In this pre-Thanksgiving episode, we break down major moves across cattle, dairy, grains, and protein markets. Live cattle and feeder cattle futures—after hitting record highs—have now pulled back to levels last seen in July, though they remain historically elevated. September milk production surged 4% year over year, and the milk cow herd climbed 2.5%, marking its biggest increase in decades. Grain markets continue to firm, with nearby soybean futures reaching their highest price since June 2024, supported by tighter-than-expected soybean supplies and increasing demand tied to biofuel mandates.

We also analyze key protein dynamics: chicken output is running about 3% above last year, with whole birds holding steady at $1.05/lb; beef cutouts have begun drifting lower but remain higher year over year; and lean/fat trim prices continue moving in opposite directions due to limited government production data during the shutdown. Tyson and Pilgrim’s Pride both expressed confidence in strong chicken demand for 2026 despite today’s lower prices. Tune in to hear the full discussion and understand how these trends may shape commodity decisions heading into the holiday season.

Connect with out hosts:

David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Jerry Dalton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-dalton-0324a821/ 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/

Welcome back! We open with a couple of Halloween scare stories before diving into markets: cheese is around recent highs (discussed near $1.80/lb) with a long-run support near $1.50/lb that hasn’t held below for long over the past 10–15 years; we’re not especially bullish on cheese here. Butter remains around the 1.60 level and relatively rangebound despite holiday demand.

On proteins, retail beef prices in September rose 14.7% YoY to a record high, likely starting to curb consumption, while pork (+1.6% YoY) and chicken (+1.5% YoY) present better value. We also flag a potential resumption of Mexican cattle imports (no date yet) that could help beef supplies in 2026. Give the full episode a listen for our take on price floors, value spreads across proteins, and what these developments could mean in the weeks ahead.

Connect with out hosts:

David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Jerry Dalton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-dalton-0324a821/ 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/

In this episode, we take you through the latest movements across food, energy, and agricultural markets. The Datum FS Commodity Index is down 6% month over month, driven largely by steep declines in dairy and poultry. We unpack what’s behind the sharp drop in chicken breast, wing, and tender prices, the continued weakness in butter, and the broader trends putting pressure on nearly every major commodity. You’ll also hear our thoughts on how these shifts compare to past market lows and what might signal a turnaround.

We also zoom out to the bigger picture—how government shutdowns, renewed tariff discussions with China, and record corn harvest expectations could reshape the landscape for U.S. producers and global trade. From rare earth mineral tensions to multi-year lows in grains and oilseeds, we explore the forces at play and what they could mean for feed costs, pricing stability, and market confidence heading into the end of the year.

Connect with out hosts:

David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Jerry Dalton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-dalton-0324a821/ 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/

In this first episode of The Commodity Kitchen Podcast, we dive into the latest moves across the commodity markets. From the sharp drop in chicken prices to ongoing weakness in dairy and record cattle herds, we break down what’s driving these shifts. We also touch on feed costs, seasonal production changes, and government policies shaping the outlook. Our goal is to help you make sense of the trends that matter most right now.

Connect with out hosts:

David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Jerry Dalton's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-dalton-0324a821/ 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. Today’s guest is Arah Tan, the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain and Logistics at OTG Management—a leading foodservice company operating in high-traffic venues like LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark Airports.

In this episode, we dig into the unique challenges of airport food operations. Arah shares how OTG navigates complex logistics, vendor contracts, and the unpredictable nature of disruptions—from hurricanes to global pandemics. She brings a unique lens as someone who started in restaurant operations and climbed into supply chain leadership, making this conversation especially insightful for those curious about the intersection of hospitality, logistics, and innovation in constrained environments.


