North American Ag Spotlight: Agriculture & Farming News and Views

North American Ag, Chrissy Wozniak
  • 5.0 (36)
  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

Never forget, Food Security is National Security!North American Ag provides daily agriculture news and weekly podcasts, devoted to highlighting the great people and companies that serve the agriculture industry and help feed our world. Covering ag tech, ag issues, policy, new products, family & faith. North American Ag gives insight into what’s happening in agriculture throughout North America. In agriculture, government policy and faith effect farming every day. Unfortunately without open discussion, ideas, experiences and different viewpoints can't be shared and figured out together. At North American Ag we talk about politics and religion, in relation to agricultural topics. We share ideas and we discuss the issues. An open, welcoming community is a healthy community. Whether you are a farm family or a consumer, your life depends on ag.Join us at https://northamericanag.com

  1. 5d ago

    USDA Resources for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

    Starting a farm has never been easy, and for today’s beginning farmers and ranchers, the cost of land, equipment, livestock, and operating expenses can make getting established feel nearly impossible. But there are USDA programs designed to help, and understanding where to start can make a major difference. On this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak speaks with Amanda Robertson, National Outreach Specialist and Beginning Farmer and Rancher Regional Coordinator with the USDA Farm Service Agency. Amanda is also a sixth-generation farmer from Russell Springs, Kentucky, where her family operates a registered Angus and Hereford cattle operation.  Amanda explains that USDA does not define a beginning farmer by age. Instead, the designation generally applies to someone who has not operated a farm for more than ten years. She also discusses some of the biggest barriers facing new producers today, particularly access to land and capital, and explains how FSA low-interest loan programs can help producers get started.  The conversation walks through where a new farmer should begin with USDA, including why the local Farm Service Agency office is often the first stop and how farmers.gov can help producers understand available programs, prepare for meetings, and build a path toward financing, crop insurance, and other resources. Amanda also explains the importance of getting established in the USDA system with a farm serial number.  Chrissy and Amanda also dig into financing, including FSA’s microloan program for loans of $50,000 or less, and why a solid business plan, realistic projections, and honest communication with a loan officer are essential. Amanda encourages producers to be conservative in their estimates and avoid taking on unnecessary debt simply to have the newest equipment.    They also discuss how USDA measures success beyond simple enrollment numbers, including whether producers expand operations, improve land, participate in additional programs, or move into value-added agriculture. Amanda explains that USDA tries to track the longer-term journey of beginning farmers and how programs help them move from startup to growth.  Amanda also shares her perspective on mentorship, stressing the value of learning directly from experienced farmers who have seen both the good and the bad of agriculture. She encourages aspiring producers not to give up on the idea of farming simply because the barriers look overwhelming at first.  The episode also previews Amanda’s upcoming appearance at the Women in Agribusiness Summit in New Orleans, where she will participate in the Farmers’ Programs’ Practical Implementation panel. The discussion will bring together USDA and producer perspectives to show how farmers have successfully used federal programs to build operations from the ground up. Learn more at farmers.gov/new-farmers Send us Fan Mail Schedule a demo today at ecorobotix.com Introducing FarmNewsDaily.com - your source for agriculture news! Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com

    USDA Resources for Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

  2. Sep 3

    What Changing Food Trends Mean for Animal Agriculture

    What Americans eat is changing, but consumer food trends affect much more than what ends up in the grocery cart. Changes in nutrition policy, affordability, convenience, health trends, and consumer perceptions can ultimately ripple throughout the food system and all the way back to farmers and ranchers. On this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak speaks with Susan Backus, Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at the Meat Institute, about the changing American diet and what those shifts mean for animal agriculture. Susan explains how nutrition conversations have evolved from a narrow focus on individual nutrients like fat and cholesterol toward a broader discussion about nutrient density and overall dietary patterns. She also discusses the renewed consumer interest in protein, noting that meat provides much more than protein alone, with nutrients including iron, zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, thiamin, niacin, and potassium.   The conversation also explores the sometimes surprising gap between what consumers say they want and what they actually purchase. Susan points to recent consumer research showing that while shoppers express concern about food processing, convenience has risen to become one of the leading factors influencing food purchases, alongside taste and price.  Chrissy and Susan discuss the influence federal dietary guidance can have far beyond individual food choices, including school meals, hospitals, the military, nutrition education, food service, and product innovation. Susan also explains why the Meat Institute believes effective dietary guidance should meet consumers where they are and help people make realistic, incremental improvements rather than recommendations they are unlikely to maintain.  Looking ahead, Susan identifies the growing use of GLP-1 medications as one trend that could significantly affect food consumption. As some consumers eat smaller quantities of food, she believes nutrient density may become even more important and could create new opportunities for naturally nutrient-dense animal protein products.  The episode also previews Susan's appearance at the Women in Agribusiness Summit in New Orleans, where she will participate in the Food Consumption Trends and Nutrition Policy Panel. Susan explains why bringing perspectives from across agriculture together is critical to breaking down industry silos and building stronger relationships throughout the food and agriculture value chain.  Send us Fan Mail Schedule a demo today at ecorobotix.com Introducing FarmNewsDaily.com - your source for agriculture news! Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com

