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This weekly podcast dives into agbioscience, where agriculture, life sciences and cutting-edge technology converge. Agbioscience is an in-depth conversation with leaders and entrepreneurs across food, animal health, plant science and agtech. This one-of-a-kind podcast offers updates on the latest advancements and future trends from those at the forefront of agbioscience innovation.
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From agbioscience innovation to defense, pharma, food and nutrition, and beyond – the bioeconomy is broad; and the intersection of innovation, research and policy generates a lot of questions when it comes to how we grow and scale to be a global leader right here in the United States. This week, we are joined by Sarah Glaven, Visiting Fellow at Princeton University’s Andlinger Center and a former biotechnologist representing The White House, The Pentagon and The Naval Research Laboratory. We get into: Sarah’s professional story, from being an outdoors kid to leading critical bioinnovation work on a national scale How she defines the bioeconomy and what she believes is its importance to the US’ future Biggest headwinds we are facing when it comes to the growth and scale of the bioeconomy How her past experiences have shaped her perspective on the critical alignment needed among policy, innovation and research to advance the bioeconomy in the US (and the grade she’d give us on that alignment today) Indiana’s position in the bioeconomy and how reshoring biomanufacturing supply chains can reduce disruption and increase competitiveness in the US Creating a skilled workforce to grow the bioeconomy and examples of upskilling and developing talent that have her most impressed What has Sarah most excited about the US’ bioinnovation future
The intersection of innovation and regulatory – specifically when it comes to food is health – is a growing conversation. This week, we are joined by Dave Riggs, Business Cluster Unit President for Eurofins SFA, to talk laboratory science, consulting food brands around the world and health emerging as a trend on their minds. We get into: The work his SFA team leads and who they aim to serve How much food companies have to think about in product development and the risks that come up in a product’s life cycle in quality and safety standard aren’t met How laboratory scientists approach their work like consultants to overcome challenges and drive big outcomes for food brands around the world Food is Health making its way into the Eurofins labs and unintended consequences that have come alongside the movement Balancing innovation and scientific discovery with an evolving regulatory landscape Challenges and headwinds on the horizon for the food industry and how those create opportunities for creativity across the value chain Dave’s advice to young talent considering science careers What’s ahead for Eurofins
Developing and recruiting next generation talent is a critical topic for all industries and agbioscience leaders are no stranger to the conversation. This week, we are joined by National FFA CEO, Scott Stump, to examine how young leaders are developed, getting them engaged in agbioscience and looking ahead to the excitement that is October for National FFA in Indianapolis as their Convention and Expo looms near. We get into: Scott’s story – from leading students in the ag classroom to leading the National FFA Organization What the organization does and who it exists to serve How Scott has seen the makeup of National FFA students evolve over his career – and how that’s changed the organization What National FFA hears from industry partners on challenges they are facing in terms of workforce and talent development How agriculture education will need to shift in the future to meet industry needs The upcoming 98th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, what to expect and why it’s important to unite to share ideas What’s ahead for National FFA
AgriNovus CEO, Christy Wright, and Vice President, Libby Fritz, recap September with Cayla Chiddister and discuss the month's news, including additions to our team via our Field Atlas Ambassador program, our participation in the One Health Summit in Indianapolis and several industry stories to share.Meet our Field Atlas Ambassadors Read Christy's Food Dive StoryAgriNovus Partners with BioCrossroads and Elanco for the Life Sciences Summit 2025Aaron Schacht to Speak at Life Sciences Summit 2025 | Watch Aaron Schacht - BiomEdit on AgbioscienceKeystone Cooperative's Kevin Still Announces Intention to Retire | Watch Kevin Still -- Keystone Cooperative on AgbioscienceSePro Corporation Announces Two AcquisitionsInsignum AgTech Raises $2.4MPurdue Researchers Develop Rapid Test for HPAIIntegrated Dynamics (Velocity Winner) Awarded $245,000 from National Science Foundation for Phase 1 SBIR GrantField Atlas AMP Applications Now Open | Apply Here
