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Keynote Speakers
Andy Stumpf
Andy was born and raised in Northern California. From the age of 11, he knew that he wanted to become a Navy SEAL, and it became the single driving force in his life. He enlisted in the Navy while still a Junior in high school, entering military service in 1996. After completing boot camp, he began the most grueling training program in the US Military – Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL, known as BUD/s.
In 2002, he screened for and joined the most elite counterterrorism unit in the military, SEAL Team Six. In 2015, Andy worked as a professional skydiver and BASE Jumper, exiting an aircraft at 36,500ft and breaking 2 World Records while raising 750k for the Navy SEAL Foundation to help fund its enduring support of the Naval Special Warfare Community.
For half of a decade, Andy focused on business integration, consulting, and public speaking through his consulting company, Razor 01, LLC. During that time, he worked with nearly 100 companies, ranging from Fortune 50 to Global brands in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Australia.
Hunter Yurachek
Hunter Yurachek has led the University of Arkansas Department of Athletics since December 2017, guiding all 19 Razorback sports programs and roughly 465 student-athletes under the mission of building "Champions and Razorbacks for Life." Under his leadership, Arkansas has finished in the Top 20 of the Learfield Directors' Cup for six straight years and captured 43 Southeastern Conference championships over the past eight years, more titles than six other SEC programs combined in that span.
His tenure has brought national championships in track and field, a historic Women's College World Series appearance for softball, a Sweet 16 run and SEC Tournament title for men's basketball under Hall of Fame coach John Calipari, and standout finishes across golf, soccer, and gymnastics. He has also overseen major coaching hires, including football's Ryan Silverfield, and a wave of facility investment across the athletics department.
Yurachek's national profile includes service on the College Football Playoff Committee, the NCAA Football Oversight Committee, and the SEC Executive Committee. He was named a Football Bowl Subdivision Athletics Director of the Year and was a finalist for the Sports Business Journal's national honor in the same category.
Before Arkansas, Yurachek built winning programs as vice president for athletics at the University of Houston and as director of athletics at Coastal Carolina University, where his teams claimed 29 Big South championships and he was named the Under Armour FCS Athletic Director of the Year. His career also includes leadership roles at Akron, Virginia, Western Carolina, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest.
A graduate of Guilford College and the University of Richmond, Yurachek draws on more than two decades of experience building championship culture, elevating the student-athlete experience, and growing athletic department revenue and community engagement.
Brad Costanzo
Brad Costanzo is a leading AI innovation strategist and marketing expert, known for helping businesses harness the transformative power of Artificial intelligence to drive growth and efficiency. With a deep focus on integrating AI into marketing, sales, and operational workflows, Brad specializes in creating innovative strategies that amplify creativity, optimize performance, and deliver measurable results.
As the founder of Accelerated Intelligence, Brad has worked with companies ranging from startups to mid-market enterprises, guiding them to adopt AI tools that streamline processes, enhance customer engagement, and unlock new opportunities. His expertise lies in simplifying AI’s complexity, enabling teams to think strategically and execute effectively.
Brad’s unique approach combines cutting-edge AI applications with proven marketing frameworks, empowering businesses to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape. Whether designing AI-driven campaigns, automating workflows, or training teams to become AI-native marketers, Brad’s mission is to help organizations innovate, grow, and thrive.
Michelle “Mace” Curran
Michelle “MACE” Curran is a former U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter pilot, combat veteran, bestselling author, and one of only a select few women ever to fly with the Air Force Thunderbirds as Lead Solo Pilot. In one of the military’s most elite flying teams, she performed high-speed precision maneuvers just feet from other aircraft in front of millions of spectators worldwide—where hesitation, trust, and decision-making under pressure carried immediate consequences.
