Ag Innovation News Podcast

In this episode, CelluComp North America President Chris Plotz discusses how the company's value-added ag innovations are helping to remove single-use plastics from waste streams, and the opening of its first facility in the United States.

In this episode, the Minnesota Farm Bureau's Director of Communications, Rachel Reisig, discusses the organization's responsibility of representing around 31,000 farm families and provides a recap of its new Urban Ag Conference and initiative.

In this episode, Sam Ziegler, a farmer and Director of GreenSeam, discusses surprising revelations of the organization's annual State of Ag in Minnesota Report. The report delves into the pulse of Minnesota's rural ag communities and identifies areas of concern, opportunities, and more.

In this episode, David Kolsrud, a farmer and CEO of DAK Renewable Energy, discusses value-added agriculture, investing in innovative initiatives, and the importance of collaboration and networking in the ag industry.

In this episode, Market Research Analyst Sanchez Philocles discusses a new report from the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) on the increasing popularity of A2 milk. He also discusses the differences between conventional and A2 milk and what producers can expect if they decide to convert.

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, Jon Veldhouse, CEO of Qore LLC, discusses QIRA®, a joint venture with Cargill and HELM to replace fossil-based chemicals with biobased intermediates in materials and products such as athletic wear, vehicle bags, and more.

In this episode, Chris Patton, the Founder and President of the Midwest Elderberry Cooperative, highlights the benefits of the elderberry crop, its use in value-added products, and why farmers may want to switch over to growing it.

In this episode, associates from Roof Maxx, RoofRestor, and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council discuss the emerging market for soy roof rejuvenates. They talk about the need for the product, how it works, and ways homeowners can go about utilizing it.

In this episode, Kaylee Thornley (Grant Administrator, Agricultural Marketing & Development Division) and Mike Zastoupil (Food Systems Specialist) from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), chat about the projects funded by one-time federal dollars as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. They also highlight additional grant opportunities available to businesses and entrepreneurs through the RFSI Program and MDA.

In this episode, AURI Executive Director Shannon Schlecht and AURI Board Chair Federico Tripodi chat about new lab facilities, Ag Innovator of the Year, a collaboration with the USDA-Ag Marketing Service, and more.

In this episode, AURI's Business Development Director of Novel Supply Chains, Alexandra Ostlund, and Juan Medina Bielski, Malting Scientist at RahrBSG, discuss the challenges and opportunities of brewing and distilling with Kernza® perennial grain.

In this episode of AURI's podcast, Francesco Aimone (CEO of Induction Food Systems) and Luca Zullo (AURI's Senior Director of Science & Technology) discuss the need for energy efficiency and efficient heating systems, which is also the topic of AURI's upcoming Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable.

In this episode of AURI's podcast, Francesco Aimone (CEO of Induction Food Systems) and Luca Zullo (AURI's Senior Director of Science & Technology) discuss the need for energy efficiency and efficient heating systems, which is also the topic of AURI's upcoming Minnesota Renewable Energy Roundtable.

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, AURI's Market Research Analyst Sanchez Philocles discusses trends, gaps, and opportunities for processors and producers in sectors of the Minnesota agriculture industry. Philocles offers insight into the wool, meat, and small-dairy industries in the state and his thoughts on leading this ongoing research.

In this episode of AURI's podcast, Jason Robinson, Business Development Director-Food at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), chats about AURI's new virtual assistant, AVA, providing 24/7 access to the knowledge and expertise of AURI's Food Team.

In this episode of AURI's podcast, Allison Hohn, Executive Director of Naturally Minnesota, provides a preview of Food | Ag | Ideas Week 2024. She also chats about Grow North's transition to Naturally MN and supporting Minnesota's food and ag ecosystem.

In this episode, Kim Nesvig, Project and Resource Manager at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), and Mike Reiber, Founder/CEO of Axiom, discuss the findings of AURI's Cold Storage Report, including access, geographical availability, suitability, the state of existing facilities, and more.

In this episode, Ariel Kagan, Climate and Working Lands Program Director at the Minnesota Farmers Union discusses her work supporting farmers and producers, the importance of the Farm Bill, and AURI's Fall Webinar Series on Climate Change Opportunities for Value-Added Agriculture.

In this episode, Harold Stanislawski, Business & Industry Development Director at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), chats with Mike Reiber, Founder and CEO of Axiom, and Mike Youngerberg, Senior Director of Product Development & Commercialization at the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, about producing a variety of fertilizers using soybean meal.

In this episode, Jake Simon, Co-Founder and CEO of ConnectedFresh, discusses how his company's off-the-shelf sensors provide 24/7 proactive monitoring to identify and flag issues as soon as they happen or even before they occur, in an effort to reduce food waste and ensure food safety.

In this episode, Lauren McNamara, Senior Vice President of Business Management at SunOpta, discusses organic and specialty foods, her professional journey in the food space, serving on the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute's Board of Directors, and being named to Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal's 40 Under 40 list.

In this episode, Paul Kirkman, Co-founder of Victual Ice Cream, discusses unique flavors and gourmet food, connecting with his community, and being part of Crosby, Minnesota's great renaissance.

In this National Dairy Month episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, Lucas Sjostrom, Co-owner of Redhead Creamery and Executive Director of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association, chats about award-winning cheese, its new distillery, and Cheese Alise.

In this episode, Deeann Lufkin, Co-owner of CannonBelles Cheese, discusses her journey from Hurricane Hunter to Cheese Maker, utilizing local ingredients, the best coffee shop in town, and dreams of the Minnesota State Fair.

