Future of Agriculture

On today’s episode of Future of Agriculture Podcast, I have the privilege of talking with the Casey Neistat of Agriculture – Matthew Sligar.  He documents his life in relation to rice farming through video blogging.  He creates artistic videos that are made in engaging and amusing ways. Matthew is a rice farmer from Gridley, California.  He shared with us today where he got his inspiration and confidence to launch his website Rice Farming TV.  We also talked about some of the episodes on his website that have greatly impacted him, his family, and the community that encourage him to continue and push on.  He looked back and shared with us parts of his life that contributed to the overall productiveness of the videos.   “In 2015, medium grain rice from California won the world’s Best Tasting Rice Award.  So, not only do we grow rice in California, but it’s premium, award-winning quality rice.”  – Matthew Sligar This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Matthew shares his inspiration to launch Rice Farming TV. He shares the untold story about a mom who reached out to him when she saw the Halloween video that was aired on TV as she watched the response of her child with autism towards Matthew who handed over rice grains and candies to trick-or-treaters. He also shares his unexpected journey from college, to the time he met his wife, and back to the family farm. He talks about the amount of time he spends filming and editing the episodes together with the personal challenges he encounters such as balancing work, family, and hobby. He even shares with us the equipment he uses for filming and editing the episodes. He discusses how he chooses which part of his life he would share in each episode. He expresses his desire for his children when asked about passing the farm to the next generation. He also mentions some things he foresees in the future of agriculture. Check Out Matthew Sligar Across the Net: Rice Farming TV Website Rice Farming TV on YouTube   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

I recently had the opportunity to attend a media event held by Monsanto announcing the new project initiatives that the company will be unveiling in 2017. The information, research, and development that this company has invested to bring better technology and products to the agriculture industry is simply amazing. On this week’s episode, I’m talking with Dr. Shannon Hauf of Monsanto. Dr. Hauf graduated with a background in plant breeding and weed science, then later, she began working at Monsanto where she became experienced in many fields and departments, including pricing, sales, product strategies, and currently leading her own team within the company. She shares her insight into some of the new products the company will be launching this year, how they hope this new technology will help farmers and others within the agriculture industry, explains what “biologicals” and “digital agriculture” are and why they are important aspects farmers should consider on their farms. She also offers her advice to agriculture graduates on how the market is changing and how they should embrace these changes.   “There’s room for all types of food on the dinner plate.” – Dr. Shannon Hauf   This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Hauf explains what her role is at Monsanto, her responsibilities at the company, and the type of projects her team focuses on. She explains what the term “biologicals” means in the agriculture industry and why focusing on this area is important to the future of the industry. She shares how ideas at the company evolve into projects and how long it typically takes for a new product to be released to the public. She explains how agricultural professionals can help educate consumers about biological advancements and the benefits in their field. She explains how the company is looking at the “colony death” problem plaguing the honeybee population and what technology integrations they are using to investigate and resolve the issue. She explains what Climate Corp is and why Monsanto acquired the company. She shares where Monsanto hopes to expand their services and products and why they believe they can help improve the future of agriculture in these areas. We discuss the product initiatives the company is unveiling this year and which ones she’s most excited about. She explains why it takes Monsanto 12 years to launch new agriculture technologies and products into the mainstream agricultural population.   Connect with Dr. Shannon Hauf: Monsanto website   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 

Utilizing Food Waste for Urban Agriculture with Tinia Pina of Re-Nuble The United States has a shortage of people who want to work in agriculture. We’ve gone from most of the population to only one percent of people working in this industry. There are fewer people with farms and a lack of individuals who want to make long lasting and meaningful careers in agriculture. There is something we can do about attracting interest in farming, though, such as enticing professionals from other industries to pivot into urban agriculture, like our guest Tinia Pina did. Tinia worked in the financial sector until she learned about the problems that existed related to entrepreneurial opportunities in agriculture. Today she is the founder and CEO of Re-Nuble, a New York City company that converts food waste into organic fertilizer.  On today’s show, Tinia shares the story of how she established Re-Nuble, and shares her insights about food waste and what it’s like to be a minority entrepreneur in the agriculture industry.  “The lack of proper nutrition and fresh available food options impacts our future generations.” Tinia Pina This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Tinia talks about how teaching her students opened her eyes about food. We talk about the supply chain that supplies organic food scraps. She cites reasons why the company may not be using all the waste that is produced in the city. Tinia tells us who her typical customers are. She explains OMRI certification in relation to Re-Nuble. Tinia tells us about her transition from the financial world to a full-time career in agriculture. She shares her vision on the issue of food waste. She fills us in on what the urban agriculture/ag-tech scene is like in New York. Tinia tells us how she attracted her first customers. She shares her thoughts on competition. She discusses the disadvantages to being a minority in the agriculture sector.     Mentioned in the Show:   Eating Bugs with Robert Nathan Allen Organic Materials Review Institute Food-X Freight Farms Crop Box Growtainer The New American Dream: My Life As A Minority Startup Owner NYC Ag Collective     Contact Tinia Pina:   Re-Nuble Email: info@Re-Nuble.com     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

