Season 5: Episode 213

 In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Raquel Gottsch Koehler, Co-Owner and Chief Marketing & Creative Officer of Rural Media Group, to talk about how agri-marketing is shifting in 2025 and what’s truly working in today’s uncertain economy.

Raquel shares her unique perspective as the next generation leading RFD-TV, Rural Radio on SiriusXM, and FarmHER + RanchHER, balancing her late father’s legacy with bold innovation. She discusses how rural audiences are consuming content differently than just a few years ago, the growing importance of authenticity in brand storytelling, and why both linear TV and digital streaming still have a place in ag marketing.

The conversation also explores the relaunch of FarmHER + RanchHER, the importance of elevating women in agriculture, and how RMG is tackling big issues like mental health, regenerative agriculture, and entrepreneurship through rural storytelling. Raquel explains what agri-marketers are getting right—and wrong—in 2025, and why genuine connections matter more than ever.

Plus, Raquel previews her upcoming panel at the Women in Agribusiness Summit in Orlando: “Marketing Through Headwinds: Ag Marketing Strategies in an Uncertain Economy.” She’ll be joining other industry leaders to discuss how brands can adapt and thrive through today’s challenges.


Learn more about RMG at https://www.rfdtv.com/

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Season 5: Episode 212
 
In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak is joined by Jaime Jerrels, Senior Director of Policy and Outreach at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, to discuss one of the most powerful and overlooked challenges in agriculture today: farmer mental health. Florida Farm Bureau, in partnership with UF/IFAS and the Mind Your Melon Foundation, has released its first-ever statewide mental health report—and the findings are deeply personal, alarming, and a call to action.

Jaime brings more than just her professional insights to the conversation. Raised on a peanut and cattle farm in Levy County and now raising five children on that same land with her husband, she speaks from the heart—both as a policy advocate and as a woman of faith. Her passion for standing in the gap for farmers who often carry the weight of the world in silence is rooted in her belief that agriculture is more than an industry—it’s a mission field.

The conversation goes far beyond statistics, touching on hurricanes, financial stress, isolation, and the unique burdens of rural life. Jaime shares her firm belief that faith, prayer, and community can bring healing and strength where it’s needed most. She encourages struggling producers to lean on their relationship with God, seek out trusted connections, and remember that telehealth and other support tools are available—and confidential.

Chrissy and Jaime also explore the critical role churches, Farm Bureau, and peer-to-peer relationships play in restoring connection and hope to those silently struggling.

Learn more and view the full 2025 Mind Your Melon Farmer Wellbeing Survey at: https://www.floridafarmbureau.org

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

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Season 5: Episode 211

As the ag tech sector matures, the industry is finally shifting its focus from flashy innovations to solving real problems on the ground. In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak explores how the ag tech space is becoming more practical, profitable, and proven — especially when it comes to addressing the core issue that keeps most farmers up at night: labor. Joining the conversation from St. Louis, Missouri is Connie Bowen, Founding Partner of Farmhand Ventures, a venture firm focused on the future of work in U.S. agriculture.

Connie shares how her background — spanning from engineering to hands-on farm work in Oregon’s Willamette Valley — shaped her laser focus on labor as agriculture’s most pressing challenge. She discusses how investor enthusiasm surged after high-profile acquisitions like Monsanto’s purchase of Climate Corp, but notes the disconnect between capital flowing into ag tech and the slow pace of on-farm adoption. That’s where Farmhand Ventures comes in — helping startups build with the farmer, not just for them.

Throughout the conversation, Connie breaks down what makes an idea investable in the ag space, why founders must collaborate closely with growers and farmworkers from day one, and how including the voices of those doing the work creates smarter, more successful tools. She explains that while sustainability and climate concerns may attract outside capital, these investors often fail to understand the farmer’s “hair-on-fire” problems — like labor shortages and razor-thin margins — which must be addressed first.

Connie also talks about mistakes she sees ag tech startups making, including overpromising, chasing the wrong markets, or designing without true farm-level feedback. She emphasizes the importance of field trials, user input, and ongoing proof, comparing startup success to a sports team that has to earn its wins every season. Looking ahead, she predicts robotics will play an increasingly critical role in specialty crops and emphasizes the need for tech to help elevate workers into higher-value roles rather than displacing them.

