Best Western Growers Podcasts (2024)

1
Lobato Farms & Mesa Conservation District: Innovations and Inventions to Improve Farmland 27:33

8d ago27:33

27:33

Join us as we talk with Michael Lobato, Lobato Farms, and Holly Stanley, Mesa Conservation District on Colorado’s Western slope about their innovations with applying biochar in a no-till system. Michael has worked to transform what was once part of a large sheep ranch into a thriving 5-acre farm. The 5 acres were split off from the sheep ranch with…

1
Innovations in Cross-Border Health Care for Ag Workers 28:22

15d ago28:22

28:22

Cross-border health care is growing in popularity as Mexico increasingly provides innovative, technologically advanced medical services at a cost-savings for employers. In fact, close to a million Americans cross the border every year to receive medical care in Mexico. In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Raquel Lugo, SeniorDirector of Client S…

1
The Nuts and Bolts of Almonds with Stuart Woolf, President and CEO of Woolf Farming & Processing 30:15

23d ago30:15

30:15

Almonds have been cultivated for thousands of years, and as it turns out, California is the largest producer of almonds globally, accounting for more than 80% of the world's almond production. In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Stuart Woolf, President and CEO of Woolf Farming & Processing and Chair of the Western Growers Board of Directors, j…

1
Megan Kavanaugh from Bio S.I. Talks About the Amazing World That Exists in the Soil on Voices of the Valley 28:09

29d ago28:09

28:09

A farmland landscape may not make many people think of a place rich in scientific research and discovery, but it should! In this episode of Voices of the Valley MeganKavanaugh, VP of Science and Agronomy at Bio S.I., talks about the fascinating life that exists in the soil with Western Growers Jeana Cadby, Director of Climate and Sustainability, an…

1
What Fresh Produce Does a Food Safety Scientist Buy for Their Kids? 28:18

1M ago28:18

28:18

Western Growers food safety scientists Sonia Salas, Associate Vice President, Science & Technology, and Joelle Mosso, Associate Vice President, Science Programs, discuss their perspective and insight when it comes to buying fresh produce for their children.

1
Las Vegas Livestock: Community-based Solution to Organic Waste 27:30

1M ago27:30

27:30

Sarah Stallard is a 7th generation farmer who came to work with her uncles on a new farm near Las Vegas Nevada raising hogs. The farm is in partnership with the local waste and recycling company Republic Services. They lease the land from Republic Services and use food waste to feed the hogs. She says the partnership was formed “to help find a solu…

1
Katie Chiapuzio from Braga Fresh on How Bees Benefit Produce 26:17

2M ago26:17

26:17

In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Katie Chiapuzio, Director of Environmental Science and Resources at Braga Fresh, joins Western Growers Jeana Cadby, Environment and Climate Director, and Kara Timmins, Communications Manager, to discuss the amazing nature of bees and how they contribute to agriculture.…

1
Eckhart Farms: Increasing Soil Biology and How it Pays 32:30

2M ago32:30

32:30

Join us in this dynamic and wide-ranging conversation with Chris Eckhart about diversifying his farming operation, increasing organic matter, monitoring soil biology, and creating a work-family-life balance, all while remaining profitable. Eckhart Farms is a multi-generational family farm in the heart of Wild Rose Prairie in Washington that focuses…

1
Do You Really Know Where Your Food Comes From? 21:58

4M ago21:58

21:58

In this week’s episode of Voices of the Valley, we’re breaking through misconceptions in agriculture with Coachella Valley farmer Celeste Alonzo. Alongside her family, Celeste grows bell peppers and corn at Junior Enterprises. She joins Julia Nellis, Social Media Manager at Western Growers, to answer questions WG received on social media about farm…

1
2024 Look Ahead: Agriculture’s Biggest Challenges 26:42

4M ago26:42

26:42

Learn where your food really comes from. In the newseason of the Voices of the Valley podcast, you’ll hear about the successes and challenges the agricultural industry experiences every day to get the best food to you and your family. We’ll explore everything from agriculture misinformation, women changing the industry, fieldworkers’ stories, scien…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Walt Duflock of Western Growers 1:19:23

