Conservation Stories

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 u...

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, of...

In this wide-ranging episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillary Timmons-Sims welcomes Evan Stone, founder of Clear Rock Farm and Ranch, for an insightful conversation on agriculture, real estate, land use, and the evolving landscape of rural America. Evan shares his journey from working in ag sales and farming cotton and raising show sheep to discovering his passion for real estate—especially...

In this insightful episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims chats with Liz Hershfield, sustainability veteran and founder of Greenish , about bridging the gap between global fashion brands and U.S. cotton farmers. Drawing from over 30 years in the fashion industry—including her work at Bonobos, Walmart, J.Crew, and Madewell—Liz shares how she transitioned from traditional supply...

 In this provocative and forward-looking episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Damian Mason—agricultural economist, author, speaker, and host of The Business of Agriculture podcast—for a big-picture discussion about the future of farming. With humor and candor, Damian challenges long-held agricultural assumptions, especially around the culture of overproduction and...

In this inspiring episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Taysha Williams, Managing Director of the Texas Tech Innovation Hub, to explore how the Hub is fueling innovation and entrepreneurship in West Texas. Taysha shares her unique journey from nonprofit work to leading a powerhouse of startup development, and how her passion for community building translates in...

In this heartfelt episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims is joined by her husband, Doug Sims, for an open and deeply personal conversation about their journey through farm bankruptcy, family hardship, and rebuilding life after loss. Doug shares his history in agriculture, the deep ties to land and identity that made walking away so painful, and the emotional, financial, and sp...

 In this special episode of Conservation Stories , the script is flipped as host Tillery Timmons-Sims takes the guest seat, interviewed by friend and fellow storyteller Nicholas Bergfeld. Tillery opens up about her deep West Texas roots, her journey through personal and professional adversity, and how her lived experiences—from bankruptcy and homeschooling to hemp research and nonprofit leadership...

In this insightful conversation, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Tina Siemens, an award-winning author and owner of the West Texas Living Heritage Museum in Seminole. Tina shares her passion for preserving the rich cultural history of the region. She discusses her journey in historical research, the significance of documenting Mennonite and pioneer stories, and the museum’s role in educating futur...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Garrett Couts, Partner at Brady & Hamilton, LLP. Garrett dives into the challenges and opportunities in modern agriculture, focusing on building resilient systems that can withstand economic and environmental pressures. He shares insights on technological advancements, sustainable farming practices, and policy c...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Calloway Huffaker, a seasoned attorney from Tahoka, Texas, to discuss the evolving landscape of land ownership, energy development, and agriculture. Huffaker, whose family has practiced law in the region for generations, shares his expertise on topics ranging from mineral rights and renewable energy leases to the co...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Ty and Chelsea Criswell, a farming couple from the Plainview area, to discuss their life in agriculture and their creative venture, Acre & Rust—a clothing brand that celebrates the farming way of life. Ty, a lifelong cotton farmer, shares his journey back to the family farm and the challenges of dryland and irri...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims and guest co-host Dusty Timmons sit down with Kelly Mulville, Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch, to discuss innovative approaches to vineyard management through regenerative agriculture. Mulville shares how he integrates livestock grazing, biodiversity, and sustainable vineyard design to improve soil health, reduce irrigation ne...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Aric Denton, a chemical engineer and co-founder of DJR Labs, to discuss innovative ways to transform produced water—a byproduct of oil and gas extraction—into valuable resources. Denton, who grew up on a cotton farm in Texas, shares his journey from farming to studying chemical engineering and how his background sha...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft, a research professor at the University of Maryland and a leader in NASA’s agricultural initiatives. They discuss how satellite technology is revolutionizing farming, providing real-time data on crop conditions, weather patterns, and soil health. Dr. Whitcraft explains how NASA’s Acres Program aims...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Stephen Hummel, Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator at the McDonald Observatory, about the growing issue of light pollution and its impact on the environment, wildlife, and human health. Hummel explains how artificial light disrupts natural ecosystems, sleep cycles, and migratory patterns while also reducing opportunitie...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Texas State Senator Charles Perry about one of the state’s most pressing challenges—water security. Representing a vast rural district, Senator Perry has been a leading advocate for water infrastructure investment and policy reform. The discussion covers Texas' long-term water plan, the urgent need for new water source...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Mike Hightower, director of the New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium, about the groundbreaking efforts to transform produced water— a byproduct of oil and gas extraction— into a valuable resource. Hightower explains the staggering volume of produced water generated in the Permian Basin and how research is lead...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Robert Mace, Executive Director of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, for a deep dive into the complexities of water management in Texas. Mace shares his fascinating journey into the field of water science, discusses the significance of the Ogallala Aquifer, and explains how recharge works in this critica...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillary Timmons-Sims speaks with Tom Sell, co-founder of Combest, Sell & Associates, and a dedicated advocate for agriculture in Washington, D.C. Tom shares his journey as a lobbyist for farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses, providing insights into the critical role of federal agricultural policies like the Farm Bill. The conversation delves into...

In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillary Timmons-Sims engages with Dr. Ethan Triplett, a scientist and passionate advocate for whole grains, to explore the fascinating world of fresh-milled flour and the unique properties of sorghum. Dr. Triplett shares his journey to agricultural science, his deep connection with sorghum, and his mission to bring this versatile grain to the forefron...

Send SARA a text In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Ben Samuels, a leader in water resource management and vice president of the Produced Water Society, for a thought-provoking conversation about the future of water conservation and stewardship. Ben shares insights into the complexities of "produced water," a byproduct of oil and gas production, and...

Send SARA a text In this episode of Conservation Stories , host Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Jeff Dudensing, an Agricultural Program Specialist with the USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Texas. They explore the role of FSA in supporting agricultural producers through various programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP). Jeff prov...

Send SARA a text In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Chris Grotegut aVeterinarian and Ag producer in Deaf Smith County. Community plays an important role in the the future of our land stewardship. Chris talks with us about the ways he would like to see his community plan for the future and some of the different path with which we can stewared water. We discuss the polictics of municip...

Send SARA a text In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Rob Cook, Director of Business Development at Bamert Seed Company, and Chairman at National Grazing Lands Coalition. Rob Cook taught us all about native seed, how seed can help you change up your land use, and why it matters. The biodiversity of the root systems are extremely important and helpful to our land. Weeds go by a new name...