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Now displaying: October, 2018
Oct 31, 2018

Tonight I'm delighted to be heading down to the far south East of England, to Kent, to talk to Guy & Claire Eckley @No1FarmerGuy @PureKent

We talk about their backgrounds growing up on farms in Kent & Mid-Wales respectively, and how after University Claire moved down to Kent and got involved with the local YFC where guy was a member (Still not entirely clear who chatted up who initially..).

We also talk all about their diversification into Oilseed Rape Oil production and how it's developed over the years, and the various ways they market and sell it, from wholesale to farmer's markets.

We discuss the farm itself, and the crops they grow there, as well as the two different tillage systems they use, and the pros and cons of both.

We go into their continued involvement in YFC over the years, from being members themselves, to Claire forming a new club where their boys now both attend.

And we also talk about Claire's breast cancer that she contracted in 2012, the difficulties it caused, and how that ultimately changed her perspective on life.

All this and much, much more.

Guy and Claire are great people, and great farmers, and it was an absolute pleasure to talk to them tonight and find out more about what they do.

Check it out folks..

Oct 31, 2018

Alexander Reichert is the Co-Founder & CEO of AgVend, an eCommerce platform that partners with various ag retailers to adapt to the evolving needs of American farmers. Their platform allows farmers to connect with retailers and purchase their products and/or services anywhere and at any time. Alex practices the Build-Measure-Learn philosophy in his life and believes customer satisfaction isn’t an option, but a critical part of success in any industry.

 

Alex joins me today to describe AgVend, what inspired him to start the company, how it works, and how it seeks to help farmers. He explains the need to have an online presence in the ag industry and why farmers today are more open to online retail stores. He discusses the various ways AgVend can help both farmers and ag retailers in as transparent a manner as possible. He also shares the values and culture he promotes in his company.

 

 

“The ones who start and get on track early are the ones who will be most successful." - Alexander Reichert

 

 

 

This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:

 

  • What AgVend is and what it is designed to do.
  • The story that inspired him to start AgVend.
  • The reason behind the surge of online eCommerce platforms in the ag space.
  • How they develop their business strategies and project ideas.
  • How they guarantee a healthy and profitable platform.
  • Fixing constantly fluctuating quotations on online items.
  • Why customers would be inclined to use their platform.
  • The company values he instills in AgVend.

 

 

Manager Minute

 

  • Retrofitting a culture to a company is nearly impossible.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

  • Growers appreciate if they can work with retailers within their community.
  • Technological solutions that combine with the human element are the ones that stick.
  • Farmers today are more comfortable in obtaining information and buying ag products online.

 

 

Connect with Alexander Reichert:

 

 

 

 

 

2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30

 

Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories:

 

  • Agribusiness
  • Production Agriculture
  • Research & Technology
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Education & Advocacy

 

Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted.

 

Winners will be announced March 2019.

 

To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag

 

 

We Are a Part of a Bigger Family! 

 

The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today. 

 
 

Share the Ag-Love! 

 

Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots! 

 

Learn more about AgGrad by visiting: 

Future of Agriculture Website

AgGrad Website

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

Oct 29, 2018

Tye Rinner takes us through the ins and outs of raising turkeys 

Oct 26, 2018

The Hot Rod Farmer, Ray Bohacz, discusses the need to “think outside of the box” if you want your farm to prosper. It is not what you make…it is what you keep!

Visit www.farmmachinerydigest.com for more

Oct 25, 2018

What do the Canadian telecom and grain industries have in common? They can both be a roller coaster of ups and downs and both have benefited from Victoria Berry’s passion for telling their stories. As the new Manager, Communications with Grain Farmers of Ontario, she has embraced the farming community as her own.

www.gfo.ca

 

#agriculture #farming #rural #grain #corn #wheat #communications #careers #gfo 

Oct 24, 2018

Tonight I'm delighted to be heading down to London to talk to the CEO of Kentish Town City Farm, Gus Alston @GusAlston @KTCityFarm

We talk about his early life growing up very close to the farm, and how getting involved with Forest School Camps as a child eventually led him becoming a volunteer with the organisation at the age of 18, before going on to hear about how he got first got into the charity sector almost by accident, when helping to build an adventure playground he ended up as a deputy coordinator in charge of 120 children!

We discuss the various different jobs he's done, including a spell at the Pirate Castle, a community boating charity, where he achieved his highest ever fundraising success, (an incredible £234k!) before going on to talk about his eventually working with Kentish town city farm as a consultant, and then gaining the job of CEO in December 2016.

