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11 episodes with ag labor
11 episodes with ag labor
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4 episodes with ag labor
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2 episodes with ag labor
2 episodes with ag labor
2 episodes with ag labor
5 episodes with ag labor
In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Veronica Blanco, Director of Human Resources, from Innovative Produce to talk about growth, leadership, and the power of community in the ag industry. From being the first in her family to graduate college to stepping into leadership roles, Veronica reflects on the importance of mentorship, staying positive, and telling the real story of agriculture. She opens up about the challenges of stepping outside her comfort zone and the value of connecting with like-minded professionals through industry forums and programs. She also talks about how organizations like United Ag, programs like the Ambassador Program, and the supportive culture at Innovative Produce have allowed her to explore critical issues like access to care, mental health, and employee wellbeing — all while developing as a leader.Veronica opens up about the powerful role models in her life, beginning with her mother, whose positivity, work ethic, and belief in education laid the foundation for Veronica's success. She also speaks deeply about the impact of colleagues like Amy Wolfe, who have offered not only support but also constructive challenge — helping her shift perspectives, make hard decisions, and grow stronger in the face of transition.These relationships have built a sense of purpose and belonging, and Veronica has been intentional about passing on what she's learned. She reflects on the responsibility to share ag's story more clearly, especially the good that often goes unseen. Whether working behind the scenes or stepping up to public-facing roles, Veronica emphasizes the importance of staying positive, focusing on what's within your control, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in doing good work for good people.Whether you're in ag or any other industry, this conversation is a reminder that great people and strong values can shape your path in powerful ways.Innovative Produce: https://innovativeproduce.com/Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkarUnitedAg website - www.unitedag.orgUnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/Episode Contributors - Veronica Blanco, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna MaciasThe episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.comBlue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.comElite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.comGallagher - https://www.ajg.com/SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us
When the agtech is not working in the field, we can be quick to search for answers in the product itself. But sometimes, the solution is not there. That's because it's not a technical problem, but rather a social systems challenge.Kevin Boyle is the Director of Organizational and Workforce Development at the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI). He argues that a key component of the farming and food system is often overlooked; and that's the people who work on the ground. Farm workers can be seen as low-skilled, with little more to offer than the set tasks they perform. However, Kevin is seeking to change this approach, to better recognize the knowledge these workers have, and to create recognizable career paths for them.Kevin also believes that focusing on the workforce will ultimately benefit the development and adoption of agtech. He spent much of his career in telecommunication tech, where he helped integrate the new digital technologies of the 1990s into the system, including the workers.Sarah and Kevin discuss:· Kevin's unique career background, from growing up on a farm, to working in telecommunications tech, and consulting across Europe and the United States.· How the perception of farm workers as ‘tools' rather than humans with skills, knowledge, and desires has hindered tech adoption.· How to better recognize the skills and knowledge of farm workers, to build high performance farming businesses· How applied university research can be used to test a product in the broader system before it goes to market.Useful links:· Can robotics solve the farm labor problem? With Connie Bowen and Sophie Thorel· How policy hamstrings agtech in California - Walt Duflock
Ask any farmer what their biggest challenge is right now and most will say ‘labor'. But what if, instead of trying to get more farm workers, we focused on changing the types of jobs available on farms? That's where robotics comes in.Unfortunately, successfully commercializing robots in agriculture has been extraordinarily difficult, especially relative to sectors like healthcare, defence and warehousing.We break down the problem into three key challenges, based on research by Sophie Thorel, robotics expert and researcher at CREO Syndicate. Sophie argues robotics in agriculture needs to overcome the technical challenge of varied, uncontrollable environments; the cost and capital challenges that often comes with hardware; and the social stakeholder challenge of getting farmers and farm workers involved in the design process. Connie Bowen, GP at Farmhand Ventures, also joins us, drawing on her expertise in understanding and investing in agtech from a labor-first perspective and how all of these challenges intersect.Connie, Sophie and Sarah discuss:Sophie's journey into robotics and why a family office investment platform cares about robots in food & agricultureHow we can overcome the time and cost it takes for on-farm robotics to develop to a stage where it's actually useful for farmers/growersWhy it's so important for farmers and farm workers to be involved over the long term in a robotics program- from design into implementationHow overcoming the key challenges in ag robotics could lead to a revolution in farm labor– more attractive and skilled farm opportunitiesUseful Links:Agriculture Robotics: Technologies Enabling the Fourth Industrial Revolution" - CREO reportAg LaunchPete Nelson on partnering with growers to build better agtechBeyond VC: Redeemable Equity in Agtech, with Connie BowenThe Three Categories of Autonomy in Agriculture, SwarmFarm RoboticsBurroTRIC RoboticsFor more information and resources, visit our website.The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe the information is correct, we provide no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.
