on how he started TERVA as well as the moments and people in his life that inspired him to do so. He talks about what it can do now and what it sets to do for farmers in the future, and why TERVA is a great resource for those planning to retire on the countryside.     “Disruption in the ag context is different than a disruption in a Silicon Valley or social media based business.”– Steven Brockshus   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What is TERVA, their vision, and mission? How the startup company he interned with inspired him to create TERVA. How being in the FFA made him a better business leader. Who finds the most value in using TERVA? The format people want when using TERVA. Where do they plan to expand next? How they convince potential investors. Resources Mentioned: Zillow Connect with Steven Brockshus: TERVA 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 

Dr. Peter Ballerstedt is a Doctor of Animal Nutrition and is an expert in forage and ruminant nutrition in agriculture. He stepped out of the agriculture industry for some time and ventured in the tech world for many years. He came back because he realized a fantastic source of health could be found through leveraging animal agriculture, specifically ruminants. A stern believer in grass-based animal nutrition, Peter calls this – the potential of ruminants to lead the way towards healthier diets - the Ruminant Revolution.     In this episode, Peter discusses what his Ruminant Revolution is all about. He addresses the need for ruminants and why it’s one of the best sustainable options to support an ever-growing human population. He also dives in on some facts regarding cultivable lands and current innovations in the ruminant agriculture industry.     “Our grassland resources are our largest and least well-utilized resource that remains.”– Dr. Peter Ballerstedt   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What made him love ruminants? Why do we need a Ruminant Revolution? What the is diet like of mostly meat eaters and the diet he recommends today. The steps needed for rangeland industry progression to catch up with road crops? Why Ruminant Animal Agriculture isn't competitive with human beings. Why he favors grass-based agriculture. His thoughts on the saying "You are what you eat.” Resources Mentioned: Good Calories, Bad Calories book by Gary Taubes Dr. Michael and Dr. Mary Dan Eades Connect with Dr. Peter Ballerstedt: Facebook Twitter Instagram 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 

Charles Baron is the Co-Founder of Farmers Business Network, an idea conceived by farmers for farmers. The company aims to gather unbiased and objective information with regards to agronomics and commodities. The idea is to pool available data from individual farmers, so every farmer in their network would benefit from them. The company started three years ago with just 3-4 farms, but through word of mouth and good service, they now have close to 4,700 farms within their network. Charles and his team plan on ultimately expanding his reach outside the U.S. and continue to improve their data interpretation and gathering services.   In this episode, Charles explains the idea behind Food Business Network, what drove him to become a farmer, and the problems farmers face in the U.S. that go unnoticed. He also shares how his company managed to grow their network to what it is now, and their outlook for the future of their company.     “Farmers Business Network exists to bring benefits back to our farmers using our technology and network.”  – Charles Baron   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What problems does Farmers Business Network solve for farmers? Why farmers have the worst economics. The uses of Farmers Business Network in terms of commodity prices. What does the side benefiting from the status quo think of their company's business strategy? How transparent is farmer's business network? Why did some hate their price transparency? What kinds of farms do they cover? How do they make sure the data is validated? How do they market their services to farmers? His thoughts on fluctuating commodity and input prices. Any plans on serving the animal agriculture side? What gets investors excited about Farmers Business Network? Resources Mentioned: Farmer2Farmer Connect with Charles Baron: Farmers Business Network 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 

Mike Neal is the Co-Founder and CEO of DecisionNext, a company that utilizes and analyzes data in a way that helps companies optimize their decision making. DecisionNext’s business relies on giving clients possible market forecasts in an event of a policy change. Regarded as a serial entrepreneur, Mike is fond of starting new businesses and has focused his entire career on mathematical models and its application to critical business decisions. He has founded plenty of SaaS companies, all of which provided highly focused analytics to business users.   In this episode, Mike shares what DecisionNext is all about and how it can help the agricultural industry. He also provides insight on the importance of recognizing patterns in today’s market as well as his thoughts on the future of agriculture.       “Having a rigorous view matters as long as it's monetized through optimizing the forward position on the buy side or the sell side.”  – Mike Neal This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  His background on what got him to start analytics companies. What prompted him to leave a good career to go on his own? What is DecisionNext all about and what services does it offer? Is there an element of machine learning that aids in their tools? The two reasons why transparency matters. How big is pattern recognition for today's businesses? How is working with commodity firms different to retail merchandising firms? Why he says there's no such thing as a true commodity. What are the steps he takes in coming up with the next big idea? His marathon analogy when it comes to starting a company. His thoughts on the future of food and agriculture. Does he see the government using DecisionNext to do sensitivity analysis on the food supply? Connect with Mike Neal: DecisionNext [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 

