The MyAgLife Podcast

How do you know if your navel orangeworm management program is actually working, and where do new technologies fit? In this episode of the MyAgLife Podcast, Dr. Emily Symmes previews her upcoming Crop Consultant Conference presentation and discusses how growers and PCAs can take a closer look at NOW program performance, from identifying when damage occurred and evaluating ROI to determining whethe...

How can growers get more value from the nitrogen already available to their crops? In this episode of the MyAgLife Podcast, TJ Bingham with Koch Agronomic Services previews his upcoming Crop Consultant Conference Take the Stage presentation on improving nitrogen utilization in high-value cropping systems. Bingham discusses why nitrogen availability doesn’t always translate to efficient plant use,...

Nematodes are a costly challenge for California agriculture, and management options after planting can be limited. In this Crop Consultant Conference speaker preview, Fred Nichols of Huma joins MyAgLife to discuss the limitations of traditional fumigation, the need for in-season nematode management tools and what new approaches could mean for growers and crop consultants. Nichols will present “Kno...

On this episode of the MyAgLife podcast, Kristin Platts talks with television host, producer and former Disney executive Pat Pattison for a preview of his upcoming presentation, "Building Trust at Scale," at the 2026 Innovating California Agri-Marketing Summit. Pattison discusses why authentic human storytelling matters even more as AI reshapes marketing, the value of putting a recognizable person...

In this episode of the MyAgLife podcast, Kristin Platts talks with Nic Steeneken, PCA, CCA and Strategic Account Manager at AgroSpheres, for a preview of his upcoming Take the Stage presentation at the 2026 Crop Consultant Conference. Steeneken discusses how biological crop protection is evolving, the challenges that have historically limited biological products in the field and how AgroSpheres' A...

As California agriculture continues moving toward more integrated and sustainable pest management, growers and crop consultants are looking for tools that provide flexibility without sacrificing performance. In this Crop Consultant Conference speaker preview, Kristin Platts visits with Dr. Muhammad Ismail Siddiqui, director of R&D and product innovations at AgroPlantae, to discuss where botani...

John Mueller of The Fumigation Company discusses the science behind effective post-harvest fumigation and why data, technology and verification are becoming increasingly important for the industry. He shares common mistakes that can reduce treatment performance, explains how connected monitoring devices are improving efficacy, and offers practical advice for applicators looking to achieve more con...

What happens when an entire region realizes it can no longer solve its water challenges alone? In this episode, Geoff Vanden Heuvel explains the origins of the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley, a collaborative effort bringing together water agencies, commodity groups, local governments and other stakeholders to develop a unified strategy for California's agricultural future. He discusses...

Joel Metzger, deputy director of Statewide Water Resources and Enterprise Project Management for the California Department of Water Resources, joins MyAgLife to discuss the future of water management in California. Metzger explains how SGMA implementation, changing hydrology, aging infrastructure and long-term planning efforts are shaping water reliability for agriculture. He also shares insights...

Eric Jenssen, director of sales at IntelliCulture, joins MyAgLife to discuss how data-driven management is helping California growers improve efficiency and profitability. Jenssen explains how growers can use operational data to identify hidden inefficiencies, optimize labor and equipment use, reduce costs and make more informed management decisions across the farm. He also shares why turning data...

Russ Putland of Catalera joins Jay Visser to discuss how biological crop protection products are evolving to meet grower expectations. Putland explains what separates proven biological tools from marketing claims, where biologicals fit alongside conventional chemistry, and why formulation, field validation and performance are driving greater adoption. He also shares what growers and PCAs should lo...

Peter Wren-Hilton, CEO of Wharf42 and organizer of the Salinas Biological Summit, joins MyAgLife to discuss how biological crop protection has evolved from a niche concept to a growing part of modern agriculture. He explains why Brazil has become a global leader in biological adoption, the regulatory challenges facing U.S. companies, and what California growers and crop consultants should know as...

Assemblyman David Tangipa joins Jason Scott on MyAgLife to discuss the biggest issues facing California agriculture, including water, SGMA, regulatory costs and grower representation in Sacramento. Tangipa shares why he believes farmers need a stronger voice in policy discussions and offers his perspective on the future of California agriculture and rural communities.

Reports of low nut set have surfaced in some pistachio orchards this season, leaving growers searching for answers. In this episode, Kristin Platts sits down with Dr. Elizabeth Fichtner, UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor for Tulare County, to discuss the connection between pollination, bloom timing and spring weather conditions. Fichtner explains how unusually warm temperatures may have affect...

UCCE Orchard Systems Advisor Franz Niederholzer joins MyAgLife to preview his upcoming Almond Day presentation at the Fresno Fairgrounds on June 3. As almond growers head into the critical pre-harvest period, small management decisions can have a big impact on both this year's crop and next year's yield potential. In this Almond Day preview, Franz Niederholzer discusses irrigation management, nutr...

Roger Isom, CEO of the Western Tree Nut Association, joins Jay Visser on MyAgLife to talk about his upcoming session at Almond Day on June 3rd in Fresno. They break down major California ag regulatory updates and the policy issues shaping the future for growers and processors.

Today Jay Visser sits down with Daniel Abruzzini, Market Development Specialist for Corteva. They discuss potential for nematode damage, and how to control nematodes, both with and beyond fumigants.

In this MyAgLife conversation, Steve Mora, Principal at Heritage Insurance Agency, shares what he’s hearing from growers across Northern California as they head into a new season. From labor costs and workers’ compensation to cybercrime, wire fraud and employment practices claims, Mora explains how ag risk is changing and what growers should be thinking about when reviewing their coverage. He also...

Kristin Platts talks with with Russell Taylor of Live Earth Products and the Humic Products Trade Association at the 2025 Almond Conference for a quick update on new humic and biostimulant regulations. Taylor explains California’s recent label changes, national regulatory alignment and what growers can expect as new product claims roll out over the next two years.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE farm advisor for Colusa and Sutter/Yuba counties, to discuss November almond management, including dormant spur sampling, protecting beneficials, fall potassium strategies, winter irrigation targets and more.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Eryn Wingate, independent CCA and board treasurer of Western Region Certified Crop Advisers, to discuss how nitrogen-fixing bacteria naturally enrich soil and, under the right circumstances, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Corteva Agriscience's Daniel Abruzzini to discuss how plant-parasitic nematodes impact young, non-bearing tree nut orchards and integrated management strategies, including how Salibro™ nematicide helps support early tree growth and long-term productivity.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Trey Cutts, Ph. D., vice president of commercial agriculture science at Tidal Grow AgriScience, to discuss how chitosan-based products like Spectra™ support California specialty crop growers by controlling key pests and diseases, enhancing plant health and more.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Josh Cox, CEO of LMG Ag Products and CEU sponsor at this year's Crop Consultant Conference, to discuss how the company is combining transparent pricing on branded and generic crop protection products with a proven service process, in-house delivery and a strong regional presence in the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Elaine Culotti, entrepreneur, grower and Fresno's 'Undercover Billionaire,' to discuss the 559 Farm Train, her vision for reviving rail to move California crops more efficiently, reduce food waste and give growers a stronger foothold in the marketplace.