The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast by Mark Jewell

June 15, 202628 min

Todd Churchill: What Problem Are You Actually Solving?

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Todd Churchill—social entrepreneur, consulting CFO, and founder of multiple agriculture and food businesses—for a deep conversation about land, nutrition, human history, and the systems shaping modern agriculture.Todd defines intentional leadership through one foundational idea:Understand why we do what we do.Not just operationally.Historically.Todd believes intentionality requires curiosity—digging beneath assumptions to understand how systems, incentives, and human behavior evolved over time. Whether it’s farming, food production, land ownership, or nutrition, the deeper question is always:Why did humanity build it this way?That mindset has shaped Todd’s entire career.Raised on a family farm in Illinois, Todd grew up around cattle, land management, entrepreneurship, and long-term thinking. One of the most powerful lessons passed down through generations was this:Land is not primarily how you make wealth.It’s how you preserve it.Throughout history, land—alongside gold and silver—has remained one of the few assets capable of retaining value across inflationary cycles, economic shifts, and changing currencies.But Todd also explains the emotional side of land ownership.People don’t connect to land rationally.They connect to it emotionally.And that emotional connection has shaped agriculture for generations.The conversation also explores the evolution of Todd’s work in the cattle industry.After years in finance and fractional CFO consulting, Todd became involved in specialty meat processing and eventually launched one of the first national grass-fed beef brands in the United States: Thousand Hills Cattle Company.What began as a business opportunity quickly became an obsession with one central question:What creates the best possible eating experience?Not just selling “grass-fed.”Not just selling beef.Creating food that people genuinely wanted to eat—and that their bodies recognized as deeply nourishing.A major theme throughout the episode is this:The real problem is often different than the one people think they’re solving.Todd explains how businesses frequently optimize for the wrong thing:Selling more product instead of creating a better experienceMaximizing industrial efficiency at the expense of long-term healthPursuing scale without balance or sustainabilityThe conversation also dives into one of agriculture’s biggest structural challenges:The separation of livestock and crop production.Todd explains how integrating cattle and grain production historically created natural nutrient cycles—where manure restored soil fertility and livestock added value to crops. As modern agriculture became more specialized, those systems became disconnected, increasing dependency on purchased inputs and reducing long-term resilience.That challenge is part of the work Todd is now involved in through Progena Systems, where the focus is creating more efficient, sustainable, closed-loop systems that improve both productivity and ecological outcomes.The episode also touches on nutrition, food systems, and the future of beef production.Todd makes a clear distinction:The conversation shouldn’t be about making beef more exclusive or expensive.It should be about making high-quality, nutrient-dense beef:More efficient to produceMore affordableMore sustainableAnd more accessible to more peopleBecause feeding people well matters.The episode closes with one of the most important questions leaders can ask themselves:Am I actually solving the right problem?Because intentional leadership doesn’t start with better tactics.It starts with better questions.Listen if you are:Interested in the future of food and agricultureThinking about land ownership and long-term wealthExploring regenerative or integrated ag systemsLeading a business and trying to solve deeper root problemsCurious about nutrition, beef production, and sustainability

