AgCulture Podcast

In this episode of the ‘AgCulture Podcast,’ Jay Joy, founder and Managing Partner of Bridgeforth, LLP, explores strategic agribusiness transitions and their significance in modern agriculture. With insights from his extensive experience in agricultural finance and management, Jay shares valuable perspectives on professionalizing farm operations, leveraging financial reporting, and the evolving role of family businesses in agriculture. Tune in to gain expert knowledge on navigating complex agricultural business landscapes and optimizing farm profitability. (00:00) Introduction (06:54) Transition from Operations to Management (09:20) When to Hire Fractional Roles (13:12) Managing Family Business Dynamics (17:06) Importance of Advisory Boards (25:17) Impact of Rising Interest Rates (35:50) Closing Thoughts Meet the guest:  Jay Joy is the founder and Managing Partner of Bridgeforth, LLP, an advisory firm that guides agribusiness transitions. With a background in agricultural finance and management, Jay has extensive experience improving farm profitability and cash flow. He holds a BS in Agribusiness and an MBA in Accounting, with additional executive training. Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast", hosted by Paul Windemuller. This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices. Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world. Expect engaging stories of Paul's journey as a first-generation farmer and consultant, covering topics ranging from coffee to greenhouses to agricultural technology. "Ag Culture'' will aim to inspire agricultural entrepreneurs and innovators weekly. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe at our Site ⁠AgCulture.com⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, I share stories and takeaways from a recent trip through the Pacific Northwest and beyond, visiting some of the country’s most distinctive farming regions. From the rolling wheat fields of Washington’s Palouse to Idaho’s onion valleys and the vast apple orchards of Washington, I look at the history, infrastructure, and water systems that helped these industries grow. Tune in for the connections between crops, culture, and innovation that continue to shape U.S. agriculture. Available now on all major platforms!Meet the host: Paul Windemuller is an agripreneur, 2024 Nuffield Scholar, and host of the ‘AgCulture Podcast’. With over a decade of experience in dairy and agribusiness, he’s the founder of Open Sky Agribusiness and Dream Winds Dairy, where he drives innovation through automation and technology. Paul holds a degree in Agricultural Business from Michigan State University and dairy expertise from Lincoln University.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(03:18) Hop production(07:48) Hazelnut valley(09:30) Onion industry(13:25) Trip takeaways(18:59) Water and irrigation(24:16) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, fifth-generation dairy farmer Bryan Leuthold from Tillamook, Oregon, opens up about the realities of farming in one of the most unique dairy regions in the U.S. He shares how his family farm has evolved, the benefits and challenges of cooperative farming with Tillamook Creamery, and the environmental stewardship practices shaping the future of the valley. Explore how technology, tradition, and sustainability come together. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guests: Bryan Leuthold is a fifth-generation dairy farmer from Tillamook, Oregon, where he manages his family farm alongside his wife, children, and grandparents. His operation reflects both the tradition of Oregon dairying and the adoption of modern technology, including robotic milking systems and sustainable nutrient management.Dr. Kate Lott is the Director of Farm Engagement at Tillamook County Creamery Association, where she works closely with member farms to support animal health, sustainability, and cooperative growth. With a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University and over a decade of experience in food animal veterinary practice, she combines technical expertise with farmer-focused solutions.Connect with our guest on Social Media: Dr. Kate LottWhat you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(03:08) Cooperative history(05:12) Grass-based dairying(09:43) Environmental stewardship(20:21) Robotic milking(27:06) Regional challenges(34:53) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Justin Wells, US Country Manager at Halter, explains how virtual fencing and smart collars are reshaping beef cattle management in the United States. He shares Halter’s US rollout strategy, team-building approach, and the tech behind real-time containment and automated shifts. Learn how producers are capturing ROI through tighter grazing, labor savings, and better pasture use while planning for long-term soil and forage gains. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guest: Justin Wells is the US Country Manager at Halter, where he leads the company’s expansion and adoption of virtual fencing for beef cow calf operations. Drawing on experience in the US Marine Corps and scaling tech startups, he focuses on pasture performance, rotational grazing, and producer profitability. Hear how this technology supports productivity and sustainability.