Conservation Stories

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims talks with Eric Yates of NoFence about how virtual fencing technology is changing livestock and land management. Their conversation explores how GPS-enabled collars for cattle, sheep, and goats can help producers contain animals, rotate grazing areas, protect sensitive land, respond more quickly to emergencies, and even reduce labor demands in large or difficult terrain. Eric explains how the collars use audio cues and mild corrective pulses to train animals to respect invisible boundaries, while also giving producers real-time location and movement data that can help with everything from gathering livestock to spotting abnormal behavior. Overall, the episode highlights virtual fencing as a practical, conservation-minded tool that could make grazing management more flexible, efficient, and resilient for producers in Texas and beyond. More about our guest: Eric YatesNational Sales Director, Nofencenofence.com For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmins-Sims sits down with Erin Irwin, co-founder of The Daisy Project—a new Lubbock-based nonprofit launched in April 2025 to help families feed their household pets during tough times, with the goal of preventing rehoming and abandonment. Erin shares the personal story behind the organization—created in honor of her daughter Haley and inspired by Haley’s love for animals—along with what it’s been like building a “baby nonprofit” from the ground up. They talk about the real-world impact The Daisy Project is already making (including thousands of pounds of food distributed), the boundaries required to keep services sustainable, and how local partnerships—like their space inside Missy’s Resale—help meet needs across the community. More about our guests:  Erin Irwin, Founder, The Daisy Project Email: thedaisyproject@yahoo.com Phone #: 806-901-3363 Facebook We are active on the NextDoor app as The Daisy Project For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include:  •Andrew Wright, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service • Darren Hudson, Combest Endowed Chair and Associate Dean, Davis College, Texas Tech University

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Hugh Aljoe of the Noble Research Institute to talk about the “why” behind Noble—and how the organization evolved from early soil testing and plant research into a national leader focused on regenerative ranching. Hugh shares his own journey from West Texas roots and range science at Texas A&M to three decades at Noble, then breaks down what integrated resource management looks like in practice: pairing grazing, economics, and animal science to help producers reach their goals. The conversation digs into drought cycles, soil health, profitability, peer-to-peer learning, and why lasting change is less about chasing an “easy button” and more about principles, local context, and outcomes that keep people on the land. More about our guests:  Hugh Aljoe, Director of Ranches Outreach and Partnerships, Noble Research Institute Website YouTube Facebook Instagram  For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include:  •Andrew Wright, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service • Darren Hudson, Combest Endowed Chair and Associate Dean, Davis College, Texas Tech University

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Lee Lancaster to uncover a largely forgotten chapter of agricultural history: the 1970s farmer protests that sent tractors rolling toward state capitals and Washington, D.C. Lee shares how a passing reference to modern-day protests led him to research the American Agriculture Movement, a time when farmers organized through phone trees, rallied by the thousands, and demanded “parity, not charity” — simply a fair price for what they produced. Drawing from personal family connections and firsthand accounts, this conversation explores the grit, determination, and quiet resolve of farm families who fought to protect their livelihoods and why their story still matters today. More about our guests:  Lee Lancaster, Author, Lee Lancaster Books Email: julie.hdleelancasterbooks.com Facebook Instagram  For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include:  • Hugh Aljoe, Director of Ranches Outreach and Partnerships, Noble Research Institute • Darren Hudson, Combest Endowed Chair and Associate Dean, Davis College, Texas Tech University

