Cream of the Crop

In this episode of Cream of the Crop we are focusing on Crop IQ: The Ultimate Tool for Smart Farm Management!  Join us as Product Owner, Mikayla Rogers, and Director of Customer Success, Tara Stroud discuss the dynamic capabilities of Crop IQ. They'll share insights on how this robust platform is empowering growers to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture with unmatched ease and precision.

Kickstart your week with a fresh episode of Cream of the Crop! In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Highland Hub's newest feature, Compliance Tracker. This innovative platform is poised to revolutionize the management of compliance and regulatory obligations for a wide range of professionals, including consultants, marketers, retailers, large cooperatives, and brokers. It empowers them with a comprehensive overview through a user-friendly dashboard, simplifying workflows and enhancing efficiency.

In this episode, we have Justin Machell, CEO, Brian Deese, Sales Manager, and Brent Lewis, Product Manager for Business Intelligence, delving into the latest iteration, Highland Ag MarketWatch 2.0, which introduces enhancements designed to optimize user experience and provide powerful functionalities.

In this episode, CEO Justin Machell chats with Product Manager - Brent Lewis and Sales Manager - Brian Deese about the latest feature FreshETA. Discover what FreshETA has to offer:MarineTraffic & Fresh Cargo Peru At-A-GlanceComprehensive overview of shipments entering North America, Europe & AsiaDiscover the when and where of industry volumes, with the latest ETAsETAs through CarrierGap, our solution for filling gaps in carrier dataDelivered to your inbox every Monday & Thursday

Highland Ag MarketWatch has made waves with its groundbreaking approach to analytics, earning it the 2023 AgTech Breakthrough Award for Analytics Innovation of the Year. In this episode, we dive deeper into the significance of real-time analytics within the fresh produce industry and offer our listeners a comprehensive understanding of Highland Ag MarketWatch's functionality and relevance.

At Highland Ag, we believe that data is the key to unlocking success in agriculture. But when it comes to aggregating, analyzing, and presenting that data, not all approaches are created equal.  In this episode, we discuss the need for a more reliable source of data in the fresh produce industry and why we built Highland Ag MarketWatch. 

Welcome to a fresh episode of Cream of the Crop! Join us as we explore sustainability and how it's being achieved through the Highland Hub. In this episode, our CEO, Justin Machell, with Highland's Director of Customer Success, Tara Stroud, unveil the exciting integration of Sustainable Food Group's Sustainability Standard into the Highland Hub. Discover how we're paving the way for a sustainable future in innovative ways. Tune in now for this enlightening conversation!

In this episode we hear from podcaster Trevor Williams on the story of the Farm Traveler Podcast. Trevor shares with us the ups and downs of starting a podcast as well as the importance of sharing the heart of the ag industry. Education through communication is key, and Trevor has a lot of experience with that! Our host and Trevor both were previous ag teachers and share some of their learnings from the classroom! Trevor Williams is a former high school agriscience teacher turned podcaster that started the Farm Traveler podcast in 2019.  Farm Traveler has one goal, that being to connect consumers with farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs in the agriculture industry.  Trevor has published over 150 podcast episodes, educational videos, and Farm Tours on the Farm Traveler Youtube channel, and produces two other agriculture-focused podcasts.

In this episode, we chat with Margaret Dominguez, Vice President of Food Safety and Compliance at Soli Organic. Soli (formerly known as Shenandoah Growers) is the nation's most commercially advanced indoor agriculture company. Margaret shares the “secret sauce” behind Soli and their growth as the nation's leading grower of fresh organic culinary herbs, providing sustainable, organic greens and produce to retailers coast to coast.For more than five years, Margaret has worked on elevating their food safety program and building a food safety culture nationally across all Soli Organic locations. She is a food safety professional with more than 13 years of experience in the food industry. Margaret received her B.S. degree with a major in Food Science and Technology and a Masters of Science in Food Management from Warsaw Agriculture University in Poland. In addition, she earned her Master of Food Safety and Technology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Before Soli, she held various food safety and sanitation roles at Kellogg's and Fair Oaks Farms, a meat processing company based in Wisconsin.