On today’s episode of the Future of Agriculture Podcast, my guest, Jared Flinn, is the founder and operating partner of Bulk Loads. His site provides an online platform that connects shippers with the transportation companies. Jared graduated with a minor in agricultural economy, but wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with his credentials. He started working as a truck driver and grew to love all the aspects of the industry and eventually moved into shipping logistics in the agriculture sector. His passion for the trade inspired his vision of connecting companies and shippers, and so Bulk Loads was born. Jared started his venture without knowing whether it would be successful, but he persevered and created a sustainable and profitable business which addressed and solved clients’ pain points. On today’s show, you’ll hear his thoughts, wisdom, and advice about taking ideas and building a business in agricultural and transportation space.  “You have to have the commodities to trade, but behind that you have to have the efficient supply chain to get it through.” – Jared Flinn This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Jared shares his story about the route he took after he graduated from university. He tells us how he found the industry’s pain points and turned that into his success. Jared shares the best life and work advice he received and took to heart. We talk about how the industry has changed for transportation entrepreneurs. Jared explains how he strikes a balance with his business model. He gives us an idea about his marketing techniques. Jared shares his story about starting the company despite the resistance he met from other businesses. He reveals his thoughts on Donald Miller’s message and how it relates to business. We talk about the future of the transportation industry. Jared talks about how he caters to his customer base.   Mentioned in the Show:   Donald Miller     Connect With Jared Flinn: Bulk Loads website Smart Freight Funding Call Jared at 800-518-9240    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

This is a good time for reflection on this past year and anticipation of what is to come in 2017, and I’m energized about the potential we have in some of the strategic objectives that we’ll be rolling out here in the coming year. I’m also excited to interview our guest today who came from humble farming beginnings and is now a leader in agri-business and a force in politics. On today’s episode of the Future of Agriculture Podcast, we have who could very well be our next United States Secretary of Agriculture, Kip Tom.  Whether Kip is nominated or not, he will play an integral role in the leadership of our industry from his home in Indiana, from Washington D.C., or across the water in South America where he has a farming operation. He is passionate about encouraging and motivating our youth to step into the agri-business sector to continue family farming operations. Kip shares his wisdom, insights, and advice, about this business and you’ll hear how a young man who grew up on his family’s homestead became a passionate advocate of continuing the American dream of keeping family-run farming businesses alive.  “If there’s one thing you do, work towards succession planning to prepare the next generation to grow your business and sustain it. “  Kip Tom This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Kip talks about what his unique business model. He talks about how he diversifies in the farming industry. He tells us about his involvement in politics. Kip describes his role in the family operations. We talk about ag-policy and innovation. He talks about his focus and goals in the event he becomes the next Secretary of Agriculture. Kip tells us his views on the challenges of our Ag producers. We discuss the needs in farming and how important it is for young people to get involved. Kip talks about how social media impacts our agriculture stories and relays valuable information. Kip speaks about his story about agri-business in South America. He shares his insights about the future of   Check Out Kip Tom Across the Net: Tom Farms CereServ, Inc.   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

On today’s episode of the Future of Agriculture Podcast, I am extremely excited to chat with a guest with whom I have the utmost respect for and who I am in awe of. Dr. Temple Grandin is an author and a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University who is passionate about agriculture and the people involved in it. Temple has revolutionized the industry with practices she devised and is a highly-regarded internationally known speaker on the subjects of autism and cattle handling. Temple’s incredible story of overcoming personal and professional challenges to revolutionize the agriculture industry, a sector which is set in its ways, will blow your mind. She is an inspiration to everyone in general and to people who want to break into an industry where they don’t necessarily fit the mold. Temple brings value, wisdom, and inspiration to today’s show and I’m honored and humbled to interview her. She is passionate about keeping the agriculture industry alive and shares her invaluable advice for those seeking a life in the agricultural sector. “Students get interested in things they get exposed to.” – Dr. Temple Grandin This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast: Temple discloses her experiences in the agriculture industry in the 20th century. She expounds on the ethics of eating animals. Temple speaks about encouraging all types of careers in the agriculture industry and keep it in the forefront. She talks about how to best serve people in the industry who are visual learners or thinkers. She gives you information and advice on autism. She tells us what she likes most about teaching students. Temple recounts about her life since the movie about her aired. She talks about improvements in the agriculture and food processing industry. Temple tells us about what’s changed in animal handling.   Mentioned in the Show: National FFA Organization 4-H   Check Out Temple Grandin Across the Net: Temple Grandin on HBO Video Tour of Beef Plant Featuring Temple Grandin Temple Grandin on Ted Talk     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