We tall about the farm in detail, from the different animals they have there, to the regular events they hold, and the incredible role it plays in the community. We discuss the different ways they have to make money to keep going, with funding cuts making things increasingly difficult for small charities, as well as the different ways the farm helps all ages of people, either educationally or therapeutically.

All this and lots more.

I' always humbled when I speak to individuals who dedicate their lives to helping others, and bringing people together, and Gus is definitely one of them. It was fantastic to learn more about what they do at Kentish Town City Farm.

Check it out folks.. 

 

 

Episode Sponsor: 

NFU Cymru - for more information please visit www.nfu-cymru.org.uk

 

Podcast Partners:

Farmer's Guardian. For the biggest range of news and features from across the Ag industry, please visit www.fginsight.com

Rock & Roll Farming is proud to be a part of the Farm & Rural Ag Network. To find more great podcasts and vlogs, please visit www.farmruralag.com 

Oct 24, 2018

Todd Janzen is an attorney whose practice covers the agricultural industry with the intent to represent farmers and their respective businesses. He is the President of Janzen Agricultural Law LLC, a law firm that specializes in the legal needs of an innovative agricultural industry. He also serves as the Administrator for Ag Data Transparent, a non-profit organization that aims to bring transparency, trust, and simplicity to ag tech contracts.

Todd joins me today to help bring awareness to the idea of data transparency in the agricultural industry. He shares his career journey, what inspired him to become an ag industry lawyer, and explains how data transparency can enable farmers to improve their systems and how they manage their farms. He also explains how companies can get involved, the processes they need to partake, and how he thinks this project can impact the industry as a whole.

  

“Farmers have a much easier time letting a complete stranger know what they're doing on their farm than they would be letting their own neighbor know." -Todd Janzen

 

 

 

This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:

  • Where Todd got his love for agriculture.
  • The risks that come with Ag Data and how to manage them.
  • Technologies that could be collecting data without us knowing.
  • The type of data farmers should be wary of sharing.
  • The processes involved to help farmers become certified.
  • Companies that will not find this type of service useful.
  • The big questions we still need to answer about Ag Data.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • With social media, people are much more tolerable of sharing private data.
  • We have to treat Ag Data with respect and diligence.

 

Connect with Todd Janzen:

 

2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 

Help us celebrate the top 30 future leaders of agriculture! Nominate your favorite up-and-coming, future executives, innovators, and influencers in the following agriculture categories:

  • Agribusiness
  • Production Agriculture
  • Research & Technology
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Education & Advocacy

Nominations for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list are now open and are scheduled to close Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 11:59 PM. Self-nominations are accepted.

Winners will be announced March 2019.

To learn more about the eligibility requirements, announcement date and location, and to nominate for the 2019 AgGrad 30 Under 30 list, visit: 30Under30.ag

 

We Are a Part of a Bigger Family! 

The Future of Agriculture Podcast is now part of the Farm and Rural Ag Network. Listen to more ag-related podcasts by subscribing on iTunes or on the Farm and Rural Ag Network Website today. 

 
 

Share the Ag-Love! 

Thanks for joining us on the Future of Agriculture Podcast – your spot for valuable information, content, and interviews with industry leaders throughout the agricultural space! If you enjoyed this week’s episode, please subscribe on iTunes and leave your honest feedback. Don’t forget to share it with your friends on your favorite social media spots! 

 

Learn more about AgGrad by visiting: 

Future of Agriculture Website

AgGrad Website

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

Oct 23, 2018

Janice Person could have gone a completely different route if it not for some nice farmers.

Oct 22, 2018

Michael Allemeier is only one of four Master Chefs in Canada. He talks to us about how meeting farmers changed his opinions on ingredients

Oct 19, 2018

Kristin Reese, aka Local Farm Mom, has been my companion on a couple of recent adventures. In this episode, we share our experience exploring Europe's food and agriculture, while also attending Bayer's Future of Farming event - the first event since the acquisition of Monsanto.

Our journey through Switzerland taught us the importance of slowing down in life. In Germany we learn there are no speed limits & the Netherlands provided a one-of-a-kind event involving Dutch Cooking.

Take a listen to learn more.

Special thanks to Bayer for inviting Kristin and I to the Future of Farming event.

Oct 19, 2018

In this two part series, Ray Bohacz explains why the agriculture community needs to take a lesson from the auto industry of 30 years ago to successfully lobby for this cause.

Oct 19, 2018

In this two part series, Ray Bohacz explains why the agriculture community needs to take a lesson from the auto industry of 30 years ago to successfully lobby for this cause.

