Best California Ag Today Podcasts (2024)

1
Daniel O'Connell: Industrial Ag's Rapid Degradation of California 1:01:47

1h ago1:01:47

1:01:47

#189: Daniel O'Connell, author of "In the Struggle: Scholars and the Fight Against Industrial Agribusiness in California," sits down with Dave to discuss the breakdown of ecosystems and communities at the hands of extractive agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. Daniel O'Connell is the Executive Director at the Central Valley Partnership, "a regio…

1
Mark Squire: An Early Food Co-op Stays True To Course 58:29

7d ago58:29

58:29

#188: Good Earth Natural Foods founder Mark Squire sits down with Dave to relate how his California food co-op has been able to remain steadfast in their commitment to organic, regardless of the immense pressure and rampant greenwashing throughout the food system. Mark Squire is the founder, manager and co-owner of Good Earth Natural Foods, an inst…

1
Crop marketing and risk management tips for harvest season 24:01

4d ago24:01

24:01

Welcome to Episode 169 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we share some crop marketing and risk management tips for farmers to apply in this challenging ag economy. We also introduce you to Brandon Myers, a former Iowa Hawkeye and NFL star who is the newest addition to the ANF (America Needs Farmers) Wall of Honor at Kinnick Stadium.…

1
Judith Redmond: Becoming An Activist Farmer 54:10

8d ago54:10

54:10

#187: Judith Redmond sits down with Dave at Full Belly Farm in California's Capay Valley to discuss the values and motivations that drew her and others to organic farming decades ago. As times have changed and the issues have multiplied and deepened, what draws the next generation to this work and how can we help them succeed? Judith Redmond is one…

1
John Ikerd: Why Animal Confinement Is The Norm 1:06:12

15d ago1:06:12

1:06:12

#186: Agricultural economist John Ikerd returns to discuss why the vast majority of meat, milk, and eggs moving through the American food system is sourced from large-scale, industrial feed lots and factory farms. The drive for economic efficiencies that appears sensible when investors are backing the production of widgets has a disastrous effect w…

1
Iowa Farm Bureau President assesses the farm economy, calls for a new Farm Bill 26:11

24d ago26:11

26:11

Welcome to Episode 168 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we discuss highlights from the 2024 Iowa Farm Bureau Food and Farm Index ®, a survey of Iowa grocery shoppers (by the Harris Poll) about factors influencing their grocery purchases, their feelings about real meat and dairy, and who they trust for information about the nutritio…

1
Mark Schatzker: Blocked Cravings + The Failures Of Food Enrichment 1:18:49

22d ago1:18:49

1:18:49

#185: Mark Schatzker, author of the international best -sellers The Dorito Effect and the End of Craving, visits Dave's Vermont tomato farm and talks about the intersection of food, flavor, nutrition and the law, and the effects that junction has had on citizen eaters across the globe. Mark Schatzker is a journalist and author who writes deeply-res…

1
Jesse Cool: Inspiring The Next Generation Of Ingredient-Driven Food 59:10

29d ago59:10

59:10

#184: Organic restaurateur Jesse Cool sits down with Dave to talk about the positive path forward she sees in healing our broken food system: embracing and empowering young people who want to farm, cook, serve, and fill every other aspect of sharing healthy meals within communities. Jesse Ziff Cool has been committed to serving local, fresh, and su…

1
How to sell pork in California by complying with Prop 12 29:42

1M ago29:42

29:42

Welcome to Episode 167 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we talk with the co-founder and CEO of Distynct, an ag tech company that’s turning traditional livestock alarms into smart alarms. Then we visit with Marshall County farmer and Cloverleaf Animal Welfare Systems COO Jamee Eggers about how Iowa hog farmers can comply with the re…

1
Vincent Stanley: Making A Living During The Anthropocene 1:05:34

1M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

#183: Vincent Stanley joins Dave to talk about the 2023 release of his updated book, The Future of the Responsible Company: What We've Learned from Patagonia's First 50 Years, and to answer the big question about the newly-launched Patagonia Provisions: why is a clothing company selling food? Vincent describes Patagonia's foray into edible products…

