Leadership is easy when everyone agrees. But the real test comes when the voices get loud, opinions fracture and every decision is met with scrutiny.

Mark McCully, CEO of the American Angus Association, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to share how he navigates criticism, conflict, and controversy while staying true to his mission and values. From managing 22,000 members with competing priorities to weathering social media storms and high-stakes industry debates, Mark offers a candid look at what steady, humble leadership requires today.

Mark gets real about:

 * Leading through criticism: why thick skin, empathy and intent matter more than popularity
 * Communicating in conflict: how to listen, humanize the conversation and disagree without division
 * Staying grounded through chaos: habits that keep leaders mission-focused in turbulent seasons

This episode will challenge you to rethink how you respond when pressure rises and how humility and clarity can move people farther than force.

Want to hear more from Mark? Check out her blog here [https://www.agfuture.org/news/leading-through-conflict]!

Connect with Mark

 * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-mccully-at3201/]
 * Follow the American Angus Association on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/angusassoc/]
 * Follow the American Angus Association on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-angus-association/posts/?feedView=all]
 * Visit their website [https://www.angus.org/]

Connect with AFA

 * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/agriculture-future-of-america/?viewAsMember=true]
 * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/agfutureamerica/]
 * Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/agriculturefutureofamerica/]
 * Follow us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@agfutureamerica?_t=8itRyZdNDP5&_r=1]
 * Visit our Website [https://www.agfuture.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy-mznZSbiAMVem8PAh0IFRDIEAAYASAAEgKpc_D_BwE]

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Navigating Criticism with Courage with Mark McCully 

From food dyes to food innovation and other segments across the food supply chain, Braeden and Savannah are diving into this week's ag headlines.

In the news this week:

- Asian longhorned tick spreads into Kansas and could cause extreme illness to livestock. Learn more: https://www.drovers.com/news/asian-longhorn-tick-moves-west-kansas

- An Iowa State University study suggests the product of turning manure and corn stover is a renewable natural gas good for soil health. Learn more: https://www.agriculture.com/partners-isu-study-looks-at-benefits-of-anaerobic-digestion-byproducts-as-a-soil-amendment-11827863

- The International Association of Color Manufacturers has sued the state of West Virginia, seeking to strike down the nation’s first broad ban on synthetic dyes in food and beverages. Learn more: https://www.fooddive.com/news/west-virginia-lawsuit-artificial-color-ban-maha/802497/

- Arby's new Beef Nuggs are a bold new menu item aimed at serving comfort foods more conveniently. Learn more: https://www.meatpoultry.com/articles/32594-arbys-beefs-up-nugget-offerings

- Purdue University and NASA teamed up to grow plants in space in an effort to my the food system more sustainable. Learn more: https://www.agweb.com/news/scientists-team-nasa-grow-crops-space-zero-gravity-yields-new-discoveries-farmers-earth



Market Pulse: pulled October 13 from https://www.agweb.com/markets/futures



About Magnetic Ag - Ears Edition

Your ag news just got an upgrade. Magnetic Ag - Ears Edition isn’t your grandpa’s farm report — it’s fast, unfiltered and actually fun. It’s your quick weekly update on what’s happening in the world of food and ag.

Subscribe to the Magnetic Ag twice-weekly newsletter: https://magnetic-ag.com/subscribe/.

Or follow us on socials:

Instagram: @magnetic.ag [https://www.instagram.com/magnetic.ag/]

TikTok: @magnetic.ag [https://www.tiktok.com/@magnetic.ag]

Facebook: Magnetic Ag [https://www.facebook.com/MagneticAgNews/]

Ticks Head West, Arby's Steak Nuggs & Federal Food Dyes

Although the connection between farms and consumers feels more distant than ever, the power of social media and transparency could be the best advocacy tool.

Dr. Michelle Schack, veterinarian, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to explore how curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to learn can open unexpected doors in agriculture. From her start at UC Davis to her leadership role as co-founder of DairyKind, Michelle shares how she’s using education, empathy, and social media to build bridges between farmers and consumers.

Michelle covers:

- The possibilities in a career: the future of the industry relies on people of all backgrounds who are passionate about food production

- Bridging the Gap: understanding both sides of the food system is essential to the future of ag

- Empowering Animal Care: training and supporting farm employees drives animal well-being

This episode will challenge you to think differently about advocacy and what it really means to create a sustainable agriculture industry.



Want to hear more from Michelle? Check out her blog here [https://www.agfuture.org/news/finding-your-place-in-ag]!



