Agbioscience

Happy Thanksgiving! AgriNovus was proud to present the One Health Summit in partnership with BioCrossroads and Elanco this month at the company's newly opened global headquarters in Indianapolis. Please enjoy audio from this power panel including Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons, Corteva Agriscience CEO Chuck Magro, Eli Lilly CEO Dave Ricks, Purdue University President Mung Chiang and Indiana University President Pam Whitten. The panel was moderated by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) CEO Melina Kennedy to talk about the One Health opportunity and how best we can advance that here in the state.

From food is health to biologicals, what innovations and emerging trends took over the agbiosciences in 2025 and where are we headed in 2026? Perhaps no one better a source than Jennifer Marston, Global AgTech Editor at AgFunder News, to join us as we talk through the state of venture capital, its down market and the good news about where it’s headed in the future. She gets into: A high-level overview of the venture capital market in 2025 The categories of agbioscience that are securing deals – and the areas of the globe that seem to be doing better than others with venture capital deals The shifts in the last 18-24 months across dealmaking and what feedback Jenn has heard while talking with both VCs and startups while writing stories What the startups and entrepreneurs who are winning are doing differently With longer sales cycles, regulatory pressures, etc., does Jenn think we are due for a reset in how innovation is funded in agbioscience? Indiana’s unique models unfolding with Corteva Catalyst, the launch of Elanco’s One Health Innovation District and how those might create a new ecosystem in the Midwest for entrepreneurs to grow and thrive New startups and innovation partnerships out of the Midwest that have Jenn most excited right now Upcoming stories and things coming from AgFunder News that she wants people to know about

As an entrepreneur, sometimes the boldest move you can make is to pivot. This week, we are joined by Rian Mc Donnell, CEO of FloVision Solutions, to talk about AI-driven solutions to help the food industry become more financially and environmentally sustainable by reducing waste and maximizing yield. We get into: The work Rian leads with his team to optimize the food chain starting with protein – and how that vision varies from when he started the company Insights that FloVision drives downstream to food processors and the capabilities they have because of these technology FloVision’s market differentiation How Rian sees the company playing a role in this massive food evolution Feedback he gets from working with customers – especially food processors who are very traditional in their operations FloVision’s recent $8.7 million Series A fundraise and what it will enable the company to do The company’s tech stack and how the data drives different decisions and solutions based on their position around the globe, their food priorities and regulatory frameworks Areas ripe for collaboration and what’s ahead in 2026

Indiana Farm Bureau has outlined its legislative priorities for 2026 and this week. Katie Nelson, the organization’s Executive Director of Public Policy, joins this week to talk about the three buckets of prioritization heading into session, why they’re focused on broad issues and the call to action for agbioscience innovators. We get into: A legislative recap of 2025 and lingering challenges that persist for the industry The broad policy scope that Indiana Farm Bureau has casted heading into 2026 and the “why” behind that Investment in agriculture, the challenges farmers are facing and how Katie hopes some measures move forward to enable operational success Helping rural communities thrive, the uphill battles being faced – from education to healthcare – and where Indiana Farm Bureau plans to be most active Supporting Indiana farmers through helping them to have the resources they need (water, land, etc.) How Indiana Farm Bureau is navigating federal challenges, the shutdown and conversations on behalf of farmers Trade agreements they’re eyeing heading into 2026 that may impact Indiana farmers most critically The call to action for the agbioscience community to drive these priorities forward

Everyone has a story of how they’ve come into their career and many times on this podcast we hear the phrase “I got here by accident.” This week, we are joined by Angel Vazquez, a Field Atlas Ambassador and Ball State University student, who is exploring his interest in agbioscience careers, sharing the industry story with his peers and what he hopes to accomplish after graduation. We get into: How he is thinking about his career journey as college winds down Angel’s personal story, why medicine is the path he chose and how he hopes to make a difference in the lives of others The curiosity of agbioscience and wanting to be a Field Atlas Ambassador Agbioscience conversations on Ball State’s campus and how his peers engage when discussing career opportunities in the industry Learning from his peer Ambassadors on other college and university campuses What he thinks students are seeking in a career What employers should know about connecting with students His favorite Field Atlas experience and what it taught him

October was a busy month and we spare none on today's update with AgriNovus CEO, Christy Wright, and VP Libby Fritz. Updates include: A new global HQ for Elanco and our upcoming One Health Summit co-hosted with BioCrossroads (register here)Corteva's restructure into two companies and what comes nextBiomEdit's $2M Bezos Earth Fund Grant (listen to CEO Aaron Schacht here)BioBond launches two new adhesives -- one for fake fingernails and school adhesivesARI's new HQ at the 16 Tech Innovation District to secure Indiana's bioinnovation futureQuadrant is coming on 12/3! Register here.

Biochar is an effective and profitable way to manage organic waste – and there are innovators creating new platforms to enable producers, investors and equipment suppliers to grow and deploy waste-to-value projects faster and easier than ever before. This week, we are joined by Jason Dodier, Co-Founder and CCO of Grain Ecosystem, to talk decarbonization projects, the value of the American farmer and grain as a risk reduction partner. We get into: What Grain Ecosystem does and how they deploy these waste-to-value solutions How this process looks for each player in the system – farmers, investors and equipment suppliers The Grain Ecosystem model and its adoptability that differentiates it from competitors on the market Feedback they get from the ecosystem as they deploy solutions Grain’s momentum built up over the last three years and the company’s biggest opportunities for growth Working with Elevate Ventures and other Indiana partners to expand their footprint in the state What’s ahead for Grain Ecosystem

