The Scoop Podcast: A Voice For the Industry

The Scoop Podcast: Unlocking Retail Growth: The Evolving Value and Opportunities of CCA Certification

In this episode of The Scoop Podcast, host Margy Eckelkamp speaks with Isaac Wolford, the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Representative to the Ag Retailers Association (ARA) Board, about the vital role of CCA accreditation in the ag retail industry. Isaac outlines the program's 30-year history as a "boots-on-the-ground" certification that validates expertise in pest, nutrient, crop, and soil management. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Scoop Podcast Farm Bill Roadblocks & E15 Breakthroughs -- What Ag Retailers Need to Know Now

In this episode of The Scoop, Margy Eckelkamp sits down with Hunter Carpenter from the Agricultural Retailers Association to break down the critical policy shifts currently moving through Washington, D.C. The conversation centers on the House-passed Farm Bill, highlighting key wins like the TSP Access Act and the new plant biostimulant definition. However, Hunter also addresses the "hiccups" in the House version, specifically the removal of language regarding uniform labeling and NPDES permit reforms—issues the ARA hopes to revive in the Senate. The episode further explores the House's recent passage of year-round E15 sales. Beyond legislation, Hunter discusses the ARA’s cautious stance on the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail merger, emphasizing that maintaining competition is vital for keeping freight rates manageable for retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Scoop Podcast: Trust-Driven Service Propels Independent Ag Retailer To Major Milestone

John Hockett, CEO of Marion Ag Service, is the second-generation leader for this family-run ag retailer located in Oregon. As a previous recipient of ARA’s Retailer of the Year, Marion Ag Service exemplifies excellence in its business in many ways, which Hockett boils down to “little things matter.” This year marks 50 years of business, and Hockett shares a bit on their vision for the next 50. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Scoop Podcast: Why Traceability is Table Stakes in the Grain Business

With recently announced guidance from the Department of the Treasury, to support the documentation of agricultural production required to participate for Section 45Z tax credits, Bushel and Verity have integrated their on-farm data,  sustainability modeling and compliance platform. Kimberly Bowron, president of Verity, and Jake Joraanstad, CEO of Bushel, explain what’s next for traceability in the grain business.   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Scoop Podcast: New Twist For a Conventional Product For The Organic Market

BenVireo TerraLux (10-0-0 liquid organic nitrogen (N) fertilizer) has been named The Scoop’s New Product of the Year runner-up. Gina Colfer, sustainable solutions agronomy manager for Wilbur-Ellis, explains BenVireo is something organic growers may not have dreamed they’d have access to 30 years ago. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.