Ag+Bio+Science

The USDA estimates that between 30-40% of the US food supply is wasted every year – that's over 133 BILLION pounds. One farmer, turned soldier, turned entrepreneur is tackling that market. Ben Moore, founder of The Ugly Company, joins us to talk to fruit. We get into: Ben's connection to Indiana and how a farmer went on to create a trucking company that became The Ugly Company as it is today How damaged fruit with scars or other cosmetic issues because big business for Ben – The Ugly Company can now be found on store shelves of Target, Sam's Club, Walmart and Whole Foods The Ugly Company's goal to prevent food waste, where they are at in that target and how they hope to accelerate that goal in the future How the fruit becomes the product on shelves – The Ugly Process, if you will Ben's advice for aspiring farmers, business owners and entrepreneurs and lessons he's learned from leading his business and his time serving in the US Army What service looks like to him versus what it maybe looked like as a 22-year-old soldier What's ahead for The Ugly Company – including further distribution and availability in schools

Global Market Insights predicts the precision fermentation market for food and beverage will grow from just about two billion in 2024 to 70 billion globally by 2034. That's a staggering combined annual growth rate of nearly 40%. Liberation Labs is pioneering a new approach to precision fermentation at scale that borrows a page from the pharmaceutical industries playbook. Co-founder and CEO, Mark Warner, joins us to get into: What exactly is precision fermentation? The challenge facing companies, particularly early-stage innovators, that Liberation Labs saw an opportunity to solve for with contract precision fermentation The company's recent announcement of its first customer for the Indiana facility, Vivici, what they will do for them and what's exciting about the partnership How Mark saw an opportunity in the pharmaceutical space that could be replicated in fermentation for agbioscience innovation Mark's journey to fundraise for Liberation Labs Reflecting on the decision to put their facility in Indiana for access to talent, corn and transportation The biggest opportunities for growth – not just for Liberation Labs – but for precision fermentation as an industry Biomanufacturing's importance to economic growth, but in urban and rural America What's ahead for Liberation Labs

The U.S. Economic Policy Institute estimates there are 2.4 million ag jobs in the United States and Purdue University believes that 40% of ag jobs – new jobs – go unfilled. One entrepreneur is turning to the power of digital to transform ag labor. Scott Prince, CEO of Croft, gives us perspective on the current labor market and what he's solving for using agtech. We get into: The complexity and challenges of the ag labor market – from seasonality to workforce shortages How the Department of Labor's H-2A program is designed to help farmers overcome labor challenges, but the administrative hurdles they face in the process What the process looks like for farmers to participate in the H-2A program and why Croft was developed as a streamlined solution Identifying this as a critical need to automate for the farmer What Scott is hearing from customers using the platform What's ahead for Croft – hint: it includes expanding their analytical intensity capacity

The American Farm Bureau estimates that roughly 40% of US farmland is either rented of leased. It's a reality that creates a labyrinth of contracts and agreements between farmers and landowners that the two have to navigate together. One entrepreneur is turning to the power of software to transform that challenge into an opportunity that makes that relationship a little easier to navigate. Shashi Raghunandan, CEO of Oaken, joins us to talk the complex web between landowners and farm operators. We get into: The existing challenge between landowners and farmers, especially as farms grow to significant acreage Oaken as a platform not only manage multiple contracts for large acre farms but to also manage the unique specifics of each individual deal How the migration to cloud-based technologies like Oaken balance in an industry like agriculture that is largely relationship-based The feedback farmer customers are giving on the Oaken platform thus far Shashi's background in payments and financial services and how it paved the way to him connecting with Purdue DIAL Ventures and eventually leading Oaken What to expect from Oaken in the next 12-18 months

At the end of April, AgriNovus CEO Mitch Frazier jumps on the podcast with Cayla Chiddister to recap the month gone by and events coming up, including: Recent travels and discussions around how the Midwest can add additional value to its commodities, an existing strength and something we've done time and again. Mitch recently spoke with AgFunder News' Elaine Watson on challenges meeting opportunities in this tough environment right now and how "pessimists might sound smart, but it's the optimists who will win. That story is here.Our next Quadrant event is coming up in Indianapolis focused on the evolution of food ingredients based on shifting consumer preferences, how food companies are responding and what that means for farmers. You can register for the free event here.Quadrant's discussion aligns nicely with a gigantic event -- The Sweets and Snacks Expo (learn more here).Field Atlas just closed its May Company Tour application window, but August is still open for college students to apply. Learn more here.Velocity Demo Day is coming up June 18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Register for the free event here.

The USDA calls biosecurity the cornerstone of animal livestock production and it's one that's taken center stage of late as farmers have battled disease. Dr. Kelli Werling, Director of Animal Health Programs at the Indiana Board of Animal Health, joins to talk biosecurity, how farmers are protecting the farm and how the spread of disease among animal production is ultimately impacting consumers. We get into: The current state of biosecurity across the Midwest, avian flu's impact three years into its reign and how farmers are working to attempt further spread on their operations Consumer pressure being felt by avian flu and how egg prices are being impacted The migration of the disease from birds to other species – from cattle to cats – and why it's happening As a regulatory body, IBOAH balancing the heightened state of alert, practicality of science and emotion Where Kelli sees new innovations emerging on farms to combat the spread of disease The best defense to avian flu – is a good offense What IBOAH sees ahead with disease pressure and their call to action for farmers and industry alike