In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Marylu, a remarkable HR leader in the ag industry whose story is deeply rooted in resilience, compassion, and advocacy. Her journey began with a powerful influence—her mother, one of the first women to rise into a leadership role in ag in the 90s. That example of professionalism and quiet strength laid the foundation for Marylu's own leadership approach today.Our conversation was a rich reflection on what it means to lead with empathy in an industry often driven by compliance and regulations. Marylu opened up about the joy she finds in training and empowering her teams, how she navigates the fine balance between policy and humanity, and how field visits give her direct insight into employee challenges. She shared the emotional weight of HR work—listening to workers' personal stories, addressing their fears around immigration, and helping them navigate mental health stressors, especially in the aftermath of COVID.What really stood out to me was her emphasis on connection. Marylu believes in treating employees not just as workers, but as people with unique experiences. She finds fulfillment in seeing them grow and succeed, and she brings that same care into her leadership with her own team.She also spoke about her transformation through the Women Ag Leadership Academy, how it helped her find her voice, overcome self-doubt, and step confidently into visible leadership. Her closing message—especially for our Spanish-speaking audience—was a beautiful reminder: don't be afraid to ask for help, use the resources available, and most importantly, don't forget about yourself while you're taking care of everyone else.Marylu is exactly the kind of leader our industry needs—grounded, authentic, and deeply committed to both people and progress. I'm proud to serve alongside her on the United Ag board and to continue building this movement for empathetic, inclusive leadership together.Marylu Ramirez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marylu-ramirez-57134142/Good Farms: https://goodfarms.com/Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkarUnitedAg website - www.unitedag.orgUnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/Episode Contributors - Marylu Ramirez, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna MaciasThe episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.comBlue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.comElite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.comGallagher - https://www.ajg.com/SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us
A tree nursery owner shares why ag labor is a vital part of his operation and why changes to the H2A Guest Worker Program are needed.
Headlines on today's episode include:-Declines in migration expected to exacerbate labor shortages-NEFB: now is the time to fix ag labor-Uncertainty could influence farmland values-Farmers face challenging soybean prices-See & Spray impacting soybean traitsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Finding good help on the farm is an age-old problem, but in recent months and years, the difficulty seems to have risen exponentially. Between the struggle of an aging rural workforce, the new pressures introduced by COVID, and the gaps and expenses of federal programs like H-2A, the challenges are piling up, while meaningful solutions remain thin on the ground. The DTN team is no stranger to this problem, which is why we dedicated a whole series of stories in the summer issue to understanding agriculture's worker shortage and highlighting how progressive farmers are turning labor struggles into opportunities.Today, DTN Managing Editor Anthony Greder joins us to discuss these stories. He starts by digging into what the data shows about the true barriers to work on the farm, including why compensation might not be the thing that's holding farms back. We'll learn about the current challenges and benefits of the H-2A program, and what tech solutions are becoming increasingly common, thanks to their labor saving benefits. Finally, we'll hear about the creative strategies that farmers are turning to — from offering expanded benefits to delivering on a positive workplace culture, in order to attract and keep the employees they need.
We have an informative conversation with Alabama Farmers Federation District 6 Director, Phillip Hunter. Phillip and his bother, Will, own Hunter Trees, LLC in Alpine. The operation uses guest workers through the H-2A legal labor program. Phillip also represents Alabama, nationally, as the chairman of the American Farm Bureau Federation's Agricultural Labor Issue Advisory Committee.John Allen Nichols, agriculture council for the Farmers Federation, wraps up with information about tax incentives for poultry farmers.Find out more about our sponsor, Alabama Ag Credit, and also about Alabama Farmers Federation.
The Ag industry is suffering from a bad case of whiplash after the big back and forth on immigration enforcement on farms.
The Ag industry is suffering from a bad case of whiplash after the big back and forth on immigration enforcement on farms.
Today, a specialty crops grower from Oregan shares his personal message on the need for ag labor and ag labor reform.
