WOYM – The Podcast About a Podcast, Agro Connection
What is in this episode
(00:00:03) Welcome to the podcast
(00:00:25) Agro Connection is an international information portal connecting people interested in pushing the frontiers of agricultural knowledge. Its award-winning podcast has over 9000 downloads in less than two years, and its YouTube videos have reached 4600 subscribers and nearly 200,000 views.
(00:00:56) Carlos Pires, one of Agro Connection's founders, recently received his PhD in agronomy and soil science at Kansas State University.
(00:01:17) Carlos discusses his background and how he decided to pursue agronomy, influenced by his family's involvement in the field.
(00:02:01) At age 13, Carlos left home to attend a vocational school focused on agriculture and livestock, making the choice between pursuing soccer or a degree.
(00:03:19) It's common for 13-year-olds in Carlos's home state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to attend vocational schools if interested in agriculture, often sponsored by local co-ops.
(00:04:09) Carlos's family immigrated from Italy in the late 1800s, with one of the first agronomists in the family being Clovis.
(00:04:45) Many Brazilians dream of getting their education in the United States due to the opportunity to learn English and the country's leadership in agriculture.
(00:05:51) In Rio Grande do Sul, spring wheat is primarily grown, fitting well into the rotation with soybeans and corn.
(00:06:46) Carlos met Professor Chuck Rice, who had an appointment at the Federal University of Santa Maria, sparking his interest in coming to Kansas State University.
(00:08:01) The idea for the Agro Connection podcast came about during a trip to Florida during the pandemic, as a way to connect Brazilian and American agriculture.
(00:09:20) The podcast aimed to contribute information from Brazilians around the world back to farmers and consultants in Brazil.
(00:10:53) The first podcast episode discussed "Agriculture in the Future," followed by an episode on "Wheat in Kansas."
(00:11:38) The podcast's initial success motivated Carlos and his team to continue, receiving positive feedback from colleagues and students using the material in classrooms.
(00:12:53) The name "Agro Connection" was chosen through a poll, fitting the podcast's purpose of connecting people.
(00:14:06) The podcast is a hobby, with two episodes recorded per month after 5:00 PM and promoted primarily through Instagram.
(00:15:40) Videos were added to the YouTube channel, becoming a significant part of Agro Connection's content, with some videos reaching 55,000 views.
(00:18:02) The videos received both positive and negative feedback, with some viewers questioning their authenticity due to the potential impact on crop prices.
(00:20:09) Carlos explains the differences between Brazilian and American soils, emphasizing the need to translate information appropriately for each region.
(00:21:24) While Brazil has access to many of the same technologies as the US, some newer technologies like see-and-spray are first tested in the US before reaching Brazil.
(00:22:08) The podcast itself has not been monetized, but sponsors have covered the costs of the crop tour videos.
(00:23:59) The podcast won an award in Brazil after its first year, competing against major media companies and motivating the team to continue their efforts.
(00:25:05) Carlos discusses how the idea for organizing trips to the US for Brazilians evolved, leading to the recent trip organized for the Kansas Agricultural and Rural Leadership Program.
(00:27:05) Agro Connection is now exploring organizing trips focused on regenerative agriculture, soil health, and the use of biologicals, taking Americans to Brazil.
(00:30:16) Carlos shares what he learned about his own country through the experience of guiding the American group, including exposure to different biomes and the connections between farmers from both countries.
(00:32:04) While Carlos has a new position at North Dakota State University, the demand for the travel business may compete with his day job.
(00:33:09) Agro Connection involves a network of Brazilian students in the US, exposing them to extension, communication, education, and engagement with farmers.
(00:35:05) Carlos plans to continue the podcast, videos, and trips, as they align with his passion for research and extension, engaging farmers from both countries.
(00:35:49) Carlos notes similarities between Brazilian and American farmers in their concern for profitability, while differences include labor availability and the scale of operations.
(00:37:55) Carlos expresses gratitude for the welcoming nature of farmers in both countries and their willingness to share knowledge.
(00:38:02) For more information, visit www.agroconnection.net or follow @agroconnection on Instagram.
(00:39:14) Carlos reflects on the importance of Agro Connection as a side project connected to his research and extension goals at Kansas State University.
KSWheat.com
AgroConnection.net