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Julie Hodges, Helen DeVitt Jones Endowed Director of Education at the National Ranching Heritage Center on the campus of Texas Tech University, to explore one of the South Plains’ greatest treasures. Together, they unpack what a ranch really is — not just in history books, but as a living, breathing part of life on the Great Plains today. From 27 acres of preserved historic ranch structures to cutting-edge interactive exhibits, Julie shares how the museum bridges past and present, connecting visitors to the land, livestock, grasslands, and the people who steward them. They also dive into the wildly popular Ranch Life Learning Center inspired by Hank the Cowdog, created in partnership with author John Erickson. Through immersive exhibits, hands-on STEM learning, panoramic ranch footage, and playful storytelling, the center answers the big question: What is a ranch? — and why does it matter? From prairie fires and water conservation to grass as the foundation of ecosystems and livelihoods, this conversation celebrates West Texas heritage while reminding us that ranching isn’t just history — it’s happening right now. Whether you’re a lifelong South Plains native or brand new to the region, this episode will inspire you to see the land — and the stories rooted in it — with fresh eyes. Resource: The Ranching Heritage Center More about our guests:  Julie Hodges, Helen DeVitt Jones Endowed Director of Education, National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech University Email: julie.hdoges@ttu.edu Facebook For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Hugh Aljoe, Director of Ranches Outreach and Partnerships, Noble Research Institute • Lee Lancaster, Author, Lee Lancaster Books

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Andrew Wright, an agricultural economist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, to unpack the real-world economics driving farm decisions on the Texas High Plains. From enterprise budgets and input costs (seed, fertilizer, chemicals, and energy) to crop insurance, price risk, and the difference between “subsidies” and risk-management safety nets, Andrew breaks down complex topics in a practical, accessible way. The conversation also looks ahead—exploring long-term water constraints tied to the Ogallala Aquifer, how producers adapt through new cropping systems and technology, and why sustainable solutions must pencil out for farmers to adopt them. For more information about AgriLife Extension Service, contact Andrew Wright:  email: andrew.wright@ag.tamu.edu phone: 806-723-8458 For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Levi Heffelfinger to explore the often-overlooked wildlife of the Texas Panhandle and the applied research shaping its future. Levi shares his work with the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute and explains why he’s based in Lubbock, diving into real-world research on mule deer, pronghorn, elk, and the changing relationship between wildlife, agriculture, and land management. Together, they discuss how irrigation changes, grazing practices, and conservation programs influence wildlife behavior—and why applied, on-the-ground science is essential for landowners, researchers, and conservationists navigating a rapidly evolving landscape. For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, hosted by Tillery Timmons-Sims, Tillery sits down with Randy Jordan and Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz to unpack the long road behind the proposed Lubbock County Expo Center and why it matters for West Texas. Drawing on Dr. Jim’s decades-long experience helping bring the Brazos County Expo Center to life and Randy’s leadership in guiding Lubbock’s effort, the conversation explores vision, persistence, funding strategies, public trust, and the real economic impact these facilities create beyond their walls. Together, they discuss how community buy-in, phased development, and long-term thinking can turn a bold idea into a generational investment that supports agriculture, drives regional growth, and strengthens the entire South Plains. For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Dr. Kathryn Simpson, Associate Professor of Urban Horticulture and Sustainability at Texas Tech, to talk about an unexpected West Texas opportunity: guayule (pronounced “why-YOO-lee”)—a desert shrub that produces natural rubber and latex. Dr. Simpson explains why guayule matters right now, from global supply-chain disruptions to the growing need for hypoallergenic latex that doesn’t carry the proteins that cause many allergic reactions. She breaks down how guayule is grown, where the rubber lives in the plant, and what it takes to move a crop from research plots to a real-world supply loop—seed, cultivation, processing, and end-use products. The conversation also explores “rubber dandelion,” how Texas Tech fits into a multi-university research effort, and why West Texas may be a perfect testing ground for the next generation of water-smart, high-value crops. More about our guests:  Dr. Kathryn Simpson, Associate Professor of Urban Horticulture and Sustainability at Texas Tech Email Catherine LinkedIn For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Randy Jordan and Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims talks with Kerry Siders, Extension Program Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife, about the critical role applied research plays in West Texas agriculture. Drawing on decades of experience at the Barker Research Farm, Kerry shares how extension bridges the gap between university science and on-the-ground decision-making for producers. The conversation covers cotton production, integrated pest management, emerging threats like the cotton jassid, and how research and education help farmers adapt to changing conditions while balancing innovation and conservation. This episode offers a concise look at how practical research supports resilient farms and rural communities across the South Plains. Resource: About the Cotton Jassid More about our guests:  Kerry Siders, Extension Program Specialist, IPMTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Email Kerry For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Randy Jordan and Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Brandon Lipps to unpack the realities of hunger, food insecurity, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the lens of Brandon’s extensive experience in agricultural policy and public service. Drawing from his work on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, leadership at USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service, and ongoing involvement with Midwest Food Bank, Brandon offers a balanced, firsthand perspective on how SNAP works, who it serves, and why it remains both essential and deeply complex. The conversation explores misconceptions around fraud, the challenges faced by families living on the economic edge, the role of food banks during crises like government shutdowns, and the difficult policy tradeoffs surrounding benefit levels, work requirements, and long-term solutions. Grounded in both data and compassion, the episode emphasizes the human impact behind policy decisions and the importance of thoughtful, solutions-driven leadership when addressing hunger in America. More about our guests:  Brandon Lipps, Co-Founder & Principal, Caprock Strategies For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Kerry Siders• Randy Jordan and Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz

In this episode of Conservation Stories, Tillery sits down with Dr. Jason Headrick, a Kentucky-born farm kid turned leadership professor in Texas Tech’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communications. From growing up on a tobacco and timber farm to researching civic leadership in rural communities, Jason shares how his roots shaped his passion for people, place, and the “social side” of agriculture. Together, they dig into the importance of bridging the gap between consumers and producers, tackling misinformation about agriculture and food systems, and teaching students how to think critically about the news they consume. Jason also introduces his “We Love West Texas” project—an ambitious study across 41 counties looking at rural strengths, challenges, mental health, access to healthcare, and the surprising tension around cost of living. The conversation turns to who holds power in rural communities, how to make room for new and underrepresented voices at the table, and practical ways people of all ages can get involved—through surveys, local committees, festivals, and simply showing up. If you care about the future of rural communities, leadership, or what it really means to belong and participate where you live, this episode is for you. More about our guests:  Dr. Jason Headrick, Assistant Professor of Leadership & Community Development, Texas Tech University, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications Instagram  For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Todd Baughman and Peter Dot• Brandon Lipps, Co-Founder & Principal, Caprock Strategies

In this episode of Conservation Stories, Tillery Timmins-Sims sits down with Chase Head, Chief Development Officer of the South Plains Food Bank, to unpack what hunger really looks like across their 19-county service area. Chase shares his journey from cotton R&D and agribusiness into professional fundraising, and explains how the food bank leverages the national Feeding America network and its own buying power so that every donated dollar can provide roughly three meals. They dig into the realities behind SNAP and TFAP, who actually needs help (often working families), and how recent USDA cuts and the government shutdown have created a “perfect storm” of higher demand and less federal support. Chase also highlights the Food Bank’s youth leadership program (formerly GRUB) and five-acre garden, where local teens gain agricultural, kitchen, and workplace skills while growing fresh produce that now goes directly to client families. Throughout, Tillery and Chase return to a central theme: community generosity—through financial support, partnership, and smarter systems—is essential to keeping neighbors fed and helping the next generation break cycles of poverty. More about our guests:  Chase Head, Chief Development Officer, South Plains Food Bank Email Website  Instagram  Facebook For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Todd Baughman and Peter Dot• Brandon Lipps, Co-Founder & Principal, Caprock Strategies

