The MyAgLife Podcast

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.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Dr. Karl Wyant, director of agronomy at Nutrien, to discuss his recent visit to Washington D.C., where he advocated for the U.S. agriculture industry, seeking support for the Plant Biostimulant Act in the next Farm Bill.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Bryce Borges, market development specialist at Corteva Agriscience, to discuss the importance of fall root flush preparation, nematode threats to young grapevines and how Salibro® CA nematicide offers growers a targeted, soil-friendly solution to protect root systems without harming beneficial organisms.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jay Sayre, ag economist at UC Davis, to discuss how shifting global and domestic trade policies are impacting California's growers, consumers and export-driven ag economy, and what strategies can build long-term resilience. Check out a recent UCCE webinar from Jay for more on this topic.

Jason Scott sits down with Zachary Fowler, co-owner of Fowler Brothers Farming, to discuss the importance of strong leadership, hiring the right people and maintaining a hands-on approach while scaling operations. Fowler emphasizes stress-testing decisions and fostering community collaboration to drive innovation in an industry often slow to change.

Stanislaus County Farm Bureau’s Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing’s Kristin Platts sit down with Detectives Robert Domingos and Kyle Gomes from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Rural Crimes Division to discuss the current landscape of rural crime, how law enforcement agencies collaborate across county lines and practical steps growers and ranchers can take to protect their property and operations. 

Jason Scott sits down with Norm Davy, president and chief commercial officer of Tidal Grow AgriScience, to discuss how the company is helping ag retailers and growers overcome rising input costs, pest resistance and soil health challenges through U.S.-made, bioengineered crop input solutions. He also reflects on leadership, grit, sustainability and the future of agricultural innovation.

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Stephen Vasquez, Western Region Certified Crop Advisers chair, and Jason Scott, publisher of Progressive Crop Consultant , to discuss the upcoming Crop Consultant Conference on September 24th and 25th in Visalia and what consultants, grower applicators and industry professionals can expect from this event. Register today here . We are looking forward to seeing every...

Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Beth Vukmanic, executive director of Vineyard Team, to discuss the evolution of sustainability in the grape and wine industry, the SIP Certified program and how growers can leverage certification, education and technology to thrive in a changing ag landscape. Check out Vineyard Team's most recent article from the Sustainable Story series in Grape & Wine Magazine...

Jason Scott sits down with Gregg Doud, president of the National Milk Producer's Federation, to discuss the evolving dairy industry, highlighting rising global protein demand, the need for better ag education among policymakers and the importance of technology and sustainability. He emphasizes trade diversification, regulatory reform and industry unity while advising future ag leaders to focus on...