North American Ag Spotlight: Agriculture & Farming News and Views

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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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

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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

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Season 5: Episode 203
In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, host Chrissy Wozniak is joined by Rusty Rumley, Senior Staff Attorney at the National Agricultural Law Center, to explore the shifting landscape of agricultural policy under the new administration.

They discuss the recent election outcomes, highlighting the Republican control of both chambers of Congress and the White House, and speculate on what this might mean for agricultural legislation, particularly the Farm Bill. Rusty provides insights into the complexities of passing a Farm Bill with a narrow majority, the potential use of the Congressional Review Act to repeal recent regulations, and the significant changes brought by the end of the Chevron deference, which could require clearer directives from Congress on policy. 

The conversation also delves into how budget reconciliation could impact nutrition programs in the Farm Bill, emphasizing the critical balance between SNAP benefits and agricultural support. Additionally, they touch on the ongoing debates regarding foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, with specific attention to state-level actions and potential federal policy adjustments. Rusty looks to the future with cautious optimism, suggesting that while significant changes might be limited, there could be beneficial tweaks ensuring more stability in agricultural policy. 

The episode wraps up with Rusty explaining the role of the National Agricultural Law Center as a neutral source of legal information for the ag community, encouraging listeners to engage with their resources. 

For more in-depth analysis, subscribe to the National Agricultural Law Center's updates at https://nationalaglawcenter.org/category/the-feed/ and follow North American Ag Spotlight on any podcast platform and video channels like Rumble and Telegram.

#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

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Introducing FarmNewsDaily.com - your source for agriculture news!

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Season 5: Episode 202
In this week's North American Ag Spotlight Podcast Chrissy Wozniak is joined by Curt Covington, Senior Director of Institution Credit at AgAmerica. With over 40 years of experience in agricultural banking, Curt shares valuable insights from AgAmerica’s 2025 Economic Outlook for U.S. Agriculture.

The conversation covers the decline in net farm income and a projected recovery starting in 2026, stabilizing input costs amidst persistent labor challenges, and the impact of rising farm debt levels. Curt discusses policy uncertainties and the need for strategic planning to navigate tighter margins. He also provides actionable strategies for farmers to control costs, manage debt, and leverage government programs effectively during challenging times.

Curt’s advice underscores the importance of balancing needs versus wants and making informed decisions to maintain financial resilience. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone in the agricultural industry seeking expert guidance to prepare for the year ahead.

Find the full 2025 Economic Outlook for U.S. Agriculture at AgAmerica’s website: AgAmerica.com. To connect with Curt Covington directly, visit AgAmerica.com/contact.

You can listen to North American Ag Spotlight on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Rumble, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. Don’t miss an episode!

#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

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Season 5: Episode 201
In this special episode of North American Ag Spotlight, we bring you an insightful panel discussion from FIRA USA 2024. Moderated by host Chrissy Wozniak, this engaging session delves into the evolving role of automation in the vegetable industry, featuring:

David De Paoli, Founder and Chairman of the Australia Group
Thomas Beach, Managing Director of Autonomous Agri Solutions (UK)
Jennifer Clarke, Executive Director of the California Leafy Greens Research Board

The panel explores how precision technology is enhancing crop health, pest management, and harvesting, while addressing the unique challenges in developing and adopting automation technologies. The discussion also highlights global perspectives on how farmers are overcoming barriers to implementation, the importance of collaboration among growers, researchers, and tech developers, and the potential for future advancements in automation.

Whether you’re a farmer, technologist, or ag enthusiast, this episode offers a front-row seat to the advancements shaping the vegetable industry worldwide.

Listen now to explore how automation is transforming agriculture, one innovation at a time!

Learn more about FIRA at https://fira-usa.com/ 
#agtech #farming #agriculture

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In this week's North American Ag Spotlight podcast Chrissy Wozniak celebrates a milestone 200th episode by exploring a beloved agricultural tradition, the Arizona National Livestock Show. Joining her is Tyler Grandil, Executive Director of the show, who shares his journey from an FFA member with a passion for livestock to leading the largest livestock show in the Southwest.

