Dirt to Dinner: Digging In
Dirt to Dinner: Digging In explores the future of food and agriculture.
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Raw Milk: Science vs. Wellness Culture
02/05/2026
Raw Milk: Science vs. Wellness Culture
This episode of "Digging In" examines the modern resurgence of raw milk, which has transitioned from a niche farm product into a wellness status symbol for approximately 11 million Americans seeking more "natural" foods. Crucially, there's a significant safety disparity in the dairy aisle, with raw milk accounting for 95% of all milk-related illnesses. We also debunk the "clean farm" myth, explaining that even healthy cows can shed dangerous pathogens like E. coli and Listeria that cannot be eliminated by sanitation alone. We also clarify that homogenization is a mechanical process for texture rather than a health hazard and suggests pasteurized, non-homogenized milk as a safe middle ground for consumers who desire a traditional sensory experience without the biological gamble. Read our and access the .
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The New U.S. Nutrition Guidelines: A 'Real Food' Reset
01/29/2026
The New U.S. Nutrition Guidelines: A 'Real Food' Reset
This podcast explores the newly released 2025-2030 USDA/HHS Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This health reboot represents a fundamental shift toward real, whole foods to combat the rising tide of chronic disease and obesity. Moving away from clinical calculations, the new standards prioritize protein intake at every meal, the consumption of full-fat dairy without added sugars, and a diet rich in produce and healthy fats. This policy overhaul explicitly discourages ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates, aiming to simplify nutritional advice into a common-sense framework. Ultimately, the success of this nutrition reboot depends on making these nutrient-dense options affordable and accessible for the average family. You can read the and access the .
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Venezuela: A Study in Economic Mismanagement
01/23/2026
Venezuela: A Study in Economic Mismanagement
After decades of government mismanagement of the economy, can Venezuela get back on the road to real food security?
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Why aren't we eating cultivated meat yet?
01/08/2026
Why aren't we eating cultivated meat yet?
Cultivated meat is no longer science fiction, but it isn't quite mainstream reality either. It is stuck in a fascinating limbo of regulatory battles, scaling challenges, and consumer skepticism. But the technology is marching forward, often funded by the very meat companies you might expect to oppose it. Do you think it will be on your grill by next summer? Let us know by filling out our reader poll at the . And read the . Happy eating!
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Beef Tallow's Return: Trend or Truth?
05/22/2025
Beef Tallow's Return: Trend or Truth?
This week's we're xamining the surprising return of beef tallow as a popular ingredient in cooking and wellness and contrasting its health concerns against vegetable oils. Is this trend driven by scientific evidence or a preference for "ancestral" and "natural" practices over established public health guidelines? There's been a historical shift away from saturated fats like tallow due to concerns about heart disease, noting that the science on the risks of high saturated fat intake remains consistent despite contradictory social media narratives. We're also creating parallels between the comeback of tallow and that of raw milk. How much are these trends fueled by a desire for perceived traditional authenticity rather than proven safety or nutritional benefits? Listen to find out. For the original post, visit "" and you can . Also you can visit our to listen in on our other episodes. Happy listening!
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Digging In: The Future of Food with Lucy Stitzer
04/16/2025
Digging In: The Future of Food with Lucy Stitzer
At a recent event addressing a New York State farming community, Lucy Stitzer speaks about the evolving landscape of agriculture, emphasizing the crucial relationships between farmers, governments, and consumers. Lucy highlights the remarkable growth in agricultural output alongside a surging global population and the imperative for increased production. She also discusses the impact of governmental policies, particularly concerning trade, tariffs and biofuels, on the profitability of American farms. Lucy also digs into the transformative role of technology, such as precision agriculture and autonomous robotics, in enhancing efficiency and sustainability, and ends with the need for consumer education to understand food production and supporting informed choices. To visit the related post on our site, visit "" and you can . Also you can visit our to listen in on our other episodes. Happy listening!
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Digging In: Should we worry about RoundUp in Girl Scout Cookies?
04/10/2025
Digging In: Should we worry about RoundUp in Girl Scout Cookies?