From agbioscience innovation to defense, pharma, food and nutrition, and beyond – the bioeconomy is broad; and the intersection of innovation, research and policy generates a lot of questions when it comes to how we grow and scale to be a global leader right here in the United States. This week, we are joined by Sarah Glaven, Visiting Fellow at Princeton University’s Andlinger Center and a former biotechnologist representing The White House, The Pentagon and The Naval Research Laboratory. We get into: Sarah’s professional story, from being an outdoors kid to leading critical bioinnovation work on a national scale How she defines the bioeconomy and what she believes is its importance to the US’ future Biggest headwinds we are facing when it comes to the growth and scale of the bioeconomy How her past experiences have shaped her perspective on the critical alignment needed among policy, innovation and research to advance the bioeconomy in the US (and the grade she’d give us on that alignment today) Indiana’s position in the bioeconomy and how reshoring biomanufacturing supply chains can reduce disruption and increase competitiveness in the US Creating a skilled workforce to grow the bioeconomy and examples of upskilling and developing talent that have her most impressed What has Sarah most excited about the US’ bioinnovation future

The intersection of innovation and regulatory – specifically when it comes to food is health – is a growing conversation. This week, we are joined by Dave Riggs, Business Cluster Unit President for Eurofins SFA, to talk laboratory science, consulting food brands around the world and health emerging as a trend on their minds. We get into: The work his SFA team leads and who they aim to serve How much food companies have to think about in product development and the risks that come up in a product’s life cycle in quality and safety standard aren’t met How laboratory scientists approach their work like consultants to overcome challenges and drive big outcomes for food brands around the world Food is Health making its way into the Eurofins labs and unintended consequences that have come alongside the movement Balancing innovation and scientific discovery with an evolving regulatory landscape Challenges and headwinds on the horizon for the food industry and how those create opportunities for creativity across the value chain Dave’s advice to young talent considering science careers What’s ahead for Eurofins

Developing and recruiting next generation talent is a critical topic for all industries and agbioscience leaders are no stranger to the conversation. This week, we are joined by National FFA CEO, Scott Stump, to examine how young leaders are developed, getting them engaged in agbioscience and looking ahead to the excitement that is October for National FFA in Indianapolis as their Convention and Expo looms near. We get into: Scott’s story – from leading students in the ag classroom to leading the National FFA Organization What the organization does and who it exists to serve How Scott has seen the makeup of National FFA students evolve over his career – and how that’s changed the organization What National FFA hears from industry partners on challenges they are facing in terms of workforce and talent development How agriculture education will need to shift in the future to meet industry needs The upcoming 98th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, what to expect and why it’s important to unite to share ideas What’s ahead for National FFA

AgriNovus CEO, Christy Wright, and Vice President, Libby Fritz, recap September with Cayla Chiddister and discuss the month's news, including additions to our team via our Field Atlas Ambassador program, our participation in the One Health Summit in Indianapolis and several industry stories to share.Meet our Field Atlas Ambassadors Read Christy's Food Dive StoryAgriNovus Partners with BioCrossroads and Elanco for the Life Sciences Summit 2025Aaron Schacht to Speak at Life Sciences Summit 2025 | Watch Aaron Schacht - BiomEdit on AgbioscienceKeystone Cooperative's Kevin Still Announces Intention to Retire | Watch Kevin Still -- Keystone Cooperative on AgbioscienceSePro Corporation Announces Two AcquisitionsInsignum AgTech Raises $2.4MPurdue Researchers Develop Rapid Test for HPAIIntegrated Dynamics (Velocity Winner) Awarded $245,000 from National Science Foundation for Phase 1 SBIR GrantField Atlas AMP Applications Now Open | Apply Here

As consumers shift their preferences toward healthier food options, there is ripe opportunity for innovators in the CPG snack market. This week, we are joined by NutriPop co-founders Ujaswin Jain and Audrey Chung to talk food is health, student entrepreneurship and seizing the moment. We get into: How the NutriPop team came together on the campus of the University of Notre Dame What popped water lily seeds are and how they become a nutritious snack The company’s participation in AgriNovus’ Velocity accelerator and how that experienced helped drive NutriPop forward in 2025 After winning the Food is Health track for Velocity, NutriPop’s successes, wins and momentum on market NutriPop’s differentiation and what makes them unique in the food is health space The tough realities of the CPG market and why they chose to enter as entrepreneurs Advice they would offer to young student entrepreneurs heading down a similar path What’s ahead for NutriPop

From innovation pipeline movement to Series B funding, leadership changes and so much more, BiomEdit is on the move. This week, CEO Aaron Schacht joins Agbioscience to talk scientific discovery, artificial intelligence, creating “and” solutions and how he approaches adding to his team in a meaningful way. Highlights include: An overview of BiomEdit’s innovation pipeline and what has Aaron most excited right now Optavant – BE-101 – and its movement through the USDA regulatory process, what the technology is designed to do and its benefit to the poultry industry Creating solutions that establish certainty for producers – having the economics make sense to where they can realize the full genetic potential of the animal Finding the right messages to connect consumers to straightforward understanding of how their food is produced and why these innovations are so important for them How the BiomEdit team approaches scientific discovery The company’s latest Series B fundriase -- $18.4 M – and what it will enable the company to do New leadership additions and how they add not only competencies, but culture to the BiomEdit team Aaron’s vision for the continued opportunity to marry the AI-driven predictive analysis with scientific discovery to drive this work forward – and some incredible updates for their team in this space What’s ahead for BiomEdit

