In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge is joined by Jennifer Schmidt, MS, RD, a registered dietitian and full-time farmer in the eastern shore of Maryland, for a candid conversation about the evolving role of women in agriculture and the economic realities that shape what farmers, male or female, face in growing crops.

As the world prepares to recognize the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Jennie shares firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities women farmers experience both in the U.S. and globally.

Marianne and Jennie dig into the economic pressures facing farmers, from low commodity prices and rising input costs to shifting markets like wine grapes. Jennie explains why farming margins are razor thin and changing crops or production systems isn’t as simple as it sounds.

The episode also tackles common misconceptions about farming and sustainability, including regenerative agriculture, pesticide use, and the trade-offs between organic and conventional systems. Jennie offers a grounded explanation of how farmers balance soil health, yields, labor availability, and environmental stewardship, and why one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work in agriculture.

Bottom Line:

Women farmers are more influential than data once showed in the US and across the globe. From small crop production across the globe to major U.S. commodity farmers, women are now recognized as a true farmers-not the silent partner.

Farming economics drive decisions more than ideals. Low prices, high input costs, labor shortages, and infrastructure limitations shape what farmers grow and how they farm.

Sustainability is about balance- economics, land and people. Real-world farming requires trade-offs between yield, soil health, labor, and cost.

Because food always has a story… and not all of it is as simple as it seems.

Follow Jennifer:

Instagram

Facebook

For more insights on women in agriculture, check out my blog: https://agrinutritionedge.com/celebrating-women-in-agriculture/.

In this episode of Rooted & Restless, Marianne Smith Edge is joined by registered dietitian and food trend expert Mindy Hermann, MBA, RDN to unpack how food trends are identified, amplified, and interpreted — and what they really mean for consumers, industry, and health.

The conversation explores where food trends come from, including the role of retailers like Whole Foods and industry intelligence firms such as Datassential and Innova Market Insights.

Mindy explains how trends are predicted and promoted across retail and foodservice, while Marianne mentioned the continued focus on protein and the resurgence of legumes, even in traditionally meat-centric restaurants.

Marianne and Mindy also discuss how food trends move globally, often starting in one region and spreading elsewhere. A key example is the growing influence of GLP-1 medications, which are already shaping food choices in the U.S, with users seeking smaller portions, higher-protein foods, and healthier snack options with their potential ripple effect internationally as these medications expand.

While trends often begin with a small segment of consumers, their broader impact can look very different when viewed through a wider lens. The episode takes a thoughtful look at the socioeconomic implications of food trends, questioning who benefits and who may be left out. Topics like affordability, value, and food insecurity highlight the tension between trend-driven foods and everyday eating realities.

Sustainability and global economics also take center stage as Marianne and Mindy examine trends such as sea vegetables, ancient grains, and so-called “superfoods.” They discuss the environmental potential of sea vegetables as alternative omega-3 sources, the challenges of scaling ancient grains, and the unintended consequences of global demand for foods like quinoa. Marianne shares firsthand observations from Peru, where quinoa’s popularity has increased the local prices and ultimately the its access to the local population.

The episode concludes with an analysis of the future of plant-based meat alternatives, where Mindy explains why consumer interest has cooled and what may come next — including mycoproteins and a renewed focus on dairy and animal proteins. Together, they emphasize that while trends influence curiosity and trial, long-term eating habits are shaped by culture, access, preference, and common-sense nutrition.

Key takeaway: Food trends may grab attention, but understanding their origins, impacts, and limitations helps us make more informed and realistic choices.

Where You can Find Mindy Hermann, MS, RDN

LinkedIn

Instagram

Welcome to Rooted and Restless. The podcast that digs beneath the surface of what we eat. How it gets to our plates and why it matters to our health. I'm Marianne Smith Edge, registered dietitian and sixth generation farm owner. Each week, I'll explore the complex, fascinating world of food and farming with friends and colleagues, from hot topics and trends to travel, culture and the food memories that connect us all.

Because food always has a story, and not all of it is as simple as it seems.