GROWMARK: Recent Episodes
GROWMARK Corporate Relations
GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative and owns the FS trademark, which is used by affiliated member cooperatives. This podcast features expertise on relevant topics from our industry professionals.
Vertical development is the wave of the future in leadership development. In this episode of the GROWMARK Podcast, Corporate Communications Manager Amy Bradford, talks with Ryan Gottfredson, a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets, including here at GROWMARK. He is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets. Ryan's new book, The Elevated Leader, comes out in October 2022 and focuses on vertical development which he discussed in-depth in this podcast.
Vertical development is the wave of the future in leadership development. In this episode of the GROWMARK Podcast, Corporate Communications Manager Amy Bradford, talks with Ryan Gottfredson, a cutting-edge leadership development author, researcher, and consultant. He helps organizations vertically develop their leaders primarily through a focus on mindsets, including here at GROWMARK. He is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling author of Success Mindsets. Ryan's new book, The Elevated Leader, comes out in October 2022 and focuses on vertical development which he discussed in-depth in this podcast.
Lia Lohnes, Faith Emiry, and Levi Lubben, three of GROWMARK’s summer interns, talk with Sydney Garrett from the Corporate Communications team about their internship experience so far.
GROWMARK team members talk about how innovation is playing a critical role in process improvement throughout the FS System!
GROWMARK Vice President of Human Resources and Strategy Officer Ann Kafer, talks with team members on the Future of Work Task Force, on how the process is going.
In this edition of the GROWMARK podcast, Marissa Danielson, with the Benefits team, talks with GROWMARK's Telecom Services Manager, Angel Baker, about her journey in improving heart health and why GROWMARK's LIVE SOUND campaign is so important.
The GROWMARK System is launching LIVE SOUND, a holistic well-being program encompassing the physical, financial, and emotional well-being of employees. Corporate Communications Manager Amy Bradford talks with Vice President of Midwest Operations Mike Turner, and his wife Teresa, about how an event changed the way he and his family look at health.
The GROWMARK System is launching Live Sound, a holistic well-being program encompassing the physical, financial, and emotional well-being of employees. Corporate Communications Manager Amy Bradford talks with Vice President of Energy and Logistics Carol Kitchen on how employees can benefit from this type of programming and education.
Neil Alcorn, GROWMARK's Director of Enterprise Continuous Improvement, talks with Katelynn Baer from the Corporate Communications team, on the increasing focus on Process Management in 2021.
In this episode, GROWMARK Benefits Manager Aubrey Bastian talks with Chris Grogan from the Corporate Communications team about how the GROWMARK System is increasing its focus on mental health awareness in 2020 and beyond.
In this special edition GROWMARK podcast, VP of Human Resources and Strategy Officer Ann Kafer talks in-depth with Media Relations Manager Chris Grogan about questions and concerns regarding the return to office transition happening over the next few months.
In this episode of the GROWMARK Podcast, Information Security Analyst Chad Clark joins Cliff Dolbeare to discuss how employees, and anyone, can connect to WiFi safely outside of the office to keep customers safe.
In this special edition of the GROWMARK Podcast, Media Relations Manager Chris Grogan talks in-depth with Ann Kafer, Vice President of Human Resources and Strategy Officer, about changes GROWMARK is making to keep employees safe during this developing coronavirus pandemic, while continuing to deliver an unsurpassed customer experience.
Media Relations Manager Chris Grogan talks with Jeff Frank, Division Manager of MID-CO, and Bryce Stremming, Senior Consultant of Commodity Risk with MID-CO. This month, MID-CO is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and looking ahead to an even brighter future. Jeff and Bryce discuss what MID-CO does, and how a dedication to customer service has set their team apart from competitors.
GROWMARK Publications and Media Relations Manager Chris Grogan talks with Digital Communications Manager Heather Thompson about The GROWMARK Way initiative, which sets the standard on how GROWMARK/FS team members work not only with our customers, but each other as well. Heather has worked with a core group of employees in setting up The GROWMARK Way standards of excellence.