David Norman is the Senior Vice President of Investments Programs at Heifer International, a company that promotes a “pay it forward” approach to sustainable agriculture. Their mission is to end world hunger and poverty while also taking care of the planet by working with communities. This approach seems to be a great answer to the issue of food security and sustainability, as Heifer is driven by the “teach a man to fish” philosophy which ensures the families they help are all able to contribute to eradicating world hunger.   In this episode, David explains what Heifer International is all about, it’s humble beginnings, and its mission. He also shares the different challenges they face with every program as well as some of the successes that made it all worthwhile.     “You basically want markets to compete for your products.”  – David Norman   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  An example of a market that is not dependable or fair. How they structure their business and programs. How the company selects which communities to target. Will the communities know Heifer International is involved or do they operate behind the scenes? Is there a difference between social capital and trust? Challenges that prevent or delay communities prospering as a result of Heifer's work. What is the value chain? How do they know if their programs are working? What are the logistics behind their programs? What are their considerations when it comes to where they invest their money? The big challenges we as a society need to overcome for their company to realize their mission.     Connect with David Norman:   Heifer International   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 

Andry Andriankaja is an agronomist that specializes in the field of plant biotechnology. Carl Andre is the research manager for the EPA-DHA Canola project at the BASF Plant Science Department who studied how plants convert simple sugars to oil as well as plant lipid metabolism.  They are working together on a big project in biotechnology that will innovate the way we eat and provide our body with nutrients: making the typical canola plant naturally produce EPA and DHA, two types of Omega 3 fatty acids.   We all know what Omega 3 fatty acids are and what they can do for the body, but we’re often forced to either eat their food sources or buy fish oil supplements. What if we can consume omega 3 fatty acids in products we're already eating? Andry and Carl are now working on that answer and have been working on it for the past 10 years.    In this episode, Andry and Carl discuss their big project, why they chose the canola plant as their host, and what it took for them to get this far. They also discuss  their vision with regards to the importance of plant biotechnology in the near future.     “We pride ourselves to create chemistry for a sustainable future.”  – Andry Andriankaja   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What's the project all about the issues it will address. What does getting more EPA and DHA have to do with canola? Where does this technology currently stand? When do they expect the product to hit the market? Why did they partner with Cargill? What made this project possible to start coming together now? Why did they choose EPA and DHA? How farmers can benefit from this project. How will this product influence how people view biotechnology and genetic engineering? Where do they see the future of biotechnology? Countries that are big canola producers. Connect with Andry and Carl:   BASF       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 

Joe Swartz is the Vice President of Commercial Sales and Technical Support at American Hydroponic, a.k.a AmHydro. AmHydro is a small company in the United States that designs and builds innovative hydroponic systems, a soil-free way to grow plants, and have been doing so for the last 30 years. Joe Swartz himself came from a family of farmers and started researching the science of hydroponics when he saw the traditional methods of farming were no longer paying the bills during the real estate boom of the late 80s.   After purchasing the family farm from his father, Joe put his formal education and passion in agriculture to good use and invested time and money into researching and experimenting with different hydroponics system operations. Some said he was a genius, some called him otherwise. Regardless, with hydroponics AmHydro has slowly and steadily made a huge and growing impact towards preserving the environment.    In this episode, Joe tells us all about hydroponics, its advantages and disadvantages, why hydroponics farming is still farming, and how to turn it into a profitable business.     “The real issue is that we have a need to be able to put agricultural production in areas not necessarily suitable for agricultural production.”  – Joe Swartz This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What is Nutrient Film Technology? How his old-school family reacted to him telling them it's time to find a new path in agriculture. How has controlled environment ag changed from the 80's to now? What factors cause people to think controlled environment agriculture is too hyped? Is that a good thing? How would he advise new farmers who want to proceed in getting started as a grower of indoor farming? What is the correct approach at building a hydroponics business? How big does a greenhouse need to be to make indoor farming profitable? The ballpark price for indoor farming packages. What is Aquaponics? Why some controlled environment agriculture growers fail? His prediction for the future of hydroponic agriculture. Connect with Joe Swartz:   AmHydro Twitter   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...

Jack Gilmore is the owner and head chef of the famous Jack Allen’s Kitchen in Austin, Texas. More than good food and service, Jack Allen’s Kitchen is known for being a pioneer in what we call the “Farm to Table.” According to Jack, at least 80% of every food on his menu is locally sourced. He first got into cooking when he was 15 and taught himself how to cook when he was working part time in a restaurant. By the time he was 18, he realized school wasn’t his thing so he decided to get married and start a family.   Jack knew how to cook, so he figured he could make a living out of it. He worked for other people and was able to work with incredible chefs, until he grew tired of working for someone else and decided to start his own restaurant. From cooking for a decent wage to actually owning his own restaurant chain, he has come a long way.   On today’s episode, Jack talks about how he started his restaurant business, what made him choose to buy from local farmers as much as possible, and the logistics involved in running a locally-sourced restaurant. He also his thoughts on the future generation of farmers.     “I don't tell anybody we're a 100% local, I tell them we're as local as we can be.”  – Jack Gilmore   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  How he partnered with local farmers How much of his menu is influenced by the ingredients available? How he manages the many farmers he partners with as well as the logistics behind. How he plans his ingredient supply forecast with the farmers. How he determines which farmers to work with How he shows his appreciation to the farmers. Why he's not worried about the next generation of farmers as much as he is about next generation of chefs. The biggest and smallest farms he buys from. Is the farm to table concept still a growing concept nationwide? The future of the local food movement. How does he manage the food waste in his restaurant? Check Out Jack Gilmore Across the Net:  Jack Allen’s Kitchen 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 

