Farm & Rural Ag Network

FOA 192: Farmers Becoming Food Companies

    Michael Bosworth is the President & CEO of Next Generation Foods, a food business that markets and distributes locally produced foods in the Northern California area. Brent Lafollette, Martin Miller, and Robert James Woodry are 5th generation farmers and the founders of Premium Growers, a company that produces and sells a variety of flavored, premium roasted Oregon Hazelnuts. They are some of the many farmers who transitioned from being producers to direct-to-consumer retailers.   ...

FOA 191: Investing in AgTech Startups

    Micki Seibel is an investor, advisor, and tech builder who was part of the team behind internet products such as Netscape and eBay. She is currently an Operating Partner for Radicle Growth, an acceleration fund that partners with entrepreneurs who have ideas that can innovate the future of food. She has over 20 years of experience in building companies and has made much of it at Silicon Valley. Micki also serves on the advisory board of multiple food system startup companies such as ...

FOA 190: The World's First Open Source Winery

    Mike Barrow is the Project Lead at OpenVino, a company that aims to create the first-ever open-source, transparent winery, and wine-based cryptocurrency under the Costaflores label. Costaflores is a boutique organic winery based in Argentina. As suggested, OpenVino will rely on blockchain technology to engage in a new and innovative way of selling wine products. With over 30 years of experience in IT, data science, and cloud services, Mike aims to disrupt the wine world with a busine...

FOA 189: Farmers Solve Their Own Problems Through Open Source Technology

    Reinier van der Lee is the CEO & Founder of Vinduino, an AgTech company that supports farmers and other producers in the ag industry with products that improve profits and fruit quality as well as increase yield. One of the company’s latest products is the Vinduino R4 Sensor station, an open-source sensor that gives farmers data on water usage and efficiency. Reinier also owns a 4-acre vineyard and credits his need for better irrigation management as the reason why he founded Vinduin...

FOA 188: FinTech Meets AgTech to Invest in Farmland

    David Chan is the COO and Founding Team Member at Farm Together, a company that offers a simplified approach to US farmland investment. The company not only serves Americans, but also welcomes foreign investors who are interested in growing their assets or simply having a continuous source of income in their retirement. David has over five years of Fin-Tech experience in the ag industry. He describes himself as a meteorologist by background, but a financier and technologist by traini...

FOA 187: Peace Through Agriculture

    Kenneth Quinn is the former President of the World Food Prize Foundation, an organization that seeks to give individuals recognition for achievements that directly improve the quality, quantity, and availability of food in the world. Kenneth is often referred to as “the Ambassador” because he was the US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia. During his time as President, he received various high-level honors and awards from different organizations, including The American Farm Bureau ...

Shark Farmer Podcast - Matt McCune Farmer-Storm Chaser

Being a full time agronomist/salesman while also being a full time farmer isn't all that unusual... but it doesn't mean it's not impressive Listen as I talk to Matt McCune about ag and storm chasing

MidWest Farm Wives Podcast - The one where we live in abundance.

Hey friends and welcome back to our 2020 season of podcasting.  This episode we are going to discuss living with an abundant mindset vs a scarce mindset. We think this applies to life in general and we compare to our farm lives. In a nutshell someone with an abundant mindset is an optimist and is genuinely happy for others when they are successful. Those with a scare mindset are competitive, jealous and resent others success. "The secret to having it all is believing you already do."    

What the Farm Podcast - Shilow Bennett fitness body builder

Idle Chatter Podcast - Hot Rod Farmer: Failure is NOT an option for 2020 or any time!

I offer my sincere wish and prayer for your success.

FOA 186: 5 Trends for the Future of Agriculture

    Happy New Year, and welcome to everyone listening to the very first episode of the year for the Future of Agriculture podcast. 2019 was such a good year for the show and was rife with amazing guests bearing their trade secrets and intelligent insights into the world of agriculture. To commemorate the year we had, I decided to categorize the overarching themes that summarize what 2019 was like for the Future of Agriculture podcast.   In today’s episode, I discuss the five trends t...