Recent social media concerns have arisen regarding the presence of pesticides, specifically glyphosate, and heavy metals in Girl Scout Cookies. In this podcast, we're explaining how trace amounts of glyphosate can end up in food through agricultural practices. However, these particulates are significantly below safety limits set by the EPA. The key to minimizing exposure is dietary variety. Ultimately, we're encouraging consumers to rely on scientific sources like the FDA and EPA for accurate information and emphasizes that the trace levels found in cookies do not pose a health risk when consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet. For the original post, visit "" and you can . Also you can visit our to listen in on our other episodes. Happy listening!
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Digging In with Aaron Wetzel, John Deere's Precision Ag Systems Expert
04/02/2025
Digging In with Aaron Wetzel, John Deere's Precision Ag Systems Expert
In this episode of "Digging In", Lucy speaks with Aaron Wetzel, Vice President at John Deere for Production and Precision Ag Production Systems. A key theme throughout their discussion is John Deere's enduring success. This is largely attributed to its commitment to customers, focus on quality and innovation, and doing things the right way by creating value for the customer, addressing labor challenges, and promoting sustainability through technology. In this way, Wetzel details how John Deere has transformed itself from a machinery manufacturer to a customer-centric technology company. With proprietary technologies like See & Spray for precise weed control and advancements in automation across agriculture, turf, and construction, John Deere leverages machine learning across its strong dealer network. Looking forward, John Deere aims to remain customer-focused and utilize AI to improve operations and help feed a growing population. For the podcast's transcript, . And for more information on sustainable ag and our global food system, visit .
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Red food dye: Toxic or tame?
02/19/2025
Red food dye: Toxic or tame?
This podcast episode of explores the FDA's ban on Red Dye No. 3, prompted by the Delaney Clause, a decades-old law that mandates banning any food additive causing cancer in animals. The discussion highlights the complex interplay between regulation, public perception, and scientific evidence, questioning whether the ban truly benefits public health given potentially larger nutritional issues like excessive sugar consumption. While watchdog groups see this as a victory and a push towards stricter regulations as seen in Europe, the hosts ponder if this focus on a single ingredient distracts from broader dietary concerns and emphasizes the need for critical thinking and a balanced perspective on nutritional threats. Read the Dirt to Dinner and access the .
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How Will Tariffs Affect Overseas Trade?
02/11/2025
How Will Tariffs Affect Overseas Trade?
This week's podcast delves into the intricate relationship between tariffs, ocean freight, and the future of the US food system. It highlights the US's significant role in global agricultural trade, both in exports and imports, while noting a considerable trade deficit. We also emphasize the importance of ocean freight in moving these goods, particularly through major ports like New Orleans. The podcast also explores potential disruptions from new tariffs on key trading partners like Mexico, drawing parallels with past trade wars and their impact on American farmers. We close with examining the industry's push for sustainability and other factors outside of tariffs that complicate the landscape, including fuels and technologies. We encourage listeners to support local and sustainable food options during the turbulent times ahead. And read the here.
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What's the big deal with a small food label?
02/05/2025
What's the big deal with a small food label?
This week, we're digging into the upcoming front-of-package labeling requirement to help customers quickly determine how nutritious these food products are. For the full article and more details, read our post: The FDA is proposing simplified black-and-white front-of-package nutrition labels for food products in the U.S., aiming to combat chronic diseases by increasing consumer awareness of saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar content. The new labels will likely affect most packaged foods, although exemptions exist, and will impose significant costs and potential market shifts on food manufacturers. Despite these economic implications for the food industry, the FDA hopes these changes will lead to improved public health and reduced healthcare cost. Prefer to read this podcast?
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How to Not "Buy Now!"
01/23/2025
How to Not "Buy Now!"
We're looking into the significant problem of food waste, exploring its scale and environmental consequences. By highlighting the recent documentary, "Buy Now!", we're providing practical steps we can take to reduce waste at home, such as meal planning and proper food storage. Furthermore, we examine initiatives undertaken by consumer packaged goods companies to improve sustainability in their supply chains and operations. We all play a crucial role in the collaboration between consumers, corporations, and governments in achieving meaningful reductions in food waste. To read the full post and cehck out other sources of additional information, click here.
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What Does "Healthy" Really Mean?
01/16/2025
What Does "Healthy" Really Mean?
American health has been a topic of conversation since the potential nomination of Robert F. Kennedy as Secretary of HHS, who has put a spotlight on our health. Whether he gets confirmed or not, the question we are asking at D2D is, “What is the definition of health?” In this podcast, we're exploring the multifaceted definition of health, challenging conventional views and emphasizing a holistic approach. We highlight three simple physical tests as indicators of overall health and longevity, when coupled with a diet emphasizing whole foods while limiting sugar. We have the chance every day to make small, consistent healthy habits to achieve long-term well-being. For our full article, read our post: at . And for the transcript for this episode, .