Spencer Stensrude is a business analyst for Ag Ventures Alliance, a company that invests in startups aimed to support and innovate the agricultural industry. The company itself was formed by farmers in Iowa in the late 90s. One of their latest investments is a company called SwineTech and is headed by Matthew Rooda. As the name implies, SwineTech is a company focused on innovating the swine industry, and right now its focus is on preventing sows from crushing their piglets.   On today’s episode, Spencer and Matthew talk about how they met, what their companies are all about, and how they started working together. They also share their prediction for the agricultural industry in the future and one of the biggest issues in the pork industry and how it’s affecting the economy.     “We are happy the company making money and sending us a check vs having to sell the company to someone else to pay back the investors.”  – Spencer Stensrude This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What is SwineTech all about? How did they discovered the piglet problem and how they developed a solution? The success rate of their new technology. The process from getting the startup ready to actually getting an investment. Matthew’s long term vision for SwineTech. Why Ag Ventures invested in SwineTech? The price point of SwineTech's product for producers. The timelines and process involved in investing in SwineTech. The focus of Ag Ventures for future investments. The first objection Matthew usually gets from producers when selling his product. What excites Spencer about the industry and his prediction for the future of agricultural technology. Check Out Spencer Stensrude Across the Net:  Ag Ventures Alliance LinkedIn Twitter Check Out Matthew Rooda Across the Net:  SwineTech Email: [email protected] 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  <a href=...

Aidan Connolly has been with Alltech for 27 years and is currently its Chief Innovation Officer (CIO). Alltech is a company that helps farmers feed the world, raise healthy animals, and protect the environment. He works with the company’s research department focused on developing nutrition-based technologies that will capitalize on insights gained through Alltech’s investment in nutrigenomics. Aidan’s main tasks as CIO is to spearhead Alltech’s projects in multiple facets of the agricultural industry, make sure they’re always on the cutting edge when it comes to current technology, as well as incorporating new technologies into how food is produced in the future.   On today’s episode, Aidan shares how he became Alltech’s CIO and how the company decides which innovation to invest in. He also explains the disruptive technologies that will greatly affect the agricultural industry in the near future.   “Brain power and imagination are going to be very important in terms of the roles we play.” – Aidan Connolly     This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:   Alltech's views on disruptive technology. How they strategically decide when to invest in an innovation. What is the Pearse Lyons Accelerator? The 8 potentially disruptive technologies. Is artificial Intelligence something humans should worry about? How he prepares his children for the future. Since 2009, TOP US food and beverage companies have lost an equivalent of $18 billion of market shares. How does this affect agriculture? Can the "local food" movement scale? How should we balance thinking about innovations and our busy lives?   Mentioned in this episode:   ONE18 Conference Humans Need Not Apply Video   Check Out Aidan Connolly Across the Net:   Alltech LinkedIn Twitter     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: AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter AgGrad on Facebook AgGrad on LinkedIn AgGrad on Instagram

Do we take basic decision making for granted? Do we just assume that our practices in the past should be our practices in the future? Using data based information, there may be ways to become more efficient and productive while saving money and resources. Dr. Curt Livesay from Dynamite Ag is one of those people who questions basic assumptions. He focuses on agronomy or soil management and crop production. He has been a guest on a past episode, but we mostly discussed the cannabis industry. Today, Dr. Curt Livesay shares his data based process especially around the subject of nitrogen use. We look at nitrogen efficiency and getting the desired amount of nutrients without creating waste. We also talk with Scott Wettstein, a farmer from Lidgerwood, North Dakota. If you like thinking for yourself, this is a great episode for you.    "When we test and find products that actually work, we take those on and promote them to our growers." – Dr. Curt Livesay     This Week on the Future of Agriculture Podcast: How Dynamite Ag prides themselves on research and education  How Dr. Curt Livesay always had a greater vision and wanted to sell based on independent research Nitrogen research and accepting the idea of “what everybody knows” Nitrogen is not uniform in the soil profile 360 Yield Center produces the Y drop which drops from a sprayer and places nitrogen closer to where the plant needs it Overapplying nitrogen's negative impact on the environment Looking at cost savings and capturing the yield goal based on Curt’s research Research versus tradition and nitrogen soil tests with sensors Check Out Dynamite Ag & Dr. Curt Livesay & Scott Wettstein Across the Net: Dynamite Ag Dynamite Ag on Twitter Dynamite Ag on Facebook Dynamite Ag on YouTube Call Curt at (641)919-5574 [email protected] com [email protected] Scott Wettstein on Twitter Scott Wettstein on Facebook 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:  AgGrad Website   AgGrad on Twitter   AgGrad on Facebook   AgGrad on LinkedIn   AgGrad on Instagram 

