AgCulture Podcast

Paul Windemuller

Embark on a transformative journey with AgCulture Podcast, hosted by Paul Windemuller. Our vision is to unite the global agriculture community, fostering collaboration and continual improvement. Explore new sectors, connect with inspiring individuals, and be moved by real-life stories. Join us in shaping a future where agripreneurs from diverse backgrounds come together, share knowledge, and collectively address industry challenges. Subscribe, share, and become part of our connected global agriculture community propelling the industry toward innovation, sustainability, and success.

  1. Todd Thurman: AI, Strategic Foresight, and the Future of Livestock Systems - Part 2 | Ep. 111

    1D AGO

    Todd Thurman: AI, Strategic Foresight, and the Future of Livestock Systems - Part 2 | Ep. 111

    In Part 2 of this conversation, Paul Windemuller and Todd Thurman pivot from global market forces to the tools and leadership frameworks needed to navigate what comes next. Todd explains how strategic foresight, artificial intelligence, and automation can help livestock systems manage uncertainty—if they are applied with discipline and clarity. The discussion moves beyond hype to focus on where technology is actually delivering value today, how AI can support better decisions rather than replace people, and why the future of livestock production will be shaped by those who can think long-term in an increasingly complex environment. MEET THE GUEST Todd Thurman is an international swine management consultant and the Founder & CEO of Swine Insights International. With over 25 years of global pork industry experience, Todd works with producers and organizations worldwide to translate complex market, biological, and technological challenges into actionable strategy. As a Strategic Foresight Practitioner and Demographic Analyst, Todd helps industry leaders anticipate change rather than react to it, bringing long-term thinking to a sector often dominated by short-term cycles. ABOUT THE PODCAST Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast".This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices. Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture. (00:00) Strategic foresight explained (05:10) Why agriculture struggles with long-term thinking (10:40) AI hype vs real application (16:30) Automation in livestock systems (22:15) Individual-animal decision-making (28:40) Quality vs quantity in future systems (34:50) Leadership, optimism, and closing thoughts

    30 min
  2. Todd Thurman: Global Pork Markets at an Inflection Point - Part 1 | Ep. 110

    FEB 12

    Todd Thurman: Global Pork Markets at an Inflection Point - Part 1 | Ep. 110

    In Part 1 of this two-part episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul Windemuller sits down with international swine consultant Todd Thurman to unpack the global forces reshaping the pork industry. From China’s rapid transformation to consolidation, deconsolidation, and demographic decline, Todd explains why pork may be the clearest signal of where animal agriculture is heading next.Drawing on decades of experience across global pork systems, Todd challenges conventional narratives around growth, efficiency, and scale, and outlines why industry leaders must rethink long-held assumptions about demand, trade, and production systems in a rapidly changing world. MEET THE GUEST Todd Thurman is an international swine management consultant and the Founder & CEO of Swine Insights International. With over 25 years of global pork industry experience, Todd provides hard-hitting analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing animal agriculture.Having worked hands-on across 17 countries, Todd has partnered with some of the largest pork systems in the world, uncovering opportunities for improvement and helping organizations develop strategies to capture long-term value. In addition to his consulting work, Todd is a Strategic Foresight Practitioner and Demographic Analyst, whose research on geopolitical and demographic shifts in global food demand has served as a wake-up call for industry leadership. ABOUT THE PODCAST Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices. Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture. (00:00) Introduction & global context (04:30) Why pork is a leading indicator (09:00) China’s transformation and ASF (14:20) Consolidation and system fragility (19:10) Demographics and demand destruction (24:30) Efficiency ceilings in livestock (29:45) Transition to technology and foresight

    29 min
  3. Paul Windemuller: AI, Data, and the Future of Dairy Decision-Making | Ep. 109

    FEB 5

    Paul Windemuller: AI, Data, and the Future of Dairy Decision-Making | Ep. 109

    In this special episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul Windemuller shares his full presentation from the Milk Business Conference, where he challenges how the dairy industry thinks about data, technology, and artificial intelligence. Drawing on his experience as a dairy farmer and global agtech observer, Paul explains why more data has not automatically led to better decisions—and why that gap is becoming more critical as AI adoption accelerates. The presentation was delivered at the Milk Business Conference, one of the dairy industry’s leading annual events, which brings together producers, processors, and agribusiness leaders to discuss management, profitability, and the future of milk production. Paul was featured as a speaker for his perspective on practical innovation and agtech adoption. You can also read the conference’s feature article about Paul and his work here. MEET THE HOST Paul Windemuller is a dairy farmer, agribusiness thought leader, and host of the AgCulture Podcast. With hands-on experience building and operating modern dairy systems, Paul brings a practical lens to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, simulation modeling, and data-driven decision tools. As a Nuffield Farming Scholar focused on AI in livestock agriculture, he works globally with farmers, cooperatives, and agtech companies to explore how innovation can strengthen farm profitability and resilience. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction & conference context (03:40) Data vs decisions (07:20) Dashboard limitations (11:30) Digital twins explained (16:45) Simulation and risk (21:30) ROI discipline (26:10) AI limits (31:40) Preparing for the future (36:20) Closing thoughts Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

