This is Ag‪!‬ Kirti Mutatkar

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

In episode 23, I sit down with Ashli Sturgill, Health and Safety Manager at TheZenith, to dive into the vital safety and health concerns in the agriculture industry. Ashli's role is all about making the workplace safer, and she emphasizes that prioritizing safety isn't just about the well-being of employees but also has significant financial implications for businesses, even though it may initially seem costly.

As we explore the challenges faced by businesses in the industry, Ashli highlights that neglecting safety can result in even more substantial expenses, especially when dealing with workplace accidents and compensation claims. We stress the importance of considering the overall well-being of laborers, underlining the moral and financial imperative of proactive healthcare, both physically and mentally.

Our conversation also highlights the profound significance of community in the agriculture sector. As a member of WomenAg, Ashli underscores the value of finding stress relief and support within a like-minded group. In essence, this episode highlights that safety and health in agriculture are not just obligations but investments in the well-being of workers and the sustainability of businesses, all within the backdrop of a close-knit industry community.