June 8, 202635 min

Jacqueline Langlois: Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Jacqueline Langlois, founder of Gen D Consulting, for a deep conversation about leadership, AI, generational change, and what it means to lead intentionally in a rapidly evolving world.Jacqueline defines intentional leadership through one powerful image:Be the thermostat—not the thermometer.A thermometer reacts to the environment around it.A thermostat sets the tone.That mindset becomes increasingly important as organizations navigate uncertainty, digital transformation, and the accelerating rise of artificial intelligence.Jacqueline’s background spans global agriculture leadership roles with companies like Bayer, Corteva, and Monsanto before launching Gen D Consulting—where she now focuses on executive leadership development and organizational strategy.The “D” in Gen D stands for:Digital Generation.Because regardless of age, today’s workforce is connected digitally—and that reality is changing how people communicate, collaborate, and lead.A major theme throughout the episode is this:AI can scale operations.Human intelligence scales leadership.Technology can automate systems, accelerate workflows, and improve efficiency. But the human side of leadership—communication, emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, influence, and trust—becomes even more valuable as automation increases.The conversation also dives into one of the biggest transitions leaders face:Moving from tactical execution into strategic leadership.The behaviors that help someone succeed early in their career—being the doer, the problem solver, the technical expert—often become the very things holding them back at the next level.Leadership requires a shift:From execution to influenceFrom individual contribution to connectionFrom control to empowermentAnd that shift is uncomfortable.Jacqueline explains how many leaders stay trapped in familiar behaviors because those behaviors feel safe—even when they no longer serve the role they’re in today.The discussion also explores generational leadership and the opportunities organizations are missing by not fully leveraging younger talent.Rather than forcing younger generations to simply “wait their turn,” leaders have an opportunity to invite fresh thinking, encourage innovation, and create environments where new ideas can challenge outdated assumptions.Because the reality is:The pace of change is accelerating.And organizations that continue operating with “this is how we’ve always done it” thinking risk getting left behind.The conversation also touches on one of the most important leadership responsibilities in today’s environment:Upskilling people.As AI and automation reshape industries, leaders must think intentionally about how to help teams adapt, grow, and build new capabilities—not through fear, but through curiosity and development.The episode closes with a reminder that intentional leadership isn’t about having all the answers.It’s about creating clarity, staying adaptable, and being willing to step into discomfort in order to grow.Because in times of uncertainty, people don’t need leaders who simply react to the room.They need leaders willing to set the temperature.Listen if you are:Navigating AI and digital transformation in your businessLeading teams through uncertainty or rapid changeTransitioning from tactical work into senior leadershipInterested in generational leadership and workforce developmentWanting to become a more intentional, adaptable leaderRESOURCES MENTIONEDJacqueline is the founder of Gen D Consulting, where she helps organizations develop leaders who can thrive in a rapidly changing, AI-driven world.As a special resource for listeners, Jacqueline is offering a complimentary Human Intelligence Self-Assessment designed to help leaders identify their strongest leadership capabilities and uncover their greatest growth opportunities.Access the assessment here:https://gendconsulting.com/resources#hi-assessmentUPCOMING LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCEIn July 2026, Jacqueline will host the Italy Leadership Summit, a unique leadership experience that brings together food, culture, and leadership development in one of the world's most influential agricultural regions.The summit is built around a simple idea:Leadership, like food, reflects the intention behind it.Participants will engage with local producers, explore centuries-old food systems, and gain fresh perspective on leadership through conversations centered on craftsmanship, purpose, connection, and human intelligence.Learn more about the Italy Leadership Summit:https://www.gendconsulting.com/italy-leadership-summitCONNECT WITH JACQUELINEWebsite: https://www.gendconsulting.com/Human Intelligence Self-Assessment: https://gendconsulting.com/resources#hi-assessmentItaly Leadership Summit: https://www.gendconsulting.com/italy-leadership-summitLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinelanglois/Gen D Consulting LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gen-d-consulting/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gendconsulting/X: https://x.com/GenDConsulting

June 1, 202639 min

Andy LaVigne: Everything Starts With Seed

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Andy LaVigne, CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), for a wide-ranging conversation about seed, global trade, technology, and the future direction of agriculture.Andy defines intentional leadership through one core principle:Be purposeful with your stakeholders.Whether it’s board members, policymakers, seed companies, or farmers, leadership means creating clarity, building trust, and helping people understand how their role contributes to the bigger mission.And in agriculture, few missions are bigger than seed.As Andy explains throughout the episode:Everything starts with seed.From corn and soybeans to vegetables, flowers, turf, and conservation land, nearly every food system and agricultural supply chain begins with one critical decision—the seed a farmer chooses to plant.That decision is deeply personal.Farmers only get one opportunity each season to put a crop in the ground. If the seed doesn’t perform, there’s often no second chance. That’s why trust between farmers, seed companies, and local representatives matters so much.The conversation also pulls back the curtain on how global the seed business truly is.While many people think of seed as local, the industry depends heavily on international trade and movement:Counter-seasonal productionGlobal disease testingResearch and developmentGermplasm exchange and breeding programsAndy explains how tariffs and shifting trade policy are creating new challenges for the industry—especially when seed moves internationally for research purposes before ultimately returning to the U.S. market.A major theme throughout the episode is this:Agriculture is entering an inflection point.For decades, the industry rallied around one central mission:Feed the world.And while food security still matters deeply, Andy and Mark discuss how agriculture may need a new North Star for the future.What does agriculture look like 20 years from now?What markets will matter most?What qualities will consumers demand?And how do we build systems that adapt to rapid technological and economic change?The conversation explores opportunities around:Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)New global marketsConsumer-driven product developmentAI and predictive breeding technologiesImproved logistics, forecasting, and operational efficiencyOne of the most fascinating parts of the discussion centers on how AI is accelerating plant breeding.Using predictive tools, companies can now model genetic outcomes with remarkable accuracy—dramatically reducing the time required to evaluate potential varieties and helping breeders focus faster on high-performing traits like disease resistance, shelf life, flavor, and yield.The episode also highlights the importance of leadership during periods of rapid change.Technology is moving faster than ever. Expectations are shifting. Markets are evolving. And leaders across agriculture will need to think beyond short-term cycles and begin preparing for what the next generation of farming could become.Because the future of agriculture won’t just be shaped by what we grow.It will be shaped by how intentionally we innovate, collaborate, and lead.Listen if you are:Interested in the future of seed and crop innovationNavigating trade policy or global agriculture challengesCurious about AI’s role in agricultureLeading through change inside the ag industryThinking about the next “North Star” for agriculture

