Ag Queen Podcast | Episode 105 | International Dairy Foods Association

Ag Queen Podcast | Episode 105 | International Dairy Foods Association

Tom Wonjo, COO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), discussed the robust growth and optimism in the dairy industry. He highlighted a $13 billion investment, making dairy the largest retail category with $80 billion in sales and nearly $10 billion in annual exports. He noted the impact of GLP-1s, with 9-13% of consumers currently using them, and the potential for oral GLP-1s to increase this to 30%. Wojno emphasized the importance of flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency in dairy production. He also mentioned IDFA's new state government affairs team and Project Diversify, aimed at expanding dairy exports.

Ag Queen Podcast | Episode 104 | Advice on Ag Job Hunting with Kim Rounds

Kim Rounds, Talent Acquisition Manager at Five Rivers Cattle Feed Yard, discusses strategies for entering the agriculture industry. She emphasizes the importance of showcasing all relevant experiences, even if they seem unrelated to agriculture. Most jobs at Five Rivers are feedlot roles, with a smaller percentage in office positions. Rounds advises applicants to use online platforms strategically and to persistently follow up. She notes a significant increase in female applicants and the need for companies to support work-life balance. Rounds also highlights the importance of soft skills and the adaptability of candidates without traditional ag backgrounds.

Ag Queen Podcast | Episode 103 | From Cornfields to Cockpits

The Ag Queen podcast discusses sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with Tom Michaels of United Airlines and Allison Graab from the Sustainable Aviation Coalition. SAF is made from renewable products like corn, soybeans, and sorghum. The U.S. is a leader in SAF technology, with production rising 157% to 240 million gallons in 2025. Despite this, jet fuel use in 2025 was over 26 billion gallons, projected to reach 31 billion by 2045. SAF doesn't require new infrastructure and can help airlines mitigate fuel price volatility, making it a strategic investment for long-term resilience.

Ag Queen Podcast | Episode 102 | Heart, Horsepower and Harmony

Lorrie Boyer interviews Michael Hinton, CEO of TalkingTractors.com and founder of Antique Tractor Preservation Day, who recently attended a White House event. Hinton shares his passion for promoting agriculture and heritage tractors, including his induction into the National Agriculture Hall of Fame. Gary West, a country music singer and race car driver, discusses his background, including his transition from playing drums to singing and his recent racing experiences. Both Hinton and West express their mutual support and future plans to collaborate on promoting agriculture and heritage through music and racing events.

Ag Queen Podcast | Episode 101 | Circle L Ranch Fires in Nebraska

In March, the Morril fire ravaged over 6,000 acres of Nebraska Sandhills, including the Circle L Ranch owned by Naomi Loomis and her family. Loomis recounted the day's events, detailing how her husband and sons fought the fire while she and their children helped neighbors and tried to save their own property. Despite the chaos, their faith and community support were crucial. The fire destroyed trees, corrals, and hay, but spared their house and barns. She emphasized the resilience of their family and the community's role in the aftermath, which will be further discussed in part two of the interview.