    What Changing Food Trends Mean for Animal Agriculture

  3. Aug 17

    New Orleans, New Ideas & 15 Years of Women in Agribusiness

    Women are becoming increasingly visible across agriculture, from the farm and the boardroom to policy, technology and global agribusiness. In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, host Chrissy Wozniak welcomes back Svitlana Synkovska, Portfolio Director for Women in Agribusiness, for a conversation about the changing role of women in agriculture and what attendees can expect from the 15th anniversary Women in Agribusiness Summit in New Orleans. Svitlana shares how the Summit has evolved over the past 15 years while maintaining its unique combination of industry intelligence, professional development and meaningful networking. This year's location is especially significant because the first Women in Agribusiness Summit was held in New Orleans. Beyond the city's culture and atmosphere, New Orleans provides a direct connection to global agriculture through its role as a major gateway for U.S. agricultural exports. Attendees will even have an opportunity to tour a port transshipment facility and see how American commodities move from farms to customers around the world. The conversation also explores the continued rise of women in agriculture and leadership. Chrissy and Svitlana discuss women's growing educational attainment and representation in government and agribusiness, as well as how much the industry has changed over the past two decades. Svitlana shares her experience of once frequently being the only woman speaking at international agriculture conferences and how dramatically female representation has grown since then. They also look at what the next generation of women can bring to agriculture, the importance of education and confidence, and the Women in Agribusiness student scholarship program. Svitlana explains why adaptability may be one of the most important leadership skills in an era of AI and rapid technological change and why agriculture continues to offer tremendous opportunities for young professionals. The 2026 Summit will combine its popular executive leadership and female farmer panels with new programming around AI, consumer and food trends, mental health and stress management, along with experiences unique to New Orleans. The Summit will also recognize the International Year of the Woman Farmer with a new award developed in collaboration with the American Farm Bureau Federation to recognize an outstanding U.S. female farmer. With decision-makers representing the entire agricultural value chain gathering in one place, Svitlana explains why this year's anniversary Summit is about much more than celebrating 15 years. It's an opportunity to build relationships, conduct business, learn from other leaders and help shape the next chapter for women in agriculture. Register for the Women in Agribusiness Summit HERE. Send us Fan Mail Schedule a demo today at ecorobotix.com Introducing FarmNewsDaily.com - your source for agriculture news! Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com

    New Orleans, New Ideas & 15 Years of Women in Agribusiness

  4. Jul 10

    Protecting Agriculture Starts with You

    On this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak welcomes back Mindy Patterson, President and Co-Founder of The Cavalry Group, for an in-depth discussion on protecting agriculture through legislative advocacy, grassroots action, and informed leadership. Mindy explains how The Cavalry Group's Legislative Flash Map is helping farmers, ranchers, and animal owners stay informed about legislation affecting their livelihoods at the local, state, and federal levels, while providing practical tools to help citizens engage with lawmakers before it's too late. The conversation highlights why showing up at committee hearings and town halls can make a real difference, and why grassroots involvement remains one of the strongest tools for protecting agriculture and the future of American farming.  The discussion also covers the latest Farm Bill developments and several pieces of legislation that could significantly impact livestock producers, including the Puppy Protection Act, Better Care for Animals Act, SAFE Act, Goldie's Act, and other proposals that Mindy says are often presented under appealing names while carrying far-reaching consequences for agriculture and animal ownership. Chrissy and Mindy discuss the increasing influence of animal rights organizations in legislative processes, the ongoing efforts to ban working animals such as horse-drawn carriages, and why producers should pay close attention to these issues. The episode also revisits the Biden Administration's 30x30 initiative, conservation policies, and the continued importance of protecting private property rights. Mindy explains why she believes producers must remain vigilant, even as some initiatives appear to have slowed, and discusses the role of public-private partnerships and federal agencies in shaping future land use policies. Throughout the conversation, Mindy offers practical advice for farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners on how to become more involved in the legislative process, attend local meetings, build relationships with elected officials, and protect the future of American agriculture. She leaves listeners with an encouraging message that informed, organized citizens can and do make a difference when they choose to engage. To learn more about The Cavalry Group, become a member, or explore the Legislative Flash Map, visit TheCavalryGroup.com. Send us Fan Mail Schedule a demo today at ecorobotix.com Introducing FarmNewsDaily.com - your source for agriculture news! Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com