May 25, 202631 min

Eric Mittenthal: Leading the Conversation Around Meat

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Eric Mittenthal, Chief Strategy Officer at the Meat Institute, for a timely conversation about trust, transparency, nutrition, and the future of animal protein.Eric defines intentional leadership through the lens of purpose:Feeding people well.At its core, the meat industry exists to provide safe, nutritious, nutrient-dense protein that people trust. But in today’s world—where consumers are flooded with conflicting information, social media opinions, and health claims—earning that trust has become more complicated than ever.A major theme throughout the conversation is this:Trust can’t just be claimed. It has to be proven.Eric explains how the industry is working to move beyond messaging and toward measurable proof points around:Food safetyAnimal welfareWorker safetyEnvironmental impactNutrition and food securityThe Meat Institute has spent years collecting industry-wide data and building measurable standards designed to support continuous improvement across the entire supply chain.Because in an era of declining institutional trust, transparency matters more than ever.The conversation also explores the challenge of navigating modern food culture.Consumers are overwhelmed with labels, opinions, and competing narratives:Organic vs conventionalSeed oils vs beef tallowAnimal protein vs plant-based alternativesAnd often, the loudest voices aren’t the most informed.Eric shares how the industry approaches these conversations—not by attacking consumer choices, but by providing options, education, and science-backed information that allows families to decide what aligns with their own values.Another key topic is the growing recognition of protein’s role in human health.For years, mainstream nutrition messaging often minimized animal protein. But today, there’s increasing scientific acknowledgment around the nutrient density and bioavailability of meat—especially when paired with plants as part of a balanced diet.The conversation also highlights one of the most powerful ideas in leadership and business:Continuous improvement.Not perfection.Progress.Eric explains how the industry focuses on identifying “best of the best” practices and helping companies adopt them more broadly over time. Whether it’s reducing injuries, improving animal handling, or strengthening food safety systems, the mindset is always the same:There is always a better standard to pursue.The episode closes with a reminder that intentional leadership requires humility.No industry, organization, or person has everything figured out.But the leaders who continue to improve, continue to measure, and continue to pursue trust through action are the ones who create lasting impact.Because in today’s world, people don’t just want information.They want proof.Listen if you are:Interested in the future of meat and consumer trustNavigating conversations around nutrition and food systemsLeading through public scrutiny or changing consumer expectationsFocused on continuous improvement inside your organizationTrying to build trust through transparency and action

