Shows
Agbioscience373. Libby Fritz recaps June, the AgriNovus CEO search, Velocity Demo Day + what's aheadThe 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...2025-06-3022 min
Agbioscience372. Mitch Frazier on 5 years of AgriNovus, the power of a small team + an Agbioscience farewellFor 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...2025-06-3028 minAgbioscience367. Mitch Frazier recaps May, talks Liberation Labs + Vivici, Velocity $75K Demo Day + Global Entrepreneurship Congress in IndianaAs 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...2025-05-2912 minAgbioscience362. Mitch Frazier recaps April, talks Midwest resilience + looks ahead to Quadrant + Velocity's first Demo DayAt 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...2025-04-3017 minAgbioscience356. Mitch Frazier recaps March from Indiana Farm Bureau’s Ag Threats + Security SummitAgbioscience 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...2025-03-3114 min
Agbioscience343. AgriNovus’ Dan Dawes on Indiana’s unfair advantage, biggest lessons in leadership + reflections on agbioscience innovationMuch has changed in agbioscience over the last three decades. We’ve seen the introduction of gene editing technologies, new digital capabilities, even autonomy. One leader has had a front-row seat to these innovations. He’ll soon retire, but joins us today to share perspective on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. Dan Dawes, Senior Director of Strategy and Growth at AgriNovus joins us to talk about his career and the highlight reel of groundbreaking innovations in agbioscience. We get into: What has kept Dan in agbioscience all these years, his connectivity to the far...2025-01-2717 min
Agbioscience340. BioBond’s Marc McConnaughey on bioproducts, university partnerships and Indiana as a perfect storm of location, logistics + peopleAccording to Zion Market Research, the ag biological products market is expected to grow to $320 billion over the next decade. With a huge connection to agbioscience, what does it mean for farmers? What does it mean for agbioscience innovators? Kicking off season 8 of Agbioscience is BioBond CEO Marc McConnaughey. We get into: What exactly is the bioproducts market and how is demand growing? How BioBond’s sustainable adhesives and protective coatings created a eureka moment for Marc as a serial entrepreneur. The Generation Food Rural Partners Fund and its partnership to help BioBond grow its business in rura...2025-01-0622 min
Agbioscience339. Mitch Frazier recaps 2024 + looks ahead to three big forces of change in agbioscienceIt’s the end of 2024 and it was a giant year across food, animal health, plant science, agtech and agriculture. This week, we recap big stories of the year based on Accelerate 2050 – AgriNovus’ study that showed that Indiana’s agbioscience economy grew by $6 billion in 36 months. The study also launched three forces of change and opportunities for industry growth. We are laying out the top stories of 2024 based on these forces of change starting with: Farmer Focused Innovation AGCO and Trimble come together via a joint venture acquisition – listen to Andrew Sunder...2024-12-3030 minAgbioscience329. Mitch Frazier recaps a gigantic October for bioinnovation + long-term implications for farmersFrom the grand opening of BioBond's new Indiana location to the announcement of Sustainea and Primient's $400 million announcement, it's been a massive month for bioinnovation news. Mitch Frazier and Cayla Chiddister recap the month and look ahead to the rest of 2024 -- including AgriNovus' last QUADRANT of the year.2024-10-3114 minAgbioscience318. Mitch Frazier recaps the Rally Innovation Conference, talks Producer-Led Innovation Challenge and moreAgriNovus CEO, Mitch Frazier, recaps August with highlights from the Rally Innovation Conference, the upcoming Producer-Led Innovation Challenge, Field Atlas hitting college campuses across Indiana and events coming up for you to join!2024-08-3015 minAgbioscience313. Mitch Frazier on AgriNovus’ newly released study, Heartland BioWorks’ $51M grant, Vital Farms coming to Indiana and moreJuly was a month of momentum for the agbiosciences, including the release of new research that revealed Indiana agbioscience contributes nearly $70B to the state’s economy. We are here to recap the month: Accelerate 2050 – a new study that highlights three priority opportunities for the agbiosciences including Food is Health, Farmer-Focused Innovation and Farmer-Focused Innovation. We also hear RTI’s Jim Redden’s comments on what these areas of focus mean for Indiana – and around the world. Heartland BioWorks – recently announced a nearly $51 million implementation grant made possible by the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program created by the CHIPS and...2024-07-3120 min
Agbioscience311. RTI International’s Amanda Rose on Indiana’s $69.6B agbioscience economy, three defined priorities for the futureA team of researchers recently dug in to Indiana’s $69.6 agbioscience economy and its opportunities for growth well into the future – 2050, to be exact. Amanda Rose, agri-food systems lead for RTI International, joins us to elaborate on the newly released study, Accelerate 2050: A Vision for Indiana Agbioscience, and three defined opportunities for differentiated growth amid future uncertainty, including: Farmer-Focused Innovation Food is Health BioInnovation Why these opportunities? Amanda gets into the study’s methodology, marrying economic data with strategic foresight and creating the conditions for a future economy you want. These aren’t idea...2024-07-2223 minAgbioscience297. Mitch Frazier recaps April, talks bioinnovation and entrepreneurs on the moveIt’s the end of the month, so you know what that means. AgriNovus CEO, Mitch Frazier, sits down with Cayla Chiddister to recap Indiana’s agbioscience trip to Brazil and Mexico with Governor Holcomb, creating new opportunities and driving economies forward. He also gets into big announcements and items on the move as it relates to bioinnovation, including an investment announcement from Liberation Labs and conversations with BioMADE. Innovators also made big moves this month and Mitch gets into students winning big at the Indiana Soybean Alliance’s Annual S...2024-04-3027 minAgbioscience286. BONUS: Geoff Zentz on the HungerTech Innovation Challenge, leveraging innovation to eliminate