In this episode, Jennifer Pulcipher, Director of Food Safety and Compliance and Kinsey Porter,  Food Safety Manager for North Bay Produce, discuss working in food safety for a grower-owned cooperative.  With 30 members representing over 2000 farms across North, Central, and South America, North Bay is a leader in fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. Headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan, North Bay markets and distributes products worldwide. Jennifer holds a Master's degree in Food Safety from Michigan State University and is responsible at North Bay for the oversight of foreign and domestic food safety programs; leading the charge on all corporate food safety and compliance initiatives.  Kinsey is responsible for Food Safety Modernization Act compliance, partnering with growers to implement good food safety practices, and communicating North Bay's food safety commitment with customers. In this episode, we hear how their training and passion make them powerful forces in their industry.

Mental health in agriculture is often overlooked. Our industry tends to keep looking forward without looking inward. In this episode, we talk with Marshal Sewell, a fifth generation farmer who has observed the challenges and stresses of agricultural life. Marshal shares his story and the impact the stress had on his family, and walks us through his journey from tragic loss to advocate for mental health.

The agricultural industry is full of uncontrollable circumstances, which often leads to an abundance of stress. When you think about suicide, agriculturalists aren't usually the first ones that come to mind. In this episode, we talk with Don McMoran, Director at the Washington State University Extension Office. Don and his team provide suicide prevention support and resources for those working in agriculture. The WSU Extension has partnered with organizations such as Farm Aid and the Washington State Department of Health to create the Skagit Suicide Prevention Pilot Program. By starting the conversation and providing support to those who need it, we can help prevent suicide and save lives.

The Russell Group is Washington's leading bipartisan government relations firm, focused exclusively on food and agriculture public policy. Established since 1985, the firm's legacy of results have established them as the industry standard-bearer. Today, their bipartisan team of 10 builds on that legacy with a modern approach, marrying time-tested, direct advocacy with strategic foresight on all matters impacting the food and agricultural policy landscape. On this episode, we talk with Jessica Schulken, Principal at the Russell Group and Senate ag veteran, and Tyson Redpath, also a Principal at the firm. With their work in agriculture, the firm keep farmers farming and explain how they do it.

Michelle Miller, The Farm Babe, is all about educating consumers on the production of their food. Michelle has created a following of 200,000 and an average social media reach of 2-3 million per month with a style that is straightforward and without gimmicks. She has made a name for herself as a dedicated myth-buster in the food industry, influencing powerful corporations such as Burger King. On this episode, Michelle explains her move from “big city globetrotter” to the farm girl who is getting back to her roots in the Midwest.

Ole Tyme Produce Inc. is a premier, wholesale fresh food and grocery distributor employing state-of-the-art technology and the highest industry standards in food safety to provide a vital link in the food supply chain between farmers, restaurants, hospitals, schools, professional kitchens, and charitable organizations. Their mission is committed to helping ensure the well-being of everyone in their company, community, and country through environmentally responsible business practices, mutually beneficial partnerships, and by providing a reliable and safe food supply from national supply lines to local farms, food service outlets, and community organizations. In this episode Joan walks us through the heart of Ole Tyme Produce and their secret to success. 

You might remember as a kid, that familiar Stuckey's billboard on the highway and stopping at the one of their roadside stores just grab some pecan rolls and souvenirs during your family road trip. Such fond memories became the driving force for Stephanie Stuckey, granddaughter of Stuckey's and precisely why she chose to buy the company back. Stephanie Stuckey tells her family's story, explains how she is saving her family's legacy, and creating a candy and pecan and candy empire.

DNO Produce began in 1989 as a small co-op based in Columbus, Ohio.  Since then, they have grown to become a leading produce distributor and processer for the Midwest. DNO provides customers with healthy and fresh solutions for food service, food manufacturing, school services, government, and retail industries. Jeremy Taylor, DNO'S Vice President of Sales and Marketing and self-proclaimed “King of LinkedIn” explains how to incorporate social media within the agriculture industry.