Host and Guest Social Media Links:

David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Arah’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arahtan/


Timestamps

• 00:00:00 
  
  00:01:17 – David introduces the podcast and Arah’s role at OTG
  
  
  
• 00:02:09 – Overview of OTG’s operations and Arah’s responsibilities
  
  
  
• 00:04:13 – How OTG operates both national and proprietary food brands in airports
  
  
  
• 00:07:14 – Security and logistical barriers to airport food supply
  
  
  
• 00:09:09 – Arah’s career journey and how she got into supply chain
  
  
  
• 00:13:05 – The COVID-19 pandemic as a turning point in supply chain strategy
  
  
  
• 00:16:20 – Complexity of managing supplier relationships across locations
  
  
  
• 00:20:07 – Leveraging vendor flexibility while meeting brand requirements
  
  
  
• 00:22:07 – Impact of airport type and seasonality on supply chain demands
  
  
  
• 00:25:21 – Economic conditions and their effect on travel and food sales
  
  
  
• 00:27:08 – Preparing for disruptions and maintaining resiliency
  
  
  
• 00:30:13 – Operations experience informs better supply chain decisions
  
  
  
• 00:33:01 – Importance of food safety and proper packaging in airport delivery
  
  
  
• 00:34:09 – Arah’s vision for technology and transparency in the next decade
  
  
  
• 00:36:05 – Sourcing locally and partnering with community vendors
  
  
  
• 00:37:00 – Arah’s pick for best airport food: Bobby’s at LaGuardia
  
  
  

00:39:23 – Reflections on motherhood’s role in shaping leadership

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
 👉 https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

#SupplyChain #FoodService #AirportLogistics #HospitalityIndustry #SupplyChainInnovation #OTGManagement #DavidMaloni #FarmToFork #FoodSupplyChain #ArahTan #AirportOperations #TravelIndustry #RestaurantLogistics #FoodTech

On this episode, I’m joined by Aaron Cooper, an expert in the beef cattle industry and founder of 33 Ventures and Cooper Family Akaushi. With over a decade of experience breeding and marketing premium red Wagyu (Akaushi) cattle, Aaron offers rare insights into both the commodity and specialty beef markets. We discuss why many ranchers are still hesitant to rebuild herds despite record-high prices, how input costs and land access impact profitability, and the surprising truth behind imported beef in the U.S.

We also dive deep into Aaron’s transition from academia to ranching, his role in international Wagyu consulting, and what truly differentiates commodity cattle from premium Wagyu. You’ll learn how his values around sustainability, genetics, and craftsmanship are helping redefine the future of beef production. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the complexities of the modern beef supply chain—and where it’s headed next.

Host and Guest Social Media Links: Include the following:

• David Maloni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
  
  
  
• Aaron’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-cooper-ph-d-7b7712146/ 
• Aaron’s Website: https://cooperakaushi.com/ 
  
  
  Timestamps:
• 00:00 – Why Ranchers Aren’t Rebuilding Herds Yet
  
  
  
• 01:13 – Meet Aaron Cooper & Cooper Family Akaushi
  
  
  
• 03:05 – What Makes Wagyu (Akaushi) Different?
  
  
  
• 06:25 – How Aaron Got Into the Cattle Business
  
  
  
• 10:06 – From Academia to Ranch Life
  
  
  
• 13:06 – How Commodity Beef Moves from Calf to Shelf
  
  
  
• 15:12 – Why the U.S. Imports So Much Beef
  
  
  
• 17:23 – Economics of Ranching Today
  
  
  
• 22:16 – How COVID & Droughts Shaped the Industry
  
  
  
• 25:30 – Why Heifer Prices Are Stalling Herd Expansion
  
  
  
• 29:36 – High Prices Threaten Niche Wagyu Markets
  
  
  
• 32:23 – Centralization vs. Local Cattle Production
  
  
  
• 36:08 – What Sets Akaushi Apart in Flavor & Nutrition
  
  
  
• 45:30 – How Fat Composition Affects Health & Taste
  
  
  
• 49:32 – Why Aaron Focuses on Craft Beef
  
  
  
• 50:39 – Traceability & Storytelling in Premium Beef
  
  
  
• 52:17 – Questioning Cattle Vaccine Norms
  
  
  
• 53:52 – How to Buy from Cooper Akaushi

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more: https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors


#BeefIndustry #CattleRanching #WagyuBeef #Akaushi #FoodSupplyChain #FarmToFork #Agribusiness #SustainableFarming #USBeef #RanchingLife #PremiumBeef #FoodInnovation

Welcome back to Farm to Fork the Innovators! Today we dive deep into a hot-button topic impacting our food supply chain: tariffs. Joining me is Tom Healy, a seasoned international sourcing executive with extensive leadership experience at renowned brands like Dairy Queen, Heinz, and Jack Link’s. Tom brings a wealth of expertise, having managed sourcing strategies across 26 countries during pivotal trade disruptions.

