This is Ag!

Kirti Mutatkar
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
This is Ag! Podcast

This is Ag challenges us to think differently about how we lead our lives and our organizations by learning from the inspiring and captivating stories of leaders in Ag.

  1. JUL 12

    31. Shannon Douglass - President of the California Farm Bureau, advocacy, policy, and optimism for the future

    In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Douglass, the first female President of the California Farm Bureau. Shannon shares insights into her non-traditional farming background and the inclusive, grassroots nature of the Farm Bureau, where policies are driven by local county boards. She outlines her key advocacy focuses, including the farm bill, mill assessment increases, water issues, and the insurance crisis affecting farmers. She explains the ongoing legislative efforts to address insurance challenges and improve availability and affordability through better forest management. During our discussion, we emphasize the disconnect between California's support for local, small farmers and the regulatory environment, emphasizing that these challenges push smaller farms out of business. Shannon also highlights how well-intentioned regulations can have unintended negative consequences, such as the significant investments and logistical adjustments required for switching to electric forklifts. Despite these challenges, her passion for agriculture advocacy is driven by a desire to ensure future generations can continue farming in California. Shannon views tough times as opportunities for innovation and improvement, sharing how difficult periods force farmers to make decisions that ultimately lead to better practices. Join us as we delve into the world of agriculture regulations and how to remain optimistic for the future.

    24 min

  2. JUN 5

    30. Eric Rygg - President of Huntsinger Farms and Silver Springs Foods, sustainable business practices, creating a healthy workforce, and remaining resilient

    In the 30th episode of This is Ag!, I sit down with Eric Rygg, president of Huntsinger Farms and Silver Spring Foods. As a fourth-generation horseradish farmer, Eric brings a wealth of knowledge about sustainable and profitable farming practices. We delve into how businesses can endure and adapt over time, with a focus on the importance of long-term investments in both the land and employees as a sustainable business practice. Eric shares how longevity is built into the foundation of his family business, which has thrived for 95 years by remaining family-oriented and investing in future generations. He discusses the critical role of resilience in the face of uncertainty and emphasizes the importance of readiness for opportunities. Eric also highlights the strong work ethic and common sense needed to survive in the agriculture industry. Tune in to hear how these principles have guided Eric and contributed to the lasting success and sustainability of Huntsinger Farms.

    37 min

  3. MAY 8

    29. A.J. Cisney - General Manager, Rancho Guadalupe & Past Chair of UnitedAg’s Board of Directors, leading with an approach that people are inherently good, proactive vs reactive approach to leading life, importance of mental health, and more.

    My guest is A.J. Cisney, General Manager at Rancho Guadalupe, a family-owned grower of fresh produce based in Santa Maria Valley, California. A.J. is the past Chair of UnitedAg’s Board of Directors and currently serves as the Board of Trustee. 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. Please enjoy our conversation.

    32 min

  4. APR 5

    28. Tony St. James - Host of All Ag, All Day and owner at Paramount Broadcasting, optimism, perseverance, connections, and much more

    Welcome to episode 28 of This is Ag! I'm here with Tony St. James, owner of Paramount Broadcasting and host of All Ag, All Day, the only all-farm radio station in the Southwest USA. Together, we explore the core values of the agricultural community: faith, optimism, perseverance, growth, inspiration, and connection. Throughout our conversation, Tony stresses the significance of investing time in truly understanding others. We explore the merits of venturing beyond our comfort zones, embracing curiosity, and discovering common ground not only within but beyond industry boundaries. We find that the key to learning lies in the art of asking questions. Tony highlights the resilience needed to overcome setbacks, showing that perseverance defines us more than failures. He shares that the wisdom of agriculture goes beyond the fields, offering lessons applicable to everyday life. In essence, by listening and engaging in meaningful conversations, we uncover the profound insights of the agricultural community and discover paths to personal and collective growth. Join us on this journey!

