Farm Food Facts

USFRA

About

Farm. Food. Facts. And everything in between. A podcast featuring the leading minds in the future of sustainable food systems. Brought to you by the US Farmers and Ranchers In Action.

Available on

Community

141 episodes

Health behind soy for humans and animals

Two experts in the agricultural value chain, Carla Schultz, owner of Eight Plates Farm in Michigan and a United Soybean Board farmer-leader and Mark Messina, director of nutrition science and research at Soy Nutrition Institute, share the nutritional value and benefits of soy. Carla shares about a recent study by the United Soybean Board https://www.unitedsoybean.org/hopper/consumers-interested-in-what-their-animal-protein-consumes-survey-reveals-consumer-purchasing-behaviors/ found that 7 in 10 consumers say animal diet is extremely or very important when purchasing meat. Mark explains research https://ussoy.org/author/mmessina/on the soys potential to prevent breast cancer and more.  BECOME A PARTNER OF USFRA: usfarmersandranchers.org/partnerships  https://usfarmersandranchers.org/partnerships/ JOIN US AT HONOR THE HARVEST  USFRA’s Honor the Harvest Forum is September 10-12 at Noo Sun Dairy, located just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah. This is a one-of-a-kind experience where executive leaders and agricultural producers meet on a ranch to generate new ideas, partnerships, and actions to advance sustainable food, fuel, and fiber. Showcase your brand to thought leaders across the food and agriculture value chain by becoming an Honor the Harvest sponsor! Learn more at usfarmersandranchers.org/honor-the-harvest/ https://usfarmersandranchers.org/honor-the-harvest/

21m
Apr 01
BONUS EPSIODE Extra: Kevin Burkum: Regenerative agriculture discussion

The leader of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action, Kevin Burkum, shares what topic he is keeping an eye on that will have an impact on agriculture. Stay connected with USFRA at usfarmersandranchers.org https://usfarmersandranchers.org/.  Learn more about U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action: usfarmersandranchers.org https://usfarmersandranchers.org/ Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinburkum https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinburkum/ Become a partner of USFRA: usfarmersandranchers.org/partnerships https://usfarmersandranchers.org/partnerships/ 

1m
Mar 25
Opportunities and challenges for agriculture with USFRA CEO

Kevin Burkum, CEO of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action, shares how USFRA is making changes to help support agriculture in meeting its challenges and leveraging opportunities, both domestically and internationally.  Kevin also shares more about his background and professional experiences.  Learn more about U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action: usfarmersandranchers.org https://usfarmersandranchers.org/ Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevinburkum https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinburkum/ Become a partner of USFRA: usfarmersandranchers.org/partnerships https://usfarmersandranchers.org/partnerships/  

13m
Feb 27
National FFA Organization focused on future skills, careers

Expert Celya Glowacki, team lead for advocacy, literacy and ag-based experiences at National FFA, shares how they focus on the evolving careers in agriculture. Celya shares how they receive feedback from corporate partners about what skills they are looking for in the next generation of agriculturists and the new National FFA NexGen Conferences. Learn more at ffa.org/participate/next-generation-conference/ https://www.ffa.org/participate/next-generation-conference/. 

8m
Feb 22
Honor the Harvest and the Future of Ag

Honor the Harvest Forum is an invitation-only event that gathers food and agriculture leaders to further our global sustainable food system. Former head of Harvard Business School’s Agribusiness Program and is known as a strategic pathfinder in the global agri-food industry, Mary Shelman, emceed the USFRA Honor the Harvest. Today, we gain her high-level perspective of the event and what she’s keeping an eye on in the future of agriculture. 

25m
Dec 20, 2023
Culvers successful marketing includes support of agriculture

Culvers is based out of Sauk City, Wisconsin and there are over 900 Culver’s locations across the United States. Today, we are going to learn more about their three pillars to Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project. We are joined with Alison Demmer, she is the marketing and public relations manager at Culvers.  Learn more about Culvers at https://www.culvers.com/about-culvers.

14m
Dec 13, 2023
Unique market and value-added opportunities for grain farmers

Today, we are headed to Maryland to learn more about grain and we are joined by   expert Lindsey Thompson. She is the executive director of the Maryland Grain Producers and also the owner Hidden Potential Farms with her husband, where they farm 130 acres of corn and soybeans. Did you know that Maryland typically grows soft red winter wheat and it is consumed by chickens and used to mill flour for cookies, pretzels, and pastries?  Learn more about all the things grain touches and how farmers are working in this unique market. 

