Monica Ognio (Peru) is a farmer and teacher turning “imperfect” onions into a shelf-stable snack through infrared drying. Monica shares how technology, education, and women’s leadership drive retention, build human capital, and strengthen local communities—one team at a time
From a small village in Vietnam to the co-owner of one of the country’s largest high-tech farms, Mr. Liem Quoc Pham has built UniFarm into a model of resilience and innovation. In this episode of the Global Farmer Voices Podcast, we explore how UniFarm grew from an idea into a 1,000-hectare operation that supplies bananas, melons, jackfruit, and other crops across Asia and beyond.
Mr. Liem shares how he spent two years traveling the world to study farming practices in Israel, New Zealand, Japan, and Australia — knowledge he brought home to Vietnam. He explains how UniFarm fought back against Panama disease, developed new banana varieties, and built a biotech center to power the future of food. Most importantly, he emphasizes why technology is essential for efficiency, sustainability, and attracting young people into agriculture.
As the Global Farmer Network marks 25 years of advocating for technology choices, this conversation illustrates how one farm’s vision can have a ripple effect, educating farmers, inspiring students, and protecting both people and the planet.
Politics was Plan A for UK farmer James Mills. After leaving the farm, he built a career in Parliament, at the National Farmers’ Union, and in Brussels. However, after hearing rumblings that Brexit was upon them, James made the decision to head back to the farm. That first walk up the drive after returning is etched in James’s memory; he knew he was coming home. When a proposed 20% inheritance/estate tax threatened to tear through family farms, James found himself in those same halls again, this time organizing, not advising, helping bring ~40,000 farmers to Westminster in a peaceful show of resolve. Reflecting on why the fight matters: not to force the next generation into farming, but to ensure they have the option to choose it. As Global Farmer Network marks 25 years of lifting ag as a career of choice, James’s journey ties purpose to place and policy to people. Listen for the drive, the protest, and the promise of legacy.
This July, we’re celebrating 25 years of collaboration and knowledge, spotlighting the leaders who say “yes” to big ideas and bold partnerships. Few embody that spirit more than Bill Couser, a Central Iowa cattleman, corn farmer, ethanol pioneer, and lifelong advocate for agriculture.
In this episode, Bill reflects on a six-decade journey that began with a 4-H calf and grew into a legacy of leadership. From building a nationally recognized feedlot to co-founding an ethanol plant that revitalized his community, Bill has always believed in lifting up others. His story is one of grit, mentorship, and trust; especially as he transitions from leading at the front to guiding the next generation.
Tune in to hear why Bill is the 2025 Kleckner Global Farm Leader Award recipient, and how his life’s work continues to connect farmers around the world through shared values, collaboration, and care for the future.
This month, we’re celebrating 25 years of connection and convening, core values that have shaped the Global Farmer Network from the very beginning. Few farmers reflect that spirit more clearly than Derek Matthews, a multigenerational producer from South Africa.From cooperative leadership to international collaboration, Derek has built his career on bringing farmers together across borders and generations. In this episode, he shares stories of resilience, climate challenges, crop diversification, and what it means to be part of a global farming community. Whether mentoring his son on the family farm or helping organize the upcoming GFN mobilization in South Africa, Derek reminds us that the future of farming is built through connection.Tune in to hear how one farmer’s belief in unity is helping shape agriculture, locally and globally.#gfnmobilizing #sustainablefarming #southafrica #farmersunite #farmers #agriculture
In this episode, we honor 25 years of biodiversity by sitting down with Sarah Singla — a regenerative farmer, agronomic engineer, and member of the Global Farmer Network. Farming land in southern France that's been in her family since the 16th century, Sarah shares how no-till practices, biodiversity, and soil health shape her approach to sustainable agriculture.
We explore her work with local beekeepers, her role in co-creating a global farmer-led regenerative agriculture declaration, and her vision for a resilient, productive, and meaningful future in farming.
This month, we’re celebrating and honoring 25 years of strong stewardship—and there’s no better farmer to highlight than Jeff Bidstrup of southern inland Queensland, Australia. A third-generation grower and longtime advocate for sustainable practices, Jeff has spent decades innovating to ensure the health of his land and the future of agriculture.