9M ago1:19:23

1:19:23

Enjoy this chat! We invite you to join us as Todd talks with people like Walt Duflock of Western Growers, who are passionate about what they do to effect change. If you enjoy this conversation, we suggest downloading our recent EWG episode with Crop Life America and Leslie Bonci. Put TLC Todd-versations Food, Facts, and Fear, in your internet searc…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Meghan Diaz of Sprouts Farmers Market 47:07

10M ago47:07

47:07

Every time we decide the SKUs we carry, the varieties we plant, the ads we set, we’re telling consumers rather than educating them, allowing them to understand the real value of produce. The mindset of the consumer is different than that of someone in the produce industry. Earth shattering? No, but the way we go about curating the produce experienc…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Sandy Strauss 1:13:59

10M ago1:13:59

1:13:59

What would you do if your partner of over 30 years started to act in ways completely out of character and complained of misdiagnosed maladies, all the while fading away in front of you? Listen as Sandy Strauss shares with Todd the journey she took in uncovering the disparity between functional and conventional medicine and what those differences wo…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Max Goldberg, Organic Insider 52:59

10M ago52:59

52:59

What is the looming external threat to organic today? Is it CRISPR-Cas9? What is the biggest internal threat to organic today? Is it an inability to build consensus? Todd and Max Goldberg discuss these issues and more on today‘s Todd-versations. Shocker, they have differences of opinion in several areas. They agree that it is imperative you get on …

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Longo's with Mimmo Franzone 36:12

10M ago36:12

36:12

-Valuing our food matters -Understanding the cost of producing and bringing product to market matters -Valuing our health with respect to the benefits of eating whole food matters Todd and Mimmo Franzone discuss what they have discovered at Longo’s that supports their teams, customers, and suppliers. Longo’s intentionally works to meet the needs of…

1
Westwind Farms and UC Davis: Using Almond Hulls and Shells to Build Organic Matter 43:54

11M ago43:54

43:54

In this episode, we talk with Kirk Pumphrey, owner of Westwind Farms in Woodland CA, and Sat Darshan Khalsa, Assistant Professional Researcher at the University of CA Davis about their work integrating almond shells and hulls as organic matter in orchards. As Kirk says, “it’s a learning experience for all of us.” It’s a learning curve, but they are…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Susan Canales and the Organic Produce Summit 28:27

11M ago28:27

28:27

You’re always learning something new at the Organic Produce Summit. Todd and Susan Canales covered everything from who is coming, growers, buyers, and suppliers, oh my, to the very informative educational sessions that touched on the value of whole food for longevity, endurance, and supporting a healthy immune system to current events and how they …

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Envy Apple with Vinnie Lopes 40:07

11M ago40:07

40:07

ENZAFRUIT Products Inc., @Envy Apples are part of the Turners and Growers family of companies. Their job is to support their growers, agents, and customers in showcasing the Envy Apple and making it your apple a day. Listen as Todd chats with Vinnie Lopes about the job they do, the wonderful product they get to work with, and the support they recei…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Calpine Containers with Sean Gallagher 46:37

11M ago46:37

46:37

Todd had a great time chatting with Sean Gallagher of Calpine Containers, discussing the whys of their business. At first look, it’s about the product, but as Sean shared, it’s about providing solutions. That’s who they are. Calpine’s goal is to ensure customer success with value and distinct cost-effective packaging solutions. And they’re going to…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents David Page and his book, Food Americana 58:02

11M ago58:02

58:02

David Page spoke with Todd on so many topics that will satisfy your curiosity, pique your interest, and give you an appreciation for food worldwide. Here are some of their meanderings. It was more than a story about Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. -Sharing a meal together is as emotionally satisfying and important an event as you can possibly engage …

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Tom Stenzel from the CEA Alliance 34:55