Oct 18, 2018

Andrea De Groot traded in a ruthless banker gig to head up the Ontario Pork Industry Council (OPIC) to help pork producers navigate the issues in the swine business. Sometime work/life balance is as simple as saying no and giving yourself permission to not bake cookies. Also, find out what sport is more Canadian than hockey. Hint - it's like hockey, only nicer.

www.opic.on.ca

#agriculture #farming #rural #family #banking

Oct 17, 2018

Tonight I'm heading up to Withnell in Lancashire to talk to marketing officer, freelance journalist, and Vice Chairman of Lancashire YFC, Alice Singleton @alicemay_sing

We start of by talking about her family farm, that her parents bought 12 years ago, and the herd of Angus & Hereford Cows they run there, before going on to talk about their exciting diversification project, a gin distillery! We talk about Cuckoo Gin in detail, including the local ingredients they use, and how sustainability is so important to the business (For more info: www.brindledistillery.co.uk ).

We talk about the various jobs she does, from being a full time Marketing Officer at Lancashire wildlife Trust, to trying to build up a freelance journalism and photography business, and what she enjoys most about the different roles. We also talk about rural crime, and how it's affected her and her family recently, with two different break-ins at their farms. 

Lastly, we talk in depth about her 13 year involvement in the Young Farmers Clubs, from a 12 year old new member, right on through to becoming Vice Chairman of Lancashire YFC, and winning the the prestigious NFYFC Member of the Year.

We go into what YFC means to her, and what she's got out of it over the years, before we move on to discuss the recent controversial cancellation of the annual convention. We hear her opinions on the subject, and what she thinks might happen next.

All this and much, much more.

It was fantastic to talk to someone as articulate, passionate and enthusiastic as Alice for the podcast tonight, and hear her views on a wide range of subjects. 

Check it out folks.. 

 

 

Episode Sponsors:

AFTP - Agrifood Training Partnership. Please visit www.aftp.co.uk/podcast to check out a wide range of agriculture-related online courses. For 10% discount on selected courses use the word 'podcast' at check out!

NFU Cymru - for more information please visit www.nfu-cymru.org.uk

 

Podcast Partners:

Farmer's Guardian. For the biggest range of news and features from across the Ag industry, please visit www.fginsight.com

Rock & Roll Farming is proud to be a part of the Farm & Rural Ag Network. To find more great podcasts and vlogs, please visit www.farmruralag.com 

Oct 16, 2018

From choosing his education to building his own farm... Mike Manion has carved his own way.

Oct 15, 2018

Andrea Hollak is a bourbon drinking vegetarian that shares her views on eating meat.

Oct 11, 2018

What would possess a hospital IT expert to start raising rare ducks and geese? Apricot Valley Waterfowl is not your typical poultry farm. In fact, one of Colin Davis' goals is to be the exact opposite of a conventional farm. At the end of the day preservation farming still has to pay the bills to be sustainable.

www.apricotvalleywaterfowl.com/

#agriculture #rural #farming #family #waterfowl #ducks #geese #preservation #sustainable #heritage 

 

Oct 10, 2018

Today I'm heading over the border to Sunny Shropshire to talk to farmer and co-founder of Small Robot Company, Sam Watson Jones @samjwj @smallrobotco

We talk about his family's farm near Newport where they've been for 4 generations, and the various enterprises they have going on there, and also Sam's decision to become a farmer whilst studying english literature at Newcastle University.

We go into the various job's he during the 5 years he spent away from the farm, including teaching at a tough inner city secondary school, and working for a global consultancy firm. We also discuss some of the changes he made after returning to the farm, including why he felt diversifying the business's income streams was so important.

We then talk about Small Robot company at length, including how it initially came about, how the robots (Tom, Dick, Harry, and Wilma) work, what they're trying to achieve with it, and how robotics are going to change agriculture sooner than we all think.

Will the robots rise up and murder him in his sleep? Who knows, but in the meantime, it was fantastic to talk to such an enterprising and entrepreneurial man as Sam, and learn more about Small Robot Company.

Check it out folks..

 

Episode Sponsors:

AFTP - Agrifood Training Partnership. Please visit www.aftp.co.uk/podcast to check out a wide range of agriculture-related online courses. For 25% discount on 'poultry health online' sign up now. To sign up for the free course 'Understanding food supply Systems' please visit www.futurelearn.com/courses/food-supply-systems

NFU Cymru - for more information please visit www.nfu-cymru.org.uk

 

Podcast Partners:

Farmer's Guardian. For the biggest range of news and features from across the Ag industry, please visit www.fginsight.com

Rock & Roll Farming is proud to be a part of the Farm & Rural Ag Network. To find more great podcasts and vlogs, please visit www.farmruralag.com

 

www.rockandrollfarming.com

Oct 10, 2018

Georg Banauch is a molecular biotechnologist with extensive knowledge of synthetic biology and biofuels research. He is also a Co-Founder and Development Director for HATCH, an accelerator program focused exclusively on the aquaculture industry seeking to develop and scale disruptive aquaculture startups.

