We're in one of the most challenging, rewarding and exciting times in agriculture, and with that, host John Mesko has a lot on his mind. In this episode, John is solo casting with thoughts and encouragement for the farmer-support community. As we approach the precipice of a growing population, the need for more quality food, and climate disruptions, coupled with the realization that farmers are being seen as a solution to these challenges, the human decision-making aspect of farmers is more important than ever.

Show Notes:

• https://potatosustainability.org/ep-8-todays-well-informed-farmers/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Ep. 6: What It Takes to Approach Sustainability with a Producer-Centric Mindset featuring Amy Skoczlas Cole

Connect with:

• Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn
• John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn

The potato has long been recognized as a staple on the dinner plate in years past. But perceptions have changed over time. Even though the potato has long stood as a positive source of nutrients, we're asking: Does the nutritional value of potatoes play a role in the world of resource positive agriculture? Are there missed associations between the environmental impact and human health impact of potatoes? In this episode, host John Mesko is joined by Potato USA's Director of Nutrition and Industry Relations Bonnie Johnson, where they explore these questions and other crossovers between potato production and consumption.

Show Notes:

https://potatosustainability.org/ep-7-potatos-role-in-nutrition-environment

Connect with:

• Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn
• John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn
• Potato USA on Twitter or LinkedIn

It's safe to say that terms like sustainable, regenerative and resilient are all terms that point agriculture in a positive direction. But what exactly does it take for producers to make a change in the way they operate to help fuel sustainable agriculture practices? And what does it mean to approach sustainability with a producer-centric mindset? In this episode, host John Mesko is joined by Amy Skoczlas Cole, Executive Vice President at Trust In Food, to explore these questions and share insights into farmers' shared hopes, fears and dreams.

Show Notes:https://potatosustainability.org/ep-6-producer-centric-sustainability/

Connect with:

• Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn
• John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn
• Amy Skoczlas Cole on LinkedIn

Sustainability strategist and newly appointed lead of PSA's water sustainability team, Mike Nemeth, joins host John Mesko to talk about all things water sustainability. Nemeth shares his career experiences in environmental stewardship, explains the differences and importance of water sustainability approaches, and shares some of the challenges in measuring and accounting for good on-farm water stewardship practices.

Show Notes:

https://potatosustainability.org/ep-5-water-sustainability/

Connect with:

• Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn
• John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn
• Mike Nemeth on LinkedIn

In Episode 4 of the Resource Positive Agriculture Podcast, host John Mesko talks with Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) Data Specialist, Natalie Nesburg. Throughout the episode, Natalie shares with listeners an overview of the information PSA collects, where data is collected from, what kind of analysis PSA is currently doing with this data, and how it can positively impact growers. With the collection of all this data, there is an opportunity to share stories about PSA members' dedication and commitment to sustainability. Full Show Notes from this episode are available on the Potato Sustainability Alliance's website.

In episode 3 of the Resource Positive Agriculture Podcast, host John Mesko talks about a new industry event coming this July, the Potato Sustainability Alliance Summer Symposium. This Symposium will bring members, non-members, and working groups together to discuss the future of the PSA program and some of the changes that will be made to keep the work that PSA is doing at the forefront of sustainability. PSA Symposium sponsors, Jolyn Rasmussen from J.R. Simplot and Bill Orr from 1, 4Group discuss the importance of the Symposium and why they wanted to get involved. This episode's full show notes are available on the Potato Sustainability Alliance's website.