Conservation Stories

 In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Todd Baughman, director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Lubbock, to explore how cutting-edge research connects directly to the challenges and opportunities facing High Plains producers. Todd reflects on this year’s unusual weather patterns—cooler nights and timely rains—and what they mean for cotton crops, plant stress, and yield potential. He highlights the center’s expanding drip irrigation research, as well as projects in fertility, cropping systems, regenerative agriculture, and integrating livestock into row-crop systems. The conversation dives into soil health, compaction concerns, and innovative practices like short-term grazing, which can reduce costs, improve cover crop viability, and create new opportunities for younger producers. Tillery and Todd also tackle big-picture themes: the importance of trustworthy, unbiased research in an age of information overload, the evolving role of GMOs, and how U.S. agriculture underpins not only local economies but also national security. They discuss challenges in global competitiveness, the burden of innovation on American farmers, and the potential for direct farmer-to-buyer models that strengthen local economies and reduce middlemen in the supply chain. Blending science, economics, and on-the-ground experience, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how research, resilience, and collaboration keep agriculture moving forward in West Texas and beyond. More about our guests:  Todd Baughman 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: • Ian Timmons, Beefy Meat Chips• DeLinda Hicklen, Capital Farm Credit• Todd Baughman and Katy Lewis

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims talks with Canadian rancher and conservation leader Brian Gilvesey about the ALUS (Alternative Land Use Services) program, a farmer-driven initiative that pays landowners for producing ecosystem services like clean water, biodiversity, soil health, and carbon storage. Brian shares his personal journey from raising Texas Longhorn cattle in Ontario to helping expand ALUS across 41 communities in North America, empowering farmers to take ownership of conservation without burdensome easements or government red tape. The program’s grassroots model gives communities autonomy to set priorities while attracting funding from corporations, municipalities, and nonprofits eager to invest in environmental outcomes. Together, Tillery and Brian discuss how ALUS redefines farmers as solution providers—not just food and fiber producers, but stewards of landscapes that benefit all of society. They explore real-world examples, from buffer strips that recycle nutrients through cattle, to wetland restoration, pollinator habitats, and regenerative grazing pilots. Brian emphasizes the importance of valuing ecosystem services, keeping programs voluntary, and telling agriculture’s story in a way that reclaims the environmental agenda. This episode highlights a new model of conservation—farmer-led, community-based, and market-supported—designed to reward stewardship, strengthen rural communities, and create a more resilient planet.   More about our guests:  Bryan Gilvesy, Chief Strategy Officer at ALUS, Owner Y U Ranch. 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: • Ian Timmons, Beefy Meat Chips• DeLinda Hicklen, Capital Farm Credit• Todd Baughman and Katy Lewis