food insecurityDoing good by doing well – it's a concept the AgriNovus Indiana team embraced when the HungerTech Innovation Challenge was launched. Three years later, it’s still going strong; and new solutions are hitting the market that better connect food supply with food demand. The 2024 HungerTech tasks innovators with developing market-driven tech models that ensure increased and equitable food distribution that is both environmentally sustainable and economically viable. The winning team will receive $25,000 to help accelerate commercialization of their solution. Solutions could find, but are not limited to, opportunities for innova...2024-03-0615 minAgbioscience272. A look back at 2023What a year it’s been! The team at AgriNovus Indiana wants to thank you for listening to Agbioscience in season 6 and to let you know – there are still plenty of episodes to go. Season 7 will kick off on January 2. In the meantime, take a walk back through 2023 with us – from agtech consolidation to new companies emerging, Indiana has a lot to celebrate. We talk about the big themes in agbioscience over the last year, how the industry is evolving and emerging trends we feel are here to stay for a while. You’ll hear from...2023-12-1858 minAgbioscience267. We have to talk turkeyAn estimated 88% of Americans will consume turkey this Thanksgiving – that equates to more than 46 million turkeys! It’s big business for farmers across the country, including here in Indiana where the state has become the fourth largest producer of turkey in the country. Becky Joniskan, president of the Indiana State Poultry Association, joins this week to share more about Indiana’s turkey production and the innovation making it possible. Becky talks all things poultry in Indiana – ranging from key innovators like Miller Poultry and Maple Leaf Farms – to the well-informed at-home farmer with a smaller flo...2023-11-2020 minAgbioscience262. Getting the economy you wantForbes – the global business media powerhouse – named Indiana the best place to start a business in 2023. It’s one of many recent wins on the board for Indiana – a trophy case that includes everything from securing commitments for $33B in capital investment in the last six quarters to securing the rights to host the next Global Economic Congress. It’s momentum that today’s guest seeks to continue. Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg joins us to look into the future, poising Indiana for success and retaining young talent in state for generations to come. David talks...2023-10-1620 minAgbioscience257. Indiana to host GEC 2025Agbioscience was in Melbourne, Australia last week for the Global Entrepreneurship Congress – a gathering of more than 2,000 entrepreneurs, investors and organizations from more than 120 counties - all focused on supporting startups and building the economy of the future. During the conference, the United States – particularly Indiana took center stage. Today we are joined by Mark Marich, EVP of the Global Entrepreneurship Network and David Watkins, Senior Vice President of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, to talk about the conference and its future plans to bring the conference to Indiana in 2025. Helping entrepreneurs flourish is what...2023-09-2515 min
Agbioscience237. BONUS: Introducing the winner of our HungerTech Innovation ChallengeThe power of technology to transform how America serves its hungry is the focus of the HungerTech Innovation Challenge. Presented by Elevance Health and supported byShipt, TechPoint and AT&T, this year’s winners join us today to share how they are harnessing the power of innovation and technology to connect food supply with food demand. GreenBasket developed CropSpots, a click-and-collect model that delivers farmer’s market goods to areas of frequent community engagement instead of homes. With delivery costs not being covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), participants can opt-in for group deliveries that allow...2023-06-1326 min
Agbioscience223. BONUS: Better food access through private sector innovationLast year, the federal government invested nearly $120 billion to combat food insecurity with its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but the challenge still remains. As AgriNovus works to inspire innovation in food security through a new category of agtech we call HungerTech, it’s important to understand the scope of food insecurity in America and how we can improve. Today we are joined by Head of Economics at Purdue University and Distinguished Professor, Dr. Jayson Lusk, to discuss new research from AgriNovus that examines factors driving food insecurity across Indiana and areas ripe for private-sector innovation to increase proper ac...2023-04-0521 min
Agbioscience219. BONUS: Announcing the 2023 HungerTech ChallengeThe U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 13.5 million households – more than 10% of the population – experience food insecurity. Innovation, especially in the category of agtech, holds tremendous promise to lower that number. Today we are joined by AgriNovus Indiana Senior Director of Innovation, Geoff Zentz, to announce the launch of the 2023 HungerTech Challenge. They talk about what this year’s challenge entails, the intersection of doing good and doing well and what’s at stake for this year’s winning team (hint: it includes a $25K prize to accelerate their solution). They also dive into the role of innovation to elimina...2023-03-2113 min
Agbioscience210. Agbioscience clicking with young talentLast week, AgriNovus announced its sixth class of Field Atlas Ambassadors – students that serve as the on-campus peer connection to the online career exploration platform (MyFieldAtlas.com). After a handful of ambassador classes, several Indiana college campuses and lots of discussion surrounding the sector, one this is clear: young talent is learning what it means to work in agbioscience (and they really like it). Julia Hamblen is an agricultural education major at Purdue University and a three-time Field Atlas Ambassador while DePauw University biology major, Bree Mahoney-Sutherland, takes on the role as the first-ever ambassador on her campus. T...2023-01-3021 min