Following President Trump's orders to scale back immigration raids on farms, hotels, restaurants and meatpacking plants, many are watching closely to see what happens. U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says that's good news.
Following President Trump's orders to scale back immigration raids on farms, hotels, restaurants and meatpacking plants, many are watching closely to see what happens. U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says that's good news.
CE Immigration Raids on Farms Will Resume Despite Trump's Take on Ag Labor
Headlines on today's episode include: Ethanol groups react to 26-27 RVO mandates, Domestic, international demand increases for U.S. ethanol, Increasing raids creating uncertainty in ag labor sector, Don't get hung up on ag trade deficit, and Hail shreds corn and soybeans in north Iowa.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this heartwarming episode, I sit down with Tony, a longtime member of the United Ag community, to talk about his inspiring journey through agriculture—from working alongside his father in the fields as a child to becoming a safety manager and United Ag ambassador. Tony shares how early hands-on experiences shaped his deep appreciation for hard work and sparked a lifelong mission to support and protect agricultural workers.We dive into how technology is transforming the ag space, with digital tools like timekeeping apps and virtual ID cards making life easier for field workers. As part of United Ag's Ambassador Program, Tony provides honest feedback that helps customize these tools for real-world use across diverse regions and employers.More than just work, this episode celebrates the sense of family, community, and purpose that defines United Ag. Tony and I reflect on what it means to be part of something bigger—where work doesn't feel like work, and where partnerships feel more like family.Plantel Nurseries: https://www.plantelnurseries.com/Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkarUnitedAg website - www.unitedag.orgUnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/Episode Contributors - Tony Ramirez, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna MaciasThe episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.comBlue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.comElite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.comGallagher - https://www.ajg.com/SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us
Headlines on today's episode include: Gov. Reynolds close to pipeline bill decision, Dairy farmer says labor solutions few and far between, Farm Bureau leaders head to D.C., Watching for Soil-Borne Soybean Disease, Scout for waterhemp, A Forage Snapshot, and Crop condition ratings improve over the last weekSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Often when we talk about the ability for technology to help with farm labor we automatically default to robots. But there are other ways technology can help address challenges with farm labor.
Show Highlights: Transforming the way farmers use digital solutions. [03:16] Addition through subtraction: how killing the paper scale ticket creates new value. [06:24] The myth of tech-resistant farmers and barriers to adoption. [12:07] Bushel's strategy of selling to agribusinesses, not growers. [19:05] Why white-label solutions are the efficiency optimizer in ag. [26:41] Additive agtech focuses on enhancement, not disruption. [31:07] Use cases, flaws and forecasts for LLMs ag. [34:49] The importance of digitizing CRM adoption to leverage AI benefits. [41:20] The coming wave of autonomy and robotics in agriculture. [45:37] Self-driving trucks are an opportunity, not a threat. [49:22] Explore Bushel by visiting https://bushelpowered.com/. To connect with Jake Joraanstad, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakejoraanstad/ or find him on X at @jakefromfargo. If you are interested in connecting with Joe, go to LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemosher/, or schedule a call at www.moshercg.com.
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
Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, says ag labor is a problem everyone recognizes.
Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, says ag labor is a problem everyone recognizes.
Congressional Republicans are still a long way from agreeing on the giant budget reconciliation bill, but NCFC leader Chuck Conner says he sees ‘glimmers of hope' for a boost to the farm safety net in the package. Conner also discusses the possibility for ag labor reform this Congress as well as tariffs and brain drain at USDA. Then, Dan Halstrom from the U.S. Meat Export Federation and Krista Swanson from the National Corn Growers Association discuss how tariffs are affecting their industries. Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up for free!
In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Barbara Meza, Director of Human Resources at Taylor Farms and Taylor Harvesting, to talk about her inspiring journey in agriculture and leadership.Barbara opens up about starting her career at Ocean Mist Farms to help support her family and how that role unexpectedly turned into a lifelong passion—especially after becoming a single mother. She candidly discusses overcoming self-doubt, navigating a male-dominated industry, and the power of programs like the Women Ag Academy in building her confidence and sense of community.Through stories of mentorship, personal growth, and resilience, Barbara shares the pivotal moments that shaped her—like being entrusted with building an HR department and learning to reframe even the most tedious work tasks with deeper purpose. She also opened up about being raised by a strong single mother, facing painful judgment from family, and using that adversity to push herself further. Her mother—who also worked in ag—instilled in her a deep sense of professionalism, integrity, and compassion. It was powerful to hear how those early lessons continue to shape her leadership today.This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth comes from discomfort, confidence is often seen before it's felt, and when women support women, amazing things happen.Barbara Meza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-meza-phr-87064250/Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkarUnitedAg website - www.unitedag.orgUnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/Episode Contributors - Barbara Meza, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna MaciasThe episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.comBlue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.comElite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.comGallagher - https://www.ajg.com/SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us
American Farm Bureau Federation has intel reports available to serve as a resource to explain ag labor issues.