There was a time when people found a job and stayed there for most of their working lives. Those times are in the past with modern statistics saying that 67% of employees leave a first job within the first 2 years. Having a job that is a good fit is not only important for employer cost savings, but it also makes a difference in the employee’s happiness. Bob Broeckelman was interested in agribusiness right out of high school. He has been an FAA officer and advisor, an ag teacher, and is recently retired after 33 years working in the Farm Credit system.  He understands the importance of human capital and why it's important for people to understand and find what is the right fit for themselves. Today, we talk about tools used to create profiles and questions to create good matches for people and jobs. We also talk about how this method helps the employer and employee.     "We were trying to do the students a favor by putting them in the right jobs." - Bob Broeckelman     This Week on the Future of Agriculture Podcast: How matching people who were good fits for jobs drastically reduced turnover Tools used for finding the right fit such as interview questions and questionnaires Using the predictive index for behavioral profiles Using questions to narrow down the top and bottom applicants and how these profiling methods were effective in many positions from loan officers to truck drivers Cost lowering effects of matching people to the right jobs before hiring How results proved the accuracy of these methods in success and retention rates How the age they started working was the biggest predictor of success How Bob noticed a decrease in critical thinking skills in interviews since the 80s How we will grow by taking risks and having an open mind and attitude Check Out Bob Broeckelman Across the Net: Bob Broeckelman on LinkedIn Bob Broeckelman on Facebook 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:  AgGrad Website   AgGrad on Twitter   AgGrad on Facebook   AgGrad on LinkedIn   AgGrad on Instagram  [email protected]

Grasslands and grazing cattle go hand in hand. Yet, grazing cattle can be a complex process with things like dynamic business practices, the ecology of the grasses, and the biology of the animal all needing to be considered. Grass-fed beef and other grass-fed agricultural products are also fueling the modern-day demand for pastures and grazing opportunities. I recently came across a business that is trying to solve issues associated with pasture management and cattle grazing. Christine Su is the co-founder and CEO of PastureMap, a platform that collects data on different areas that are being used for grazing. It helps build on that data to help with making informed decisions on the entire process. Byron Palmer is a livestock rancher who grazes cattle in Sonoma County. He is one of the people doing the work and putting future agricultural ideas into practice. He is the owner of Grounded Grasslands. Byron grazes cattle for farmers and manages pastures. Today, I talk with Christine about PastureMap, and with Byron about how he uses the software.   “We have a lot of respect for the tradition of planned grazing and the emotional component, so we follow adaptive planned grazing methodology very closely.” - Christine Su This Week on the Future of Agriculture Podcast: How PastureMap helps grazing managers who practice multi-paddock adaptive grazing Christine’s background and how she went from a consumer with a business background to reconnecting with the land and food she eats Features of the initial app prototype that could be accessed from a smartphone An iterative process of launching live modules and beta testing future prototypes How their mission is to help ranchers make more profits by building healthy grasslands Focusing on soil carbon data and rewarding farmers by sharing positive data How it’s not profitable to graze without productive pasture planning Check Out PastureMap & Christine Su & Byron Palmer Across the Net: PastureMap Grounded Grasslands Grounded Grass Fed Sonoma Mountain Institute 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:  AgGrad Website   AgGrad on Twitter   AgGrad on Facebook   AgGrad on LinkedIn   AgGrad on Instagram 

What do you think about an all-expenses-paid trip around the world for six months to learn about agriculture? Does it sound too good to be true? It is too good, but it is also true. This adventure is made possible through Nuffield scholarship. Today’s guest, Mat Hocken, is a husband, father, dairy farmer from New Zealand, and a Nuffield Scholar who has travelled globally to research on his chosen topic of specialization - agricultural innovation. Mat joins me today to share the details of this amazing scholarship program that’s been created for the advancement of agriculture in a global aspect. He gives an overview of the life of a Nuffield scholar and its new international scholarship program. He also shares how this can influence your view of the world and the agricultural industry.   “I think I’ve learned a lot from just observing what you do [in the US]. [Innovation] is also a cultural context.”  – Mat Hocken This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Specifics on the Nuffield scholarship, their scholars, and a list of participating countries Requirements and qualifications for scholarship application Other programs Nuffield scholars take part in while on their trip What's expected of a Nuffield scholar Elements that Mat looks into in other countries as he studies and writes about agricultural innovation Mat’s agricultural background and the business model he and his family use in their business Backstory of how the Nuffield Scholarship came to be and how it is funded Check Out Matt Hocken Across the Net: Mat Hocken on Twitter 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: AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter AgGrad on Facebook AgGrad on LinkedIn AgGrad on Instagram