Tyler provides insight into what makes the Arizona National unique—its focus on family, tradition, and innovation. He discusses how the event balances its deep roots in Arizona’s heritage with modern technology and outreach efforts, from Farming Simulator games to broader marketing strategies that connect agriculture with consumers. 

The conversation also highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the livestock industry, from ensuring an affordable food supply to addressing the disconnect between consumers and production agriculture. Tyler encourages young people to explore careers in agriculture through internships and emphasizes the importance of promoting agriculture’s positive impact on society.

For more information about the Arizona National Livestock Show, including event dates and schedules, visit aznational.org or follow them on social media. As always, subscribe to North American Ag Spotlight Podcast to stay informed about the latest in agriculture and share this episode to spread the word!

#farmfamily #farming #livestock

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In this week's North American Ag Spotlight podcast Chrissy Wozniak welcomes back Mindy Patterson, president and co-founder of The Cavalry Group and an unwavering advocate for agriculture. Mindy shares her perspective on the aftermath of the November election, discussing key government picks and their potential impact on agriculture, private property rights, and American livelihoods.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Importance of Legislative Awareness: Mindy emphasizes how legislation at the local, state, and federal levels can significantly affect farmers, ranchers, and business owners, urging the agricultural community to stay vigilant and involved.
• The Sustains Act and Its Implications: A detailed breakdown of the Sustains Act, highlighting its potential threats to private property and rural communities under the guise of conservation and public-private partnerships.
• Defending Private Property Rights: The risks of government overreach, eminent domain misuse, and how these issues intertwine with controversial policies like CO2 pipelines and conservation easements.
• The Fight Against Animal Rights Extremism: Updates on The Cavalry Group's efforts to combat deceptive legislation targeting lawful businesses, including rodeo and horse-drawn carriage bans.
• Call to Action for Producers: Mindy passionately encourages agricultural producers to engage in policy discussions, attend town halls, and collaborate with advocacy groups to protect their industries.

Mindy also shares insights into recent and upcoming legislation, The Cavalry Group’s advocacy efforts, and strategies for pushing back against government overreach. This episode is a must-listen for those in agriculture, policy-making, and anyone concerned with private property rights.

Additional Resources:

Links to The Cavalry Group’s legislative tracking tools and resources.
Information on becoming a member of The Cavalry Group.
Details on connecting with advocacy organizations like American Agri-Women.

📢 Don’t miss this compelling discussion—listen now to get inspired and informed! Be sure to subscribe to North American Ag Spotlight on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on Rumble and Telegram for video content.

Learn more about the Cavalry Group at https://www.thecavalrygroup.com
Follow Mindy Patterson at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-patterson-1441a030/
#farm #farming #agriculture

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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

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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In this episode of the North American Ag Spotlight podcast, Chrissy Wozniak welcomes back Jose Marchetti, an agronomy engineer and Business Development leader for Ecorobotix. With a rich background in agriculture across Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, Jose shares his expertise on advancing precision agriculture. The discussion centers around the ARA ultra-high-precision sprayer, a game-changing tool that reduces input costs, minimizes spray drift, and enhances crop health. Jose explains how the sprayer's advanced plant-by-plant technology distinguishes crops from weeds with remarkable accuracy, applying treatments only where needed.

Listeners will learn how the ARA sprayer has helped farmers achieve up to 95% savings in crop protection products while reducing manual labor costs significantly. Jose also highlights its impact on addressing regulatory compliance, improving worker safety, and boosting productivity in windy conditions. Real-world success stories from producers using the technology underline its potential to revolutionize modern farming. Jose’s deep passion for agriculture and his commitment to supporting farmers’ profitability shines throughout the conversation, making this an inspiring listen for anyone interested in ag tech.

Learn more about https://ecorobotix.com
#agtech #precisionag #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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