AgCulture Podcast

When farmers think about improving performance, they typically focus on genetics, nutrition, reproduction, or ventilation. Lighting rarely makes the list.But what if one of the most overlooked management tools on a farm is also one of the most influential?In this episode of the AgCulture Podcast, Paul sits down with Pieter Hanssen, Global Head of Dairy & Business Development at HATO Lighting, to explore how lighting affects animal behavior, welfare, and performance across livestock systems. Drawing from decades of experience in poultry and livestock facilities around the world, Pieter explains why light should be viewed as a critical part of the animal's environment—not simply a tool that helps people see.The conversation explores circadian rhythms, animal behavior, environmental management, and lessons learned from over 50,000 livestock lighting installations globally. Pieter shares how HATO built its reputation in the poultry industry and why those lessons are now being applied to dairy, swine, and other livestock sectors.If you've never thought of lighting as a management tool, this episode may completely change how you look at your barns.MEET THE GUESTPieter HanssenPieter Hanssen serves as Global Head of Dairy & Business Development for Europe, the United States, and Canada at HATO Lighting, one of the world's leading livestock lighting companies.Originally from the Netherlands, Pieter began his career as an electrician before entering the livestock industry in 2018. His experience spans poultry, dairy, swine, and other livestock sectors across Europe, North America, South Africa, and beyond.At HATO, Pieter works directly with producers, nutritionists, veterinarians, researchers, and industry leaders to better understand how lighting influences animal welfare, behavior, and performance. His work focuses on helping producers leverage lighting as a management tool rather than simply an infrastructure component.Drawing on decades of poultry industry experience and more than 50,000 livestock lighting installations worldwide, Pieter is helping bring precision lighting concepts into new sectors such as dairy and swine production.ABOUT THE PODCASTDiscover 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 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 HOSTPaul 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 thoughtsJoin 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 thoughtsDiscover 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 thoughtsDiscover 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.