Agbioscience206. AgriNovus at CES 2023An audible gasp filled the room at CES 2023’s opening keynote as the world’s leading innovators heard John Deere unveil its new robotic technology, ExactShot, which gives farmers the opportunity to dose fertilizer with precision rather than apply an entire stream – creating healthier plants with less chemical use while saving farmers money. AgriNovus caught up with John Deere’s VP of Production and Precision Ag Production Systems, Deanna Kovar, to talk about this continuation of the company’s smart industrial strategy and putting farmers at the heart of everything they do.Deanna also talks about the critical p...2023-01-0915 min
Agbioscience205. A look back at 2022Do you also feel as though the year flew right on past you? As we sat down to recap what 2022 looked like for Indiana’s agbiosciences, we realized how much can happen in a short amount of time. From food to agtech, creating new innovative opportunities and putting Indiana on a global stage, please enjoy our first-ever year-in-review episode of Agbioscience, and also, our season 5 finale. We appreciate your passion and enthusiasm each week and look forward to bringing you more episodes in the new year. Reference episodes: Jeff Simmons, Elanco: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/po...2022-12-1931 min
Agbioscience204. BONUS: Introducing the winner of the Producer-Led Innovation ChallengeIn partnership with Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance, the 2022 Producer-Led Innovation Challenge tasked innovators with optimizing existing on-farm data to create a farmer-focused platform that will increase data accuracy and reliability to impact speed and cost of capital from lenders. The winning prize: $25,000 to help accelerate commercialization of their solution. This week, we are joined by the winning team, Orlando Saez and Tom Uthell with Aker Technologies. They dive into their approach to the Challenge, how their solution fits within their existing tech stack and their plans to accelerate the platform’s growth in the...2022-12-1416 min
Agbioscience202. A manifestation of his visionDavid Johnson’s impact on Central Indiana and its economic growth cannot be overstated. This week, the CEO of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) joins us to tell his story, from Harvard and Oxford to Capitol Hill, being a lawyer and coming home to Indianapolis (eventually to lead CICP). David also talks about the necessary formation of CICP as an organization, the emergence of AgriNovus as an agbioscience initiative of the organization and the industry’s vast opportunity for sustainable growth in Indiana. As he prepares for his retirement, David looks back on the evolution of the state’s economy...2022-12-0532 min
Agbioscience193. BONUS: AgriNovus at The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition + HealthLast week, AgriNovus had the privilege of an invitation to The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health where President Biden unveiled a five-pillar strategy to eradicate hunger by 2030. Mitch Frazier had the chance to catch up with the Deputy Under Secretary for USDA’s Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services, Stacy Dean, to discuss this new framework to end hunger and the role of innovation in the agbiosciences to make it possible. Using tech to connect those facing food-insecurity to high-quality nutrition is a problem AgriNovus has set out to solve. Learn more about our HungerTech Cha...2022-10-0417 min
Agbioscience192. Growing Indiana’s agtech talent pipelineAgTech is Indiana’s fastest growing agbioscience innovation platform and to continue that growth, a top-notch base of talent is required. This week, we are joined by Dennis Trinkle, Executive Vice President of TechPoint, and Sheila Simpson, Chief Human Resources Officer at Intelinair, to talk about a new opportunity to connect agbioscience employers to tech talent: Xtern. Learn how your company can collaborate with TechPoint + AgriNovus to participate in Xtern. Visit here: https://techpoint.org/xtern-students/ 2022-10-0320 min
Agbioscience188. Conquering on-farm complexityIndiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance serve producers across the state, including value creation and innovation for their operations. This week we are joined by Ben Forsythe, Sustainability and Value Creation Director for the organization, to talk about AgriNovus’ newly announced Producer-Led Innovation Challenge. The Producer-Led Innovation Challenge tasks innovators with optimizing existing on-farm data to create a farmer-focused platform that will increase data accuracy and reliability to impact speed and cost of capital from lenders.. The winning team receives $25K to help commercialize their solution. Are you ready to take on this year...2022-09-1218 min
Agbioscience184. A front-row seat to Indiana’s agbiosciencesMelissa Proffitt’s career in law spans many industries, but agbioscience stands out to her. This week, the Partner-in-Charge of Client Relations at Ice Miller joins the podcast to talk about her path to becoming a lawyer, feeding the world and what sets Indiana apart. 2022-08-0816 min
Agbioscience177. Bringing aeroponic greens to IndianaLiving Greens Farm announced in March that they would invest $70M to establish operations in Indiana, a move that will add up to 120 agbisocience jobs to the state. This week, Gerry Dick with Inside INdiana Business is joined by the company’s CEO, George Pastrana, and Melanie Faust, its VP of Supply Chain. They talk about Indiana as a great location to serve Midwest and surrounding area customers, Muncie’s upside for talent and how aeroponics differ from other operations. 2022-06-1319 min
Agbioscience175. BONUS: Building an economy of the futureIt's a bonus episode! AgriNovus hosted a panel discussion at Indiana's first Global Economic Summit last week and we've got the full session right here. Joining Mitch Frazier was Jeff Simmons, CEO of Elanco, Martha Hoover, Founder of Patachou, Inc., Jean Luc Tete, Founder of Paris-based Horus Impact, and Robert King, EVP of Crop Protection of Corteva Agriscience.2022-05-311h 06
Agbioscience173. BONUS: AgriNovus announces HungerTech Challenge with $25K prize for innovatorsIt’s a bonus episode! This week, we are joined by our very own Senior Director of Innovation, Geoff Zentz, to launch a new challenge to the tech community: HungerTech. The HungerTech Challenge by AgriNovus Indiana will be a month-long technology challenge looking to use mobile-first technology to improve access to nutrition for people using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Running throughout the month of June 2022, the HungerTech Challenge will help entrepreneurs, students, technologists, and existing companies ideate and iterate toward a minimum viable product that can be launched in a pilot with...2022-05-1715 min