The global GMO testing market was valued at $3.9 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $6.2 billion by 2031. With current processes costing time and money, there is a massive opportunity for innovation in genetic detection that benefits grain distributors, seed suppliers and ultimately – the farmer and consumer. Today we are joined by Ryan Skaar, COO of NanoBio Designs, to talk their platform technology and winning AgriNovus’ Velocity accelerator. We get into: What NanoBio Designs does and who they exist to serve through their technology How the company has evolved since locating their headquarters to Indianapolis in 2022 Why they chose Indiana, its entrepreneurial resources and connections, as home base Their technology, IndyStix, and its differentiation from other genetic testing technologies on the market What winning the AgriNovus Velocity accelerator did for NanoBio Designs as a company and what they’ve done post-win to build momentum How IndyStix creates confidence for the entire value chain What Ryan sees as NanoBio Designs’ biggest opportunities for the future The company’s pilot that’s currently running and its end goal What’s ahead for the company

Indiana is now home to a commercially available renewable diesel fuel production facility after CountryMark cut the ribbon on its $100 million plus refinery upgrade in Mount Vernon. With new production capabilities and a new market for Indiana soybean farmers, we are joined by CountryMark CEO Matt Smorch to talk about the expansion and what lies ahead. We get into it: The company’s innovation portfolio and what they bring to the energy market How biofuels have evolved in recent years – from policy driving change to sustainable aviation fuel Ag and oil coming together to drive outcomes on policy The $100 million investment in the Mount Vernon facility and how it positions them for the future The benefits of co-processed renewable diesel Why they chose to make this investment right now What’s ahead for CountryMark

Young leaders are born in the show rings of 4-H fairs and Cora Rodibaugh knows that story well. This week, the 10-year 4-H'er sits down with Indiana Farm Bureau’s Annie Romine to recap her career, talk about her love of pigs and the skills she’s acquired along the way that have her equipped her for the future. She also shares what’s ahead for her as she takes off for Purdue University to start the fall semester. Indiana Farm Bureau is dedicated to supporting youth in agriculture. There are several opportunities for youth to be involved in INFB, with scholarships for graduating seniors and college students; Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters at Purdue, Huntington and Vincennes universities; FFA advocacy days and trainings; grants for FFA chapters and 4-H clubs; and leadership development events, competitions, awards and conferences. INFB also serves as presenting sponsor of the Exhibitor Experience for livestock exhibitors and all showmanship contests at the Indiana State Fair. You can learn more at infb.org/YFAP.

For the first time on Agbioscience (except that one time when she was a guest), we are joined by our new President and CEO, Christy Wright! She talks her first week on the job, connecting with industry leaders and stakeholders and hosting her first Quadrant on day three at AgriNovus. You can also read her feature with Elaine Watson in AgFunder News and on Hoosier Ag Today. Christy, Libby and Cayla get into: The announcement of a potential merger between Premier Companies and Superior AgA recap of the Indiana Farm Bureau Critical Issues Summit -- including bonus audio from President Randy Kron and a look at the Future State of Ag Report of Idealyst InnovationIntelinair's 2nd Consecutive Win at the AgTech Breakthrough AwardsFloVision Raising $8.7M to Expand AI Tools for Food ProcessingField Atlas Company Tours recap -- we are recruiting companies for 2026! If you're interested in hosting students, contact [email protected].

Consumer education and connectivity to agbioscience innovation and their food’s origin story is a growing conversation. To see is to believe; but to experience the farm? That’s a whole different story. Purdue University’s Megan Kuhn guest hosts Hannah Vorsilak, Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Marketing and Communications Manager, this week to talk about the organization’s ultimate commitment to consumer experience in Indiana agriculture: The Glass Barn – located on the Indiana State Fairgrounds. We get into: What The Glass Barn is and what it is designed to do for someone who has never visited Why that name? Over ten years in, how has The Glass Barn evolved to meet consumer questions and the evolution of innovation in agbioscience The use of the facility well beyond the 15 days of the Indiana State Fair – The Glass Barn welcomes 10,000 students each year + the integration of their virtual learning programs How the experiential is positively affecting the perception Commonly asked questions by consumers Features inside of the barn, including live farmer chats, games and more The growing need for experiences like this in a time where consumers have pressing questions about their food What’s ahead for The Glass Barn

For the first time in Agbioscience video history, we have taken the show on the road; and not to just any venue...but to the iconic Indiana State Fair. Spanning 15 days that welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors, those consumers and small businesses help to generate millions for the regional economy in its two weeks run. Today our guest host Kenda Resler Friend from KRF Public Relations is joined by Indiana State Fair Executive Director, Cindy Hoye, to talk the impact of consumer experience, agbioscience innovation and the fairgrounds beyond these two weeks. We get into: Cindy’s perspective on the 2025 Indiana State Fair, its new attractions and consumer feedback Marrying time-honored traditions with new themes The underpinning of agbioscience innovation and education as the foundation for the Indiana State Fair and its 15 days Bringing veterinary science to the fair via a partnership with Purdue University that allows Q&A opportunities between consumers and vet students on modern agriculture practices How young leaders are developed through the spirit of 4-H, competition and hard work each year Leveraging the other days of the year to invest in the Indiana State Fair property in order to give back to the state What’s ahead for the Indiana State Fair

According to Purdue University’s Ag Economy Barometer survey in July, high input costs and lower crop and livestock prices are the top two concerns on farmers mind at the moment. For agbioscience innovators, it’s a critical more than ever to consider moves that can deliver maximum value to the farmer. Dave Pugh, CFO of AgReliant Genetics, joins us as GDM recently announced its agreement to acquire the company. We get into: Dave’s background in computer science and risk management + what drew him to agbioscience Massive validation in the form of GDM’s agreement to acquire AgReliant Genetics and what that means for the farmer How Dave thinks through the investment of innovation in agbioscience in a time of uncertainty for farmers and companies alike The AgReliant Genetics portfolio heading into acquisition and its strengths in corn genetics His perspective on the relationship between seed brands and customer Dave’s finance background and role as CFO – in a time of uncertainty – planning for oversight of what’s ahead and how to stay innovative in the process What has him most excited about what’s ahead with GDM The following conversation discusses the recent announcement that GDM is seeking to acquire AgReliant Genetics. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in the United States and other customary closing conditions and approvals. Until the necessary approvals and closing conditions are obtained and satisfied and the transaction has closed, GDM and AgReliant Genetics will continue to operate as independent entities, maintaining their current business routines and commercial structures.