Today’s guests allow us to look at agricultural technology and entrepreneurship from two different perspectives. Kevin Heikes is part of the IN10T, a digital agricultural company that created Farmer Trials. Farmer Trials is a platform that connects people who have new ideas and want to test them on real farms. These people get to work with real farmers who have the skill and resources to assess whether these ideas solve real problems that farmers face. Also with me is Kyle Morrow, a farmer in Indiana who is currently a customer of Farmer Trials. Kyle shares his experience working with the company and allows us to look at matters from a practical approach since one of the goals of the program is to see things from different lenses. Today, we see that all new and innovative agricultural technology is nothing until tested and proven effective on the farm. Kevin shares how art and science are combined as a growth strategy used by Farmer Trials; the communication process among the farmer, the ag entrepreneur, and Farmer Trials; and when entrepreneurs can approach Farmers Trials if they have new insights and project proposals.   “Having something like Farmer Trials where they can try multiple things within a given year accelerate the learning curve to utilizing the data.” - Kyle Morrow This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Problems that existed on the farm before Farmer Trials came along Requirements farmers had to meet in the past if a company wanted to do farm trials Tasks that Farmer Trials manage and facilitate for agribusinesses Working in the business versus working on the business Why the services offered by Farmer Trials are appealing to companies both big and small How Farmer Trials plan to use the grant awarded them by Kansas Department of Agriculture Who determines the compensation for the projects   Check Out Kevin Heikes Across the Net: Farmer Trials Website Farmer Trials on Twitter Farmer Trials on Facebook Kevin Heikes on Twitter   Check Out Kyle Morrow Across the Net: Kyle Morrow on Twitter   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: AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter AgGrad on Facebook AgGrad on LinkedIn AgGrad on Instagram

While having guests and learning from people with different perspectives are the typical setup of this show, stopping to reflect on the things that have been discussed and talked about is an excellent way of seeing the learning, growth, and future direction of the program. With this said, today, I’m going to deviate from my normal program flow to look back and see where the journey has taken us. Today, I’m going to talk about the five big takeaways I have learned from the first 60 episodes of the Future of Agriculture podcast. I also explain how these five big things determine the direction and content of the program. Agriculture should be looked at from as many different lenses as possible. That’s where we’re going to get the ideas. This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Agricultural technology and agricultural entrepreneurship What agricultural education is about and why it is important Defining cooperative extensions and how this reinforces agricultural education Solving serious problems like environmental impact, sustainability, social issues, hunger, and food waste The generational aspect to each agriculture story Agriculture and empathy How we can practice empathy together in the next 60 episodes of the program     Mentioned in This Episode: Episode 49: Building a Brand from Scratch in Agriculture with Marji Guyler-Alaniz of Farmher Episode 46: Growing Cannabis and Other Fun Agronomy Topics with Dr. Curtis Livesay of Dynamite Ag Episode 39: Farmland Ownership and Cash Rent with Dave Meyers of Bird Dog Bird Dog Website Episode 19: Dr. Pamela Marrone, CEO and Founder of Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI) com Episode 51: The Power of A Plant with Stephen Ritz of Green Bronx Machine Episode 58: The Best STEM Delivery Tool with Dr Daniel Foster Episode 59: Why You Should Teach Agriculture - Part Two with Dr. Daniel Foster Episode 44: Grassfed Beef Through Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing with Russ Conser of Standard Soil Episode 53: Millennials Solving World Problems Through Agricultural Technology with MiKayla Sullivan of Kinosol Wasted Food Website Episode 40: From Land to Landfill - Food Waste with Jonathan Bloom of Wasted Food Episode 34: Utilizing...

Peter Schott grew up in a family with technologically inclined parents who used computers on their farm even from way back in 1984. Because of this, Peter's curiosity on the possibilities that technology can bring in solving agricultural problems grew. As a result, Peter and another guy from his college dorm decided to work together on offering solutions through mobile apps by establishing their own company called Myriad Mobile. Today, Peter talks about the significant role that mobile apps play in the future of agriculture and the solution of current agricultural problems. He shares some excellent insights from two different perspectives - one from that of a farmer’s and the other of an entrepreneur. He also explains the significance of knowing your audience, your vision, and the problem you want to solve when thinking of a good app to pursue.   “I think the industry is best served if people spend more time listening to their customers and working alongside them rather than telling them what they need.”  – Peter Schott This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: How Peter’s family used computers on the farm in 1984 Biggest game-changer for technology on his farm from 1984 to the present How Myriad Mobile came to be and the core of Myriad’s business The platform he created as a result of a cooperative request Challenges of having and creating a mobile team and where he found his success in sales Similarities and differences between developing apps for agriculture and other fields How farmers can differentiate good technology versus salesmanship How powerful Twitter is in connecting with others in the same industry A peak on the process entrepreneurs go through when engaging with a mobile app firm The biggest unsolved problems in agriculture that can be solved by technology Check Out Peter Schott Across the Net: Myriad Mobile Website Peter Schott on LinkedIn Peter Schott on Twitter   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: AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter AgGrad on Facebook AgGrad on LinkedIn AgGrad on Instagram

