North American Ag Spotlight: Agriculture & Farming News and Views

*To see the machinery in action, watch the video HERE.

In this Ag Spotlight podcast episode Chrissy Wozniak takes us to FIRA USA 2024 in Woodland, California, a premier event where agricultural technology meets innovation. Chrissy speaks with representatives from several forward-thinking companies showcasing advancements in AI, robotics, automation, and precision agriculture. Learn how these technologies are transforming farming practices and addressing challenges such as labor shortages, efficiency, and sustainability.

Featured Topics and Innovations:
Selective Harvesting with AI

• An advanced robotic system designed to identify and harvest specific crops with precision.
• Highlights the potential for new technology to shift global agricultural narratives.

Precision Spraying for Sustainable Farming

• AI-powered sprayers that reduce manual labor and minimize the use of crop protection products.
• Discusses the rapid adoption of AI within the agricultural sector.

Major Investments in Ag Tech Innovation

• Insights into the latest funding round supporting the growth of advanced robotics.
• Features a revolutionary tool for weed management and previews upcoming innovations.

Automation for Agricultural Machinery

• Exploring how technology is modernizing traditional farming equipment.
• Highlights solutions that improve efficiency and expand operational possibilities.

Data-Driven Farming with Weather Technology

• Advanced weather stations and sensors providing real-time data on rainfall, soil moisture, frost risk, and more.
• Integration of mobile technology and multilingual support for global accessibility.

Why You Should Listen:

• This episode offers a deep dive into the cutting-edge solutions shaping the future of agriculture. Whether you’re interested in AI-driven automation, precision tools, or data-powered decision-making, this episode provides valuable insights into the industry’s latest advancements.

Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. 

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

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In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak interviews Lee Klancher, a celebrated author, photographer, and publisher, known for his contributions to agricultural storytelling through his company, Octane Press. Lee discusses his latest book, Snoopy and the Spy, a thrilling narrative set during the intense rivalry between agricultural giants John Deere and International Harvester amidst the 1980s farm crisis.

Lee’s book captures the dramatic 1980s era when John Deere and International Harvester were in fierce competition, providing new technology to farmers during challenging economic times. From sneaking into competitor events to small-scale espionage, Lee reveals stories of intense tactics between these iconic brands, showcasing the lengths they went to for dominance. Lee shares his passion for telling stories that capture the resilience and ingenuity of the agricultural community, inspired by his childhood memories and career-long fascination with machinery and farming.

Reflecting on the resilience of farmers during hard times, Lee emphasizes the universal lesson of perseverance—a message that resonates with many in agriculture today. Lee explains how farm mechanization transformed society, making time for innovation and technological advancement that shaped the modern world.
Memorable 

Links:
Dive into the riveting history of John Deere and International Harvester. Snoopy and the Spy - https://www.amazon.com/Snoopy-Spy-Espionage-Ingenuity-International/dp/1642341851

Connect with Lee Klancher and learn more about Octane Press here - https://octanepress.com/

Listen to the full episode and discover more about the fascinating and resilient history of the agricultural industry.

Be sure to subscribe to North American Ag Spotlight on your favorite podcast platform! 

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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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In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Trent Loos—a sixth-generation farmer, radio, tv and podcast host, and outspoken voice for agriculture. Trent shares his insights on critical issues facing agriculture, including government regulations, property rights, and environmental policies that impact farmers across the nation.

From his encounters with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to his in-depth analysis of the controversial CO2 pipelines, Trent provides a firsthand look at the struggles of American agriculture. Chrissy and Trent also discuss the challenges posed by net carbon policies, the influence of global agendas on local farming, and the importance of standing up for personal property rights.

Listeners will leave this episode with a renewed perspective on how grassroots activism and local involvement are essential for safeguarding agricultural freedoms and land ownership. Join Chrissy and Trent as they unpack the complex landscape of modern farming and the hope that comes from unity in the face of division.

Links & Resources:

Watch the RFK Jr. video on CO2 pipelines mentioned in this episode - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llcvrKDJRo0
Learn more about Trent Loos’ work - http://www.loostales.com/
Explore related articles and resources on Sustains Act - https://www.americanagriwomen.org/sustains

Follow Us: Subscribe to North American Ag Spotlight on Rumble, Telegram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Amazon.

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends and colleagues interested in the future of agriculture! 

