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In this insightful episode of Coffee in the Barn, we delve into the complexities of market volatility in the animal nutrition industry, with our special guest Louis Li, Marketing Director at Beans Nutrition. Louis and hosts Casey Bradley and Aryeri Bardales discuss the growing challenges and opportunities in the feed ingredient sector, particularly in the amino acid and copper markets, both essential to swine and poultry nutrition. As we approach #porktober24, these topics are especially relevant to pork producers navigating feed price fluctuations.

As global markets become more interconnected, agricultural industries must face a range of unpredictable factors that can significantly affect feed ingredient pricing. Louis walks us through the specifics of these changes, including the volatility in the copper market impacted by drivers such as geopolitical events, technological shifts (e.g. electric vehicles), and the supply-demand balance for copper in industrial applications.

Listeners will gain a unique perspective on the fluctuating nature of essential feed ingredients like lysine and threonine, as well as the importance of logistics in ensuring a steady supply to farmers at competitive prices. Beans Nutrition’s approach to leveraging amino acid distribution as a vehicle to offer other technical products like tri-basic copper chloride showcases their strategy of creating value-added solutions in the feed industry.

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Episode Description:

In this insightful episode of Coffee in the Barn, hosts Morgan and Casey engage in an inspiring conversation with Courtney Duffy, a Sales Support Specialist at Double L, whose journey in the swine industry reflects the qualities of a true leader often operating behind the scenes. Despite the traditional image of leadership, Courtney's pivotal role in shaping both her company’s and her community's future makes her an unsung hero in agriculture.

Courtney discusses her evolution from full-time sales to a part-time role, showcasing her ability to redefine success on her terms without sacrificing her career, family, or leadership contributions. While balancing motherhood and career demands, she has driven initiatives that reflect her quiet leadership, such as creating innovative solutions for both Double L and the swine industry during difficult times.

Her advocacy for family-friendly workplace policies and lactation support for mothers in agriculture is a testament to her leadership. At World Pork Expo, Courtney was instrumental in establishing a dedicated lactation room, offering a much-needed space for mothers to balance their personal and professional lives—just one example of how she leads through action, not title.

Key highlights include:

1. Redefining Leadership in Agri-Business: Courtney proves that leadership isn't always about titles or public recognition. Her ability to influence her company's culture, drive innovation in product offerings, and empathize with customers during challenging times reveals her as a key figure in the industry's ongoing transformation.
2. Innovating Through Adversity: Even as the swine industry faces financial struggles, Courtney and her team at Double L continue to innovate, bringing new products to market while keeping their customers' needs at the forefront.
3. Family-First Leadership: By advocating for policies that support work-life balance, Courtney helps set new standards for how companies in agriculture can retain top talent—particularly women—by embracing family-first values.

Courtney’s story reminds us that leadership can take many forms, and even without the spotlight, she continues to shape the industry and community around her. To learn more about the Double L Group please visit https://www.doublel.com.

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Podcast Description: In this heartfelt episode of Coffee in the Barn, Lori Stevermer shares her inspiring journey in the agricultural sector, offering reflections on leadership, personal growth, and the intricacies of raising pigs and managing pork operations. Lori draws on her extensive experience in the swine industry, discussing the challenges and opportunities she encountered while working with pork production and animal nutrition. She provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of agriculture, the importance of animal welfare, and the role women play in shaping the pork industry's future.

Lori’s passion for the industry shines through as she recounts the lessons learned from working on farms, raising pigs, and ensuring high-quality pork production. She highlights the importance of understanding animal behavior, feed nutrition, and the delicate balance needed to raise healthy animals while managing complex agricultural businesses. Through her anecdotes, Lori emphasizes the need for women to step into leadership roles in agriculture, advocating for diversity and mentorship across genders.