From the early days of biotechnology to the growing voice of today’s consumer, a desire exists for knowledge and understanding of the work being done by scientists, farmers and agbioscience innovators to bring food to our tables. Today we are joined by Michele Payn, author and founder of Cause Matters Corp., who has made it her mission to bridge this gap, to make agriculture less defensive and to put emotion and heart at the center of the work happening across the industry. We get into: Michele’s boots on the ground perspective from scientists, farmers and industry professionals on what’s evolving in how they share their stories with consumers How Cause Matters Corp. came to be and how new eras present a fresh set of challenges for her tackle and communicate in her business The biggest gaps agbioscience has in bridging the technical to the practical Helping others adapt and stay nimble in their communication and acceptance of new information in a fast-paced world Artificial Intelligence, its role in how consumers learn about agbioscience, the pros and cons and how it can be leveraged as a trusted source in the future Disinformation vs. Misinformation – the distinction and the dangers between the two How she would compare agbioscience today to other decades of her time in the industry – from a communications and consumer acceptance perspective Finding emotional center in your agbioscience story – and the importance of making it personal to seek understanding when you communicate Her new book, Science Story Speak, and its opportunity for readers to connect with science understanding on a more meaningful level What’s next for Cause Matters Corp.

This is perhaps the most epic news recap we have ever encountered on Agbioscience! So much so, we had to go back and record audio after we thought we were done. We get into the USDA's announcement on re-organization and Indiana's inclusion as a regional hub as part of that, AgReliant Genetics' acquisition by GDM, BiomEdit's product pipeline milestones, Series B funding and new leadership additions, and a big partnership announcement and honor for Corteva Agriscience. We also provide an update on the AgriNovus CEO search and when you can expect to learn more information. Don't forget! AgriNovus Quadrant is August 20 -- Register here: https://agrinovusindiana.com/quadrant/USDA Reorganization Announcement + MemorandumISDA's Don Lamb Talks to Hoosier Ag Today on USDA ReorganizationAgReliant Genetics Announces Acquisition Agreement by GDMBiomEdit Announces Series B Raise, Advances Product to Final PhaseAgFunder News Talks with BiomEdit on Designer ProbioticsCountryMark Completes $100M Diesel Expansion ProjectPhytoform and Corteva Partner on AI to Boost Disease Resistance in Corn

The USDA estimates that each year in the U.S., poor nutrition causes roughly $1.1 trillion in preventable health care spending and lost productivity from diet-attributable diseases. As farmers continue their work of producing food for a growing population, agbioscience companies are also seeking new ways to innovate and optimize for human, animal and planetary health. This week, we are joined by Corteva Agriscience’s first Chief Health Officer, Dr. Claudia Coplein, to examine the breadth of her new role with the company and what they aim to achieve. We get into: The macro gaps in the way we produce and consume food and its overall impact on our health Corteva’s launch of the Chief Health Officer role and how they’re approaching new audiences to tell the story of farming around the world Putting this platform into practice – Claudia talks about where you see and experience her team’s work What reception has been like from different audiences thus far Corteva’s focus on farmer health and how current headwinds facing the industry impacts their physical, mental and emotional well-being Claudia’s vision for how Corteva’s health platform evolves Her background and how this role – and agbioscience – feels custom-built for her Where Claudia believes the food is health movement is headed and Corteva’s role in that movement What’s ahead for her team – and what has her most excited

The words talent and shortage come packaged together in nearly every sentence across almost every industry these days. It's a widespread challenge that raises a bigger question for agbioscience companies. Do our hurdles look like the same as other industries? If not, what do we do next? This week, we are joined by Vivayic’s Agriculture Practice Lead, Blaze Currie. We get into: His high-level take on the current market overview for talent relative to the workforce needs of other industries The headwinds facing the agbioscience industry that are uniquely their own when it comes to talent and leadership A history lesson on how agbioscience got here – and the generational waves that have created the talent disparity we are facing today How companies will need to adapt in the future to fill their talent needs Executive and senior leadership positions aging out of the workforce, how those positions will need to be developed and what organizations need to do today to prepare for tomorrow How Blaze sees the next 10-15 years of talent evolution shaking out in agbioscience – and it looks a lot different than is has in the past What’s ahead for Vivayic

The food ingredients market is expected to grow to $97 billion by 2029. That's an annual growth rate of just over 6.5%. Central to that growth is the voice of the consumer seeking options to improve their health and ingredients that contribute to their overall wellness. One company has been innovating in this space for generations. Ed Fish, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Varietal Solutions at Bay State Milling, joins guest host Jarrod Sutton from Purdue DIAL Ventures to discuss the market's rapid change -- from consumer demands to regulatory pressures and beyond. We get into: The overall ingredients market and the perspective on how consumer health is creating new opportunities Who Bay State Milling aims to serve through innovation, the company’s 125-year family-owned legacy and its growing portfolio Unique differentiation, being nimble and knowing how to connect food to agriculture Leveraging their Rothwell Grain Essential Center to work with customers on refining and troubleshooting products – and how their customers participate in the process New products being rolled out by Bay State Milling in the food is health space, including HealthSense™ (a high-fiber wheat flour) and SowNaked Oats™ (a higher-protein oat) How the relationships work for Bay State Milling across the value chain – farmers to food companies How Ed believes the winners of tomorrow are innovating today What’s ahead for Bay State Milling

