
MyAgLife
By MyAgLife


4/11/25 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 15: Interview with Monterey County Farm Bureau's Norm Groot about the True Cost of Regulatory Compliance for California Growers
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau, to discuss a recent Cal Poly study they commissioned to examine the true cost of regulatory compliance for California growers. Groot breaks down key findings from the report, putting real numbers behind the growing burden of compliance in the ag industry.

4/4/25 - The Ag Executive Episode 5: Interview with Farmblox CEO Nathan Rosenburg on Automation, Labor Reduction, Data-Driven Decisions and More
Jason Scott sits down with Nathan Rosenburg, CEO of Farmblox, to discuss helping growers automate farm tasks and reduce labor through customizable, modular technology. Rosenburg also goes into the future of ag tech, advice for startups and the importance of younger generations in shaping ag's evolution.

3/28/25 - MyAgLife Episode 249: Interview with Nutrien Financial's Jacquelyn Fernandes on Tips to Withstand an Economic Downturn
Jacquelyn Fernandes, territory manager at Nutrien Financial, discusses tips for grape growers to ensure their vineyards are positioned to withstand an economic downturn.

3/21/25 - The Ag Executive Episode 4: Interview with Nutrien Ag Solutions' Rob Clayton on Grower Profitability, Growth Adaptability and More
Jason Scott sits down with Rob Clayton, senior vice president of retail North America at Nutrien Ag Solutions, to discuss the company's role in grower profitability and sustainability, the impact of soil science, automation and AI, and the importance of adaptability in business growth. Clayton also emphasizes coaching, communication and continuous learning as keys to success.

3/14/25 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 14: Interview with FFA's Gabby Furtado and Gianna Genasci on Ag Leadership and FFA Opportunities
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Central Region FFA officers Gabrielle Furtado and Gianna Genasci to discuss how FFA has shaped their leadership, skills and future goals. Tune in for a conversation about the impact of agricultural education and the opportunities FFA provides.

3/7/25 - The Ag Executive Episode 3: Interview with AgTechLogic CEO Tom Gauthier on 'Prescriptive' Agriculture, Building a Strong Ag Tech Team and More
Jason Scott sits down with Tom Gauthier, CEO of AgTechLogic, to discuss how precision spraying and data-driven solutions are transforming agriculture, the power of 'prescriptive' agriculture, building a strong ag tech team and why growers should embrace emerging technologies.

2/28/25 - MyAgLife Episode 248: Interview with Cam Camfield on New Grower Insights for the Future of Biological Products
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Cam Camfield, founder and CEO of Stratovation Group, to discuss new critical specialty crop grower insights for the future of biological products, including innovation and adoption.

2/21/25 - The Ag Executive Episode 2: Interview with BeeHero CEO Omer Davidi on Ag Tech Innovation, Business Scaling in a Changing Industry and More
Jason Scott sits down with BeeHero CEO Omer Davidi to discuss his transition from cybersecurity to agriculture and how BeeHero is optimizing pollination with technology. He shares lessons from past ventures, insights on ag-tech innovation and the challenges of rising costs and labor shortages. Davidi highlights the role of IoT in farm management, the need for sustainability incentives and strategies for scaling a business in a changing industry.

2/14/25 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 13: Interview with Farm Employers Labor Service's Bryan Little on Labor Regulations in 2025
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci sits down with Bryan Little from Farm Employers Labor Service to break down new and updated labor regulations impacting agriculture in 2025, how ag employers are navigating already enacted rules and what’s ahead for the industry.

2/7/25 - MyAgLife Episode 247: Interview with University of Illinois' Brittney Goodrich on the 2025 Pollination Outlook
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brittney Goodrich, previously with UC Davis and now with the dept. of agricultural and consumer economics at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, to discuss the economic outlook and other considerations for the 2025 almond pollination season.

