Intro
In this episode of the TED Radio Hour, Jake Meas, the CEO of Maui Nui Venison, shares his relentless pursuit of innovation, quality, and meaning. Meas discusses his company’s efforts to balance invasive species management with producing nutrient-dense food. He also shares stories of using a live capture net system to rescue cows trapped during a volcanic eruption, the importance of Hawaiian and Maori culture in agriculture, and the impact of invasive species on Hawaii’s ecosystem.
Main Takeaways
Shopify: Empowering Entrepreneurs
- Shopify is a platform that allows anyone to sell anything anywhere, without any coding or design experience required.
- Shopify has thousands of integrations and third-party apps, from on-demand printing to accounting to advanced chatbots.
- Shopify has grown from 10-15 employees to 7,000+ and powers millions of entrepreneurs from their first sale to full scale.
- Shopify provides extensive resources to help entrepreneurs succeed, including 24/7 support and ongoing innovation.
Jake Meas: Balancing Invasive Species Management and Food Production
- Jake Meas is the CEO of Maui Nui Venison, a company that balances invasive species management with producing nutrient-dense food.
- Maui Nui Venison was selected as one of Fast Company’s top 10 most innovative companies in agriculture in 2023 and has been served in top restaurants across the US.
- Meas was previously the executive director of the Axis Deer Institute for 12 years, working on access deer management in Hawaii.
- Maui Nui Venison developed a live capture net system to rescue 50+ cows trapped between two lava flows during the 2018 eruption on the big island.
Hawaiian and Maori Culture in Agriculture
- There is a close relationship between Hawaiian and Maori culture, particularly in their agricultural practices.
- Pre-colonized Hawaii was a highly literate society with 93-94% of the population able to read and write.
- Hawaiians were literal geniuses who navigated the Pacific Ocean with extraordinary accuracy and developed ingenious agricultural systems.
- The Kohala field systems had 500 miles of permaculture lines and used 273 different varieties of sweet potato, yielding 60% better than current sweet potato yields.
Invasive Species and Ecosystem Impact
- Axis deer were introduced to Hawaii in 1868 as a gift to the ruler of the Hawaiian Islands.
- Axis deer are one of the only deer species in the world that can breed year-round.
- Massive die-offs occur on Molokai due to overpopulation and famine, with the population correcting itself every 7-10 years.
- Deforestation in watershed areas leads to 50% reduction in water capacity.
Maui Nui Venison’s Innovative Harvesting Techniques
- Maui Nui Venison operates mobile slaughter facilities and has a finite period of time to manage the variability of wild animals.
- The team uses forward-looking infrared technology to evaluate the health of the animals and harvest them without introducing light into the scenario.
- The company’s shooting system is designed to be humane and follows a specific aim point to avoid injury.
- The team’s work is done at night, using laser pointer systems to find the animals in the tall grass.
The HHS System: Building a Successful Team
- Maui Nui Venison uses a peer-to-peer evaluation system called HHS (Humble Hunger Smart) based on the book “The Ideal Team Player.”
- The system measures humility, work ethic, and emotional intelligence through a scorecard with 6 questions per category.
- The company has a hyper-local hiring policy, giving employees the opportunity to enjoy the place they are from and live in.
- The company’s use of data and technology sets them apart from other agricultural companies.
Nutrient Density and Regenerative Agriculture
- Nutrient density is important for both plants and humans.
- Not all foods with the same name have equal nutritional value.
- Being able to accurately measure and understand nutrient density will change the food system and be a lever for regenerative agriculture.
- Dr. Van Vliet at Eastaw State University conducted the largest and most in-depth beef study ever done.
Parenting and Personal Growth
- Parenting as a tug of war where you have to lose: slow and steady release of the rope.
- Importance of making slow and smooth transitions in parenting decisions.
- The importance of close bonds and connection to nature is emphasized through sitting around a fire and enjoying instant coffee in the morning.
- Clawback allowances can be effective in motivating people to work harder because loss aversion is stronger than the opposite.
Summary
Shopify: Empowering Entrepreneurs
Shopify is a powerful platform that empowers entrepreneurs to sell their products anywhere without the need for coding or design experience. With thousands of integrations and third-party apps, Shopify provides a comprehensive solution for online businesses. The company’s extensive resources and ongoing innovation support entrepreneurs in every step of their journey, from their first sale to full-scale operations.
Jake Meas: Balancing Invasive Species Management and Food Production
Jake Meas, the CEO of Maui Nui Venison, is dedicated to balancing invasive species management with producing nutrient-dense food. His company has been recognized as one of the most innovative in agriculture and has served top restaurants across the US. Meas’s expertise in deer management and his team’s development of a live capture net system have allowed them to rescue trapped animals during natural disasters.
Hawaiian and Maori Culture in Agriculture
Hawaiian and Maori cultures have a deep connection to agriculture, with pre-colonized Hawaii boasting a highly literate society and ingenious agricultural systems. The Kohala field systems, for example, utilized permaculture lines and a wide variety of sweet potato varieties to achieve impressive yields. The rich cultural heritage of these communities provides valuable insights into sustainable farming practices.
Invasive Species and Ecosystem Impact
The introduction of invasive species, such as axis deer, has had severe impacts on Hawaii’s ecosystem. Overpopulation and deforestation have led to massive die-offs and reduced water capacity. Controlling invasive species is crucial for preserving the delicate balance of Hawaii’s ecosystems and protecting native species.
Maui Nui Venison’s Innovative Harvesting Techniques
Maui Nui Venison employs innovative harvesting techniques to ensure humane and efficient processing of wild animals. The use of forward-looking infrared technology and laser pointer systems allows the team to evaluate animal health and locate them in challenging environments. The company’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency sets them apart in the agricultural industry.
The HHS System: Building a Successful Team
Maui Nui Venison’s HHS system, based on “The Ideal Team Player” book, focuses on humility, work ethic, and emotional intelligence. The company’s hyper-local hiring policy and use of data and technology contribute to the success of their team. The system promotes accountability, rewards excellence, and ensures a positive work environment.
Nutrient Density and Regenerative Agriculture
Nutrient density is a crucial aspect of both plant and human health. Understanding and accurately measuring nutrient density can revolutionize the food system and drive regenerative agriculture practices. Dr. Van Vliet’s beef study highlights the importance of animal diets and their impact on nutritional value.
Parenting and Personal Growth
Parenting requires a delicate balance of letting go and fostering independence. Slow and steady transitions in parenting decisions can lead to healthier relationships and personal growth. The importance of close bonds, connection to nature, and finding gratitude in everyday moments are essential for personal happiness and family dynamics.
Conclusion
Jake Meas and Maui Nui Venison exemplify the relentless pursuit of innovation, quality, and meaning in the agricultural industry. Their commitment to balancing invasive species management, nutrient density, and team building sets them apart as leaders in their field. Through their efforts, they are not only revolutionizing the food system but also preserving the cultural heritage of Hawaii and promoting sustainable practices for future generations.