In this episode of the GROWMARK Podcast, we hear from Identify and Messaging Admin, Tony Brent, on GROWMARK's latest efforts to keep employee and customer information cyber-secure.
John Reifsteck, GROWMARK Chairman of the Board and President, interviews Mark Orr, VP of Agronomy, Carol Kitchen, VP of Energy and Logistics, and Keith Milburn, Executive Director of Digital Transformation and CIO about some of the most impactful services offered by GROWMARK to its members. They also discuss a vision for digital technology in the future of the System.
Over the past few weeks, teams from the Human Resources Division have spent time with dozens of GROWMARK employees, to find out their thoughts on what would build upon the already strong employee engagement results from 2019. Media Relations Manager Chris Grogan talks with Tom Swearingen, Director of Talent Management, about how important this feedback is for top management within GROWMARK.
The GROWMARK Foundation was formally incorporated in 2005 and supports 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organizations. The Foundation is focused on programs and activities which support: the vitality of the industry of agriculture; agriculture education and consumer understanding of agriculture's contributions to society and the economy; agricultural leadership development; and education about the benefits of the cooperative way of doing business. The GROWMARK System has been involved in a variety of philanthropic efforts, including youth and young leader education and development and scholarships, for decades. In this podcast, hear how those leading this donation effort have had to respond quickly to everything from floods to honoring a GROWMARK executive's legacy.
Rebecca Dwyer, an intern in the GROWMARK Digital and Corporate Communications teams, reflects on starting up an industrial hemp operation in Illinois with prospects growing for the industry.
In the fourth in our series celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the GROWMARK Internship Program we talk to GROWMARK Employee Development Trainer Amie Hasselbring. Amie answers our three questions for a former intern on her internship with Electronic Payment Systems and how her experiences prepared her for her career today.
In the third in our series celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the GROWMARK Internship Program we talk to GROWMARK Director of Energy Projects & Processes Tony Marchand. Tony answers our three questions for a former intern on his internship with FS Agri-Finance and how it prepared him for his career today.
In the second in our series celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the GROWMARK Internship Program we talk to GROWMARK Youth and Young Producer Specialist Karen Jones. Karen will answer our three questions for a former intern on her internship with Illini FS and how it prepared her for her career today.
We're continuing our series celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the GROWMARK Internship Program. On this episode of the GROWMARK Podcast, we interview Insight FS Branch Manager, Adam Bols, on his internship and how it prepared him for his career today.
The 60th GROWMARK Internship Program kicks off today. So in honor of this milestone anniversary, we sat down with the current and four previous University Relations Managers for this episode. Over the course of the next 12 weeks of our internship program we'll feature interviews from former interns who still work in the GROWMARK System. Enjoy!
The midterm elections brought many changes to state legislatures across the GROWMARK System. In this edition of the GROWMARK Podcast, we speak with Liz Hobart and Kristen Faucon from the Government Relations team on how they are working to make sure our members are heard when it comes to upcoming legislation.
In this episode of the GROWMARK Podcast, we sit down with GROWMARK Manager of Network Security, Ed Burton, as well as Vice President, HR & Strategy Officer, Ann Kafer, to discuss her experience with attempted credential harvesting.
In this episode of the GROWMARK Podcast, we talk with Grain Systems Marketing and Business Development Manager Randy Holthaus, about the importance of customer service. Randy, who is retiring in a few weeks, also shares firsthand how logistics and systems have changed over his decades and roles within the GROWMARK System.
GROWMARK Vice President, Human Resources & Strategy Officer, Ann Kafer joins the GROWMARK podcast to provide an updated on our GROW strategy!
Chances are many of you have a device with devastating potential sitting on your desk, in your purse or bag, or perhaps on your key chain right now. Maybe you’re using it for work and it’s plugged in to your computer as you read this. So what is the device that can serve as both useful tool and malicious threat - USB drives (also known as flash drives, thumb drives, jump drives, pen drives, or memory sticks, just to name a few).