    Protecting Agriculture Starts with You

  5. Jun 25

    Responsible Crop Protection & the BeSure! Campaign

    As planting and growing season continues across the country, stewardship remains one of the most important responsibilities for growers and applicators. In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, host Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Mike Aerts, Vice President of Science and Regulatory Affairs at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, to discuss the 2026 BeSure! Campaign and the role stewardship plays in protecting pollinators, wildlife, water quality, and agricultural productivity. Mike explains how the BeSure! Campaign serves as a decision-support resource that encourages growers and applicators to follow best management practices while emphasizing a simple but critical message: read and follow the label. He discusses the extensive scientific research behind pesticide labels and why the phrase "the label is the law" remains one of the most important principles in crop protection. The conversation explores the essential role pollinators play in agriculture, including their contribution to approximately one-third of the food we consume and more than 75% of the world's flowering plants. Mike also addresses common misconceptions surrounding pollinator health and explains how factors such as pests, diseases, habitat loss, weather events, and invasive species often have a greater impact on bee populations than many people realize. Listeners will learn about stewardship practices for treated seed and foliar applications, the importance of proper equipment calibration, spray drift management, and the growing use of technology to improve application accuracy. Mike also shares insights into Florida's Managed Pollinator Protection Plan (MP3), a voluntary program that helps growers and beekeepers communicate effectively to protect pollinators while maintaining crop production. The discussion also highlights a new concern for beekeepers across the United States—the invasive yellow-legged hornet—which has recently been detected in the Southeast and poses a significant threat to honey bee populations. Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes that food security depends on responsible crop protection practices and collaboration among growers, applicators, beekeepers, registrants, and regulators. The result is a practical conversation about how agriculture continues to improve stewardship while producing the food, fiber, and specialty crops consumers depend on every day. To learn more about the BeSure! Campaign and access stewardship resources, visit GrowingMatters.org/BeSure. Send us Fan Mail Schedule a demo today at ecorobotix.com Introducing FarmNewsDaily.com - your source for agriculture news! Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com

    Responsible Crop Protection & the BeSure! Campaign

  6. Jun 11

    Beyond Fertilizer: The New Science of Water, Roots, and Yield

    With input costs remaining high and profit margins under pressure, producers are increasingly looking for ways to improve productivity without simply adding more fertilizer, more irrigation, or more crop inputs. In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, host Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Chad Godsey, Chief Agronomist at Green Evolution Technologies, to discuss how growers are evaluating new technologies, why efficiency has become the new benchmark for success, and how innovations at the soil and root level may help unlock future yield gains. Chad brings a unique perspective to the conversation, combining a PhD in Agronomy and Soil Science with a lifetime of farming experience on his family's multi-generational Colorado farm. He shares how his work as a consultant across more than 100,000 acres has shaped his views on technology adoption and why today's farmers are demanding proven, measurable results before investing in new products. The discussion explores how growers are increasingly conducting their own on-farm trials to validate new technologies and why return on investment has become the deciding factor in purchasing decisions. Chad explains that while farmers have been inundated with new products in recent years, many are now focused on technologies that can consistently improve water-use efficiency and nutrient-use efficiency rather than simply promise yield increases. A major focus of the episode is Green Evolution Technologies' InteliGel hydrogel platform. Chad explains how the technology works by absorbing and storing water and nutrients within the soil profile, making them available to crops during periods of stress. He discusses how the hydrogel can be applied using existing farm equipment, reducing barriers to adoption while fitting into current farming practices. The conversation also dives into field trial results from corn and soybean production systems. Chad shares data from third-party research that demonstrated significant yield improvements and profitability gains, particularly during periods of late-season drought stress. He also discusses the potential for multi-year benefits from a single application, an important factor when evaluating long-term return on investment. Listeners will hear Chad's perspective on the challenges facing ag technology companies, including the common mistake of bringing products to market before they have been fully validated across different environments and management systems. He offers practical advice for growers evaluating new products, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear benchmarks and measuring efficiency improvements over time. Whether you're interested in water management, nutrient efficiency, precision agriculture, or the future of crop production, this episode offers valuable insights into how innovative technologies are helping farmers do more with less while maintaining profitability. Learn more about Green Evolution Technologies and InteliGel by visiting https://greenevolutiontechnologies.com, or send Chad an email with your questions to chad@hydrogel.us. Thank you to Chad Godsey for joining us on North American Ag Spotlight and sharing his expertise on the future of agricultural productivity. Send us Fan Mail Schedule a demo today at ecorobotix.com Introducing FarmNewsDaily.com - your source for agriculture news! Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com