Agbioscience167. BONUS: The epicenter for animal health innovationThe silver shovels were out this week as Elanco broke ground on their new global headquarters west of downtown Indianapolis. CEO of Elanco, Jeff Simmons, made one thing very clear: this is a new era at Elanco Animal Health. The company’s new facility includes many amenities; biggest among them is the epicenter for animal health innovation and the opportunity for innovators across the globe to collaborate on new ideas, create, incubate and scale new animal health companies right here in Indianapolis. This bonus episode of Agbioscience comes from the groundbreaking event as AgriNovus spoke with Jeff Sim...2022-04-1406 min
Agbioscience162. Bionutrients: Indiana’s latest agbioscience collaborationHello Nature and MPS Egg Farms recently announced plans to partner on a $50M Indiana-based specialty fertilizer manufacturing facility. Hello Nature CEO, Luca Bonini, joins Mitch Frazier this week to talk about the company’s new venture. They also talk about the role of bionutrients in a time where fertilizer is economically challenging to farmers, his definition of sustainability and what the future holds for Hello Nature. 2022-03-1418 min
Agbioscience156. Better bees, if you pleaseFor crops like almonds, bee pollination is a critical first step in their growing season. Now, agtech is making it possible for growers to know what beehive health looks like ahead of that first step, allowing for agility and better decision-making. On this week's episode, Mitch Frazier of AgriNovus is joined by CEO of The Bee Corp, Ellie Symes. They dive into her co-founding of The Bee Corp, the launch of their agtech solution Verifli, being a Forbes Under 30 Lister and what it means to be an agbioscience entrepreneur in Indiana.2022-01-3113 min
Agbioscience155. Data science closing the gap on farmer uncertaintyIn a world where watches remind us to stand or breathe or our bank notifies us of suspicious activity to our accounts, farmers are now being given the same kind of real-time intelligence that equips them to make better decisions - sometimes before the problem is even visible to the naked eye. On this week's episode, Mitch Frazier with AgriNovus is joined by IntelinAir's new CEO, Tim Hassinger. They talk through the company's intelligence platform, AGMRI, the company's relocation to Indiana in 2021 and the future of data science in farming.2022-01-2411 min
Agbioscience154. A look ahead for the agbiosciencesIt's a new year, new us! Welcome to season 5 of Ag+Bio+Science. On this week's episode, our panel moderator, Gerry Dick with Inside INdiana Business, is joined by Mitch Frazier, CEO of AgriNovus, and Nate Feltman, owner and CEO of IBJ Media. They talk about what's ahead for Indiana's agbioscience sector, how we best tell our state's story and some new changes to the podcast in 2022.2022-01-1723 min
Agbioscience153. The future is now: AgriNovus at CES 2022On display at CES (Consumer Electronics Shows) last week was more than just another wave of agtech innovation; it was the future of farming. This week's special episode comes from the show in Las Vegas where Mitch Frazier, AgriNovus CEO, is joined by Igino Cafiero, CEO of Bearflag Robotics (recently acquired by John Deere) and Dave Roberts, Chief Innovation Officer at Indiana Economic Development Corp. They talk about John Deere's brand new, fully autonomous tractor, electrification and why these innovations go beyond the label of "cutting edge technology" to actual solutions that farmers will need in the future.2022-01-1013 min
Agbioscience151. From coal mining to community developmentAn Indiana company is up-cycling former coal mining sites to create sustainable community development and job creation. On this week's episode, AgriNovus CEO, Mitch Frazier, is joined by President and Co-Founder of Land Betterment, Kirk Taylor. They talk about how this concept came together, the work that goes into restoring the land and how the communities react to these projects. Kirk also talks about the entrepreneurial mindset and future growth of the company.2021-12-0617 min
Agbioscience147. Making southwest Indiana an agtech hub for specialty cropsSouthwest Indiana is known for its melon production. Now they want to be known for agtech in specialty crops, too. On this week's episode, Gerry Dick with Inside INdiana Business, talks with Nichole Like, CEO of The Pantheon. They talk about the theatre's recent renovation and evolution into a business incubator, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs in southwest Indiana and advancing agtech in the region.2021-11-0117 min
Agbioscience143. Indiana entrepreneur automating the almond industryA once aspiring fashion designer, Anna Haldewang is now the founder and CEO of InsightTRAC based in Syracuse, Indiana. On this week's episode of the podcast, she joins Gerry Dick from Inside INdiana Business to talk finding agtech as a career, developing a Rover to remove mummies and navel orangeworms in almond orchards and her biggest lessons as an entrepreneur2021-10-0418 min
Agbioscience142. Introducing the 2021 Producer-Led Innovation Challenge WinnerMeet Team Regrow, the winners of the 2021 Producer-Led Innovation Challenge, designed to inspire innovators to create software that makes it faster for farmers to aggregate complex data sets required to participate in Carbon markets. Mitch Frazier, president and CEO of AgriNovus talks with Manal Elarab, global head of business and product development at Regrow. They walk through their solution, collaborating with Indiana producers and what's next for their company after winning $25K from Purdue Foundry. A special thank you to the presenting sponsor of the Producer-Led Innovation Challenge: Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance.2021-09-2713 min
Agbioscience132. Getting the data right for Carbon marketsAgriNovus Indiana President and CEO Mitch Frazier chats with Kip Tom, U.S. Ambassador + CEO of Tom Farms, about carbon markets and the data challenges growers are facing ahead of the 2021 Producer-Led Innovation Challenge.2021-07-1217 min