USB drives are great for easily sharing all different types and sizes of files, however, they often serve as a source of malware and viruses, and can easily be lost or stolen. To hear a real example of the threats USB drives pose to our business, listen to this episode of the GROWMARK podcast.
Rod Wells, GROWMARK executive director, enterprise supply chain, joins the podcast to discuss his new role and ways GROWMARK is working to make its supply chain even more efficient and effective.
On this special edition of the GROWMARK Podcast we're talking Cyber Security. Santa Claus himself shares his story about falling victim to a holiday phishing scam. And Jeff Mosley, GROWMARK's Manager of Information Security, discusses what we can learn from Santa's mistakes.
GROWMARK joined Illinois Farm Bureau, COUNTRY Financial, and the IAA Credit Union in celebrating Veterans Day and honoring our employees who have served in the armed forces. Cliff Dolbeare, GROWMARK manager, corporate programming, joins the podcast with more information.
Three Rivers FS General manager Chris Salrin joins the podcast to discuss cooperatives and the GROWMARK System. October is Co-op Month. To learn more visit: https://www.coopmonth.coop/.
New Manito Transit General Manager Jim Bobitt discusses his role with the company and a recent acquisition that expands their operation.
Karen Jones, GROWMARK youth and young producer specialist, gives an update on a variety of topics and programs.
Kevin Frye, GROWMARK safety services manager, joins the podcast to discuss safety on the farm.
In this episode of the GROWMARK Podcast, Sr. Staff Attorney Liz Ortega Schwarz and GROWMARK FS CFO Joe Koch discuss an incident in which an employee laptop was stolen. Fortunately, you’ll also hear some of the lessons they learned through the recovery process that will be helpful for all employees of the GROWMARK System.
Steve Kubsch, GROWMARK director, transportation operations, joins the podcast to highlight National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.
Scott McKain lends insight from his presentation at the GROWMARK Annual Meeting and Agribusiness Symposium.
John O'Leary recapped his session on great relationships at the GROWMARK Annual Meeting and Agribusiness Symposium.
GROWMARK Vice President of Human Resources and Strategy Officer Ann Kafer gives insight into GROWMARK strategy and discusses GROW.
GROWMARK Manager, Corporate Programming Cliff Dolbeare provides a short preview of the upcoming Annual Meeting and Agribusiness Symposium.
Podcast listeners get to learn more about FS Forages from Forage and Turf Manager Bruce Weatherly. He’s on the road visiting with members across the Midwest, sharing about cover crop mixes, alfalfa, and more.
Want to get a preview of what will be happening at the FS tent at this year's Farm Progress Show? GROWMARK Marketing Communications Manager Bev Long has the details.
GROWMARK Crop Protection Intern, Ty Tucker, is back on the podcast to share how his experience is going, along with future endeavors.
Sam Spence is on the road with the GROWMARK Seed Division as they kick off their sales events. First stop: Iowa for the Western Region Seed kickoff.
Listen to the summer issue of the GROWMARK System publication, SOURCE Magazine. You can also view a digital version here: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/805985ab
or on your phone/tablet by downloading the GROWMARK Publications app in your app store.
Crop specialists across the FS System now have access to a new tool that launched in May. Ty Tucker and Haley Brokate join Sam Spence and Barry Soliday for a discussion around the training event and pilot for NutriCrop Rx.
Blake Roderick, executive director of Pike and Scott County Farm Bureaus in Illinois, was on the front lines during the flood of 1993. Roderick talks with Amy Bradford about the efforts of many who worked to save thousands of acres of farmland from the historic flood.
Forty-one college students are taking part in this year's GROWMARK internship program. Two participants, Ty Tucker and Mike Miner join the podcast, along with Kayla Portwood, GROWMARK university relations manager.
You can read more about the program here: http://www.growmark.com/news/Pages/GROWMARK-names-2018-summer-interns-and-Exploring-Agriculture-program-participants.aspx
Sam Spence from the agronomy team is back with a special episode capturing her adventure to the GROWMARK Mapleton Terminal. She visits with Brian Hundman, Director of Facility Operations from the Crop Nutrients team, and members of the Mapleton Operations team – Gary Verardo and Sheila Jaegle.