 

Joel Harris is Ag Startup Engine’s Co-Director. Ag Startup Engine is a privately-owned accelerator program that funds AgTech entrepreneurs and supports them through mentorship and funding. Joel’s responsibility includes coordinating investor relations and mentoring new entrepreneurs.

 

Georg and Joel join me today to discuss how their accelerator programs work, the type of ideas they want to support, and what makes each company unique from other accelerators. Georg explains how they developed the idea to launch HATCH, why they focused on aquaculture startups, and how aquaculture can help the world grow. Joel shares what their company is all about and the checklist they use when selecting companies as well as how Ag Startup Engine can help business owners. Joel also offers great advice when dealing with investors from a new entrepreneur’s viewpoint.

 

 

"For new entrepreneurs, a small pat on the back can go a long way." - Joel Harris

 

 

 

This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:

 

  • What is HATCH accelerator and how it got started.
  • Their motivation in starting Hatch Accelerator.
  • How their accelerator program works and their interactions with startups.
  • An estimate on how many aquaculture startups are out there.
  • What Hatch looks for in startups and ideas they want to see.
  • What excites Georg on the future of aquaculture?
  • Joel Harris’ perspective as an entrepreneur and someone working with entrepreneurs.
  • Joel’s best advice on how to succeed in growing an AgTech startup.
  • Is Ag Startup Engine open to startups worldwide?
  • How Joel motivates budding entrepreneurs into achieving their goals.
  • Ag Startup Engine's programs and how they help entrepreneurs.
  • Joel's advice to new entrepreneurs when it comes to communicating with investors.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

  • Aquaculture is efficient compared to others in the agricultural industry.
  • Working with an accelerator is an opportunity, but where you’ll end up after that is up to you.

 

 

Connect with Georg Baunach:

 

  • HATCH
  • Email: georg@hatch.blue

 

 

Connect with Joel Harris

 

 

 

 

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 

Oct 9, 2018

Pam Smith is one of the most respected ag media icons, of all times. She's "been there/done that" and then wrote the story. Listen as she talks about being a woman reporter in the early days and how she sees ag media now.

Please visit our sponsors:

https://www.farmersedge.ca/

Oct 4, 2018

Succession planning is what you do when you want to overthrow the king. Why Transition Planning is the better way to frame a difficult conversation. This and other great advice from Farm Family coach Elaine Froese.

 

www.farmfamilycoach.com

www.elainefroese.com

Oct 3, 2018

Andrew Diprose is the CEO at Rootwave, a UK tech startup that aims to provide a sustainable and efficient solution to weed problems by zapping them from the root up. The goal is to reduce weeds without using chemicals which could help solve soil contamination issues. His role is to lead the product and technology department, making sure the technology is safe and effective when it is commercially available in 2020.

Andrew joins me today to discuss Rootwave, what inspired him to start this type of technology, and how it works. He explains the need for clean methods of killing weeds relative to soil health and describes some of the ways this technology is superior to the conventional means of removing weeds in farms. He also shares his prediction of what agriculture will look like in the future.

 

 

“Electricides will be a benefit to society. It will better the environment and the health of individuals.” - Andrew Diprose

 

 

 

This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:

 

  • What are electricides and how does it work in agriculture?
  • Why Andrew believes electricides are the best alternative to herbicides.
  • What inspired him to come up with the idea of inventing electricides.
  • What makes electricides different from using fire and other thermal methods?
  • How electricides are energy efficient and where the energy comes from.
  • Why electricides won’t adversely affect general soil health.
  • The type of plants they aim to use the technology initially.
  • The current stage the technology is currently in and when it is expected to become available commercially.
  • How Andrew envisions agriculture looking differently in the future.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

  • With soil contamination being rampant all over the world, the need for a localized yet efficient and sustainable herbicide is critical.
  • Electricides protect crops from unwanted vegetation without collateral damage.

 

 

Resources Mentioned:

 

 

Connect with Andrew Diprose:

 

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 

Oct 2, 2018

North Dakota barley grower Gary Beck and Pat Hayes, Professor at Oregon State, discuss how this ancient grain is evolving with new traits and growing practices.

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