Agbioscience131. Attention innovators: we’ve got a $25K data challenge for youAgriNovus recently launched a $25,000 innovation challenge to the tech community to solve a critical data gap that prevents farmers from participating in Carbon markets, where companies purchase credits from farming operations that sequester Carbon. This week, AgriNovus president + CEO, Mitch Frazier, talks about the 2021 Producer-Led Innovation Challenge with Courtney Kingery, CEO of Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council as well as Larry Wilkinson, Noble County producer and ISA Director. To register your team, visit agrinovusindiana.com/challenge.2021-06-2818 min
Agbioscience130. Investing in animal health innovationIndiana's animal health + nutrition sector is fast-growing and ripe for innovation and collaboration in the coming years. The key question: how do entrepreneurs and startups in the space obtain funding to fuel that growth? On this week's episode of the podcast, AgriNovus President + CEO Mitch Frazier is joined by Julia Stephanus, Partner at Borealis Ventures. They talk bringing products to market, animal health as human health and Indiana's vast potential in the space.2021-06-2114 min
Agbioscience126. A job board for the agbiosciencesEmployers in the agbioscience sector now have the opportunity to reach high-level talent through the AgriNovus Indiana job board, released this week. In partnership with ISDA and Farm Credit Mid-America, the job board connects from early career to senior level talent to opportunities available in Indiana and with Indiana-based agbiosciences companies. On this week's episode of the podcast, Gerry Dick with Inside INdiana Business is joined by Melissa Rekeweg, Senior Director of Talent for AgriNovus Indiana. They talk about industry feedback and needs that led to the job board's creation and how this will better connect employers with core...2021-05-1711 min
Agbioscience121. Indiana agtech startup strikes partnership with John DeereBy the time Steve Booher founded Smart Guided Systems, he had already launched and sold four other businesses. On this week's episode of the podcast, the serial entrepreneur is joined alongside his new CEO, Jerry Johnson, to talk their intelligent spray control system - Smart-Apply. Steve and Jerry talk with Gerry Dick at Inside INdiana Business about serving the grower, sustainability and their recent partnership with global equipment powerhouse, John Deere.2021-04-1215 min
Agbioscience113. The First Producer-Led Innovation Challenge Winning TeamInside INdiana Business host Gerry Dick sits down for a discussion with Paul Ousterhout and Keith Hoeing of the Benton Group. The pair won AgriNovus Indiana's Producer-Led Innovation Challenge.2021-02-1513 min
Agbioscience111. COVID19 study provides analysis of Indiana’s food supply chainThis week we have a special discussion for our podcast from the Ernst and Young + AgriNovus COVID-19 Moderated Discussion. AgriNovus Indiana President + CEO Mitch Frazier leads the discussion with Jayson Lusk, Distinguished Professor and Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University and Brian Bourquard, Senior Director at E-Y-Parthenon, Food and Agriculture Strategy.2021-02-0129 min
Agbioscience108. New study shows $39 billion comes from Indiana agbiosciencesAgriNovus Indiana recently released a new report, Innovative Agbioscience in Indiana: 2020 Assessment, showing the sector contributes $39 billion to the state economy. This week's special episode features Mitch Frazier, president + CEO, of AgriNovus Indiana with Simon Tripp and Deborah Cummings of TEConomy Partners.
Read the full report here: https://agrinovusindiana.com/research/2020-11-3026 min
Agbioscience106. Producers shape new innovations in agbioscienceAs the agbioscience sector routinely introduces new innovations, the question should always be asked: is this solving a real problem for producers? Or does it create a problem that’s only solved by new innovation?
On this week’s episode of the podcast, Gerry Dick with Inside INdiana Business talks with Andy Tauer at Indiana Farm Bureau about the ongoing Producer-Led Innovation Challenge with AgriNovus Indiana, Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/ProducerLedPod2020-11-0910 min
Agbioscience103. Innovative environments = good ideas, people + capitalAgriNovus Indiana recently wrapped its 3-week Hackathon series with Forbes. Among those involved was High Alpha Innovation, and CEO Elliott Parker joins Gerry Dick with Inside INdiana Business on this week’s episode to talk about the experience.
Elliott also talks about innovative environments, Indiana’s unique opportunity to be a global leader in agtech and what young entrepreneurs need to be doing now to set themselves up for success.
2020-10-1911 min
Agbioscience101. Field Atlas: students exploring the unexpected in agbioscienceIt’s episode 100! This week, Gerry Dick with Inside INdiana Business is joined by Melissa Rekeweg, senior director of talent for AgriNovus Indiana, to talk all things Field Atlas – a career exploration platform launched in September that connects high school and college students to careers in the agiosciences.
Learn more about Field Atlas: www.myfieldatlas.com.
2020-10-0512 min
Agbioscience100. Forbes AgTech+ Hackathon: creating disruption + new ideasThis month, AgriNovus and IEDC team up with the Forbes Under 30 List and leaders in Indiana’s agbioscience sector to create disruption and new ideas that will transform the industry. Gerry Dick from Inside INdiana Business talks with Shauna Haras and Sherry Phillips with Forbes on the Forbes AgTech+ Under 30 Hackathon.
The three-weekend event is designed to address issues related to 1) a fragile supply chain exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) the intersection of human and animal health and 3) farm-to-fork sustainability. Learn more about the Hackathon here: https://www.forbes.com/connect/event/forbes-agtech-hackathon-weekend1/2020-09-2813 min
Agbioscience99. Collaboration: a strong part of Indiana’s DNAThe largest rural broadband testbed in the nation is in the early phases of development here in Indiana. Johnny Park makes a necessary comeback on the podcast this week to talk with Gerry Dick at Inside INdiana Business about WHIN’s efforts to bring the “I” in IoT to the organization’s 10-county region.