27m
Dec 07, 2023
Study shows preferences and perceptions of milk in schools

Join us as we discuss the ideal flavor packaging and the next generation of milk drinkers with Dr. Maryanne Drake, a professor in the Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences at North Carolina State University, and director of the Southeast Dairy Foods Research Center and Dr. Eric Bastian, the Vice President of Innovation Partnerships at Dairy West and the director of the Western Dairy Center at Utah State University. We dig deeper into dairy product consumptions motivation by both familiarity and habit and what the future looks like for school meals. Want to learn even more about dairy? Visit dairywest.com.

34m
Nov 16, 2023
From Veteran to rancher: A life of service

Authenticity shines in this episode with veteran and rancher Steve Cook of Cook Beef Cattle located in central Texas. Steve shares about his military career, transitioning to civilian life, mental health, Farmer Veteran Coalition and future advice and goals. Were thankful to have Steve share real experiences with us and the importance of networking with others.  Connect and support Steves ranch by checking out his website at cookbeefcattle.com. Learn more about the Farmer Veteran Coalition at farmvetco.org. We appreciate the support from The Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation on this episode of Farm, Food, Facts.  To learn more about PACT’s mission you can visit their website at https://ag-climate.org/. 

28m
Nov 10, 2023
Native American Heritage Month: Native farming and ranching 101

November is Native American Heritage Month, and we invite you to learn more about the cultures, traditions, and achievements of Native Americans. Today we are joined by Chanel Ford the director of programs at the Native American Agriculture Fund. NAAF provides grants to eligible organizations and business assistance, agricultural education, technical support and advocacy services to support native farmers and ranchers. We dig deeper into the basics of native farmers and ranchers and future innovations. Learn more about NAAF and how you can celebrate Native American Heritage this month and every month with the resources listed below. https://nativeamericanagriculturefund.org/ https://native-land.ca/

21m
Nov 09, 2023
Navigating relationships with processors and brands

Who should farmers be connected with to help bridge the gap between processors and brands?  We’re joined by CEO of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Tim Trotter, as we discuss the ins and outs of the important relationships and connections that farmers need to successfully market their products. Does a relationship with processors and brands improve a farmer’s future success?  And why act now? Learn about these topics and more now!

11m
Oct 18, 2023
Ranching with Angela Scott

This exclusive episode is a double feature for National Farmers Day! Join us as we catch up with first-generation rancher Angela Scott at Honor the Harvest this year. She talks about her lessons learned as a newer rancher and that its ok to ask questions! Then join us for our second podcast episode of the day featuring fifth-generation farmer Andrew Lauver and his story about taking over the family farm.

12m
Oct 12, 2023
Farming with Andrew Lauver

This exclusive episode is a double feature for National Farmers Day! We had the chance to connect with fifth-generation farmer Andrew Lauver at Honor the Harvest this year and get his story on taking over the family farm.  Then join us as we catch up with first-generation rancher Angela Scott as she talks about her lessons learned as a newer rancher and that its ok to ask questions!

9m
Oct 12, 2023
Research on perennial companions in soybeans

Our leading expert Jenny Rees, an extension educator at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field is nothing short of impressive! We discuss the basic benefits of planting a perennial companion in soybeans, common perennial companion crops, on-farm research, challenges and if perennial companions will become more popular. If youre as interested in this topic as we are, then check out Jennys blog at jenreeseresources.com and stay connected to research items like this by following the Nebraska Soybean board at nebraskasoybeans.org.   We appreciate the support of this topic from the United Soybean Board. You can stay connected with the future innovation of soybeans by following the United Soybean Board website at unitedsoybean.org.

17m
Sep 20, 2023
Benefits of fertilizer placement and no-till in soybeans.

Meet expert David Iverson, a true steward of the land! Today on Farm, Food, Facts, we have the honor of sharing his incredible journey as a fourth-generation crop farmer at Iverson Farms in South Dakota. David has taken sustainable agriculture to the next level by implementing two conservation practices: no-till and fertilizer placement, and thats not all. By strategically placing fertilizer, David maximizes nutrient absorption while minimizing runoff.   Tune in now for our exclusive interview with David Iverson as he shares his secrets to success and how these practices have transformed his family farm. Stay connected with the future innovation of soybeans by following the United Soybean Board website at unitedsoybean.org.