QIMA/WQS (formerly known as WQS) was founded in 1993, offering solutions to the food industry from farm to fork through GFSI recognized certifications (BRCGS, GLOBALG.A.P., SQF, IFS), food safety and ethical audits, quality seals, inspections, training, and supply chain management. Their team of food safety professionals innovates and streamlines processes to offer customers transparency, agility in the marketplace, and unprecedented control over their entire food supply chain. In this episode, we talk with two women who are a major force behind the QIMA/WQS team, Nicole Brunner and Liza Salinas.

Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) is a non-profit certification and skill-building organization that seeks to increase transparency in the food supply chain and improve the lives of farmworkers through a team-based approach to training and continuous improvement practices. EFI brings together growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumers to solve the most pressing issues facing the fresh produce industry. Its unparalleled approach sets standards for labor practices, food safety and pest management while engaging workers at all levels on the farm to produce Responsibly Grown, Farmworker Assured® fruits and vegetables. In this episode, we unpack what it means when you see a EFI label, and the work behind it! 

Jordan Carter has been elected as the first female President of the National Watermelon Promotion Board. In this episode we discover how Jordan got involved in watermelon production despite her degree in fashion merchandising. As the Director of Sales and Marketing at Leger & Son, Inc., Jordan has proven that her dedication to learning has paid off.

What happens when two podcast hosts get together and talk about the ag industry? Patrick Kelley, host of The Produce Industry Podcast chats with us about being an entrepreneur, speaker, author and strategist in the produce and supply chain industry. Patrick's journey has been a pivotal one, mending generational gaps in the industry and helping produce partners thrive.

GLOBALG.A.P. works with more than 2,000 trained inspectors and auditors working for around 159 accredited certification bodies to perform independent third-party producer audits and issue our certificates. They are the most widely accepted private sector food safety certification in the world. Listen in as we talk with Roberta Anderson, the executive Vice President, GLOBALG.A.P. North America.

The Packer is the most trusted news in produce and an industry staple since 1893. Articles range from crop updates to retail news, to new product features to recognition of industry leaders. In this episode, we chat with editor Ashley Nickle, a brand leader responsible for content strategy, creation and marketing across print, digital and social media. Along with writing, interviewing and editing, her role includes video, podcasting, social media, moderating event panels and spearheading industry recognition platforms like Produce Artist Award Series and Produce Retailer of the Year.

Highland Fresh Technologies has been a leader in food safety and sanitation for the produce industry for more than 15 years. With a mission to improve arrivals and strengthen food safety sanitation programs, HFT has changed the way farms and packinghouses wash their produce and maintain their equipment  In this episode, we talk with Kyro Morales, Director of Operations, on how HFT got their start and how they are assisting the industry in providing solutions during this crucial time in agriculture.

“The ag department is not just about cows, plows and sows,” says Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller. We caught up with Commissioner Miller from his front seat GMC studio and talked about handling a 6-billion-dollar budget, providing 5 million public school lunch meals, supporting young farmers and yes, inspecting ping pong balls. Plus, we discuss their support programs to aid farmers hurt by the recent winter storm and the pandemic.

Texas is on our minds and in our hearts this week. On this episode, we spoke with Dante Galeazzi of the Texas International Produce Association. TIPA’s mission is to represent Texas grown fruits and vegetables to growers, packers, shippers and anyone in the supply chain. We also discussed Viva Fresh, a show that is connecting us all to the Tex-Mex region. Learn more, listen now.

Humbled Hoosiers! We caught up with Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Director, Bruce Kettler from the Indiana State Dept of Ag. On episode #36, we continue our chats with state agriculture departments to find out what they are doing in their neck of the woods. These Indy folks are not only focused on the Indiana Grown program, but also soil conversation and FFA leadership.