1
David Bronner: Origins of Regenerative Organic Certification 55:24

1M ago55:24

55:24

#182: From a sit-down interview at Dr. Bronner's Original All-One Magic Soap company in 2022, David Bronner shares his memories of the earliest days and conversations that sparked the formation of the Regenerative Organic Alliance and the certification program that followed. David Bronner is an organic food and farming activist and the leader (Cosm…

1
New study: Agriculture’s economic impact is growing 33:50

2M ago33:50

33:50

Welcome to Episode 166 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we discuss new research on the evolution of Iowa farms and agriculture’s contribution to Iowa’s jobs and the overall economy, with Iowa Farm Bureau economist Dr. Christopher Pudenz and Brian Waddingham of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers. Resources Mentioned in This Epi…

1
Lisa Held: Walmart, Walanthropy, And The Food System 1:08:00

2M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

#181: Investigative food systems journalist Lisa Held sits down with Dave to share her thinking and expand upon her findings in creating the deep dive series published in Civil Eats, "Walanthropy: Walmart and the Waltons Wield Unprecedented Influence Over Food, Policy, and the Planet." Lisa Held is a senior staff reporter and editor for Civil Eats,…

1
JM Fortier Interviews Dave Chapman 1:54:25

2M ago1:54:25

1:54:25

#180: In our first-ever podcast swap, we are sharing the interview that kicked off JM Fortier's pilot season of The Market Gardener Podcast. JM invited our co-director Dave Chapman to visit him in-person in Quebec, for a lengthy deep dive into the origins of Real Organic Project and why this work is needed more now than ever. Is this work about foo…

1
"We've Got Worms!" Talk Ag To Me ft. Captain Matt 1:02:29

2M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Join Captain Matt and I he teaches us about worms and worm production! This episode of Talk Ag To Me is for all of our gardeners out there, as we explore new options for fertilizing and caring for your plants at home!Captain Matt and the Worm People: https://wormpeople.com/ Contact Us: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkagtome Email: TalkAgToMe@g…

1
Disaster recovery assistance for Iowa’s farmers 37:53

2M ago37:53

37:53

Welcome to Episode 165 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we share state and federal assistance available to Iowans impacted by recent severe storms, tornadoes and flooding, with a guest from the FEMA disaster response team that covers Iowa (John Mills) and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. Resources Mentioned in this Episode …

1
Glenn Elzinga Pt 2: Raising Better, More Nutritious Beef 51:36

2M ago51:36

51:36

#179: Glenn Elzinga and Dave continue their discussion about raising truly healthy cattle that yield nutrient-dense beef. By following the innate, time-honored rhythm of the birthing cycle and offering the herd a wide variety of plant species to graze instead of pushing for rapid weight gain, Alderspring Ranch is able to stave off illness and incre…

1
"A Great Sense of Farming" Talk Ag To Me ft. Dr. Hickle from FarmSense 1:03:05

2M ago1:03:05

1:03:05

Dr. Leslie Hickle joins us this week with information about a new product called FarmSense! This piece of technology revolutionizes the pest management industry, as it allows for farmers to more easily identify the pests in their fields and orchards, as well as track their population sizes. Thanks again to Dr. Hickle for being such an incredible gu…

1
Mwatima Juma: Chemical Companies Pressure Farmers In Africa 1:03:18

2M ago1:03:18

1:03:18

#178: Mwatima Juma joins Dave to discuss the powerful influence chemical companies have over African farming practices and the way agricultural policies are shaped across the continent. As support for transitioning acreage to organic grows in Europe and India, multinationals see Africa as a must-win market for selling their amendments. Dr. Mwatima …

1
Insights from geopolitical insider Frank Kelly and grain marketing expert Ed Usset 40:34

3M ago40:34

40:34

Welcome to Episode 164 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Washington D.C. insider Frank Kelly shares geopolitical factors farmers should consider as they eye agriculture's future. And Ed Usset, a grain marketing economist from the University of Minnesota, offers his strategic grain marketing recommendations for farmers. Resources men…