14m
Sep 06, 2023
Biofuels basics and the future potential

Biofuels fits into the equation of being a strong competitor as a fuel source. Our leading expert, Doug Berven, vice president of corporate affairs at POET, shares the basics, competitors, infrastructure, economic benefits, how other countries utilize biofuels, challenges and trends of biofuels. Learn more about POET at poet.com. 

25m
Aug 16, 2023
Protecting profitability with inclusive financing

Our expert in this episode has over 20 years of experience in the agricultural industry, John Maman is the director of sales and marketing at Nutrien Financial. He shares more about inclusive financing, managing high interest rates, digital financial tools, financially assessing crops and what financial trends to follow. Check out at nutrienfinancial.com and follow Nutrien on social media @NutrienAgSolutions. Contact us at podcast@usfraonline.org to share feedback or a podcast idea. 

17m
Aug 03, 2023
Soybeans used in tires, shoes, plywood and more!

Get ready to be soy-amazed! Join us as we chat with leading expert and soy farmer extraordinaire, Laurie Isley, who spills the "bean" on all things soy. From soy-based shoes that are trendy as they are eco-friendly, to mind-blowing uses you never knew existed with tires, plywood, dust suppressant, turf and more. This episode will leave you hungry for more knowledge about the extraordinary uses of soybeans.    Learn more: unitedsoybean.org Find soy-based products:  soynewuses.org

14m
Jul 18, 2023
Unlocking the potential of soy and human health through WISHH

Join us for an insightful discussion with our special guest, Gena Perry, executive director of the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH). A program of the American Soybean Association, WISHH expands global access to U.S. soy. Through partnerships, technical assistance, and training, WISHH helps address the protein gap and food insecurity in developing and emerging markets.

16m
Jul 06, 2023
A Climate Smart Platform for Farmers

Alyssa Cho, Sustainable Agronomy Field Team Lead at Bayer is our guest. Alyssa is building a team of Sustainable Systems Agronomists to provide support to farmers for a successful transition to regenerative practices as part of ForGround by Bayer.  Alyssa was the Agronomy Lead for a drone-based technology start-up, Aker Technologies prior to joining Bayer. She has been a professor of sustainable cropping systems, serving as a researcher, extension faculty, and instructor. Alyssa holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy, a M.S. in Horticultural Sciences, and a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Management.

10m
Dec 14, 2022
Farmers and Ranchers Front and Center in Sharm El Sheikh

Todays episode is a must see and is reference for all of our futures. USFRA CEO, Erin Fitzgerald, has been on a worldwide tour sharing the voice of the US Farmers and Ranchers globally. Shes just returned from the critical and sometimes nail-biting 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or whats called the conference of the parties of the UNFCCC more commonly referred to, and much easier as COP 27, the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference that was held from the 6th of November to the 20th of November in Egypt.

18m
Dec 05, 2022
The 2022 world Food Prize Goes to... A NASA Scientist!

To round out summer listening, we are scheduled to hear from Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig, winner of the prestigious 2022 World Food Prize, which honors leaders who are making huge strides in enhancing global food security and availability. Dr. Rosenzweig, a senior research scientist and head of the Climate Impacts Group at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) at Columbia University, is a pioneer in the study of climate change and agriculture.

12m
Sep 14, 2022
Tractor Supply Company’s Sustainability Practices and Engagement with USFRA

In today’s episode we explore how the almost $13 billion retailer – Tractor Supply, with over 2,000 stores across 49 states, is a leader in working with farmers and ranchers - and committed to the goal of net zero operations. Tractor Supply’s mission statement is: “To work hard, have fun and make money by providing legendary service and great products at everyday low prices”. Our guest is Mary Winn Pilkington, senior vice president investor relations and public relations at Tractor Supply Company. Before coming to Tractor Supply in 2018, Mary Winn held senior positions at Dollar General, Pepsi Bottling Group and International Paper.