The market for ag biologicals is projected to grow significantly according to Grandview Research – making the leap from $11B market in 2024 to a $16.8B in 2030. One Indiana company has recently created a strategic alliance to drive biological innovation at every stage of the crop nutrition cycle. Dr. Tanya Soule, Vice President of Microbiology at BW Fusion, joins us to talk science, producers and the farm. We get into: What biologicals are and how they benefit farmers How they work in tandem with other fertilizers and modes of crop protection to drive yield BW Fusion’s approach to scientific discovery and innovation How the company got into the agbioscience industry – it wasn’t its first vertical Bain Capital Double Impact’s support that led to the strategic alliance between BW Fusion, Biodyne USA and Agronomy 365 and what that has allowed them to do from an innovation perspective The farmers’ role in advancing innovation at BW Fusion Why Tanya, a career academic, made the switch to working with the BW Fusion team and coming to the agbiosciences Her advice for young scientists What’s ahead for BW Fusion

The month of June has passed -- and it was a busy one! AgriNovus Vice President, Libby Fritz, joins Cayla Chiddister in the studio to talk through a number of exciting things, including what's to come for the podcast with Mitch's departure from AgriNovus. Hint: we aren't going anywhere! We get into: Updates to what you can expect to hear and see on the podcast moving forward!What's going on with the CEO search -- and how you can apply to be our next fearless leaderVelocity Demo Day, the three winners and our power outage networking party; watch our Directionally Speaking video series hereField Atlas Company Tours are coming 8/14-8/15 at Corteva and Ingredion; if you know a college student interested in learning more about agbioscience, have them apply by 7/13! Register here.Community of Practice webinar on AI in Agriculture coming on 7/23; Register here.Quadrant is back on 8/20 and we are talking leadership in action! Register here.

For over 230 episodes of Agbioscience, Mitch Frazier has helped share the stories of leaders and innovators across food, animal health, plant science, agtech and agriculture. One story we’ve not told, though, is that of the storyteller, himself. Today we close a chapter on this podcast and with all love, turn our pages forward to what lies next. But make no mistake, this is not a chapter we will soon forget. For his final time on Agbioscience, Mitch Frazier joins us. We get into: A look back at the last five years of agbioscience innovation Mitch’s vision as a leader and why he chose growth as a focus for AgriNovus The importance of creating the conditions for industry to grow Seizing the opportunity – and which of those opportunities agbioscience should be looking to in the years to come The power of a small team to drive outcomes His favorite part about hosting more than 230 episodes of the podcast Learning from some of Indiana’s best and bright leaders while in agbioscience – and what lessons he plans to take with him His favorite down to business – and unserious – moments at AgriNovus Mitch’s personal signoff on Agbioscience

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reports that the food ag industry contributes roughly 1.5 trillion to the country’s GDP – that's a 5.5% share. It’s a market that continues to evolve as many factors – from consumers to regulatory challenges – create new opportunities for innovation and new products. This week we are joined by Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing CEO, Jason Kashman, to share perspective on food, health and what’s ahead. We dive into: The overall landscape in the food manufacturing market, what Jason is seeing and what’s driving growth for brands Popcorn is a commodity and a finished good – are the challenges and turbulence the same on both sides of the coin? Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing’s history, how it became its own entity in 2019 and their overall innovation portfolio The massive footprint that is Weaver Popcorn – from grocery brands to private label Jason’s take on emerging trends on snack foods and where popcorn fits in the market How food has changed over the last decade, including difficulty for startup innovation to grow in the space, better for you ingredients and automation on the manufacturing side The supply chain lessons learned from COVID and how companies have maybe pivoted to vertical integration to eliminate uncertainty If and how the regulatory challenges are affecting Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing’s business What’s next for the company

The USDA just reported that there are 243 veterinary shortage areas across 46 states nationwide – the highest number ever. It’s a challenging environment, particularly when you consider veterinarians are on the front lines of battling avian influenza and dealing with a massively growing companion animal population. Dr. Bret Marsh, Dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, joins this week to help understand the evolution that’s happening in this space and how this gap is being tackled. We get into: What he’s hearing from veterinarians in the field and those he works alongside on research How his past experience as Indiana’s State Veterinarian and now the Dean at Purdue’s College of Veterinary Medicine has shaped a unique perspective on where this segment of the agbioscience industry needs to evolve Balancing the need for veterinarians in the field with a deep need to continue innovation at Purdue University – and the need for veterinarians to do that, too The latest updates of what’s happening at the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital Areas that have Bret most intrigued right now – from avian influenza vaccines to OneHealth His optimism for the incoming class of veterinary students at Purdue and their insurmountable opportunities The top challenges that will need to be overcome in the industry in the coming years What’s on the horizon for Purdue’s College of Veterinary Science

The global functional food ingredients market is expected to grow by $53 billion by 2028 according to Technavio. One pioneer, a scientist, is operating at the intersection of food and health and has become a functional food powerhouse. Dr. Nora Khaldi, CEO and Founder of Nuritas, joins us to talk ingredients, food and innovation. We get into: What big companies are looking for right now when it comes to ingredient formulation, specifically around functional foods What a peptide is, and how it works Nuritas’ need product launch, PeptiSleep, and its ability to improve all four phases of sleep How Nora’s conversations go with big food brands when they understand the power of peptides The moments where she understood her own differentiation as an innovator Data’s value and the duration it takes to accrue it – and AI as a tool to fuel the system What’s ahead for Nuritas