1/31/25 - The Ag Executive Episode 1: Interview with Huma CEO Lyndon Smith on Regenerative Ag, Biostimulants, Growth Strategies and More
Jason Scott sits down with Huma CEO Lyndon Smith in this new CEO-to-CEO podcast series to discuss his incredible journey from growing up in the company to leading it through bankruptcy and into global success. Lyndon shares insights into Huma’s growth strategy, including major acquisitions, international expansion and its role in regenerative agriculture. He explains the biostimulant movement, the industry's evolving regulatory landscape and how Huma is working to improve soil health and nutrient efficiency.

1/24/25 - MyAgLife Episode 246: Interview with Western Plant Health's Renee Pinel on Further Restrictions to 1,3-D Fumigant
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Western Plant Health Association President Renee Pinel to discuss DPR's current stance on 1,3-Dichloropropene and what could happen if growers are further restricted from this control option.

1/17/25 - MyAgLife Episode 245: Interview with Foresight Agronomics' Dr. Layne Harris on Demystifying Biological Products
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Foresight Agronomics' Dr. Layne Harris to discuss demystifying biologicals, the importance of mode of action and observing crop responses to ensure effective product selection and utilization.

1/10/25 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 12: Interview with Parabug's Jaclyn Bennett on Drone-Delivered Beneficial Insects
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau’s Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing’s Kristin Platts sit down with Jaclyn Bennett, general manager of Parabug, at the 2024 California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Monterey to discuss how the company's innovative drone-based technology is transforming pest management by efficiently delivering beneficial insects to crops. Farm Bureau Annual Meeting highlights are also discussed, including the importance of CE sessions, grassroots advocacy, and the inspiring achievements of county Farm Bureaus across California.

1/3/25 - MyAgLife Episode 244: Interview with UC Davis' Srinivasa Rao Peddinti on Precision Ag for Water Management
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Srinivasa Rao Peddinti, postdoctoral researcher with the Dept. of Land, Air and Water Resources at UC Davis, to discuss the role of precision agriculture in optimizing orchard water management in California.
Check out Srinivasa's article in the January/February 2025 issue of Progressive Crop Consultant magazine for more on this topic.

12/27/24 - MyAgLife Episode 243: Interview with Ag Economist Ali Hill on Rising Farm Labor Costs and Shifting Production
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Ali Hill, ag economist and assistant professor at UC Berkeley, to discuss implications of changing U.S. and Mexican farmworker demographics on U.S. crop production.

12/20/24 - MyAgLife Episode 242: Interview with California Walnut Board and Commission's Robert Verloop on the Return of the California Walnut Conference
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Robert Verloop, executive director at the California Walnut Board and Commission, to discuss the return of the upcoming California Walnut Conference in January and a couple walnut industry updates.

12/13/24 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 11: Interview with Merced County Dept. of Ag's Sean Runyon on All Things Pesticides
Kristin Platts and Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci sit down with Sean Runyon, agricultural commissioner/sealer of weights and measures for the Merced County Dept. of Agriculture, to discuss pesticides, the statewide notification system, California's Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap and more.

12/6/24 - MyAgLife Episode 241: Interview with Project Apis m.'s Stetcyn Maldanado on Cover Crops for Soil Health
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Stecyn Maldanado, Seeds for Bees manager with Project Apis m., to discuss cover crop benefits to soil health and key interactions with soil microbes.

11/29/24 - MyAgLife Episode 240: Interview with UCCE's Luke Milliron on Upcoming North Valley Nut Conference
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Luke Milliron, UCCE farm advisor in Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties, to discuss the 2025 North Valley Nut Conference in January and its shift toward a business-focused curriculum for growers.

11/22/24 - MyAgLife Episode 239: Interview with UCCE's Franz Niederholzer on Winter Almond Considerations
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE farm advisor in Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss almond management considerations for the 2024-25 winter, including irrigation, pollination and more.

11/15/24 - (RERUN) MyAgLife Episode 238: Interview with UCCE's George Zhuang on Mechanical- and Irrigation-based Grape Quality Influences
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with George Zhuang, UCCE viticulture farm advisor in Fresno County, to discuss improving grape quality while maintaining yield using management practices like mechanical leaf removal or regulated deficit irrigation.