As consumers shift their preferences toward healthier food options, there is ripe opportunity for innovators in the CPG snack market. This week, we are joined by NutriPop co-founders Ujaswin Jain and Audrey Chung to talk food is health, student entrepreneurship and seizing the moment. We get into: How the NutriPop team came together on the campus of the University of Notre Dame What popped water lily seeds are and how they become a nutritious snack The company’s participation in AgriNovus’ Velocity accelerator and how that experienced helped drive NutriPop forward in 2025 After winning the Food is Health track for Velocity, NutriPop’s successes, wins and momentum on market NutriPop’s differentiation and what makes them unique in the food is health space The tough realities of the CPG market and why they chose to enter as entrepreneurs Advice they would offer to young student entrepreneurs heading down a similar path What’s ahead for NutriPop
From innovation pipeline movement to Series B funding, leadership changes and so much more, BiomEdit is on the move. This week, CEO Aaron Schacht joins Agbioscience to talk scientific discovery, artificial intelligence, creating “and” solutions and how he approaches adding to his team in a meaningful way. Highlights include: An overview of BiomEdit’s innovation pipeline and what has Aaron most excited right now Optavant – BE-101 – and its movement through the USDA regulatory process, what the technology is designed to do and its benefit to the poultry industry Creating solutions that establish certainty for producers – having the economics make sense to where they can realize the full genetic potential of the animal Finding the right messages to connect consumers to straightforward understanding of how their food is produced and why these innovations are so important for them How the BiomEdit team approaches scientific discovery The company’s latest Series B fundriase -- $18.4 M – and what it will enable the company to do New leadership additions and how they add not only competencies, but culture to the BiomEdit team Aaron’s vision for the continued opportunity to marry the AI-driven predictive analysis with scientific discovery to drive this work forward – and some incredible updates for their team in this space What’s ahead for BiomEdit
The global GMO testing market was valued at $3.9 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $6.2 billion by 2031. With current processes costing time and money, there is a massive opportunity for innovation in genetic detection that benefits grain distributors, seed suppliers and ultimately – the farmer and consumer. Today we are joined by Ryan Skaar, COO of NanoBio Designs, to talk their platform technology and winning AgriNovus’ Velocity accelerator. We get into: What NanoBio Designs does and who they exist to serve through their technology How the company has evolved since locating their headquarters to Indianapolis in 2022 Why they chose Indiana, its entrepreneurial resources and connections, as home base Their technology, IndyStix, and its differentiation from other genetic testing technologies on the market What winning the AgriNovus Velocity accelerator did for NanoBio Designs as a company and what they’ve done post-win to build momentum How IndyStix creates confidence for the entire value chain What Ryan sees as NanoBio Designs’ biggest opportunities for the future The company’s pilot that’s currently running and its end goal What’s ahead for the company
Indiana is now home to a commercially available renewable diesel fuel production facility after CountryMark cut the ribbon on its $100 million plus refinery upgrade in Mount Vernon. With new production capabilities and a new market for Indiana soybean farmers, we are joined by CountryMark CEO Matt Smorch to talk about the expansion and what lies ahead. We get into it: The company’s innovation portfolio and what they bring to the energy market How biofuels have evolved in recent years – from policy driving change to sustainable aviation fuel Ag and oil coming together to drive outcomes on policy The $100 million investment in the Mount Vernon facility and how it positions them for the future The benefits of co-processed renewable diesel Why they chose to make this investment right now What’s ahead for CountryMark
Young leaders are born in the show rings of 4-H fairs and Cora Rodibaugh knows that story well. This week, the 10-year 4-H'er sits down with Indiana Farm Bureau’s Annie Romine to recap her career, talk about her love of pigs and the skills she’s acquired along the way that have her equipped her for the future. She also shares what’s ahead for her as she takes off for Purdue University to start the fall semester. Indiana Farm Bureau is dedicated to supporting youth in agriculture. There are several opportunities for youth to be involved in INFB, with scholarships for graduating seniors and college students; Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at Purdue, Huntington and Vincennes universities; FFA advocacy days and trainings; grants for FFA chapters and 4-H clubs; and leadership development events, competitions, awards and conferences. INFB also serves as presenting sponsor of the Exhibitor Experience for livestock exhibitors and all showmanship contests at the Indiana State Fair. You can learn more at infb.org/YFAP.