There are roughly 86 million head of cattle and 74 million head of hogs in the US. That’s according to USDA – those numbers flat year over year in a market where the demand for animal protein is expected to be up 5% by 2033. It’s a math equation that creates a challenge but also creates an opportunity for innovation. Liane Hart, co-founder and CEO, of Verility joins us to talk animal health. She gets into: The overall animal health market from both the veterinarian and producer perspective Animal fertility challenges and how Verility seeks to innovate in this area How farmers and ranchers currently manage a lack of fertility in production agriculture Verility’s platform, Fertile-Eyez, the first true AI fertility device in the animal health industry and its ability to remove all subjectivity of sperm analysis and ovulation detection How artificial intelligence is being leveraged to create accuracy and profitability for the producer Liane’s leap from Purdue student to Elanco employee to entrepreneur – including a stop to observe a technology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Lessons she’s learned as an entrepreneur along the way and advice she’d share with those who might have an innovative idea in agbioscience What’s ahead for Verility

As Indiana's famous Month of May comes to a close, Mitch Frazier and Cayla Chiddister recap big news for Mark Warner and LIberation Labs, look ahead to exciting new for AgriNovus' Velocity Demo Day and Indiana's hosting of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress next week. Mitch and Cayla also look ahead to his next career journey and talk about what's next for the podcast: Mark Warner talks Vivici partnership on the podcast: https://podcast.agrinovusindiana.com/public/215/Agbioscience-8a9a4381/50e60709Velocity Demo Day is coming on 6/18. Register here: https://agrinovusindiana.com/velocity/The Global Entrepreneurship Congress kicks off in Indianapolis next week! Agbioscience listeners can use the code ECOSYSTEM50

The USDA estimates that between 30-40% of the US food supply is wasted every year – that’s over 133 BILLION pounds. One farmer, turned soldier, turned entrepreneur is tackling that market. Ben Moore, founder of The Ugly Company, joins us to talk to fruit. We get into: Ben’s connection to Indiana and how a farmer went on to create a trucking company that became The Ugly Company as it is today How damaged fruit with scars or other cosmetic issues because big business for Ben – The Ugly Company can now be found on store shelves of Target, Sam’s Club, Walmart and Whole Foods The Ugly Company’s goal to prevent food waste, where they are at in that target and how they hope to accelerate that goal in the future How the fruit becomes the product on shelves – The Ugly Process, if you will Ben’s advice for aspiring farmers, business owners and entrepreneurs and lessons he’s learned from leading his business and his time serving in the US Army What service looks like to him versus what it maybe looked like as a 22-year-old soldier What’s ahead for The Ugly Company – including further distribution and availability in schools

Global Market Insights predicts the precision fermentation market for food and beverage will grow from just about two billion in 2024 to 70 billion globally by 2034. That’s a staggering combined annual growth rate of nearly 40%. Liberation Labs is pioneering a new approach to precision fermentation at scale that borrows a page from the pharmaceutical industries playbook. Co-founder and CEO, Mark Warner, joins us to get into: What exactly is precision fermentation? The challenge facing companies, particularly early-stage innovators, that Liberation Labs saw an opportunity to solve for with contract precision fermentation The company’s recent announcement of its first customer for the Indiana facility, Vivici, what they will do for them and what’s exciting about the partnership How Mark saw an opportunity in the pharmaceutical space that could be replicated in fermentation for agbioscience innovation Mark’s journey to fundraise for Liberation Labs Reflecting on the decision to put their facility in Indiana for access to talent, corn and transportation The biggest opportunities for growth – not just for Liberation Labs – but for precision fermentation as an industry Biomanufacturing’s importance to economic growth, but in urban and rural America What’s ahead for Liberation Labs

The U.S. Economic Policy Institute estimates there are 2.4 million ag jobs in the United States and Purdue University believes that 40% of ag jobs – new jobs – go unfilled. One entrepreneur is turning to the power of digital to transform ag labor. Scott Prince, CEO of Croft, gives us perspective on the current labor market and what he’s solving for using agtech. We get into: The complexity and challenges of the ag labor market – from seasonality to workforce shortages How the Department of Labor’s H-2A program is designed to help farmers overcome labor challenges, but the administrative hurdles they face in the process What the process looks like for farmers to participate in the H-2A program and why Croft was developed as a streamlined solution Identifying this as a critical need to automate for the farmer What Scott is hearing from customers using the platform What’s ahead for Croft – hint: it includes expanding their analytical intensity capacity

The American Farm Bureau estimates that roughly 40% of US farmland is either rented of leased. It’s a reality that creates a labyrinth of contracts and agreements between farmers and landowners that the two have to navigate together. One entrepreneur is turning to the power of software to transform that challenge into an opportunity that makes that relationship a little easier to navigate. Shashi Raghunandan, CEO of Oaken, joins us to talk the complex web between landowners and farm operators. We get into: The existing challenge between landowners and farmers, especially as farms grow to significant acreage Oaken as a platform not only manage multiple contracts for large acre farms but to also manage the unique specifics of each individual deal How the migration to cloud-based technologies like Oaken balance in an industry like agriculture that is largely relationship-based The feedback farmer customers are giving on the Oaken platform thus far Shashi’s background in payments and financial services and how it paved the way to him connecting with Purdue DIAL Ventures and eventually leading Oaken What to expect from Oaken in the next 12-18 months

At the end of April, AgriNovus CEO Mitch Frazier jumps on the podcast with Cayla Chiddister to recap the month gone by and events coming up, including: Recent travels and discussions around how the Midwest can add additional value to its commodities, an existing strength and something we've done time and again. Mitch recently spoke with AgFunder News' Elaine Watson on challenges meeting opportunities in this tough environment right now and how "pessimists might sound smart, but it's the optimists who will win. That story is here.Our next Quadrant event is coming up in Indianapolis focused on the evolution of food ingredients based on shifting consumer preferences, how food companies are responding and what that means for farmers. You can register for the free event here.Quadrant's discussion aligns nicely with a gigantic event -- The Sweets and Snacks Expo (learn more here).Field Atlas just closed its May Company Tour application window, but August is still open for college students to apply. Learn more here.Velocity Demo Day is coming up June 18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Register for the free event here.