In this episode, Jake Vlaminck, General Manager at Fahlun Farms, talks about turkey production in Minnesota, laser technology, and being part of the Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership Program (MARL).

In this episode, Kat Duvic, an entrepreneur, discusses Social Mixers, LLC's entrepreneurial journey from start-up to shutdown. She shares lessons learned and inspiration gained and previews her next business venture.

In this episode, Minnesota farmer and entrepreneur David Eiynck discusses his family's farm, ag innovation, producing groated oats, and being recognized as AURI's 2024 Ag Innovator of the Year.

In this episode, Michele Rubino, a Business Development Advisor, provides an overview of the current state of the biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels markets and discusses industry-related challenges, opportunities, and innovation, and shares his thoughts on the future of the industry.

In this episode, Shannon Schlecht, Executive Director of the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, provides a sneak peek of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and other highlights of the upcoming 2024 New Uses Forum.

In this episode, Leah Thiele, Director of Rural Business Investment Programs at Compeer Financial, discusses the company's longstanding support of agriculture, rural America, and entrepreneurs through loans, leases, risk management, and other financial services.

In this collaborative episode with MBOLD, Minnesota farmer Ryan Hough and Kim Melton, Resource Specialist at Wilkin Soil & Water Conservation District, discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to cover crops and highlight the resources available.

In this episode, Kathy Leighton Carton, Founder/Owner of Heavenly Treats, discusses her journey into the food production business and recipe development, and shares advice for other food entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) Board Chair, Federico Tripodi, discusses recent successes and challenges in Minnesota's food and agricultural landscape, AURI's impact, support from the Minnesota Legislature, collaborations, and what's on the horizon in 2024.

In this episode, Mike Jensen, Director of Clean Fuels Project Management Office at Xcel Energy, and Luca Zullo, Senior Director of Science and Technology at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, discuss Xcel Energy's collaborative role in building the Heartland Hydrogen Hub and outline the logistics, environmental impact, technology and innovation, market dynamics and long-term vision of the facility.

In this episode, Junita Flowers, Owner of Junita's Jar, shares the story behind her mission-driven cookies, discusses the importance of inspiring hope in others and previews exciting things to come in 2024.

In this episode, Karl Greden Co-Founder and Vice President of Product and Process Development at Apparo, Inc., shares how the company creates protein and other food ingredients from underutilized plant feedstocks.

In this episode, Harold Stanislawski, Business & Industry Development Director at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) and Ken Graeve, Erosion and Stormwater Management Unit Supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), discuss the possibility of utilizing hemp fiber in soil erosion prevention mats to reduce single-use plastics in erosion control materials.

In this episode, Tamara Nelsen, Executive Director of AgriGrowth, discusses the organization and its purpose, membership benefits, advocating for Minnesota's food and agriculture sector and its upcoming Food and Ag Summit.

In this episode, Brett Olson, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Renewing the Countryside, talks about the organization and its mission, Local FEAST magazine and its upcoming local foods marketplace.

In this episode, Laura Bachmeier, Business Development Director of Meat at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), discusses AURI's role in supporting meat and poultry processors in Minnesota, USDA grant opportunities and upcoming short courses and resources for processors.

In this episode, Sue Marshall, Founder & CEO of NETZRO, discusses her food upcycling platform, how upcycling can help the environment and provide better food (and access to food) and what she sees as the potential beginnings of a food revolution in the U.S. and beyond.

In this episode, Tom Slunecka, CEO of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and Ag Management Solutions, discusses the upcoming Grand Opening of the Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston, MN and shares insight on the soybean industry in Minnesota and beyond.

In this episode, Clayton Mooney of Clayton Farms discusses the benefits of locally harvested produce, how his team delivers on its promise of same-day delivery and his goal of setting a Guinness World Record.

In this episode, Gwen Williams and Tahir Sandhu, Co-owners of Artisan Naan Bakery, chat about unexpected flavor varieties, a pilot project with Kernza perennial grain, retail expansion and the joy of loving what they do.

In this episode, Jared Luhman of Grass Fed Cattle Co. chats about family ties, the benefits of grass fed beef, the importance of supporting local producers and what the future holds for the company.

In this episode, Jason Robinson, Business Development Director-Food at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), chats about shared-use commercial kitchens in Minnesota, why they're essential to small businesses and outlines research findings in AURI's Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens Report.

In this episode, Brad Schloesser, Executive Director of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program (MARL), outlines the program's history, goals and how it benefits Minnesota's agricultural ecosystem.

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, AURI staff Jen Wagner-Lahr, Senior Director of Business Development and Commercialization, and Lisa Gjersvik, Senior Director of Strategy Management, chat about AURI's work within the USDA's new Ag Innovation Center Program to foster long-term economic benefit for the state of Minnesota through value-added agricultural products.

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, AURI Executive Director Shannon Schlecht outlines the history and goals of the Bold Open Reverse Pitch and Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Step One Foods, discusses her submission to the 2023 Bold Open and shares why food is the problem AND the solution when it comes to healthcare costs.

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, AURI Executive Director Shannon Schlecht outlines the history and goals of the Bold Open Reverse Pitch and Marc Schober, Director of Specialized Agriculture Solutions at Bremer Bank, discusses Bremer's mission to support local farmers and producers and its challenge submission to the 2023 Bold Open: "Fast Decision Making for Small Agricultural Loans."

In this episode, Adam Asmus, Co-Founder of Ag Innovations LLC, discusses how he and his brother Michael carry on the Asmus family tradition of agriculture innovation and how they worked together to launch an organic fertilizer brand.