Ag Innovation News Podcast

In this episode, discover how a Minnesota-based collaboration between industry leaders ignited a new pathway for food entrepreneurs to scale nationally. Lauren Pradhan, CEO of Tesor Advisory, and Jason Robinson, Food Business Development at AURI, walk us through the strategic magic of blending community, storytelling, and retail expertise to unlock new markets. From behind-the-scenes event design...

Most leaders are waiting for the perfect moment—what if the secret is actually creating it? Discover how Minnesota’s Agricultural and Rural Leadership program (MARL) transforms mid-career professionals into impactful rural champions, with alumni making waves from state legislatures to global markets. In this episode, Jamie Dickerman sits down with Alexandra Ostlund of AURI and Brad Schloesser of M...

In this episode, Jamie Dickerman interviews Gail Dennison from the Hormel Institute to explore how research at the intersection of food, agriculture, and health can shape the future of nutrition and disease prevention. They discuss the Institute's history, ongoing projects, and the importance of making healthy eating accessible and convenient.

In this episode, Alex Frescoln, an attorney with a background in ag and food markets, discusses the evolving landscape of value-added agriculture, startup challenges, and the future of bioenergy and manufacturing in the Midwest.

Unlock the future of sustainable food with a deep dive into Minnesota’s pioneering plant protein innovation. Discover how the University of Minnesota’s Plant Protein Innovation Center (PPIC) is transforming local crops like dry beans and kidney beans into game-changing protein sources — crucial for feeding a global population projected to reach 10 billion. This episode reveals the secret sauce beh...

The future of agriculture in the Midwest hinges on more than just farming — it’s about resilience, innovation, and smart policy. Holly Callaghan from GreenSeam reveals how a groundbreaking industry report uncovers critical trends affecting rural prosperity, from shifting business sentiments to the vital role of sustainability and policy adjustments.

Discover how Plasma Blue, a Minnesota-based energy technology company founded on university research, is pioneering plasma-based solutions to produce biofuels, break down harmful chemicals, and address environmental challenges. Host Jamie Dickerman chats with CEO Tom Slunecka about the science behind plasma technology and its future applications across industries.

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, host Jamie Dickerman speaks with Devin Hoffarth from the Minnesota Corn Growers Association about the current priorities and developments in the corn industry. They discuss the importance of market development, new uses for corn, and the collaboration with AURI to support innovation. The conversation highlights the versatility of corn as a feedsto...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman speaks with Mary Odekerk, a senior business development officer at the 504 Corporation. They discuss the role of the 504 Corporation in providing SBA 504 loans, the impact of these loans on businesses in Minnesota, and the application process for potential borrowers. Mary shares insights into the eligibility criteria for the p...

Unlock the transformative power of the Future Farmers of America — the organization shaping tomorrow’s leaders (not just farmers!) in agriculture today. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community supporter, discover how just one opportunity can ignite confidence, leadership, and innovation in youth. If you’ve ever wondered how agricultural education develops problem solvers and future-ready w...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, host Jamie Dickerman speaks with Shannon Schlecht, the executive director of AURI, about the organization's impactful year in agriculture. They discuss AURI's structure, strategic initiatives, and the successes achieved in various projects, including biogas, industrial hemp, and protein sustainability. Shannon highlights the importance of collabor...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman delves into the groundbreaking world of SoyFoam, a soy-based firefighting foam that's making waves in the industry. Joined by experts Dave Garley from Crossplane Solutions and Mike Youngerberg from Minnesota Soybean, the discussion explores the innovative use of soybeans to create an environmentally friendly alternative to tra...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, host Jamie Dickerman interviews Tom Smude, the owner of Smude Sunflower Oil. Tom shares his journey from a farming background to establishing a successful sunflower oil business. He discusses the challenges he faced, including market fluctuations and the need for consumer education about sunflower oil. Tom emphasizes the health benefits of cold-pr...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, we discuss the launch of the Protein Navigator. This new service is designed to help protein companies exploring our region find their footing and thrive. The Protein Navigator is a collaborative initiative powered by AURI and MBOLD. Join us as we explore how this service is set to revolutionize protein sustainability by connecting global stakehol...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman dives into the transformative potential of the Natural Gas Innovation Act with guest Betsy Lang from CenterPoint Energy. Discover how this bipartisan Minnesota law is paving the way for clean energy solutions like renewable natural gas and hydrogen. Betsy shares insights into CenterPoint's pioneering innovation plan, which inc...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman interviews Mary Hartman, CEO and founder of Stable Feed, an innovative horse feed and supplement company. Mary shares her journey from addressing her own horse's health issues to creating a successful business that focuses on using food as medicine. The conversation delves into the importance of the microbiome in equine health...

Join host Jamie Dickerman as he delves into the world of bioindustrial manufacturing with Doug Friedman, CEO of BioMADE. Discover how BioMADE is revolutionizing the agricultural sector by bridging the gap between traditional farming and cutting-edge biotechnology. Learn about the innovative use of agricultural feedstocks, the importance of U.S. supply chain security, and the exciting opportunities...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman sits down with Darin Broton, Executive Director of the Minnesota Agri-Growth Council. They explore the rich history and future vision of Minnesota's agricultural sector, discussing key innovations and the importance of value-added agriculture. Darin shares insights on the upcoming Agri-Growth Summit and the collaborative effor...

Join us on the Ag Innovation News podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Ruth Linkenmeyer Meirick, Executive Director of the Minnesota Foundation for Agriculture. Discover how Ruth's personal experiences on a family farm shaped her passion for agriculture and community engagement. In this episode, we explore the Foundation's transformative initiatives, from promoting mental health aware...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News Podcast, host Jamie Dickerman speaks with Allison Hohn, the executive director of Naturally Minnesota. They discuss Allison's extensive background in food science and product development, the mission of Naturally Minnesota to support food and agriculture entrepreneurs, and the upcoming Food Ag Ideas conference focused on the theme of 'Food is Health.' The...

The latest Ag Innovation News Podcast, presented by the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, explores how soybeans are being turned into liquid fertilizer.

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, we delve into the groundbreaking Protein Navigator service, a collaborative initiative powered by AURI and MBOLD. Join us as we explore how this service is set to revolutionize protein sustainability by connecting global stakeholders with Minnesota's rich agricultural ecosystem. Discover the strategic insights and innovative approaches that aim to...

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, Harold Stanislawski, AURI’s Business and Industry Development Director and Dean Davolis, owner and founder of DJR Architecture, discuss the many benefits of hemp in building and infrastructure.

Harold Stanislawski, AURI’s Business and Industry Development Director and Dean Davolis, owner and founder of DJR Architecture, discuss the many benefits of hemp in building and infrastructure.

In this episode. Jeff Grev, former Vice President of Legislative Affairs at Hormel Foods, chats about SPAM and food trends, offers advice to food entrepreneurs, and shares how AURI’s work benefits the food and agricultural industries in Minnesota and beyond.