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Billy Tiller, a fifth-generation cotton farmer, entrepreneur, and data solutions innovator from West Texas. Billy shares his journey from farming and ag banking to launching technology ventures focused on ag data cooperatives and water management solutions. He explains how his work in Nebraska’s Twin Platte Natural Resource District helped pioneer a large-scale project using electric smart meters to track irrigation more accurately and encourage conservation—an approach now viewed as a model across the state. The conversation expands beyond water to the challenges of dryland farming, the role of crop insurance, and the slim margins farmers face amidst rising input costs. Billy and Tillery also reflect on food systems, from international competition in cotton markets to the need for healthier diets in rural America. Billy shares personal insights on resilience, from cooking during COVID to innovations in chemical solutions through his new venture, the Grower Freedom Alliance, which promotes more efficient and sustainable ag inputs. Closing with a heartfelt discussion on mentors and legacies, Billy honors those who shaped his path and emphasizes the importance of hope, second chances, and lifting up positive voices in agriculture. This episode blends innovation, faith, and community spirit—painting a vivid picture of how one farmer is working to secure the future of agriculture on the High Plains and beyond.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims welcomes Tony Vorster and Nick Young, researchers at Colorado State University’s Natural Resource Ecology Lab, to explore how NASA’s remote sensing technology can directly support farmers and ranchers. With years of experience in applied research and the NASA Develop Program, Tony and Nick explain remote sensing in everyday terms—how satellites measure landscapes, track vegetation, and provide insights on soil moisture, biomass, flood risks, and long-term land changes. The conversation highlights the NASA Acres initiative, which partners with producers to make taxpayer-funded satellite data more accessible and practical. From mapping cover crops and forage availability to helping ranchers use tools like the Rangeland Analysis Platform, the discussion emphasizes the importance of farmer feedback in shaping tools that actually work on the ground. The episode also previews an upcoming project in West Texas to refine cover crop mapping using satellite imagery, with local farmers invited to contribute simple but vital data. Accessible, collaborative, and farmer-led, this episode shows how space technology can become a down-to-earth ally for agriculture—helping producers adapt to changing landscapes, improve decision-making, and shape the future of conservation.   More about our guests:  Tony Vorster and Nick Young - research associates at CSU Natural Resource Ecology Lab 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: • Bryan Gilvesy, Chief Strategy Officer at ALUS, Owner Y U Ranch.• Ian Timmons, Beefy Meat Chips• DeLinda Hicklen, Capital Farm Credit

 In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with agricultural law expert Jim Bradbury to unpack the complexities of conservation easements—what they are, how they work, and why they’re gaining popularity across Texas. Together, they explore how easements provide landowners with tools to preserve property for future generations, manage estate planning, and protect against fragmentation, all while maintaining agricultural productivity. Jim explains the mechanics of easements, the financial structures behind them, and how compensation can come through tax deductions, grants, or direct payments. The discussion also addresses skepticism in rural communities, the fears tied to government overreach, and the role of misinformation in shaping public opinion. Jim emphasizes the importance of good communication, intergenerational planning, and understanding easements as a voluntary tool rather than a threat. The conversation expands to broader conservation and water law issues, touching on produced water, Playa Lake protection, and emerging land-use research initiatives. Tillery and Jim highlight how local solutions, transparency, and farmer-led initiatives build trust and lasting impact. This episode provides landowners, policymakers, and conservation advocates with a clear-eyed look at how easements can balance economic needs, environmental stewardship, and family legacy. More about our guests:  James D. Bradbury, PLLC 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: • Bryan Gilvesy, Chief Strategy Officer at ALUS, Owner Y U Ranch.• Ian Timmons, Beefy Meat Chips• DeLinda Hicklen, Capital Farm Credit

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Joe Martinez, founder of a nonprofit dedicated to helping U.S. farms legally recruit agricultural workers through the H-2A, H-2B, and TN visa programs. With decades of agricultural labor challenges as the backdrop, Joe explains how his organization connects farmers with trained, reliable laborers from Mexico, Guatemala, and beyond—offering not just workers, but long-term relationships that support both farm productivity and community development. The conversation explores the history of undocumented farm labor, the pressures of immigration enforcement, and how the formal visa system provides a more sustainable solution for farmers facing rising costs and uncertainty. Joe shares how professionalizing the workforce benefits everyone: farmers gain consistency, retailers strengthen their supply chains, and workers’ home communities thrive as wages are reinvested in land, businesses, and infrastructure. Together, Tillery and Joe highlight the bigger picture—how consumer choices, corporate accountability, and labor reform intersect to shape the future of American agriculture. This episode reveals a powerful truth: feeding and clothing the world depends not only on crops and livestock, but also on the people whose hands harvest and sustain them.   More about our guests:  Joe Martinez, CEO, Cierto, H2A H2B TN Visa Recruiter Email LinkedIn 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: • Bryan Gilvesy, Chief Strategy Officer at ALUS, Owner Y U Ranch.• Jim Bradbury, Attorney

