In this kick-off to Season Two of “The Business of Blueberries,” some familiar voices from past episodes come together to talk about highlights of the first season, share their thoughts about what’s coming in future episodes, and provide some behind-the-scenes insight about what it takes to bring this podcast together every week. 

Host Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC), is joined by a few podcast regulars,including Rod Cook, industry veteran and the chair of the Blueberry Technology and Innovation Committee, and USHBC/NABC team members Alicia Adler, vice president of global business development, and Jill Scofield, director of communication and industry relations. Also chiming in is Tim Hammerich who produces each episode and can be heard in his own podcast, The Future of Agriculture. 

“This podcast has helped both educate blueberry growers on what technology is out there, and also introduce technology leaders to the blueberry industry and help them better understand our needs. That’s encouraging people to begin to develop solutions for our day-to-day problems.” Rod Cook

“One recent comment was from someone who’s been in the industry longer than I have, and they said they learn something new from each episode, and that the podcast takes them outside their own role in the industry to provide a greater context. That speaks to the true intention of the council.” Alicia Adler

“We have a growing audience, but more than anything we have a responsive audience, which is what has really struck me about the blueberry industry.” Tim Hammerich

Topics covered include: 

• Key take-aways from the first season of The Business of Blueberries.
• Direct impact the podcast has had on the blueberry industry
• Insight about additional issues and topics to be covered in season two

Crop Report

The Blueberry Crop Report is an update on crop conditions and markets throughout North and South America. In this episode, you’ll hear from Matt Macrie in New Jersey, Doug Krahmer in Oregon and Bryan Sakuma in Washington. This was recorded on June 30, 2021.  

Marketing Boost

In today’s fast-paced and information-flooded environment, content is king. We know that audiences want to be inspired, educated and engaged. That’s why USHBC recently revamped and relaunched its websites specifically tailored to consumers, health professionals and food professionals, enhancing the user experience and promoting all things blueberry in a way that relates to them. On this week’s Marketing Boost, USHBC/NABC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Sparks shares how industry members can also benefit from and utilize these new sites. 

One Last Call For ‘Business of Blueberries’ Survey

If you haven’t already completed our brief survey, this is your last chance to share what you like about the podcast, what we could do better and what topics you’d like us to explore further. Take a moment to share your feedback!