Connect with Michelle

- Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schack-dairydoc/]

- Follow her on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dairy.doc/]

- Follow her on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@dairydoc]

- Visit her website [https://www.michelleschack.com/]



Connect with AFA

- Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/agriculture-future-of-america/?viewAsMember=true]

- Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/agfutureamerica/]

- Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/agriculturefutureofamerica/]

- Follow us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@agfutureamerica?_t=8itRyZdNDP5&_r=1]

- Visit our Website [https://www.agfuture.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy-mznZSbiAMVem8PAh0IFRDIEAAYASAAEgKpc_D_BwE]



About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Finding Your Place in Agriculture with Dr. Michelle Schack 

Great leaders don’t just drive results. They build environments where people thrive, embrace change and foster growth.

Jackie Applegate, incoming Chief Executive Officer of PBI Gordon, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to explore what true organizational health looks like in action. With more than 30 years of experience in agriculture and leadership, Jackie has built a career rooted in resilience and people development.

Jackie gets real about:

- Empowering organizational health: leading with culture, clarity, trust and team morale top of mind

- Leading through change: building cohesive teams that embrace and encourage organizational change

- Embracing a career journey: navigating a career from scientist to CEO and leading different business divisions

This conversation will challenge how you think about culture, communication and change.

Want to hear more from Jackie? Check out her blog here [https://www.agfuture.org/news/improve-organization-health]!



Connect with Jackie

- Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackieapplegate/]

- PBI Gordon on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pbi-gordon-companies-inc/]

- Visit their website [https://www.pbigordon.com/]



Connect with AFA

- Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/agriculture-future-of-america/?viewAsMember=true]

- Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/agfutureamerica/]

- Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/agriculturefutureofamerica/]

- Follow us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@agfutureamerica?_t=8itRyZdNDP5&_r=1]

- Visit our Website [https://www.agfuture.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy-mznZSbiAMVem8PAh0IFRDIEAAYASAAEgKpc_D_BwE]



About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Leading from the Inside Out with Jackie Applegate

We've got the buzz on bees' news protection and flies set to eradicate NWSW. And, Braeden and Savannah deep dive into proposed relief packages, MOU's and soybean tariffs.

This week on the pod:

- Radioactive-free, sterile flies are the newest plan to stop New World Screw Worm from hitting the U.S. beef industry. Learn more here: https://www.drovers.com/news/industry/new-technology-combat-new-world-screwworm

- Argentina suspended soybean export taxes at the same time the U.S. Treasury considered buying their sovereign debt, reeking havoc on U.S. soybean exports. Learn more here: https://www.morningagclips.com/asa-responds-to-argentina-soybean-actions/

- Two major announcements came from D.C. this week that plan to provide immediate aid to farmers and stop antitrust agribusinesses. Learn more here: https://www.agdaily.com/news/feds-crack-down-on-rising-input-costs-promise-relief/ and https://www.agriculture.com/partners-agriculture-secretary-announces-major-crops-purchase-antitrust-efforts-at-kansas-city-conference-11819207

- The EPA just approved a treatment that could protect honey bees from varroa mites, which have collapsed colonies by 62% this year. Learn more here: https://www.agdaily.com/news/epa-registers-norroa-tool-against-growing-varroa-mite-threat/

- Mountain Dew is the first to step into the bottle dirty soda space with the new release of Dirty Mountain Dew Cream Soda. Learn more here: https://www.fooddive.com/news/pepsico-launches-mountain-dew-dirty-soda/761451/


Harvest Updated: pulled September 29 from https://www.nass.usda.gov/

Market Pulse: pulled September 29 from https://www.agweb.com/markets/futures


About Magnetic Ag - Ears Edition

Your ag news just got an upgrade. Magnetic Ag - Ears Edition isn’t your grandpa’s farm report — it’s fast, unfiltered and actually fun. It’s your quick weekly update on what’s happening in the world of food and ag.

Subscribe to the Magnetic Ag twice-weekly news letter: https://magnetic-ag.com/subscribe/.

Or Follow us on socials:

Instagram: @magnetic.ag [https://www.instagram.com/magnetic.ag/]

TikTok: @magnetic.ag [https://www.tiktok.com/@magnetic.ag]

Facebook: Magnetic Ag [https://www.facebook.com/MagneticAgNews/]

Soybean Exports, Saving the Bees & Protecting the Beef Industry

Whether you’re a student stepping into your first leadership role or a professional navigating a divided industry, this episode will challenge you to listen with intention, lead with humility and persist with passion.

In this episode of the Cultivating Leaders Podcast, we are joined by Krysta Harden, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. From her roots as the daughter of peanut farmers in southwest Georgia to leadership roles in governmental agencies, Krysta has built a remarkable career at the intersection of agriculture, sustainability and policy. Krysta shares the skills that have carried her through some of the most challenging conversations in food and agriculture—skills that today’s future leaders will need just as much as she did.