#farm #farming #agriculture

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In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, host Chrissy Wozniak interviews Bradlee Consevage and Craig Dick from Phospholutions, a company founded in 2016 with a mission to enhance the efficiency of global phosphorus use. Phosphorus, the second most critical nutrient in crop production, is a finite resource, and managing it responsibly is crucial for future food production and sustainability. Craig, with decades of experience in crop nutrition, and Bradlee, focused on marketing innovations, share how their company is revolutionizing phosphorus management.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The challenges farmers face in managing phosphorus and the global implications of phosphorus depletion.
• Phospholutions' innovative solutions, like their Riser technology, which increases phosphorus efficiency while reducing costs.
• Environmental benefits, including reducing phosphorus runoff that contributes to issues like algae blooms in waterways.
• Long-term benefits for farmers, including potential yield increases and cost savings.
• How Phospholutions works with traditional retail and distribution channels to make their products accessible.
• The future of sustainable agriculture and how their technology supports both farmers and environmental goals.

Takeaways: Phospholutions is providing farmers with practical, sustainable solutions that don’t just save money but also protect the environment by reducing phosphorus waste. Their technology helps farmers increase efficiency, improve yields, and contributes to global phosphorus conservation efforts.

Learn More: For more information, visit Phospholutions.com and check out their new grower calculator to explore potential savings for your farm.

Subscribe: Don’t forget to subscribe to North American Ag Spotlight on your favorite podcast platforms like Rumble, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with others in the agricultural community.

#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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Listen to the podcast here - https://www.northamericanag.com/north-american-ag-spotlight - From Cows to Carriage Horses: Animal Ownership is Under Attack

In this eye-opening episode of North American Ag Spotlight, host Chrissy Wozniak is joined by Mindy Patterson of The Cavalry Group, Brian High from NorthStar Carriage in Dallas, and Stephanie Dickinson of Yellow Rose Carriage Company in San Antonio. Together, they delve into the growing threats against animal ownership and animal-based businesses, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by horse-drawn carriage companies in Texas.

This discussion highlights how radical animal rights activism is targeting these businesses and others across the country, from rodeos to dairy farms, with the goal of banning animal ownership altogether. The guests share their personal stories of fighting local legislation and the false narratives pushed by activists, and they reveal how these attacks on working animals, such as horses, are just the beginning of a broader campaign against agriculture and property rights.

Key Discussion Points:
Animal Rights Activism & Legislation: Mindy Patterson explains how The Cavalry Group works to protect the rights of animal-based businesses and the impact of local, state, and federal legislation influenced by animal rights groups.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Battles: Brian High and Stephanie Dickinson share their experiences in fighting proposed bans on horse-drawn carriages in Dallas and San Antonio, despite these businesses operating lawfully and under strict regulations.
Broader Implications for Agriculture: The panel discusses how this isn’t just a fight about horses, but part of a larger movement against all forms of animal agriculture, including livestock and pet ownership.
Calls to Action: The episode emphasizes the importance of taking a proactive stance, encouraging listeners to support preemptive legislation like the Working Animal Protection Act and stand up against activist-driven efforts that threaten animal ownership and property rights.

Guest Information:
Mindy Patterson – President of The Cavalry Group, a national member-based company dedicated to protecting the constitutional and private property rights of animal owners.
Brian High – Owner of NorthStar Carriage in Dallas, Texas, and a vocal advocate in the fight against the proposed ban on horse-drawn carriages.
Stephanie Dickinson – Owner of Yellow Rose Carriage Company in San Antonio, Texas, who shares her battle against legislation that threatens to bankrupt family-run carriage businesses.

Call to Action:
Listeners are encouraged to take action by sending letters to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, urging him to protect lawful businesses like horse-drawn carriages from activist-driven bans. Follow the link in the show notes to get involved and make your voice heard!

Resources & Links:
The Cavalry Group: https://www.thecavalrygroup.com/
Save Dallas Horse Carriages: https://www.facebook.com/people/Save-Dallas-Horse-Carriages/61555249262248/
Letter to Ken Paxton: https://the-cavalry-group.rallycongress.com/ctas/urge-texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton-to-hold-city-council-san-antonio-accountable-unlawfully-banning-horse-drawn 

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with your friends and colleagues in the agriculture and animal husbandry communities. Together, we can stand strong against efforts to undermine animal ownership and the rights of businesses that rely on them.

#animalrights #Propertyrights #carriagerides

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In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight podcast, Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Matt Durian, the Livestock Event Manager at the American Royal, a Kansas City tradition that has been celebrating agriculture since 1899. The American Royal offers nearly half a million participants the opportunity to engage in high-quality events, including livestock shows, rodeos, and educational outreach programs. Matt shares his journey, from his beginnings in Paso Robles, California, to his current role managing the American Royal's livestock events.