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How can we beat these winter bugs?
01/08/2025
How can we beat these winter bugs?
Dirt to Dinner's article "Here’s How to Combat Winter Illnesses" discusses the unusually high rates of flu, norovirus, and respiratory illnesses during winter 2025. It emphasizes the importance of preventative measures, specifically proper handwashing and a healthy diet rich in immune-boosting foods like salmon, citrus fruits, and yogurt. The piece also recommends additional strategies such as cleaning surfaces, avoiding touching one's face, and getting enough sleep and exercise to support a strong immune system. The overall message promotes proactive steps to mitigate illness and emphasizes the importance of community health.
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Media Madness and the Search for Truth
05/27/2024
Media Madness and the Search for Truth
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Digging In: Regenerative Cattle Ranching
02/05/2024
Digging In: Regenerative Cattle Ranching
Transcript: In today's podcast, we talk to Greg Putnam, co-founder, operator, and rancher of . This beautiful ranch is a veteran-owned and operated first-generation business dedicated to raising high-quality cattle. The company uses regenerative ranching practices to protect our natural resources and reduce any environmental impact. Former Navy Seal Greg Putnam talks to us about the challenges and excitement of taking care of approximately 8,000 head of cattle. He speaks to the hard work and dedication of multi-generation ranches, as well as similarities between the military and cattle ranching.
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D2D Digs into Biofuels with Colin Murphy, UC Davis Fuel Policy
12/12/2023
D2D Digs into Biofuels with Colin Murphy, UC Davis Fuel Policy
Dirt to Dinner welcomes Colin Murphy, Deputy Director of the Policy Institute for Energy, Environment, and the Economy, and co-director of the ITS-Davis Low Carbon Fuel Policy Research Initiative. He helps guide research and outreach on issues relating to transportation, energy, air quality, and carbon markets, with a primary focus on sustainable fuel policies like California's Low Carbon Fuel Standard. His work bridges the gap between cutting-edge academic science, and the day-to-day challenges of real-world policy making. Prior to joining the Policy Institute, Colin was a Science Policy Fellow with the California Council on Science and Technology, and an advocate for sustainable transportation and energy policy with the NextGen Policy Center, where he helped extend California's climate programs through 2030. He has a B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering from UC Davis, a M.S. in Science, Technology and Public Policy from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Transportation Technology and Policy from UC Davis.
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D2D Digs into RMPs & National Peanut Board
11/28/2023
D2D Digs into RMPs & National Peanut Board
Scientists work every day to unlock more value in the staples we've relied upon for literally hundreds of years. We get better, more nutritious food and innovative new uses that meet real market needs, and we get smarter consumers to boot. Our food system does more than ever before to provide a steady stream of information so we can all make better, smarter food decisions. None of that happens by chance. It takes money and lots of it. It takes work by thousands of researchers all pointed toward finding answers to some of the toughest issues we still wrestle with in our food system. It takes a concerted effort to get the word out to people. But who's in charge of this endeavor? Not the government, not fancy think tanks, not big business or big universities. All those folks play a role in important roles, but we often overlook what hardworking, financially-challenged farmers who drive research and better consumer understanding of our food. In this episode of Digging In, we're turning to the peanut industry to provide a stellar example of these organizations that work on behalf of its farmers. The National Peanut Board, a research, marketing and promotion organization for peanut farmers in the U.S., is headed up by Bob Parker, current CEO; and Ryan Lepicier, current Chief Marketing Officer and next CEO. Together, Bob & Ryan have worked for more than a dozen years to turn the commitment of peanut producers across the United States into something really, really important to the interests of consumers everywhere. Here's who we're speaking with in this episode: Bob Parker joined the National Peanut Board, a farmer-funded research, marketing and promotion organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, as its president and CEO in 2012. At the National Peanut Board, he has focused on the mission of improving the economic condition of America’s peanut farmers and their families. Those efforts have centered around promoting the increased consumption of U.S.-grown peanuts domestically and internationally, addressing barriers to consumption such as peanut allergy and supporting production research to make peanut farmers more productive, efficient and sustainable. The 2023 peanut crop is the 47th of Parker’s professional career, although he has been around peanuts his entire life. He has a broad range of experience in peanuts and agriculture, both domestically and internationally, from growing, processing, public policy and marketing. Parker is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in agricultural economics. Ryan Lepicier serves as senior vice president and chief marketing officer at the National Peanut Board with a passion for fueling peanut demand and consumption. He will begin his role as NPB president and CEO on January 1, 2024. He and his team are working to make peanuts the most relevant nut among millennial consumers by ensuring people are thinking about peanuts differently, talking about peanuts positively, engaging with peanuts more often, and buying more peanuts. Lepicier has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication from the University of Oregon and an MBA from Auburn University. He likes his peanut butter straight from the jar on a spoon. Crunchy, please.
