AURI

In this episode, Paul Wright from Wright Farms shares his journey into growing aronia berries, the challenges faced, and the exciting development of aronia-infused ice cream in collaboration with the University of Minnesota. Discover how niche markets and innovative marketing are opening new opportunities for this high-antioxidant superfruit.

Agriculture leaders cannot afford to think only about this quarter. Steve Olson, co-founder of the Next Five Years Executive Conference, explains why the smartest organizations are already planning for the next five years – and why that shift could determine who stays relevant and who falls behind.

Unlock the future of plant-based proteins with PURIS VP of R&D, Kushal Chandak. In this episode, discover how a 40-year journey from soy to peas is reshaping the alternative protein industry—and learn the secret to overcoming technical challenges like solubility, allergen safety, and acidic stability. Chandak shares how Puris’s innovative, vertically integrated model is making pea protein more accessible, sustainable, and tastier than ever, paving the way for the next wave of consumer-loved plant-based foods. 

In this episode, discover how a Minnesota-based collaboration between industry leaders Target and AURI ignited a new pathway for food entrepreneurs to scale nationally. Lauren Pradhan, CEO of Tesser Advisory, and Jason Robinson, Food Business Development at AURI, walk us through the strategic magic of blending community, storytelling, and retail expertise to unlock new markets. From behind-the-scenes event design to the power of authentic connection, this is about turning dreams into shelf-ready reality.

In this episode, Alexandra Ostlund of AURI and Brad Schloesser of Minnesota’s Agricultural and Rural Leadership program (MARL) unpack the 25-year-old program that’s shaping the future of agriculture leadership. Most leaders are waiting for the perfect moment—what if the secret is actually creating it? Discover how MARL transforms mid-career professionals into impactful rural champions, with alumni making waves from state legislatures to global markets.

In this episode, Jamie Dickerman interviews Gail Dennison from the Hormel Institute to explore how research at the intersection of food, agriculture, and health can shape the future of nutrition and disease prevention. They discuss the Institute’s history, ongoing projects, and the importance of making healthy eating accessible and convenient.

In this episode, Alex Frescoln, an Avisen attorney with a background in ag and food markets, discusses the evolving landscape of value-added agriculture, startup challenges, and the future of bioenergy and manufacturing in the Midwest.

Unlock the future of sustainable food with a deep dive into Minnesota’s pioneering plant protein innovation. Discover how the University of Minnesota’s Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC) is transforming local crops like dry beans and kidney beans into game-changing protein sources — crucial for feeding a global population projected to reach 10 billion. This episode features PPIC Director and Founder Pam Ismail, who reveals the secret sauce behind PPIC’s global leadership in plant-based research, industry collaboration, and workforce development, all from right here in Minnesota.

The future of agriculture in the Midwest hinges on more than just farming — it’s about resilience, innovation, and smart policy. Holly Callaghan from GreenSeam reveals how a groundbreaking industry report uncovers critical trends affecting rural prosperity, from shifting business sentiments to the vital role of sustainability and policy adjustments.

Discover how Plasma Blue, a Minnesota-based energy technology company founded on university research, is pioneering plasma-based solutions to produce biofuels, break down harmful chemicals, and address environmental challenges. Host Jamie Dickerman chats with CEO Tom Slunecka about the science behind plasma technology and its future applications across industries.