AI TO AGTECH: SPILLED SALT SEASON 7 MAKES POWER MOVES
Season 7 of the Spilled Salt podcast just wrapped, and it’s packed with insight. From navigating AI in the food, beverage, and agriculture businesses to protecting our farms through cybersecurity, we’ve covered everything in between.
A few of our highlights include comparing risk in technology to gorillas, our first live panel discussion, mowing with goats, and reminiscing about Encarta CDs.
Get free entry into the brilliant brains of these top experts when you listen today.
INSPO FROM FRANCA GRANEY
As Junior Art Director at Agency 29, Franca Graney is more than a creative force. She’s a catalyst for connection. Since joining the team, she’s channeled her design skills and leadership to amplify our agency’s values while extending our reach into communities often overlooked due to funding limitations.
“For us, it’s all about authenticity, letting our actions speak louder than words,” said Franca.
Her approach blends vision with action. Franca has launched volunteer initiatives that bridge creativity with service, like organizing a hands-on day in the vegetable gardens at EquiCenter, Inc. She’s currently spearheading plans for our next volunteer event this December.
Franca also curates learning experiences that strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. In the past, she has led Lunch and Learn sessions with the Rochester Commissary Kitchen, bringing practical business and branding strategies to startups and food entrepreneurs, from pitching products to mastering social media basics.
Three Actionable Tips Inspired by Franca’s Work:
- Lead with authenticity. Let your actions reflect your brand values before your marketing does.
- Pair creativity with service. Look for ways your team’s unique skills can directly benefit local organizations.
- Create spaces for knowledge-sharing. Whether it’s a workshop, panel, or informal meetup, facilitate conversations that help others grow.
We’re currently seeking a welcoming event space in Rochester, NY to host future community-driven gatherings. If your venue could be the right fit, contact Franca at franca@agency29.com.
GREEN GOLD RUSH
AgLaunch is changing the narrative in agriculture by bridging the gap between early startups and hands-on farmers. This isn’t just concepts, it’s real-world testing, rapid feedback, and direct input from those who know the land best.
Farmers become equity stakeholders in the breakthrough solutions that help shape, promoting sustainability, efficiency, and productivity to farms across the country. Together, this partnership is reshaping the agtech industry through innovation and success.
Applications for the AgLaunch365 2026 Accelerator are open until September 15th.
FEEL THE BURN
It’s not just the weather heating up, taste buds across the country are craving a fiery kick. To combat customer loss, U.S. restaurant chains have introduced 76 new spicy menu items, tapping into hot (literally) social media trends.
With consumer interest shifting, brands are diving into data and social media trends to stay ahead. More specifically, Gen Z and Gen Alpha are leading this spicy food movement with their desire for bold, adventurous flavors, and have been eager to get their hands on these new meals.
Despite trends coming and going quickly, this spicy food craze has shown no signs of stopping, and restaurants are following in suit.
FUN THINGS TO CLICK ON
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