Episodes

In this episode, Harold Stanislawski, Business & Industry Development Director at the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI), chats with Mike Reiber, Founder and CEO of Axiom, and Mike Youngerberg, Senior Director of Product Development & Commercialization at the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, about producing a variety of fertilizers using soybean meal.

In this episode, Jake Simon, Co-Founder and CEO of ConnectedFresh, discusses how his company's off-the-shelf sensors provide 24/7 proactive monitoring to identify and flag issues as soon as they happen or even before they occur, in an effort to reduce food waste and ensure food safety.

In this episode, Lauren McNamara, Senior Vice President of Business Management at SunOpta, discusses organic and specialty foods, her professional journey in the food space, serving on the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute's Board of Directors, and being named to Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal's 40 Under 40 list.

In this episode, Paul Kirkman, Co-founder of Victual Ice Cream, discusses unique flavors and gourmet food, connecting with his community, and being part of Crosby, Minnesota's great renaissance.

In this National Dairy Month episode of the Ag Innovation News podcast, Lucas Sjostrom, Co-owner of Redhead Creamery and Executive Director of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association, chats about award-winning cheese, its new distillery, and Cheese Alise.

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 of the facility.

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.