Agbioscience was on-site at the Indiana Farm Bureau's Ag Threats and Security Summit in March and had a chance to sit down with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s Special Agent in Charge Herb Stapleton to talk all things biosecurity. We get into: The complex labyrinth of threats and risks affecting agriculture in the Midwest and across the United States How threats to agriculture are evolving and what that evolution means for farmers and agbioscience companies alike As Special Agent in Charge, what Herb has witnessed as the most prevalent cyber threats to ag across the Midwest in recent years Herb's perspective on the relationship between food security and national security What controls farmers and agbioscience companies can put in place to be prepared Action items Herb hopes attendees take from the event – from the simple to the complex

Pet ownership in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the past three decades according to Forbes – showing 66% of households own a pet. That's almost 87 million houses, up 58% from 1988. Staggering growth drives dramatic need for innovation in pet health...and pet food. Dr. Mahsa Vazin, CEO and founder of PawCo Foods, joins us fresh off a venture capital raise to talk innovation and what's ahead, including: The overall macro challenges in the pet health market, including obesity in dogs and cats How the pet food market is responding to a consumer desire and demand for more nutrient-dense food for their companion animals How plant-based brands are capturing market share in the pet health space PawCo's leveraging of AI in tandem with nutritionists to optimize recipe formulations The company's recent venture capital raise and what it will enable them to expand and do in the future Investor feedback, questions and response to the PawCo model during the recent fundraise Mahsa approach to driving sales for PawCo What's on the horizon for the company as it continues its growth trajectory

With 2.4 million U.S. agriculture jobs to fill each year and an unemployment rate that still remains below 5%, leaders in agbioscience and farmers are facing a challenge. Like the rest of the economy, they're in a battle for talent. One unique ally in agriculture is the cooperative system, a collective buying group and service provider network that's serving American farmers. Phil Brewer, Vice President of Strategy at Keystone Cooperative, joins us to talk about the evolution of the cooperative from what it was – to what it is. We get into: Keystone Cooperative's footprint across Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan and the health of farmers heading into planting season The evolution of the cooperative system over the last two decades – from service provider to business partner How the farmer-led model of a cooperative ultimately drives adoption of new innovation and fills gaps for its members on their operations Areas where Keystone needs to move quicker and capture market opportunities to deliver value to farmers How they approach working with small companies and early-stage, venture-backed innovators

The power of experience is undeniable. The context it creates, the insight that it develops is far more than could be accomplished than by simply reading. Benjamin Franklin, one of our nation's founding fathers, I think, said it best. “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I'll remember. Involve me and I'll learn.” Dr. Ronda Hamm, Director of Food, Farm and Energy Experience and Conner Prairie, joins this week to talk experiential learning and what lies ahead for the National Register of Historic Places in the coming years. We get into: Ronda's scientific background and how she's seen biology accelerate innovation over the last two decades Her love for entomology – that's it – she loves bugs The exciting idea that science is continuing to educate itself, always evolving – and the endless career possibilities that it can present The Food, Farm and Energy Experience at Conner Prairie – what it is, what it's designed to bring to consumers and industry alike – from grower to grocer How she hopes this new addition to Conner Prairie engages a new generation of agbioscience workforce – and to understand that it expands well beyond farmers to supply chain, food scientists, data analysts and more Her ambition for this site to become The Smithsonian of the Midwest focused on food and agriculture A call to action for industry wanting to be involved in this project and timelines for when to expect this to be rolled out at Conner Prairie

Agbioscience comes to you from the first ever Indiana Farm Bureau Indiana Ag Threats and Security Summit hosted in partnership with Beck's Hybrids, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. We had the opportunity to speak with Megan Ritter (Indiana Farm Bureau), Herb Stapleton (FBI) and Aaron Pierce (Pierce Aerospace) on the breadth, timeliness and criticality of keeping farming operations secure to maintain a safe, abundant food supply. We also cover: A March Quadrant recap and a look ahead to our May 14 event. Register here: https://agrinovusindiana.com/quadrant/ Big pre-seed funding news for startup Gripp. Listen to their recent episode of Agbioscience here: https://podcast.agrinovusindiana.com/public/215/Agbioscience-8a9a4381/f0137c47 ReproHealth Technologies as the winner of the first-ever Agbioscience Innovator Award at the TechPoint Mira Awards

Gene editing in plants – it's been heralded as the next step-function change in the advancement of agriculture. One Indiana company is advancing the technology fresh off a $144 million venture capital raise. Claudia Nari, Chief Product Officer of Inari, joins today to talk through this historic time for gene editing and biotechnology at large. They get into: From speed to precision, Claudia lays out the differentiation of gene editing to other types of plant breeding Crops of focus for Inari right now and stresses they're focused on to enable farmer success The company's recent venture capital raise, their value proposition and educating investors Inari's unique advantage (knowing what to do, having the tools to do it and being able to do those at the same time) The status of field trials and what commercialization will look like for Inari Biggest problems in-field to be solved through gene editing – from yield to resource efficiencies Regulatory hurdles and Claudia's perspective on the acceptance of gene editing as a technology When will Inari technology be in customer fields? And what's next?