This episode highlights a turning point in ag tech — one where the best solutions come from close collaboration, practical thinking, and a deep respect for the realities of farm work.

Learn more about Connie and Farm Ventures at https://www.farmhandventures.com/

#agtech #smartfarming #agriculture

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Season 5: Episode 210

In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Jeffrey Smith of Valent U.S.A. and Dr. Frank Wong of Bayer Crop Science to discuss the essential and often misunderstood role of crop protection in modern agriculture. Representing the Growing Matters coalition, Jeff and Frank dive into the importance of science-based advocacy, the value of stewardship, and the continued fight to ensure farmers have access to the tools they need to protect their crops and yields.

The conversation covers the mission of Growing Matters and the BeSure! campaign, the science behind neonicotinoid products, and the regulatory challenges posed by misinformation and shifting political winds. Jeff shares insight from his decades of work building coalitions to defend key crop protection chemistries, while Frank explains the rigorous safety and regulatory processes behind pesticide approvals and the responsibility that applicators hold.

Listeners will walk away with practical reminders about treated seed, foliar applications, label compliance, and why good stewardship matters—not just for safety, but for the long-term resilience of agriculture. With a candid and even humorous look at the intersection of science, policy, and public perception, this episode offers clarity in a time when growers need it most.

To learn more about Brenda and her services, visit https://growingmatters.org.

#farm #smartfarming #agriculture

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

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Season 5: Episode 209

This special episode of the Ag Sales Professionals Podcast is being featured on North American Ag as Chrissy Wozniak was recently invited by host Greg Martinelli to join him for a conversation about ag marketing, media, and the rapidly evolving world of ag technology. We're excited to offer this episode to our listeners, as Chrissy shares her perspective on how to effectively communicate in the ag space, the importance of cutting through buzzwords, and what producers really want from the companies that serve them. From her work with North American Ag to her role at Ecorobotix and American Agri-Women, Chrissy opens up about her journey and her mission to help tell the real story of agriculture. We're proud to bring this important conversation to our audience. 

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Season 5: Episode 208

In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Brenda Heymer, owner of Heymer Management Accounting in Amarillo, Texas. With a deep-rooted background in agriculture and over three decades of accounting experience, Brenda shares her passion for helping producers move beyond traditional, tax-based accounting to embrace management accounting rooted in accrual principles. Through a thoughtful and in-depth conversation, Brenda explains how aligning production data with financials gives producers a more accurate view of their cost of production and overall business performance.

Chrissy and Brenda discuss the critical need for better financial visibility, especially in a time of rising input costs and uncertain market conditions. Brenda breaks down how management accounting differs from typical bookkeeping—focusing on internal decision-making tools rather than tax returns—and why accrual accounting is essential to track commodity-level performance across production years. She also highlights CenterPoint Accounting for Agriculture, a robust Red Wing Software tool built specifically for ag producers that allows for detailed inventory, allocations, and side-by-side cash and accrual reporting—something QuickBooks simply can't offer.

Brenda walks listeners through the conversion process from QuickBooks to CenterPoint, noting how her team goes deep into their clients’ data to lay the foundation for better decision-making. She shares real-world examples of how clients have uncovered inefficiencies at specific ranches or crop fields, and how this information helps them project cash flow, streamline operations, and manage risk more effectively. Chrissy and Brenda also talk about the challenges of data overload in modern ag and how Brenda’s team helps transform that raw data into usable, actionable insights through personalized meetings and scenario planning.

Throughout the episode, Brenda shares not only her technical knowledge but also her heart for agriculture. She challenges producers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their roles as business owners, encouraging them to build teams and delegate tasks outside their core strengths. Brenda emphasizes that having better information leads to better decisions and that it’s okay not to know everything—but vital to get the right help.

Whether you’re just starting to explore accrual-based accounting or are ready to overhaul your financial systems, Brenda offers sound advice for producers through 2025 and beyond. Her mission is clear: to change agriculture for the better, one accurate report at a time. 

