Season 5: Episode 217

In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak welcomes back Gwendoline Legrand, Co-Director of FIRA, to discuss the upcoming FIRA USA 2025 event taking place October 21–23 in Woodland, California. Known as the premier gathering for agricultural robotics and automation, FIRA USA brings together growers, innovators, OEMs, startups, and investors for three days of live demos, collaboration, and networking.

Gwendoline shares what makes Woodland such a strong venue, why in-field demos are critical for showing growers real-world solutions, and how FIRA continues to evolve by listening directly to farmers and industry stakeholders. She also reveals exciting new announcements, including John Deere’s autonomous ultra tractor demo and the strong involvement of New Holland and other leading manufacturers.

This year marks the launch of the Women in Ag Robotics Award, celebrating trailblazing women shaping the future of automation in agriculture. Gwen explains why this award is so important, how it will highlight women across all roles in the industry, and how it aims to inspire the next generation of leaders.

With more than 40 states and 50 countries represented, FIRA USA 2025 is set to be a truly global event, offering growers free registration and unmatched access to the future of farming.


Learn more about about at https://fira-usa.com/
Learn more about the Women in Ag Robotics Award at https://airtable.com/appngGw7fx3GXRLN5/pagSGexHt8UUIrYFA/form

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Ecorobotix, together with DFS Finance & AgDirect, is making it easier for growers to access the ARA Ultra High Precision Sprayer. Flexible purchase and lease programs offer competitive rates, deferred payments, and end-of-term options, helping farms cut inputs, reduce labor & boost profitability without straining cash flow. Learn more HERE

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Season 5: Episode 216

In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Jacqui Fatka, Lead Economist for Farm Supply and Biofuels at CoBank, to discuss the shifting landscape of biofuels and the growing role of aviation fuels in agriculture. With over two decades of experience in ag policy, trade, and renewable fuels, Jacqui provides valuable insights into how demand for aviation fuel is reshaping feedstock markets and creating both opportunities and challenges for U.S. farmers.

The conversation explores how federal policy is driving investment in biofuels, how aviation fuels are influencing traditional crops like corn and soy, and what new feedstock options may come into play. Jacqui shares her perspective on how producers can prepare for increased volatility, how trade and global markets tie into this shift, and what rural cooperatives and agribusinesses need to know to stay ahead.

Looking forward, Jacqui highlights the biggest hurdles to scaling aviation fuels and the role of infrastructure, investment, and innovation in meeting demand. She also previews her upcoming role as moderator of the Sustainable Aviation Fuels panel at the Women in Agribusiness Summit this September, where industry leaders will discuss biofuels investment trends and how aviation fuel adoption will impact feedstock markets.

Learn more about CoBank at https://cobank.com/
#farm #farming #agriculture

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Want to hear the stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Don't just thank a farmer, pray for one too!

Send us a text

Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com

Season 5: Episode 215

In this episode of North American Ag Spotlight, Chrissy Wozniak sits down with Xinnan Li, VP and Senior Packaging Analyst at Rabobank, to discuss how customer trends and evolving food preferences are reshaping agricultural markets. Xinnan shares her journey from studying biology and food science to analyzing packaging, logistics, and consumer-driven change for one of the world’s largest agri-focused banks.

The conversation explores how shifting demographics, particularly the influence of Gen Z and millennials, are driving demand for local and organic foods—yet also how tightened disposable income is limiting higher-priced categories. Xinnan highlights the long-term rise of convenience, the impact of weight loss medications on portion sizes, and how packaging has become a powerful tool for both branding and efficiency.

They also dive into the rise of the MAHA movement and what it signals for future consumer behavior, the risks producers face when markets overcorrect, and the ways demographic changes and global diversity will continue to shape food demand. Xinnan emphasizes the importance of transparency, storytelling, and aligning operations with consumer expectations.

Looking ahead, she previews her upcoming presentation at the Women in Agribusiness Summit in Orlando this September, where she’ll provide a data-driven look at these same themes—demographics, disposable income, trade, and consumer bifurcation—and what they mean for the future of agriculture.

Learn more about Rabobank at https://rabobank.com
Learn more about Women in Agribusiness at https://www.womeninag.com/

#farm #farming #agriculture

North American Ag is devoted to highlighting the people & companies in agriculture who impact our industry and help feed the world. Subscribe at https://northamericanag.com

Want to hear the stories of the ag brands you love and the ag brands you love to hate? Hear them at https://whatcolorisyourtractor.com

Don't just thank a farmer, pray for one too!

Send us a text

Subscribe to North American Ag at https://northamericanag.com