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims talks with Dr. John Beusterien, professor at Texas Tech and founder of the Lubbock Waters project. With a background in literature and history, John shares how his curiosity about the land, culture, and ecology of West Texas led him to water—our most vital and fragile resource. They explore the hidden history of the Southern High Plains, from ancient peoples and mammoths to early farming practices, and discuss how water has shaped settlement and survival in the region. John highlights the unique urban water reuse system designed in the 1970s by Jim Bertram, which transformed Lubbock’s canyons into a six-mile lake system that both filters water and provides recreational space. The conversation also acknowledges tensions between development and preserving archeological sites, as well as the need to reclaim underutilized public spaces like Yellow House Canyon. John’s vision for Lubbock Waters is part museum, part community hub, and part research center—a place where families can engage with water in fun, hands-on ways while learning about conservation, and where innovators can collaborate on future water solutions. This episode blends deep history, present challenges, and bold imagination, reminding listeners that water connects culture, conservation, and community.   More about our guests:  Dr. John Beusterien, Founder of Lubbock Waters, Professor at Texas Tech Email Lubbock Waters Website Texas Tech Faculty Information Page Heaven's Harsh Tableland Book   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 Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center• Joe Martinez, CEO, Cierto, H2A H2B TN Visa Recruiter• Bryan Gilvesy, Chief Strategy Officer at ALUS, Owner Y U Ranch.    

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmins Sims sits down with Leah Doozy from Compliance Services International (CSI) to dive into the world of pesticide regulation and its complex relationship with environmental and agricultural practices. Leah shares her extensive background in agricultural economics and conservation, shedding light on the intricate process of getting pesticides approved by the EPA, the importance of labels in regulating chemical use, and the growing concern for endangered species. The conversation highlights the balance between using chemicals for agricultural efficiency and the potential environmental impacts, such as pesticide resistance and soil health. Leah also discusses the evolving nature of regulation, from EPA's early struggles with endangered species protection to their current strategies for mitigating the risks posed by pesticides. This episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of science, policy, and agriculture, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how decisions made in the regulatory space affect the environment, farmers, and consumers.   More about our guests:  Leah, Duzy, Principal Consultant, Compliance Services International lduzy@complianceservices.com, www.linkedin.com/in/leahmooreduzy   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 Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center• Joe Martinez, CEO, Cierto, H2A H2B TN Visa Recruiter• Dr. John Beisterien, Lubbock Waters    

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with agricultural legend Jane Dever to explore her remarkable journey from a small West Texas cotton farm to leading agricultural research in South Carolina. Jane shares her family’s deep immigrant roots, the legacy of her grandfather’s 160-acre farm, and the powerful story of how her parents opened their home to foster and refugee children. She reflects on decades in the cotton industry—from improving West Texas fiber quality through public breeding programs to working with FiberMax and championing underserved growers. Their conversation also explores agricultural transitions, from hemp fiber’s challenges to innovative uses of indigo, and the importance of connecting end buyers with producers. Now directing Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center, Jane discusses managing diverse research programs, adapting to new crops, promoting pollinator habitats, and seeing conservation in action through wildlife and habitat health. This episode blends history, science, and heart—showcasing how stewardship, innovation, and community shape the future of agriculture. More about our guests:  Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center Facebook  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: • Leah Duzy, Principal Consultant, Compliance Services International• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center• Joe Martinez, CEO, Cierto, H2A H2B TN Visa Recruiter

