Michele Payn brings food, farming and science together with bold energy, global insight and a powerful call to action.
5.00 of 5
Top rated!5 of 5
Michele's enthusiasm teamed with her knowledge and fair experience proved to be a winning combination for the Cyber Seminar Series. We look forward to working on future projects."
Lori Hart, Director of Education and Member Services
International Association of Fairs and Expositions
Michele Payn, CSP, stands out for her ability to unite the people and science of food and farming. As principal of Cause Matters Corp., she sparks conversations that shift mindsets and drive action. Her work spans more than 25 countries, where she has collaborated with farmers, inspired communities and helped raise millions for 4-H and FFA. With four influential books and deep roots in agricultural communication and animal science, Michele brings clarity, candor and purpose to audiences eager to understand food and agriculture from the inside out.
Michele Payn, CSP, is recognized as one of the most prominent voices connecting science, people and purpose within the global food and farming landscape. As the principal of Cause Matters Corp., she is dedicated to elevating conversations around agriculture and empowering people to better understand what happens between farm fields and dinner plates. Her approach blends deep expertise with a fearless willingness to challenge assumptions, making her a standout presence on stages worldwide.
Michele has worked alongside farmers and food leaders in more than 25 countries, building bridges between rural and urban audiences and helping people see agriculture through a fresh, more practical lens. Her impact extends beyond speaking. She has helped raise millions of dollars for 4-H and FFA, two organizations shaping future generations of agricultural leaders. Her audiences value her blend of directness, humor and empathy and the way she “antagonizes people into action,” a phrase that captures her bold and catalytic style.
Event planners choose Michele for her rare ability to translate complex agricultural science into engaging, relatable messages. With degrees in Agricultural Communications and Animal Science from Michigan State University, Michele brings both technical depth and human insight. She understands how consumers think, how farmers work and why honest dialogue is essential in today’s noisy food landscape.
Her Certified Speaking Professional designation earned by less than 10% of speakers globally signals a proven track record of excellence, consistent audience impact and an exceptional level of professionalism. Whether speaking to food companies, producer groups, educators or community organizations, Michele tailors her message with precision and delivers it with energy that moves people to reflect, question and act.
Michele’s thought leadership extends into her four books, each shaped by her passion for giving people clearer, more science-based food conversations. Science Story Speak is her newest work, guiding readers in sharing science in ways that resonate. Her book Food Bullying earned an IPPY gold medal for its sharp look at how marketing and misinformation manipulate food choices. Food Truths from Farm to Table, an IPPY bronze medal winner, helps readers separate fact from fiction in modern agriculture. No More Food Fights! encourages productive dialogues between people across all parts of the food system.
These books reflect the same qualities Michele brings to her keynotes: clarity, courage, curiosity and a commitment to elevating knowledge.
Despite her global reach, Michele’s foundation remains her family’s small farm in central Indiana. She lives there with her “city slicker” husband and cow-loving daughter a setting that continues to shape her understanding of everyday farm life. Her love for Registered Holsteins, the MSU Spartans and creating a wildflower venue adds a personal touch that audiences instantly connect with.
Michele’s work centers on bringing people together around the food plate. Through Cause Matters Corp. and her social platforms, she encourages open, informed conversations that strengthen trust in food and farming. She shows audiences how to move past confusion, how to evaluate claims and how to understand the science and people behind agriculture in a way that feels both accessible and empowering.
With her global experience, award-winning writing and dynamic stage presence, Michele Payn offers a voice that motivates, educates and elevates every discussion around food and farming. Whether your goal is to inspire action, drive clarity or spark meaningful dialogue, Michele delivers a message that resonates long after the event ends.
5 of 5
Michele's enthusiasm teamed with her knowledge and fair experience proved to be a winning combination for the Cyber Seminar Series. We look forward to working on future projects."
Lori Hart, Director of Education and Member Services International Association of Fairs and Expositions
5 of 5
I have been attending conferences and seminars in the food processing industry for nearly 30 years. Michele’s recent talk at the Apple Processors Association (APA) is in the top two or three presentations I have heard. She was challenging, thought provoking and up-to-date on the issues relevant to our business. During the networking functions, our attendees even talked about getting Michele back to cover additional subjects that the schedule didn’t allow. It was the first time I have heard our membership say that about a speaker. A word of caution: if you just want to hear a pep talk, don’t ask her to speak. She tells it like it is and isn’t hesitant to let you know what you need to do to move forward, even if it challenges status quo."