1
Arnie and Ron Koss: Changing Organic From The Inside Out 1:32:35

3M ago1:32:35

1:32:35

#177: Twin brothers Ron and Arnie Koss talk about their experience founding Earth's Best Baby Foods in 1985 with the hopes of impacting real, positive change in the marketplace by inspiring Big Food to also meet the growing demand for organic baby food. They also pose lots of questions about the Real Organic Project to their Vermont peer and ROP co…

1
Nora Taleb: Global Players Rule Our Food System 55:31

3M ago55:31

55:31

#176: Food systems consultant and former team leader for the Naturland Fair & Social Responsibility program Nora Taleb visits Real Organic Project co-director Linley Dixon at her farm in Durango, Colorado for a conversation about the role of organic agriculture, farmers, and corporate actors across the globe. Nora Taleb is a food systems consultant…

1
VP of ISU Extension dissects Iowa’s ag economy, shares keys for future economic success 40:58

3M ago40:58

40:58

Welcome to Episode 163 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Vice President of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dr. Jason Henderson analyzes Iowa’s current ag economy and explores keys he sees for future economic success. And young Iowa farmer Hans Riensche shares what he hopes to learn about transitioning farms to future ge…

1
Tim Wise: Today's Green Revolution In Africa and Iowa 1:18:29

3M ago1:18:29

1:18:29

#175: Researcher and author Tim Wise shares his deep knowledge of the Green Revolution and its misleading claims to solve world hunger through chemical agriculture and government policy. While most of us think of the Green Revolution as movement from the past, Tim raises awareness that it is very much alive today across the globe, most notably in A…

1
Will Rosenzweig: Crafting A Positive Impact Food System 1:16:36

3M ago1:16:36

1:16:36

#174: Republic of Tea co-founder and UC Berkeley Haas Center for Responsible Business co-chair Will Rosenzweig joins Dave to discuss his early efforts to impact change on the food system from the inside out, through entrepreneurship, as well as his thoughts on how to acheive postive impact in today's world through education. Will Rosenzweig is a we…

1
Meet ISU Extension's new ag climatologist 25:29

4M ago25:29

25:29

Welcome to Episode 162 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Madelynn Wuestenberg, an Iowa native and recent master's graduate in Agricultural Meteorology from Iowa State University, speaks with us about her new role as the Agricultural Climatology Specialist for ISU Extension. Then Iowa Farm Bureau’s Farmer Education Program Manager of…

1
Glenn Elzinga Pt 1: Good Grazing On Public Lands 1:06:51

4M ago1:06:51

1:06:51

#173: Real Organic Project certified rancher Glenn Elzinga talks about the grazing plan he and his wife Carolyn devised to mimic the movement of animals that were once a key part of healthy ecosystems. Their method of "in herding" has transformed his own land, as well as the public land he leases in Idaho, bringing back a diversity of species and a…

1
Kat Taylor: Funding The World We Want 44:46

4M ago44:46

44:46

#172: California green banker and philanthropist Kat Taylor joins us again to shed light on how banking and finance influence the consolidation seen in food and agriculture. Kat Taylor is a positive-impact investor who has started both a community bank and an organic cattle ranch to influence the social and environmental injustices she sees in her …

1
Greenhouse gases: Agriculture’s untold story 26:01

4M ago26:01

26:01

Welcome to Episode 161 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. By now, we're all pretty familiar with the inaccurate greenhouse gas (GHG) accusations against agriculture. In this episode, American Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch shares the other (less publicized) side of the story, using recently released GHG data from EPA. Also in this episode, Iowa Fa…

1
Hans Herren: Controlling Pests With Biology 1:21:07

4M ago1:21:07

1:21:07

#171: Hans Herren shares the story of using biological controls to save Africa's cassava crop from a disastrous, continent-wide Mealy Bug infestation. While he was awarded the World Food Prize for his efforts and recognized for the incredible number of lives that work saved, non-chemical biocontrols are still nowhere near a popular approach in the …

