Dirt to Dinner: Digging In

In this episode of Digging In, we're talking about the ongoing negotions between the United States and European Union. These nations are negotiating "The Cooperation Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade" to stabilize their $1.5 trillion economic relationship and reduce the long-standing U.S. agricultural trade deficit. This agreement is critical for U.S. agricultural interests, as it aims to boost demand for products like meat, soybeans, and corn while opening the EU market to $750 billion in American energy exports by 2028. Although political disputes over Greenland recently stalled progress and led the European Parliament to pause considerations, recent diplomatic resolutions have sparked hope that the ratification process will soon resume. For more information, read our recent post here.

This episode of "Digging In" examines the modern resurgence of raw milk, which has transitioned from a niche farm product into a wellness status symbol for approximately 11 million Americans seeking more "natural" foods. Crucially, there's a significant safety disparity in the dairy aisle, with raw milk accounting for 95% of all milk-related illnesses. We also debunk the "clean farm" myth, explaining that even healthy cows can shed dangerous pathogens like E. coli and Listeria that cannot be eliminated by sanitation alone. We also clarify that homogenization is a mechanical process for texture rather than a health hazard and suggests pasteurized, non-homogenized milk as a safe middle ground for consumers who desire a traditional sensory experience without the biological gamble. Read our original post here and access the transcript to this podcast here.

This podcast explores the newly released 2025-2030 USDA/HHS Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This health reboot represents a fundamental shift toward real, whole foods to combat the rising tide of chronic disease and obesity.  Moving away from clinical calculations, the new standards prioritize protein intake at every meal, the consumption of full-fat dairy without added sugars, and a diet rich in produce and healthy fats. This policy overhaul explicitly discourages ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates, aiming to simplify nutritional advice into a common-sense framework. Ultimately, the success of this nutrition reboot depends on making these nutrient-dense options affordable and accessible for the average family. You can read the full post here and access the transcript for this episode here.

After decades of government mismanagement of the economy, can Venezuela get back on the road to real food security? Here's the full post.

Cultivated meat is no longer science fiction, but it isn't quite mainstream reality either. It is stuck in a fascinating limbo of regulatory battles, scaling challenges, and consumer skepticism. But the technology is marching forward, often funded by the very meat companies you might expect to oppose it. Do you think it will be on your grill by next summer? Let us know by filling out our reader poll at the bottom of this post. And read the transcript here. Happy eating!

This week's we're xamining the surprising return of beef tallow as a popular ingredient in cooking and wellness and contrasting its health concerns against vegetable oils. Is this trend driven by scientific evidence or a preference for "ancestral" and "natural" practices over established public health guidelines? There's been a historical shift away from saturated fats like tallow due to concerns about heart disease, noting that the science on the risks of high saturated fat intake remains consistent despite contradictory social media narratives. We're also creating parallels between the comeback of tallow and that of raw milk. How much are these trends fueled by a desire for perceived traditional authenticity rather than proven safety or nutritional benefits? Listen to find out. For the original post, visit "The Curious Comeback of Beef Tallow" and you can click here for the transcript. Also you can visit our D2D podcast page to listen in on our other episodes. Happy listening!

At a recent event addressing a New York State farming community, Lucy Stitzer speaks about the evolving landscape of agriculture, emphasizing the crucial relationships between farmers, governments, and consumers.  Lucy highlights the remarkable growth in agricultural output alongside a surging global population and the imperative for increased production. She also discusses the impact of governmental policies, particularly concerning trade, tariffs and biofuels, on the profitability of American farms. Lucy also digs into the transformative role of technology, such as precision agriculture and autonomous robotics, in enhancing efficiency and sustainability, and ends with the need for consumer education to understand food production and supporting informed choices. To visit the related post on our site, visit "Digging In: The Future of Food" and you can click here for the transcript. Also you can visit our D2D podcast page to listen in on our other episodes. Happy listening!

Recent social media concerns have arisen regarding the presence of pesticides, specifically glyphosate, and heavy metals in Girl Scout Cookies. In this podcast, we're explaining how trace amounts of glyphosate can end up in food through agricultural practices. However, these particulates are significantly below safety limits set by the EPA. The key to minimizing exposure is dietary variety. Ultimately, we're encouraging consumers to rely on scientific sources like the FDA and EPA for accurate information and emphasizes that the trace levels found in cookies do not pose a health risk when consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet. For the original post, visit "Are Girl Scout Cookies Safe?" and you can click here for the transcript. Also you can visit our D2D podcast page to listen in on our other episodes. Happy listening!

In this episode of "Digging In", Lucy speaks with Aaron Wetzel, Vice President at John Deere for Production and Precision Ag Production Systems.   A key theme throughout their discussion is John Deere's enduring success. This is largely attributed to its commitment to customers, focus on quality and innovation, and doing things the right way by creating value for the customer, addressing labor challenges, and promoting sustainability through technology.      In this way, Wetzel details how John Deere has transformed itself from a machinery manufacturer to a customer-centric technology company. With proprietary technologies like See & Spray for precise weed control and advancements in automation across agriculture, turf, and construction, John Deere leverages machine learning across its strong dealer network.  Looking forward, John Deere aims to remain customer-focused and utilize AI to improve operations and help feed a growing population. For the podcast's transcript, click here. And for more information on sustainable ag and our global food system, visit Dirt to Dinner.