GROWMARK Director of Agronomy Marketing Ryan White joins the podcast to discuss the Enduring Farm awards, sustainability, MiField, spring agronomy topics, and more!
Read more about the Enduring Farm winners: https://www.fssystem.com/Sustainability/Enduring-Farms
Listen to the spring 2018 edition of SOURCE magazine. Stories include: Don Mercer celebrates 70 years of System service, Mike Builta leads GROWMARK Energy and Logistics, director development, and more!
In this episode, Sam Spence, admin coordinator with Agronomy, introduces podcast listeners to Kyle McCalla, Crop Protection Territory Manager.
Podcast listeners join Sam Spence at McCormick Farms in Southern Illinois to learn about a 4R4U Field Day.
Join Sam Spence, Eric West, and Randy Pearson to learn more about the ways that the GROWMARK Seed Division is ‘Gearing Up for Spring.’
FS Ontario agronomy, energy and grain marketing experts attended this year’s Grain Farmers of Ontario March Classic tradeshow in London, Ontario, attended by more than 700 industry leaders/experts throughout southwestern Ontario. This podcast features interviews from energy experts Blake Sicard and Bruce Thomson with UPI Energy FS; precision ag manager Nicole Weber of FS PARTNERS; and Petra Hathaway, Devin Homick and Brandon Caughell of Great Lakes Grain as they give their perspectives. Janice Johnson, GROWMARK Ontario marketing & communication specialist, hosts this episode.
Sam Spence returns for the second episode in the, ‘Gearing up for spring’ series. In this episode, listeners will learn more about the ways the GROWMARK Crop Protection Division is preparing for the season.
Josh Blazier, GROWMARK facility planning division manager, joins the podcast to talk about GrainXchange, an event for FS grain systems employees.
Sam Spence, agronomy admin coordinator, is back with a series with the Agronomy teams called, ‘Gearing Up for Spring.’ In this episode, listeners will learn more about the ways the GROWMARK Crop Nutrients Division is preparing for the season.
The 2018 GROWMARK Ontario region agronomy conference was held in Stratford, Ontario. It was a two-day event filled with agronomic content giving FS crop specialists the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, GROWMARK experts, and each other. Hear how the conference impacted FS crop specialists with host Janice Johnson.
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, and a few other elected leaders, visited the GROWMARK home office in Bloomington, Illinois. Listen to the podcast to learn more about the visit from Liz Hobart from GROWMARK Government Relations, and Rick Nelson, Vice Chairman of the GROWMARK Board of Directors.
The third episode in the series with Sam Spence concludes with interviews from three division leaders from Agronomy. Two managers had transitioned to new roles and a third leader reflects on his service within the FS System.
We’re continuing the 2017 recap series with Sam Spence, admin. coordinator, as she shares three interviews with division leaders from her agronomy team. We take a look at successes across Seed, Crop Nutrients and Crop Protection.
The FS Agronomy Conference focused on professional development for FS crop specialists. Listen to this week's podcast to hear how GROWMARK speakers, industry presentations, and breakout sessions benefitted crop specialists, who serve as trusted advisors for farmers.
MID-CO COMMODITIES is putting on winter outlook meetings for customers. The meetings are being held in Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio. Cory Winstead joins the podcast to explain why they put on the meetings for customers and how MID-CO is growing its business.
Tom Swearingen, GROWMARK director of talent management, recaps the Cooperative Leadership Conference.
Sam Spence, admin. coordinator from the agronomy team, is recapping 2017 interviews from November’s GROWMARK Update Meetings. In episode 2, listeners will get to hear from the Agronomy Leadership team.
GROWMARK has expanded the FS Distribution Center to include bulk storage for crop protection products to better serve its member companies. Hear more about the project with Tracy Mack from GROWMARK's Logistics Division, and John Hany from GROWMARK's Crop Protection Division.