1
Alice Waters: Organic Food In Our Schools Now 1:20:09

4M ago1:20:09

1:20:09

#170: Alice Waters' focus on educating young minds about where real food comes from, how to identify and prepare it, and how food relates to all facets of our lives and cultures has inspired many. She shared her latest plans and emotional motivations with Dave in California in January of 2024, as part of a broader conversation about the organic mov…

1
How ‘Choose Iowa’ helps farmers add value and save labor, while encouraging Iowans to buy local 35:16

5M ago35:16

35:16

Welcome to Episode 160 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we hear from Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Beth Romer about Choose Iowa, a program through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship that provides value-added grants to farmers and markets Iowa-grown products to consumers. We also visit with Iowa Fa…

1
Barbara Gemmill-Herren: Big Chem's Eyes Are On Africa 1:00:08

5M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

#169: Barbara Gemmill-Herren shares her views on listening to farmers first and foremost as policies and support systems are developed, the need to pay attention to the social workings of agricultural communities, and the immense pressure applied to African farmers by global chemical companies to purchase amendments. Barbara Gemmill-Herren serves a…

1
Zephyr Teachout: Today's Antimonopolist Movement Has Legs 1:05:31

5M ago1:05:31

1:05:31

#168: Author and law professor Zephyr Teachout walks us through the hardcore push for consolidation in the food, agriculture, and chemical industries that has devastated rural communities and our population's general access to truly good food. She also delivers a hopeful message about policy changes on the horizon that are worth our attention and s…

1
State Climatologist shares a growing season forecast 35:28

5M ago35:28

35:28

Welcome to Episode 159 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, State Climatologist Dr. Justin Glisan offers his forecast for the 2024 growing season. And Brian Waddingham shares how the Coalition to Support Iowa's Farmers has been helping farm families raise livestock responsibly and successfully for the past 20 years. Resources mentioned…

1
Hugh Kent: How The USDA Supports Bad Agriculture 54:00

5M ago54:00

54:00

#167: Dave Chapman visits Real Organic blueberry farmer Hugh Kent at his biodiverse King Grove Farm in central Florida, to discuss the takeover of the US berry market by global brands that are rapidly encouraging the growth of plastic farms. By leveling soil, spraying the ground with chemicals, laying down plastic and popping up high tunnels, pedes…

1
Seth Godin: No Society Thrives With Monopolies 38:50

5M ago38:50

38:50

#166: Seth Godin returns and lends his thoughts on corporate consolidation's threat to democracy and to our right to find, grow, and sell organic food. He also talks about the path forward and some ways to inspire effective action. Seth appears in our annual virtual symposium, which is available for instant access here: https://realorganicproject.o…

1
‘Boots on the ground’ analysis of California’s Prop 12 and Iowa’s water quality progress 43:49

6M ago43:49

43:49

Welcome to Episode 158 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Pudenz shares insights from the Iowa Farm Bureau's recent Market Study Tour of California. With 22 Iowa Farm Bureau members in tow, the journey offered firsthand observations and discussions on navigating California's Proposition 12 regulations. Also in this ep…

1
Allan Savory: Desertification's Causes, Problems + Solutions 1:15:41

6M ago1:15:41

1:15:41

#165: Allan Savory joins Dave for an eye-opening conversation about the best path forward for solving our most-crucial planetary problems and symptoms, including Climate Change, rapid loss of biodiversity, desertification, wildfires, and the inability of humans to act collectively and organizations to create impact. His views on the management of s…

1
Austin Frerick: Modern Day Robber Barons Rule Our Food 1:24:48

6M ago1:24:48

1:24:48

#164: Author and journalist Austin Frerick joins Linley to discuss his brand new book, Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America's Food Industry. His research on the men shaping our food system through their desire for personal greed reveals a shocking level of immorality. Austin's views were a great addition to our annual virtual symposi…

