Spark: Careers in Agribusiness

Marianne Smukowski, Safety Applications Coordinator at Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research, discusses her career in food science and the path she took from government to private industry to academia.

Cunningham shares how she went from Iowa farm girl to AVP communications for one of the nation’s leading checkoff programs.

In her role as vice president of American Agri-Women, Stelmach connects with women in agriculture of all ages and interests. She talks with host Sara Steever about her childhood and career path.

Barcus discusses her career and current role at Agriculture Future of America, which builds bridges for young leaders to foster engagement and innovation in food and agriculture.

Chism’s path to ag industry leader is unusual. She talks with host Sara Steever about how she became involved in agriculture and shares career advice.

Former South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Walt Bones shares how growing up on a farm prepared him for public service and farming success.

Twenty-three years ago, Miller joined Grossman Software Solutions, which serves agribusiness, and rose through the ranks to become president. She discusses her interest in science and math, role models and the power of trust.

Head of Government Affairs at Aurora Cooperative in Aurora, Neb., Caldwell grew up on a farm and earned a degree in animal science. She discusses her career path, decisions made and lessons learned—and offers encouragement and advice for individuals beginning their careers.

Johnson grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota and studied marketing and communications in college. She shares how her farm background and education prepared her for a variety of jobs during her career.

A self-described mule advocate and horse enthusiast, Hughey is grazing manager at her family’s Red Angus beef ranch in southeastern Indiana and an author of children’s books. She visits with host Sara Steever about her unique career.

As principal of her own consulting firm, Sweeten is involved in the quickly-growing business of food traceability and safety. She offers advice for young people starting careers in the food industry and agribusiness.

Co-founder of Brandt Consolidated, Inc., 94-year-old Evelyn Brandt Thomas is a businesswoman, philanthropist, community leader and force of nature. She discusses her company, involvement in various organizations and offers advice to women starting their careers.

Rincker, who grew up on a cattle operation in Shelbyville, Ill., is the owner of Rincker Law, which specializes in food and agriculture law. She discusses her childhood, career path and how she used networking, blogging and social media to grow her firm.

Dincher is marketing manager for Doebler’s Hybrids, a historied regional seed brand based in Williamsport, Penn. She visits with host Sara Steever about her career path and passion for ag.

Co-Founder and Chief Strategic Officer of Global Water and President of American Agri-Women, Lombardo discusses her farm background, career in corporate banking and current involvement in ag policy and advocacy organizations.

As president and chief marketing officer at Kinze, Veatch grew up around the business, which is a family-owned company started by her father. She discusses her early life, her career path and the challenges of balancing work and family.

President and CEO of Beck Ag, Inc., Liska brought a family farm background and more than 20 years of experience in sales and sales management to Beck Ag. She discusses how her experiences, both personal and professional, have helped shape her success.

As corporate communications manager for GROWMARK, Inc., Bradford has 33 years of ag communications industry experience under her belt. Her interview includes thoughts on her childhood, education, career and upcoming mission trip.

President of the nation’s oldest agricultural advocacy organization, Huber talks with Sara Steever about her farm upbringing, her belief in community and civic participation and her career path.

General counsel at Sukup Manufacturing, Schmitt handles a wide range of legal issues but also makes time for “passion projects” within the company. She discusses her education, career and current roles with Sara Steever.

As agri-business division manager for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Behrens promotes events and programs that showcase agriculture. She visits with Sara Steever about her farm background, interesting career path and lessons learned.

Kreke, senior marketing manager for Culver’s Franchising System, is responsible for creating a digital experience for Culver’s that matches its highly-lauded offline hospitality. She speaks to the value of education, marketing through storytelling and her farm background.

As senior manager, U.S. industry relations at Zoetis, Pinkerton is an agriculture and communications expert. She discusses her career with Sara Steever and provides advice on flexibility, trusting one’s instincts, mentoring and decision-making.

Tranzillo, senior consultant with The Context Network, brings 20 years of animal health and agribusiness experience to the table. She visits with Sara Steever about networking, mentoring and career challenges.

As Founder and Editor of Agri-Pulse, Wyant has created a company that reports the most up-to-date agricultural and rural policy decisions, which are indispensable to ag industry leaders. She visited with Sara Steever about how her farm background shaped her career.

Young, Director of Brownfield and Ag Operations, talks with Sara Steever about lessons learned and opportunities and challenges that shaped her career.

Susan Tronchetti, a business development professional, and her daughter Lisa Tronchetti, a dairy products merchandiser at Gavilon Group, LLC, talk with Sara Steever about the experiences and choices that led them to their current careers and their ongoing relationship/mentorship.

Wasson, U.S. Commercial Leader of Dow AgroScience’s Crop Protection division, talks with Sara Steever about how she navigated her upward path at Dow and how to build an effective network.

An experienced national account manager with a lengthy career in media, information technology and services, Seger visits with host Sara Steever about her exciting career and the ag industry.

Vice President and Co-Founder of ZimmComm New Media, a news and content creation and distribution company, Zimmerman visits about her career and passion for communications.

Farm director for WNAX Radio, reporter for AgDay and U.S. Farm Report, Rook discusses learning, growing and embracing experiences.

As an accomplished executive with a track record of developing innovative strategies that drive revenue and market share gains, Rader discusses career development and working in agribusiness.

State Director and Past President of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and farmer Gillie shares her thoughts on promoting agriculture and finding success.

As president, Lin is responsible for leading more than 11,000 employees across nearly 30 countries. She discusses leadership strategies and the ag industry.

As a dynamic leader in U.S. agribusiness, Basse is a seasoned executive with a history of successfully heading up teams and developing people.

As global communication leader on the Global Corporate Affairs team, Cisek touches on leadership lessons, coping with change and finding fulfilling work.

Oesch, who is global marketing manager, discusses building a career in the ag industry, networking and important skills for young professionals.

Shelman was the director of the Harvard Business School agribusiness program and today works with organizations to help them analyze and respond to change.

Interim Director Trautman visits with host Sara Steever about education, leadership skills and being part of the ag industry.

Head of Sustainable Productivity Wheeler and her daughter, Anna Libra, share insights on ag’s big picture and strategies for career growth.

Wolters, director of public relations, shares her respect for the land and animals, her views on agriculture and what she’s learned about finding success.