AgCulture Podcast

Hosted by Paul Windemuller

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128

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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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June 11, 2026Episode 2737 min

The Hidden System Behind Every Bushel of Grain: with Mike Steenhoek | Ep. 127

Most farmers spend their time focused on production. Plant the crop, raise the yield, deliver it to the local elevator, and move on to the next task. But what happens after that may have just as much impact on profitability as anything done in the field.In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Mike Steenhoek, Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, for a fascinating look at the transportation system that moves American agriculture. From trucks and railroads to barges, ports, and ocean vessels, Mike explains how commodities travel from rural America to customers around the world—and why transportation costs can have a direct impact on every farmer's bottom line.The conversation explores aging infrastructure, rural bridges, Mississippi River bottlenecks, rail transportation, global trade disruptions, and why events happening thousands of miles away can affect grain prices in your local community.If you've ever wondered how a soybean grown in Iowa ends up feeding livestock in China—or why transportation matters more than most farmers realize—this episode is for you.MEET THE GUESTMike Steenhoek serves as Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC), an organization established by the United Soybean Board, the American Soybean Association, and thirteen state soybean boards to promote a cost-effective, reliable, and competitive transportation system for agriculture.In his role, Mike works with farmers, industry leaders, transportation providers, and policymakers to improve the infrastructure that supports U.S. agriculture. His work spans trucking, railroads, inland waterways, ports, and global supply chains—all with the goal of helping farmers remain competitive in international markets.Mike currently serves on the U.S. Department of Commerce's Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness and the Iowa Department of Transportation's Freight Advisory Council.Before joining the Soy Transportation Coalition, Mike spent eight years working for U.S. Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa, serving both in Washington, D.C. and Des Moines. His roles included speechwriting, scheduling, and economic development, providing him with a unique perspective on policy, infrastructure, and economic growth.Get to know more about Soy Transportation Coalition here: https://www.soytransportation.org/ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover 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.

June 3, 2026Episode 2620 min

Can Brazil Become a Dairy Superpower?: with Marcelo Pereira de Carvalho | Ep. 126

Brazil is already an agricultural powerhouse in crops, beef, and sugarcane. But could dairy be next?In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Marcelo Pereira de Carvalho, CEO of MilkPoint Ventures and one of the most influential voices in Brazilian dairy. Marcelo shares the story of how he built MilkPoint from a simple dairy website into one of the largest dairy communities in the world, connecting farmers, processors, consultants, and agribusiness leaders across Brazil.The conversation explores the rapid transformation taking place in Brazilian dairy, from farm consolidation and technology adoption to the opportunities and challenges that stand between Brazil and becoming a major dairy exporter. Marcelo also shares his perspective on artificial intelligence, innovation, investment, and why the country's most progressive dairy farms now rival the best operations anywhere in the world.If you want to understand where one of the world's largest emerging dairy industries is headed—and what it means for global agriculture—this episode is for you.MEET THE GUESTMarcelo Pereira de Carvalho is the CEO of MilkPoint Ventures, one of the most influential agricultural media, market intelligence, and innovation companies in Latin America. Through MilkPoint, Marcelo has built a dairy-focused community of more than 160,000 members that includes farmers, processors, consultants, input suppliers, researchers, and agribusiness professionals.Originally trained as an agronomist with a specialization in dairy nutrition, Marcelo spent years working as a dairy consultant before recognizing the power of information and digital communities. What began as a simple dairy website evolved into MilkPoint, a leading source of industry news, analysis, events, and market intelligence for the Brazilian dairy sector.Marcelo is also Co-Founder of AgTech Garage, widely recognized as Brazil's leading innovation hub for agriculture, connecting startups, investors, corporations, and producers to accelerate technological advancement across the industry.Today, he remains one of the most respected voices in Brazilian agriculture, helping shape conversations around dairy, innovation, technology adoption, and the future competitiveness of the sector.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover 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.