To learn more about Brenda and her services, visit www.heymermanagement.com.

#farm #smartfarming #agriculture

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

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Season 5: Episode 207

In this North American Ag Spotlight podcast episode, host Chrissy Wozniak interviews Katie Pasitney from Universal Ostrich, a family-owned ostrich farm in British Columbia, Canada. The farm, which has been raising ostriches for 35 years, is facing a crisis due to a government order to cull over 400 ostriches amid an avian flu outbreak, despite most birds showing resistance and antibodies to the virus.

Katie explains that the farm has shifted focus in recent years to groundbreaking antibody research in collaboration with Kyoto Prefectural University in Japan. They inoculate ostriches with antigens to produce robust antibodies in their egg yolks, which could be used to create nutraceuticals like lozenges and nasal sprays to boost human immunity against diseases, including COVID-19 variants. This research has shown promising results, with one ostrich egg containing antibodies equivalent to 100 chicken eggs or the blood of 800 rabbits, offering a humane and efficient alternative.

The crisis began in December 2024 when the farm noticed symptoms similar to a 2020 pseudomonas bacteria outbreak, initially linked to migratory mallard ducks. However, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), acting on an anonymous tip, tested two deceased ostriches and confirmed H5N1 avian influenza using PCR tests, rejecting the farm’s request to test healthy birds or conduct a broader study. Despite the farm’s isolation and the ostriches’ apparent herd immunity—evidenced by 76 days without symptomatic deaths post-quarantine—the CFIA ordered the entire flock’s destruction, citing trading partner policies influenced by the World Health Organization and the UN.

Katie highlights the farm’s struggle against what she calls a “stamping out” policy that prioritizes mass culling over preserving natural immunity, potentially benefiting Big Pharma by eliminating alternatives to vaccines. The CFIA has threatened a $250,000 fine or jail time if the farm tests its own animals, and even probed for intellectual property during a 5.5-hour meeting, despite having already signed a kill order on December 30, 2024. The family faces a deadline to kill and bury the ostriches themselves or lose compensation if a third-party contractor intervenes.

With a judicial review scheduled for mid-April, the farm is fighting legally to save their ostriches and research, having raised over $60,000 for legal fees but facing $100,000 more in outstanding costs. Katie pleads for public support, emphasizing the global implications for agriculture and natural immunity, and directs listeners to saveourostiches.com for updates and donations.

Chrissy underscores the story’s urgency, calling for action against government overreach and the preservation of this potentially revolutionary science, urging listeners to share the episode and support the cause. 

Learn more about this cause at https://bcrising.ca/save-our-ostriches/ and give to the cause at https://www.givesendgo.com/save-our-ostriches or https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ostrich-farmers-fight-to-save-herd-from-avian-flu?attribution_id=sl%3A80e09934-7413-429b-acfb-2f7015cc19d3&lang=en_CA
#ostrich #farming #agriculture

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Season 5: Episode 206
In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight podcast, Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Svitlana Synkovska, a global event management expert with two decades of experience in agribusiness. Svitlana has organized and marketed nearly 50 international events across 12 countries, bringing together key players in commodities trading, biofuels, and more. Now serving as the Portfolio Director for Women in Agribusiness (WIA), she shares her insights into how WIA fosters a thriving community of professional women through networking, career development, and collaboration.

Svitlana discusses the evolution of agribusiness events, highlighting the meticulous planning, market research, and industry relationships required to create impactful conferences. She emphasizes the Women in Agribusiness Summit, which has grown from 200 attendees in 2012 to over 1,100 professionals today, establishing itself as the premier event for women in agribusiness. The upcoming 2025 WIA Summit will focus on key industry topics, including ag commodities markets, U.S. trade policy, extreme weather impacts, consumer trends, and the role of AI in agriculture.

Throughout the conversation, Svitlana offers invaluable career advice for women looking to establish themselves in agribusiness, stressing the importance of networking, building authentic connections, and embracing industry associations. She also explores the biggest disruptors in agriculture today, from global trade shifts to technological innovations like biological pesticides and robotics.

