Labels such as "organic" and "sustainable," are confusing for consumers, can technology boost trust in purchases? Sarah Martello believes so. She's the co-founder of Transparency Wise, an innovative company dedicated to enhancing traceability within agricultural supply chains.

Leveraging blockchain technology, their approach provides consumers with clear, verifiable insights into their food's origins, offering videos of ranches and detailed product narratives. She shares her battle against greenwashing, integrating various software systems, and shifting age-old practices of manual data recording.

Recognizing the necessity for digitization and standardization as the backbone of implementing blockchain, her company a comprehensive agricultural data management platform that streamlines data and supports farmers in adopting regenerative practices that qualify for financial incentives like tax credits, facilitating more informed and profitable decision-making.

https://iowapodcast.com/food-tracking-with-blockchain

In an enlightening discussion with Bill, the CEO of Bion, the focus was drawn towards the innovative strides the company is making in the beef industry. With a career spanning over three decades in the meat sector, Bill's journey from pioneering case-ready meat at Fairbank Farms to leading Bion marks a significant shift towards sustainable beef production. Bion aims to revolutionize cattle feeding operations by addressing critical challenges such as labor shortages, water scarcity, and profitability through a novel approach that involves finishing cattle in a controlled environment. This system not only reduces methane and ammonia emissions by immediately collecting waste but also converts it into biogas and eco-friendly fertilizer, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.

Under Bill's leadership, Bion is not merely focusing on environmental benefits but is also enhancing meat quality and cattle health through dietary changes and controlled conditions, paralleling the advancements seen in pork systems. The technology aims for economic viability at a scale of around 15,000 head of cattle, targeting areas within the 40th northern latitude known for barn culture. Moreover, Bion's commitment to sustainability is attracting retail partnerships, enabling the sale of premium, authentically sustainable beef. As the company continues to evolve, it invites feeders and partners to join in its mission to create a sustainable system that benefits air and water quality, soil health, and ultimately, consumers. Bill's vision for Bion extends beyond immediate environmental impacts to fostering a holistic sustainable ecosystem within the beef industry, promising an exciting future for both producers and consumers alike.

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/bill-o'neill-agriculture

Hello everyone, I'm Peter Jaques, host of the podcast dedicated to agriculture, a field I've grown deeply passionate about. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Hoiberg, VP of R&D and Technical Sales at Calcium Products, thanks to Jordan's initiative. Our chat delved into the crucial yet often overlooked realm of soil pH management, unveiling Calcium Products' pioneering pelletization of limestone and gypsum for enhanced agricultural benefits. Andrew shared insights on the profound impact of soil pH on nutrient uptake, emphasizing the transformative role of proper lime application in farming.

From the delicate balance of pelletization for quick soil integration to the significance of sulfur as the 'fourth major nutrient,' our conversation shed light on Calcium Products' dedication to delivering consistent yield benefits. To delve deeper, Andrew directed listeners to the Calcium Products website, sparking a rethink of traditional soil management strategies. Join us on this journey of innovation and evolution in agriculture!

Hear the full show: https://iowapodcast.com/andrew-hoiberg-agriculture