The Economic Policy Institute estimates there are 2.4 million employees in U.S. agriculture and Purdue finds that 40% of new ag jobs go unfilled. One entrepreneur is turning to computer vision, artificial intelligence and robotics – maybe a little autonomy – to try to address these challenges facing farmers. Mike Jacob, founder and CEO of TerraForce, joins to talk farmer-led innovation, solving for the labor gap and jobs to be done. We get into: The overview of the farm labor market, its challenges and where TerraForce specifically focuses right now in the specialty melon crop market What challenges face melon producers when it comes to harvest How Mike sees this new era of AI and computer vision shaping precision in agbioscience innovation What TerraForce does, solving labor challenges and how they plan to tackle a real problem facing farmers Mike gets into seeing his first melon harvest, identifying the problem to be solved and innovating from there The criticality of melons – yes melons – to make an impact on his community as an entrepreneur Where the TerraForce product sits today and how regional producers are the critical testbed to the company's success TerraForce's recent fundraise and what it will enable them to do Mike's take on the ag's jobs to be done: ag becoming less optimized and finding ways to become more resilient to big changes

Stage content at events like World AgriTech is always of highest quality but there are conversations happening behind the scenes that give a sense of what's happening in the industry. Brook Cunningham, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Corteva Agriscience, and Rob Dongoski, Food and Agribusiness Leader at Kearney, joined us for a conversation at World AgriTech to get perspective on many topics, including: A volatile market – and the reminder that it's also cyclical The tipping point for investors and the critical questions they have beyond just yield at this point in time Corteva's balanced approach between internal and external innovation and the company's areas of focus when it comes to investment and partnership How Kearney is advising companies seeking investment – of all sizes – in this volatile time (hint: don't go it alone) Areas of innovation that are seeing traction from investors The importance of creating certainty around the noise – from regulatory to policy and beyond How they both see this market cycle differently than past cycles The role of food and consumers in this next evolution of food and agriculture Crystal ball: what are the conversations at World AgriTech like five years from now?

Identifying customer needs – jobs to be done – it's the core of innovation. But what are the jobs that need to be done? What are those things left undone as we head into the 2025 growing season? And what does the current economy, trade environment and overall farm sentiment mean for innovators and the farmers they serve? Brad Fruth, Director of Innovation at Beck's Hybrids, joins this week to make sense of it all. We get into: What's on farmers minds given the current state of the ag economy Big trends Brad is seeing aside from the macroeconomic headwinds and tailwinds The role of biologicals and seed traits in this current economy Beck's approach to innovation and helping emerging companies bring new ideas to market The differentiation of go-to market in ag versus other industries and the criticality of patient capital from VCs Areas for great impact in agtech right now as Brad sees it The importance of staying lean when you're starting up and recalling really great technologies that didn't hit the market because they ballooned and got too big, too fast

Research estimates the global animal health market to be roughly $8 billion, a number analyst firm Grand View Research expects to grow at a 10% compounded annual growth rate through 2030. Much of that growth will be driven by biotechnology. Dr. Todd Zion, CEO and founder of Akston Biosciences, joins this week to help understand what is happening in the biotech markets, specifically as it relates to companion animal innovation. We get into: Where the market sits today and how it is evolving Akston Biosciences' 2024 partnership announcement with Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine focused on a therapeutic for canine oncology His approach to animal health innovation through precision proteins creating affordable, effective treatments for companion animals What sits in the Akston Biosciences pipeline currently and the company's approach to cost-effectiveness while also staying innovative Todd's past work in human health, how he sees two sides – animal and human health – coming together to push innovation further, faster The regulatory hurdles faced by both human and animal health innovators that delay getting safe, effective treatments to market A big need for more risk capital coming into the animal health innovation market

Pitchbook reports that of venture capital deals in 2024, roughly 30% of them were down rounds or flat, meaning their valuation of the companies either went backwards or were the same round to round. It's a trend that will continue, so how can entrepreneurs break the cycle? Matt Tyner, managing partner of America's most active venture capital firm – Elevate Ventures, joins today to make sense of what's ahead and how innovators can succeed. He gets into: The current state of venture capital – and the criticality of taking a step back to understand where things sit today Investors' increased focus on profitability and not being able to cut your way to growth Artificial intelligence as an enabler – not a vertical Does the future include a shift to debt versus venture The cost of innovation and the role of an investor in this era of venture capital What the current conversation with portfolio companies looks like for Elevate Ventures What Matt sees as emerging trends in agbioscience The most important jobs to be done in the industry

Mitch Frazier and Cayla Chiddister recap February by reviewing his three big trends in agbioscience for 2025, big investment news for Ingredion, Liberation Labs, Corteva Catalyst and TerraForce and look ahead to big events in March - including Quadrant on March 12. Register here: https://agrinovusindiana.com/quadrant/Learn more about the Indiana Ag Threats and Security Summit: https://agrinovusindiana.com/2025/02/11/indiana-ag-threats-security-summit/

Agbioscience is the only economy that touches every person on the planet. Over the past four decades, we've seen massive transformation, innovation and acceleration of output in this economy. Today we are joined by a leader who has had a front row seat to it all. Jay Hulbert, CEO of Ag Alumni Seed, joins us ahead of his retirement to talk: Seeing the world and the globalization of agriculture in his career Biotechnology as a step-function change to revolutionizing the row crop world through improved genetics His perspective on the future of gene editing in agriculture and what's on the horizon Jay's support of entrepreneurs and the importance of their flexibility to make business models work long-term His extensive background in specialty crop and some of the market intelligence that has paved the way for new products we see in produce today The job that needs to be done as he sees it – or more like, the resources that likely need to be shifted toward climate resilient crops