May 18, 202643 min

Tim Bucher: Pause. Think. Build the Future

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Tim Bucher, CEO and co-founder of Agtonomy, for a powerful conversation at the intersection of agriculture, technology, and leadership.Tim defines intentional leadership in a way that cuts through the noise:Pause. Think.In a world that rewards speed, the most effective leaders create space—however small—to process, evaluate, and respond with clarity. That simple act of thinking is what separates reactive leadership from intentional leadership.Tim’s journey is anything but typical.Raised in agriculture, he built his own farming operation at a young age while simultaneously building a career in Silicon Valley—working alongside leaders like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Michael Dell. For decades, he kept those two worlds separate.Until now.With Agtonomy, Tim has brought agriculture and technology together to solve one of the industry’s biggest challenges:Labor.Agriculture is facing a shrinking workforce, rising costs, and increasing pressure to get more done with less. Agtonomy is addressing that challenge through what Tim calls physical AI—intelligence embedded in machines that can perform real-world work.Not just data.Not just insights.Work.By integrating AI into existing equipment, Agtonomy enables one operator to manage multiple machines at once—turning a one-to-one labor model into a one-to-many system. The result is increased efficiency, improved safety, and a meaningful shift in how work gets done on the farm.A key theme throughout the episode is this:Growers don’t need more data.They need help getting the job done.That distinction matters.While much of the recent focus on AI has centered around digital tools and information, the next wave of innovation is physical—machines that can think, adapt, and execute in real environments.The conversation also addresses the concern many people have around automation:Will it take jobs?Tim offers a different perspective.In industries like agriculture, the problem isn’t too many workers—it’s not enough. With an aging workforce and fewer people entering the field, the only path forward is innovation.Not replacement.Adaptation.The episode also explores lessons from some of the most iconic leaders in tech. Tim shares how leaders like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Michael Dell each operated with a clear mantra—design, software, cost—that guided their decisions and aligned their organizations.Clarity at the top creates alignment throughout.Tim’s own mantra?“Show me.”In industries like agriculture, results matter more than ideas. The fastest way to build trust is to prove that something works in the real world.The episode closes with a powerful reminder:We are living through another industrial revolution.Not mechanical— but technological.And the leaders who will shape the next 100 years aren’t the ones resisting it.They’re the ones willing to pause, think, and build what comes next.Listen if you are:Trying to understand how AI will impact agricultureLeading through labor shortages or operational challengesInterested in automation, robotics, or ag technologyNavigating change in a rapidly evolving industryCommitted to becoming a more intentional, thoughtful leader

May 11, 202634 min

Grant Fitzgerald: When “In Spite Of” Becomes Your Advantage

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Grant Fitzgerald, Senior Vice President at Farmers National Company, for a conversation that blends leadership, land management, and the evolving role of agriculture as an asset class.Grant defines intentional leadership through a simple but powerful lens:“In spite of X.”There will always be obstacles—fatigue, workload, uncertainty, or discomfort. Intentional leaders don’t wait for ideal conditions. They move forward anyway.That mindset has shaped Grant’s career—from a non-traditional ag background to leading a business that manages over 2 million acres across the United States.A major theme throughout the episode is growth under pressure.In land management, growth isn’t optional—it’s required. Farms change hands, generational transitions happen, and portfolios evolve. Leaders must continually build relationships, expand their network, and replace what is naturally lost over time.And often, that growth happens in the moments you least feel like doing the work.Stopping for one more conversation.Making one more call.Building one more relationship.That’s the difference.The conversation also explores a major shift happening in farmland ownership.Agricultural land is increasingly being viewed as an asset class, not just a legacy. While previous generations were deeply connected to the land through personal history, newer owners are more focused on return on investment, portfolio performance, and efficiency.That shift is changing expectations.More focus on ROI and performanceDifferent communication styles and service needsIncreased demand for professional management and reportingAt the same time, the economics of farming are under pressure.Rising input costs, tighter margins, and increased financial stress are creating a more complex environment for both operators and landowners. While agriculture remains resilient, the margin for error is shrinking—and clarity in decision-making is more important than ever.On the leadership side, Grant shares one of the most real challenges of stepping into a senior role:Reinventing yourself.What got you here won’t get you there.Leadership requires:Having tough (and sometimes uncomfortable) conversationsSeparating personal relationships from professional decisionsOwning your vision, even when it’s not universally acceptedAnd perhaps most importantly—being willing to be misunderstood at times.The conversation closes with a powerful reminder about building teams and culture.You can teach skills.You can develop expertise.But you can’t manufacture passion and willingness.The best organizations are built by people who want to be there—and leaders who are intentional about creating an environment where those people can thrive.Because in agriculture, as in leadership, success doesn’t come from avoiding challenges.It comes from moving forward…In spite of them.Listen if you are:Leading a team through growth or transitionNavigating generational changes in land ownershipInterested in farmland as an investment or asset classBuilding relationships in a relationship-driven industryStepping into a new leadership role and feeling the pressure