Whether it's navigating the demands of farm life or pushing for innovation in pork production, Lori’s journey is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the impact of the swine industry on modern agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

1. Overcoming Self-Imposed Barriers: Lori speaks to the internal challenges women often face, including self-doubt and the difficulty of stepping into new leadership roles. She reflects on the importance of mindset, encouraging listeners to evaluate their willingness to pursue growth, even if it comes with sacrifices.
2. The Power of Support Systems: A key theme is the importance of having a supportive environment—both at work and home—to achieve personal and professional goals. Lori emphasizes the value of mentors and colleagues who actively check in and help hold you accountable.
3. Balancing Growth with Personal Priorities: Lori candidly addresses the hard decisions women face when balancing leadership opportunities with family commitments. Through personal examples and those of colleagues, she explores how to assess what is worth sacrificing for career advancement and the importance of maintaining personal values.
4. Continuous Learning and Development: Lori highlights the importance of investing in oneself, not just through formal education but by finding opportunities for personal development in everyday experiences. Whether through mentorship, on-the-job training, or self-study, growth should be a constant goal.
5. Embracing Vulnerability: Finally, Lori encourages embracing vulnerability as part of leadership. By sharing her own experiences of discomfort and failure, she provides a roadmap for navigating similar situations and emerging stronger.

Join us in this thoughtful episode as Lori Stevermer inspires both women and men to take the next step in their leadership journey.

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In this deeply moving episode of Coffee in the Barn, host Casey Bradley welcomes Adrienne Woodward, a leader at United Animal Health, to share her remarkable journey as a senior figure in the swine industry and a cancer survivor. Adrienne’s story is one of resilience and strength, detailing how her battle with cancer has shaped her leadership, life, and passion for helping others.

Adrienne’s background is both diverse and inspiring. Growing up in Texas as a self-proclaimed “horse girl,” she studied equine sciences at West Texas A&M University. Her career took an unexpected turn toward the swine industry, where she flourished professionally. However, her diagnosis with cancer was a pivotal life event.

Key Takeaways from Adrienne’s Journey:

1. Strength in Vulnerability: Adrienne explains how embracing vulnerability helped her manage her fears during cancer treatment and as a leader. "It’s not about being fearless; it’s about feeling the fear and moving forward." This openness influences her leadership approach, where she now values transparency and humanity.
2. Compassionate Leadership: After her treatment, Adrienne reflects on how her illness enhanced her empathy as a leader. She now prioritizes understanding both the professional and personal challenges of her team members, fostering a culture of support.
3. Balancing Career and Health: Adrienne shares the difficulties of managing a demanding career while undergoing treatment. She credits her support system, both at work and at home, for maintaining balance, reinforcing the importance of self-care and delegation.
4. Adaptability in the Face of Uncertainty: Cancer taught Adrienne the unpredictability of life. She encourages adaptability and resilience, stating, "You can’t control everything, but you can control how you respond."
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Adrienne discusses how her experiences have reinforced her commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a leader at United Animal Health, she promotes an environment where every voice is heard, emphasizing trust and respect for diverse perspectives.
6. Mentorship's Impact: Adrienne has mentored many throughout her career. "Mentorship isn’t just about professional growth; it’s about personal growth as well," she says, highlighting the critical role mentorship plays, especially for women entering male-dominated industries.
7. Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Adrienne recalls how she overcame imposter syndrome and the evolution of the industry, where more women are now taking leadership roles.
8. The Legacy of Cancer: Adrienne concludes with a reflection on how cancer continues to shape her life and career. "Cancer doesn’t just go away; it leaves a mark," she says, but that mark is a reminder of her strength.

This episode is a testament to resilience, compassion, and leadership. Adrienne’s story will resonate with anyone who has faced adversity and emerged stronger.

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In this heartfelt episode of "Coffee in the Barn," host Casey Bradley engages in a profound conversation with Ashley Drake, a prominent figure in the poultry industry and a true leader at Novus International. Ashley’s journey is one of dedication, courage, and an unwavering commitment to leading with humanity. Over her 18-year career, she has risen through the ranks in a male-dominated field, not just by her professional acumen but through the deep connections and genuine care she shows for her colleagues and team members.