Johnny also speaks on AgriNovus Indiana’s upcoming Producer-Led Innovation Challenge and his role as a mentor for competing teams. Interested in helping farmers solve critical software needs? Sign up by Friday, September 25. The winning team takes home $25,000 from Purdue Foundry. Visit https://www.agrino...2020-09-2112 min
Agbioscience98. BONUS: TechPoint CEO talks Producer-Led Innovation ChallengeOn this bonus episode of the podcast, Mike Langellier, president + CEO of TechPoint, talks with Mitch Frazier, president + CEO of AgriNovus, about the Producer-Led Innovation Challenge and the big opportunity it presents to Indiana's tech pioneers - starting with $25,000 from Purdue Foundry.
Indiana's agbioscience industry needs help to solve critical needs related to farm management software. Listen to hear more and register your team by Friday, September 25. https://www.agrinovusindiana.com/challenge/2020-09-1614 min
Agbioscience97. Producer-Led Innovation Challenge: a big opportunity for Indiana’s tech industryIndiana's agbioscience industry is calling on tech pioneers to solve its most pressing issues with farm management software. The prize? $25,000 from Purdue Foundry. Deadline to register is September 25: https://www.agrinovusindiana.com/challenge/
On this week’s episode of the podcast, Gerry Dick with Inside INdiana Business welcomes Courtney Kingery, CEO of Indiana Corn and Soybean, and Paul Hodgen, an Indiana producer, to talk about the first ever Producer-Led Innovation Challenge – where best-in-class producers team up with pioneers in Indiana’s tech sector for unseen collaboration between two of our state's thriving industries.2020-09-1411 min
Agbioscience92. INTERN SERIES: professional development in a pandemicAmong the many challenges presented to companies this summer, navigating internship programs is one of them. AgriNovus Indiana welcomed two new interns in May who have navigated the world of Zoom and work-from-home right out of the gate.
This week, Gerry Dick with Inside INdiana Business is joined by Allie Decker and Carson Canfield, summer interns for AgriNovus. They talk about youth finding agbiosciences and necessary tools coming for future generations to discover the breadth of career opportunities in this industry.2020-08-0311 min
Agbioscience91. Turning the table: anniversary episode with Gerry DickIndiana has come a long way in the 22 years since Gerry Dick launched Inside INdiana Business and the agbioscience industry has been a leader in that evolution. This week, AgriNovus puts Gerry on the other side of the interview for a two-year anniversary celebration episode of the podcast.
Gerry dives into Indiana’s economic history and the growth of our state’s agbioscience sector. He also talks about the importance of talent, Indiana’s high-performing academic institutions and the future of a fast-growing industry that’s solving critical world problems.
2020-07-2714 min
Agbioscience89. A new era at AgriNovus IndianaA new era begins at AgriNovus Indiana as the organization welcomes its new President + CEO, Mitch Frazier. On this week’s episode of the podcast, Gerry Dick with Inside Indiana Business sits down with Mitch to talk about his vision for the organization and Indiana’s potential as an agbioscience powerhouse.
Plenty of power is needed to meet the food demands of the future. In this episode, Mitch examines challenges that lie ahead: producer profitability, a vulnerable supply chain and weaknesses in our food supply in a COVID-19 world and beyond. How do we fix these problems and...2020-07-1314 min
Agbioscience87. Aquaculture primed to stabilize salmon supply through innovationThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Mark Walton, Chief Technology Officer, AquaBounty.
Between 80 and 90-percent of fish consumed in the United States is imported and most of that is a product of aquaculture, otherwise known as fish farming. On this week’s episode of the podcast, Gerry Dick with Inside Indiana Business is joined by Mark Walton, Chief Technology Officer at AquaBounty Technologies. Based in Maynard, Massaschusetts, the company also has a production facility in Albany, Indiana.
Mark talks innovation as key to their mission and AquaBounty’s opportunity to provi...2020-06-2913 min
Agbioscience80. Agbioscience talent needed in all corners of IndianaThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Mason Gordon, Purdue University student.2020-05-0413 min
Agbioscience79. Innovation is critical in Indiana’s agbioscience storyThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by David Roberts, Chief Innovation Officer, Indiana Economic Development Corporation.2020-04-2709 min
Agbioscience77. Elanco is Indiana’s global, innovative, collaborative animal health companyThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined Kristin S. Bloink, Vice President of Global Research and External Innovation for Elanco.2020-04-1314 min
Agbioscience74. Educating, Engaging and Advocating for Indiana FarmersThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Megan Ritter, Executive Director of Administration for Indiana Farm Bureau.2020-03-2314 min
Agbioscience73. Indiana FFA + ISDAThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Rob Hays, Director of FFA Association, Indiana State Department of Agriculture.2020-03-1611 min
Agbioscience72. Our Partners Continue to Collaborate + Lead Agbioscience MomentumThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Aaron Schacht, Acting CEO of AgriNovus Indiana and Executive Vice President Innovation, Regulatory + Business Development Elanco.2020-03-0910 min
Agbioscience67. Putting Indiana Agbioscience on the Global StageThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Beth Bechdol, President & CEO, AgriNovus Indiana.2020-02-0313 min
Agbioscience66. Agbiosciences Insiders PanelThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Beth Bechdol, President & CEO, AgriNovus Indiana, Jay Hulbert, President & CEO, Ag Alumni Seed and Daniel Padrão, Chief Operating Officer, Solinftec2019-12-2309 min
Agbioscience65. Why a Brazilian AgTech Company Moved to IndianaThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Daniel Padrão, Solinftec, COO.2019-12-1611 min
Agbioscience59. Convergence of Tech + Ag at Indiana IoT LabThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Jason Pennington, Executive Director, Indiana IoT Lab2019-11-0413 min
Agbioscience57. Ivy Tech Community College, Filling the Agbioscience Talent PipelineThis week Inside INdiana Business host Gerry Dick is joined by Chris Lowery, Sr. VP - Workforce Alignment, Ivy Tech Community College.