11M ago34:55

34:55

What hidden attributes does controlled environment agriculture offer? -Closer to home. That translates into tomatoes and strawberries staying on the vine a few days longer, allowing flavor development. The product is fresher, longer on store shelves. There are fewer transport costs and infrastructure logjams. -Controlled environment. That means tha…

1
How Bayer’s Dr. Frank Wong Overcame His Skepticism About Biologicals 47:53

11M ago47:53

47:53

Dr. Frank Wong, one of Bayer's Industry Affairs Directors, discusses his shift in opinion about biological solutions on this week’s episode of Voices of the Valley. “I would say that [during] the last two decades of my career, I’ve always been really cynical about biologics,” Frank says. In this episode, he discusses how and why he’s a recent conve…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Sofia Elizondo of Brightseed 42:19

11M ago42:19

42:19

They say it upfront. “We know nature.” Todd chats with Sofia Elizondo about the bright future we can have as we discover at the molecular level what it takes to improve the health of our bodies, minds, and microbiome. With Forager, Brightseed’s AI-powered platform, they can rapidly identify bioactive compounds and their health benefits. With discus…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Food, Facts, & Fear, with Ken Cook, Leslie Bonci & Mano Basu 1:46:42

11M ago1:46:42

1:46:42

We’re never going to know if we agree or disagree if we don’t take the time to talk to each other. Todd Linsky I didn’t know if this episode would ever get recorded. I wasn’t sure that the participants would be willing to expose themselves to you and each other in a way that would make for a meaningful chat. I am so glad that I was not alone on rec…

1
Asking the Right Questions with Josh Ruiz, Senior Director of Ag Technology and Innovation, on Voices of the Valley 45:58

11M ago45:58

45:58

Josh Ruiz, Senior Director of Ag Technology and Innovation at Duda Farm Fresh Foods, shares how he views challenges and opportunities in his role to be an actor of change in agriculture on this week’s episode of Voices of the Valley.

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Lunchtime Heroes with Miguel and Jessica of Farm to School Network 1:04:49

12M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

It’s about building relationships. It’s about connecting with the community. Todd had a great time chatting with Jessica Gudmundson and Miguel Villareal, co-directors of the National Farm to School Network. They work tirelessly to educate farmers and producers about opportunities to provide whole food to schools and the rewards the community reaps …

1
Rabo Research's David Magaña on a Global Approach to Consumer Desires 44:02

12M ago44:02

44:02

David Magaña is Vice President and Senior Analyst of Rabo Research in North America for fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts, and he shares his global perspective on the present challenges in agriculture on this week’s episode of Voices of the Valley. Together with hosts Dennis Donohue and Candace Wilson, David discusses the global factors of water, l…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Plenty with Dan Malech 46:24

12M ago46:24

46:24

The questions that surround indoor ag are numerous. Are they farmers? Can they scale? Can they compete? What can they grow? Todd chats with Dan Malech today about this and Plenty more. They believe that they cannot only survive but thrive with diversity and purpose. Companies like Driscoll’s are on board to test that theory as they partner in straw…

1
Farmers are Entrepreneurs: Citi’s Adam Bergman Talks Agtech 45:08

12M ago45:08

45:08

Adam Bergman ─ Managing Director, Clean Energy Transition Group and the Global Head of AgTech at Investment Banking, Citi ─ joins DennisDonohue and Candace Wilson on this week’s episode of Voices of the Valley. The topic of agtech and cleantech to address issues like climate change is a global endeavor, Adam says. Countries like Israel, Brazil and …

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents SJV Water with Lois Henry (2) 49:40

12M ago49:40

49:40

Shared priorities, the phrase of the day. Over thirty atmospheric rivers and ten storms this past season in California. And we’re not done yet. Todd and Lois Henry of SJV Water discuss the impact of the storms and what we can expect from the impending melt. So far, we’ve seen: -Farmers pit themselves against other farmers in a bid to preserve their…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Crespo Organic with Nissa Pierson 56:16