May 28, 2026Episode 2551 min

The Hidden Data System Powering Dairy Genetics: with Nate Zwald | Ep. 125

The dairy industry has made more genetic progress in the last 15 years than at any other point in history. But most people don’t fully understand what’s actually driving it.In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Nate Zwald — President of Progenco and former President & COO of ABS Global — for a deep dive into the data infrastructure, genomic revolution, and technological shifts transforming dairy genetics.Nate shares stories from growing up on Bomaz Farms, explains how genomic testing changed the industry forever, and unpacks why the future of dairy genetics may depend less on semen companies… and more on who controls the data.The conversation explores the growing importance of phenotypic data, the decline of traditional DHIA systems, the rise of robotic milking data, and how artificial intelligence could fundamentally reshape animal breeding over the next decade.This is one of the most important conversations we’ve had yet about the intersection of genetics, AI, data ownership, and the future structure of livestock agriculture.MEET THE GUESTNate Zwald is President of Progenco and one of the most experienced leaders in modern dairy genetics. Over the past 20+ years, Nate has played major roles in advancing genomic selection, reproductive technologies, and data-driven breeding systems across the global dairy industry.Prior to Progenco, Nate served as President and COO of ABS Global and previously led U.S. operations at Alta Genetics. Throughout his career, he has helped drive adoption of technologies such as genomics, sexed semen, IVF, and advanced genetic evaluation systems that have fundamentally accelerated dairy genetic progress worldwide.Nate also remains deeply connected to production agriculture through Bomaz Farms, his family’s 1,600-cow dairy operation in Wisconsin known internationally for elite Holstein genetics.He holds advanced degrees in Genetics and Business from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and continues to work at the intersection of genetics, technology, and the future of livestock agriculture.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover 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.

May 21, 2026Episode 2437 min

Traceability, risk, and the global beef market: with Jaclyn Wilson | Ep. 124

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Nebraska rancher and fellow Nuffield Scholar Jaclyn Wilson for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of the beef industry, the future of traceability, and what ranchers around the world are facing right now. From historic lows in the U.S. beef herd to drought, global market volatility, disease threats, labor challenges, and shifting consumer expectations, Jaclyn brings a grounded but globally informed perspective from both the ranch and the road.Jaclyn also shares insights from her extensive international travels through Nuffield, where she explored cattle systems, traceability programs, and beef supply chains across South America, Europe, Asia, and beyond. The conversation digs into the realities of beef packing, the role of global trade, environmental stewardship in the Nebraska Sandhills, and why humility and lifelong learning matter more than ever in agriculture.If you want a real-world conversation about where the beef industry is headed — and what producers need to think about moving forward — this is an episode worth listening to.MEET THE GUESTJaclyn Wilson is co-owner of Wilson Flying Diamond Ranch and Flying Diamond Beef, located in the Nebraska Sandhills. A fifth-generation rancher, she has worked full-time on the family operation since 2002 and is deeply involved in every aspect of the business — including calving, rotational grazing, cattle marketing, trucking, recordkeeping, genetics, employee management, and day-to-day ranch operations.In addition to the family’s commercial cow-calf operation, Jaclyn has helped build a direct-to-consumer beef business that ships nationwide and has expanded into international genetics work through partnerships in Uruguay. She is also an active speaker, writer, and industry advocate within the beef sector.As a Nuffield International Farming Scholar, Jaclyn has traveled extensively studying traceability systems, global cattle production, and the future of beef markets around the world.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover 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.

May 14, 2026Episode 2338 min

Competing with the Giants: Building a Different Kind of Seed Company: with Bob Miller | Ep. 123