AgTech... So What - Stuart Austin on the tools for regenerative agriculture

Stuart Austin is an award winning farmer who, with his wife Trish, manages Wilmot Cattle Company, a regenerative grassfed beef operation in the New England area of NSW, Australia. In this episode, Stuart shares how he got involved in regenerative ag, and the the tools he’s using to make 6 and 7 figure decisions around stocking rates and carrying capacity. Stuart and I also chat about how the stigma around regenerative agriculture is changing from “witchcraft” to “solid business practices...

AgTech... So what Podcast - Meet two of the farmer-led startups in the Farmers2Founders Bootcamp

Ashlea Miles and David Ricardo are Australian farmers and founders of agtech startups Training Paddock and Farm Service Manager. They, along with six other farmer-led businesses, have been selected into the Farmers2Founders Bootcamp program, an intensive 3 month accelerator that helping them take their business to the next level. In this episode, Ash and David share the story behind Training Paddock and Farm Service Manager, and reflect on the differences and similarities between running a...

Sharkfarmer Podcast - Andrew Rodriguez Football to Seed Corn

How does a kid from Spanish Harlem end up selling seed corn in Nebraska? Listen to the incredible story of Andrew Rodriguez and how Football and his older brother changed his life.

Idle Chatter Podcast - Hot Rod Farmer: Testing, testing.. When was the last time you checked the shop’s AC voltage?

Idle Chatter Podcast - Hot Rod Farmer: A spark of an idea! GM HEI Ignition

 The grandfather of all modern ignition systems.

What the Farm Podcast - Hannah Roberts the future of ag education

Midwest Farmwives Podcast - The one where we meet.

As most of you know we began this journey without ever meeting in person. Building a relationship via Instagram and daily texts. Well we finally got to meet up in Nashville last week. To say we hit it of and had a blast would be an understatement. Love at first sight? Haha maybe for best friends. Our husbands equally enjoyed one another and all the farm talk, which made it bitter sweet! We want to say happy holidays and new year to all of our listeners, and as always thank you so much for y...

Future of Agriculture Podcast - Commercial Greenhouses on Conventional Farms with Joe Swartz

Joe Swartz is the Vice President and Lead Horticulturist at AmHydro, a company recognized as a top innovator in the ag industry and focused on developing products that promote efficient hydroponic growing systems. Joe is also widely recognized as one of the leading consultants when it comes to Controlled Environment Agricultural industries that include commercial greenhouse farms. He specializes in crop production improvements, pesticide-free insect and disease control, and professional grow...

Sharkfarmer Podcast - Merry Christmas

Here it is.... The Christmas episode!!! From John Deere colored trees to present shaming... this one has it all Merry Christmas!!!!! Stories from Mark Kannmacher @tara_m_davidson @messykennedy

Idle Chatter Podcast - Hot Rod Farmer: All plugged up and nowhere to go!

A simple way to diagnose a restricted exhaust system.

Salt of the Earth Podcast -Dr. Patrick Wall

In this podcast episode, I speak with Dr. Patrick Wall, Professor of Public Health at University College Dublin. Professor Wall qualified in Veterinary Medicine in UCD and in Human Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. In addition, Professor Wall was the first Chief Executive of the Irish Food Safety Authority and the second Chairperson of the European Food Safety Authority, a pan-EU Agency with a remit on food safety for the entire food and feed supply chains.

Future of Agriculture Podcast - Finding a Niche in Endive Farming with Rich Collins

Richard Collins is the owner of California Endive Farms, a farming operation that specializes in growing endive, a vegetable of the chicory family that is so special, it’s grown twice. Due to the strict conditions and labor-intensive manner of growing it, the endive was deemed a rare crop to produce. However, Rich took advantage of this fact and decided to niche down and focus on building a farming business around it. Today, California Endive Farms is still the largest American endive grower...

Shark Farmer Podcast - Suzanne Swift-Cook first generation farmer

Imagine living in a camper with 6 kids and your spouse... listen as I talk to Suzanne Swift-Cook, first generation farmer

What the Farm Podcast - Scott Powell Christmas Tree Star

Idle Chatter Podcast - Hot Rod Farmer: I work best under pressure…the engine coolant said!