With the 2024 American Royal Livestock Show scheduled from October 9-27, Matt discusses the exciting new additions to this year’s event, such as the introduction of the Supreme Bull and Supreme Open Female Heifer Show. He emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and innovation, which has allowed the American Royal to remain a vital part of the agricultural community for over a century.

Matt also highlights the educational programs designed to bring Kansas City students closer to agriculture. Through hands-on field trips during breeding cattle week, local students will have the chance to meet exhibitors and learn about food production and animal care. One of the show's most thrilling moments, the Royalty Drive on October 19th, brings together the top market animals in a spectacular competition that Matt describes as a "goosebump" moment for all involved.

For visitors attending the event from out of town, Matt recommends sampling some of Kansas City’s famous barbecue, including local favorites like Slabs BBQ. He also encourages a drive by the site of the new American Royal facility, currently under construction.

For those interested in attending or participating in the 2024 American Royal, registration and ticket information can be found at americanroyal.com. Entries for the livestock show are open until September 10th to avoid late fees, and all 17 days of events will be broadcast live via Walton Webcasting for those who can't attend in person.

Matt shares his passion for agriculture and his commitment to ensuring that the American Royal continues to leave a lasting impact on future generations. He also invites companies and individuals to get involved through sponsorships or partnerships. Whether attending in person or watching from home, the 2024 American Royal promises to be an unforgettable celebration of agriculture and community.

Learn more about American Royal at https://americanroyal.com/
#livestock #farming #agriculture

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In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, host Chrissy Wozniak sits down with two distinguished guests, Russell Morgan and Paige Gilligan, to discuss the upcoming event hosted by Mac's Academy: The Sweet Smell of Success: A Deep Dive into Sugars of Science and Economic Impact. Scheduled for November 6th, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida, this event will offer participants an in-depth exploration of the sugar industry through both educational sessions and field tours.

Russell Morgan, a seasoned agriculture consultant with over 38 years of experience and founder of Morgan Ag Consulting Services, and Paige Gilligan, the founder of Risk Mitigation Advisors and former Senior Vice President at Rabobank North America, bring their extensive expertise to the conversation. Both guests have dedicated their careers to educating the next generation of agricultural professionals. They emphasize the critical importance of practical, hands-on learning experiences in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, a key mission of Mac's Academy.

During the episode, Russell and Paige share their personal backgrounds, providing insights into their journeys within the agricultural sector. Russell discusses his roots on a dairy and tobacco farm in Tennessee, which ultimately led him to a career in agriculture consulting. Paige, on the other hand, recounts her path from growing up in Indiana to establishing her consulting firm in California after a successful tenure at Rabobank North America.

The conversation then shifts to Mac's Academy, where Russell and Paige detail the inspiration behind its founding. The academy is dedicated to providing high-quality professional development and is particularly focused on empowering future generations of agricultural professionals. They preview the November event, which includes a tour of South Florida sugar cane farms, educational sessions on sugar production, and a crucial segment on disaster planning with Midwest Food Bank.

Throughout the discussion, the guests underscore the importance of education in the agricultural industry. Paige highlights the academy's mission to provide relevant and focused training, while Russell stresses that the academy's approach is not just about teaching what to think, but how to think. This educational philosophy aims to equip participants with the tools needed to address current challenges and prepare for future ones.

The upcoming event, titled The Sweet Smell of Success: A Deep Dive into Sugars of Science and Economic Impact, will take place on November 6th, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. The event promises a comprehensive experience, starting with a tour of sugar cane farming operations, followed by sessions on the economic impact of sugar, production costs, and disaster planning.

Listeners can tune in to North American Ag Spotlight on various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Rumble, and Telegram. The episode encourages listeners to visit the Mac's Academy website for more information and to sign up for the November event. Chrissy also invites listeners to revisit a previous episode featuring Midwest Food Bank to get a teaser of what to expect in their disaster planning session.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider subscribing to North American Ag Spotlight and sharing it with your network. For further details or to register for the event, visit Mac's Academy online.

Learn more about the event at https://macs-academy.com/professional-development-tour-sugar-industry/
#agevents #farming #agriculture

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In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, host Chrissy Wozniak interviews Heather Hampton Knodle and Sarah Ried Herman, two influential leaders in the agriculture industry who played key roles in developing the American Agri-Women (AAW) Road to Influence program. This leadership initiative aims to empower women in agriculture by providing them with essential tools, knowledge, and networks to influence policy, advocate for the industry, and assume leadership roles within their communities. Heather and Sarah discuss the program's vision, which is rooted in leadership development and lifelong learning, emphasizing the importance of equipping women with the skills needed to make a significant impact in agriculture.