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Bob Miller, founder of Miller Hybrids, to unpack what it really takes to build a seed company in an industry dominated by global giants. From his early days in plant breeding to launching his own company in the middle of industry consolidation, Bob shares a perspective that challenges much of how modern seed is developed, tested, and sold.This conversation dives deep into why most seed is bred for “perfect conditions” instead of real farms, how Miller Hybrids tests genetics differently to create more stable performance, and why conventional corn is quietly making a comeback. Bob also breaks down the economics behind traits, the real role of GMOs, and where farmers may be overpaying for protection they don’t actually need.If you’ve ever wondered whether bigger companies actually mean better seed—or what the future of genetics, CRISPR, and farm profitability really looks like—this episode will make you think differently about every seed decision you make.MEET THE GUESTBob Miller is a respected corn breeder and the founder and owner of Miller Hybrids, a family-owned seed company based in Kalona, Iowa.Born on a dairy and crop farm in northwest Ohio, Miller developed an early fascination with corn hybrids and their ability to handle stress and maximize yields. He built a distinguished career as a corn breeder with major seed companies, including Syngenta,where he developed successful commercial inbred lines and hybrids. His work emphasized improved emergence, yield stability, and drought tolerance.In 2005, he founded Miller Hybrids (originally B.O.B. Seeds, standing for "Best of the Best") to create a more hands-on, farmer-focused operation. As owner, president, and research director, Miller leads the company's breeding and testing programs. He develops corn hybrids tailored for the average farm, rigorously testing them across diverse soil types, stress conditions, and real-world environments like corn-on-corn rotations.Miller is deeply committed to empowering farmers. He believes in building reliable products that raise farm averages rather than chasing only top-end yields in ideal conditions. His family company (with his wife Pam) emphasizes personal attention, direct access to the breeder, and genetics that deliver stable, high performance for everyday growers.Through Miller Hybrids, Bob continues his lifelong passion for practical plant breeding, blending decades of industry expertise with the independence of a family business to support American agriculture.To learn more about Miller Hybrids, check out their website: https://www.millerhybrids.com/

May 6, 2026Episode 2213 min

Who Owns Your Farm Data? The USDA, Palantir & What Comes Next | Ep. 122

In this solo episode, Paul breaks down a major USDA announcement that could reshape how farm data is collected, stored, and used across the United States. At the center of it is the “One Farm, One File” initiative—a push to digitize and centralize farm records across USDA agencies—and a $300 million contract awarded to Palantir to build the system behind it.On the surface, this sounds like long-overdue efficiency. Less paperwork. Fewer trips to the USDA office. One unified system. But underneath that simplicity sits a much bigger question: who actually controls farm data as it becomes easier to share, analyze, and scale?Paul walks through the real opportunities, the real risks, and why this moment matters more than most people realize. He also introduces his framework of the four levels of farm data value—and explains why most farmers today are only capturing a fraction of what their data is actually worth.If you care about the future of agriculture, data ownership, and where power sits in the system, this is a conversation you can’t afford to ignore.MEET THE HOST:Paul Windemuller is the host of the AgCulture Podcast and a dairy farmer, entrepreneur, and ag-tech leader focused on the intersection of agriculture, data, and innovation. With deep experience in livestock systems and a global perspective shaped through his Nuffield Scholarship, Paul is actively working on building frameworks and infrastructure that empower farmers to capture more value from their data.His work centers on connecting technology, people, and real-world farming to create a more profitable, transparent, and sustainable future for agriculture.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover 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.

April 30, 2026Episode 2141 min

The Future of Farm Financials: with Dr. David Kohl | Ep. 121

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Dr. David Kohl, a leading agricultural economist, to explore the future of farm financials. With a history of helping farmers navigate economic cycles, Dr. Kohl shares his insights on the key economic factors that are shaping the future of agriculture and the financial strategies farmers need to adopt to stay ahead.The conversation touches on:- The current economic storm facing agriculture- Inflation, interest rates, and land values- How farmers can manage risk and take advantage of opportunities- What the future holds for agricultural lenders and investorsAs we move toward a more complex economic environment, Dr. Kohl’s advice is critical for farmers looking to plan for the long term while managing short-term uncertainty.MEET THE GUESTDr. David KohlDr. Dave Kohl is an academic Hall of Famer in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Kohl has keen insight into the agriculture industry gained through extensive travel, research, and involvement in ag businesses. He has traveled over 10 million miles; conducted more than 7,000 presentations; and published more than 2,500 articles in his career. Dr. Kohl’s wisdom and engagement with all levels of the industry provide a unique perspective into future trends.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover 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.