Today’s episode is a continuation of a two-part series on why you should teach agriculture. In the previous episode, Dr. Daniel Foster, an educator at Pennsylvania State University, shared his insights about agriculture and agricultural education on a national scale. Dr. Foster not only makes a difference in the lives of young people, but also trains teachers who want to make a difference in the agricultural education outside the country. Dr. Foster joins me today as he talks about agriculture and agricultural education on an international scale. He shares how he tried to help establish agricultural education in Guatemala and the inspiring story when Dr. Foster and his team of agricultural instructors had an intercultural agriculture trip to Korea.   “It’s okay to be scared but saddle up anyway because there’s a young person in this world, there’s a young person in America that needs you.”  – Dr. Daniel Foster This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Possible reasons why there is a decrease in agriculture instructors in the U.S. How agricultural businesses can offer assistance and support on ag programs Why there are high rates of out-of-school and disengaged students aged 16 to 24 in Guatemala Foster’s proposal regarding the development of Guatemala’s agricultural education Why each agricultural teacher is required to do an individualized professional development plan How Dr. Foster expands the global mindset of students Other significant student learnings Dr. Foster hopes his students will discover Challenges prospective agriculture educators face and how Dr. Foster can help instructors   Questions Ag Businesses Should Ask Ag Programs: Where are the ag programs around me? What do you have going on? Where do you need assistance and help? How can we help?   Check Out Dr. Daniel Foster Across the Net: Email: [email protected] Daniel Foster on Twitter Join our National Teach Agriculture Campaign!   As a primary supporter of the agricultural network, BASF proudly sponsors the National Teach Agriculture Campaign, a movement with a mission to raise awareness about the need to recruit and retain qualified and diverse agricultural teachers. If you are interested in making a lasting impact in developing the future leaders of agriculture, visit NAAE.org for more details.   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: AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter AgGrad on Facebook AgGrad on LinkedIn AgGrad on Instagram

Daniel Foster is a proponent of agricultural literacy and is currently an Agricultural Teacher Educator at The Pennsylvania State University. He credits his mother for his love for the industry which all started when his mom decided to move out of Texas to Arizona to further her career in agriculture. He was just 15 going 16 at the time and was a starter on his school’s football team, so he considers this part of his life as a fun transition.   In Arizona, he decided to pursue a degree in agriculture and continue his studies until he eventually got his doctorate at Ohio State. To this day, he recalls never really wanting to teach agriculture. That is until February of his senior year as a student teacher. It was then he realized he wanted to keep doing this, teaching young minds about the importance and future of agriculture, for the rest of his life.   On today’s episode, Daniel talks about how his mom inspired him to pursue agricultural studies, why he decided to become a student teacher, the importance of Ag literacy, and his thoughts on Ag Educators.    “It's a lot more fun helping a kid discover what they have inside through agriculture than it is trying to twist the arm of an elected official to recognize the importance of our industry.”  – Dr. Daniel Foster    This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:  What contributes to the Ag teacher shortage? Do rural areas need better Ag programs? What does Ag literacy success look like? Why should Ag literacy be relevant to everybody? How Ag literacy can cause you to make better lifestyle choices. Why the engine of Ag education is the educator. Core pain points causing attrition in the ranks of Ag teachers. The importance of facilitating and utilizing support programs in Ag education. His goal of funding a female agricultural production operation in every continent. Check Out Daniel Foster Across the Net:  Official Bio Twitter 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:   AgGrad Website  AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram 

Today’s guest grew up in Mariposa, California and has viewed the world from different lenses as a youth through the 4-H Youth Program. Marcus Hollan attributes his distinctiveness and success to his involvement in such programs when he was younger which allowed him to embrace the diversity of others and understand the importance of inclusion in a community. Marcus is one of the founders of the Cultivating Change Foundation, an organization that elevates and values the LGBTQ community within the agriculture industry. In today’s episode, Marcus talks about the roles that diversity, inclusion, equality, and equity play in the workplace - especially in agriculture. As the chief learning officer of Studio 5, Marcus also shares the organization’s goals, the business case for promoting agriculture, and how the corporate equality index has become a significant tool to know more about how open a company is to embracing racial, cultural, religious, and gender orientation differences.   “There is also power in recognizing our differences; in celebrating and honoring who we are.”  – Marcus Hollan This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Defining diversity, inclusion, equality, and equity What people want - equality versus equity Why you should ask purposeful and intentional questions What inspired Marcus to launch Cultivating Change Foundation The goals of the foundation Challenges Marcus faced in starting Cultivating Change Defining the corporate equality index and its function   Join us at the 2017 Cultivating Change Summit! On June 21 to 23, the third annual Cultivating Change Summit will take place in Sacramento, California. Learn from the excellent speakers, fantastic workshop presenters, and the 8-people panel that will tackle the future of agriculture through the lens of diversity and inclusion as they come up with plans of actions as to how we can better serve the agriculture industry. Be a part of history-in-the-making by checking out Cultivating Change 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: AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter AgGrad on Facebook AgGrad on LinkedIn AgGrad on Instagram