May 4, 202642 min

Rob Dongoski: Seeing What Others Miss in Agriculture

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Rob Dongoski, Ag & Food Partner at Kearney, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, consulting, and where the agriculture industry is headed next.Rob defines intentional leadership in a way that hits at the core:Clarity.Knowing your purpose.Aligning your actions to it.And giving people around you enough visibility into your intentions that even when you fall short, they understand where you’re coming from.Because failure isn’t the issue.Lack of clarity is.The conversation dives into the unique role consulting plays in agriculture. Leaders inside organizations often become insulated—seeing the same problems and relying on the same solutions. Consultants bring a different lens, connecting insights across the entire food system—from consumer demand all the way back to production.That outside perspective matters.Because the biggest shifts in agriculture don’t start on the farm.They start with the consumer.Rob highlights a major shift already underway:The convergence of nutrition and health.For decades, agriculture focused on feeding the world—producing more calories, more efficiently. But the next chapter is different.It’s not just about how much we produce.It’s about what we produce—and why it matters.Consumers—especially younger generations—are becoming more intentional about what they eat. They’re willing to spend more on food that aligns with health, longevity, and values.This is creating a new reality:A “K-shaped” food system.One group prioritizing health, nutrition, and longevityAnother continuing to prioritize convenience and costBoth markets will exist.But leaders need to understand which one they’re serving—and build accordingly.The conversation also touches on the power of pattern recognition.Working across the entire food system gives Rob and his team visibility into trends others might miss. Changes in consumer preferences ripple backward—impacting commodities, supply chains, and production decisions long before they show up in headlines.The leaders who win are the ones who see those signals early.Not the ones reacting late.The episode closes with a powerful reminder:The future of agriculture may not be entirely new.In many ways, it’s a return to what once was—knowing where food comes from, how it’s produced, and building trust with the consumer.Because the next era of agriculture won’t be defined by scale alone.It will be defined by clarity, connection, and purpose.Listen if you are:Leading in agriculture and trying to anticipate what’s nextLooking for a broader perspective beyond your organizationNavigating changing consumer preferencesThinking about the role of health and nutrition in agWanting to become a more intentional, clear leader

April 27, 202645 min

Gavin Rulon: AI Won’t Replace You—But It Will Expose You

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Gavin Rulon, Emerging Technology Advisor at Beck’s Hybrids, for a timely and practical conversation about AI, leadership, and how to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.Gavin defines intentionality in a way that cuts deeper than most:It’s deciding how you think—not just what you do.In a world full of constant inputs, distractions, and incomplete information, intentional leaders don’t just react. They step back, process, and make the best possible decision with the data available—while staying open to adjust as new information comes in.That mindset becomes critical as AI continues to evolve.The conversation breaks down the role of AI in agriculture—not as a replacement for people, but as a tool to enhance how work gets done. From writing emails and building presentations to analyzing data and creating training materials, AI is already compressing hours (or days) of work into minutes.But the biggest opportunity isn’t in the technology itself.It’s in how leaders choose to use it.A key theme throughout the episode is this:AI should be a thought partner—not a thought leader.Gavin emphasizes that the most effective users of AI are those who already have domain knowledge. The tool amplifies what you know—it doesn’t replace the need to think. Leaders who rely on it to do their thinking risk losing their edge entirely.The conversation also highlights practical applications that are already making an impact:Using AI to rapidly prototype ideas and analyze dataCreating training materials, presentations, and SOPs in a fraction of the timeLeveraging tools like NotebookLM to turn documents into searchable knowledge basesImproving communication by refining tone, clarity, and intentAt the same time, the discussion addresses one of the biggest concerns surrounding AI: job displacement.Gavin takes an optimistic view.Jobs will change—just like they always have with new technology. But the leaders who adapt, learn, and stay engaged will find more opportunity, not less. The real risk isn’t losing your job to AI.It’s losing your agency to it.The episode closes with a powerful reminder:Technology should free up time for what matters most—relationships, conversations, and meaningful work. The best leaders won’t use AI to do more.They’ll use it to do what matters better.Because the future won’t belong to those who avoid AI.It will belong to those who use it—intentionally.Listen if you are:Trying to understand how AI fits into your role or businessLooking for practical ways to save time and increase efficiencyConcerned about how technology will impact jobs in agricultureLeading teams that need to adapt to new tools and systemsWanting to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world