The USDA calls biosecurity the cornerstone of animal livestock production and it’s one that’s taken center stage of late as farmers have battled disease. Dr. Kelli Werling, Director of Animal Health Programs at the Indiana Board of Animal Health, joins to talk biosecurity, how farmers are protecting the farm and how the spread of disease among animal production is ultimately impacting consumers. We get into: The current state of biosecurity across the Midwest, avian flu’s impact three years into its reign and how farmers are working to attempt further spread on their operations Consumer pressure being felt by avian flu and how egg prices are being impacted The migration of the disease from birds to other species – from cattle to cats – and why it’s happening As a regulatory body, IBOAH balancing the heightened state of alert, practicality of science and emotion Where Kelli sees new innovations emerging on farms to combat the spread of disease The best defense to avian flu – is a good offense What IBOAH sees ahead with disease pressure and their call to action for farmers and industry alike

Agbioscience was on-site at the Indiana Farm Bureau’s Ag Threats and Security Summit in March and had a chance to sit down with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s Special Agent in Charge Herb Stapleton to talk all things biosecurity. We get into: The complex labyrinth of threats and risks affecting agriculture in the Midwest and across the United States How threats to agriculture are evolving and what that evolution means for farmers and agbioscience companies alike As Special Agent in Charge, what Herb has witnessed as the most prevalent cyber threats to ag across the Midwest in recent years Herb’s perspective on the relationship between food security and national security What controls farmers and agbioscience companies can put in place to be prepared Action items Herb hopes attendees take from the event – from the simple to the complex

Pet ownership in the U.S. has increased dramatically over the past three decades according to Forbes – showing 66% of households own a pet. That’s almost 87 million houses, up 58% from 1988. Staggering growth drives dramatic need for innovation in pet health...and pet food. Dr. Mahsa Vazin, CEO and founder of PawCo Foods, joins us fresh off a venture capital raise to talk innovation and what’s ahead, including: The overall macro challenges in the pet health market, including obesity in dogs and cats How the pet food market is responding to a consumer desire and demand for more nutrient-dense food for their companion animals How plant-based brands are capturing market share in the pet health space PawCo’s leveraging of AI in tandem with nutritionists to optimize recipe formulations The company’s recent venture capital raise and what it will enable them to expand and do in the future Investor feedback, questions and response to the PawCo model during the recent fundraise Mahsa approach to driving sales for PawCo What’s on the horizon for the company as it continues its growth trajectory

With 2.4 million U.S. agriculture jobs to fill each year and an unemployment rate that still remains below 5%, leaders in agbioscience and farmers are facing a challenge. Like the rest of the economy, they’re in a battle for talent. One unique ally in agriculture is the cooperative system, a collective buying group and service provider network that’s serving American farmers. Phil Brewer, Vice President of Strategy at Keystone Cooperative, joins us to talk about the evolution of the cooperative from what it was – to what it is. We get into: Keystone Cooperative’s footprint across Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan and the health of farmers heading into planting season The evolution of the cooperative system over the last two decades – from service provider to business partner How the farmer-led model of a cooperative ultimately drives adoption of new innovation and fills gaps for its members on their operations Areas where Keystone needs to move quicker and capture market opportunities to deliver value to farmers How they approach working with small companies and early-stage, venture-backed innovators

The power of experience is undeniable. The context it creates, the insight that it develops is far more than could be accomplished than by simply reading. Benjamin Franklin, one of our nation’s founding fathers, I think, said it best. “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I’ll remember. Involve me and I’ll learn.” Dr. Ronda Hamm, Director of Food, Farm and Energy Experience and Conner Prairie, joins this week to talk experiential learning and what lies ahead for the National Register of Historic Places in the coming years. We get into: Ronda’s scientific background and how she’s seen biology accelerate innovation over the last two decades Her love for entomology – that’s it – she loves bugs The exciting idea that science is continuing to educate itself, always evolving – and the endless career possibilities that it can present The Food, Farm and Energy Experience at Conner Prairie – what it is, what it’s designed to bring to consumers and industry alike – from grower to grocer How she hopes this new addition to Conner Prairie engages a new generation of agbioscience workforce – and to understand that it expands well beyond farmers to supply chain, food scientists, data analysts and more Her ambition for this site to become The Smithsonian of the Midwest focused on food and agriculture A call to action for industry wanting to be involved in this project and timelines for when to expect this to be rolled out at Conner Prairie

Agbioscience comes to you from the first ever Indiana Farm Bureau Indiana Ag Threats and Security Summit hosted in partnership with Beck’s Hybrids, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. We had the opportunity to speak with Megan Ritter (Indiana Farm Bureau), Herb Stapleton (FBI) and Aaron Pierce (Pierce Aerospace) on the breadth, timeliness and criticality of keeping farming operations secure to maintain a safe, abundant food supply. We also cover: A March Quadrant recap and a look ahead to our May 14 event. Register here: https://agrinovusindiana.com/quadrant/ Big pre-seed funding news for startup Gripp. Listen to their recent episode of Agbioscience here: https://podcast.agrinovusindiana.com/public/215/Agbioscience-8a9a4381/f0137c47 ReproHealth Technologies as the winner of the first-ever Agbioscience Innovator Award at the TechPoint Mira Awards