We went straight to the TOP to talk about food safety with Jennifer McEntire, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Food Safety at United Fresh Produce Association. United Fresh has recently announced Class Two of its Produce Safety Immersion Program. Dr. McEntire chats with Highland’s Bristol Wells, Service Specialist Manager who was accepted into the program for 2021. Learn about what the program does and what it means for these professionals once they complete it. We will also talk about the future of food safety and what is on course for 2021.

Dr. Kevin M. Folta has a background in both biology and communications. He has studied biology and agricultural biotechnology for over thirty years, working exclusively in public academic institutions. His group is known for using innovative genomics approaches to identify genes associated with fruit quality, especially flavors and aromas. He has been a professor at the University of Florida since 2002, serving as Chairman from 2012-2018. His laboratory has hosted over 100 undergraduate researchers, dozens of international scholars, and trained many postdocs.

Nikki Fried, Florida’s 12th Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, is a lifelong Floridian, attorney, and passionate activist. Born and raised in Miami, Commissioner Fried graduated from the University of Florida, where she received her bachelor’s, master’s and juris doctor degrees. While at the University of Florida, she served as student body president – the first woman to hold the position in nearly two decades. Bristol Wells and Commissioner Fried talk about what drives her and what's in the future for our farmers.

Today we celebrate two of America’s heroes, our farmers and our veterans. On this episode of #CreamoftheCrop we are introduced to the American Veteran Coalition, “We cultivate a new generation of farmers and food leaders, and develop viable employment and meaningful careers through the collaboration of the farming and military communities. We believe that veterans possess the unique skills and character needed to strengthen rural communities and create sustainable food systems. We believe that agriculture offers purpose, opportunity, and physical and psychological benefits.” -farmvetco.org

If you are a farmer and haven't tapped into the benefits of the American Farm Bureau, you will after this episode. Do you know that they offer benefits such as media training, advocacy training, personal and professional development training? Plus financial perks with large ag companies like John Deere and others? Elise Stoddard, Managing Director of Leadership Development and Highland's Bristol Wells, talk about how important it is to be involved in Farm Bureau on a local, state, and national level.

August is National Peach Month and, in this episode, we talk about the importance of peaches in our food supply and economy. Carlyle Carr, daughter of Titan Farms owners, Chalmer and Lori Anne Carr chats with us about peach farming, the peach industry and what it looks for the future. From orchards to factories, restaurants, bakeries and retail supermarkets…Americans have a passion for peaches.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd sat down with CEO, Steve Maxwell for Part Two of America’s Sheriff on the Cream of the Crop. Sheriff Judd covers issues from social media to keeping our children safe from predators.

What better way to kick off Season 3 than with America's Sheriff! Our own Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd visited the HAS Media Studio and chatted with our CEO, Steve Maxwell. From working with Polk’s large agriculture footprint, to the George Floyd incident, Sheriff Judd is honest and open. Listen to Part One now.

She’s a mother, farmer, Executive Director and a force to be reckoned with in the blueberry industry. Brittany Lee, Vice President and Farm Manager of Florida Blue Farms, talks with us about her very full but rewarding schedule of being the Executive Director of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association. This first-generation farmer shares her knowledge about machine harvesting and pushing the limits in her operation towards technology.

GO ROYALS! Leigh Ann Wynn, Assistant Vice President of Advancement and Abby Crawford, Coordinator of Advancement and Ag Programming at Warner University discuss the agriculture program. From extracurricular activities to internship opportunities, Leigh Ann and Abby walk us through how WU helps students achieve their goals.

Sue Harrell, Director of Marketing, and Tiffany Dale, Director of Member Services and Community Relations for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association chat about the mission the FSGA has for their growers. From their marketing strategies to reach the consumer, to helping growers and the community. Plus, we get some great tips on strawberries!

Host Justin Machell, our VP of Business Development and Analytics chats with Walt Shappley, Director of Marketing and Customer Experience on how growers can make big changes in 2020. From the technology of Highland FS365 and changing your food safety program to explaining our Data Covenant, which protects your data. These two don't miss a beat. This episode is jam-packed with useful information!