    29 min

  5. MAR 1

    27. Kim McConnell - Licensed Psychologist & Director of Clinical Programs at Spring Health, grit, resilience, empathy, and much more

    In episode 27, I sit down with Kim McConnell, Director of Clinical Programs at Spring Health. Together, we explore the intersection of agriculture and mental health, and UnitedAg's partnership with Spring Health, which is set to launch on March 1st. Kim, a licensed psychologist, delves into the critical need for mental health support in tight-knit communities like agriculture. Kim bravely shares her personal journey, reflecting on her struggles with depression and the pivotal role her father's company's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) played in her recovery. We emphasize the importance of early intervention in mental health care, stressing the potential consequences of neglecting these issues. The discussion extends to the dangers of short-term thinking in healthcare plans, particularly regarding diagnostic procedures and mental health services. The long-term costs, both financially and in terms of human well-being, of prioritizing immediate savings over preventive measures like therapy is detrimental to the ag industry. Toward the end of our chat, we discuss the challenges of accessing healthcare while facing life stressors, and conclude with the following: it’s hard, but we’re alive. Join us as we navigate the complexities of mental health care in agriculture and work towards building a supportive and resilient community.

    38 min

  6. FEB 1

    26. Bart Walker - Owner & President at Pacific Ag Rentals, trust, risks, passion, power of handshake, and much more

    In this engaging podcast episode, join me as I explore the world of business, trust, and growth with Bart Walker, the president at Pacific Ag Rentals. We delve into the symbolic importance of a handshake, representing the foundation of trust between a business and its customers. The company's impressive 23-year history is a testament to Walker's unwavering commitment to exceeding promises and cultivating trust, propelling Pacific Ag Rentals forward. During our conversation, Bart shares a valuable lesson from his father about prioritizing fairness and integrity over monetary gain when addressing customer issues. This commitment to taking the high road, even when it demands sacrifices of time and money, echoes throughout our discussion. Beyond business principles, Bart encourages listeners to focus on uplifting and supporting people, emphasizing the brevity of life. He emphasizes the transformative impact of positive words, encouragement, and collaboration. The same positive mindset is intended for his employees and customers, with a genuine effort to seek feedback for continuous service improvement. As our conversation unfolds, he reflects on his modest upbringing, recalling family dinners of cold potato soup. He suggests that facing and understanding financial challenges can make individuals more open to taking risks in business, drawing parallels between his own risk-taking journey in Florida and the exploratory spirit of Lewis and Clark. Ultimately, Walker suggests that true success is not measured by monetary value but by the valuable experience gained through taking risks. This podcast serves as a rich source of business wisdom, emphasizing trust, integrity, positive impact, and the enduring value of one's roots.

    34 min

  7. JAN 8

    25. Sonia Roldan - Member Services Director at UnitedAg, empathy, inspiration, and human connections

    I’m thrilled to share this remarkable and insightful discussion with Sonia Roldan, UnitedAg's Member Services Manager. Together, we unravel the significant role of empathy in healthcare and its impact on forging a sustainable business model. Throughout the conversation, Sonia's unwavering commitment to helping others shines through, emphasizing the significance of personalized care and empathy in the healthcare industry. She shares her upbringing in the agriculture industry and how witnessing her family's struggles became the driving force behind her life mission of assisting others, rooted in the golden rule of treating people as she would want her family to be treated. We delve into Sonia's approach to cultivating a team that embodies empathy, fostering a positive work environment. She shares her goal of instilling passion within her team, highlighting the authentic member-centric approach at UnitedAg, where going the extra mile is not just a statement but a genuine commitment. Sonia concludes by sharing one poignant moment that showcases the emotional depth of her work, even in stories that may not always have a happy ending.

    35 min

  8. 12/21/2023

    Dean Callender - Senior Vice President at Pan American, labor laws, APMA

    In this podcast episode, join me as I chat with Dean Callender, Senior Vice President at Pan American and a fourth-generation farmer with a diverse career spanning leadership in transplanting crews and custom designing benefits programs. Dean shares his wealth of experience and passion for agriculture, delving into the profound impacts of industry changes and regulations on health insurance. He underscores the significance of seeking assistance, maintaining optimism, and practicing empathy as key points in retaining a successful business in an ever-changing landscape. As our conversation unfolds, Dean imparts a valuable lesson on the podcast: the significance of investing in relationships within the tight-knit agricultural community, emphasizing the built-in support system that should be cherished for lasting success.

    32 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

This is Ag challenges us to think differently about how we lead our lives and our organizations by learning from the inspiring and captivating stories of leaders in Ag.

Information

  • Creator
    Kirti Mutatkar
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    This is Ag!

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