11/8/24 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 10: Interview with California Bountiful Foundation's Amrith Gunasekara on Furthering Ag and Environmental Research
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau’s Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing’s Kristin Platts sit down with Dr. Amrith Gunasekara, director of science and research for the California Bountiful Foundation, to discuss how the foundation is using sound science and data to advocate for California’s growers and ranchers.

11/1/24 - MyAgLife Episode 237: Interview with Yara's Devin Clarke on Continuous Fertigation
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Devin Clarke, CCA and almond crop manager with Yara North America, about the impacts of integrating irrigation and fertilization on crop yield and quality, i.e., continuous fertigation.

10/25/24 - MyAgLife Episode 236: Interview with UCCE's Ryan Hill on How Weed Management Affects Pollinator Habitat
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Ryan Hill, UCCE agronomy and weed sciences advisor in Tehama County, to discuss how weed management decisions affect the success of establishing pollinator habitat in the field.


10/11/24 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 9: Interview with SCFB's Dayna Ghiradelli on the Harmful Ballot Measure J for Ag
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down Dayna Ghiradelli, Executive Director of Sonoma County Farm Bureau to discuss No on Measure J, a ballot measure proposed by an animal extremist group from Berkeley, that aims to eliminate Sonoma County’s diverse animal agriculture production.


9/27/24 - MyAgLife Episode 233: Interview with WAPA's Roger Isom on Ag Regulatory Updates
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Roger Isom, president/CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association, to discuss regulatory updates for California growers and processors, including the statewide pesticide notification system, heat illness regulation and more.

9/20/24 - MyAgLife Episode 232: Interview with Western Region CCA's Steve Vasquez and Progressive Crop Consultant's Jason Scott on the 2024 Crop Consultant Conference
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Steve Vasquez, Western Region Certified Crop Advisers Association chair, and Jason Scott, publisher of Progressive Crop Consultant, to discuss the upcoming Crop Consultant Conference on September 25th and 26th in Visalia and what consultants can expect from this event.

9/13/24 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 8: Interview with California Ag in the Classroom's Becca Whitman on Ag Education
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Becca Whitman, executive director of California Ag in the Classroom, a Farm Bureau-led program, to discuss educating students and guiding teachers about the critical role agriculture plays in their daily lives.

9/6/24 - MyAgLife Episode 231: Interview with California Association of Winegrape Growers' Natalie Collins on Combatting Wildfire Smoke and Taint
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Natalie Collins, president of California Association of Winegrape Growers, to discuss the impact of wildfire smoke on winegrapes and how the California wine industry is tackling this issue.

8/30/24 - MyAgLife Episode 230: Interview with USDA's Hudson Minshew on Cover Crops, Groundwater and SGMA
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Hudson Minshew, CCA and state conservation agronomist with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, to discuss the complex relationship between cover crops, groundwater and the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.

8/23/24 - (RERUN) MyAgLife Episode 229: Interview with UCCE's Cameron Zuber on Mitigating Almond Replant Challenges
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Cameron Zuber, UCCE orchard crops farm advisor in Madera and Merced counties, to discuss identifying and mitigating replant challenges in almond orchards and preparing new orchards for issues they may face.

8/16/24 - MyAgLife Episode 228: Interview with PCA and CCA Nick Davis on Barn Owls for Rodent Control
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Nick Davis, PCA, CCA and owner of The Owl Box Company, to discuss using the predatory nature of barn owls to control rodent populations in orchards and vineyards.
Check out more information on this subject in the July/August edition of Progressive Crop Consultant.

8/9/24 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 7: Interview with Josette Lewis and Karen Werner on Ag Co-Products
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Josette Lewis, Almond Board of California vice president and chief scientific officer, and Karen Werner, Beam Circular CEO, to discuss the variety of agricultural co-products and the recent partnership between the Almond Board and Beam Circular.

8/2/24 - MyAgLife Episode 227: Interview with UCCE's Franz Niederholzer on August Almond Considerations
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE farm advisor in Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss almond orchard management for the month of August, including harvest and postharvest considerations.

