In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Joe Martinez, founder of a nonprofit dedicated to helping U.S. farms legally recruit agricultural workers through the H-2A, H-2B, and TN visa programs. With decades of agricultural labor challenges as the backdrop, Joe explains how his organization connects farmers with trained, reliable laborers from Mexico, Guatemala, and beyond—offering not just workers, but long-term relationships that support both farm productivity and community development.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims talks with Dr. John Beusterien, professor at Texas Tech and founder of the Lubbock Waters project. With a background in literature and history, John shares how his curiosity about the land, culture, and ecology of West Texas led him to water—our most vital and fragile resource.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmins Sims sits down with Leah Doozy from Compliance Services International (CSI) to dive into the world of pesticide regulation and its complex relationship with environmental and agricultural practices. Leah shares her extensive background in agricultural economics and conservation, shedding light on the intricate process of getting pesticides approved by the EPA, the importance of labels in regulating chemical use, and the growing concern for endangered species. The conversation highlights the balance between using chemicals for agricultural efficiency and the potential environmental impacts, such as pesticide resistance and soil health. Leah also discusses the evolving nature of regulation, from EPA's early struggles with endangered species protection to their current strategies for mitigating the risks posed by pesticides. This episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of science, policy, and agriculture, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how decisions made in the regulatory space affect the environment, farmers, and consumers.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with agricultural legend Jane Dever to explore her remarkable journey from a small West Texas cotton farm to leading agricultural research in South Carolina. Jane shares her family’s deep immigrant roots, the legacy of her grandfather’s 160-acre farm, and the powerful story of how her parents opened their home to foster and refugee children. She reflects on decades in the cotton industry—from improving West Texas fiber quality through public breeding programs to working with FiberMax and championing underserved growers.

In this thought-provoking episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims welcomes hydrologist and University of Texas researcher Dr. Bridget Scanlon, whose global perspective and deep technical insight offer a compelling look at water’s future in West Texas and beyond. Originally from southwest Ireland and now based in Austin, Dr. Scanlon shares her journey from farming roots to cutting-edge research in groundwater recharge, produced water reuse, and climate-smart resource management.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery welcomes Dr. Todd Baughman, the new director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center in Lubbock, Texas. They explore Todd’s agricultural background, the mission and evolution of land grant universities, and the vital role of research, teaching, and extension in supporting rural communities. The conversation highlights the breadth of ongoing research at the Lubbock center—including cotton, peanuts, corn breeding, and remote sensing with NASA—as well as cutting-edge projects like using produced water from oil drilling for irrigation.

In this heartfelt episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims visits with multi-generational farmers and ranchers Pug, Cade, and Lane Lyons in Brownfield, Texas, to discuss land stewardship, legacy, and the realities of rural life. With candor and care, the Lyons family shares their experiences navigating decades of change in West Texas agriculture—from soil health to succession planning.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims talks with Claude Corcos of Netafim, a global leader in drip irrigation, about the evolution and future of precision water management in agriculture. Claude shares his journey from upstate New York to working with farms across North America and explains how Netafim has revolutionized irrigation with subsurface drip systems—designed to deliver water and nutrients directly to crop roots with unmatched efficiency.

In this candid episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Sam Nesbit, Senior Vice President at First United Bank, to explore the financial and emotional landscape of modern agriculture. With deep roots in the West Texas ag community, Sam shares insights from the front lines of agricultural lending, describing how small-town banks are helping producers navigate one of the most financially challenging periods in decades.

In this powerful episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Dr. Allen Williams—co-founder of Understanding Ag and Regenified, and a pioneer in the regenerative agriculture movement. With roots in six generations of farming and a former academic career in conventional ag science, Dr. Williams shares how a shift in perspective led him to question the effectiveness of mainstream methods and ultimately to redefine what sustainable land stewardship means.

 In this compelling episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Kelli Inge, general manager of Wall Co-Op Gin in Tom Green County, Texas. With a surprising background in opera and vocal performance, Kelli shares her journey into agriculture and how she rose to lead one of the region’s key cotton gins during one of the most challenging drought periods in recent history.

In this deeply resonant episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons Sims leads a heartfelt and informative discussion about mental health in the agricultural community—a subject often burdened by stigma and silence. Joined by Tiffany Lashmet, an ag law specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and psychologists Michaela Smith and Dr. Mikayla Spooner, the group unpacks the unique stressors facing farmers and ranchers, including geographic isolation, economic instability, and generational pressure.

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 using predictive tools from Neogen. He discusses the growing local demand for fresh, high-quality produce, particularly strawberries and lettuce, and the benefits of using efficient irrigation and farming technologies.Layton also introduces his expanding storefront, which now includes products like beef tallow skincare items and milled grains, and teases upcoming offerings from a new commercial kitchen. Throughout the conversation, his emphasis on practicality, community collaboration, and adapting to West Texas challenges illustrates a fresh, forward-thinking approach to modern agriculture.

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.

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.

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 chain roles into sustainability leadership, championing regenerative agriculture and water conservation through real, farm-level relationships.

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 the outdated belief that demand will always rise to match supply.

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 into helping founders turn ideas into successful companies.

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 spiritual challenges they faced as their farm operations came to an end.

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—shaped her passion for rural revitalization and conservation.