In this episode of Conservation Stories, Tillery Timmins-Sims visits with Dr. Peter Dotray, a weed scientist with a rare three-way appointment split between Texas Tech University, AgriLife Extension, and AgriLife Research, alongside regular guest Dr. Todd Bauman. Peter shares how his role bridges research, classroom teaching, and on-the-ground extension, helping ensure that new science actually reaches producers and is shaped by their real-world questions. The conversation walks through how weed populations change over time, how herbicide resistance develops, and why overreliance on a single chemistry is so risky—especially in cotton-centric West Texas. They unpack what a “weed” really is, the ecological roles weeds can play, and how modern plant breeding and GMOs compare to the kinds of crosses farmers and breeders have been making in fields for decades. Peter and Todd explain herbicide-resistant crops, the strict regulation around new chemistries, and how today’s products use far lower rates with much lower mammalian toxicity than the highly toxic pesticides of previous generations. They also get into drift and volatilization concerns, temperature inversions, and how better nozzles, equipment, and training are improving on-target applications. The episode closes by looking at reduced-input weed management, integrating tools like cover crops, precision tillage, flame cultivation, electrocution, and more competitive crop varieties alongside herbicides—always with economics and soil health in mind. Throughout, the three reflect on the cultural and relational side of these decisions in small farming communities, the mounting financial pressure on today’s producers, and the importance of praying for and supporting farmers as agriculture faces challenges reminiscent of the 1980s. More about our guests:  Todd Baughman Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center Director Email Website  For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Todd Baughman and Peter Dot• Brandon Lipps, Co-Founder & Principal, Caprock Strategies

In this episode of Conservation Stories, Tillery welcomes back a returning guest in a brand-new role — Liz Hirschfield, now Executive Director of Cotton Council International. Liz shares her journey from J.Crew/Madewell to consulting, and now to leading CCI’s global mission of expanding demand for U.S. cotton across more than 15 countries. Liz explains how CCI works under the National Cotton Council to promote U.S. cotton as the world’s most consistent, traceable, and sustainably grown fiber — and how their teams collaborate with mills, spinners, brands, and U.S. government offices to break down trade barriers and increase adoption. She highlights a major strategic push to grow markets beyond China and strengthen sourcing relationships across Latin America, where demand and manufacturing interest are rapidly rising. The conversation dives deep into: Why U.S. cotton’s quality and consistency outperform global competitors How CCI’s “solutions team” helps mills improve yields and reduce cost through better processing The growing interest in regenerative cotton vs. traditional organic Global misconceptions about GMOs, sustainability, and the realities of modern farming How brands are reevaluating synthetics due to microplastic pollution and health concerns The economic importance of raising cotton prices to reflect real production costs Emerging policy efforts like the Buy American Cotton Act and how listeners can support it Liz and Tillery also explore labor issues, H2A programs, and how smarter, safer labor pipelines can strengthen agricultural communities both in the U.S. and abroad. The episode closes with a conversation on cotton’s biodegradability, consumer labels like BCI, and why everyday choices in fiber content matter for environmental and human health. This episode gives growers, brands, and consumers alike a grounded look at where cotton stands today — and where U.S. cotton is headed next. More about our guests:  Liz Hershfield Executive Director Cotton Council International Email Website  For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Todd Baughman and Peter Dot• Brandon Lipps, Co-Founder & Principal, Caprock Strategies

In this episode of Conservation Stories, Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Laura Seal, Assistant Director of the AmeriCorps program housed at West Texas A&M University in Canyon. Laura explains how AmeriCorps operates as a federally funded service program that places members with nonprofits across the Texas Panhandle to strengthen community resilience in areas like health, wellness, education, land stewardship, and economic opportunity. Together, they discuss how AmeriCorps members build the capacity of nonprofits by taking on vital roles that organizations often can’t afford to staff on their own. Laura shares insights into recruitment, training, the diversity of members—from first-time job seekers to retirees—and the real value AmeriCorps brings to both nonprofits and the members themselves through skill-building, certifications, and education awards. The conversation highlights success stories, unique member roles (including wildlife TV segments!), and how AmeriCorps can serve as a stepping-stone into meaningful careers. Tillery emphasizes the positive impact the program has had on her own organization and encourages more nonprofits—especially in rural communities—to explore becoming partners. The episode wraps with practical guidance on how interested organizations can get involved and why AmeriCorps is a powerful tool for growing community-driven work across the region. More about our guests:  Laura Seals, Assistant Director, Community Resilience Corps Email   For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Todd Baughman and Peter Dot• Liz Hershfield, Executive Director Cotton Council International• Brandon Lipps, Co-Founder & Principal, Caprock Strategies