7/26/24 - MyAgLife Episode 226: Interview with UCCE's Florent Trouillas on Red Leaf Blotch in Almond
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Florent Trouillas, UCCE fruit and nut crop pathologist, to discuss red leaf blotch in almonds, a plant disease that has made its way into California and observed for the first time.

7/19/24 - MyAgLife Episode 225: Interview with UC Davis' Felipe Avileis about the Unintended Consequences of Clean Fuel Policies
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Felipe Avileis, Ph.D. student with UC Davis, to discuss the unintended consequences of clean fuel policies and how these affect emissions, land use and the prices of fuel and vegetable oils.

7/12/24 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 6: Interview with California Farm Bureau's Steven Fenaroli on Avian Influenza Compliance
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Steven Fenaroli, political affairs director for California Farm Bureau, to discuss updates on H5N1 Avian Influenza and how California producers can stay vigilant.

7/5/24 - MyAgLife Episode 224: Interview with Organic Agriculture Institute's Shriya Rangarajan on Top Concerns in California Organic Ag
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Shriya Rangarajan, postdoctoral researcher with the Organic Agriculture Institute, to discuss pressing concerns within the growing California organic ag industry and how these will be addressed in the future.

6/28/24 - MyAgLife Episode 223: Interview with UC Davis' Jeff Mitchell on Conservation Agriculture in California
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jeff Mitchell, cropping systems specialist at UC Davis, to discuss conservation agriculture in California and how certain practices, including no-till and cover cropping, have advanced in recent decades.

6/21/24 - MyAgLife Episode 222: Interview with Semios' Jordan Hazell on Artificial Intelligence-Powered Pest Management
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jordan Hazell, product manager for digital pest management, weather and frost at Semios+Agworld, to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence-powered pest management and where implementation makes sense.

6/14/24 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 5: Interview with California Farm Bureau's Shaun Crook on Wildfires and the State of the Forestry Industry
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Shaun Crook, first Vice President of the California Farm Bureau Federation, to explore the state of California's forestry industry, wildfires and the need for more logging.

6/7/24 - MyAgLife Episode 221: Interview with Western Region CCA's Steve Vasquez and Progressive Crop Consultant's Jason Scott on the 2024 Crop Consultant Conference
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Steve Vasquez, Western Region Certified Crop Advisers Association chair, and Jason Scott, publisher of Progressive Crop Consultant, to discuss the upcoming Crop Consultant Conference on September 25th and 26th in Visalia and what consultants can expect from this event.

5/31/24 - MyAgLife Episode 220: Interview with NDSU's Sandro Steinbach on the Effects of a New Trade War for California Ag
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Sandro Steinbach, director of the Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies and professor of agribusiness and applied economics at North Dakota State University, to discuss potential trade conflicts brewing between the U.S. and China and how California agriculture would be affected.

5/24/24 - MyAgLife Episode 219: Interview with OSU's Surendra Dara on the Benefits of RNAi in Pest Management
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Surendra Dara, entomologist with Oregon State University, to discuss RNAi, a new technology using targeted mechanisms against specific pests.

5/17/24 - MyAgLife Episode 218: Interview with Napa Valley Vintners' Rex Stults on Preserving Napa Valley Wine
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Rex Stults, vice president of industry relations at Napa Valley Vintners, to discuss the organization's recent lobbying trip to Washington D.C. on behalf of the Napa Valley wine industry.

5/10/24 - Farm Bureau Friday Episode 4: Interview with Shannon Douglass, Kelly Fogarty-Tilma and Caitie Diemel on Women Leadership in Ag
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Shannon Douglass, California Farm Bureau's first-ever female president; Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's new President Kelly Fogarty-Tilma; and the organization's Executive Director Caitie Diemel to discuss how the three women leaders are addressing California ag issues.

5/3/24 - MyAgLife Episode 217: Interview with Franz Niederholzer on May Almond Orchard Considerations
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE farm advisor in Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss almond orchard management considerations for the month of May, including navel orangeworm, nutrition and more.