Ashley reflects on her early days in the industry, where women were a rare presence, and how she navigated these challenges with the support of strong mentors, including men who believed in the potential of women in leadership. Her story is a testament to the power of not shying away from opportunities and embracing the unknown with determination and courage.

Key learnings from this episode include:

• The Power of Human Connection: Ashley emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the human element in leadership. She shares how these traits are crucial not only in building strong teams but also in creating a supportive work environment that fosters growth and resilience.
• Navigating a Male-Dominated Industry: Ashley discusses her experiences as a woman in the poultry industry, highlighting the changes she has witnessed over the years and offering insights into how the industry is evolving to be more inclusive.
• The Importance of Mentorship: Ashley attributes much of her success to the guidance she received from mentors. She shares how seeking out mentors, including those from different parts of the business, has been instrumental in her career growth.
• Balancing Career and Personal Life: With humor and honesty, Ashley talks about the choices and sacrifices she has made, particularly around work-life balance. She shares strategies for maintaining boundaries, such as turning off work notifications, and the importance of having a supportive partner.
• Embracing Diversity and Cultural Differences: Ashley's experience working in global companies has enriched her understanding of different cultures and perspectives. She advocates for embracing these differences and highlights the respect and learning that comes from working with diverse teams.
• The Role of Women in Leadership: Through initiatives like "The Flock" at Novus, Ashley is actively involved in empowering women in the poultry industry. She shares the impact of these programs on fostering leadership and creating a supportive network for women.
• Overcoming Impostor Syndrome: Ashley candidly discusses her struggles with impostor syndrome and offers advice on focusing on one's strengths rather than perceived weaknesses.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, the poultry industry, or personal growth. Ashley’s journey will inspire you to lead with compassion, embrace challenges, and always remember the human side of every professional interaction.

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In Episode 28 of Coffee in the Barn, we continue our exploration of work-life balance with a special guest, Kacee Bohle, who delivered a keynote speech and led the Working Genius workshop at the recent Elevate Women in Ag event. Kacee, a seasoned coach and speaker with deep roots in the agriculture industry, shares her journey from job-hopping and burnout to finding her passion in coaching and helping others navigate the often-overwhelming demands of balancing professional growth with personal life.

Kacee discusses her background, growing up on a fourth-generation farm in Indiana, and how her experiences shaped her understanding of work-life balance. She highlights the importance of aligning your work with your personal values and the season of life you're in, offering practical advice on how to manage competing priorities. Kacee debunks the myth of a perfect 50-50 work-life balance, advocating instead for a dynamic approach where you allocate your time, energy, and attention to the right things at the right times.

Throughout the episode, Kacee emphasizes the significance of mindset shifts, such as recognizing that you don't have to do it all yourself, and the value of outsourcing or delegating tasks to maintain a healthy balance. She also introduces the Working Genius model, a tool that helps individuals and teams understand their strengths and how to utilize them effectively, both at work and at home.

Listeners will find Kacee’s insights both relatable and actionable, as she shares how these strategies have not only transformed her own life but also the lives of those she coaches. Whether you're struggling with the demands of a busy career in agriculture or simply looking to find better balance in your life, this episode offers valuable lessons on how to achieve both personal and professional fulfillment.

Key Learnings:

• Understanding the myth of a perfect work-life balance and how to find a dynamic equilibrium that works for you.
• The importance of aligning your work with your personal values and current life circumstances.
• Strategies for outsourcing, delegating, and prioritizing tasks to maintain a healthy balance.
• Insights into the Working Genius model and how it can help you and your team work more effectively by focusing on natural strengths.