Coley Jones Drinkwater belongs to a third-generation family of farmers who tend to and sustain the Richlands Dairy Farm in Blackstone, Virginia. Richlands Farm has been a dairy farm since the 1950s. Coley’s story makes you see life in agriculture from different perspectives - a multigenerational angle, a sustainability angle, and an entrepreneurship angle. On today’s episode, Coley talks about the inspiring story of how her grandparents started and pursued the farm as they relied on agriculture in raising and sending their five children to college. She also explains how she and her family decided not to sell the farm during one of its trying times with the challenges, pressures, and sacrifices she and her family made to keep the farm and pursue their own creamery in spite of the denial of her initial proposal. “I hope in building the creamery that maybe that is something that I can do for someone else’s family as well where you can just come, get some ice cream. Sit on the porch. Just breathe and take a moment to be together as a family because that to me is really what makes farming worth all the sacrifice.”  – Coley Jones Drinkwater This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: The crops that Coley and her family grow on the farm What to expect during the farm’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Fall Festivals The farm’s first ever “Dinner on the Dairy” that’s happening on June 23 Why the first ice cream flavor gives honor to Coley’s grandmother Coley’s frustration about misleading labels and marketing strategies concerning truth and honesty The hardest part in farming for Coley since she came back to the farm full-time What gives Coley hope and purpose in life Check Out Coley Jones Drinkwater Across the Net: Richlands Dairy Farm Website Richlands Dairy Farm on 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: AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter AgGrad on Facebook AgGrad on LinkedIn AgGrad on Instagram

Today’s guest is an independent movie producer from New York City. Sam Goldberg grew up in Manhattan without any background in agriculture. He was introduced to agriculture when a filmmaker approached him for a concept about grain entrapment, a real and grave danger that farmers and other members of the community are exposed to. Seeing the significance of the issue socially, Sam currently is raising funds for the operation and completion of the movie titled Silo The Film. On today’s episode, Sam talks about the progress he and his team have made in the production of Silo. He also shares why he thinks this movie is socially relevant and his stand on why he wanted to pursue this film in spite of the timespan they need to devote to complete it. He also mentions some of the things that Sam and his team are currently working on like fund-raising, casting, and searching for the right location to shoot the movie.   “This, to me, represents a potential bridge for conversation where a segment of the population can be humanized in such a way that is relatable to anybody.”  – Sam Goldberg   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Overview and plot of Silo The Film What compelled Sam and his business partners to pursue this project The social significance of this film Reasons for filming a documentary Response of the people who viewed the short film at the Tribeca Film Festival The overall cost of the project and how the cost is divided How the revenue side of film works How Sam found the grain entrapment expert his team is working with on the film   Check Out Sam Goldberg Across the Net: Silo The Film Website Silo the Film on Facebook     We Are a Part of a Bigger Family!   The Future of Agriculture Podcast is a part of a network called 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: AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter AgGrad on Facebook AgGrad on LinkedIn AgGrad on Instagram  

Joining us on today’s episode of Future of Agriculture Podcast are two educators who are making an impact in the agricultural industry by engaging the youth and influencing the future workforce of agriculture. Our first guest, Seth Heinert, is an Agricultural High School teacher in Ogallala, Nebraska who started a rural program two years ago. Beverly Flatt is a program manager who works with city schools called Academies of Nashville in Tennessee helps students discover the passion they would like to pursue after high school. Seth and Beverly share two different programs and approaches as they cater to students from diverse backgrounds and regions. Seth shares some fascinating stories about his classroom experiences in western Nebraska and the reasons why he’s so passionate about pursuing rural education and instilling in his students a love for agriculture. Beverly identifies the agriculture programs they offer in urban education. She also mentions that for the urban students, their exposure to the amount of technology used in the agricultural sector play a significant role in generating interest in the students.   “I think agricultural education plays a huge role in getting kids engaged in their rural communities.”  – Seth Heinert “Just giving students an experience and an opportunity to get involved in agriculture is often the only thing we need to do to sell them on making this an industry and a passion for life.” – Beverly Flatt   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Seth’s priorities in the program he started The essence of having an advisory council and the responsibilities they carry out The three components of Seth’s rural program The primary classifications of the courses Seth teaches What led Beverly to agriculture literacy What the program Academies of Nashville is all about and the school levels and age group they cater to The four agricultural programs in the urban program Acquiring accurate information and getting rid of fake news is the biggest challenge on ag literacy How Beverly and her team determine the courses to be offered in their program How agriculture can improve the academic performance of students     We are a Part of a Bigger Family!   The Future of Agriculture Podcast is a part of a network called 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: AgGrad Website   AgGrad on Twitter   AgGrad on Facebook   AgGrad on LinkedIn   AgGrad on Instagram