Chris Lowery is the senior vice president for workforce alignment for Ivy Tech Community College. Prior to this role, Chris served as Chancellor for the Columbus/Southeast Region of Ivy Tech. Over the course of his career, he has worked for Hillenbrand, Inc., the Association of Indiana Counties, and was an aide to former Indiana Governor Robert D. Orr and Senator Dan Quayle. Chris chairs the Career Coaching and Navigation Action Team for Governor Eric Ho...2019-10-2114 min
Agbioscience53. Starting an Agbioscience Movement Through StorytellingAgriNovus Indiana Director of Communications + Engagement and co-producer of this very podcast, Libby Fritz joins us this week on the Ag+Bio+Science Podcast.
Since she was young, Libby has always wanted to share the agriculture story to a broader audience outside of the sector. Now, three years into her role at AgriNovus, Libby gets to do exactly that. If there is a way to tell Indiana’s agbioscience story—whether through a full marketing campaign (#timetotell), signature events, fun computer stickers, airport advertising, bringing people together to engage in a conversation, or this podcast—she will find i...2019-09-2312 min
Agbioscience52. A New Opportunity for Agbioscience EntrepreneursgBETA Indy Director Chelsea Linder introduces listeners to our newest partnership to support entrepreneurs in the agbioscience community: gBETA Agbioscience.
This is a new program of nationally ranked startup accelerator, Wisconsin-based gener8tor. gBETA Agbioscience is a free, seven-week accelerator for early-stage agriculture, biotechnology, and life science companies with Indiana roots. Each program is capped at five teams and requires no fees and no equity.
Apply for gBETA AgBioScience by September 20, 2019: https://www.gbetastartups.com/agbioscience
Chelsea Linder joined the gener8tor team after managing the corporate innovation and incubation center at a p...2019-09-1610 min
Agbioscience51. Orange Corn: A Father-Son Start-upNutraMaize is a consumer-focused agbioscience company commercializing a more nutritious variety of better tasting, non-GMO orange corn. The company was co-founded by a father-son team, Torbert and Evan Rocheford, who now serve as the company's CTO and CEO respectively.
CTO: “Professor Torbert” Rocheford is internationally recognized as a leading expert in his field and holds the Patterson Endowed Chair for Translational Genomics in Crop Improvement at Purdue University. Professor Torbert has over 25 years of experience working as a research professor in corn breeding and molecular genetics. Professor Torbert and his collaborators have made substantial advancements to their disc...2019-09-0915 min
Agbioscience50. Spotlight: TechPoint Indiana – CICP Mini-Series How has Indianapolis cultivated a thriving tech community over the past decade? Look to TechPoint Indiana. TechPoint President + CEO Mike Langellier fills us in on how the organization strives to lead Indiana into a next-generation, high tech economy.
Entrepreneur and software executive Mike Langellier serves as the President and CEO of TechPoint, Indiana’s technology growth initiative. Langellier co-founded MyJibe, a personal finance and banking software company. He sold the company in November 2011 and served as vice president of strategic partnerships with acquirer MoneyDesktop. Prior to starting MyJibe, Langellier was director of account management for Experian (formerly Baker Hill). Fo...2019-08-2617 min
Agbioscience49. Spotlight: BioCrossroads – CICP Mini-Series The life sciences sector is undoubtedly crucial to Indiana’s economy, with over 1,750 companies that call Indiana home. Much of this success can be attributed to CICP’s first initiative, BioCrossroads. Learn about BioCrossroads’ many programs and efforts from project director Brian Stemme.
Brian Stemme is the project director for BioCrossroads. Brian has a strong background in life sciences market development and research and is responsible for identifying and developing opportunities for growth within Indiana’s life sciences sector, evaluating early-stage companies for investment by BioCrossroads’ seed funds and supporting the State’s efforts to attract and grow life sciences com...2019-08-1912 min
Agbioscience48. Spotlight: Ascend Indiana – CICP Mini-SeriesAscend Indiana strays from the traditional model of all other CICP initiatives because it serves all industry sectors, working in all areas of talent and workforce development. What was it about Indiana’s overall economy or talent ecosystem that compelled the creation of Ascend? Jason Kloth, President + CEO of Ascend Indiana fills us in.
Jason Kloth joined CICP in July 2015 and serves as President + CEO of Ascend Indiana. The initiative is a cross-sector, industry-led organization that collaborates with employers, education, and community partners to identify and address challenges within the talent pipeline. Prior to joining CIC...2019-08-1211 min
Agbioscience47. Spotlight: Energy Systems Network – CICP Mini-Series The need for renewable energy and technological innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately ensure energy security has never been more urgent for a promising future. How is Indiana advancing energy technology? Paul Mitchell, President + CEO of Energy Systems Network, (ESN) fills us in.
Paul Mitchell serves as President + CEO of ESN. Prior to joining ESN, Paul served as Policy Director for Economic Development, Workforce, and Energy for Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels. In this capacity, he oversaw legislation, policy, and program development for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Departments of Workforce Development and Labor, and acted as...2019-08-0513 min
Agbioscience46. Spotlight: Conexus Indiana – CICP Mini-SeriesLearn all about AgriNovus Indiana’s parent organization, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) from President + CEO David Johnson.