12M ago56:16

56:16

This episode is not about getting your one-pound bag of organic carrots for $0.99 or your organic bananas for $0.19 each. Cheap has a hidden cost. This discussion is about the value we place on food, how we chose to support family farms, and where we believe community should fit in the dialog. Todd and Nissa Pierson of Crespo Organic have a frank c…

1
Sweet Hollow Farm: Connecting People to Food and Farming 24:07

12M ago24:07

24:07

In today’s episode we speak with Jonah Sloven, from Sweet Hollow Farm, a diversified organic farm in Victor, Idaho. Sweet Hollow Farm serves the neighboring Teton Valley community through their CSA, farm stand, and farmer’s market. Jonah discusses how his travels from his environmental studies ultimately directed him to small-scale agriculture and …

1
Alex Cochran Discusses the Value of Biologicals in Agriculture 46:14

12M ago46:14

46:14

Alex Cochran, Chief Technology Officer at DPH Biologicals joins Dennis Donohue and Candace Wilson on this week’s episode of Voices of theValley to discuss the realities and possibilities of utilizing biological solutions in agriculture. In this episode, Alex shares his insight into how to optimize the benefits of biologicals, which, he says, starts…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Vallarta Markets with Paige Venable 48:31

12M ago48:31

48:31

Paige Venable, Floral Director at Vallarta Supermarkets, knows the power flowers have to tell a story, brighten a day, and add value to retail stores. Todd discusses Vallarta’s inspiring history from a single carnicería in 1985 to now 53 supermarkets and growing across California. Vallarta believes in its valued employees, investing in their commun…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Grocery Outlet with Daniel Bell 36:42

1y ago36:42

36:42

What a great conversation with Daniel Bell of Grocery Outlet, a very cool cat, and a unique retailer. Todd enjoyed chatting with Daniel at the FPFC Expo and for the Todd-versations broadcast. They talked about everything from food insecurity to how to handle the latest legislation in the state of California. You don’t have to agree with what was sa…

1
Christine Birdsong, Undersecretary for the CDFA, Talks Sustainable Pest Management Solutions on This Week’s Voices of the Valley 43:25

1y ago43:25

43:25

Undersecretary for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Christine Birdsong joins Dennis Donohue and Candace Wilsonon this week’s episode of Voices of the Valley to discuss her role and initiatives to support California agriculture on key points like sustainable pest management, water (whether drought or flood), supply chain diff…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Hy-Vee Dietitian, Erin Good 50:07

1y ago50:07

50:07

They’re not the front-line workers that rightly receive the kudos for their work. But Todd wants you to recognize that they are heroes, nonetheless. Retail dietitians have been upcycling food before the term became popular. As Erin Good explains to Todd, Hy-Vee dietitians use all forms of media to engage their customer base. Do you need speedy meal…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Scott Mabs of Homegrown Organic Farms 1:03:07

1y ago1:03:07

1:03:07

They’ve got an AgriVision because they AgriCare. As Todd talks with Scott Mabs of Homegrown Organic Farms, you will discover that they plan for future success by providing services to protect and enhance small to mid-size family farms. Who are these folks? They are growers and marketers of certified organic produce who take their pledge of stewards…

1
Amazon Web Services’ Elizabeth Fastiggi on Guiding the Industry to be More Predictive with Agtech Innovation 42:34

1y ago42:34

42:34

Elizabeth Fastiggi, Head of Worldwide Business Development for Amazon Web Services, joins Dennis Donohue and Candace Wilson on this episode of Voices of the Valley to discuss the role she has in supporting innovation to connect all areas along the agricultural supply chain. “That’s what our company at AWS is doing, helping customers innovate more q…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Ashlie Thomas, The Mocha Gardener 53:02

1y ago53:02

53:02

Todd’s chat with Ashlie Thomas is a conversation starter that inspires us to take the journey to connect our ideas and ideals with actionable service. “When you feel like everything is out of control, what nurtures better than planting a seed with the promise of bounty and the health that comes with it?” Lauri Kranz This is not your ordinary how-to…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Lunchtime Heroes with Leslie Pring of Twin Rivers USD 41:02