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Digging into Food Trends with Lynn Dornblaser
10/31/2023
Digging into Food Trends with Lynn Dornblaser
Lynn Dornblaser is a seasoned expert with over 35 years of valuable product trend knowledge and experience at Mintel since 1998. She brings a unique perspective to her work, applying it to tailored client research and engaging in extensive public speaking engagements. She has been recognized and quoted by esteemed U.S. news organizations, like The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The New York Times, and CNN. Lynn has also had the honor of serving as a keynote lecturer and speaker for numerous industry groups and sales forums. Prior to joining Mintel, Lynn's expertise in new product trends was showcased as the editor and editorial director of New Product News at various trade magazine publishing companies. We had the pleasure of tapping into Lynn's vast expertise in our lively discussion about everything food-related! From understanding consumer desires to the evolution of functional and alternative food markets, and even analyzing what brands are getting right and wrong, Lynn provided us with invaluable insights.
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Digging in: Julie Holmstrom, CPG Foods Strategist
09/30/2023
Digging in: Julie Holmstrom, CPG Foods Strategist
Julie Holmstrom is a distinguished Food, Agriculture, and with over three decades of international experience in driving opportunities through comprehensive strategy implementation and Research and Development (R&D) expertise. Formerly serving as Innovation Technology & Quality Director, Nutrition and Technology Solutions at General Mills, her extensive career spans across the globe, where she has consistently excelled in steering product, process, and packaging development and renovation across diverse categories. As a technical strategist, Julie possesses a remarkable ability to bridge the gap between technical possibilities and consumer demands, aligning these aspects seamlessly with business objectives.
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Expert Take on Defining 'Sustainability'
09/19/2023
Expert Take on Defining 'Sustainability'
Christine Daugherty has both a PhD in plant physiology and a law degree. She is widely recognized as both a deep thinker and active agent of sustainability, working with a wide number of and other organizations deeply committed to the idea of sustainability. Christine will talk to us about the business community’s commitment to sustainability. She will weigh in on the continuing debate on carbon sequestration. And she will help us understand the parallels between sustainability and regenerative agriculture, including . If you believe sustainability is one of the most important topics in today’s world of , you definitely want to hear what Christine has to say.
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5 Nutrients Meat Has that Plants Don’t
08/30/2023
5 Nutrients Meat Has that Plants Don’t
It’s no secret that many consumers are integrating a plant-based option into their diets. And, although increasing your vegetable intake is never a bad idea, it’s imperative to know what nutrients you may be lacking without eating meat.
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Digging In with Ahmed Qureshi, Founder of Valorant Health
08/29/2023
Digging In with Ahmed Qureshi, Founder of Valorant Health
Welcome back to Dirt to Dinner: Digging In, where we dig into what's going on in the food and ag world. In this episode, we spoke with Ahmed 'Eddie' Qureshi about synthetic biology. Ahmed is currently a founder of Valorant Health, which provides virtual care resources to over 67 million Americans living in rural and underserved areas. Ahmed started in Synthetic Biology wanting to apply its promise of scaling and iterating for maximum impact in healthcare. He was also a co-founder at DNAWorks, a spinout of the University of Washington's Molecular Engineering and Sciences department. You can read more about Ahmed . could be the future not only of healthcare, but of our food. This fascinating topic, which is a combination of genetic engineering and computer science, is changing the way we think about food and agriculture. Simply put, synthetic biology is taking what we know in nature and making it better. Scientists utilizing synthetic biology can change the DNA in viruses, bacteria, yeasts, plants, or even animals to improve human health, the environment, agriculture, and industrial processes. For instance, it is being used to reduce fertilizer usage on crops, enhance milk protein fermentation for use in non-dairy products, to create a plant-based coating to extend the shelf life of produce, and even to turn mushrooms into leather. In our conversation with Ahmed, we talk about the definition of synthetic biology, as well as the impact artificial intelligence will have on re-designing living organisms into new products. We hope you enjoy this podcast and learn a few new things along the way.