Kevin Heikes is the Founder of In10t.io, an advisory firm dedicated to helping clients solve problems in Agriculture related to technology strategy, product commercialization and digital system design. Kevin has worked with several start-ups, including FarmLink, where he served as Vice President of Product and Farms Technology where, post acquisition, by DuPont Pioneer he led the integration and product migration to DTN.  This episode is filled with new ideas, tactics, and anecdotes that will both entertain and inspire anyone interested in the future of agriculture. Kevin mentions a couple of tools including Full Contact and Product Hunt. Check out Kevin’s personal website: http://www.kevinheikes.com/ or his company: http://www.in10t.io/.   Thanks for listening!   We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to the Future of Agriculture Podcast. The response has been outstanding. Please feel free to leave a note in the comment section below. The best way to spread the word about our Podcast is to share your favorite episode using the social media share buttons in the podcast player you are using. You can also leave a review on iTunes. This helps us spread the word about the people, perspectives, and innovations that provide our future food, clothing, fuel, shelter, and natural resources. We also encourage you to tell any of your friends that are interested in farming, livestock, agribusiness, or AgTech to check out our show!

AgriCorps sends American college graduates and professionals into developing nations to teach agriculture and to build local agricultural communities. The volunteers, known as AgriCorps Fellows, work for one year in countries such as Ghana and Liberia. Trent shares his perspective on the future of agriculture in Africa, challenges and rewards of agricultural development, and the differences between U.S. and African food production. I agree with his perspective that Africa will grow into a major player in global agribusiness. So do many major corporations, who are rapidly expanding into the region.   Enjoy Trent’s firsthand experiences and I look forward to hearing your feedback about your perspective on international development and the future of agriculture in Africa.  Learn more about AgriCorps: https://agricorps.org/join/im-interested-in-more/ Like AgriCorps on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agricorps/   I encourage you to consider becoming an AgriCorps Fellow or contributing to their crowdfunding campaign!   Thanks for listening! We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to the Future of Agriculture Podcast. The response has been outstanding. Please feel free to leave a note in the comment section below. The best way to spread the word about our Podcast is to share your favorite episode using the social media share buttons in the podcast player you are using. You can also leave a review on iTunes. This helps us spread the word about the people, perspectives, and innovations that provide our future food, clothing, fuel, shelter, and natural resources. We also encourage you to tell any of your friends that are interested in farming, livestock, agribusiness, or AgTech to check out our show!

Dr. Nate Storey holds a PhD in Agronomy and Crop Science from the University of Wyoming. He started his company, Bright Agrotech while completing his graduate studies. Six years later, Bright Agrotech are leaders in the high density indoor and greenhouse farming industry. They partner with farmers of all sizes to build a fresher, more distributed food system. Many of you, especially the more entrepreneurial-minded, will really enjoy this episode. Vertical farming holds promises of entry-level farming with low startup costs, good margins, and excellent production per square foot. We often talk about the future of agriculture battling the challenge of producing more food with less land, water, fertilizer, chemicals, and environmental impact. Many of those elements are addressed with vertical farming and mentioned in this episode. If you’ve often dreamed of being in production agriculture but don’t have land in your family, give this one a listen! Check out Bright Agrotech’s Website and YouTube Channel.   Thanks for listening!  We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to the Future of Agriculture Podcast. The response has been outstanding. Please feel free to leave a note in the comment section below. The best way to spread the word about our Podcast is to share your favorite episode using the social media share buttons in the podcast player you are using. You can also leave a review on iTunes. This helps us spread the word about the people, perspectives, and innovations that provide our future food, clothing, fuel, shelter, and natural resources. We also encourage you to tell any of your friends that are interested in farming, livestock, agribusiness, or AgTech to check out our show!  

According to AgFunder, over $4 billion poured into AgTech investments in 2015. Many times when people think of the recent AgTech craze, their mind immediately goes to drones. I have been curious about drones for quite some time, both from a "coolness factor" perspective and from the perspective of "what's really that great about them in agriculture?". I had been looking to bring on a drone expert to the podcast for quite some time, but didn't want someone who would be too technical or would look at it from an impractical angle. One day on Linkedin I came across the article "Applications of UAVs in Agriculture" by Michael Dunn, CCA. I knew I had found my next podcast guest. Michael is able to talk about drones from the perspective of the farmer and from someone who is trying to help the farmer utilize technology to improve their operation. He is both technically knowledgeable as well as practically sensible about the uses of drones in agriculture, their limitations, and their potential. I hope you enjoy this interview with Michael Dunn of Anez Consulting.   Connect with Michael on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dunn-cca-75a64028 Check out Anez Consulting: http://anezconsulting.com/   Thanks for listening! We really appreciate you taking the time to listen to the Future of Agriculture Podcast. The response has been outstanding. Please feel free to leave a note in the comment section below. The best way to spread the word about our Podcast is to share your favorite episode using the social media share buttons in the podcast player you are using.  You can also leave a review on iTunes. This helps us spread the word about the people, perspectives, and innovations that provide our future food, clothing, fuel, shelter, and natural resources. We also encourage you to tell any of your friends that are interested in farming, livestock, agribusiness, or AgTech to check out our show!