In this thought-provoking episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims welcomes hydrologist and University of Texas researcher Dr. Bridget Scanlon, whose global perspective and deep technical insight offer a compelling look at water’s future in West Texas and beyond. Originally from southwest Ireland and now based in Austin, Dr. Scanlon shares her journey from farming roots to cutting-edge research in groundwater recharge, produced water reuse, and climate-smart resource management. The episode dives into challenges and innovations around water quantity, quality, and treatment—especially as they relate to agriculture and energy production in the Permian Basin. From reusing produced water to recharge aquifers, to expanding local horticulture models like Leighton’s sustainable strawberry farm, Dr. Scanlon and Tillery discuss practical solutions that balance environmental stewardship, economic realities, and community resilience. With refreshing candor, the conversation also highlights the disconnect between federal programs and local needs, the growing awareness of aquifer depletion, and the importance of farmer voices in policy discussions. This episode serves as both a cautionary tale and a hopeful roadmap for sustainable water use across rural America.   More about our guests:  Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin Contact Bridget Water Resources Podcast   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: • Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center• Leah Duzy, Principal Consultant, Compliance Services International• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center    

Upcoming Produced Water Society Event: 10th Annual Permian Basin Conference & Exhibition Dates: August 11–13, 2025Location: Bush Convention Center, Midland, TexasDetails: Industry leaders gather to discuss produced water management.Register: Register Here More About Our Guest Michael GrossmanModerator for Panel 5A ("Treat, Discharge, Recharge: Mitigating Risks and Maximizing Benefits of Surface Discharge") at the Produced Water Society’s 35th Annual Conference. He represents Aquafortus Technologies.LinkedIn: Michael Grossman LinkedIn The Produced Water Society (PWS) is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit comprised of oil and gas water professionals focused on improving produced water management through events, workshops, and community.Website: Produced Water Society Website Social Media & Online Presence Follow PWS on: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | 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.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery welcomes Dr. Todd Baughman, the new director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center in Lubbock, Texas. They explore Todd’s agricultural background, the mission and evolution of land grant universities, and the vital role of research, teaching, and extension in supporting rural communities. The conversation highlights the breadth of ongoing research at the Lubbock center—including cotton, peanuts, corn breeding, and remote sensing with NASA—as well as cutting-edge projects like using produced water from oil drilling for irrigation. They also discuss the importance of independent research, future water conservation strategies, and the extensive resources available through extension offices, including the educational power of 4-H programs. Whether you're a producer, student, or just curious about the intersection of ag science and sustainability, this episode offers a rich look into the present and future of conservation-focused agriculture in West Texas.   More about our guests:  Todd Baughman - Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center 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: • Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin• Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center• Leah Duzy, Principal Consultant, Compliance Services International

In this heartfelt episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims visits with multi-generational farmers and ranchers Pug, Cade, and Lane Lyons in Brownfield, Texas, to discuss land stewardship, legacy, and the realities of rural life. With candor and care, the Lyons family shares their experiences navigating decades of change in West Texas agriculture—from soil health to succession planning. Together, they reflect on the resilience it takes to operate through drought, low commodity prices, and evolving consumer expectations. The conversation touches on everything from intergenerational learning and the emotional weight of ownership, to how young people are finding new purpose in continuing family traditions while adapting to modern conservation challenges. Tillery also opens up about her personal connection to the land and the importance of storytelling in bridging the past and the future. This episode is a moving reminder that conservation isn’t just about practices—it’s about people, place, and the power of listening across generations.   More about our guests:  Pug Lyons -Area 1 Board Member for the Soil and Water Conservation District  Along with his sons:  Lane and Cade Lyons. Regenerative Texas Facebook Page Email Texas Soil and Water Conservation   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: • Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center• Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims talks with Claude Corcos of Netafim, a global leader in drip irrigation, about the evolution and future of precision water management in agriculture. Claude shares his journey from upstate New York to working with farms across North America and explains how Netafim has revolutionized irrigation with subsurface drip systems—designed to deliver water and nutrients directly to crop roots with unmatched efficiency. The conversation dives into the benefits of drip irrigation for water conservation, crop yield improvement, and adaptability in semi-arid regions like West Texas. Claude highlights how technology—such as soil moisture sensors and crop imaging—integrates with irrigation systems to optimize timing and reduce waste. The episode also explores a groundbreaking new frontier: the potential to use recycled produced water from oil and gas operations as a viable irrigation source. Backed by lab analysis and promising early results, Claude and Tillery discuss how these efforts could provide a game-changing new water supply for agriculture in drought-prone areas. From lawn systems to large-scale farms, from cotton fields to native grass restoration, this episode offers a wide-ranging look at water innovation, policy, and the role of farmer education in maximizing long-term sustainability. It’s a must-listen for growers, conservationists, and anyone interested in how agricultural technology can help secure the future of food and fiber.   More about our guests:  Claude CorcosSenior DirectorStrategy & Business Development for Netafim   LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Facebook YouTube   Netafim USA 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: • Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center• Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center