16m
Jul 13, 2022
Why 'Net Positive' Must Be The Mandate For Agriculture

 In today’s episode we meet the authors of “Net Positive: how courageous companies thrive by giving more than they take” – the best selling book that Financial Times named as one of the best business books of the year. Andrew Winston and Paul Polman teamed up to to write the book that has at its core the argument that the companies of the future will profit by fixing the worlds problems, not creating them.   Paul Polman is the ex-Unilever CEO who increased his shareholders returns by 300% while ensuring the company ranked #1 in the world for sustainability for eleven years running. Teaming up with Andrew Winston, one of the worlds most authoritative voices on corporate sustainability, they show business leaders how to take on humanitys greatest and most urgent challenges—climate change and inequality—and build a thriving business as a result.  Paul Polman works to accelerate action by business to achieve the UN Global Goals, which he helped develop and has been described by the Financial Times as “a stand out CEO of the past decade”.  Andrew Winston is a globally-recognized expert on megatrends and how to build companies that thrive by serving the world. Named to list of the top management thinkers in the world, he is a best selling author and received degrees in economics, business, and environmental management from Princeton, Columbia, and Yale. Andrew recently wrote in the Sloan Review how — which stands for environmental, social, and governance — has become the dominant term. Within the narrow world of the sustainability expert community, the battle royale is raging about  versus https://sustainabilityadvantage.com/2022/02/22/sustainability-vs-esg/  and the implications of shifting semantics. 

20m
Jul 06, 2022
The Impact of WIC on Farmers

USDA Deputy Undersecretary Stacy Dean and several members of Congress provided updates on emerging and pressing food/nutrition and WIC policy issues at the National WIC Association’s National Policy Conference. A number of these issues affect grocers and others in the retail food industry, including a tripling of funds for vegetables and fruits for low-income families through WIC, a once-in-a-decade update to the WIC food packages expected in early 2022, child nutrition reauthorization getting underway in the House of Representatives, proposed regulations for online shopping expected in April 2022 and more. With more on the effect for farmers and ranchers, our guest is Brian Dittmeier, Esq., the Senior Director of Public Policy at the National WIC Association. Brian advocates for key WIC priorities, including efforts to secure WIC funding, expand access to nutritious foods, and address maternal health disparities. Brian manages NWA’s relationship with Congress and the Administration, leads targeted grassroots advocacy efforts, and coordinates policy partnerships with child nutrition stakeholders and industry.

14m
Mar 02, 2022
Farmers and Billionaires: The WFP Chief’s Plan for Solving World Hunger

Join USFRA and Phil Lempert as we sit down with the UN World Food Programme Chief who blames a hunger crisis on a “toxic cocktail” of conflict, climate change, disasters, poverty and inequality. 45 million people in 43 countries around the world stand at the frontlines of hunger. WFP Executive Director David Beasley says farmers can help lift millions out of poverty and make agriculture environmentally sustainable. And he says billionaires have a duty to act.

47m
Dec 03, 2021
Behind The Scenes At COP26 U.N. Climate Change Conference

Today’s episode is a very special one. Anne Meis, chair of USFRA and Erin Fitzgerald our CEO just returned from the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland where for the first time the farmers voice was heard and farmers now have a seat at the table.

23m
Nov 17, 2021
The Carbon Neutral Pig

Today we go behind the scenes and talk with Marlowe Vaughn and USFRA Board Chair Anne Meis.  Marlowe Vaughan is the star of the USFRA produced short film, The Carbon Neutral Pig.  She is also a North Carolina pig farmer and is the Executive Director of the Feed the Dialogue NC with a true passion for educating consumers about agriculture and where their food comes from. Her enthusiasm, passion and knowledge of the pork industry earned her the Emerging Leader Award, previously known as the Pork All-American, an award also earned by her father, Bob Ivey in 1982.  As well as earning her the starring role in USFRA’s latest docudrama Anne Meis is a farmer and Nebraska Soybean member in Elgin, Nebraska.  Anne, along with her husband Jim, run a family operation raising corn, soybeans, and alfalfa and cattle.  Over the past 32 years, they have had a continued focus on increasing soil health, conserving water, being good stewards of the land, and practicing quality animal care.  

24m
Oct 07, 2021
The Shift In Food And Ag Labor Resources

Our guest today is David Turner, President of Kincannon and Reed.  He has been serving clients across the globe for Kincannon & Reed for nine years before being named President in 2019. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, David holds a BS from Arizona State University, an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and an Advanced Certificate in Executive Search and Leadership Consulting from Cornell University. Prior to joining Kincannon & Reed, David led PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Canadian agribusiness practice and served in international positions across Cargill’s animal nutrition, grain milling, and meat processing businesses. David is actively involved in the search profession and leads Kincannon & Reed with a vision and understanding that the leadership placed will impact the food and agriculture industries.

30m
Sep 29, 2021