April 23, 2026Episode 2036 min

From Farm Problem to Global AgTech Company: The Bushel Plus Story: with Marcel Kringe | Ep. 120

This episode is a masterclass in what real innovation in agriculture actually looks like.In this conversation, Marcel Kringe — founder of Bushel Plus — walks through how a simple, frustrating, and overlooked problem on the farm turned into a global business serving farmers in over 45 countries. What started as trying to figure out grain loss behind a combine became a system that is now influencing how some of the largest equipment manufacturers in the world think about data, automation, and efficiency.Marcel doesn’t come at this from theory or Silicon Valley thinking. This is built from the ground up — from working in the dust, seeing real losses, and asking a simple question: there has to be a better way.The result is a business rooted in first principles: measure what matters, solve a real problem, and create immediate value for the farmer.If you care about agtech, innovation, or building something that actually works in the field — this one is worth your time.MEET THE GUESTMarcel Kringe is the Founder and CEO of Bushel Plus (Soon to be BranValt), a globally recognized ag-tech company specializing in harvest optimization. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in large-scale farming operations, Marcel has built a reputation for bridging the gap between field-level realities and cutting-edge agricultural innovation. His work has taken him across the globe, where he’s collaborated with farmers, agronomists, and equipment manufacturers to improve harvest outcomes. Marcel’s passion for helping farmers stems from his own background in agriculture and a deep respect for the challenges producers face every season. He believes that every farmer deserves access to tools and knowledge that can make their work more efficient, profitable, and sustainable. Through Bushel Plus, Marcel is committed to empowering growers with practical solutions that reduce loss, increase yield, and support long-term success in the field.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover 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.

April 17, 2026Episode 1914 min

Who Really Drives Change on the Farm?: with Jeremy Buchman | Ep. 119

Sustainability gets talked about a lot in agriculture—but what does it actually look like at scale?In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Jeremy Buchman, Director of Agronomy & Sustainability at McCain Foods, to break down how one of the largest food processors in the world is working directly with growers to drive real change.From regenerative agriculture adoption to the growing burden of data collection, Jeremy shares what it takes to align farmers, processors, and customers across the value chain. He explains how McCain is measuring sustainability, why data is both essential and challenging, and how their role is increasingly shifting into something that looks a lot like modern-day extension services.This conversation gives a real look at what happens between the farm and the consumer—and where the future of agriculture is actually being shaped.Listen to the episode now!MEET THE GUESTJeremy BuchmanJeremy Buchman is the Director of Agronomy & Sustainability at McCain Foods, one of the largest potato processors in the world, responsible for approximately one out of every four French fries consumed globally.In his role, Jeremy works directly with growers across North America to implement regenerative agriculture practices, improve soil health, and support long-term farm sustainability. His work sits at the intersection of agronomy, data, and supply chain coordination—helping align farm-level practices with processor requirements and consumer expectations.With a background as a grower himself, Jeremy brings a practical, on-the-ground perspective to challenges like data collection, technology adoption, and profitability. He also plays a key role in supporting growers through agronomic guidance, effectively helping fill the gap left by declining public extension services.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover 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.

April 9, 2026Episode 1635 min

Building a Business That Actually Lives Its Values: with Barrett Ersek - Part 2 | Ep. 118

Most companies talk about values. Very few actually use them.In this episode, Barrett Ersek breaks down how Holganix built a culture where values aren’t just words on a wall—they’re used to make real decisions, guide hiring, and shape the direction of the business.From gratitude and resilience to the concept of “flow,” this conversation dives into a different way of thinking about leadership—one that’s driven by purpose, not just pressure.MEET THE GUESTBarrett Ersek is the Founder and CEO of Holganix. With a deep commitment to soil health and a long-term vision for regenerative agriculture, Barrett has been a driving force behind building biologically based solutions that are good for growers, the planet, and the bottom line.At Holganix, Barrett leads company strategy with a focus on market creation, commercialization, and scale. His work spans building teams and advancing go-to-market execution across both Holganix Ag and HGX, the company’s environmental assets platform.He holds three patents and is widely recognized as an expert on innovation and organizational leadership.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover 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.