AgCulture Podcast

In this special episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul Windemuller shares his full presentation from the Milk Business Conference, where he challenges how the dairy industry thinks about data, technology, and artificial intelligence. Drawing on his experience as a dairy farmer and global agtech observer, Paul explains why more data has not automatically led to better decisions—and why that gap is becoming more critical as AI adoption accelerates.

The presentation was delivered at the Milk Business Conference, one of the dairy industry’s leading annual events, which brings together producers, processors, and agribusiness leaders to discuss management, profitability, and the future of milk production. Paul was featured as a speaker for his perspective on practical innovation and agtech adoption. You can also read the conference’s feature article about Paul and his work here.

MEET THE HOST
Paul Windemuller is a dairy farmer, agribusiness thought leader, and host of the AgCulture Podcast. With hands-on experience building and operating modern dairy systems, Paul brings a practical lens to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, simulation modeling, and data-driven decision tools. As a Nuffield Farming Scholar focused on AI in livestock agriculture, he works globally with farmers, cooperatives, and agtech companies to explore how innovation can strengthen farm profitability and resilience.

TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Introduction & conference context
(03:40) Data vs decisions
(07:20) Dashboard limitations
(11:30) Digital twins explained
(16:45) Simulation and risk
(21:30) ROI discipline
(26:10) AI limits
(31:40) Preparing for the future
(36:20) Closing thoughts

Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.
Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Dr. Jehan Ettema, co-founder of SimHerd and animal health economist, explains how digital twins are transforming dairy farm decision-making. He discusses simulation models, data quality, economics, genetics, and the role of AI in farm management. Learn practical insight into evaluating investments, managing risk, and improving farm performance. Listen now on all major platforms and explore smarter decisions for modern agriculture!

Meet the guest:
Dr. Jehan Ettema is an animal health economist and co-founder of SimHerd, a decision support platform developed in collaboration with Aarhus University and global dairy partners. His work focuses on simulation modeling, farm economics, genetics, and data-driven decision making for dairy systems worldwide. 

What you will learn:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:17) Digital twin explained
(05:57) Farm decision tools
(07:29) Central data systems
(10:01) Global adaptation
(14:03) Model limitations
(31:31) Closing thoughts

Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.

Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.

Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, I share my conversation with Kimmi Devaney, communications strategist and journalist, on the Progressive Dairy Podcast. We talk about what it really takes to build and grow a dairy operation with limited capital, how to manage assets wisely, and how data, robotics, and artificial intelligence are shaping smarter day-to-day decisions. Leadership in agriculture, practical technology adoption, and long-term thinking are central to the discussion. Listen now on all major platforms!

Hear from dairy producers and industry leaders like Paul by tuning into the Progressive Dairy Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or on the Progressive Dairy website (www.agproud.com/podcasts).

Meet Kimmi Devaney:
Kimmi Devaney is a communications strategist and journalist with more than a decade of experience supporting agricultural organizations through media relations, crisis communications, and storytelling. As host of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, she highlights producer perspectives and industry innovation. Her work focuses on building trust between farmers and consumers through clear communication.

What you will learn:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:31) Starting lean
(06:09) Equipment strategy
(12:04) Using data
(15:10) Solar planning
(28:05) Artificial intelligence
(46:43) Closing thoughts

Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.

Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.

Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Ariel Wiegard from Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever discusses how conservation and agriculture can work together to strengthen rural landscapes. Drawing on her experience in government relations, she explains how policy, habitat, and farm profitability can align through collaboration. Ariel explores trust building with farmers, practical conservation strategies, and the future of working lands. Learn valuable insight for producers, agribusiness professionals, and landowners focused on long-term sustainability. Listen now on all major podcast platforms! 

Meet the guest:
Ariel Wiegard serves as Vice President of Government Affairs at Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, where she leads national policy and advocacy efforts supporting habitat conservation on working lands. With a background in agricultural policy, sustainability, and environmental law, she brings extensive experience working with farmers, landowners, and industry partners.

What you will learn:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:26) Conservation mission
(07:05) Policy challenges
(08:16) Working lands value
(12:36) Farmer trust
(16:26) Precision conservation
(26:26) Closing thoughts

Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.

Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.

Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.

In this special Recap & New Year episode of the AgCulture Podcast, I reflect on 2025 and the major shifts shaping U.S. and global agriculture. Drawing from my work in dairy, agribusiness, and innovation, I share insights on labor challenges, policy changes, farm data, and the growing importance of trust in technology. I also discuss lessons from rural communities and leadership trends that stood out this year. Listen now on all major platforms to hear what these changes could mean for agriculture in 2026 and beyond!

Meet the guest: ⁠Paul Windemuller is an agripreneur, 2024 Nuffield Scholar, and host of the ‘AgCulture Podcast’. With over a decade of experience in dairy and agribusiness, he’s the founder of Open Sky Agribusiness and Dream Winds Dairy, where he drives innovation through automation and technology. Paul holds a degree in Agricultural Business from Michigan State University and dairy expertise from Lincoln University.

What you will learn:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:08) Labor challenges
(03:16) Policy priorities
(04:48) Trade uncertainty
(06:15) Farm data
(07:07) Trust issues
(21:25) Closing thoughts

Discover the world of agriculture with the "Ag Culture Podcast". This podcast will be a gateway for those passionate about agriculture to explore its global perspectives and innovative practices.

Join Paul as he shares his experiences in the agricultural industry, his travels and encounters with important figures around the world.

Available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Subscribe at http://www.agculturepodcast.com and keep an eye out for future episodes, bringing insights and stories from the vibrant world of agriculture.