For the first time on Agbioscience (except that one time when she was a guest), we are joined by our new President and CEO, Christy Wright! She talks her first week on the job, connecting with industry leaders and stakeholders and hosting her first Quadrant on day three at AgriNovus. You can also read her feature with Elaine Watson in AgFunder News and on Hoosier Ag Today. Christy, Libby and Cayla get into: The announcement of a potential merger between Premier Companies and Superior AgA recap of the Indiana Farm Bureau Critical Issues Summit -- including bonus audio from President Randy Kron and a look at the Future State of Ag Report of Idealyst InnovationIntelinair's 2nd Consecutive Win at the AgTech Breakthrough AwardsFloVision Raising $8.7M to Expand AI Tools for Food ProcessingField Atlas Company Tours recap -- we are recruiting companies for 2026! If you're interested in hosting students, contact fieldatlas@agrinovusindiana.com.
Consumer education and connectivity to agbioscience innovation and their food’s origin story is a growing conversation. To see is to believe; but to experience the farm? That’s a whole different story. Purdue University’s Megan Kuhn guest hosts Hannah Vorsilak, Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Marketing and Communications Manager, this week to talk about the organization’s ultimate commitment to consumer experience in Indiana agriculture: The Glass Barn – located on the Indiana State Fairgrounds. We get into: What The Glass Barn is and what it is designed to do for someone who has never visited Why that name? Over ten years in, how has The Glass Barn evolved to meet consumer questions and the evolution of innovation in agbioscience The use of the facility well beyond the 15 days of the Indiana State Fair – The Glass Barn welcomes 10,000 students each year + the integration of their virtual learning programs How the experiential is positively affecting the perception Commonly asked questions by consumers Features inside of the barn, including live farmer chats, games and more The growing need for experiences like this in a time where consumers have pressing questions about their food What’s ahead for The Glass Barn
For the first time in Agbioscience video history, we have taken the show on the road; and not to just any venue...but to the iconic Indiana State Fair. Spanning 15 days that welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors, those consumers and small businesses help to generate millions for the regional economy in its two weeks run. Today our guest host Kenda Resler Friend from KRF Public Relations is joined by Indiana State Fair Executive Director, Cindy Hoye, to talk the impact of consumer experience, agbioscience innovation and the fairgrounds beyond these two weeks. We get into: Cindy’s perspective on the 2025 Indiana State Fair, its new attractions and consumer feedback Marrying time-honored traditions with new themes The underpinning of agbioscience innovation and education as the foundation for the Indiana State Fair and its 15 days Bringing veterinary science to the fair via a partnership with Purdue University that allows Q&A opportunities between consumers and vet students on modern agriculture practices How young leaders are developed through the spirit of 4-H, competition and hard work each year Leveraging the other days of the year to invest in the Indiana State Fair property in order to give back to the state What’s ahead for the Indiana State Fair
According to Purdue University’s Ag Economy Barometer survey in July, high input costs and lower crop and livestock prices are the top two concerns on farmers mind at the moment. For agbioscience innovators, it’s a critical more than ever to consider moves that can deliver maximum value to the farmer. Dave Pugh, CFO of AgReliant Genetics, joins us as GDM recently announced its agreement to acquire the company. We get into: Dave’s background in computer science and risk management + what drew him to agbioscience Massive validation in the form of GDM’s agreement to acquire AgReliant Genetics and what that means for the farmer How Dave thinks through the investment of innovation in agbioscience in a time of uncertainty for farmers and companies alike The AgReliant Genetics portfolio heading into acquisition and its strengths in corn genetics His perspective on the relationship between seed brands and customer Dave’s finance background and role as CFO – in a time of uncertainty – planning for oversight of what’s ahead and how to stay innovative in the process What has him most excited about what’s ahead with GDM The following conversation discusses the recent announcement that GDM is seeking to acquire AgReliant Genetics. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in the United States and other customary closing conditions and approvals. Until the necessary approvals and closing conditions are obtained and satisfied and the transaction has closed, GDM and AgReliant Genetics will continue to operate as independent entities, maintaining their current business routines and commercial structures.