New data from USDA shares that net cash farm income decreased roughly 3.5% from 2023 into 2024 and we're looking at inflation adjusted numbers. But here's the piece of the silver lining that may be untold: that number – net cash farm income – is still above average when we look at the last 20 years from USDA data. This week, Natasha Cox, Senior Vice President of Farm Credit Mid-America, joins us to help make sense of the numbers, what it means to producers and to the broader agbioscience economy. We get into: The macro perspective on the health of farm balance sheets across the Midwest Big trends that she's looking at from a financial health standpoint of farms and agribusinesses Consolidation – from both the farmer and innovator perspective – as a factor in the economic system of agriculture in the US New investments being made on farm or within agribusinesses to better connect to the end market of food is health Natasha's perspective as a farmer and how she prioritizes where to place her bets for her operations The criticality of surrounding yourself with good partners, knowing your options when it comes to strategic planning and investments and asking the right questions for your operations or business The innovation she's most excited about in 2025

The year 2025 is poised to be an interesting one for agbioscience. Venture capital inflows from 2023 to 2024 are roughly flat according to Crop Life, the production cost of corn and soybeans remains roughly in line or slightly below market price and the turbulence around global trade and what tariffs could mean leave an uncertain operating market for what could be ahead. Joining us today is Hoosier Ag Today president, Eric Pfeiffer, to make sense of what's ahead. We get into: The current perspective of the farmer, their natural optimism and knowing the challenges that lie ahead for 2025. Trends he's noticing that are operational changes to drive net farm income – particularly biologicals – and why that's challenging. Property tax reform as a major topic in the Indiana General Assembly and making this issue relatable to the general public – because it does impact them at the end of the day. The biofuels tax credit bill in the Indiana General Assembly and its potential economic impact and jobs to the state of Indiana (not to mention better burning, more sustainable fuel). On a federal level – trade wars – and tariffs potential impact, good or bad, on farmers. Farmers needing certainty on The Farm Bill to make plans for the future – it does not appear to be a priority at the moment. Reason for optimism from farmers moving forward.

Making a difference in the world – it's nearly a universal desire for all of us. But where do you fit in? And how best to you make an impact? One college student is making that impact and blazing their trail. Cameron Weber, a biology major at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a Field Atlas Ambassador, joins us today to talk their path to agbioscience, including: Talking to two kinds of people – those that grew up on the farm and those who stumbled into it and are happy they did. Cameron is in the latter Wanting to originally be a doctor until getting connected with Field Atlas at a career fair and learning more about agbioscience. Finding a new path and forging your way forward as a college student Their six-month internship with Corteva Agriscience as a greenhouse assistant in Puerto Rico Field Atlas Ambassadors – what do they do? And what has Cameron's experience been like in their five semesters with the team? Cameron's advice for companies searching for young talent (hint: it's not ping pong tables in the breakroom and pizza on Fridays) Working on their thesis as they wrap up their time at Rose-Hulman Cameron's plans headed into graduation this spring – pssssss – they're currently looking for a job....

As the first month of 2025 comes to a close, Mitch Frazier and Cayla Chiddister recap a few of the biggest stories in agbioscience, reasons for optimism on net cash farm income and tease a few upcoming episodes of Agbioscience.

Much has changed in agbioscience over the last three decades. We've seen the introduction of gene editing technologies, new digital capabilities, even autonomy. One leader has had a front-row seat to these innovations. He'll soon retire, but joins us today to share perspective on where we've been and where we're headed. Dan Dawes, Senior Director of Strategy and Growth at AgriNovus joins us to talk about his career and the highlight reel of groundbreaking innovations in agbioscience. We get into: What has kept Dan in agbioscience all these years, his connectivity to the farm and wanting others to feel the same sense of reward that he did. The macro perspective and many cycles of the agbioscience economy – it's down for now, but it's never forever. What innovations excited Dan the most throughout his decades long career; but also, which ones did he not see coming? Indiana's unfair advantage – its people. Dan's biggest lessons in leadership, giving those you're leading a map to success and the criticality in finding joy in the work that you do. Finding a mentor as a guide to growing in your career – and beyond – and an update on what's ahead for Dan.

Keeping the heart of the heartland requires two key things when we think about growing small towns, cities and rural economies: big vision and lots of hard work. Today's guest is no stranger to either and shares a great perspective on how one small community in the Midwest is reimagining itself into an epicenter of innovation. Nichole Like, CEO of The Pantheon, an innovation engine in Vincennes, Indiana joins us to talk: Investing in small communities while also honoring their heritage to make them a destination for newcomers to move to and hometown kids to return to for their careers. The steady decline of entrepreneurial activity in rural America and The Pantheon's vision to create the economy they want – not the way they're given. Vincennes as Indiana's first city has big stats to tout – including Knox County leading in ag receipts, being the #1 producer of fruit and vegetable production in Indiana and #2 in the United States for melon production. The simple, but effective, equation to building an agtech ecosystem: bring really smart, progressive farmers to the table with innovators to solve critical problems facing their operations. Creating community buy-in and the importance of local support to drive local economies. What's ahead for The Pantheon and Indiana's first city.

According to AgFunder News, gene editing startups have raised $2.7 billion since 2012 in pursuit of technologies that advance everything from crop performance to yield. Today we are joined by a pioneer in science at the largest pure play agriculture company in the world. Dr. Wendy Srnic, VP of Biotechnology at Corteva Agriscience, to talk gene editing and its future. We get into: What is gene editing and how does it differ from genetically modified crops? How gene editing affects that broader value chain and food system at large. Corteva's partnership with Pairwise via their investment vehicle, Corteva Catalyst, and how they plan to leverage gene editing to make fruits and vegetables more accessible and nutritious. The objective of Corteva Catalyst to advance external technologies that align with the company's internal R&D strategy – and the importance of staying nimble to seize opportunities and drive outcomes whether they are joint ventures, acquisitions, investments or traditional collaborations. Wendy's perspective on where we're at in the evolution of biotechnology, what's emerging and how artificial intelligence (AI) is speeding up – and de-risking – the scientific discovery process. What does AI bring to the future of a partnership like that of Corteva and Pairwise?