During January's Potato Expo 2025, we sat down to talk about one of the most pressing issues impacting the agricultural community: labor. Joining the podcast for the first time was Shawn Packer, principal member of JPH Law, who brought his extensive expertise in legal frameworks shaping agricultural operations to the discussion. JPH Law is a consultant to the National Potato Council through the Agricultural Workforce Coalition on agricultural labor policy. We were also joined by Mike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer of the National Potato Council, who spearheads NPC's ag workforce efforts. Guests: Shawn M. Packer, Principal Member, JPH LawMike Wenkel, Chief Operating Officer, NPCThis podcast is possible thanks to our presenting sponsor, Syngenta. Delivering solutions to help producers face the potato industry's complex challenges, Syngenta provides growers with unmatched field expertise along with an array of effective products. Explore syngenta-us.com/spud-doctor to discover solutions for your potato-growing obstacles.
Rising labor costs and declining labor availability are prompting growers to choose between automation and relocation.
Georgia Ag Commissioner Tyler J Harper praised Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins' 5-point plan to combat avian influenza, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture called on Congress to develop comprehensive strategies to address agricultural labor challenges and border security.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that USDA is embarking on a new era to mitigate wildfire risk, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture called on Congress to develop comprehensive strategies to address agricultural labor challenges and border security.
True responsibility is not just defining and acting on the minimal legal requirement, but outlining the maximum possible actions you could have taken. It's not happening to you, it's happening for you.Eric Bream's conversation reminded me of Michael Schur's interview with Tim Ferris. Michael Schur is the creator of the hit Netflix series, The Good Place and written a book called, 'How to be perfect - The correct answer to every moral question." Bream Family Farms website - www.breamfamilyfarms.comThis episode is sponsored by UnitedAg, one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona. Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkarUnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org
Finding adequate labor for agriculture may be the biggest challenge facing farmers today. Will the new administration help find answers? Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, says it's a problem everyone recognizes.
Finding adequate labor for agriculture may be the biggest challenge facing farmers today. Will the new administration help find answers? Chuck Conner, president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, says it's a problem everyone recognizes.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tim Danley, a dedicated farmer and tech innovator, about his unique journey into integrating drone technology with agriculture. Tim's path began on his family farm, where he worked during school breaks, and later enrolled in the Air Force as a military policeman. After returning home to manage Danley Farms, he became deeply involved in a range of activities, from overseeing diverse crops to volunteering as a firefighter and leading a search-and-rescue drone team.Tim's adoption of drone technology was driven by his desire to complement, not replace, traditional farming practices. He explained how drones are particularly effective for tasks like targeted spraying on small plots, and while his introduction of drones faced the same skepticism that innovations like GPS in farming once experienced, Tim's efforts to educate others have been key in easing concerns and highlighting drones' practical benefits.One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was hearing how Tim, a self-taught drone enthusiast, has embraced experimentation and failure as part of his journey. His approach to learning and applying technology highlights endless opportunities in agriculture—opportunities not just for farmers, but also for tech-savvy individuals looking to make an impact.Tim has a passion for putting a human face to farming, connecting with his community, and sharing stories that educate and inspire. Even his neighbors and colleagues have gained new appreciation for the industry through his work. As someone who believes in the power of storytelling, I was energized by Tim's commitment to changing perceptions one video, one story, and one connection at a time.If you're curious about Tim's journey, you can follow him on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook under "North Wind Aerial." His work is a testament to what can happen when you combine passion, innovation, and a willingness to share your story. This conversation left me inspired and hopeful for the future of agriculture, and I hope it does the same for you.North Wind Aerial: https://www.northwindaerialimaging.com/Tim Danley: https://www.instagram.com/northwindaerial/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwindaerial/Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkarUnitedAg website - www.unitedag.orgUnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/Episode Contributors - Tim Danley, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna MaciasThe episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.comBlue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.comElite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.comGallagher - https://www.ajg.com/SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us