Today, Michelle brings those lessons from the cockpit to organizations navigating pressure, uncertainty, rapid change, and high-stakes performance. Through unforgettable storytelling and practical frameworks, she helps leaders and teams recognize hesitation, respond with intention, and take bold action when it matters most. Her clients include Microsoft, Boeing, SpaceX, John Deere, PwC, Fidelity National Financial, and organizations across finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and professional services. Audiences consistently describe her as both deeply relatable and immediately actionable—a rare combination that leaves people inspired and equipped.
Michelle is the USA Today bestselling author of The Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear Into Your Superpower, as well as the author of multiple children’s books. Her insights have been featured on CBS Mornings, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Glamour, NBC, and other major media outlets. Whether speaking to executives, sales teams, or large conference audiences, Michelle delivers a message that helps Curranpeople move from fear-induced hesitation to bold action.
Learning Session Speakers
Dr. David Kohl
Dr. Dave Kohl is an academic Hall of Famer in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Kohl has keen insight into the agriculture industry gained through extensive travel, research, and involvement in ag businesses. He has traveled over 10 million miles; conducted more than 7,000 presentations; and published more than 2,500 articles in his career. Dr. Kohl’s wisdom and engagement with all levels of the industry provide a unique perspective into future trends.
Lesley Kelly
Lesley Kelly is a farmer, entrepreneur, and mental health advocate who farms with her family in Saskatchewan. As the voice behind High Heels & Canola Fields, she bridges the gap between farmers and consumers by dispelling agricultural myths and fostering meaningful conversations about food and farming. Her passion for advocacy began while building a snack food company using her family’s grain, inspiring her to create an online community of over 100,000 followers to share stories, build understanding, and strengthen agriculture’s connections.
Lesley is a leader in advancing mental health in agriculture. As a trained peer supporter and co-founder of the Do More Agriculture Foundation, a registered charity dedicated exclusively to farmer mental health and a first of its kind in Canada and the world, Lesley has been instrumental in breaking down stigma, increasing access to mental health resources, and supporting farmers across North America. Since 2018, the foundation has trained and helped thousands of farmers in mental health awareness and resilience. Her efforts have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Farm and Food Care Champion Award, the YWCA Women of Distinction Award, finalist of the RBC Canadian Women of Influence Awards and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Beyond her farm and advocacy work, Lesley serves as a Director for Saskatchewan Wheat and co-hosts the podcast What The Farm, where she dives into topics at the intersection of agriculture, leadership, and rural life. In her spare time, Lesley is running to the hockey rink with her two sons, learning how to cook for a hungry harvest crew and spending time with her husband.
Kristen Ireland
As a consultant and coach, Kristen focuses on understanding the business and ensuring it achieves its goals by aligning the culture, leadership, people, and processes with business strategies. A thoughtful, innovative, and strategic problem solver, she specializes in compassionately influencing behaviors and providing simple solutions tailored to your needs.
Kristen has more than 20 years of experience consulting and coaching executives, leaders and managers in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. In addition to her work experience, she earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. Kristen received her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) and her Change Practitioner certification from PROSCI.
Ray Starling
As general counsel of the NC Chamber and president of the NC Chamber Legal Institute, Ray sets strategy for litigation of the NC Chamber, the NC Chamber Legal Institute, and its affiliated entities. He also serves as a key member of the organization’s executive leadership team, providing guidance and counsel to the public policy development functions of the NC Chamber, and assessing and advising on current and emerging laws, rulings, and regulations affecting the NC Chamber and business community in North Carolina. Ray is also a respected agricultural industry thought leader, and leads the NC Chamber Foundation and NC Golden LEAF Foundation’s efforts to craft a strategic plan for North Carolina agriculture, a project dubbed NC Ag Leads. Ray was elected to the Board of Smithfield Foods, Inc. as an Independent Director in early 2025, contributing governance expertise to one of the world’s leading food companies.
Prior to joining the NC Chamber team, Ray served as Chief of Staff to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue where he coordinated execution of the Secretary’s policy agenda for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a $140 billion agency with more than 100,000 employees. Ray focused on regulatory and deregulatory initiatives and acted as a point of contact for stakeholders throughout agriculture and rural communities.