Krysta reflects on:

 * Tough Conversations Make Progress: in a world full of conflict, taking the time to talk through issues can lead the industry forward
 * Lead by Listening and Learning: challenge your perspective and find stronger solutions by asking thoughtful questions
 * Be Confident and Humble: acknowledging weaknesses and surrounding yourself with strong teams will make you stronger

This conversation is a masterclass in how to navigate tough conversations, embrace new ideas, and lead with both conviction and compassion.

Want to hear more from Krysta? Check out her blog here [https://www.agfuture.org/news/skills-to-more-collaborative-industry]!

Connect with Krysta

 * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krysta-harden-43821831/]
 * U.S. Dairy Export Council on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/u.s.-dairy-export-council/]
 * Visit their website [https://www.usdec.org/]

Connect with AFA

 * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/agriculture-future-of-america/?viewAsMember=true]
 * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/agfutureamerica/]
 * Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/agriculturefutureofamerica/]
 * Follow us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@agfutureamerica?_t=8itRyZdNDP5&_r=1]
 * Visit our Website [https://www.agfuture.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy-mznZSbiAMVem8PAh0IFRDIEAAYASAAEgKpc_D_BwE]

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Leading Across Differences with Krysta Harden

Braeden and Savannah are back! They are here to share some exciting new finds that could save the ag industry billions, and raise some concerns to the current state of drought and the economy.

This week on the pod:

- Researchers have developed a paper-based test that can detect HPAI in bird and cattle. Learn more: https://www.morningagclips.com/ffar-spurs-tool-to-test-for-bird-flu/

- Drought conditions continue to take a tool on farmers and ranchers in the midwest and high plains. Learn more: https://www.agriculture.com/drought-deepens-as-farmers-face-crop-stress-11808692

- The USDA is considering economic assistance to offset losses as farmers face trade disputes, inflation and oversupply. Learn more: https://www.agweb.com/news/usdanbsp-consideringnbsp-economicnbsp-aidnbsp-fornbsp-farmersnbsp-thisnbsp-fall-nbsp-says-se

- Coca-Cola and major tech companies are pulling together to "Save the Orange" as citrus greening is crushing production. Learn more: https://www.fooddive.com/news/coca-cola-joins-ai-group-to-combat-orange-disease-other-real-world-probl/759660/

- Luke Bryan's #HeresToTheFarmer Tour is back to bring meals and good vibes to rural communities, thanks to partnerships with Bayer and Feeding America. Learn more: https://www.agriculture.com/luke-bryan-s-farm-tour-builds-on-10-million-meals-donated-to-rural-america-11810467



Harvest Updated: pulled September 15 from https://www.nass.usda.gov/

Market Pulse: pulled September 15 from https://www.agweb.com/markets/futures



About Magnetic Ag - Ears Edition

Your ag news just got an upgrade. Magnetic Ag - Ears Edition isn’t your grandpa’s farm report — it’s fast, unfiltered and actually fun. It’s your quick weekly update on what’s happening in the world of food and ag.

Subscribe to the Magnetic Ag twice-weekly news letter: 
https://magnetic-ag.com/subscribe/.

Or Follow us on socials:

Instagram: @magnetic.ag [https://www.instagram.com/magnetic.ag/]

TikTok: @magnetic.ag [https://www.tiktok.com/@magnetic.ag]

Facebook: Magnetic Ag [https://www.facebook.com/MagneticAgNews/]

Fighting Bird Flu, Farm Economy Crisis & Saving Oranges

And, that’s a wrap on season 1!

In this special episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, Nicole is joined by the podcast producer, Savannah Nichols, for a trip down memory lane. The pair look back at the lessons, surprises and stories shared by 20 incredible industry leaders this season. Consider this your SparkNotes version of the podcast so you know what episodes need a listen.

The Cultivating Leaders Podcast will be back with more influential agricultural leaders on October 1st!

Connect with AFA

 * Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/agriculture-future-of-america/?viewAsMember=true]
 * Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/agfutureamerica/]
 * Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/agriculturefutureofamerica/]
 * Follow us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@agfutureamerica?_t=8itRyZdNDP5&_r=1]
 * Visit our Website [https://www.agfuture.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy-mznZSbiAMVem8PAh0IFRDIEAAYASAAEgKpc_D_BwE]

About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond.  Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

The Power of Reflection

Your voice, multiplied across agriculture, can change the outcome of major decisions.

Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, joins the Cultivating Leaders Podcast to share his experience with grassroots leadership, chasing innovation and creating sustainable agriculture leaders. President Duvall has built a career on telling the story of American agriculture by leaning on his experience of growing up on his family’s dairy farm in Georgia. Today, he represents millions of farmers across the country, which relies on finding unity across a diverse industry.