    Beyond Fertilizer: The New Science of Water, Roots, and Yield

  7. 09/26/2025

    Inside the Innovations and Collaborations Powering FIRA USA 2025

    Season 5: Episode 217 In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak welcomes back Gwendoline Legrand, Co-Director of FIRA, to discuss the upcoming FIRA USA 2025 event taking place October 21–23 in Woodland, California. Known as the premier gathering for agricultural robotics and automation, FIRA USA brings together growers, innovators, OEMs, startups, and investors for three days of live demos, collaboration, and networking. Gwendoline shares what makes Woodland such a strong venue, why in-field demos are critical for showing growers real-world solutions, and how FIRA continues to evolve by listening directly to farmers and industry stakeholders. She also reveals exciting new announcements, including John Deere’s autonomous ultra tractor demo and the strong involvement of New Holland and other leading manufacturers. This year marks the launch of the Women in Ag Robotics Award, celebrating trailblazing women shaping the future of automation in agriculture. Gwen explains why this award is so important, how it will highlight women across all roles in the industry, and how it aims to inspire the next generation of leaders. With more than 40 states and 50 countries represented, FIRA USA 2025 is set to be a truly global event, offering growers free registration and unmatched access to the future of farming. Learn more about about at https://fira-usa.com/ Learn more about the Women in Ag Robotics Award at https://airtable.com/appngGw7fx3GXRLN5/pagSGexHt8UUIrYFA/form #farm #farming #agriculture North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com Want to hear the stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com Don't just thank a farmer, pray for one too! Send us Fan Mail Schedule a demo today at ecorobotix.com Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com

  8. 09/17/2025

    How Biofuels Are Changing Opportunities for US Producers

    Season 5: Episode 216  In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Jacqui Fatka, Lead Economist for Farm Supply and Biofuels at CoBank, to discuss the shifting landscape of biofuels and the growing role of aviation fuels in agriculture. With over two decades of experience in ag policy, trade, and renewable fuels, Jacqui provides valuable insights into how demand for aviation fuel is reshaping feedstock markets and creating both opportunities and challenges for U.S. farmers. The conversation explores how federal policy is driving investment in biofuels, how aviation fuels are influencing traditional crops like corn and soy, and what new feedstock options may come into play. Jacqui shares her perspective on how producers can prepare for increased volatility, how trade and global markets tie into this shift, and what rural cooperatives and agribusinesses need to know to stay ahead. Looking forward, Jacqui highlights the biggest hurdles to scaling aviation fuels and the role of infrastructure, investment, and innovation in meeting demand. She also previews her upcoming role as moderator of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels panel at the Women in Agribusiness Summit this September, where industry leaders will discuss biofuels investment trends and how aviation fuel adoption will impact feedstock markets. Learn more about CoBank at https://cobank.com/ #farm #farming #agriculture North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com Want to hear the stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com Don't just thank a farmer, pray for one too! Send us Fan Mail Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com

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About

Never forget, Food Security is National Security!North American Ag provides daily agriculture news and weekly podcasts, devoted to highlighting the great people and companies that serve the agriculture industry and help feed our world. Covering ag tech, ag issues, policy, new products, family & faith. North American Ag gives insight into what’s happening in agriculture throughout North America. In agriculture, government policy and faith effect farming every day. Unfortunately without open discussion, ideas, experiences and different viewpoints can't be shared and figured out together. At North American Ag we talk about politics and religion, in relation to agricultural topics. We share ideas and we discuss the issues. An open, welcoming community is a healthy community. Whether you are a farm family or a consumer, your life depends on ag.Join us at https://northamericanag.com

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