He previously served as the principal agriculture advisor to the President of the United States at the White House, served as chief of staff and chief counsel for U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, after serving as general counsel when Tillis was Speaker of the House in the North Carolina legislature, and worked as general counsel for the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, interfacing daily with Commissioner Steve Troxler.
Ray has a deep understanding of North Carolina’s economy and has proven experience building relationships that transcend politics. In the fall of 2022, Starling released his book Farmers Versus Foodies in which he shares some perspective on the question of who will call the shots for the future of the farming and food system in the United States and beyond. The book is an Amazon best seller and has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
In private practice for several years, Ray has taught numerous agricultural and food law courses. He has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from North Carolina State University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He grew up on a Century Family Farm in southeastern North Carolina and credits that experience as having more to do with his career path than any other influence or opportunity. His parents continue to farm, as does his eldest brother. Starling was a National FFA Officer and is a former 4-H member.
Willie Vogt
Willie Vogt, an Ag Technology Observer with over 40 years of experience, is a trusted voice in agricultural journalism. He has a diverse background, covering innovative approaches in agriculture and the growing ag startup community. Willie's expertise lies in understanding tech developments and their impact on farms.
With a 43-year career, Willie's commentary spans autonomy, biologicals, farm business, and data in agriculture. He excels in panel moderation and engaging small/large groups. His potential topics include autonomy's optimal size for farms, the evolving biologicals market, and the role of big data in agriculture. Willie is also skilled in breaking down automation vs. autonomy and delivering key speeches on technological shifts in agriculture.
As an emcee and moderator, Willie brings energy and insight to meetings, ensuring their success. He has interviewed CEOs and experts in agriculture, making him adept at engaging audiences and facilitating meaningful discussions. Willie's passion and expertise make him a vital asset in advancing agricultural understanding and readiness for the future.
Janae Brady
Janae Brady serves as the Vice President, Government Affairs for the American Seed Trade Association where she leads federal advocacy efforts on behalf of the seed industry. She previously served as staff for Chairman Pat Roberts on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry where she advised on policy issues including international trade, agricultural research, biotechnology, crop protection and agricultural defense. Brady successfully led negotiations on the trade and research titles during the 2018 Farm Bill reauthorization. Additionally, Brady represented the Chairman during the consultation process for multiple international trade negotiations, including the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Brady began her career as a high school English teacher. She grew up working on her family’s wheat and sorghum farm located in Kansas. Janae holds degrees from Kansas State University and the George Washington University.
Erin Miles
Erin believes that businesses do not need more complicated processes. Instead, they need help uncovering their root issues and finding ways to address them. Erin has earned a reputation for understanding a business’ needs and finding creative, practical solutions that allow them to move forward. Her approach is both straightforward and respectful, providing guidance and considerations to improve leadership effectiveness.
Erin’s 15 years of experience has involved coaching and consulting executives, leaders and managers in food and agricultural industries, in both manufacturing and corporate environments. She also specializes in talent acquisition and international HR. In addition to her professional experience, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Music from Wittenberg University, and a Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Erin is certified through the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) as a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
Katie Sauer
Katie Sauer is a sales and marketing consultant who is passionate about helping independent brands succeed. She applies 18 years of sales, marketing, and communication experience to help seed companies navigate the complexities of the market, gain valuable insights into their own businesses, and create and implement strategic plans that will carry their brands into the future.
Prior to consulting, Katie spent 16 years at Monsanto, where she held roles in marketing, account management, communication, and sales support in various areas of the company, including direct-to-farmer brands, corporate affairs, and licensing. Following that corporate experience, she spent 2 years in the start-up space, where she focused on commercial development and marketing at Inari. Katie holds a B.A. in communication from Truman State University and an MBA from Saint Louis University.