David L. Johnson was elected President and CEO of CICP in December 2012. CICP is a unique, nationally-recognized, strategic collaboration of business executives, philanthropic leaders and university presidents brought together to develop initiatives, investments and projects that advance regional prosperity. Follow CICP on Twitter at @CICPIndiana
This episode kicks off a six-part mini-series on CICP as part of its 20th Anniversary celebration. The series will feature the CICP industry sector and talent initiatives which have been successful in gener...2019-07-2911 min
Agbioscience45. Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and the Power of a Guiding ForceLearn all about AgriNovus Indiana’s parent organization, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) from President + CEO David Johnson.
David L. Johnson was elected President and CEO of CICP in December 2012. CICP is a unique, nationally-recognized, strategic collaboration of business executives, philanthropic leaders and university presidents brought together to develop initiatives, investments and projects that advance regional prosperity. Follow CICP on Twitter at @CICPIndiana
This episode kicks off a six-part mini-series on CICP as part of its 20th Anniversary celebration. The series will feature the CICP industry sector and talent initiatives which have been successful in gener...2019-07-2216 min
Agbioscience44. A Year of Agbioscience Stories and Success - Where Next? With Beth BechdolOne year ago, AgriNovus Indiana President + CEO Beth Bechdol recorded the first episode of our Ag+Bio+Science podcast. What have we accomplished with our partners over the past year? What’s next? Beth shares her thoughts on the future of Indiana’s agbioscience community.
Beth Bechdol is the President + CEO of AgriNovus Indiana. Beth excels at building unconventional alliances, connecting people who may not know they need connecting and telling the exciting and inspiring story of the agbiosciences to everyone she meets.
Follow AgriNovus Indiana: Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn2019-07-1513 min
Agbioscience43. Why Gen-Z + the Agbiosciences Are a Perfect FitThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick speaks with Claire Baney, AgriNovus Intern and Purdue College of Agriculture Student.2019-07-0812 min
Agbioscience42. Talent + Indiana + Agbiosciences – Telling Our Story on “Why Here”This week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick speaks with Tom Bratton, Medallion Partners, CEO2019-07-0113 min
Agbioscience39. How AgriNovus + ISDA Partner on Agbioscience Momentum in IndianaThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick speaks with Bruce Kettler, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Director2019-06-0314 min
Agbioscience37. High-Tech Animal Health Innovation in Albion, IndianaThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick speaks with Rebecca Schroeder, Whiteshire Hamroc, President2019-05-1310 min
Agbioscience36. Look to Indiana University Assets to Help Build Agbioscience EntrepreneursThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick speaks with Jason Whitney, Indiana University Philanthropic Venture Fund, Manager of Strategic Partnerships2019-05-0609 min
Agbioscience35. My Journey as a Late-Career Mentor and Agbioscience ConvenerThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick speaks with Dan Dawes, AgriNovus Indiana, Senior Director of Strategy + Innovation2019-04-2912 min
Agbioscience34. The Time to Invest in Indiana Agbioscience is NowThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick speaks with Ting Gootee, Elevate Ventures, Chief Investment Officer2019-04-2210 min
Agbioscience32. What’s Promising About AgTech in Indiana?This week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick speaks with Drew Garretson, Land O’Lakes, U.S. E-Business Field Team Lead2019-04-0811 min
Agbioscience29. Why a Global Biostimulant Company Chose IndianaOn episode 29 of AgriNovus Indiana's AG+BIO+SCIENCE podcast, Gerry of Inside INdiana Business talks with Luca Bonini, the CEO of Italpollina.
Luca Bonini is the third generation at the helm of this European-based family business with an expansive global reach. Operating today in more than 70 countries worldwide, with four production sites and 13 commercial offices, Italpollina’s proprietary technologies are utilized in the production of organic fertilizers, beneficial microbials, and 100 percent vegetal-based biostimulants. Most recently, Italpollina opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Anderson and are now adding a research and development center, Italpollina Park, there as...2019-03-1812 min
Agbioscience22. Indiana is Ag+Bio+ScienceThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Beth Bechdol, President & CEO, AgriNovus, Susanne Wasson, President of Crop Protection Business Platform, Corteva Agriscience and Johnny Park and CEO, Wabash Heartland Innovation Network2018-12-1009 min
Agbioscience18. Indiana’s Opportunity for InvestmentThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Aaron Gillum, Senior Vice President, 50 South Capital2018-11-1211 min
Agbioscience12. Ivy Tech programs; partnership with AgriNovusThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Ivy Tech Community College’s Sue Ellspermann and Scott Caldwell2018-10-0111 min
Agbioscience8. Corteva Agriscience is an Indiana CompanyThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Scott Hutchins, Global Leader of Integrated Field Sciences Research and Development for Corteva Agriscience2018-09-0410 min
Agbioscience7. Indiana Leads the WayThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Jay Hulbert, President and CEO of Ag Alumni Seed2018-08-2710 min
Agbioscience5. Purdue Foundry + Indiana Start-up CommunityThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by John Hanak, Managing Director of Purdue Ventures and Entrepreneur in Residence at Purdue Foundry.2018-08-1310 min
Agbioscience4. Indiana Farmers are InnovatorsThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Jane Ade Stevens, CEO for Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Corn Growers Association.2018-08-0610 min
Agbioscience2. Indiana’s Momentum: The Time is RightThis week Inside INdiana Business Host Gerry Dick is joined by Aaron Schacht, president of global research and development and regulatory affairs at Elanco Animal Health. Schacht is also vice chairman of the board for AgriNovus.2018-07-2010 min