The lowly radiator pressure cap does more than you think.

FOA 183: Plant-Based and Cellular Agriculture Alternatives with Bruce Friedrich of GFI

    Bruce Friedrich is Co-Founder and Executive Director at The Good Food Institute (GFI), a company that promotes plant-based and cultivated meat food products by making them just as good, just as convenient, and just as affordable as real meat. Their company has several branches in over six countries, all working towards the goal of making the alternative meat industry more attractive to consumers. Bruce oversees the business’ global strategy and programs. He also works with its direct...

Salt of the Earth Podcast - Wheelock Fruits

Wexford strawberries are known the length and breadth of Ireland, but timing and location can prove important factors in deciding where to grow and sell them.  Here strawberry grower, Cyril Wheelock from Wheelock Fruit Farm in Co. Wexford tells how has recently diversified his fruit farm into a farm shop and restaurant, providing some insight and background into what is a relatively unique development within Ireland.

Idle Chatter Podcast - Hot Rod Farmer: Don’t tune me out!

The modern light-duty diesel needs to be tuned. Ray Bohacz tells you how!

Idle Chatter Podcast - Hot Rod Farmer: Christmas 2019. The second annual gift guide

Click here for gift suggestions for this year. Click here for gift suggestions from last year

FOA 182: The Treasure and the Measure of Regenerative Agriculture with Russ Conser of Blue Nest Beef

    Russ Conser is the CEO of Blue Nest Beef, a regenerative agriculture and food startup. What makes Blue Nest Beef special is how they raise cattle from bird-friendly land, citing that the presence of birds indicates a healthy agricultural ecosystem. Russ specializes in soil health and regenerative agriculture, business strategy development, and managing highly creative people. He was also featured on the podcast two years ago, where he talked about the benefits of multi-paddock grazin...

Future of Agriculture Podcast - The Treasure and the Measure of Regenerative Agriculture with Russ Conser of Blue Nest Beef

Russ Conser is the CEO of Blue Nest Beef, a regenerative agriculture and food startup. What makes Blue Nest Beef special is how they raise cattle from bird-friendly land, citing that the presence of birds indicates a healthy agricultural ecosystem. Russ specializes in soil health and regenerative agriculture, business strategy development, and managing highly creative people. He was also featured on the podcast two years ago, where he talked about the benefits of multi-paddock grazing.   ...

Shark Farmer Podcast - Gavin Spoor popcorn empire

Is it possible to be born a farmer without being from a farm family? Would you walk into random grocery stores trying to create a market for yourself? Listen as I talk with Gavin Spoor about his path to becoming a farmer

AgTech...So What Podcast - Aidan Connolly on facial recognition for cows

Aidan Connolly is the CEO of Cainthus, and agtech startup using cameras and machine learning to help farmers make better decisions. Before that, Aidan helped Alltech grow from $24 million to $2.3 billion. During that time he was, among many things, Director of the Pearse Lyons Accelerator where he saw hundreds of agtech startups in all different sectors.   Aidan joins us to share his insights on: What it's like to go from a global agribusiness to a startup How cameras are transforming...

What the Farm Podcast - Jay Baer Speaker's Hall of Fame

Idle Chatter Podcast - Hot Rod Farmer: Give me a BRAKE! And SAVE MONEY and TIME.

Follow these simple steps to double the life of your braking systems.

FOA 181: Dr. Ray Goldberg, the Father of Agribusiness

    Dr. Ray Goldberg holds the title of George M. Moffett Professor of Agriculture and Business, Emeritus at Harvard Business School. He’s among the pioneers of modern agribusiness, coining the term himself. He is the author of Food Citizenship, a book that talks about the global food system and the many faces that are leading the charge in changing the way we look at food and agriculture forever. Ray has decades of experience in the industry, from authoring journal articles and teachin...