President Duvall covers:

- Telling Agriculture’s Story: grassroots organizations make a difference at every level in agriculture

- Balancing Tradition with Innovation: a sustainable agriculture industry means evolving to meet market demands

- Challenges and Opportunities for the Next Generation: it is important to equip future leaders with the skills to navigate challenges

This episode will inspire you to engage, adapt and invest in the leaders who will carry agriculture forward.



Connect with President Duvall

- American Farm Bureau Federation on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-farm-bureau-federation/posts/?feedView=all]

- President Zippy Duvall on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zippyduvall/]

- American Farm Bureau on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zippyduvall/]

- Visit their website [https://www.fb.org/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeXmxos8m11-LRDsXD12GdpGBvh41rhE4w0FrCwu2swz_Eh8080fo9oLVQl2Q_aem_bAsF_osEOtIjcP_zfvY00A]



Connect with AFA

- Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/agriculture-future-of-america/?viewAsMember=true]

- Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/agfutureamerica/]

- Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/agriculturefutureofamerica/]

- Follow us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@agfutureamerica?_t=8itRyZdNDP5&_r=1]

- Visit our Website [https://www.agfuture.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy-mznZSbiAMVem8PAh0IFRDIEAAYASAAEgKpc_D_BwE]



About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Leading Agriculture Forward with President Zippy Duvall

What does it really mean to live a good life and to lead with integrity?

Corey Ciocchetti, nationally recognized speaker and professor, joins the Cultivating Leaders Podcast for a powerful conversation around leading with ethics. Corey explores why good character is a non-negotiable, how to define success on your own terms and what it takes to build a life of authenticity.

Corey covers how to:

- Lead with Character: he argues that character should be the foundation of all leadership development, yet it's often missing from formal leadership training programs

- Pursue an Authentic Life: success should not be measured by wealth, status or external validation, but by internal contentment, strong relationships and moral integrity

- Building Personal Values: focusing on small, consistent decisions leads to a more fulfilled, grounded life and a stronger leadership impact

This episode will challenge and inspire you to pursue the kind of success that actually matters.



Connect with Corey

- Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corey-ciocchetti/]

- Follow on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/professorcorey/]

- Visit his website [https://www.coreyspeaks.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaegqsove1Q256d-EJTptUCFgLGWFrpMnbLPe7PRqwnaVX6E99Kt-Hp0LBVFLg_aem_6mdT6UxXlmfK_O8BOE9H8g]



Connect with AFA

- Follow us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/agriculture-future-of-america/?viewAsMember=true]

- Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/agfutureamerica/]

- Like us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/agriculturefutureofamerica/]

- Follow us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@agfutureamerica?_t=8itRyZdNDP5&_r=1]

- Visit our Website [https://www.agfuture.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIy-mznZSbiAMVem8PAh0IFRDIEAAYASAAEgKpc_D_BwE]



About The Cultivating Leaders Podcast

Real stories. Practical advice. Tangible growth. Join The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, brought to you by Agriculture Future of America, as we explore what it takes to lead in food, agriculture, and beyond. Whether you’re just starting out or leading at the highest level, this podcast is your go-to resource for leadership that matters. Listen now and start cultivating your leadership journey.

Don’t forget to follow/subscribe so you never miss another episode!

Why Good People Win with Corey Ciocchetti

Where leadership grows.

Welcome to The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, where we dig into the minds of today’s most inspiring leaders to uncover the insights, habits, and strategies that help them thrive. Brought to you by Agriculture Future of America (AFA), this podcast delivers actionable leadership lessons tailored for professionals in food and agriculture—and beyond.

Each episode features candid conversations with industry changemakers, thought leaders, and innovators like New York Times bestselling author Diana Kander, National 4-H Council VP Jake Worcester, and TEDx speaker Adam Carroll. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, we’ll provide tangible tips to help you grow and lead with confidence.

Tune in for practical advice, personal stories and fresh perspectives to help you cultivate your own career and leadership journey.

Cultivating Leaders

Your ag news just got an upgrade. Magnetic Ag - Ears Edition isn’t your grandpa’s farm report — it’s fast, unfiltered and actually fun. It’s your 10 minute a week update on what’s happening in the world of food and ag.

Braeden & Savannah break down the biggest headlines, industry buzz, pop culture and wild trends shaking up the industry. Whether you’re running the farm, grinding through college, or just here for the drama, we’ve got you.

If you don’t walk away with a sharper ag IQ, at least you’ll have killer small talk for your next industry happy hour.

Listen now & subscribe to the newsletter for twice-weekly ag tea. 👉 Subscribe here [https://magnetic-ag.com/]

Savannah Peterson

Shows