In this conversation, Tom sheds light on how major U.S. brands adapted their sourcing strategies during the first wave of Trump tariffs, emphasizing the importance of local sourcing within countries to mitigate geopolitical risks. He clarifies common misconceptions surrounding current tariffs, particularly highlighting exemptions within the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). We explore practical best practices for international sourcing during trade wars, and Tom identifies commodities likely to face challenges. It's an enlightening discussion filled with actionable insights to help your business navigate uncertain tariff environments effectively.

Connect with me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
https://datumfs.com/


Connect with Tom Healy:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-healey-0101a89/


Episode Timestamps:

• 00:00 | Preview
  
  
  
• 01:49 | Meet Tom Healy: Extensive Background from Farm to Table
  
  
  
• 02:57 | Overview of International Sourcing and its Complexities
  
  
  
• 05:44 | Tariff Challenges: Tom’s Experience at Dairy Queen During Trump’s First Tariffs
  
  
  
• 07:36 | Shifting Sourcing to Mainland China: Strategy and Results
  
  
  
• 10:07 | What's Different About the New Round of Trump Tariffs?
  
  
  
• 13:21 | Key USMCA Exemptions Explained (Produce, Cattle)
  
  
  
• 15:31 | Spotlight on Beef Imports: Why Lean Beef Trim Matters
  
  
  
• 20:22 | How Countries Work Around Tariffs: Examples from Asia and Latin America
  
  
  
• 22:04 | Other At-Risk Commodities: Dairy Imports Highlighted
  
  
  
• 23:35 | Impact of Retaliatory Tariffs on Major Export Commodities
  
  
  
• 26:06 | Tom’s Actionable Tips for Businesses Facing Tariff Uncertainty
  
  
  
• 28:24 | Consumer Impact: Guidance for Restaurants and Foodservice Brands
  
  
  
• 30:10 | Conclusion & Final Thoughts from Tom Healy
  
  
  
• 30:45 | Outro and Invitation to Engage with Farm to Fork the Innovators
  
  
  
  I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
 https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Our guest today is Wiggs Civitillo, the founder and CEO of Starfish Networks, an innovative company driving traceability and connectivity in food supply chains. In today's episode, Wiggs shares how major tech players like IBM have shaped this space and how Starfish Networks uniquely connects over 200 different traceability solutions. We dive deep into the critical challenges facing food supply chain technology today and why these technological advancements are essential.

During our insightful conversation, Wiggs clarified common misconceptions around blockchain technology and explained precisely how Starfish Networks fosters secure data sharing, compliance, and real-time visibility. We discuss the impacts of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act Rule 204, highlighting how non-compliance could significantly affect companies across the industry. Wiggs also reveals personal insights on food tech innovation, including valuable lessons learned from his impressive experience at IBM Food Trust and how Starfish Networks is fundamentally changing the landscape of food traceability.

Connect with David:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/




Connect with Wiggs:

https://www.starfish-network.com/

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wiggs-civitillo/




Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction to Food Supply Chain Liability and Innovation
  
  
  
• 00:01:20 - Welcoming Wiggs Civitillo, Founder and CEO of Starfish Networks
  
  
  
• 00:02:37 - What is Starfish Networks and its mission?
  
  
  
• 00:05:18 - Wiggs' background and journey into food technology
  
  
  
• 00:07:41 - Explanation of Fintech and Blockchain Technology
  
  
  
• 00:11:15 - Overview of IBM Food Trust and blockchain’s role in food traceability
  
  
  
• 00:15:32 - Biggest success stories from IBM Food Trust
  
  
  
• 00:18:51 - Challenges faced implementing traceability solutions
  
  
  
• 00:22:08 - Why Wiggs started Starfish Networks and how it differs from IBM
  
  
  
• 00:26:20 - How Starfish Networks integrates multiple traceability solutions
  
  
  
• 00:30:10 - Benefits of collaboration and efficiency in food supply chains
  
  
  
• 00:36:09 - Helping companies with internal disconnected data systems
  
  
  
