Field Focus

In today’s episode, I sit down with one of my truly favorite people, Clayton Wright of Laurel Ag & Water. We discussed the irrigation industry, his work as a private rancher and cattleman, as well as his teaching career for Bakersfield College. There are few individuals that I trust to help shape the next generation of agricultural professionals and he is one of them. It was an honor to have him o...

In today’s episode I sit down with Dave Kaser of Avellar-Moore Farms. We discuss his journey from becoming a Marine to a Farmer and everything in between. How has the global and local economies affected the Pistachio and Almond Industries? What will it take to improve the markets and also we discuss his wife Rebecca’s amazing work within the American Pistachio Growers Organization. It’s always gre...

In today’s episode, I sit down with a legend of Fresno Hockey. Glenn Heintz grew up on the cold prairies of Winnipeg Manitoba Canada, where his love for all things Hockey began. From his playing days as a Fresno Falcon, to him coaching basically every kid that has ever gone through a Fresno Hockey program, we discuss it all. His contributions to the sport are incalculable. Also, what does this Fal...

In today’s episode I sit down with the impressive Frank Toves, President of AvidWater. We discuss his meteoric rise in the Irrigation Industry, the successes and struggles of the industry as a whole, some of his strategies for running one of the largest Irrigation Companies in the country and much more. I’m very grateful to Frank for making this episode happen and sharing his valuable time. Frank...

In today’s episode I interview the great Charlie Abee from College of the Sequoias. Charlie has been an advocate of Agricultural Education for two decades. His vast experience and knowledge has helped him become a great educator and mentor to many students across the state of California. Charlie, along with a great staff at COS have done an amazing job maximizing industry partnerships and have gro...

In today’s episode, I sit down with the charismatic Jason McKee of Green Leaf Ag (a Bennett Co.) Jason’s extensive knowledge in the field of water treatment is truly remarkable. We discuss Bennett’s acquisition of Green Leaf Ag, the ever changing Ag Industry in CA and some of the challenges arriving in the form of SGMA and new biological concerns. Jason is truly one of a kind, enjoy the show.

In today’s episode, I sit down with the esteemed Greg Jackson. We discuss his family’s humble beginnings from the sand mines of Cookeville TN, to the successful farming operation you may know today. Greg was generous enough to share his thoughts and opinions on farming in California, crop varieties, crop genetics and changing the stone fruit industry as we know it. You definitely do not want to mi...

Jeff Carr has been with Deerpoint Group for 18 years. Through that time he has gained the trust and acclaim of growers and many in the Ag Industry. In today’s episode we sit down and discuss what makes Deerpoint Group so special and unique as an Automated Nutrition and Water Treatment company. Topics include, unique fertilizers, application methods, new tech and much more. I hope you enjoy the sho...

This week, we take a little bit of a detour on the Podcast. I had the privilege to speak with Legendary Fresno Falcon Esko Siipola. We discussed how his family immigrated to the United States, his upbringing, his career with the Fresno Falcons, as well as his valued work with the city of Fresno as the Senior Code Inspector. This man means a great deal to a lot of people, it’s my honor to share his...

There simply is no one like my next guest. John Paul and his family have been involved in production and gourmet agriculture for decades. As a fourth generation farmer and entrepreneur, John has seen and done quite a bit in his young life. If he’s not farming, he’s running his very own tech company, Cultivated Technology Group. I’m proud to call this truly talented individual my friend. Thank you...

In this weeks episode I sit down with the talented Co-Founder of AgProz, Neil Knaak. We discussed how AgProz was conceived, the implementation of AI and how AgProz aims to better serve their clients as a true tool to help the industry. Neil is a great guy and always a lot of fun to talk to. I hope you enjoy the show.

Season Two of the Field Focus Podcast has officially begun! This week I sit down with the incredible Mark Mcafee. We talk about how he went from working as EMT to completely changing his life and career. In addition to that we discuss the dairy industry, his work in the MAHA Movement, the history of pasteurization and much more. It was an absolute pleasure to sit down with this truly generous man....