With $200 in her bank account and a huge leap of faith, Michelle Martin left her job to start The Ag Mag, a print and digital magazine dedicated to farmers and ranchers in the Rio Grande. But Michelle didn’t stop there. Michelle started Farmer Who, a program which allows the consumer to quickly access information with their phone by the Farmer Who label on packaging. She is also the owner and host of Ag on Wheels available on RFD TV, YouTube, social media and her local ABC channel.

Artha Jonassaint takes us through her years in FFA, what it was like to take a gap year to be the state president, to now being a sophomore at Harvard College. She discusses her passion for advocating for agriculture in a more urban environment such as college and what she hopes to see for agriculture in the future.

Dennis Ross served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. After he retired from Congress, he returned to his hometown of Lakeland, FL where he joined Southeastern University as a distinguished professor of political science to launch the American Center for Political Leadership (ACPL). The ACPL is a center for key research activities, academic programs, courses, workshops and resources geared towards preparing our next generation of political leaders. Dennis is a lawyer who has served as in-house counsel with Walt Disney World as well as his own firm in Lakeland.

Bud Chiles, son of late Governor Lawton Chiles, describes how he turned his passion to help the decline of the American family farm into an organization of farmers and consumers called American Grown Inc. Currently, Bud serves as its National Director, and is joined by Kalan Royal who works alongside him. Together they are uniting U.S. growers and farmers and helping them use their voice to demand American grown produce.

Jamie Viramontes chats with Bristol Wells about growing crops in the Southwest, her absolute love for farming and what she is learning by working alongside husband Cole. Jamie explains why keeping your faith and staying positive helps cope with the highs and lows of farming while being a working mom and wife.

Chelsea Consalo is the Vice President of Produce Operations for Consalo Family Farms. We talk with Chelsea about working in the family business, from starting as their food safety coordinator to her present-day role as the VP of Operations. We learn about why Chelsea has such a passion for agriculture and why she is so excited about the Produce Marketing Association’s Emerging Leaders Program.

From her farm family, to getting into trouble for hauling hay at 9, Kameron discusses it all. Kameron Harwell of Grimmway Farms chats with host, Bristol Wells on farming, family and working your way through a tough but rewarding industry.

Elizabeth "Beth" McQuaig-McIntyre of Anna’s Garden, 66, is a retired English teacher who became a blueberry farmer later in life. Although much of her life was spent teaching and raising her three sons, this leg of the journey at Anna’s Garden and Mallard Point Packing is proving to be a wonderful challenge. Beth describes her start into the blueberry industry, tells us how she deals with it all, and has some wise words for women in her industry. She remains involved in her community of Fitzgerald, Georgia through Fellowship Baptist Church, Ben Hill County School System, Cancer Coalition, Christian Kitchen, and any other place that needs her help.

Stella Farms provides watermelons and pineapples to the retail, food service, and processing industries year-round with the goal of bringing customers superior produce grown with responsible and sustainable practices. Mike Martori, VP of Sales discusses the challenges facing the industry during the pandemic and how they are finding ways to work through it. Meagan Morgan, handles food safety operations and discusses the recent changes in their program.

In 1909 Joseph L Bushman started Bushmans’ Inc. and today it is the longest continuing potato growing operation in Wisconsin. The company grows and ships more than 10 million pounds of potatoes a year that go to grocers, retailers, and food service industries. Mike Carter, CEO surprises us with facts about America's favorite vegetable.

Wish Farms is an international grower, shipper and marketer based in Plant City, Florida. With the 4th generation fully involved in day-to-day operations, Wish Farms is a proud multi-generational family business. JC Clinard, Chief Operating Officer, explains how his company always has our favorite berries readily available. From U.S. grown to imports, he discuss the process of getting the produce we’re used to buying at our convenience, from farm to table.

Tara Steward of Primus Auditing Ops, discusses the recent breakthrough in food safety and farm audits. Primus has introduced desktop documentation review by approved software companies. Documents must be in an organized fashion for auditors to review prior to the on-site visit. This episode answers some basic questions for growers and agricultural business owners who want to make the transition from traditional to digital.