Ag Innovation News Podcast

In this episode, Deeann Lufkin, Co-owner of CannonBelles Cheese, discusses her journey from Hurricane Hunter to Cheese Maker, utilizing local ingredients, the best coffee shop in town, and dreams of the Minnesota State Fair.

In this episode, Jake Vlaminck, General Manager at Fahlun Farms, talks about turkey production in Minnesota, laser technology, and being part of the Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership Program (MARL).

In this episode, Kat Duvic, an entrepreneur, discusses Social Mixers, LLC's entrepreneurial journey from start-up to shutdown. She shares lessons learned and inspiration gained and previews her next business venture.

In this episode, Minnesota farmer and entrepreneur David Eiynck discusses his family's farm, ag innovation, producing groated oats, and being recognized as AURI's 2024 Ag Innovator of the Year.

In this episode, Michele Rubino, a Business Development Advisor, provides an overview of the current state of the biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels markets and discusses industry-related challenges, opportunities, and innovation, and shares his thoughts on the future of the industry.

In this episode, Shannon Schlecht, Executive Director of the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, provides a sneak peek of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and other highlights of the upcoming 2024 New Uses Forum.

In this episode, Leah Thiele, Director of Rural Business Investment Programs at Compeer Financial, discusses the company's longstanding support of agriculture, rural America, and entrepreneurs through loans, leases, risk management, and other financial services.

In this collaborative episode with MBOLD, Minnesota farmer Ryan Hough and Kim Melton, Resource Specialist at Wilkin Soil & Water Conservation District, discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to cover crops and highlight the resources available.

In this episode, Kathy Leighton Carton, Founder/Owner of Heavenly Treats, discusses her journey into the food production business and recipe development, and shares advice for other food entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) Board Chair, Federico Tripodi, discusses recent successes and challenges in Minnesota's food and agricultural landscape, AURI's impact, support from the Minnesota Legislature, collaborations, and what's on the horizon in 2024.

In this episode, Mike Jensen, Director of Clean Fuels Project Management Office at Xcel Energy, and Luca Zullo, Senior Director of Science and Technology at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, discuss Xcel Energy's collaborative role in building the Heartland Hydrogen Hub and outline the logistics, environmental impact, technology and innovation, market dynamics and long-term vision o...

In this episode, Junita Flowers, Owner of Junita's Jar, shares the story behind her mission-driven cookies, discusses the importance of inspiring hope in others and previews exciting things to come in 2024.

In this episode, Karl Greden Co-Founder and Vice President of Product and Process Development at Apparo, Inc., shares how the company creates protein and other food ingredients from underutilized plant feedstocks.

In this episode, Harold Stanislawski, Business & Industry Development Director at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) and Ken Graeve, Erosion and Stormwater Management Unit Supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), discuss the possibility of utilizing hemp fiber in soil erosion prevention mats to reduce single-use plastics in erosion control materials.

In this episode, Tamara Nelsen, Executive Director of AgriGrowth, discusses the organization and its purpose, membership benefits, advocating for Minnesota's food and agriculture sector and its upcoming Food and Ag Summit.

In this episode, Brett Olson, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Renewing the Countryside, talks about the organization and its mission, Local FEAST magazine and its upcoming local foods marketplace.

In this episode, Laura Bachmeier, Business Development Director of Meat at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), discusses AURI's role in supporting meat and poultry processors in Minnesota, USDA grant opportunities and upcoming short courses and resources for processors.

In this episode, Sue Marshall, Founder & CEO of NETZRO, discusses her food upcycling platform, how upcycling can help the environment and provide better food (and access to food) and what she sees as the potential beginnings of a food revolution in the U.S. and beyond.

In this episode, Tom Slunecka, CEO of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and Ag Management Solutions, discusses the upcoming Grand Opening of the Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston, MN and shares insight on the soybean industry in Minnesota and beyond.

In this episode, Clayton Mooney of Clayton Farms discusses the benefits of locally harvested produce, how his team delivers on its promise of same-day delivery and his goal of setting a Guinness World Record.

In this episode, Gwen Williams and Tahir Sandhu, Co-owners of Artisan Naan Bakery, chat about unexpected flavor varieties, a pilot project with Kernza perennial grain, retail expansion and the joy of loving what they do.

In this episode, Jared Luhman of Grass Fed Cattle Co. chats about family ties, the benefits of grass fed beef, the importance of supporting local producers and what the future holds for the company.

In this episode, Jason Robinson, Business Development Director-Food at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), chats about shared-use commercial kitchens in Minnesota, why they're essential to small businesses and outlines research findings in AURI's Shared-Use Commercial Kitchens Report.

In this episode, Brad Schloesser, Executive Director of the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program (MARL), outlines the program's history, goals and how it benefits Minnesota's agricultural ecosystem.

In this episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, AURI staff Jen Wagner-Lahr, Senior Director of Business Development and Commercialization, and Lisa Gjersvik, Senior Director of Strategy Management, chat about AURI's work within the USDA's new Ag Innovation Center Program to foster long-term economic benefit for the state of Minnesota through value-added agricultural products.