    35 min
  4. Dr. Jehan Ettema: Digital Twins for Dairy Farms | Ep. 108

    JAN 29

    Dr. Jehan Ettema: Digital Twins for Dairy Farms | Ep. 108

    In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Dr. Jehan Ettema, co-founder of SimHerd and animal health economist, explains how digital twins are transforming dairy farm decision-making. He discusses simulation models, data quality, economics, genetics, and the role of AI in farm management. Learn practical insight into evaluating investments, managing risk, and improving farm performance. Listen now on all major platforms and explore smarter decisions for modern agriculture! Meet the guest: Dr. Jehan Ettema is an animal health economist and co-founder of SimHerd, a decision support platform developed in collaboration with Aarhus University and global dairy partners. His work focuses on simulation modeling, farm economics, genetics, and data-driven decision making for dairy systems worldwide.  What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction (02:17) Digital twin explained (05:57) Farm decision tools (07:29) Central data systems (10:01) Global adaptation (14:03) Model limitations (31:31) Closing thoughts Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices. Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

    39 min
  5. Paul Windemuller: Nuggets from a new farm startup | Ep. 107

    JAN 22

    Paul Windemuller: Nuggets from a new farm startup | Ep. 107

    In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, I share my conversation with Kimmi Devaney, communications strategist and journalist, on the Progressive Dairy Podcast. We talk about what it really takes to build and grow a dairy operation with limited capital, how to manage assets wisely, and how data, robotics, and artificial intelligence are shaping smarter day-to-day decisions. Leadership in agriculture, practical technology adoption, and long-term thinking are central to the discussion. Listen now on all major platforms! Hear from dairy producers and industry leaders like Paul by tuning into the Progressive Dairy Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or on the Progressive Dairy website (www.agproud.com/podcasts). Meet Kimmi Devaney: Kimmi Devaney is a communications strategist and journalist with more than a decade of experience supporting agricultural organizations through media relations, crisis communications, and storytelling. As host of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, she highlights producer perspectives and industry innovation. Her work focuses on building trust between farmers and consumers through clear communication. What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction (03:31) Starting lean (06:09) Equipment strategy (12:04) Using data (15:10) Solar planning (28:05) Artificial intelligence (46:43) Closing thoughts Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices. Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

    55 min
  6. Ariel Wiegard: Building Conservation Trust | Ep. 106

    JAN 15

    Ariel Wiegard: Building Conservation Trust | Ep. 106

    In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Ariel Wiegard from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever discusses how conservation and agriculture can work together to strengthen rural landscapes. Drawing on her experience in government relations, she explains how policy, habitat, and farm profitability can align through collaboration. Ariel explores trust building with farmers, practical conservation strategies, and the future of working lands. Learn valuable insight for producers, agribusiness professionals, and landowners focused on long-term sustainability. Listen now on all major podcast platforms!  Meet the guest: Ariel Wiegard serves as Vice President of Government Affairs at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, where she leads national policy and advocacy efforts supporting habitat conservation on working lands. With a background in agricultural policy, sustainability, and environmental law, she brings extensive experience working with farmers, landowners, and industry partners. What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction (03:26) Conservation mission (07:05) Policy challenges (08:16) Working lands value (12:36) Farmer trust (16:26) Precision conservation (26:26) Closing thoughts Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices. Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

    38 min
  7. 2025 Recap & New Year | Ep. 105

    12/25/2025

    2025 Recap & New Year | Ep. 105

    In this special Recap & New Year episode of the AgCulture Podcast, I reflect on 2025 and the major shifts shaping U.S. and global agriculture. Drawing from my work in dairy, agribusiness, and innovation, I share insights on labor challenges, policy changes, farm data, and the growing importance of trust in technology. I also discuss lessons from rural communities and leadership trends that stood out this year. Listen now on all major platforms to hear what these changes could mean for agriculture in 2026 and beyond! Meet the guest: ⁠Paul Windemuller is an agripreneur, 2024 Nuffield Scholar, and host of the ‘AgCulture Podcast’. With over a decade of experience in dairy and agribusiness, he’s the founder of Open Sky Agribusiness and Dream Winds Dairy, where he drives innovation through automation and technology. Paul holds a degree in Agricultural Business from Michigan State University and dairy expertise from Lincoln University. What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction (02:08) Labor challenges (03:16) Policy priorities (04:48) Trade uncertainty (06:15) Farm data (07:07) Trust issues (21:25) Closing thoughts Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices. Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

    24 min
  8. Gregg Doud: Inside Global Trade | Ep. 104

    12/18/2025

    Gregg Doud: Inside Global Trade | Ep. 104

    In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Gregg Doud, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Milk Producers Federation, explains how global agricultural trade negotiations actually work behind closed doors. Drawing on his experience as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the United States Trade Representative, Gregg breaks down trade leverage, non tariff barriers, and why communication matters more than tariffs alone. He also shares why agriculture and dairy exports are central to US economic and food security. Listen now on all major platforms to hear this insider perspective on global trade! Meet the guest: Gregg Doud is President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Milk Producers Federation, where he leads efforts to strengthen US dairy competitiveness and global trade. He previously served as Chief Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the United States Trade Representative and held senior roles in Congress and agricultural economics. What you will learn: (00:00) Introduction (06:13) Trade scale explained (13:18) China negotiations (16:01) Trade preparation (20:32) Regulatory barriers (29:13) Trade misconceptions (45:22) Closing thoughts Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices. Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world. Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

    52 min
5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Embark on a transformative journey with AgCulture Podcast, hosted by Paul Windemuller. Our vision is to unite the global agriculture community, fostering collaboration and continual improvement. Explore new sectors, connect with inspiring individuals, and be moved by real-life stories. Join us in shaping a future where agripreneurs from diverse backgrounds come together, share knowledge, and collectively address industry challenges. Subscribe, share, and become part of our connected global agriculture community propelling the industry toward innovation, sustainability, and success.

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