The conversation delves into the structure of the Road to Influence program, highlighting its focus on self-awareness, communication, persuasion, and collaboration. Chrissy shares her personal experience as a participant in the 2023-2024 cohort, noting the strong bonds formed among the diverse group of women from across the country. Heather and Sarah also underscore the value of generational diversity within the program, as it enriches the learning experience and fosters a deeper understanding of different perspectives.

The episode concludes with details on how to apply for the next cohort of the Road to Influence, emphasizing the importance of support from employers and family members. With space limited, the discussion encourages interested women in agriculture to seize the opportunity to develop their leadership potential and contribute to the future of the industry.

Learn more about the Road to Influence at https://americanagriwomen.org

#leadership #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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In this week's North American Ag Spotlight Chrissy Wozniak & Jim Mundorf Discuss USDA's EID ear tag regulation roll out.

Jim Mundorf is the founder of Lonesome Lands, a podcast and blog dedicated to preserving the heritage and landscape of rural America. Through Lonesome Lands, he shares stories that highlight the beauty, struggles, and triumphs of rural life. He is also a strong advocate for the protection of private property rights, and opens the dialogue about the obvious war on agriculture. This discussion focusses on a topic that’s becoming increasingly critical for farmers: RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or EID (Electronic Identification) ear tags.

While the technology itself holds promise, Jim sheds light on the challenges when mandated and controlled by government. From the costs associated with implementing these systems to concerns about data privacy and the potential for increased regulation, Jim discusses the real-world implications for farmers who are navigating these changes.

This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in agriculture, especially those interested in the technological advancements that are being set to transform livestock management. Tune in to this episode of the North American Ag Spotlight to gain a deeper understanding of the incoming regulations and their impact on the future of farming.

Learn more about 
#farm #farming #agriculture

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This week on North American Ag Spotlight Chrissy Wozniak talks to Gwendoline Legrand, Co-Director of FIRA, who shared exciting details about the upcoming FIRA USA event. Scheduled to take place in Sacramento, California this fall, FIRA USA 2024 promises to be a must see event for anyone interested in ag tech, agricultural automation and robotics.

FIRA, an international organization based in Toulouse, France, has been at the forefront of advancing autonomous machinery in agriculture since 2016. The event, returning to California for its third consecutive year, will be hosted at the Yolo County Fairgrounds in Woodland, near Sacramento. This location offers a unique advantage, providing a consolidated space for exhibitions, live demos, and conferences, all set amidst scenic olive trees.

Reflecting on the previous year's success in Salinas, Legrand highlighted the extensive demonstrations and real-life field setups showcasing the latest in robotic and autonomous systems. The event drew nearly double the participants from the prior year, underscoring the growing interest and need for automation among growers facing labor and safety challenges.

This year's event aims to build on this success by fostering even more collaboration between technology providers and agricultural producers. Legrand emphasized that changing the location annually allows FIRA to stay attuned to the diverse needs of California's growers and to engage with key legislative bodies. The proximity to Sacramento's public institutions is strategic, aiming to bridge the gap between technological advancements and regulatory frameworks, ensuring the safe and effective deployment of these innovations.

One of the unique aspects of FIRA USA is its focus on practical, real-world applications of agricultural robots. The event offers an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to interact with cutting-edge technologies and witness their operation in live demonstrations. Highlights include advanced systems like the laser weeder from Carbon Robotics and the autonomous Burro, which exemplify the futuristic yet practical solutions being developed for modern agriculture.

The event will also feature a startup competition where ten shortlisted startups will pitch their innovations to a panel of judges, with one winner being crowned the best startup of FIRA USA 2024. This competition not only highlights the entrepreneurial spirit within the ag-tech community but also provides a platform for these innovators to secure funding and partnerships.

FIRA's collaborations with organizations like Western Growers and the University of California further enhance the event's impact. These partnerships bring together farmers, industry experts, and researchers, facilitating a holistic approach to addressing the agricultural sector's most pressing challenges through automation.

FIRA USA 2024 is set to be a landmark event, offering a glimpse into the future of farming and the transformative potential of robotics and automation. As Legrand aptly put it, attendees will leave with a sense of awe and inspiration, ready to embrace the innovations that are reshaping agriculture.

For more information about FIRA USA 2024 and to register for the event, visit the FIRA-USA.com.

#agtech #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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