Resource Positive Agriculture

Hosted by Potato Sustainability Alliance

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Jan 2024

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About the show

Resource Positive Agriculture describes what we all want: a system for producing food and fiber that responsibly uses the gifts provided by the natural world. In this podcast, host John Mesko explores how agriculture can be a force for good – on everything from the environment to the people.

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18 recent

January 4, 2024Episode 1824 min

Ep. 18: Sustainable Spuds and Global Goals with Jolyn Rasmussen

In this podcast episode, host John Mesko interviews Jolyn Rasmussen, the global agronomy services senior manager for J.R. Simplot and chair of PSA's board of directors. They discuss the importance of PSA as a pre-competitive alliance in the potato industry and how it helps facilitate conversations around sustainability. Jolyn emphasizes the need for the industry to work together on sustainability rather than competing with each other. They also discuss the importance of having diverse perspectives at the table, including processors, NGOs, and allied industries, to address regional issues and drive sustainability progress. Jolyn also addresses the future of sustainability in the potato industry, including reporting metrics, gaining credibility and visibility, and the potential for expanding PSA's impact. Show Notes: https://potatosustainability.org/ep-18-sustainable-spuds-global-goals-jolyn-rasmussen Connect with: Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn Jolyn Rasmussen on LinkedIn

September 21, 2023Episode 1744 min

Ep. 17: Implementing a Systems-Wide Approach to Soil Health with Dr. Wayne Honeycutt

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Wayne Honeycutt, president and CEO of the Soil Health Institute. Because soil health is such an important part of a farm's long-term sustainability, we asked Dr. Honeycutt to provide insights on how potato growers can contribute to the overall health of their soil. We discuss taking a systems-wide approach to sustainability and what that means for farmers growing potatoes, a crop that presents soil health challenges. We also learn about projects underway at the Soil Health Institute to help farmers measure and maintain soil health. Show Notes: https://potatosustainability.org/ep-17-implementing-systems-wide-approach-soil-health-dr-wayne-honeycutt/ Connect with: Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn Wayne Honeycutt on LinkedIn Soil Health Institute on Twitter

August 17, 2023Episode 1641 min

Ep. 16: Introducing the PSA Program with Grant Morris

In this episode, we're joined by Grant Morris, a potato farmer from Washington, who shares his first-hand experiences and valuable insights on sustainability in the potato industry. As the owner of Schneider Farms and the chair of the Washington State Potato Commission, Grant brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. We explore his motivations for active involvement in sustainability initiatives, the challenges faced by growers, and the exciting enhancements to the PSA Program that aim to streamline the use of existing market tools to define, benchmark, and advance sustainability. Connect with: Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn Show Notes:https://potatosustainability.org/ep-16-introducing-psa-program-grant-morris/

July 20, 2023Episode 1522 min

Ep. 15: Highlights from the 2023 PSA Summer Symposium with John and Natalie

John and Natalie are recapping the 2023 Summer Symposium in this episode! From the engaging discussions and networking opportunities to the working groups and sector breakouts, hear why the symposium served as a powerful platform for stakeholders, industry leaders, and members to connect and collaborate. Tune in as they unpack the highlights, discussions, and valuable takeaways gained from this event. Connect with: Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn Show Notes: https://potatosustainability.org/ep-15-highlights-2023-summer-symposium

June 15, 2023Episode 1424 min

Ep. 14: Healing Grounds Book Discussion with Natalie Nesburg

In this podcast episode, host John Mesko is joined by Natalie Nesburg to discuss the book Healing Grounds: Climate, Justice, and the Deep Roots of Regenerative Farming by Liz Carlisle. They explain why they chose to read this book and delve into the history and origins of regenerative agriculture. They also highlight the importance of measuring sustainability beyond metrics, how language can impact our understanding of sustainable agriculture terminology, and discuss generational differences in how people connect to where their food comes from. Connect with: Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn Show Notes: https://potatosustainability.org/ep-14-books-broaden-sustainability-perspectives-natalie-nesburg/

