Preston & Jason

FOCUS on Agriculture

Science EN ↓ 92 episodes

Join Preston Schrader and Jason Carr, scientists in the ag industry, as they interview guests about a wide range of agricultural topics. From digital ag, pests, and sustainability to increasing yield, they cover all aspects of ag to help growers succeed and open a dialogue with consumers.

Author

Preston & Jason

Episodes

Episode 17: Tom Floyd - The History of Plant Breeding Part II 02.03.2020 27:34

Today we continue our exploration of the history of plant breeding.  In this episode we discuss the biotech revolution, and how molecular markers and genetic modification increased the speed and efficiency by which scientists have been able to improve crops.  Tom Floyd is a retired plant breeder who developed hundreds of commercially successful soybean varieties in a career that spanned...

Episode 16: Tom Floyd - The History of Plant Breeding Part I 26.02.2020 32:51

In this episode, we explore the history of genetic improvement of plants, beginning with the earliest days of farmers saving seed from the best plants through the discoveries of Gregor Mendel, Rosalind Franklin, Norman Borlaug, and others.  In upcoming episodes in this series, we will discuss molecular markers, the biotech revolution, and the future of plant breeding.  Tom Floyd is a ret...

Episode 15: Stuart Smyth - Benefits of GMO Technology to Farmers and Consumers 29.01.2020 34:27

In this episode, we discuss the benefits of GMO crops to the environment, consumers, and farmers with Dr. Stuart Smyth, professor in Ag and Resource Economics at the University of Saskatchewan.  As an economist, Dr. Smith researches the socioeconomic impacts of innovation in agriculture.  You can learn more about his research through his blog, SAIFood (Sustainable Agricultural Innovation...

Episode 14: Preston Schrader & Jason Carr - 2019 Conclusion 16.12.2019 4:45

We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and look forward to reconnecting with you in January.  We have an exciting slate of topics to discuss in 2020, including the evolution of plant breeding, food and pollinator safety, and digital agriculture, along with many others.  Look for our upcoming episodes starting in early January.

Episode 13: Brad Stoller - Precision Agriculture 09.12.2019 37:39

Today we discuss the current and future state of precision agriculture with Brad Stoller, global supply chain manager at Precision Planting.  Learn how advances in precision agriculture benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment.  You can investigate Precision Planting products at www.precisionplanting.com.

Episode 12: Lisa Granadino - Large Scale Agriculture Research 25.11.2019 23:23

In this episode, we chat with Lisa Granadino, Vice President of U.S. Technology Development.  Learn about the extensive research that goes into developing recommendations for management and placement of new commercial agricultural products.

Episode 11: Andy Knepp - Farming Sustainably 11.11.2019 19:57

In this episode we discuss farming sustainably with Andy Knepp, Vice President, Environmental Strategy & Industry Activation with Bayer Crop Science.

Episode 10: Ivan Dozier - Sustainability in Agriculture 17.10.2019 29:24

In this episode we discuss agricultural sustainability topics including cover crops, pollinator health, and control of soil erosion with Ivan Dozier.  Ivan is Illinois State Conservationist with the USDA National Resources Conservation Service.  You can contact Ivan at ivan.dozier@usda.gov and follow USDA NRCS on Twitter @USDA_NRCS.

Episode 9: Dan Towery - Benefits of Cover Crops 30.09.2019 41:47

In this episode, we discuss the benefits of cover crops with Dan Towery, crop consultant with Ag Conservation Solutions.  You can interact with Dan through email at dantowery1@gmail.com or on his website, www.agconservationsolutions.com

Episode 8: Preston Schrader & Jason Carr - Get to Know Us (introduction) 18.09.2019 8:18

Today we tried something different and instead of interviewing an esteemed guest, we interview each other and talk about our backgrounds and current work and passions. Follow Jason @NWILTDR and follow Preston @PrestoSchrader 

Episode 7: Matthew Carroll & Bill Moar - Future Bug Tech 24.08.2019 32:46

Today we discuss the future of insect control, specifically the western corn rootworm, with Dr. Matthew Carroll & Dr. William Moar of Bayer Crop Sciences. 

Episode 6: Joe Spencer - Rootworm, the Billion Dollar Bug 09.08.2019 40:04

Today we discussed rootworm biology history and control with expert Dr. Joe Spencer. Dr. Spencer is a Principle Research Scientist and the Research Program Leader in Insect Behavior at the Illinois Natural History Survey. Follow him on Twitter at @talkingrootworm

Episode 5: Leah McGrath - GMOs and Food Safety 06.08.2019 31:12

Today we discuss GMOs, organics, and nutrition with Leah McGrath, RDN.  You can follow her on Twitter at @LeahMcgrathRD 

Episode 4: John Sullivan - Midwestern Farm Policy 25.07.2019 32:29

Today we discuss agriculture policy with John Sullivan, Illinois Department of Ag Director. 

Episode 3: Cody Evans - Weed Management in a Challenging Year 12.07.2019 22:21

Today we had a great discussion with Cody Evans who is a Weed Management Technology Development Rep with Bayer Crop Science. Follow Cody on Twitter @ILWMTechDev

Episode 2: Robb Fraley - GMOs and the Future of Ag Tech 10.07.2019 32:47

Today we were pleased to have Robb Fraley as a guest to discuss the origins of GMO food technology. Robb is a World Food Prize Laureate and former CTO of Monsanto. Follow Robb on Twitter at @RobbFraley

Episode 1: Jerry Hayes - Bees and Production Ag 22.06.2019 47:13

Discussion with Jerry Hayes, Vita Bee Health VP North America, on honey bee health, and interaction with production Ag.