In part 3 of our podcast series on information security, Mark Brooks, GROWMARK system administrator and Ryan White from the GROWMARK Seed Division discuss ransomware. You can listen to other podcasts in the series below:
Passwords:
https://growmark.podbean.com/e/information-security-part-ii-passwords/
Phishing:
https://growmark.podbean.com/e/phishing/
Chuck Spencer, GROWMARK executive director, Government Relations, joins the podcast to discuss state and federal issues including DPAD, Farm Bill, and state topics.
FS FAST STOP locations are among the first to become registered TOP TIERTM Diesel Fuel sites. The TOP TIER Diesel Fuel program was developed by a group of leading diesel equipment manufacturers. They recognized the benefits of additized diesel fuel in their engines. The TOP TIER program, originally launched in 2004, focused on gasoline standards before introducing a diesel fuel standard this September. FAST STOP locations featuring Dieselex® Gold are among the first retailers to earn the new certification.
“We strive to provide the best fuel standard in the industry by not only meeting, but exceeding, the new TOP TIER Diesel Fuel standards,” said Curt Dunafin, GROWMARK energy services manager. “Additional performance benefits of Dieslex Gold include: cleaning up dirty engines, controlling moisture, faster starts, lower emissions, and extending storage stability.”
For over 65 years, FS Dieselex Gold has been maximizing engine efficiency, restoring lost power, and protecting tanks and fuel system components. A list of the initial FAST STOP certified TOP TIER diesel locations can be found at www.efaststop.com.
Jessica Prochnow and Rod Wells with the GROWMARK Crop Nutrients Division join Sam Spence to discuss the second annual Global Fertilizer Day. Hear about the ways the GROWMARK Crop Nutrients team is joining The Fertilizer Institute and other organizations, to support the event and raise awareness across our industry.
Randy Holthaus joins the podcast to discuss the science of storing grain. He serves the FS System as GROWMARK's grain systems manager for marketing and business development. You can also read his column on the topic here: http://farmweeknow.com/blogs-put-science-back-storing-grain-18169
The FS Applicator Simulator is a progressive and advanced approach to meet the ongoing needs for training on safe and efficient in-field product application. Developed by GROWMARK in partnership with its FS member cooperatives, the simulator is believed to be the first of its kind for agricultural training. Hear more about it in this week's podcast with Erik Wilcox, GROWMARK manager, crop protection application and equipment and Eric Long, Ag-Land FS operations manager.
Rad more about it here:
http://www.fssystem.com/Agronomy/News/Pages/New-FS-Applicator-Simulator-to-enhance-System-Training.aspx
In part two of our podcast series on information security, Eric Fisher (GROWMARK manager, network security) and Jeff Frank (GROWMARK manager, agronomy business operations) discuss the importance of passwords to safeguard information.
GROWMARK employees attend the 2017 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, Illinois. There is plenty to do and see – especially at the FS Tent and supporting the #FSBIGPIC efforts!
GROWMARK Executive Director of Grain Bob Rasmus discusses a new partnership between GROWMARK and COFCO. You can also read more about the announcement here:
http://www.growmark.com/news/Pages/GROWMARK-and-COFCO-announce-grain-partnership.aspx
Dive deeper into MiField Nurture, analytics and the new trials platform launched July 2017 with Brendan Bachman , Manager of Applied Research Marketing.
Explore the world of MiField Applied Research with Lance Ruppert, Director of Agronomy Marketing.
GROWMARK Government Relations Issues Manager Kristen Faucon joins the podcast to discuss upcoming congressional staff tour in Illinois.
GROWMARK works to educate employees on a variety of information security topics. In part one of a three part series, Luke McClintock, GROWMARK client tech analyst, discusses phishing and how to identify unwanted e-mails.
The GROWMARK System (including GROWMARK management, FS cooperative management, and young producers) spent last week advocating for agriculture. They participated in the NCFC Washington Fly-in where they met with legislators, discussed bills impacting the industry, and worked with other farmer cooperatives on a variety of issues. Karen Jones hosts this week's podcast with special guest Heather Thompson, GROWMARK System, young producer program manager.