Host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with repeat guest Sarah Burnett of Texas Earth for an update on her microbial soil products and a third-party “Proving Ground” trial run through Agrelis. The blind test—on a 46-acre watermelon farm in Sampson County, North Carolina. Sarah explains why mixed bacterial/fungal inoculants and carbon sources matter, how overreliance on synthetic N can dull natural nutrient cycling, and why “place-based” regenerative practices work for both organic and conventional growers. They also cover biochar inoculation projects with Oklahoma rancher Susan Bergen, Texas Earth’s home-gardener line (Bio Floof) for moisture retention, past produce partnerships (e.g., leafy greens), and emerging demand in arid regions like the UAE. Threaded through is a defense of small, community-rooted businesses and a nod to Sarah’s late father’s early microbial insights. More about our guests:  Sarah Burnett, owner of Texas Earth Website Email   For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Todd Baughman and Peter Dot• Liz Hershfield, Executive Director Cotton Council International• Laura Seals, Assistant Director, Community Resilience Corps

More about our guests:  DeLinda Hicklen, Relationship Agent at Capital Farm Credit Website Email   For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Todd Baughman and Katy Lewis• Liz Hershfield, Executive Director Cotton Council International• Laura Seals, Assistant Director, Community Resilience Corps

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons Sims sits down with crop insurance expert and lifelong cotton industry advocate Delinda Hicklin to unpack one of agriculture’s most misunderstood topics — crop insurance. Together, they explore how the program evolved from the 1980s farm crisis into today’s vital safety net for U.S. farmers, protecting not just individual livelihoods but the nation’s food and fiber security. Delinda explains how the shared-risk model between farmers, private insurers, and the federal government works, why crop insurance is essential for securing operating loans, and how misconceptions about “farm subsidies” distort the public’s understanding of agriculture. The two also discuss the economic pressures on modern farmers, stagnant commodity prices, and how international competitors like Brazil and EU countries benefit from even larger government supports. Beyond economics, the conversation broadens into global trade, sustainability, and conservation — highlighting farmers’ role as stewards of the land and innovators in adapting to changing climates and consumer expectations. The episode closes with reflections on the generational evolution of farming technology and the ongoing need for public awareness of where our food, fiber, and agricultural security truly come from.   More about our guests:  DeLinda Hicklen, Relationship Agent at Capital Farm Credit Website Email   For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Todd Baughman and Katy Lewis• Liz Hershfield, Executive Director Cotton Council International• Laura Seals, Assistant Director, Community Resilience Corps

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Navy veteran Billy Knox and barbecue pitmaster Ian Timmons to share the story behind Beefy, a Lubbock-based startup transforming brisket into an innovative, healthy snack. Born out of Ian’s legacy at Tom & Bingo’s Barbecue and fueled by Billy’s logistical expertise, Beefy is creating high-protein, preservative-free meat chips that are winning fans for their unique texture and flavor—crispy like a chip, buttery like bacon. The conversation dives into much more than food. Billy and Ian reflect on the importance of roots, community, and building something lasting for their families and region. They discuss rethinking distribution models, favoring local farmers’ markets and community ecosystems over traditional grocery chains, and emphasize their mission to keep jobs and production local by building their own USDA facility from the ground up. Beyond snacks, they wrestle with larger issues: broken food systems, school nutrition, the dangers of “low-fat” dogma, and the power of parents and communities to demand healthier options for kids. They connect food choices to broader cultural themes—valuing family, questioning “business as usual,” and restoring agency in local economies. This episode blends entrepreneurship, conservation, and cultural reflection, reminding listeners that everything is connected—from microbes in the soil to the snacks in our schools to the way we build community resilience. More about our guests:  Ian Timmons & Billy Knox, founders of Beefy Meat Chips Website Email   For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  LinkedIn •  X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • DeLinda Hicklen, Capital Farm Credit• Todd Baughman and Katy Lewis