From the early days of biotechnology to the growing voice of today’s consumer, a desire exists for knowledge and understanding of the work being done by scientists, farmers and agbioscience innovators to bring food to our tables. Today we are joined by Michele Payn, author and founder of Cause Matters Corp., who has made it her mission to bridge this gap, to make agriculture less defensive and to put emotion and heart at the center of the work happening across the industry. We get into: Michele’s boots on the ground perspective from scientists, farmers and industry professionals on what’s evolving in how they share their stories with consumers How Cause Matters Corp. came to be and how new eras present a fresh set of challenges for her tackle and communicate in her business The biggest gaps agbioscience has in bridging the technical to the practical Helping others adapt and stay nimble in their communication and acceptance of new information in a fast-paced world Artificial Intelligence, its role in how consumers learn about agbioscience, the pros and cons and how it can be leveraged as a trusted source in the future Disinformation vs. Misinformation – the distinction and the dangers between the two How she would compare agbioscience today to other decades of her time in the industry – from a communications and consumer acceptance perspective Finding emotional center in your agbioscience story – and the importance of making it personal to seek understanding when you communicate Her new book, Science Story Speak, and its opportunity for readers to connect with science understanding on a more meaningful level What’s next for Cause Matters Corp.
This is perhaps the most epic news recap we have ever encountered on Agbioscience! So much so, we had to go back and record audio after we thought we were done. We get into the USDA's announcement on re-organization and Indiana's inclusion as a regional hub as part of that, AgReliant Genetics' acquisition by GDM, BiomEdit's product pipeline milestones, Series B funding and new leadership additions, and a big partnership announcement and honor for Corteva Agriscience. We also provide an update on the AgriNovus CEO search and when you can expect to learn more information. Don't forget! AgriNovus Quadrant is August 20 -- Register here: https://agrinovusindiana.com/quadrant/USDA Reorganization Announcement + MemorandumISDA's Don Lamb Talks to Hoosier Ag Today on USDA ReorganizationAgReliant Genetics Announces Acquisition Agreement by GDMBiomEdit Announces Series B Raise, Advances Product to Final PhaseAgFunder News Talks with BiomEdit on Designer ProbioticsCountryMark Completes $100M Diesel Expansion ProjectPhytoform and Corteva Partner on AI to Boost Disease Resistance in Corn
The USDA estimates that each year in the U.S., poor nutrition causes roughly $1.1 trillion in preventable health care spending and lost productivity from diet-attributable diseases. As farmers continue their work of producing food for a growing population, agbioscience companies are also seeking new ways to innovate and optimize for human, animal and planetary health. This week, we are joined by Corteva Agriscience’s first Chief Health Officer, Dr. Claudia Coplein, to examine the breadth of her new role with the company and what they aim to achieve. We get into: The macro gaps in the way we produce and consume food and its overall impact on our health Corteva’s launch of the Chief Health Officer role and how they’re approaching new audiences to tell the story of farming around the world Putting this platform into practice – Claudia talks about where you see and experience her team’s work What reception has been like from different audiences thus far Corteva’s focus on farmer health and how current headwinds facing the industry impacts their physical, mental and emotional well-being Claudia’s vision for how Corteva’s health platform evolves Her background and how this role – and agbioscience – feels custom-built for her Where Claudia believes the food is health movement is headed and Corteva’s role in that movement What’s ahead for her team – and what has her most excited
