Preparation, transparency and trust are leadership imperatives in an industry where scrutiny is constant, and reputations can shift overnight.

Hannah Thompson-Weeman, President and CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to unpack what it really takes to lead through crisis in food and agriculture. With deep roots in dairy and a career spent navigating high-stakes issues, activist pressure and reputational risk, Hannah brings a calm, strategic lens to moments leaders hope never come. Drawing on decades of industry experience, she explains why crisis preparedness starts long before something goes wrong and why culture, credibility and clarity matter more than any single response.

Hannah explores:

 * The value of a crisis plan: crises don’t discriminate by role or size, and preparation allows leaders to respond with speed, confidence and intention rather than emotion.
 * Building a reputation: how investing in employees, communities and transparency creates a “trust bank” leaders can draw from when challenges arise.
 * Leading under pressure: the leadership qualities that matter most in a crisis include empowering teams and managing emotions that unintentionally amplify the problem.

This episode invites leaders to rethink crisis not as a communications moment, but as a reflection of culture, character and long-term leadership choices.

Want to hear more from Hannah? Check out her blog here [https://www.agfuture.org/news/crisis-communications]!

Connect with Hannah

 * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahthompsonweeman/]
 * Animal Ag Alliance on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-agriculture-alliance/posts/?feedView=all]
 * Visit their website [https://animalagalliance.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!

Preparing for the Inevitable with Hannah Thompson-Weeman

Clarity, candor and humility shape stronger teams and smarter decisions in an industry where every choice ripples across families, communities and supply chains.

Jarrod Gillig, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Beef at Cargill, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to share what he’s learned across nearly three decades inside one of the most complex protein businesses. From stewarding the people behind 90 million daily meals to navigating operational challenges that affect both producers and consumers, Jarrod brings a rare dual lens from the packer and producer side. His journey is one of curiosity, accountability and leading with intention.

Jarrod explores:

 * Leading with candor and humility: clarity is kind, and honest conversations strengthen teams and decision
 * Finding value across the supply chain: what it really takes to balance producer needs, customer expectations and consumer demand in a constantly shifting beef market.
 * Building teams that thrive: cultivating a culture where diverse perspectives, debate and vulnerability make space for smarter solutions.

This episode invites you to pause, reflect and consider what it means to create impact — not just outputs — through your leadership.

Want to hear more from Jarrod? Check out his blog here [https://www.agfuture.org/news/tough-decisions]!

Connect with Jarrod

 * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarrod-gillig-7011b795/]
 * Cargill on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cargill/posts/?feedView=all]
 * Visit their website [https://www.cargill.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!

Humanity in Leadership with Jarrod Gillig 

This week in Magnetic Ag - Ears Edition, travel to South Africa for mass vaccination movements and across the U.S. to see how FFA students feed local farmers. Braeden and Savannah also chat through the challenges with U.S. labor and Campbell's soup headlines.

In the headlines this week:

- South Africa is preparing to vaccinate 7.2 million cattle against food-and-mouth disease after facing years of major economic setbacks. Learn more: https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-business/south-africa-plans-nationwide-cattle-vaccination-against-foot-and-mouth-disease-

- Real Christmas Tree prices are expected to stay flat this season as farms decide to absorb the increased input costs. Learn more: https://www.brownfieldagnews.com/news/real-christmas-tree-prices-expected-to-stay-flat-at-wholesale/

- The United Farm Workers filed a lawsuit asking the federal court to through out a new rule from the U.S. Department of Labor that recalculates wage requirements for H-2A workers. Learn more: https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/23809-ufw-sues-to-block-cuts-to-h-2a-wage-rates?utm_source=Instant+Update&utm_campaign=517544fe2a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_02_23_COPY_6464&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_288ff2b53a-517544fe2a-50535777

- Campbell's is enacting damage control after Martin Bally, Vice President of IT, shared derogatory statements about their consumers. Learn more: https://www.fooddive.com/news/campbells-exec-on-leave-poor-people-comments/806573/

- FFA Chapters across the country stepped up this fall to feed local farmers and their communities. Learn more: https://www.agdaily.com/ffa/ffa-chapters-across-u-s-feed-thousands-of-farmers-and-families/



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/]

Holiday Spirit, Soup Scandal & Mass Vaccinations

Leading forward demands curiosity, adaptability and team-first mentality.

Blaze Currie, Practice Lead for Food & Ag at Vivayic, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to explore what it really takes to guide people, teams and organizations in leading agriculture. He brings a rare blend of global perspective and ag-rooted wisdom. Blaze has built a career staying curious, listening deeply, and adapting boldly.