According to Zion Market Research, the ag biological products market is expected to grow to $320 billion over the next decade. With a huge connection to agbioscience, what does it mean for farmers? What does it mean for agbioscience innovators? Kicking off season 8 of Agbioscience is BioBond CEO Marc McConnaughey. We get into: What exactly is the bioproducts market and how is demand growing? How BioBond's sustainable adhesives and protective coatings created a eureka moment for Marc as a serial entrepreneur. The Generation Food Rural Partners Fund and its partnership to help BioBond grow its business in rural Indiana. BioBond's strategy as a technology execution platform that licenses from universities and how its position near Purdue has created opportunities for innovation + talent. Indiana farmers as a critical piece to BioBond's future and how the state is a perfect storm of location, logistics and people to aid in their success. What's ahead for BioBond? Hint: continued focus on the customer and of course, revenue.

It's the end of 2024 and it was a giant year across food, animal health, plant science, agtech and agriculture. This week, we recap big stories of the year based on Accelerate 2050 – AgriNovus' study that showed that Indiana's agbioscience economy grew by $6 billion in 36 months. The study also launched three forces of change and opportunities for industry growth. We are laying out the top stories of 2024 based on these forces of change starting with: Farmer Focused Innovation AGCO and Trimble come together via a joint venture acquisition – listen to Andrew Sunderman from AGCO here; Corteva Catalyst launches as a new investment and partnership platform designed to accelerate the development of early-stage, disruptive technologies for farmers – listen to Corteva's Tom Green here; Gripp wins the Producer-Led Innovation Challenge to reduce administrative burden faced by farmers – listen to Tracey Wiedmeyer from Gripp here. BioInnovation Primient and Sustainea announce $125 million investment to establish Lafayette, Indiana as the world's largest Bio-MEG facility for bio-based plastics; AgroRenew breaks ground on an $83 million Indiana-based production facility to leverage the power of the region's melon crop to produce bio-based plastics – listen to Brian and Katie Southern from AgroRenew here; BioMADE announces Indiana as one of six finalists to compete for the next chapter of bioinnovation infrastructure – listen to BioMADE's Melanie Tomczak here. Food is Health Anu wins the HungerTech Innovation to better connect food supply with food demand using technology – listen to Anu's Scott Massey here; Purdue and Elanco announce the OneHealth Innovation District to establish a globally recognized research innovation district dedicated to optimizing the health of people, animals, plants and the planet – listen to Jeff Simmons from Elanco here; Corteva's $25 million equity stake in Pairwise to accelerate gene editing solutions, providing growers with another critical tool to keep pace with challenges facing food production.

It's been a tough couple of years in agriculture. Net cash farm income is expected to decrease nearly $6 billion in 2024; that follows a decrease in 2023 of nearly $58 billion. It's a tough sled for many farmers and there's companies who are working to bring innovation to farmers to overcome the headwinds that exist. Alex Russomagno, Senior Manager of Strategic Engagement for AGCO Ventures, joins this week to talk: Where things stand for the agtech and ag equipment industry right now. How the acquisition of PTx Trimble and the launch of AGCO Ventures has launched a new wave of startup activity in agbioscience. Matching supply and demand of innovation in the industry; Alex also talks initial investments from AGCO Ventures. The AGCO Ventures Thesis and how agriculture's downcycle impacts their strategy. What challenges are emerging that will require innovation for the farmer, quickly. Her experience with the power of partnership and investment between big companies and startups. The seismic shifts that will drive the next wave of innovation in agbioscience.

Global market intelligence firm, IDC, estimates that artificial intelligence (AI) will contribute nearly $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030 and represent nearly 4% of global GDP. Today we are joined by an AI pioneer, tech diplomat and leader of Purdue University, President Mung Chiang. We discuss: His journey as a three-time entrepreneur turned university president and how his experience has shaped his approach at Purdue Being on the cusps of the AI revolution, bringing new jobs to market and its elimination of old ones – and its potential to transform the physical world Balancing AI's opportunity for productivity versus its potential to become an adversarial threat Connecting dots from the past to the future to develop job creation and prosperity in the state – and the critical role of agbioscience to make that happen Purdue has a top 5 college of engineering and a top 5 college of agriculture – and President Chiang talks about the university's differentiation to drive big outcomes using demand-driven education President Chiang's eye on the future of Purdue and its continued service to Indiana

Tough commodity markets and a challenging ag economy is putting pressure on all elements of the agbiosciences. One of those is equipment. New data from the Equipment Manufacturers Association shows that tractor sales in the U.S. were down nearly 20% in the most recent month reporting. That's year over year. One entrepreneur is bringing to market a new technology to help those farmers maybe keep their tractors a little longer and better manage their fleet. Tracey Wiedmeyer, CEO of Gripp, joins us this week. We discuss: The current state of the ag equipment market (not such a spoiler: it's tough on everyone). Challenges facing farmers when it comes to the maintenance of existing equipment – from depreciation to staff coordination on-farm. The greatest opportunity for innovation in the ag equipment market right now and how Gripp was born. What it's like for producers to interact with Gripp + their feedback. How their partnership with Purdue DIAL has accelerated growth on the farm. Bringing tech talent back to their roots. What's ahead for Gripp.

