Future of Agriculture

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: Tommy@TVFarming.com 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 

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 AgGrad on Twitter  AgGrad on Facebook  AgGrad on LinkedIn  AgGrad on Instagram 

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: emma.weston@agridigital.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 

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