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How Do Wildfires Affect Ag?
08/23/2023
How Do Wildfires Affect Ag?
The frequency and intensity of wildfires are on the rise, posing significant consequences for an ever-growing number of people and our agricultural system. But what about the impact on our food system? We had the opportunity to speak with Jay Walter from Greenridge Farming in Oregon; Dave Cameron, the operator of C6 Agri Farms in Omaha, Nebraska; and Don Wysocki, an extension soil scientist at Oregon State University, to gauge their level of concern. Their answer? Well, it's a bit more complex than a simple yes or no...
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Digging In with Dr. Ari Novy, San Diego Botanic Garden
08/15/2023
Digging In with Dr. Ari Novy, San Diego Botanic Garden
Many of us use , or RoundUp, as a weed killer on our lawns and in our gardens. This product also has applications in agriculture, forestry, and commercial uses. Despite its efficacy, there are big questions regarding its potentially harmful side effects on the environment and human health. Thankfully, Dr. Novy takes the time to educate us on how glyphosate works so we can better understand its pros and cons. And he shares some evidence-based reasons why glyphosate can be used as one tool of many in a toolbox for land and crop management when used judiciously. Dr. Novy runs the in Encinitas, CA, a 37-acre facility with extensive collections of Mediterranean climate plants as well as award-winning children’s gardens. He previously served as an environmental consultant on infrastructure projects in the northeastern United States. Dr. Novy completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at New York University and his doctorate at Rutgers University.
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Expert Insights on Water Security
07/26/2023
Expert Insights on Water Security
Water, water everywhere. But is there enough to drink? With oceans and aquifers and ice caps, you would think we have plenty, but just a fraction of that is considered freshwater. Add to that the need for water for use, for and food processing and a myriad of other uses and , and there’s ample reason to worry. Dr. Fleming sits down with Dirt to Dinner’s Digging In to explain why we need to be concerned, and what’s being done to make sure we have the water security we need. Dr. Hubert Fleming is a Senior Advisor at Worley, an American-Australian energy engineering company. Hu has been Sr. Advisor to Morgan Stanley, Loeb Partners, and the World Bank, as well as other investment organizations and the U.S. Department of Energy. He’s formerly Global Head, Water, Anglo American and Global Director at Hatch. Hu holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Cornell and an MBA from Harvard Business School. We'll also talk with Fleming about how a to tackling the subject can work for everyone's benefit. Take a listen and quench your thirst for knowing more about this important issue facing all of us.
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Can Stretching Help Nutrient Intake?
07/26/2023
Can Stretching Help Nutrient Intake?
Stretching can help your body absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. You’ll have a whole new appreciation for touching your toes when you hear about all the benefits it can have on your nutrient intake!
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Digging In with Easy Energy
07/17/2023
Digging In with Easy Energy
What a waste. And indeed it is when it comes to our food. Experts tell us we waste as much as 30 to 40 percent of our food along the journey from dirt to dinner. But the folks at are applying modern technology in an innovative way to tackle the problem head on – transforming waste into useful products. From environmentally-friendly fertilizers, to biofuels, to soil-enhancing, water-conserving products and a whole host of other things, Easy Energy utilizes modular technology to create a renewable energy cycle. Tune in…it’s time definitely not wasted.
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Return of El Niño Sends Up Red Flags
07/11/2023
Return of El Niño Sends Up Red Flags
There’s ample cause to question just how bad the effect of our latest El Niño weather system could be on the ag system and our planet. Is El Niño a reflection of true climate change, or a separate phenomenon? And how significant will El Niño impact global food security?
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Oakridge Dairy Overcomes Industry Challenges
06/26/2023
Oakridge Dairy Overcomes Industry Challenges
We visited Oakridge Dairy in Connecticut to witness how a dairy farm can thrive amidst changing consumer preferences and environmental regulations. Will new technologies, such as data management and artificial intelligence, keep farms like Oakridge Dairy resilient for the future?
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