In this episode of On the Horizon, host Levi Hall engages with Dusty Clevenger from Ascendant Partners to discuss thecurrent state of the agriculture industry, investment banking, and the impact of political and economic factors on agriculture. They explore the role of biofuels, renewable energy, and AI in shaping the future of agriculture, aswell as the challenges and opportunities that local cooperatives face in a changing landscape. In this conversation, we discuss the importance ofstrategic growth and optionality for cooperatives, emphasizing the need for profitability and effective governance. They explore the roles of managementand governance, the necessity of strategic planning, and the impact of market changes on cooperative strategies. The discussion also delves into the value of mergers in the cooperative landscape, highlighting the benefits and challenges associated with consolidation in the agricultural sector.

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00:00 Introduction to On the Horizon Podcast

01:36 Meet Dusty Clevenger: Insights from Ascendant Partners

04:02 Understanding Investment Banking in Agriculture

08:31 Industry Trends and Conference Insights

10:15 Political Environment and Its Impact on Agriculture

11:44 Biofuels and Renewable Energy in Agriculture

13:41 Global Supply and Demand Dynamics

15:31 The Role of AI in Agriculture

17:03 Risk Mitigation and Cooperative Strategies

18:57 The Future of AI in Cooperative Management

21:44 Changes in Leadership and Cooperative Dynamics

28:28 Strategic Growth and Optionality in Co-ops

33:32 Management vs Governance: Distinct Roles in Co-ops

34:59 Strategic Planning: Preparing for Future Opportunities

38:59 Adapting Strategy to Market Changes

43:44 The Value of Mergers in the Cooperative Landscape

49:33 Navigating the Challenges of Mergers and Consolidation