The words talent and shortage come packaged together in nearly every sentence across almost every industry these days. It's a widespread challenge that raises a bigger question for agbioscience companies. Do our hurdles look like the same as other industries? If not, what do we do next? This week, we are joined by Vivayic’s Agriculture Practice Lead, Blaze Currie. We get into: His high-level take on the current market overview for talent relative to the workforce needs of other industries The headwinds facing the agbioscience industry that are uniquely their own when it comes to talent and leadership A history lesson on how agbioscience got here – and the generational waves that have created the talent disparity we are facing today How companies will need to adapt in the future to fill their talent needs Executive and senior leadership positions aging out of the workforce, how those positions will need to be developed and what organizations need to do today to prepare for tomorrow How Blaze sees the next 10-15 years of talent evolution shaking out in agbioscience – and it looks a lot different than is has in the past What’s ahead for Vivayic
The food ingredients market is expected to grow to $97 billion by 2029. That's an annual growth rate of just over 6.5%. Central to that growth is the voice of the consumer seeking options to improve their health and ingredients that contribute to their overall wellness. One company has been innovating in this space for generations. Ed Fish, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Varietal Solutions at Bay State Milling, joins guest host Jarrod Sutton from Purdue DIAL Ventures to discuss the market's rapid change -- from consumer demands to regulatory pressures and beyond. We get into: The overall ingredients market and the perspective on how consumer health is creating new opportunities Who Bay State Milling aims to serve through innovation, the company’s 125-year family-owned legacy and its growing portfolio Unique differentiation, being nimble and knowing how to connect food to agriculture Leveraging their Rothwell Grain Essential Center to work with customers on refining and troubleshooting products – and how their customers participate in the process New products being rolled out by Bay State Milling in the food is health space, including HealthSense™ (a high-fiber wheat flour) and SowNaked Oats™ (a higher-protein oat) How the relationships work for Bay State Milling across the value chain – farmers to food companies How Ed believes the winners of tomorrow are innovating today What’s ahead for Bay State Milling
The market for ag biologicals is projected to grow significantly according to Grandview Research – making the leap from $11B market in 2024 to a $16.8B in 2030. One Indiana company has recently created a strategic alliance to drive biological innovation at every stage of the crop nutrition cycle. Dr. Tanya Soule, Vice President of Microbiology at BW Fusion, joins us to talk science, producers and the farm. We get into: What biologicals are and how they benefit farmers How they work in tandem with other fertilizers and modes of crop protection to drive yield BW Fusion’s approach to scientific discovery and innovation How the company got into the agbioscience industry – it wasn’t its first vertical Bain Capital Double Impact’s support that led to the strategic alliance between BW Fusion, Biodyne USA and Agronomy 365 and what that has allowed them to do from an innovation perspective The farmers’ role in advancing innovation at BW Fusion Why Tanya, a career academic, made the switch to working with the BW Fusion team and coming to the agbiosciences Her advice for young scientists What’s ahead for BW Fusion
The month of June has passed -- and it was a busy one! AgriNovus Vice President, Libby Fritz, joins Cayla Chiddister in the studio to talk through a number of exciting things, including what's to come for the podcast with Mitch's departure from AgriNovus. Hint: we aren't going anywhere! We get into: Updates to what you can expect to hear and see on the podcast moving forward!What's going on with the CEO search -- and how you can apply to be our next fearless leaderVelocity Demo Day, the three winners and our power outage networking party; watch our Directionally Speaking video series hereField Atlas Company Tours are coming 8/14-8/15 at Corteva and Ingredion; if you know a college student interested in learning more about agbioscience, have them apply by 7/13! Register here.Community of Practice webinar on AI in Agriculture coming on 7/23; Register here.Quadrant is back on 8/20 and we are talking leadership in action! Register here.
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