Ever try finding a needle in the haystack? It’s a bit like creating safe, effective and timely pesticides to manage insects, crop disease and fungus in the field. In this episode, Steve addresses the lengthy and rewarding process of developing innovative crop protection.
It's a Wonderful Orchard
There are a lot of “what ifs” in life and farming is no exception. In this episode, Steve presents a “what if” scenario, discussing an apple grower, what would occur if they didn’t keep up with pest control challenges in the orchard and how those decisions have a distinct domino effect.
A (Canola) Star is Born
And, just like that, a new crop was born…well, not exactly. Steve discusses a crop that has been around since the 1970s, become an important part of the modern food supply and has real “star power” – canola!
Sustainability Wars
What exactly is sustainability and how has the conversation around agricultural sustainability evolved over the years? Steve explores this topic and reminds us that we all have a stake in sustainability and the future of our planet.
Dirty Marketing
Nobody puts produce in a corner! Steve discusses the annual Dirty Dozen list, debunking its claims, particularly its complete lack of science and how it has deterred consumers from eating healthy produce.
Mad Labels
What’s in a label? When it comes down to non-GMO labels, a lot of marketing! In today’s episode, Steve discusses how selling fear and advertising misinformation harms farmers and consumers.
Waste is a Terrible Thing to Waste
POPagriculture is back in its third season and kicks it off with a discussion about food waste. How can we reduce food loss on the farm? Can consumers better control food waste at home? Steve explores these questions and discusses several initiatives and solutions currently underway.
Back to the Prairie
We’re going back to the prairie in this bonus episode! Steve explores the use of prairie strips, an innovative technique used to prevent erosion and nutrient loss as well as increase regional biodiversity
Invasion of the Crop Snatchers
While an encounter with “pod people” may be relegated to a rerun of Invasion of the Body Snatchers on television, for some farmers, scary invasions are far too real! From citrus greening to an invasion on wine grapes, listen to today’s podcast and learn more about modern-day crop infestations that may affect fields near you.
Little Big Lies
Words, words, words. We all know they have power and sometimes that power is used for less…honest purposes. On today’s episode, Steve explores how emotive language is used to describe today’s agriculture and how that specific language is often used to purposefully mislead, debunking some of the more common “big little lies” about ag technology.
You Can’t Buy the Farm, But You Can Rent It
A little-known fact is a lot of the land in the U.S. that farmers tend isn’t land that they own. Instead, they rent it from someone else. On this episode, Steve explores this interesting dynamic, the history of farmland ownership, who actually owns the land and what this all means for farming.
Nature: The Original Chemist
Every physical thing we can see, touch or smell is made of chemicals. In fact, some of the chemicals that are man-made were inspired by chemicals created by nature. In this episode, Steve explores nature, the OG chemist, in all of her beauty, diversity and, sometimes toxic, glory.
Is It Really Best to Always Choose Local Food?
On this episode of POPagriculture, Steve discusses the term “local” and how it applies to our food. From questioning what local food truly means to exploring how sustainability factors into food buying decisions, Steve travels through uncharted territory!
The Dirt on Soil
Soil isn’t just “dirt” – it is the foundation of healthy agriculture! On today’s episode Steve examines how farmers control crop-eating insects that live in soil and agricultural practices to create and maintain healthy soil.
The Organic Pesticide from Hell
Is sulfur really the organic pesticide from hell? In this episode of POPagriculture, Steve questions if the benefits of sulfur in agriculture outweigh some of the downsides and sheds a light on why natural isn’t always nice.
Bonus Episode: The ABCs of IPM
On today’s special bonus episode of POPagriculture, Steve discusses the basics of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a growing strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests through a mixture of techniques like biological control, habitat manipulation and use of resistant varieties. Listen to learn the ABCs of IPM!
Why are there Crop Pests? (Part Two)
On the latest episode of POPagriculture, Steve continues to explore why there are crop pests and questions if our farming methods have thrown nature out of balance, exacerbating agriculture’s pest problems.
Why are there Crop Pests? (Part One)
Should Plants Get to Go Wild?
Ready to take a walk on the wild side? Steve Savage is back for POPagriculture’s second season and kicks it off with a discussion about genetic diversity and how humans alter crops from their wild states to create something edible and sustainable.
Steve’s Story
In the POPagriculture season one finale, hear how Steve became involved with plant biology and agriculture. Spoiler: it’s not your typical agriculture tale!