April 20, 202645 min

Jay Vroom: Listening is Leadership

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Jay Vroom, President of VroomLeigh Agriculture and former CEO of CropLife America, for a powerful conversation shaped by over 45 years of leadership in agriculture.Jay defines intentional leadership in one word:Listening.Not hearing—but truly listening.Across decades of leadership, Jay has seen more failures come from a lack of listening than almost anything else. When leaders take the time to understand perspectives, empathize, and prepare for conversations, their decisions and communication carry far greater impact.But listening requires more than presence—it requires preparation.Great leaders don’t show up reacting. They anticipate. They understand who’s in the room, where people come from, and what matters to them. In a global, highly connected agricultural industry, that level of awareness is no longer optional.The conversation also dives into one of the most defining challenges of Jay’s career: leading through the repeal of the Delaney Clause.What started as a regulatory issue quickly became a national crisis—fueled by media, public perception, and fear. It took eight years, hundreds of organizations, and relentless persistence to build a coalition strong enough to change the law.The lesson?Big problems don’t get solved alone.They require patience, alignment, and the ability to bring people together around a shared objective—even when opinions differ.Looking forward, Jay highlights a critical inflection point for agriculture.Innovation is accelerating—but regulatory bottlenecks are slowing progress. The cost and complexity of bringing new technologies to market continue to rise, creating real risk for the future of crop protection and food production.At the same time, the opportunity has never been greater.Precision agriculture, digital tools, and new technologies have the potential to dramatically improve how we grow food—making it more efficient, more sustainable, and more responsive to consumer needs.But success will depend on more than innovation.It will depend on storytelling.Agriculture must do a better job communicating its value—particularly around environmental outcomes, sustainability, and the quality of food being produced.The next chapter isn’t just about feeding the world.It’s about feeding the world better.And that requires leaders who are willing to listen, adapt, and engage in conversations that aren’t always easy—but are absolutely necessary.Because leadership isn’t about having all the answers.It’s about being willing to hear what others are trying to say.Listen if you are:Leading through complex or high-stakes challengesNavigating regulation, policy, or industry changeTrying to influence outcomes across multiple stakeholdersThinking about the future direction of agricultureCommitted to becoming a more intentional, effective leader

April 13, 202631 min

Matthew Bartek: Building Markets, Not Just Crops

Join our champion program: mark@themomentumcompany.comAttend a Thriving Leader event: https://thriving-leader-2026.lovable.app/Instagram: @the.momentum.companyLinkedIn: /momentum-companyIn this episode of The Intentional Agribusiness Leader, Mark sits down with Matt Bartek, North American Commercial Lead at Innovative Seed Solutions, for a forward-looking conversation about intentional leadership, product development, and the future of sorghum.Matt defines intentionality with clarity: start with the end in mind. Before developing a product, building a market, or leading a team, you have to know what you’re aiming for. Without that clarity, it’s easy to move—but hard to arrive.At Innovative Seed Solutions, that mindset shows up in a unique way. As a genetics supplier, they don’t sell directly to farmers—but every decision starts with the farmer in mind. If the product improves profitability, resilience, or simplicity at the farm level, everything else in the supply chain works better.The conversation dives into what it really takes to bring a seed product to market. From breeding and research to production, supply chain, and commercial strategy, success depends on understanding how every piece fits together. Matt emphasizes the importance of helping teams see beyond their role—so they understand how their work contributes to the full system.A key theme throughout the episode is investment in people.Rather than treating training and development as an expense, Matt shares how their team creates cross-functional experiences—bringing employees across regions and roles to see the full lifecycle of the product. When people understand the impact of their work, engagement and ownership increase.The conversation also highlights sorghum as a crop with untapped potential.From food products and livestock feed to ethanol and sustainability applications, sorghum offers versatility, efficiency, and adaptability in environments where other crops struggle. But the future of sorghum—and agriculture more broadly—depends on building markets, not just growing supply.That means expanding domestic use, developing new applications, and aligning production with real demand.The episode closes with a bigger question for the industry:If we’re no longer the lowest-cost producer, what is our North Star?For Matt, the answer lies in building sustainable systems—where farmers can remain profitable, operations can pass to the next generation, and agriculture continues to evolve with intention.Because the future of agriculture won’t be defined by what we grow.It will be defined by how we think.Listen if you are:Leading product development or commercial strategy in agThinking about market creation and long-term demandInterested in alternative crops like sorghumDeveloping teams across multiple functions or regionsFocused on building a more sustainable future for agriculture

The Intentional Agribusiness Leader Podcast

About the show

Listen to episodes

Todd Churchill: What Problem Are You Actually Solving?

Jacqueline Langlois: Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer

Andy LaVigne: Everything Starts With Seed

Eric Mittenthal: Leading the Conversation Around Meat

Tim Bucher: Pause. Think. Build the Future

Grant Fitzgerald: When “In Spite Of” Becomes Your Advantage

Rob Dongoski: Seeing What Others Miss in Agriculture

Gavin Rulon: AI Won’t Replace You—But It Will Expose You

Jay Vroom: Listening is Leadership

Matthew Bartek: Building Markets, Not Just Crops

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