Episodes
100
Latest episode
Jun 2026
Language
EN-US
The Scoop podcast hosts conversations with retailers and industry leaders on top-of-mind topics affecting ag retail today and in the future
Syngenta’s Jeremy Groeteke joins Margy Eckelkamp to discuss the shift from collecting data to taking action. Explore the three buckets of AI, the future of autonomous farming, and how retailers can overcome "data fatigue" to deliver real-world ROI and profitability to their grower customers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Scoop Podcast, host Margy Eckelkamp speaks with Isaac Wolford, the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Representative to the Ag Retailers Association (ARA) Board, about the vital role of CCA accreditation in the ag retail industry. Isaac outlines the program's 30-year history as a "boots-on-the-ground" certification that validates expertise in pest, nutrient, crop, and soil management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of The Scoop, Margy Eckelkamp sits down with Hunter Carpenter from the Agricultural Retailers Association to break down the critical policy shifts currently moving through Washington, D.C. The conversation centers on the House-passed Farm Bill, highlighting key wins like the TSP Access Act and the new plant biostimulant definition. However, Hunter also addresses the "hiccups" in the House version, specifically the removal of language regarding uniform labeling and NPDES permit reforms—issues the ARA hopes to revive in the Senate. The episode further explores the House's recent passage of year-round E15 sales. Beyond legislation, Hunter discusses the ARA’s cautious stance on the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail merger, emphasizing that maintaining competition is vital for keeping freight rates manageable for retailers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Hockett, CEO of Marion Ag Service, is the second-generation leader for this family-run ag retailer located in Oregon. As a previous recipient of ARA’s Retailer of the Year, Marion Ag Service exemplifies excellence in its business in many ways, which Hockett boils down to “little things matter.” This year marks 50 years of business, and Hockett shares a bit on their vision for the next 50.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With recently announced guidance from the Department of the Treasury, to support the documentation of agricultural production required to participate for Section 45Z tax credits, Bushel and Verity have integrated their on-farm data, sustainability modeling and compliance platform. Kimberly Bowron, president of Verity, and Jake Joraanstad, CEO of Bushel, explain what’s next for traceability in the grain business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
BenVireo TerraLux (10-0-0 liquid organic nitrogen (N) fertilizer) has been named The Scoop’s New Product of the Year runner-up. Gina Colfer, sustainable solutions agronomy manager for Wilbur-Ellis, explains BenVireo is something organic growers may not have dreamed they’d have access to 30 years ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
During its annual fly-in, more than 120 Agricultural Retailers Association members visited 130 congressional offices to promote ARA’s policy priorities. “Being engaged, having a voice for the industry is critically important,” says Richard Gupton, ARA’s senior vice president of public policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Congratulations goes to Indigo Ag and its biotrinsic Nemora FP being named The Scoop’s new product of the year. PJ Smith, Senior Global Product Manager at Indigo Ag, gives insights on how biologicals have grown as a category and as a brand how “when people hear Nemora, they immediately think, no more nematodes.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Laura Blome, owner and president of Hedlin Ag, works with agribusinesses and clients for leadership and executive searches and role placements. She shares two key skills needed in the industry right now are financial management and excellence in leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The team at River Valley Cooperative shares the backstory and gives insights into their industry-leading programs and initiatives. With the mantra “On the ground all year round,” the co-op has integrated all four divisions—agronomy, grain, feed, energy—and invested in internal and customer-facing technologies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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