Tim Proctor White House Foods & APA Chairman
5 of 5
Kentucky Agriculture was in need of a roadmap to the future... Michele Payn helped provide that for us. Working with the Kentucky Agriculture Council, she engaged over 300+ agricultural leaders from all across the state and coordinated working groups of leaders to surface nine themes, followed by 37 tactics, to provide us a roadmap to the future. Throughout the process, Michele kept the masses engaged and merged all the lanes into an outcome document to serve as a guiding map . Besides her knowledge and experience, she brings a dynamic ability to make everyone feel important and have their input included.
Dr. Tony Brannon Kentucky Agriculture Council
5 of 5
Michele provided a safe, enthusiastic, and understanding environment for our producers to address difficult topics, such as mental health and managing stress. She combined science with reality to connect with the audience and show them the importance of taking care of themselves, just as well as they care for their animals and businesses. I was relieved to see our producers leave their comfort zone behind and engage in meaningful discussions with Michele and others. Everyone has experienced stress, but not everyone is willing to share their story. The more we can normalize the conversation, the better our farmers will be, and Michele does just that by opening the floor to them."
Zoey Dinkla Iowa Pork
5 of 5
Outstanding information that is heartfelt, touching and transformational to farmers and ranchers who need to see that sustainability is more than taking care of the land, it is also about taking care of themselves."
Dr Megan Webb Eastern WV Community & Technical College
5 of 5
Michele brought an energetic delivery and valuable insights as our keynote speaker during our annual conference. She challenged us, as scientists, to step outside our "science comfort zone" and actively share our expertise with a broader audience. Her workshop was especially effective, with role-playing exercises that gave us practical tools to handle various communication challenges, making her message truly resonate."
Christi Calhoun, PhD American Meat Science Association
Keynote by Michele Payn:
Michele will help your audience celebrate the people, promise, and passion of our business. This engaging and popular keynote weaves together personal stories, global lessons, and interactive moments to inspire thought leadership and proactive positioning in agriculture.
Audience members will gain vital tools for effective communication, learn to leverage trust, and discover the emotional power of connecting with diverse audiences, all to enhance their leadership and leave a lasting legacy.
Keynote by Michele Payn:
Michele simplifies complex agricultural and food issues, empowering audiences to communicate effectively.
While covering issues such as animal welfare, sustainability, conventional vs. organic production, hormones, GMOs, antibiotics and other contentious topics, she’ll help you understand how to have smarter conversations about food production. This program offers strategies and insight for both agriculture and health audiences.
Keynote by Michele Payn:
Uncover the powerful dynamics of food bullying in agriculture. As a best-selling author and seasoned speaker, Michele passionately bridges the gap between science and emotion, enlightening audiences with captivating stories and strategies to empower agricultural dialogue.
This keynote delves into the psychological and marketing influences shaping perceptions, equipping you with the tools to navigate misinformation and engage in constructive food conversations. Don't miss this thought-provoking opportunity to look at the science of how we redefine the future of farming and food!
Keynote by Michele Payn:
When nearly 2/3 of the U.S. thinks food should be labeled if it has DNA in it, it creates a major problem for agriculture to talk about our business in scientific terms. What can you do to build belief in the science of food? This interactive workshop will equip you to develop more personal connections as you approach the non-farm public with science.
Michele will challenge you to find hot buttons, be more comfortable in talking through science and how to simplify it - rather than complicate the conversation. You’ll walk away prepared to communicate science with your personal story and understand some of the psychology behind science illiteracy.
Keynote by Michele Payn:
An inside look at the future of agriculture and consumer acceptance; Michele brings insight on how A.I. is shaping public perception about agriculture – and what you can do about it. Her research shows this A.I. is similar to the “real A.I.” that is a common practice on farms and ranches - it’s a bit messy and smelly, but essential to improve the next generation.
The good news is that you don’t need a breeding glove for generative A.I. – but you do need to consider the volume, authenticity, and reach of data from those with firsthand agriculture experience.
Michele will show you real life examples of trends forecasted by A.I., the risk of prolific inaccuracy about our business, and what you can do to help agriculture’s future.
Keynote by Michele Payn:
Help attendees find hope, humor, and healing in protecting their mental health through the storms shaking the agricultural business.
This keynote brings perspective on how to change the stigma with tips on prioritizing self-care, asking for help, and having the tough conversations.
Watch Michele Payn in action