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In Episode 27 of Coffee in the Barn, we continue our conversation about the remarkable Elevate Women in Ag event with Kaylee Keppy McDonell from ZinPro, who played a pivotal role in organizing this groundbreaking gathering at the World Pork Expo. Last week, Casey and Morgan shared their initial thoughts and highlights, but the event was so impactful that we couldn’t stop there.

This first-of-its-kind event aimed to empower women in the agriculture industry by creating a vibrant platform for dialogue, support, and networking. Kaylee dives deeper into the inspiration behind the event, the incredible turnout, and the lasting impact it's had on attendees. Whether you joined us last week or are tuning in for the first time, this episode is packed with insights on how such events are changing the landscape for women in agriculture.

Kaylee reflects on the significance of this gathering, which attracted nearly 50 women from various stages of life, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the table. The event featured inspiring speakers, including a session on the importance of color analysis in personal and professional branding, which resonated deeply with attendees.

Throughout our conversation, Kaylee emphasizes the importance of building a community where women can share their struggles, achievements, and strategies for balancing work, life, and personal growth. She shares how the Elevate Women in Ag event not only strengthened her professional network but also had a profound impact on her personal development, offering her a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in her role.

Listeners will gain insights into the challenges and opportunities for women in agriculture and how events like these can drive meaningful change. Kaylee's passion for fostering an inclusive environment in the ag industry shines through, and she hints at exciting plans for the future, encouraging more women to get involved and continue the conversation.

Key Learnings:

• The power of community and networking in empowering women in agriculture.
• Strategies for balancing professional and personal life, especially for women in demanding industries.
• The importance of personal branding and how small changes, like understanding color analysis, can enhance confidence and professional presence.
• Insights into the planning and execution of events focused on women in ag, and the potential for growth in future initiatives.

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Welcome to the latest episode of Coffee in the Barn, where we delve into the inspiring and multifaceted lives of women in agriculture. This episode, hosted by Morgan Hart and Casey Bradley, brings a unique blend of personal stories, professional insights, and empowering discussions that highlight the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with a career in agriculture.

Morgan Hart and Casey Bradley kick off the episode with a warm welcome and an introduction to their experiences and backgrounds. They discuss the intersection of motherhood and agriculture, sharing their motivations for starting the podcast and their vision for creating a supportive community for women in the industry.

Elevate Women in Ag Conference

Morgan and Casey recount their recent participation in the Elevate Women in Ag Conference. Morgan shares her experience attending the social event, highlighting the networking opportunities and the impactful speech by Crystal Blynn from House of Color. They discuss the significance of dressing for success and how understanding color theory can boost confidence and personal presentation.

The Role of Women in Agriculture

The hosts explore the evolving role of women in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of support networks and professional development. They reflect on the conference's broader impact, discussing how such events foster community and mentorship among women in the industry. Casey emphasizes the need for similar events across different agricultural sectors to promote inclusivity and growth.

Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned

Casey and Morgan delve into their personal journeys, sharing the challenges they've faced and the lessons they've learned. Casey discusses her journey from a swine nutritionist to expanding her expertise to pet and poultry nutrition. She reflects on the importance of embracing one's authentic self and not being confined by traditional roles or expectations.

Supporting Women in Ag

The episode highlights the significance of supporting women in agriculture, not just through professional development but also through personal growth and confidence-building activities. They discuss the impact of mentorship, coaching programs, and how male colleagues can play a supportive role in fostering a positive environment for women.

Action Items for Listeners

Morgan and Casey provide actionable insights for listeners, encouraging them to reflect on their own professional and personal lives. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and self-belief, urging listeners to identify and overcome any limiting beliefs they may hold. The hosts also share their plans for future episodes, including discussions on work-life balance, personal growth, and professional development in agriculture.

The episode concludes with a heartfelt thank you to the listeners and sponsors, particularly Zinpro, for their support in making the Elevate Women in Ag Conference a success. Morgan and Casey express their excitement for future episodes and their commitment to continuing the conversation about the vital role of women in agriculture.

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