In this episode, Jeff shares how his commitment to stewardship has shaped not just his farm, but also agricultural practices around the world. He reflects on the evolution of soil health, climate challenges, resistance management, and the role of science and education in farming’s future. This episode is a powerful reminder that sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a lifelong mission for farmers like Jeff.
Tune in to learn how Jeff’s legacy continues to inspire the next generation of global stewards.
The final episode of the Global Farmer Voices special mini-series brings together farmers from across the globe to discuss the future of agriculture for the next generation. This episode features Shekhar Bhadsavle from India, Jake Ryan from Australia, and Tim Durham from the United States, offering diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Join the conversation and learn more at go.bayer.com/FarmerVoice.
In this inspiring episode of Global Farmer Voices, we sit down with Lydia Sasu, a passionate advocate for women in agriculture in Ghana. From growing up on a family farm to leading the Development Action Association, Lydia has dedicated her life to empowering rural women through sustainable farming, food security, and entrepreneurship.
She shares how she mobilized women farmers, trained communities in fish processing, and worked tirelessly to create economic opportunities for women in agriculture. Lydia also reflects on the significance of International Women’s Day, the challenges female farmers face, and how collective action can lead to lasting change.
Join us as we celebrate resilience, leadership, and the future of women in farming. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode!
In this episode, we sit down with Jake Leguee, a dedicated farmer from Saskatchewan, Canada. He dives into his vital role on his family's farm and shares his passionate efforts to advocate for the agricultural industry!
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In this special mini-series of Global Farmer Voices, we bring you the stories of farmers navigating the evolving landscape of agriculture. From Italy, India, and Brazil, we hear from Marco Pasti, Chitra Nehra, and Vincente Bissoni as they share their experiences with climate change, policy challenges, and the need for innovation in their operations.
With insights from Bayer’s Farmer Voice Survey—where 89% of farmers believe their voices need to be heard—we explore the real-world impacts of shifting regulations, access to technology, and sustainability efforts. Whether it’s Marco’s fight against restrictive policies in Europe, Chitra’s focus on high-value crops and regenerative agriculture in India, or Vincente’s large-scale, integrated agribusiness in Brazil, these conversations highlight the diverse yet interconnected challenges farmers face worldwide.
Join the conversation and learn more at go.bayer.com/FarmerVoice.
As we turn the calendar to 2025, we also celebrate our 25th year as an organization. To honor this milestone, we are going back to where it all started and sitting down with three of our founding members: Bill Horan, Tim Burrack, and Reg Clause.
When the Global Farmer Network was formed back in 2000, trade and technology were at the forefront of five Iowa farmer's minds. Tune in to hear three of our founding members discuss the origin story of the GFN, how the organization has shifted over time, and what is on the horizon.
In this episode of our mini-series, we talk to Sudhandshu Kumar from India, Jenny Holterman from the U.S., and Shuichi Tokumoto from Japan about a few of the digital tools they use on their farms.
In this episode, we talk to Aaron Moore, a farmer in Dubai. He talks about his efforts in indoor farming, leveraging a newer methodology called controlled environment agriculture. Farming in the desert has many challenges, but using this new technology allows Aaron and his team to have an easier time managing in the hot and dry environment. Tune into this month's episode to learn more!
In this episode of our mini-series we talk to three farmers about their efforts in regenerative agriculture and what that phrase means to them.
In this episode we talk to French farmer Diane Masure about her efforts in conservation agriculture.
In this episode of our mini-series, we dive into a few of the challenges that farmers face around the world. We'll talk to three farmers, David Kosgei from Kenya, Richard Franke Dijstra from Brazil, and Jana Gabert from Germany about a wide range of challenges.
2024 Keckner Award Winner Shuichi Tokumoto talks about the significance of winning the award and his upcoming plans for the World Food Prize.
David Statham is a Global Farmer Network member from Australia, where he and his family grow Cotton. David began farming in 1994 with his father, initially raising sheep and cattle. Over time, they expanded their efforts now focusing on crops, now growing Cotton, Canola, Chickpeas, Beans and Wheat.
After continuing to refine their business strategy, David's wife Danielle leveraged her fashion background and came up with an innovative idea. In essence, she wanted to be able to track back a piece of clothing to know that the shirt she was wearing used the Cotton from their farm.
Tune in to learn more about their amazing journey!
In this mini-series episode, we talk to three farmers from across the globe about their take on what it means to farm.
