In this episode of the Iowa Ag Podcast, host David Geiger talks with Renato Firmento, finance and operations manager with Spraytec, about why Iowa plays a key role as a hub for international agriculture and agribusiness. Renato shares his perspective as someone who grew up in Brazil, entered agriculture without a traditional farm background, and built a career in Iowa's agriculture community.

💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/international-agriculture-agribusiness

🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/

🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq

The conversation explores Spraytec's global footprint, the role of adjuvants in crop protection, and how knowledge from South American agriculture translates to Midwest farming. Renato also discusses why Iowa's credibility, geography, and ag community make it a natural home for international companies and how exchange between farmers across borders strengthens agriculture as a whole.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Iowa Ag Podcast

00:59 The Journey of Spray Tech: From Argentina to Global Presence

02:29 NATO's Personal Journey: From Soccer to Agribusiness

06:04 Understanding Adjuvants: Enhancing Agricultural Applications

09:29 Brazil's Expertise in Crop Protection: Lessons for the US

11:50 Exploring Soybean Production in Brazil and the US

13:21 The Importance of Consistency in Agriculture

14:28 The Role of Iowa in Agricultural Innovation

16:50 International Agricultural Collaborations

19:26 Future Plans and Developments at Spray Tech

20:36 Final Thoughts and Reflections