Food is the only economy in the world that touches every person on the planet. We are all connected to food, and one of the world's top marketers turned entrepreneur is now making the connection between farms, food, and people. Scott Nelson, CEO of Make Hay, joins us to talk all things consumers and connecting to the meaningful world of agriculture. We get into: The existing gap between farms, food and people – and the opportunity to leverage today's media landscape to connect all three. His time at Panera and how it shaped his viewpoint on storytelling for brands. How Scott's background brought him to Make Hay + what the company aims to do. Make Hay's relationship with Purdue's DIAL Ventures and High Alpha, and how it's accelerating their business. Scott's vision for Make Hay – creating content for food transparency at scale, consumer awareness and farmers at the center of it all. Where Make Hay is at today and what's ahead.

It's almost Thanksgiving! Mitch Frazier and Cayla Chiddister sit down to recap November and get into: - The election's impact on farmers and agbioscience innovation.- Creating certainty for farmers in this new environment to plan for their operations.- Bain Capital investment into a merger of Biodyne USA, BW Fusion and Agronomy 365.- Entrepreneurship Week in Indiana.- Quadrant coming up on December 4!- Announcing a winner of the 2024 Producer-Led Innovation Challenge.

New data from AgFunder News shows that ag biologics are used by just under half of U.S. farmers. Dr. Alex Cochran, CTO of DPH Biologicals, joins today to share his unique perspective on this growing market. We discuss: What are ag biologicals and their role in modern production agriculture. Biologicals as an important piece for growers as they manage a tough farm economy. The challenge of change when it comes to farming practices and the criticality of clearly describing ROI for growers. Movement in the biologicals market from big players like Corteva's acquisition of Symborg and Stoller. DPH's focus on differentiation and value to its growers + a deep dive into the conversations they're having at the farmgate right now. The biologicals market has come a long way, but is it still early innings? Alex talks how the technology has evolved what's on the horizon for DPH Biologicals.

America just elected a new president and many states just elected new chief executives and legislators. What does this time of transition mean for ag, for agbioscience and for entrepreneurs? Sara Wyant, farmer, editor and publisher of Agri-Pulse, joins today to help us understand what's ahead. Sarah gets into regulatory topics – from immigration to sustainability – and talks through what the industry might expect from a second Trump administration, its new players as well as Congress. She also talks innovation, removing barriers to market entry and what lawmakers have to get done in order for farmers to plan for their operations. Sarah founded Agri-Pulse with the idea that someone should be telling the story of how policy affects the hard work of farmers and, ultimately, the food we consume. With eyes on the future, Sarah talks what's ahead for Agri-Pulse and what issues her team has an eye on headed into a new era of leadership in our country.

Workforce development is a topic that tops the list of policymakers and business leaders across the country; but true change in workforce development requires more than policy or curriculum. Field Atlas is an online career exploration platform, coupled with the power of on-campus peer ambassadors, to connect the future workforce to careers across food, animal health, plant science, agtech and agriculture. Today we are joined by Ball State University student and Field Atlas Ambassador, Rilynne Puckett, to talk careers, discovering agbioscience and to answer a big question: what are young people looking for in their professional lives? Rilynne dives into her accidental discovery of agbiosciences via the Field Atlas Company Tours program and how she instantly saw herself applying a chemistry degree to the industry. She's been connecting with her peers on campus to share the agbioscience story – and talks their reaction to the opportunities in front of them. What are college students looking for as the enter the workforce? Rilynne gets into striving for purpose, doing something you love and making an impact on our world.

A new survey of agribusiness professionals found that more than 70% spend more than 11 hours a week collecting, collating and analyzing data. It's a challenge being tackled by Brazilian company, Sensix, and CEO Carlos Ribeiro joins us today to talk data as a huge task on-farm and their role in optimizing decisions for farmers. Tremendous troves of data exist on the farm and, surprisingly, Carlos says the problems facing farmers in the U.S. are much the same as they are in Brazil. He gets into decision science and stresses the importance of mindset for tech adoption – despite the size of the farm. So how is Sensix uniquely solving this problem? A tech guy at heart, Carlos says he realized the amount of data needed to adequately manage farms. He tells the Sensix story, consolidating software and creating one interface for the farmer. In a time of tight farm margins, tech adoption is a tough sell. Carlos dives into their mission for a clear return on investment and putting money in farmers' pockets in the short and long-term. On his recent visit to Indiana, he marvels at farmers' data logs, appetite for decisions and looks ahead to what's next for Sensix.

From the grand opening of BioBond's new Indiana location to the announcement of Sustainea and Primient's $400 million announcement, it's been a massive month for bioinnovation news. Mitch Frazier and Cayla Chiddister recap the month and look ahead to the rest of 2024 -- including AgriNovus' last QUADRANT of the year.

The total healthcare spend relating to poor diet is quickly approaching $4 trillion annually according to the American Heart Association. This doesn't even include lost worker productivity. One of the key contributing factors to that is access to healthy foods. Scott Massey, founder and CEO of Anu, is an entrepreneur that unites the power of technology and health to bring a new category of innovation to agbioscience. He joins us to talk the access gap to nutrition in our country and Anu's approach to nutrition – right at the point of consumption. From perishability to socioeconomics and beyond, nutrition access has many challenges to overcome. Scott gets into how Anu has brought their innovation to market – from homes to larger community-based organizations such as hospitals, churches, schools and beyond. He talks balance between developing top-notch hardtech and building a business for scale – and emphasizing their mission to not build the biggest tech system for indoor farming, but one that is most distributed. As the recent winner of AgriNovus' HungerTech Challenge, a grant from the National Science Foundation and beyond, there is wind in Anu's sails. Scott dives into what's next, staying strategic and his advice to entrepreneurs who aspire to get started.