Millennials are making waves in many of today’s business and career industries – and the agriculture industry is no exception. This week, I’m speaking with Mikayla Sullivan, co-founder and “Ringleader of Regal Operations” at Kinosol. Her team of millennials – many of which are fresh out of college – are on a mission to solve one of the world’s biggest problems – world hunger – through agriculture technology. Kinosol uses dehydration techniques that can be used anywhere in the world – due to its solar-power technology – to make food products last longer, to effectively reduce food waste around the world. Currently, Mikayla and her team are focusing on helping people in developing countries reduce food waste and improve their food storage ability in an effort to help end world hunger on a global scale. Today, she shares the Kinosol mission and how the business idea got started, the interesting way the team generated the initial business capital to continue to grow and scale, and some of the food safety concerns surrounding dehydration – particularly with meat.   “People don’t care what it looks like. It really just matters if it works and if it’s going to improve what they are already doing and save them time down the road.” – Mikayla Sullivan   This Week on the Future of Agriculture Podcast: Kinosol’s mission to reduce food waste on a global scale – particularly in developing countries How the company is working to not only reduce food waste and combat world hunger, but also provide income-generating opportunities in developing countries What is a Specific Benefit Corporation and how it differs from a non-profit organization and an LLC How farmers in developing countries can receive Kinosol’s products What the Kinosol solar-power dehydrator is capable of Food safety concerns regarding meat and ensuring consumer safety Unit cost and distribution model The Kinosol “Sponsor-A-Unit” program How the business idea got started How they raised their initial business capital How the founding members decided which countries to target first Their biggest challenges throughout their entrepreneurial journey Why Mikayla believes her team’s naivety about the process of developing the product worked to their advantage New product development plans within the next two years     Check Out Kinosol & Mikayla Sullivan Across the Net: Get Kinosol Facebook Twitter – Use these hashtags to follow the conversation: #SaveTheThird and #FoodforAll Instagram LinkedIN     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:  AgGrad Website   AgGrad on Twitter   AgGrad on Facebook   AgGrad on LinkedIn   <a href=...

Today’s guest is from the Bronx in New York. His journey to agriculture started accidentally while he was dealing with student conflict in his class. From zero agricultural background, Stephen Ritz created a system – a whole school program that changed how the students, the parents, and the community view agriculture. This program, called Green Bronx Machine, is more than about educating his students about farming. Stephen sees it as a way to solve real problems in the community like lack of student engagement in school, poor education, and poor health including unequal opportunities for the disadvantaged. On today’s episode, Stephen talks about the effects and benefits of Green Bronx Machine to the students and the community as a whole. He shares how he integrates growing food with academics. Stephen also elaborates on one of the goals of the program’s model, which is not about a “me” mentality, but a “we” mentality. This outlook is about people everywhere working together in achieving the goal of making wise choices, living healthy, and personal and community development. He is encouraged to see the outcome as his students are empowered to make healthy choices as a result of instilling child wellness and mindfulness in them.   “When we teach our children about nature, we teach them to nurture. And when we teach children to nurture, we as a society collectively embrace our better nature. And that’s what this work is about.” – Stephen Ritz   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: The 9-1-1 situation in Stephen’s class that lead to a 3-1-1 moment One of the significant effects of the Green Bronx Machine Project: Students you don’t expect to go through college ending up as college graduates Evolution of the program, how it has evolved today, and some of the programs offered such as after-school programming, weekend programming, and summer camps Age window of students allowed in the program How the collateral learning influence the behavior of the students How the program can change the community’s outlook on food as medicine in relation to diabetes and obesity The process that Stephen adapts especially for first-time student-growers: If they grow it, they eat it The focus of the model of the program – quality of teaching and quality of learning Metrics Stephen uses in the program concerning academics (attendance, performance, etc.) What makes the Green Bronx Machine a whole-school solution and not just any other kind of school economics program Content of Stephen’s book – his story, his children’s story, the community’s story, and tools that equip people to grow something great and impact their community Check Out Stephen Ritz Across the Net: Green Bronx Machine Website Green Bronx Machine on Facebook The Power of a Plant Book by Stephen Ritz   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: AgGrad Website AgGrad on Twitter AgGrad on Facebook AgGrad on...

Today’s guest is my close friend, James Garner. He is a partner in a company called Cogent Communications that does public affairs work in agriculture and agricultural businesses in Sacramento, California. For ten years, he has been a part of a band called Johnny Cash Tribute Band, where he is the group’s manager and front man. On top of these varied roles, James has also been doing drag racing with his dad. James’ father has been a part of a drag racing team as a racer for years. On today’s episode, James talks about the significant changes that occurred in his life when he started Cogent Communications with his colleague, together with the ideal clients they work with. He also points out the strong suits that have kept them on top of their game, which are understanding the issues on the farm and coherently communicating these matters to the board (local, supervisory, or regulatory). James also elaborates on what currently seems to be a mild concern, but can be a hot one in the future because of its impact at the farming level – the Food Safety Modernization Act.   “We try to be cogent in all our communications – clear, logical, convincing.” – James Garner   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: How technology helps shape the communications and data collection in James’ work High-level issues affecting the clients and what James and his team do: water, water quality, and sustainability James’ magic formula for building healthy business relationships More tips on establishing good business and personal relationships An on-going concern that the consumers keep asking for but valued much and lived out by farmers Check Out James Garner Across the Net: Cogent Communications Website Email: [email protected] Johnny Cash Tribute Show   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: AgGrad Website    AgGrad on Twitter    AgGrad on Facebook      AgGrad on LinkedIn    AgGrad on Instagram