Tune in to hear about the power of community, the future of agribusiness, and how the Women in Agribusiness Summit is shaping the industry. For more information, visit WomenInAg.com and follow them on social media.

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe to North American Ag Spotlight on Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Rumble, or Telegram! 

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North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

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Season 5: Episode 205

In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak welcomes back Matt Durian, Livestock Manager at the American Royal, to discuss the highly anticipated 2025 American Royal Spring Youth Livestock Show. The American Royal, a Kansas City tradition since 1899, has long been committed to championing food and agriculture. After celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2024, the organization is excited to bring back the Spring Youth Livestock Show for a second year, offering young exhibitors another opportunity to showcase their skills.

Taking place from March 28-30, 2025, this year’s show comes with an exciting addition—$3,000 in prize money for champions and reserves across all species, thanks to generous donors. Matt shares how this funding was secured and what it means for exhibitors competing in the non-terminal show. Unlike the fall show, the spring event offers expanded weight limits, making it more accessible to exhibitors with younger livestock that are not yet market-ready.

Matt and Chrissy also discuss the unique role of the American Royal in educating the public about agriculture. The Spring Show will include an educational component, with a livestock judging clinic hosted in partnership with Northeastern Oklahoma College. This clinic will provide hands-on learning experiences for FFA students, aspiring judges, and anyone interested in improving their livestock evaluation skills.

Reflecting on his background in California agriculture, Matt highlights the rich farming and ranching history of his home state and the misconceptions he has encountered since moving to Kansas City. He also shares the rewarding experience of welcoming first-time exhibitors to the American Royal, noting that 90% of last year’s Spring Show participants had never competed at the fall event.

For those attending the show, Matt offers recommendations on must-see Kansas City attractions, including the city’s renowned barbecue scene and opening weekend for the Kansas City Royals—named after the American Royal itself.

Listeners interested in participating in the show can register at AmericanRoyal.com, where they can also purchase tickets and learn more about the event. Those looking to support the American Royal can explore sponsorship opportunities or volunteer to help make the show a success.

Tune in to this insightful conversation about the future of youth livestock exhibitions and the ongoing mission of the American Royal to inspire and develop future leaders in agriculture. Don’t forget to subscribe to North American Ag Spotlight on Rumble, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and more! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others passionate about agriculture and youth in livestock.

#farm #farming #agriculture

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Want to hear the stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

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Season 5: Episode 204

In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight podcast, host Chrissy Wozniak welcomes Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller for an in-depth discussion on the Biden Administration’s recent changes to the Horse Protection Act. Commissioner Miller explains how the new regulations, originally intended to curb the inhumane practice of soring in Tennessee Walking Horses, have been drastically expanded to cover all horse breeds and events. He warns that these overreaching rules could place an undue burden on horse owners, breeders, and event organizers, requiring costly inspections and creating impractical restrictions—such as banning common fly spray or minor abrasions from routine training.

Beyond the Horse Protection Act, Commissioner Miller addresses broader concerns about government overreach in agriculture, touching on issues such as the USDA’s response to screw worm outbreaks, the push to list the monarch butterfly as endangered, and the agency’s handling of avian flu in dairy cattle. He highlights the critical role of agriculture in America and the need for policymakers to apply common sense rather than excessive regulation.

The conversation also explores potential solutions, including a coalition of state agriculture commissioners pushing back against federal overreach. Commissioner Miller shares his optimism about the new administration’s commitment to reducing unnecessary regulations and restoring balance to the industry. He also discusses his lifelong passion for agriculture, his mission to educate the public, and his commitment to protecting the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers.

The episode wraps up with information on how listeners can stay engaged, including subscribing to Commissioner Miller’s press updates and tuning into his television show, Texas Agriculture Matters - which can be found here - https://texasagriculture.gov/News-Events/Texas-Agriculture-Matters-TV-Show. 

Learn more at - https://texasagriculture.gov 

For those passionate about preserving agricultural freedoms, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

#agpolicy #farming #agriculture

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Want to hear the stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

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