Shaun Haney
Shaun energizes the audience to find clarity by connecting the variables and issues impacting their businesses in this turbulent time for agriculture. With his experience of talking to North American farmers through RealAg Radio, Agritalk, RFDTV and US Farm Report, Shaun Haney possesses a unique perspective on the issues impacting agriculture in Canada and the US.
Eric Snodgrass
Eric Snodgrass is a Senior Science Fellow and Atmospheric Scientist at Nutrien Ag Solutions who develops predictive, analytical software solutions to manage weather risk for global production agriculture. He provides frequent weather updates that focus on how high-impact weather events influence global agriculture productivity. His current research uses machine learning to better understand field-level weather impacts on yields in the US and to increase confidence in long-range weather prediction. He presents his research as a featured speaker at over 100 conferences annually where he provides logistical guidance and solutions to weather sensitive financial institutions, farmers, commodity traders, and other stakeholders.
He was recently awarded the Educator Award in 2023 for Distinguished Service to America’s High Technology Agriculture by the Mid America Croplife Association. Snodgrass is a co-founder of Global Weather and Climate Logistic, LLC and Agrible, Inc which were both acquired by Nutrien Ag Solutions in 2018. From 2006-2019, Eric was the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he taught over 20,000 students across a wide range of course work in Atmospheric Science. He won many prestigious teaching awards at the University of Illinois including College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Teaching Excellence award, the Campus Teaching Excellence Award and the Campus Teaching Excellent Award in Online and Distance Education.
John Branyan
John’s ‘Shakespeare’ version of The Three Little Pigs has been viewed millions of times, and his book “A Triune Tale of Diminutive Swine” is in its 3rd reprinting. John is featured on nine recorded comedy projects with people like Ken Davis, David Jeremiah, Ted Cunningham and Tim Hawkins. John and his wife, Lori, have four children and eleven grandchildren (so far).
When John Branyan stepped onto a tiny stage in the early 90’s, he thought his interest in comedy was just a phase; he thought he would get the whole thing out of his system.
But, more than 25 years later, he still loves making people laugh with his style of speaking that won’t leave a filthy residue.
“People didn’t invent laughter,” John says. “It was given to us by someone who knew we’d enjoy it.” And he never gets tired of sharing that gift with others. “Every show, my goal is to hurt people. Seriously. I want people’s jaws to ache. I want their sides to cramp up. I want them to experience dizziness from oxygen deprivation. When they are in pain, I’ve done my job.”
When he isn’t speaking or teaching, he’s playing board games with his family.
Marc Neuman
With more than 20 years in the industry, Marc has built a career finding innovative solutions for the independent seed industry. He began his work at Syngenta and GreenLeaf Genetics, LLC, where he helped manage corn and soybean product development corn trials with focus on commercial advancement. Later, as Chief Marketing Officer Titan Pro SCI, he oversaw the Corn and Soybean Seed Division, including product development, sales and marketing.
Since joining Breeder Direct, LLC in 2019, Marc has spearheaded the organization in its efforts to develop and license new and elite corn and soybean genetics. His leadership has resulted in Breeder Direct’s continued growth and influence across the independent seed industry. With that experience, Marc is uniquely positioned to present the IPSA Trials—reviewing current results and unveiling the exciting expansion into new ways to add value IPSA members.
Scott Keetle
Building successful relationships in life and business are what matters most to Scott. For over 23 years, the seed business has enabled him to develop strong relationships across the industry. The experiences of brands and business structures from small, regional companies to large, multi-national corporations, has given him insights into what matters most.
Growing up on a family farm near Waverly, Nebraska gave Scott his passion to serve an industry he cares greatly about. Upon receiving his B.A. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Scott joined the seed industry as a District Sales Manager for Golden Harvest Seeds. Over the past 20 years Scott has enjoyed roles in sales management, professional training and development, general management, and strategic marketing with Monsanto, Syngenta, Becks Hybrids, AgReliant, and Inari. Scott is taking his expertise in sales enablement and strategic marketing to advise businesses to help them put their full potential to work.