Future of Agriculture Podcast - Dr. Ray Goldberg, the Father of Agribusiness

Dr. Ray Goldberg holds the title of George M. Moffett Professor of Agriculture and Business, Emeritus at Harvard Business School. He’s among the pioneers of modern agribusiness, coining the term himself. He is the author of Food Citizenship, a book that talks about the global food system and the many faces that are leading the charge in changing the way we look at food and agriculture forever. Ray has decades of experience in the industry, from authoring journal articles and teaching materi...

Shark Farmer Podcast - The New Mexico Milkmaid

Would you be able to handle death threats from animal rights extremist? Can a "farm wife" represent agriculture on social media? All this and more as I talk with The New Mexico Milkmaid

What the Farm Podcast - Colleen Dyck won't use non-GMO label

Salt of the Earth Podcast - Noel Kelly, MD Creva Agri International

Noel Kelly grew up on a pedigree dairy farm (Creva Herd) near Athenry in Co. Galway. He trained in dairy management in the UK and worked in farm software and international sales before returning home in 2010 to combine his twin passions of dairy farming and global agribusiness.

Idle Chatter Podcast - Hot Rod Farmer: Let’s keep it CARBUREATED!!!

Listen as I share my tips for a tip top carburetor.

Shark Farmer Podcast - Chis Jansen puts family first

What steps do yo take, as a farmer, that helps you spend more time with family? Listen as I talk with Chris Jansen about the two major events that shaped his farm life and family life Please visit our sponsor GrainPhD.com

The Journey of an AgTech Entrepreneur with Colin Hurd of Smart Ag

Colin Hurd is an entrepreneur and the Business Development Manager at Raven Industries, a highly diversified technology company that provides innovative products and solutions to help feed, connect, and protect the world. Raven Industries recently acquired Smart Ag, a company founded by Colin. Smart Ag is a tech company that develops autonomous farming solutions, selling products that allow farming equipment and machinery to be operated remotely, similar to drones. Colin founded Smart Ag to ...

Future of Agriculture Podcast - The Journey of an AgTech Entrepreneur with Colin Hurd of Smart Ag

Colin Hurd is an entrepreneur and the Business Development Manager at Raven Industries, a highly diversified technology company that provides innovative products and solutions to help feed, connect, and protect the world. Raven Industries recently acquired Smart Ag, a company founded by Colin. Smart Ag is a tech company that develops autonomous farming solutions, selling products that allow farming equipment and machinery to be operated remotely, similar to drones. Colin founded Smart Ag to ...

Agtech....So What Podcast - researcher & startup collaborations in agtech (live panel)

Australia has world class agricultural research, but has struggled to rank as highly for commercialization. How can we improve this, and get more valuable innovations to market? One way is through collaboration between research organizations and startups. But what does it actually take to collaborate? And are the challenges in Australia unique to this market, or do researchers and startups face similar obstacles in agtech around the world? Today’s episode tackles this question in a pane...

What the Farm Podcast - Leona Watson world traveler

Shark Farmer Podcast - Leona Watson remembering lessons

Would you know what to do with the family farm if both your parents died when you were 22? Listen as Lesley Kelly podcast bombs me on this crossover episode and we talk to Leona Watson Please visit our sponsor: https://www.silothefilm.com/

Data Insights for Farms of All Sizes with Mariana Vasconcelos of

Mariana Vasconcelos is the Founder of Agrosmart, a platform that brings digital agriculture to countries with low internet infrastructures under tropical agronomic conditions. The MIT Technology Review selected her as one of the Most Brilliant Innovators Under 35 and a Global Ambassador for Thought of Food. Being a farmer’s daughter, Mariana was aware of the problems that plague small farmers, especially when it comes to decisions about crops. To solve this gap, she proposed the idea to use ...

Future of Agriculture Podcast - Data Insights for Farms of All Sizes with Mariana Vasconcelos of Agrosmart

Mariana Vasconcelos is the Founder of Agrosmart, a platform that brings digital agriculture to countries with low internet infrastructures under tropical agronomic conditions. The MIT Technology Review selected her as one of the Most Brilliant Innovators Under 35 and a Global Ambassador for Thought of Food. Being a farmer’s daughter, Mariana was aware of the problems that plague small farmers, especially when it comes to decisions about crops. To solve this gap, she proposed the idea to use ...