Gene editing in plants – it's been heralded as the next step-function change in the advancement of agriculture. One Indiana company is advancing the technology fresh off a $144 million venture capital raise. Claudia Nari, Chief Product Officer of Inari, joins today to talk through this historic time for gene editing and biotechnology at large. They get into: From speed to precision, Claudia lays out the differentiation of gene editing to other types of plant breeding Crops of focus for Inari right now and stresses they’re focused on to enable farmer success The company’s recent venture capital raise, their value proposition and educating investors Inari’s unique advantage (knowing what to do, having the tools to do it and being able to do those at the same time) The status of field trials and what commercialization will look like for Inari Biggest problems in-field to be solved through gene editing – from yield to resource efficiencies Regulatory hurdles and Claudia’s perspective on the acceptance of gene editing as a technology When will Inari technology be in customer fields? And what’s next?

The Economic Policy Institute estimates there are 2.4 million employees in U.S. agriculture and Purdue finds that 40% of new ag jobs go unfilled. One entrepreneur is turning to computer vision, artificial intelligence and robotics – maybe a little autonomy – to try to address these challenges facing farmers. Mike Jacob, founder and CEO of TerraForce, joins to talk farmer-led innovation, solving for the labor gap and jobs to be done. We get into: The overview of the farm labor market, its challenges and where TerraForce specifically focuses right now in the specialty melon crop market What challenges face melon producers when it comes to harvest How Mike sees this new era of AI and computer vision shaping precision in agbioscience innovation What TerraForce does, solving labor challenges and how they plan to tackle a real problem facing farmers Mike gets into seeing his first melon harvest, identifying the problem to be solved and innovating from there The criticality of melons – yes melons – to make an impact on his community as an entrepreneur Where the TerraForce product sits today and how regional producers are the critical testbed to the company’s success TerraForce’s recent fundraise and what it will enable them to do Mike’s take on the ag’s jobs to be done: ag becoming less optimized and finding ways to become more resilient to big changes

Stage content at events like World AgriTech is always of highest quality but there are conversations happening behind the scenes that give a sense of what’s happening in the industry. Brook Cunningham, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Corteva Agriscience, and Rob Dongoski, Food and Agribusiness Leader at Kearney, joined us for a conversation at World AgriTech to get perspective on many topics, including: A volatile market – and the reminder that it’s also cyclical The tipping point for investors and the critical questions they have beyond just yield at this point in time Corteva’s balanced approach between internal and external innovation and the company’s areas of focus when it comes to investment and partnership How Kearney is advising companies seeking investment – of all sizes – in this volatile time (hint: don’t go it alone) Areas of innovation that are seeing traction from investors The importance of creating certainty around the noise – from regulatory to policy and beyond How they both see this market cycle differently than past cycles The role of food and consumers in this next evolution of food and agriculture Crystal ball: what are the conversations at World AgriTech like five years from now?

Identifying customer needs – jobs to be done – it's the core of innovation. But what are the jobs that need to be done? What are those things left undone as we head into the 2025 growing season? And what does the current economy, trade environment and overall farm sentiment mean for innovators and the farmers they serve? Brad Fruth, Director of Innovation at Beck’s Hybrids, joins this week to make sense of it all. We get into: What’s on farmers minds given the current state of the ag economy Big trends Brad is seeing aside from the macroeconomic headwinds and tailwinds The role of biologicals and seed traits in this current economy Beck’s approach to innovation and helping emerging companies bring new ideas to market The differentiation of go-to market in ag versus other industries and the criticality of patient capital from VCs Areas for great impact in agtech right now as Brad sees it The importance of staying lean when you’re starting up and recalling really great technologies that didn’t hit the market because they ballooned and got too big, too fast

Research estimates the global animal health market to be roughly $8 billion, a number analyst firm Grand View Research expects to grow at a 10% compounded annual growth rate through 2030. Much of that growth will be driven by biotechnology. Dr. Todd Zion, CEO and founder of Akston Biosciences, joins this week to help understand what is happening in the biotech markets, specifically as it relates to companion animal innovation. We get into: Where the market sits today and how it is evolving Akston Biosciences’ 2024 partnership announcement with Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine focused on a therapeutic for canine oncology His approach to animal health innovation through precision proteins creating affordable, effective treatments for companion animals What sits in the Akston Biosciences pipeline currently and the company’s approach to cost-effectiveness while also staying innovative Todd’s past work in human health, how he sees two sides – animal and human health – coming together to push innovation further, faster The regulatory hurdles faced by both human and animal health innovators that delay getting safe, effective treatments to market A big need for more risk capital coming into the animal health innovation market

Pitchbook reports that of venture capital deals in 2024, roughly 30% of them were down rounds or flat, meaning their valuation of the companies either went backwards or were the same round to round. It’s a trend that will continue, so how can entrepreneurs break the cycle? Matt Tyner, managing partner of America’s most active venture capital firm – Elevate Ventures, joins today to make sense of what’s ahead and how innovators can succeed. He gets into: The current state of venture capital – and the criticality of taking a step back to understand where things sit today Investors’ increased focus on profitability and not being able to cut your way to growth Artificial intelligence as an enabler – not a vertical Does the future include a shift to debt versus venture The cost of innovation and the role of an investor in this era of venture capital What the current conversation with portfolio companies looks like for Elevate Ventures What Matt sees as emerging trends in agbioscience The most important jobs to be done in the industry