The GROWMARK System is partnering with Dow AgroSciences and AMPATH to help farmers in Kenya. GROWMARK Crop Protection Division Manager Jeff Bunting joins the podcast to explain the work involved.
GROWMARK Director of Agronomy Marketing Lance Ruppert joins the podcast to discuss the 2017 Endure 4R Advocate award winners.
The 2017 GROWMARK internship program kicked off this week. It's the 58th year of the program. University Relations Manager Amie Hasselbring has more on the program in this week's GROWMARK Podcast. You can also read more about this year's interns here: http://www.growmark.com/news/Pages/GROWMARK-Names-2017-Summer-Interns.aspx
With the talent gap continuing to increase, organizations have to do more to attract and recruit top talent. This means creating new partnerships and no longer being able to rely on traditional recruiting methods. For GROWMARK, this means reaching beyond the ag community. Aubrey Bastian, GROWMARK senior manager, talent acquisition; and Josh Blazier, GROWMARK facility planning division manager join the podcast to discuss what GROWMARK is doing to ensure a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
Bruce Weatherly, GROWMARK forage and turf product manager, joins the podcast to discuss pollinators and efforts to educate about their importance to agriculture.
GROWMARK Manager, Leadership Development Andy King joins the podcast to talk about the Experienced Leader Program for GROWMARK System employees.
National Ag Day is March 21 and helps bring awareness to agriculture and its importance to society. GROWMARK Corporate Relations Manager Amy Bradford joins the podcast to discuss its important and involvement throughout the GROWMARK System.
GROWMARK was recently ranked as the fifth largest propane marketer in the United States by LP Gas Magazine. GROWMARK Propane Marketing and Technical Services Manager Zach Baugher joins the podcast to discuss propane, markets, and factors that influence usage.
GROWMARK University Relations Manager Amie Hasselbring joins the podcast to discuss recruiting efforts for prospective GROWMARK System employees.
GROWMARK Information Security Manager Jeff Mosley joins the podcast to discuss cybersecurity and ways GROWMARK is working to educate employees.
Fifteen students pursuing higher education in agriculture will be able to reach their goals a bit easier this fall. The GROWMARK Foundation announced a new, $1,500 scholarship program for students in the United States and Ontario, Canada, pursing two- or four-year degrees or trade school certification in an agriculture-related field. High school seniors or students at any level of higher education may complete the application, which can be found at www.growmark.com/scholarship. Applications are due by midnight on April 15, 2017 and recipients will be notified by July 1, 2017. Youth and Cooperative Education Specialist Karen Jones joined the podcast to dicuss the new program.
As we turn the calendar to 2017, many people are setting personal and professional goals. This week GROWMARK Employee Development Trainer Andy Goodwin discusses why goals are important and how to put a plan in place to best achieve them.
GROWMARK Manager, System Young Producer Program, Heather Thompson joins the podcast to discuss a new GROWMARK initiative that promotes and enhances inclusion in the workplace.
You can listen to a new GROWMARK podcast the first and third Wednesday or each month.
Amy Bradford, manager of The GROWMARK Foundation discusses a recent donation to the IAA Foundation to support a new pollinator initiative. She also highlights the success from the first year of the Enduring Commitments program and other foundation details. GROWMARK podcasts are published the first and third Wednesday of every month.
GROWMARK's Sam Spence joins the podcast to discuss the IAA Family of Companies involvement in supporting United Way.
GROWMARK Executive Director of Corporate and Government Relations Chuck Spencer discusses what lies ahead for President-Elect Trump and what policies could impact the GROWMARK System.
In this episode, the GROWMARK Government Relations team tackles the pending election. Their discussion ranges from local issues to the national election stage and the importance of everyone's vote. So listen and learn how the elections will impact the GROWMARK System and agriculture.
GROWMARK Director of Agronomy Marketing Lance Ruppert discusses a new statewide nutrient stewardship partnership in Illinois called 4R4U.
Join us as we discuss the impact of Brexit upon American agriculture with Kel Kelly, GROWMARK economic and marketing manager.