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(05:38) US expansion(07:34) Team building(16:13) Virtual fencing(19:13) Cow algorithm(23:03) ROI drivers(36:45) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Claire Taylor, founder of Agvocacy Consulting and Nuffield Farming Scholar, shares how immersive global experiences can reshape agricultural leadership and resilience. She discusses the origins and mission of Unstoppable World, a new initiative combining mental health, leadership, and global learning. Explore how farmers can rethink influence, connection, and well-being across the sector. Listen now on all major platforms!Get to know more about Unstoppable World- a start-up focused on advancing global conversations around mental health in agriculture and equipping leaders with practical tools for resilience and leadership: https://unstoppablenow.world/Meet the guest: Claire Taylor is a Nuffield Farming Scholar and founder of Agvocacy Consulting, based in New South Wales, Australia. With a rich background in media and international agricultural exploration, she supports agricultural businesses in effective communication, leadership development, and fostering social license. Claire’s global insights help drive change in mental health, food systems, and industry storytelling.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(04:45) Global agriculture perspective(07:12) Resilience in agriculture(08:03) Food security contrasts(13:27) Mental health advocacy(16:52) Leadership development tools(32:53) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Lisa Portas, a 2025 Nuffield Scholar and agribusiness director from New Zealand, explores the shifting economics of strong wool. She unpacks why synthetic fibers disrupted the market, what makes value-added wool promising again, and how infrastructure and accreditation could transform the sector. Discover how global travel is shaping her thinking on regenerative farming and supply chain reinvention. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guest: Lisa Portas is a director, former farm operator, and a 2025 Nuffield Scholar based in New Zealand’s Wairarapa region. With over a decade of leadership in agribusiness diversification, she focuses on value chains, wool innovation, and export development. Her current research explores how strong wool producers can regain profitability through direct supply chains, farm-level practices, and global accreditation strategies.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(04:48) Strong wool economics(07:00) Infrastructure decline(10:12) Wool market innovation(14:09) Government policy shifts(18:20) Merino vs. strong wool(24:04) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Eric McNeilly, International Premier Account Manager at Alta Genetics, shares insights from his 49-year career in the global dairy industry. From managing herds of over 20,000 cows to restructuring troubled farms across six continents, Eric explains the systems, cultural dynamics, and technologies driving efficient dairy operations. Learn practical management strategies and how to future-proof your dairy business. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guest: Eric McNeilly has nearly five decades of experience in the dairy industry, including managing herds of over 200,000 cows and consulting across 22 countries. With deep expertise in labor efficiency, dairy systems, and genetics, he now serves as International Premier Account Manager at Alta Genetics.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(05:11) Managing large herds(14:11) Cross-cultural leadership(15:31) Farm restructuring systems(24:15) Genomics in breeding(28:23) Technology in dairy(37:01) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast Show, Louisa Burwood-Taylor, Managing Editor at AgFunder, discusses the evolving landscape of agrifood tech investment and the role of venture capital in agriculture. He unpacks trends shaping funding, startup challenges, and how AI and robotics are reshaping the future of farm operations. Explore the critical gaps between agtech innovation and farmer adoption. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guest: Louisa Burwood-Taylor is the Managing Editor at AgFunder and a pioneer in agrifood tech journalism. With nearly two decades of experience, he was the founding editor of Agri Investor and now leads AgFunder News and its widely cited industry reports. Louisa is known for shaping how investors, entrepreneurs, and farmers understand agricultural innovation and investment.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(05:03) Venture capital slowdown(09:03) Startup exit barriers(14:20) Alternative capital models(18:24) Deep tech in agriculture(22:18) AI’s real role(36:03) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Annie Ridgely, macadamia nut farmer and founder of Shine Naturally®, shares how she transformed a struggling farm into a vertically integrated business. From cold-pressing macadamia oil for cosmetics to advocating for Hawaii-grown labeling laws, Annie offers a unique lens on agricultural entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn from her innovative approach and the challenges of farming in Hawaii. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guest: Annie Ridgely is a regenerative macadamia nut farmer based in Hawaiʻi, where she manages an 80-acre farm while homeschooling her four children. A former commercial fisherwoman turned agripreneur, Annie is also the founder of Shine Naturally®, a skincare brand using her farm’s cold-pressed macadamia nut oil. She recently served as president of the Hawaiʻi Macadamia Nut Association and remains active in advocacy.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(04:02) Starting a nut orchard(06:09) Processing macadamia nuts(10:36) Vertical farm integration(20:21) Value-added farm products(41:25) Hawaii labeling policies(50:02) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, management consultant and first-generation beef farmer Tom Cosentino shares his journey from urban accounting to rural South Australian agriculture. He offers insight into drought resilience, enterprise stacking, and smart financial structuring for new entrants in farming. Discover practical business models for getting started in agriculture, even without land inheritance. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guest: Tom Cosentino is a management consultant and first-generation beef farmer based in South Australia. With a background in law and commerce, he supports Australia’s food and fibre sectors through research, consulting, and advocacy. As the principal at Margo Consulting, Tom brings a business-first lens to farm development and project management.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(05:00) Drought resilience planning(10:15) Starting without land(14:30) Enterprise stacking models(18:45) Financial strategy tips(27:20) First-gen farm barriers(48:00) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Stu Ferguson, co-founder of Hunter Riley Limited in New Zealand, breaks down the evolution of the manuka honey industry, from its early chaos to today’s global competition. He shares how engineering, land management, and branding are transforming beekeeping into a modern agribusiness. Learn what’s next for the sector and what lessons apply to agripreneurs worldwide. Listen now on all major platforms! Meet the guests: Stu Ferguson transitioned from mechanical engineering into apiculture over two decades ago, becoming a key innovator in New Zealand's manuka honey industry. As co-founder of Hunter Riley Limited, he focuses on improving hive management, sustainability, and product integrity. His unique blend of technical knowledge and agricultural vision is helping reshape global perceptions of manuka honey.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(04:30) Manuka honey properties(07:00) Land use strategies(10:50) Global market challenges(13:20) Industry consolidation(22:00) Quality control systems(34:10) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In the second episode of our two-part series on the AgCulture Podcast, Dr. Barry Bradford from Michigan State University shares valuable insights on how dairy farmers can evaluate feed additives and trial-based research on their farms. Dr. Bradford highlights the importance of making informed decisions when adopting new technologies, including how to assess return on investment and the practical aspects of dairy research. Don’t miss his expert advice on applying this research to your own farm. Tune in now on all major platforms!Meet the guests: Dr. Barry Bradford is the Clint Meadows Endowed Chair in Dairy Management at Michigan State University. His expertise focuses on metabolic physiology, dairy nutrition, and the impact of additives on the health and productivity of dairy cattle. With years of research experience, Dr. Bradford applies scientific findings to real-world farming challenges, aiming to improve the profitability and sustainability of dairy operations.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(04:14) Evaluating feed additives(09:22) Understanding ROI in dairy(13:05) Pitfalls in study design(17:30) Dairy farm research challenges(22:00) Bias in research data(29:45) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In the first episode of our special two-part series on the AgCulture Podcast, you'll hear from Tim Kelly and Dr. Craig Wyatt from AB Vista. Tim explores how data and statistical tools can improve decision-making in dairy operations, while Craig shares key insights from the poultry industry and how they apply across livestock systems. Both sessions challenge the way we think about efficiency, variability, and production. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guests: Tim Kelly, Ruminant Technical Sales Manager at AB Vista, brings years of industry experience to the conversation, drawing from leadership roles across dairy and feed sectors. Dr. Craig Wyatt, Regional Technical Service Manager at AB Vista, shares technical insights from nearly two decades in poultry and feed innovation.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(04:17) Measuring dairy complexity(05:48) Statistical decision making(19:31) Poultry industry insights(22:12) Benchmarking feed data(29:19) Feed ingredient variability(48:00) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this special re-run episode of the AgCulture Podcast, we revisit the conversation with Gabe Brown, a pioneer in regenerative agriculture, who shares his journey from starting Brown's Ranch to becoming a global advocate. Gabe discusses his book Dirt to Soil, his involvement in impactful documentaries, and regenerative farming principles. Tune in to explore innovative agricultural practices and gain insights into creating sustainable and profitable farming systems. Listen now on your favorite platform!Meet the guest: Gabe Brown is a pioneer in the soil health movement, co-founder of Brown's Ranch, and author of "Dirt to Soil." He transformed his 6,000-acre ranch using regenerative practices, increasing biodiversity and profitability. Gabe is a partner at Regenified, a founder of Understanding Ag, and an instructor at the Soil Health Academy.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction02:04) The book: Dirt to Soil(09:20) Transition from Farmer to Consultant(15:00) Global Perspectives on Agriculture(18:33) Principles of Regenerative Agriculture(23:15) Economic and Environmental Benefits(47:31) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, I talk about what I learned while hosting a group of Nuffield Scholars in Western Michigan. We get into how local microclimates shape crop choices, how community values show up in the way farms run, and why sharing ideas across countries really matters in agriculture. I also touch on why it's so important to get young people involved in fairs and ag events. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform!Meet the guest: Paul Windemuller is an agripreneur, 2024 Nuffield Scholar, and host of the ‘AgCulture Podcast’. With over a decade of experience in dairy and agribusiness, he’s the founder of Open Sky Agribusiness and Dream Winds Dairy, where he drives innovation through automation and technology. Paul holds a degree in Agricultural Business from Michigan State University and dairy expertise from Lincoln University.