We are by no means slowing down here at the Field Focus Podcast. Due to the holidays, I decided to take a one episode break. Season two will premiere in two weeks from today. I’m very excited for the lineup I have for you. I hope you had a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Thank you for listening.

Whether he’s teaching, researching or promoting our industry, my next guest wears his passion for Ag Tech on his sleeve. In this episode we discuss educating and informing the next generation of Ag Industry professionals. We also discuss the role Ag Tech has in our Industry and how it will progress in the both the immediate and distant future. I’m very excited for you to hear from one of my mentor...

Josiah Thomas is a man who wears many hats. From being JSUB Irrigation’s lead salesman to his work as a crop consultant, Josiah is incredibly passionate about the Ag Industry. In this episode, we discuss a familiar method of irrigation, but with a modern twist. JSUB Irrigation has developed a different form of subsurface irrigation that is changing the game and making some big names in the industr...

Anthony Ratekin is a man who wears many hats. From his days as former Congressman Devin Nunes’ Chief of Staff to now being the Owner of Western Ag Irrigation, Anthony has gathered a wealth of knowledge in his incredible career. In this episode, we discuss his journey in Politics, Farming and much more. I always enjoy hearing Anthony’s insights into our industry and I’m sure you will too.

In this episode of the Field Focus Podcast, I sit down with Streamline Irrigation’s Owen Miller. We discuss how Automation and Ag Tech impact his work everyday. Also, what type of specific technologies he works with and what he’d like to see in the future. It was great to sit down with Owen, he has a great mind for the business and I’m excited to see his growth with each passing year. As always, p...

I sit down with the talented Anthony Gunlund for this week’s episode of Field Focus. Anthony has an extensive knowledge and background of agriculture. He has seen the industry from multiple points of view. He’s worked on the farm, for an irrigation dealer and in education. His insightful experience in the field made him a great candidate for this week’s episode. I hope you enjoy the show as much a...

Mike Wandzell is a man of many talents. From winning an Emmy Award with the evening news to helming his very own Documentary Company, Mike always strives to keep the public informed and entertained. In this episode, we discuss his documentary work along with all the vital knowledge he has gathered about the Ag Industry as a salesmen for Western Ag Irrigation. He’s an insightful and passionate prof...

Today’s guest is Danny Briceño. Danny has extensive knowledge of irrigation systems and their designs. I first met him 10 years ago when he was with Reedley Irrigation as their irrigation systems designer. He is now a critical member of the Cal West Rain Sales Team. In this podcast, we discuss some of the outlooks on the industry, share some technical knowledge and have a few laughs along the way....

With applications for EQIP funding opening up just around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to showcase my next guest. Blair Bain worked for the NRCS for many years and worked on many different types of projects and programs. He now works for Streamline Irrigation where he’s doing just as much as ever to help growers get the funding they need to get their important projects comple...

Joseph Brewer has an extensive background in both Agriculture and Transportation. In this episode we get a chance to catch up on events, have some laughs and share some industry insights. He was also gracious enough to share about a recent health episode that ended up being an incredible story. I present to you my friend of over 30 years, Joseph Brewer.

If you are in the Agriculture Industry in California’s Central Valley, you most likely know my next guest, Cory Broad. From his respected work in the field to his impressive social media presence, Cory is a true industry professional. In this episode, we pull back the curtain and show how thoughtful, intelligent and even how funny this man can be. I had a blast recording this episode and I hope yo...

Today’s guest is Joe Russell. Joe worked many enjoyable years in the construction industry, but eventually he decided to trade in his hard hat for farm boots. In this episode, we discuss Joe’s journey from conventional farmer to organic farmer. He imparted a lot of wisdom and knowledge, I hope you enjoy the show.

My first guest is Jim Lauria of Mazzei. Aside from his impressive résumé in the fields of agriculture and business, Jim is also a cohost of his own podcast “Water We Talking About?” He is also the author of a newsletter that reaches thousands of people every month called, “ To know water is to love water”. I’m blessed to call him a friend. I hope you all enjoy the show.