He gets candid about:

 * Leading with Curiosity: asking questions and understanding the why leads to clarity
 * Communicating Impact: the best communicators listen first, build trust and speak intent before diving into strategy
 * Creating Adaptive Teams: navigating a changing industry, building organic trust and honoring loss

This episode will motivate you to rethink what it means to guide others, to step into challenge and to see leadership as a lifelong journey rather than a destination.

Want to hear more from Blaze? Check out his blog here [https://www.agfuture.org/news/curiosity-superpower]!

Connect with Blaze

 * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/blazecurrie/]
 * Connect with Vivayic on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/vivayic/]
 * Visit their website [https://vivayic.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!

Forging an Adaptive Industry with Blaze Currie 

This week in Magnetic Ag - Ears Edition, we are talking cattle markets, food rules and tech players. Plus, Braeden and Savannah break down the traditions at your Thanksgiving feast.

In the headlines this week:

 * Analysts say strong cattle prices may hold steady through the end of the decade. Learn more: https://www.drovers.com/news/ag-policy/experts-say-strong-cattle-prices-could-continue-through-end-decade
 * The Ninth Circuit ruled USDA’s GMO-labeling rule unlawful, pushing the agency to revisit how bioengineered foods are defined. Learn more: https://www.agdaily.com/crops/gmo-labels-and-highly-refined-exemptions-face-overhaul/
 * A new WOTUS proposal from EPA and the Army Corps aims to give landowners clearer guidance on water regulations. Learn more: https://www.agweb.com/news/new-wotus-proposal-could-reduce-red-tape-farmers-and-ranchers
 * Tyson Foods’ use of Palantir’s data platform is raising fresh questions about how commercial food companies manage sensitive information. Learn more: https://www.agdaily.com/livestock/poultry/how-tyson-foods-leverages-palantirs-surveillance-tech/
 * Thanksgiving feels timeless, but many of our favorite “traditions” are far more modern (and quirky) than you’d expect.

Apply to be an AFA Ambassador: https://www.agfuture.org/about/student-leader-team

Apply for AFA Sustainability Institute: https://www.agfuture.org/experiences/afa-sustainability-institute/overview

Apply for AFA Precision Ag Institute: https://www.agfuture.org/experiences/afa-precision-agriculture-institute/overview

Apply for NAAAC: https://www.agfuture.org/resources/national-afa-alliance-advisory-council

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/]

GMO-Labeling, Simplifying WOTUS & Thanksgiving Dinner

There is power in navigating high-stakes and emotionally charged conversations with clarity, confidence and humanity

Ashley Collins, CEO of the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association, joins The Cultivating Leaders Podcast to break down why honest dialogue matters. She provides tools so leaders can prepare, respond and grow through high-stakes conversations. With experience leading growers, navigating board dynamics and shaping conversations across agriculture, Ashley brings a grounded and practical perspective to those conversations we often avoid.

Ashley explores:

 * Preparing with purpose: how to think through your intent, plan your words and choose the right environment before a tough conversation begins.
 * Staying composed: when the stakes get high, she has the tools for pausing, asking better questions and prioritizing psychological.
 * Leading dialogue in agriculture: why family legacies, tradition and generational change make crucial conversations essential.

This episode challenges you to rethink how you show up in tension, grow your communication skillset and lead people forward even when the conversation gets uncomfortable.

Want to hear more from Ashley? Check out her blog here [https://www.agfuture.org/news/crucial-conversations]!

Connect with Ashley

 * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleywcollins/]
 * Follow NC Peanut on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ncpeanuts/]
 * Follow NC Peanut on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/NCpeanuts/]
 * Visit NC Peanut’s website [https://aboutpeanuts.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!

Empowering Tough Conversations with Ashley Collins

Belonging is the foundation of great leadership. But what does it really look like to lead and work in a place where you can show up as 100% yourself?

In this episode of The Cultivating Leaders Podcast, Kirk Maag, environmental & natural resources attorney at Stoel Rives LLP, explores authenticity, inclusion and the power of leading with belonging. From growing up on a farm in eastern Oregon to helping guide national conversations on belonging through the Cultivating Change Foundation, Kirk shares what happens when workplaces truly make room for people to bring their full selves.

Kirk gets real about:

 * Leading authentically: Why bringing your whole self to work makes you a better leader and teammate.
 * Creating cultures of belonging: Practical ways organizations can support authenticity and inclusion at every level.
 * Building the future of agriculture: How openness and acceptance help attract and retain the next generation of ag leaders.

This episode challenges you to rethink what it means to belong and why authenticity might be your greatest leadership advantage.

Want to hear more from Kirk? Check out his blog here [https://www.agfuture.org/news/being-yourself]!

Connect with Kirk

 * Connect on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirk-maag-6bab5636/]
 * Connect with Stole Rives on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/stoel-rives-llp/]
 * Stole Rives Website [https://www.stoel.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!

Building Belonging in Agriculture with Kirk Maag

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 

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