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(01:03) Microclimate impact(03:59) Crop and livestock diversity(04:29) Community-driven accountability(06:20) Shared values in farming(07:35) Benefits of hosting tours(12:25) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Steve Sweet brings his decades of experience in dairy management and agribusiness to explore the evolving relationship between dealers, manufacturers, and dairy farmers. He shares practical insights on navigating automation, tech integration, and staffing challenges across dealer networks. Learn how changing farm sizes, technology demands, and market expectations are reshaping agribusiness strategy. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guest: Steve Sweet holds a B.S. in Dairy Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and a Dairy Management degree from Michigan State University. With over 20 years of industry experience, his work spans dairy nutrition, farm management, and robotic milking systems across North America.What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(04:04) Dealer network evolution(05:10) Data in dairy tech(06:27) Staffing and education shifts(08:21) Manufacturer-dealer tensions(12:57) Global market contrasts(32:01) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Will Lydgate, owner of Lydgate Farms, shares how Hawaii’s unique climate creates the perfect conditions for growing world-class cacao. He explains the challenges of scaling specialty agriculture, why post-harvest processing is key to flavor, and how eco-tourism sustains his vertically integrated chocolate business. Learn how premium value and regenerative farming intersect. Listen now on all major platforms! Meet the guest: Will Lydgate, owner of Lydgate Farms in Kaua’i, Hawaii, leads a vertically integrated cacao operation producing award-winning chocolate, vanilla, and honey. With roots in a fifth-generation agricultural family, Will holds a background in music and entrepreneurship. Today, he focuses on post-harvest excellence, eco-tourism, and sustainable farming methods in tropical agriculture. What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction(03:39) Post-harvest chocolate process(08:13) Hawaiian cacao economics(13:32) Challenges of farm labor(16:45) Specialty crop positioning(21:23) Eco-tourism as revenue(35:30) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast Show, Dr. Michael Boland talks about how cooperative governance needs to adapt in today’s fast-changing agriculture world. He breaks down why old-school board structures don’t always work for today’s co-ops, what to do about shifting farm leadership across generations, and how to match governance with the growing complexity of the business. Learn how to strengthen decision-making and board performance in your co-op. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!Meet the guest:Dr. Michael Boland holds a Ph.D. and is the Koller Professor of Agribusiness Management at the University of Minnesota. With a deep background in cooperative governance, his research focuses on food and agricultural supply chain institutions and board leadership. He has educated over 100 cooperative boards globally.What you will learn:(00:00) Introduction(06:24) Cooperative board dynamics(09:03) Governance structure challenges(12:18) Succession planning issues(15:41) Member eligibility debate(20:26) Board education strategies(35:17) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, futurist Nikolas Badminton breaks down how foresight, AI, and robotics are reshaping agriculture. He talks about managing complex data, the changing role of farmers, and what it takes to build a more resilient, sustainable food system. It’s a sharp, forward-looking conversation you won’t want to miss. Listen now on all major platforms!Meet the guest:Nikolas Badminton is a globally recognized futurist and Chief Futurist with 30+ years of experience mentoring executives and government leaders across 400+ organizations including NASA, Microsoft, and JP Morgan. With a strong background in foresight and strategy, he helps industries envision resilient futures.Connect with the guest on social media:WebsiteLinkedInWhat you will learn:(00:00) Introduction(03:09) Future farm strategies(08:21) Talent transformation(10:19) Robotics in livestock(17:06) Data-driven decisions(20:18) AI integration(24:18) Closing thoughtsDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at ⁠⁠⁠http://www.agculturepodcast.com⁠⁠⁠ and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this special two-part episode of the AgCulture Podcast, we continue the conversation with Allan Savory, founder of the Savory Institute. He explains why so many global land management policies miss the mark—and how holistic management could change that. Savory breaks down the institutional blind spots, ecological misconceptions, and poor management decisions driving desertification. He makes the case for rethinking how we design policies and make decisions if we want to restore ecosystems. Listen now on all major platforms!What will you learn: (00:00) Introduction(01:21) Holistic grazing basics(06:16) Ecological mismanagement causes(10:18) Policy failure roots(17:00) Livestock misconceptions(22:25) Institutional resistance patterns(37:12) Closing thoughtsMeet the guest:Clifford Allan Redin Savory is the president and co-founder of the Savory Institute and the originator of Holistic Management. Born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe/Zambia), Allan's work focuses on reversing land degradation through livestock-centered restoration strategies. His ecological insights stem from decades of field observation and policy leadership.Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedInDiscover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".  This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.