This podcast episode of Digging In explores the FDA's ban on Red Dye No. 3, prompted by the Delaney Clause, a decades-old law that mandates banning any food additive causing cancer in animals. The discussion highlights the complex interplay between regulation, public perception, and scientific evidence, questioning whether the ban truly benefits public health given potentially larger nutritional issues like excessive sugar consumption. While watchdog groups see this as a victory and a push towards stricter regulations as seen in Europe, the hosts ponder if this focus on a single ingredient distracts from broader dietary concerns and emphasizes the need for critical thinking and a balanced perspective on nutritional threats. Read the Dirt to Dinner article here and access the transcript here.    

This week's podcast delves into the intricate relationship between tariffs, ocean freight, and the future of the US food system. It highlights the US's significant role in global agricultural trade, both in exports and imports, while noting a considerable trade deficit. We also emphasize the importance of ocean freight in moving these goods, particularly through major ports like New Orleans. The podcast also explores potential disruptions from new tariffs on key trading partners like Mexico, drawing parallels with past trade wars and their impact on American farmers. We close with examining the industry's push for sustainability and other factors outside of tariffs that complicate the landscape, including fuels and technologies. We encourage listeners to support local and sustainable food options during the turbulent times ahead. Read our article for more information. And read the transcript here.

This week, we're digging into the upcoming front-of-package labeling requirement to help customers quickly determine how nutritious these food products are. For the full article and more details, read our post: Can a Small Food Label be a Big Deal?  The FDA is proposing simplified black-and-white front-of-package nutrition labels for food products in the U.S., aiming to combat chronic diseases by increasing consumer awareness of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar content. The new labels will likely affect most packaged foods, although exemptions exist, and will impose significant costs and potential market shifts on food manufacturers. Despite these economic implications for the food industry, the FDA hopes these changes will lead to improved public health and reduced healthcare cost. Prefer to read this podcast? You can find the transcript here.

We're looking into the significant problem of food waste, exploring its scale and environmental consequences. By highlighting the recent documentary, "Buy Now!", we're providing practical steps we can take to reduce waste at home, such as meal planning and proper food storage. Furthermore, we examine initiatives undertaken by consumer packaged goods companies to improve sustainability in their supply chains and operations. We all play a crucial role in the collaboration between consumers, corporations, and governments in achieving meaningful reductions in food waste. To read the full post and cehck out other sources of additional information, click here.

American health has been a topic of conversation since the potential nomination of Robert F. Kennedy as Secretary of HHS, who has put a spotlight on our health. Whether he gets confirmed or not, the question we are asking at D2D is, "What is the definition of health?" In this podcast, we're exploring the multifaceted definition of health, challenging conventional views and emphasizing a holistic approach. We highlight three simple physical tests as indicators of overall health and longevity, when coupled with a diet emphasizing whole foods while limiting sugar. We have the chance every day to make small, consistent healthy habits to achieve long-term well-being. For our full article, read our post: What Does it Mean to be "Healthy"? at Dirt to Dinner. And for the transcript for this episode, click here.

Dirt to Dinner's article "Here's How to Combat Winter Illnesses" discusses the unusually high rates of flu, norovirus, and respiratory illnesses during winter 2025. It emphasizes the importance of preventative measures, specifically proper handwashing and a healthy diet rich in immune-boosting foods like salmon, citrus fruits, and yogurt. The piece also recommends additional strategies such as cleaning surfaces, avoiding touching one's face, and getting enough sleep and exercise to support a strong immune system. The overall message promotes proactive steps to mitigate illness and emphasizes the importance of community health.

It's no secret that many consumers are integrating a plant-based option into their diets. And, although increasing your vegetable intake is never a bad idea, it's imperative to know what nutrients you may be lacking without eating meat. Read more about this here.

The frequency and intensity of wildfires are on the rise, posing significant consequences for an ever-growing number of people and our agricultural system. But what about the impact on our food system? We had the opportunity to speak with Jay Walter from Greenridge Farming in Oregon; Dave Cameron, the operator of C6 Agri Farms in Omaha, Nebraska; and Don Wysocki, an extension soil scientist at Oregon State University, to gauge their level of concern. Their answer? Well, it's a bit more complex than a simple yes or no...

Stretching can help your body absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. You'll have a whole new appreciation for touching your toes when you hear about all the benefits it can have on your nutrient intake!

There's ample cause to question just how bad the effect of our latest El Niño weather system could be on the ag system and our planet. Is El Niño a reflection of true climate change, or a separate phenomenon? And how significant will El Niño impact global food security?