• 00:37:02 - Impact of the FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204
  
  
  
• 00:40:04 - Legal and reputational risks from non-compliance with FSMA Rule 204
  
  
  
• 00:43:07 - How companies can partner with Starfish Networks
  
  
  
• 00:44:15 - Conclusion and Wrap-up
  
  
  I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
 https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Welcome to Farm to Fork!  In this episode, I’m joined by Jim Balis, an industry veteran and the Head of Strategic Operations at Capital Spring, a leading private equity and debt investment firm specializing in food service. With a wealth of experience in restaurant operations and franchising, Jim shares his perspective on where the food service industry is headed and how businesses can adapt to consumer trends, supply chain challenges, and the evolving role of technology.

Throughout this conversation, we cover a wide range of essential topics, from the current state of the food service industry and the strategies that drive long-term success to the impact of automation and AI on restaurant operations. Jim also breaks down common misconceptions about franchising and explains why some brands thrive while others struggle. If you’re in the food business—whether as an operator, franchisee, or investor—this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Connect with David:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/

Connect With Jim:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-balis-5879a34/
https://www.capitalspring.com/



Timestamps

00:00 – Preview
01:07 – Jim’s Background in the Food Industry – From restaurant operator to private equity leader
02:36 – The Evolution of Food Franchising – How the industry has changed over time
03:57 – What Makes Foodservice Unique? – The industry’s accessibility and career opportunities
06:25 – Capital Spring’s Investment Approach – How they support restaurant operators
10:26 – Operational Strategies for Growth – Cost-saving insights and efficiencies
14:30 – Technology’s Role in Foodservice – How automation is reshaping operations
19:58 – Balancing Automation & Human Touch – The challenge of keeping customer experience personal
24:29 – Consumer Trends & Economic Impact – How inflation is affecting spending habits
27:57 – AI & Customization in Restaurants – The future of tailored customer experiences
30:33 – Supply Chain & Sourcing Changes – How brands are adapting to global challenges
34:12 – What Makes a Strong Franchisee? – The key to long-term success in franchising
37:55 – Challenges & Opportunities for 2025 – Potential risks and what to expect next
39:18 – Final Thoughts & Where to Learn More




I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company. 

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors

Welcome to Farm to Fork: The Innovators. In today’s episode, I sit down with Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt, the founder of Open Food Chain, a blockchain-powered platform revolutionizing global food traceability.

In this conversation, we dive into the current state of data and technology in the global food supply chain, how Asia is catching up to the U.S. in supply chain innovation, and why manufacturers play a critical role in driving change. Marieke also explains how blockchain can solve major inefficiencies, ensuring food safety, improving data transparency, and reducing supply chain costs. We also tackle misconceptions about traceability, including why it’s often overlooked, and how it could benefit both farmers and consumers. If you want to understand the future of food traceability and innovation, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Connect with David:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmaloni/
https://datumfs.com/


Connect with Marieke:
https://nl.linkedin.com/in/marieke-de-ruyter-de-wildt-9501086
https://www.openfoodchain.com/

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Farm to Fork: The Innovators and today’s guest
00:37 – Meet Marieke de Ruyter de Wildt: Her background and passion for food supply chains
02:22 – What is Open Food Chain, and how does it use blockchain for traceability?
05:45 – The surprising inefficiencies in food supply chain data
08:30 – Why is Asia catching up to the U.S. in food supply chain technology?
10:12 – The challenges of old data systems and why new solutions struggle to be adopted
14:40 – How blockchain ensures trust, accuracy, and food safety
18:25 – Why major food companies resist traceability and how regulation is (or isn’t) working
22:57 – How Open Food Chain is structured and who benefits the most
28:08 – The cost savings and efficiency gains from better supply chain data
31:12 – The role of Gen Z and consumer demand in driving transparency
34:45 – How Open Food Chain works with industry leaders and future plans
40:50 – How to get in touch with Open Food Chain and next steps

I’d like to introduce you to Datum Advisors, a new offering from Datum FS. Our team is composed of seasoned Food Supply Chain Executives from every sector. We stand ready to offer valuable advisory services for your company.

Click here to find out more:
https://datumfs.com/datum-advisors