May 18, 2023Episode 1336 min

Ep. 13: Sustainability Across the Value Chain: Insights from Debbie Lyons-Blythe

In this podcast, host John Mesko talks to Debbie Lyons-Blythe, a Kansas cattle rancher and immediate past chairman of the board at the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Debbie discusses her family's beef operation and how she personally became involved in conversations around sustainability. She shares how the Roundtable's work includes all sectors along the value chain and the key indicators they use to measure sustainability. Debbie also gives a preview into the topics of the keynote she will present at the 2023 PSA Summer Symposium and shares her thoughts on why transitioning the next generation into farm management roles is fundamental to sustainability, but not exclusive to what being sustainable means. Connect with: Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn Debbie Lyons-Blythe on Facebook or Instagram Show Notes: https://potatosustainability.org/ep-13-lessons-in-sustainable-farming-potato-value-chain/

April 19, 2023Episode 1233 min

Ep. 12: Insights and Innovations into Sustainability Data with Liz Hunt and Jeff Lail

In this episode, we focus on the importance of data collection for sustainability and how Syngenta is working to address this challenge with Liz Hunt, Head of Sustainable & Responsible Business, and Jeff Lail, Senior Technical Data Analyst. Show Notes: https://potatosustainability.org/ep-12-insights-innovations-sustainability-data-liz-hunt-jeff-lail/ Connect with: Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn Liz Hunt on LinkedIn Jeff Lail on LinkedIn

March 16, 2023Episode 1132 min

Ep. 11: Exploring How to Tell the Story of Sustainability with Brandy Wilson and Mike Nemeth

This episode covers the Manitoba Water Stewardship Project, which is a collaborative effort between the province of Manitoba and potato growers in Western Canada. The project is designed to capture the stories of growers who are already implementing water stewardship practices on their farms. Brandy Wilson, Global Sustainability Director at J.R. Simplot Company, and Mike Nemeth, Senior Advisor of Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability at Nutrien, join host John Mesko to chat about why sustainability is an ongoing process and not just a checkbox metric. Show Notes: https://potatosustainability.org/ep-11-exploring-how-tell-story-sustainability-brandy-wilson-mike-nemeth/ Connect with: Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn Brandy Wilson on Twitter or LinkedIn Mike Nemeth on LinkedIn Thank you to our sponsor Corteva! Corteva is dedicated to protecting your yield, your land and the world's food supply. Connect with Corteva on Twitter or LinkedIn.

February 20, 2023Episode 1029 min

Ep. 10: Soil Health and Sustainability with Britt Beene and Kevin Cochrane

Soil health is essential to all commodities and growers. For a crop growing underground, soil health is especially important for potatoes. In this episode, we discuss the importance of soil health and sustainability in the potato industry and some of the new products Corteva Agriscience is developing to bring new tools to the potato farmer's toolbox. Corteva's Britt Beene, strategic account manager in Southern Idaho, and Kevin Cochrane, retail account manager in Columbia Basin of Washington/Oregon, join us in this episode. Show Notes: https://potatosustainability.org/ep-10-soil-health-sustainability-britt-beene-kevin-cochrane/ Connect with: Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn Britt Beene on LinkedIn or Twitter Kevin Cochrane on LinkedIn Thank you to our sponsor Corteva! Corteva is dedicated to protecting your yield, your land, and the world's food supply. Connect with Corteva on Twitter or LinkedIn.

January 20, 2023Episode 922 min

Ep. 9: Meet and Potatoes with John Mesko and Natalie Nesburg at the 2023 Potato Expo

John Mesko and Natalie Nesburg recap key events, discussions, and takeaways from the 2023 Potato Expo and the PSA Winter Board meeting. Show Notes:https://potatosustainability.org/ep-9-meet-potatoes-john-mesko-natalie-nesburg/ Connect with: Potato Sustainability Alliance on Twitter or LinkedIn John Mesko on Twitter or LinkedIn Thank you to our sponsor Corteva!