The Millennial Ag Podcast

This week started off with President's Day, and we figured what better time to bring up politics than when we're supposed to be honoring our Founding Fathers. We both had experiences last week that left us wondering why compromise has become such a dirty word, both in society and within agriculture. Is civility dead? It seems that we no longer have the ability to discuss controversial and divisive topics with those with whom we disagree. We take a closer look at what's brought about this state of affairs, and then commit to putting our money where our mouths are. We're looking for guests (You? Someone you know?) with whom we may not agree with to help us challenge the belief that if you disagree, you have nothing to talk about. Tune in to this week's episode of Millennial Ag to learn more!

It seems like with the Hollywood awards show season in session and several large retailers (hey Starbucks) taking aim at production agriculture recently, there's a lot to talk about when it comes to ag being attacked. This week, Valene and Katharine wonder if agriculture sometimes takes the "victim" role a little too seriously. They discuss how this plays out in the industry, and what can be done to start being proactive, rather than reactive when these inevitable attacks happen. How do you think agriculture can start being proactive? How are you, your family, your operation already proactive when it comes to these kinds of issues? Tell us in the comments, and let us know on Facebook and Instagram too!

This week, Millennial Ag keeps it short and sweet. Katharine and Valene share a few of their recent struggles, but more importantly, shine a light on what they're grateful for this week and what they're most looking forward to in the next few days. Sometimes, the world just needs a little extra light. Millennial Ag delivers just that this week.

The nation’s oldest “ag-gag” law was struck down last week in Kansas. Katharine and Valene thought that a closer examination of ag-gag laws was called for this week. They discuss the history and background of these types of laws, and why they’re suddenly falling like dominoes. They dive into how animal agriculture producers need to take this issue seriously, and talk about some ways that we, as an industry and as individuals, can protect ourselves, our livelihoods, and the animals we so tremendously care for.

It’s standard in agriculture to hustle. It what’s what we do. We work hard, we’re up early and go to bed late, hustling the day long to make sure our animals, crops, farms, and families are taken care of. But...is there such a thing as the wrong kind of hustle? Have we misinterpreted where our worthiness as agriculturists comes from? This week, Katharine and Valene take a close and sometimes uncomfortable look at our tendencies in agriculture to tell everyone how hard we’re working, without owning the story we’re actually living. Tune in to the latest episode of Millennial Ag for some sharp insight and pointed questions for the industry that feeds America.

We’re halfway into January and by now, New Year’s resolutions are faltering, commitment to change is fading, and Oreos have replaced celery in your weekly meal planning (not that we’re judging that move.) This week, Millennial Ag discusses complacency and the dangers and serious threats it poses to agriculture. A few surprise companies are highlighted, and Katharine and Valene bring some real-life strategies to the show on how to combat complacency.

Do the Golden Globes ring a bell? The annual awards ceremony was this past week, and you may have heard about the big dust-up regarding what the celebrities ate. Yep, they went vegan. As you might imagine, the animal ag industry had something to say about this turn of events. Katharine and Valene recap the controversy and agriculture’s response, and then dig a little deeper into the issue behind the issue: the unwillingness of urban populations and societal “elite” to make lasting lifestyle changes that align with the agendas they claim to support. It’s easy to show up to an awards show that’s touting its vegan offerings as sustainable and environmentally friendly. It’s a whole lot harder to commit to lasting lifestyle changes that maybe aren’t as sexy. Tune in this week with Millennial Ag to get the full scope.

In their 2020 kickoff episode, Katharine and Valene reflect on 2019 and dive into goal setting techniques and some tweaks they've found helpful in the past. They also share their goals for Millennial Ag (hint: it includes you!!) as well as a personal goal they plan to accomplish this year. What are your goals for 2020? Tell us in the comments, on social media, or send us an e-mail at [email protected].

This week we keep it short and sweet. Millennial Ag presents our own Twelve Days of Christmas and some reflections on the season. We wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and can't wait to welcome you back to 2020.

Valene and Katharine have a table conversation with five millennial consumers who have little to no ties to agriculture. They dive into buzz words like sustainability and natural, discuss buying choices, and their preference when it comes to grocery shopping. You don’t want to miss this episode! Pull up a chair, maybe pour a beer (if you are of age) and push play!