1y ago41:02

41:02

Flooding. Fires. Covid. Natural disasters would make for a good time to retire from school nutritional services, but Leslie Pring of Twin Rivers Unified School District and her team have doubled down in the face of them. Listen as she shares with Todd how they face these daunting circumstances, time after time discovering ways to put the kids first…

1
Hernan Hernandez on Working to Give Farmworkers a Voice in Politics and Policy 39:20

1y ago39:20

39:20

On this episode of Voices of the Valley, Hernan Hernandez, Executive Director of the California Farmworker Foundation, shares his background about growing up in a farm community to becoming a voice and force for policy change.

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Organically Grown Company with David Lively and Brenna Davis 1:16:21

1y ago1:16:21

1:16:21

Organically Grown Company has changed through the years, striving to embrace differences while maintaining organic integrity. Todd has a powerful chat with David and Brenna about what they see coming, what they lament, and what they hope for the future of organic.By Todd Linsky

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents John Shuman of Shuman Farms 57:40

1y ago57:40

57:40

Finding no excuses for hunger in a country that is so richly blessed or children not receiving medical treatment, John Shuman of Shuman Farms learned early on to leverage his opportunities to create a pathway for success for others. John has a passion for people. Listen as he chats all things “Volunteer – Visionary - Vidalia onion farmer and Georgi…

1
Wyoming Heritage Grains: Improving the Land, Community, and Health 41:19

1y ago41:19

41:19

In today’s episode, we talk with Sara Wood of Wyoming Heritage Grains and Wyoming High Desert Malt, near Ralston Wyoming. Sara is a fifth-generation regenerative farmer and the operator of the state’s only commercial flour mill. Located in the dry high mountain desert east of Yellowstone, Sara’s and her family’s operation has the distinction of bei…

1
Ian LeMay, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, on how Agtech Bolsters Ag Labor 37:25

1y ago37:25

37:25

Ian LeMay, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, joins Dennis Donohue and Candace Wilson on this episode of Voices of the Valley to discuss navigating current challenges in fresh produce agriculture to reach a bright and exciting future. LeMay shares his thoughts about the two biggest challenges that fresh fruit farmers in California…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service with Dr. Jenny Tucker (6) 47:10

1y ago47:10

47:10

Unpack this powerful Todd-versation between Todd and Dr. Jenny Tucker, Deputy Administrator of the USDA AMS National Organic Program. If you’ve been around fresh produce for the last twenty years, you’d have to have been living under a rock not to notice the changes to organic. Strengthening standards and certification have only improved the integr…

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Splendid by Porvenir with Cindy Schwing 29:37

1y ago29:37

29:37

Caught on Splendid’s game camera, the Spledidsauras at work. Listen as Todd chats with Cindy Schwing of Splendid by Porvenir about their work to provide only the best on your table. Volume. Quality. Timely distribution. With their decades of experience, you can count on them to deliver the finest mangos available.…

1
Bountiful Founder and CEO Megan Nunes Wants to Use Satellites to Revolutionize Farming 38:18

1y ago38:18

38:18

Most people don’t think of the study of agriculture and the study of space as being related to each other, but this week’s Voices of the Valley guest, Megan Nunes, shares with hosts Dennis Donohue and Candace Wilson how space and agricultural technology work together. Nunes is the founder and CEO of Bountiful— a company that uses satellite imagery …

1
TLC Todd-versations Presents Fresh Produce & Floral Council 2023 with Don Gann and Michael Schutt 32:42

1y ago32:42

32:42

Increase access and consumption. Bridge generations through mentorship and education. Strategic alignment with organizations that are changing lives. These points are the hallmark and vision of the Fresh Produce and Floral Council, past, present, and future. Todd chats with Michael Schutt of Raley’s and Donn Gann of the FPFC about the future of the…

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Western Growers Podcasts

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