Company culture is often referred to in business books and board rooms, but is hard to define. Beck's Hybrids' Bethany Gremel, Director of Brand Experience and Culture, joins today to answer a few big questions: what is company culture? How do you define it for impact? Bethany gets into culture as a living organism that needs fed and its foundation being a series of behaviors rather than words. She also talks about culture and brand working together, how their team fosters culture at Beck's and getting new people integrated into the company successfully – starting with their interview process. How does culture keep going as employees age with the company? Bethany stresses the importance of loving and caring in the workplace and how what happens inside the company shows up on the outside of the company. Beck's has expanded significantly over the last several years and as they've scaled, Bethany gets into the notion of “you cannot create culture, you have to catch it.”

About 1.6 million barrels per day of petroleum jet fuel were consumed in the United States in 2023. That number is expected to increase to nearly 2 million barrels daily by 2050. Southwest Airlines is taking a bold move, migrating away from petroleum to sustainable fuels. Anthony Gregory, COO of Southwest Airlines Renewable Ventures, joins today to talk about its impact on agbioscience innovation, farmers and airline travelers in the future. As one of the world's largest airlines, Anthony gets into Southwest's proactive approach to sustainable aviation fuel, their investment arm aiding new companies in this space and seeing agriculture and aviation industries come together. He also talks about sustainable aviation fuel as a new market for ethanol producers and the critical role of the Midwest economy – farmers, universities, large-scale airline hubs and more – to lead in this space. So what will it take for sustainable aviation fuel to become a reality? Anthony talks economic and environmental sustainability, the current challenges facing SAF consumption and how ethanol producers can begin the process of increasing demand. He also talks alternative feedstocks and other byproducts in SAF production – and the Southwest Airlines investment approach to new technologies that that help bring innovation in this space to market. Anthony talks through this journey with Southwest Airlines and their stance of being “one of many.” Airlines are trying to make a big leap in this space and he's optimistic that small steps forward in this space will create long-term lasting impact.

Corn prices hit a 4-year low in Q3, on the prospect of a record harvest. That data follows research and insights from USDA that expects net farm income to be down 25% year over year. One solution to this challenge is innovation. Tim Hassinger, CEO of Intelinair, joins today to share perspective on the market and innovation's role in driving net farm income and operational efficiency. Agriculture is a cyclical business and the industry is certainly going through it now. Tim talks managing today for how you want to come out of this economic turbulence, what he hears from farmer customers (hint: it's realism) and how innovators should be operating for success. Where is Intelinair finding their success? Fresh off winning AgTech Data Analytics Company of the Year at the AgTech Breakthrough Awards, Tim talks growing and scaling their business and their continued pursuit of adding tools to their suite that help the farmer make better decisions and – ultimately – save money. How does the former leader of Dow AgroSciences and Lindsay Corporation feel about his time as CEO of Intelinair? Tim talks about new challenges, adjusting his mindset to meet the needs of the business and what has him excited as he looks to the future.

Happy International Podcast Day! Mitch Frazier and Cayla Chiddister recap the agbiosciences in September and look ahead to upcoming events. Key takeaways include: - Artificial intelligence (AI) moving from hype to help + the recent conversation at AgriNovus' QUADRANT with Kristen Owen (Oppenheimer + Co.), Aaron Schacht (BiomEdit) and Brad Fruth (Beck's Hybrids)- The collaboration and joint venture between Corteva Agriscience and Pairwise (via Corteva Catalyst) -- a $25M investment to advance gene editing- A recap of NASDA (National Association of State Departments of Agriculture) + audio with Chuck Magro (Corteva) and Jeff Simmons (Elanco)- A preview of our December QUADRANT. Register here: https://agrinovusindiana.com/quadrant/Past episodes mentioned: Aaron Schacht + Eric Bonabeau (BiomEdit): https://podcast.agrinovusindiana.com/public/215/Agbioscience-8a9a4381/7d349933Elliott Parker (High Alpha Innovation): https://podcast.agrinovusindiana.com/public/215/Agbioscience-8a9a4381/a43e4c6c

It's estimated that disease could cost the global food system up to 20% of production and one scientist is turning to the plant itself to change that. Dr. Kyle Mohler joins us today to talk his recent win at the Rally In-Prize Pitch Competition, his work to detect disease in plants much earlier and the Insignum AgTech's startup journey in 2024. Insignum AgTech's traits allow for the farmer to detect when disease is coming – nearly a week before you would actually see symptoms – an opportunity for farmers to treat with precision and before things are past a point of no return. Kyle gets into the farmer feedback surrounding the technology in action and how it serves as a decision-making tool for their operations. Fresh off a win at the Rally Innovation Conference In-Prize Pitch Competition, Kyle talks scaling via test plots across the Midwest. He also talks great milestones for Insignum AgTech in 2024 and where they hope to be headed in the future.