In this candid episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Sam Nesbit, Senior Vice President at First United Bank, to explore the financial and emotional landscape of modern agriculture. With deep roots in the West Texas ag community, Sam shares insights from the front lines of agricultural lending, describing how small-town banks are helping producers navigate one of the most financially challenging periods in decades. They dive into the complexities of farm finance, from rising input costs and volatile crop prices to the growing strain on farmers without clear exit strategies. Sam outlines the growing need for financial planning, succession strategies, and mental health support, particularly as drought, inflation, and market oversupply push many producers to the brink. The conversation also tackles rural community decline, the importance of local banking, the misconceptions around corporate farms, and the shared fate of rural and urban economies. Honest and compassionate, this episode underscores the need for community-based solutions, cross-sector support, and a renewed understanding of the human cost behind our food and fiber systems. Whether you're in ag, finance, or just care about the future of rural America, this episode delivers a powerful message about resilience, responsibility, and the urgent need for connection. These opinions are solely of Sam Nesbit and does not reflect 1st United Bank. More about our guests:  Sam NesbitSenior Vice President at 1st United Bank   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: • Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center• Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center

In this powerful episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Dr. Allen Williams—co-founder of Understanding Ag and Regenified, and a pioneer in the regenerative agriculture movement. With roots in six generations of farming and a former academic career in conventional ag science, Dr. Williams shares how a shift in perspective led him to question the effectiveness of mainstream methods and ultimately to redefine what sustainable land stewardship means. The conversation covers the core principles of regenerative agriculture, including adaptive stewardship, biodiversity, soil biology, and the importance of working with—not against—natural systems. Dr. Williams explains the shortcomings of traditional certification programs and introduces Regenified, a tiered, scalable verification system built by real farmers to reward continuous improvement rather than perfection. He and Tillery discuss the measurable outcomes of regeneration—improved soil health, stronger crops, richer nutrients, and more resilient ecosystems—and how new partnerships are forming to connect producers, brands, and consumers in meaningful ways. Listeners will also hear candid reflections on industry culture, the need for farmer-centered leadership in sustainability conversations, and the role of science, observation, and experience in driving agricultural transformation. Whether you're a seasoned grower, a consumer curious about where your cotton or food comes from, or an advocate for more regenerative systems, this episode offers both philosophical and practical insight into the journey of healing our land. More about our guests:  Allen Williams, Ph.D. 6th Generation Farmer & Rancher, Founding Partner Understanding Ag and Regenified  Understanding Ag Website • Regenified 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: • Sam Nesbit, 1st United Bank• Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center

 In this compelling episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Kelli Inge, general manager of Wall Co-Op Gin in Tom Green County, Texas. With a surprising background in opera and vocal performance, Kelli shares her journey into agriculture and how she rose to lead one of the region’s key cotton gins during one of the most challenging drought periods in recent history. Kelli reflects on the critical role cotton gins play in rural communities—not just in processing fiber, but in sustaining jobs, schools, and local economies. She emphasizes the importance of adapting and diversifying services, building strategic relationships, and pushing for broader recognition of the U.S. cotton industry's environmental leadership through programs like the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol. The conversation also explores the global implications of cotton production, the challenges of consumer perception, and the environmental cost of synthetic fast fashion. With passion, wit, and bold honesty, Kelli champions sustainable practices, encourages transparent storytelling, and reminds listeners that small, consistent actions—like recycling denim or supporting natural fibers—can create lasting change. Whether you're in ag, fashion, or simply want to understand where your clothes come from, this episode offers a rich look at the crossroads of conservation, community, and cotton. More about our guests:  Kelli Inge General Manager, Wall Co-op Gin. Wall TX. Email •  Phone Number x 4   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: • Sam Nesbit, 1st United Bank• Allen Williams PhD, Understanding Ag and Regenified• Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin

In this deeply resonant episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons Sims leads a heartfelt and informative discussion about mental health in the agricultural community—a subject often burdened by stigma and silence. Joined by Tiffany Lashmet, an ag law specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and psychologists Michaela Smith and Dr. Mikayla Spooner, the group unpacks the unique stressors facing farmers and ranchers, including geographic isolation, economic instability, and generational pressure. They highlight the importance of proactive mental health support, share personal stories, and introduce Farm Hope, a free, telehealth-based counseling initiative tailored for Texas ag workers and their families. With compassion and clarity, the episode empowers listeners to rethink mental health as a strength, not a weakness, and provides clear pathways to access confidential, culturally competent care. Episode References: Tiffany's Podcast - Ag Law in the Field More about our guests:  Michaela Smith, Farm Hope Project Tiffany Lashmet, Ag Law Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Mikaela Spooner, PhD , Psychologist I - FarmHope Project - Texas A&M Health Telehealth Institute Email •  Website •  FarmHope Clinic Phone Number   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: • Kelli Inge General Manager, Wall Co-op Gin. Wall TX.• Sam Nesbit, 1st United Bank• Allen Williams PhD, Understanding Ag and Regenified

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims reconnects with Layton Schur of Frontier Market, highlighting his innovative work in sustainable and diversified agriculture on the Texas plains.Layton shares updates on his thriving farm operation, including the success of their subscription produce boxes, year-round planting and harvesting, and advancements in cattle genetics using predictive tools from Neogen. He discusses the growing local demand for fresh, high-quality produce, particularly strawberries and lettuce, and the benefits of using efficient irrigation and farming technologies.Layton also introduces his expanding storefront, which now includes products like beef tallow skincare items and milled grains, and teases upcoming offerings from a new commercial kitchen. Throughout the conversation, his emphasis on practicality, community collaboration, and adapting to West Texas challenges illustrates a fresh, forward-thinking approach to modern agriculture. Episode References: Revival Mill Podcast Episode with Ethan Triplett, PhD.Rock House Tallow More about our guest: Layton Schur  •  Website  •  Instagram  •  Facebook  •  TikTok  •  Phone 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: • Kelli Inge General Manager, Wall Co-op Gin. Wall TX.• FarmHope Project

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims talks with Daren Abney, Executive Director of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, about the evolving world of cotton production, sustainability certification, and the challenges facing today’s growers. Drawing on 17 years of industry experience, Daren breaks down how cotton moves from West Texas fields through a global supply chain, often passing through 12–15 hands before reaching consumers. The conversation explores how the Trust Protocol is helping brands trace cotton back to specific farms, using technology and data—not burdensome paperwork—to meet rising demands for transparency. Daren explains the differences between certifications, the growing fatigue around traditional third-party audits, and why precision assurance—like satellite imagery and digital data—may be the future of verifying sustainable practices. Together, Tillery and Daren dive into the economics of cotton, the importance of communicating agriculture’s story, and why natural fibers like cotton matter more than ever in a world flooded with synthetics. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how U.S. cotton is staying competitive, sustainable, and authentic in a fast-changing global market.   More About Our Guest: Daren Abney, Executive Director, U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol LinkedIn 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: • Kelli Inge General Manager, Wall Co-op Gin. Wall TX. • Layton Schur, Frontier Market Update • FarmHope Project