Future of Agriculture

Future of Agriculture 050: Strategic Communications and Balancing Side Hustles with James Garner of Cogent Communications

Future of Agriculture

Today’s guest is my close friend, James Garner. He is a partner in a company called Cogent Communications that does public affairs work in agriculture and agricultural businesses in Sacramento, California. For ten years, he has been a part of a band called Johnny Cash Tribute Band, where he is the group’s manager and front man. On top of these varied roles, James has also been doing drag racing with his dad. James’ father has been a part of a drag racing team as a racer for years.

On today’s episode, James talks about the significant changes that occurred in his life when he started Cogent Communications with his colleague, together with the ideal clients they work with. He also points out the strong suits that have kept them on top of their game, which are understanding the issues on the farm and coherently communicating these matters to the board (local, supervisory, or regulatory). James also elaborates on what currently seems to be a mild concern, but can be a hot one in the future because of its impact at the farming level – the Food Safety Modernization Act.

 

“We try to be cogent in all our communications – clear, logical, convincing.” – James Garner

 

This Week on The Future of Agriculture Podcast:

  • How technology helps shape the communications and data collection in James’ work
  • High-level issues affecting the clients and what James and his team do: water, water quality, and sustainability
  • James’ magic formula for building healthy business relationships
  • More tips on establishing good business and personal relationships
  • An on-going concern that the consumers keep asking for but valued much and lived out by farmers

Check Out James Garner Across the Net:

 

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