In this anniversary episode of This Is Ag!, I sat down with Chana Hauben, our Vice President of Human Resources, to reflect on the remarkable culture we've built at UnitedAg and celebrate four years of the podcast. Our conversation explored the heart of what makes UnitedAg not just a great place to work but a unique environment for personal and professional growth.At UnitedAg, we've more than tripled our financial growth over the past decade all the while maintaining the innovative, energetic spirit of a startup. Chana and I discussed how this growth has been driven by intentional culture-building, starting with empathy, collaboration, and creativity. These values are central to everything we do, from hiring passionate and proactive people to fostering innovation at all levels.Initiatives like the Emerging Leaders Program, the Ag-a-thon, and our CULTIVATE values recognition system create opportunities for growth and connection. Our onboarding process, transformed into a comprehensive and immersive experience, ensures new hires feel supported and inspired from the start.A standout moment was celebrating our recent recognition as one of the best places to work in Orange County. This honor symbolizes the dedication and care we pour into creating a positive, people-first environment. It's also a reflection of Chana's exceptional leadership in fostering an inclusive, innovative, and empowering culture.For me, UnitedAg has always been a "lab" where we experiment with ideas—not just for business growth but for human connection. Every day is an opportunity to grow a little more, to connect on a deeper level, and to lead with empathy. Listening to our employees, hearing their stories, and seeing them thrive fills me with pride and reinforces my belief in the work we do.As we wrap up our conversation, I reflect on what makes UnitedAg so special: it's not just a workplace, it's a community where people support each other, challenge each other, and grow together. Whether it's through innovative programs, meaningful connections, or a shared commitment to our values, UnitedAg continues to be a place where we can all thrive.If you're looking for a space to innovate, grow, and make an impact, we'd love to hear from you. This is what makes us UnitedAg: a family where the journey of growth and connection never ends.This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg, one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona. Chana Hauben, Vice President of Human Resources at UnitedAg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanah/Agricultural Personnel Management Association (APMA): http://agpersonnel.org/about/bod/Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkarUnitedAg website - www.unitedag.orgUnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/Episode Contributors - Chana Hauben, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna MaciasThe episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.comBlue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.comElite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.comGallagher - https://www.ajg.com/SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us
There is a lot of speculation about how climate change affects the planet, but it's less discussed how it affects people.
Agricultural groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, have tagged labor as the number one issue facing farmers in the new year. As agriculture relies heavily on guest workers, how does the Trump administration’s plan for deportation going to play out for farmers? Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Director of National Affairs Tyler Wenzlaff explains that the U.S. can have the best of both worlds when it comes to a secure border and a guest worker program that works for the farm economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, I speak with Stan Welsh, a healthcare provider at the UnitedAg Health and Wellness Center in Salinas, about the transformative power of putting people at the heart of healthcare. We explore the importance of compassion, trust, and meaningful human connections in improving patient outcomes and redefining what it means to provide quality care.Stan shares his insights on how human interaction is often missing in traditional, metrics-driven healthcare settings and how the approach at UnitedAg allows providers to fulfill their desire to make a real difference. We discuss how small yet impactful changes—like showing appreciation and building trust—can create a ripple effect, leading to better patient experiences and long-term growth.Stan and I also dive into practical advice for listeners: the importance of self-care, including regular checkups, a balanced diet, and consistent exercise. Stan stresses the value of simplicity and consistency in maintaining health and well-being. Finally, we discuss how UnitedAg's philosophy of putting people first—not metrics or profit—has tripled its impact, proving that prioritizing human beings at the center of care not only makes business sense but is also a step toward transforming the healthcare system.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about challenging the status quo and the power of human connection in healthcare.This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg, one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona. Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkarUnitedAg website - www.unitedag.orgUnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/Episode Contributors - Stan Welsh, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna MaciasThe episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.comBlue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.comElite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.comGallagher - https://www.ajg.com/SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us
In this week's episode, we bring you the latest agricultural headlines, including an increase in avian influenza cases among farmworkers, insights from a panel discussion on ag labor challenges and opportunities from the National Association of Farm Broadcasting Convention and an update on the Farm Bill. Additionally, we highlight findings from the American Farm Bureau Federation's Thanksgiving Cost Survey, which shows that this year's Thanksgiving meal costs are lower than last year's. This week's featured interview is with co-founder of the Farmers Business Network Charles Baron. He shares insights the organization has gathered from farmers nationwide on product pricing trends. Additionally, he discusses the latest developments with the Farmers Business Network, including how they are leveraging Artificial Intelligence to enhance the tools and products used by farmers. Don't miss our weekly updates on crops, weather, and USDA news! Follow us daily with agriculture content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube in addition to our weekly videos!