The cornerstone of the agbioscience economy is production agriculture. Without farmers, no amount of agtech, animal health, or plant science would ever be applicable to feed and fuel this world. Today we are joined by Leah Anderson, SVP of Land O'Lakes and president of WinField United, to talk about her drive and motivation to help the farmer – and putting it into action. Key Takeaways: The farmer perspective headed into harvest including some stress surrounding commodity prices, input costs and declines in farm income levels. Challenges for Land O'Lakes and WinField United ahead of next growing season – from access to labor and investment decisions – and how they're helping the farmer with those hurdles. Data as a decision driver and the Advanced Acre Rx program as a prescription suite of tools based on a farmer's most pressing individual needs. The cooperative model as a differentiator for farmers and the emerging innovations that have Leah most excited – including AI biologicals and evolving new markets (Carbon, water, etc.).

Innovation in agbioscience has never been more critical. In today's tough economy, farmers are looking for new ways to generate margin and with geopolitical instability around the world, food's stabilizing force around the world is taking center stage. Former Army Colonel and Executive Vice President of The Directions Group (Aimpoint Research) joins today to talk forces of change in our food system, food security as national security and innovation for the farmer. Key Takeaways: The Directions Group's recent Farmers of the Future research dives into how farmers are evolving, what they need and how his team sees this landscape changing in the future – including consolidation. Agbioscience's critical role in human health and its impact on our national security and military service. Mark's work with Indiana farmers to define the critical challenges facing their operations as the launch point for this year's Producer-Led Innovation Challenge and The Directions Group's methodology of tackling this feedback. Labor management and administrative burden as huge hurdles for farmers to be successful – and why talking with a farmer will drive better outcomes for innovators. Read the study, Producer-Led Innovation Challenge Opportunity Identification, at agrinovusindiana.com/research.

Sustainability in agbioscience requires two key inputs: environment and economics. Today we are joined by Rumin8's head of research and develoment, Dr. Lucas Huntimer, to talk economic durability, sustainability and how his team aims to decarbonize 100 million cows by 2030. Lucas dives into the challenge at hand – methane – and Rumin8's differentiated approach to innovating in this space. Rather than focusing on methane knockdown, their team is redirecting methane emission back into productivity, returning investment back to the producer. With an uptick in innovation happening in this space, we had to ask: why now? Lucas talks through the rise in focus surrounding cattle, their bold mission to decarbonize 100 million cows by 2030 and the hurdles they'll face to get there, from regulatory to capital.

Discover the journey of Salena Scardina, from her start at McDonald's Corporation to becoming the Chief Marketing Officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and her mission to redefine Indiana's global brand. In this episode of Agbioscience, Salena shares her insights on the customer experience, the power of understanding your audience and the innovative promise of Indiana's economy looking toward the future. Dive into the discussion on how Indiana is boldly claiming its place on the world stage, thanks to strategic branding and a deep commitment to innovation in agriculture, technology and touting what we do best – work together to achieve big outcomes.

AgriNovus CEO, Mitch Frazier, recaps August with highlights from the Rally Innovation Conference, the upcoming Producer-Led Innovation Challenge, Field Atlas hitting college campuses across Indiana and events coming up for you to join!

Venture capital has become synonymous with innovation. And one firm is turning to an event featuring world renowned artists, actors, athletes and innovators (plus a multi-million-dollar pitch competition) to drive new creative collisions. Toph Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures and mastermind of the Rally Innovation Conference, joins today to talk the state of venture capital, false growth driving bad decisions and his optimism heading into the last quarter of 2024. Part of his optimism starts with a major event kicking off in Indianapolis this week – the 2nd Rally Innovation Conference. Toph stresses the value of other vertical perspectives, bringing a wide range of expertise together at Rally and what attendees can expect at the event this week (in one word: Toph says to expect magic). What's so different about Rally, anyway? Toph acknowledges that innovation doesn't happen 1 on 1 between investor and entrepreneur and introduces a critical figure to the process: the disparate stakeholder (the figure upon which the event was launched). Between the demo floor, nationally renowned keynote speakers and a multi-million-dollar pitch competition, Rally is designed to bring together leaders across multiple disciplines to drive new, creative waves of innovation. With over 3,000 attendees in year one, Toph has a big vision for Rally's sophomore season. This includes keynotes from Tia White, Alex Rodriguez, Marcus Lemonis and Jann Mardenborough (think creative collisions) + fantastic breakout sessions across food and agtech (among other verticals). Learn more about Rally at rallyinnovation.com. Use code RALLYAgrinovus to get 40% off your ticket.

The animal health market – estimated by many sources to be $60 billion globally – spans everything from pet health to livestock and holds applications for innovations in feeds, vaccines, therapeutics and beyond. Joining us this week to talk about this evolving market is Tim Bettington, EVP of Corporate Strategy and Market Development at Elanco, to share his front row view on the evolution of animal health and the driving forces behind its growth. Tim talks Elanco's bifurcation between pet and livestock health, the dynamic challenge of bringing innovation to market in both categories and their unique individual challenges and opportunities. He also gets into investment dollars flowing heavily into the pet space – and how to balance that against innovation in livestock as potential to transform our food system and planet. Innovation in livestock has been focused largely on methane reduction in cattle and Tim shares Elanco's approach to creating products for the animal health space while also giving farmers a pathway to economic and environmental sustainability. Tim talks their partnership with Athian, the launch of Bovaer in the U.S. market and Elanco's role in the future of the agricultural industry. How does Elanco view their balance between internal R&D and external partnerships? Tim dives into the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize solutions to problems more quickly and what emerging trends will create a bigger footprint moving forward. He also talks the OneHealth Innovation District coming to Indianapolis, innovating for overall health and what's ahead.