Ag Innovation News Podcast

Soy-based road preservation is saving cities millions - and the biggest breakthrough is that they can now do it themselves. Harold Stanislawski, John Olson, and Lindsay Hermes unpack how Hutchinson, Minnesota turned a biobased road rejuvenant into a long-term pavement strategy that cuts costs, extends road life, and makes better use of taxpayer dollars.

In this episode, Paul Wright from Wright Farms shares his journey into growing aronia berries, the challenges faced, and the exciting development of aronia-infused ice cream in collaboration with the University of Minnesota. Discover how niche markets and innovative marketing are opening new opportunities for this high-antioxidant superfruit.

Agriculture leaders cannot afford to think only about this quarter. Steve Olson, co-founder of the Next Five Years Executive Conference, explains why the smartest organizations are already planning for the next five years - and why that shift could determine who stays relevant and who falls behind.

Unlock the future of plant-based proteins with PURIS VP of R&D, Kushal Shandak. In this episode, discover how a 40-year journey from soy to peas is reshaping the alternative protein industry—and learn the secret to overcoming technical challenges like solubility, allergen safety, and acidic stability. Shandak shares how Purist’s innovative, vertically integrated model is making pea protein more accessible, sustainable, and tastier than ever, paving the way for the next wave of consumer-loved pla

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 to the power of authentic connection, this is about turning dreams into shelf-ready reality.

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 MARL to unpack the 25-year-old program that’s shaping the future of agriculture leadership. We break