Finding adequate labor for agriculture may be the biggest challenge facing farmers today, but will the new administration help find answers?
Finding adequate labor for agriculture may be the biggest challenge facing farmers today, but will the new administration help find answers?
This week on AgweekTV, we'll talk on the hot topics in ag at the National Association of Farm Broadcasting convention in Kansas City, Missouri. A hot topic here is the ag labor crisis. We'll look at some possible solutions. We'll look at efforts to boost soy exports. And they're celebrating the Thanksgiving bird all this week at this Minnesota turkey farm.
It's NAFB convention week for us here at Brownfield, and on this special edition of Agriculture Today, we'll hear extended interview segments conducted by members of our team on topics of PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, the ag labor crisis in the U.S., and wetland compliance issues.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Shortage of willing and capable workers causes producers of labor-intensive commodities to turn to robots.
Shortage of willing and capable workers causes producers of labor-intensive commodities to turn to robots.
My guest is A.J. Cisney, General Manager at Rancho Guadalupe, a family-owned grower of fresh produce based in Santa Maria Valley, California. In this episode we discuss the importance of paying attention to mental health, having difficult conversations in a constructive way, true leadership, proactive vs reactive approach to decision making, listening for the sake of truly understanding, first understand to be understood and much more. Rancho Guadalupe website - https://ranchoguadalupe.com/A.J. Cisney - https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-j-cisney-8086ab38A.J. is the Past Chair of UnitedAg's Board of Directors and currently serves as the Board of Trustee. This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg, one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona. Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkarUnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org
Many in the ag industry are concerned about the guestworker visa program. Washington Policy Center's Ag Director Pam Lewison says many believe H-2A workers take jobs that would otherwise be filled by locals, but that's now how H-2A works.
We review the highlights of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee's Ag Labor Working Group final report and recommendations to address challenges in the H2A program. Also, funds are available to help farmers markets across the state and we have all the details, plus more funding from USDA on climate-smart ag programs and a call for input on the revamp of the state's water plan. We wrap up with a new farm-to-table restaurant recommendation from our producer, Matthew Magdefrau.
U.S. agriculture is facing a major labor shortage and increasingly relies on foreign workers to keep food on our tables. The government program designed to help is complex, confusing, and confounding in many aspects. Ag labor expert Kristi Boswell with Alston & Bird law firm conducted a session on the topic at the 2023 USA Rice Outlook Conference. On this episode of TRS, Arkansas rice farmers Jennifer James and Joe Mencer talk about their experiences with the program and how they think it can be improved. With special guests: Jennifer James, Arkansas rice farmer, Joe Mencer, Arkansas rice farmer, and Kristi Boswell, Attorney, Alston & Bird Hosted by: Michael Klein and Lesley Dixon
Put AI to work on your farm: https://farmwave.io/másLabor: https://www.maslabor.com/Edward Silva is the CEO of másLabor and AgWorks, the nation's leading providers of H-2A (agriculture) and H-2B (non-agriculture) labor solutions. As one of six children of Portuguese immigrants, Edward and his brothers grew up farming in California's Central Valley for their family's almond and grape operation. Edward's academic background includes studies in International Agricultural Development at the University of California, Davis, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. He has dedicated his company's mission to saving U.S. businesses by helping them secure the workforce they need to successfully run their operation. másLabor, under his leadership, represents more clients in more industries and geographies than any other service provider for H-2 visas.One cool part of today's story is that Edward had reached out to me cold years ago in October of 2020 when he was fresh out of business school and looking for a business to buy. I read his message later in today's episode and explain why it was so memorable and why it's so cool that here he is three years later as a guest on the podcast. So not only do we talk about the need for ag labor and some of the challenges around the H2A process, but we also talk about entrepreneurship through acquisition, and Edward's journey of starting a search fund to find an existing agricultural business to buy, and how that led to masLabor.
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