1
A 'must-attend' Economic Summit for farmers 32:13

6M ago32:13

32:13

Welcome to Episode 157 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we delve into the heart of agriculture's economic challenges and opportunities with Dr. Christopher Pudenz, who previews Iowa Farm Bureau's much anticipated Economic Summit. Also joining us is Elaine Froese. Known as "Canada's farm whisperer," Froese shares her invaluable expe…

1
JM Fortier: Envisioning A Hyper Local Small Farm Revolution 1:15:56

6M ago1:15:56

1:15:56

#163: JM Fortier joins Dave to discuss the potential of promoting a replicable, decentralized food and farming system that relies on people building relationships with both land and community, by engaging their powers of observation and connection. https://realorganicproject.org/symposium-2024/ JM Fortier is a farmer, educator, and author from Queb…

1
Zephyr Teachout + Dave Chapman: Live Panel w/ Matt Sheffer At Churchtown Dairy 1:04:48

6M ago1:04:48

1:04:48

#162: Live from the Saving Real Organic Conference at Churchtown Dairy in October 2023, and moderated by Matt Sheffer of Hudson Carbon, Zephyr Teachout and Dave Chapman field (tough) questions from audience members about the fate of the US anti-monopoly movement and its ability to impact our food system for the better. https://realorganicproject.or…

1
Build trust like FBI spy recruiter Robin Dreeke 32:42

6M ago32:42

32:42

Welcome to Episode 156 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, Robin Dreeke (a former FBI special agent and expert in spy recruitment) shares his insights into building trust, a critical skill for farmers and other ag advocates. Resources mentioned in this episode: Learn more about former FBI spy recruiter Robin Dreeke and subscribe to hi…

1
Dave Chapman + Anna Jones-Crabtree: Notes For The Climate Underground 32:37

7M ago32:37

32:37

#161: Co-director Dave Chapman joins our newest executive board member and Real Organic Project certified grain farmer Anna Jones-Crabtree for an interview by Al Gore at his Climate Underground Summit in November of 2023. Anna Jones-Crabtree holds a Ph.D in Civil and Environmental Engineering and is a registered professional engineer and an early a…

1
Eliot Coleman: Denying Our Understanding Of Real Organic Practices Robs The World 1:04:14

7M ago1:04:14

1:04:14

#160: Organic farmer and Real Organic Project champion Eliot Coleman returns to discuss the role corporations, trade associations, and government policy has had on limiting the amount of real organic food found in the marketplace today. In the second half of the interview, the conversation focuses on growing on-farm fertility and stifling pest pres…

1
Talking trade with Iowa native, USDA Under Secretary Alexis Taylor 27:44

7M ago27:44

27:44

Welcome to Episode 155 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Iowa's own Alexis Taylor, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, for a deep dive into the future of trade and agricultural exports. Then David Newman of the National Pork Board explores innovative strategies for promoting pork consump…

1
Errol Schweizer: Consolidation, Greenwashing, And The Growing Myth Of Local Food 1:05:12

7M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

#159: An insightful conversation about what's happening on grocery shelves, with Errol Schweizer, whose career in the retail natural foods space included a long stint at Whole Foods on the merchandising team. Dave and Errol talk about Walmart's effect on food prices, sellers inflation, and the noticeable changes seen at food co-ops and other organi…

1
Vandana Shiva: False Claims Of The Green Revolution, Then And Now 47:15

7M ago47:15

47:15

#158: Vandana Shiva shares her knowledge around the Green Revolution, a transformative and chemical-dependent set of agricultural practices and policies that promised to deliver food security to populations around the world. But has it delivered on those promises? And how does its outcomes compare to organic agriculture? Vandana Shiva is a celebrat…

1
Navigating ag market drivers and national policy priorities 27:01

7M ago27:01

27:01

Welcome to Episode 154 of The Spokesman Speaks podcast. In this episode, American Farm Bureau economist Betty Resnick sheds light on key market drivers, obstacles in trade, and exciting opportunities for renewable fuels. Then Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson joins the conversation to preview some potential national policy breakthroughs in 2…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

California Ag Today Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide