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 its evolving role in addressing water scarcity.

The discussion spans a wide range of topics, including international water policies, state-specific water rights, the environmental and economic challenges tied to water management, and the role of technology in finding sustainable solutions. They explore how historical water compacts, like the Colorado River Compact, shape current policies and the innovative ways stakeholders are addressing modern challenges, from agriculture to industrial reuse.

Ben also highlights the need for collaborative solutions, data-driven decision-making, and public engagement to address the global water crisis. This engaging episode offers a balanced look at present and future water strategies while emphasizing the importance of stewardship for generations to come.

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Jeff Dudensing, Agricultural Program Specialist with USDA-Farm Service Agency at the Texas State Office. Jeff gives us insight into Farm Bills, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP). 

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 municipal water and the cost of staying in your community or transitioning out. 

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 at Bamert: "Mother Nature's Scabs." Use Seedspec.com to develop your own custom seed blend for your land.

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews brothers Mark & Jim Kleinschmit, CEO and COO of Other Half Processing and Growing GRASS.

Other Half Processing (OHP) is the leading supplier of traceable hides, leather & byproducts from verified regeneratively raised livestock.

They share they're history and what led them to start this organization. Their ideas on how to de-risk rebuilding supply chains, why the market for these items disappeared and why its important to bring it back.

OHP has partnered with the American Sustainable Business Institute and a team of agricultural, research, community and industry leaders to bring us Growing GRASS: an interdisciplinary research and demonstration project to advance GRASS as a regenerative & climate-smart verification based market that increases the value of beef and bison byproduct supply chains.

There is an opportunity to participant in a grant research project and an easy paid survey that you can fill out to see if you qualify. Mark and Jim enlighten us of the details of the survey and project during our conversation.

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Dr. Jim Mazurikiewicz, Professor Emeritus & Ag Leadership and Program Director at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension of Texas A&M University. Tillery had the priviledge of learning under Dr. Mazurikiewicz and the conversation reflects the comradery she and he still have today. He walked us through his history in agriculture and the AgriLife Extention Program, deeming it the original Google. He also shared with us Polands role in Texas gas industry.

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Stephen Rockwood, Conservation Specialist with Ducks Unlimited about the Climate Smart Grant that has been implemented in Texas for Rice producers. We discussed how methane production in growing rice crops can be addressed and he taught us about the suite of conservation practices to choose from. 

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Dusty Timmons, Vineyard Manager for Lost Draw Vineyards, Former Viticulturist for AgriLife Extension Service and Tillery's brother. The episode is jam-packed with history and wine knowledge. We discussed the gamble of grape growing, how to make good wine and why people are now drinking less wine.

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Jennifer Bremer, Executive Director of the Texas Land & Mineral Owners Association. Jennifer goes over the ins and outs of mineral ownership and teaches us about some proposed legislation. We were excited to discuss the Texas Produced Water Consortium and farming in the panhandle. 

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Blair Krebs, Executive Director and Publisher for Pecan South Magazine and Texas Pecan Growers Association. Blair educates us on the role nuts and pecans specifically play in agriculture. She shares her specialized knowledge as the Executive Director of Texas Pecan Growers Association. This episode covers Agriculture Research Service information, farm bills, and the history of pecans. 

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Dr. Darryl Dirkenfeld the Deputy Director of Ogalla Commons. We dive into an exciting event: the OC Playa Field Days. Discover how you can get involved and learn more about these impactful initiatives. Plus, we sit down with Dr. Darryl to explore his vision for helping us use our aquifer responsibly, ensuring it's preserved for future generations. Playas, often called the "lungs of the Llano," play a crucial role in this effort. Tune in for a dynamic conversation on safeguarding our water resources and how you can be a part of it! 

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Stephen Rockwood, Conservation Specialist with Ducks Unlimited. Stephen shares the history of Ducks Unlimited Conservation and the impact they have on the Texas wetlands. If you have always known Ducks unlimited as a hunting goods company, you'll be surprised to find how interconnected the worlds of conservation and hunting really are. He teaches us about the Texas Prairie Wetlands Project, the Playa Lakes Conservation Program and easements. If you are a landowner, find out more about the programs available to you to restore your playas at the SARA conservation website!

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Ladona Clayton the Executive Director of the Ogallala Land & Water Conservancy. Ladona shared the ways she and her team are pionerring water conservation in New Mexico. She outlined 5 plans including voluntary well shut downs, pumping surface water and the reuse of millions of gallons of water. Playas play a significant role but creating a conservancy and securing funding to compensant land owners fairly is vital. With much emphasis on working together, Ladona speaks of putting the farmer first as they ask land owners to participate in their program. 

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Sarah Burnett, Owner of Texas Earth. Sarah is a second generation owner of Texas Earth. Her dad who started the business was on a mission to heal the soils of the earth. Sarah taught us about regenerating the microbes in the soil, how many microbes we have, and what they do. We also discussed cover crops and the benefits those cover crops have on your land. Learn more about Texas Earth and purchase products to heal your soil at their websites listed below.

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Gabriel Rio, President and CEO of Milestone Environmental Services. SARA is thrilled to partner with Milestone Environmental Services to make landowners aware of proposed common-sense regulations for energy waste.

Why Should You Care? The Railroad Commission of Texas oversees the energy industry in Texas. Current regulations for energy waste have not been updated since the early ‘80s. New, proposed regulations do not protect Texas soil or groundwater, leaving landowners unprotected from future contaminated sites. This common-sense proposal needs the support of Texas citizens and landowners. Please let our railroad commissioners know how you feel about this proposal by leaving a comment on their website, sending an email, or mailing a letter. The deadline to comment is October 15.

Learn more and take steps to make your voice heard by visiting the collaborative page for SARA and Milestones

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Joel Pigg, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Program Specialist and Texas Well Owner Network Project Coordinator. Joel provides education on common water well issues and your oportunity to get your water tested for those. We discuss the important information about water across the state, name some specific bacteria to look out for and where to find Joel to help you learn more about your water. When was the last time you had your water well tested? These bacteria are odorless, colorless, tasteless. Visit your Agrilife Extention Office to get your water screened!

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Heather Johnson, Project Coordinator for the TXPCI program and Migratory Game Bird Specialist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife. Heather oversees the Playas Work for Texans initiative in which SARA is partnering to educate our community about Playas and their importance to the future of our water. The episode provides a closer look into playa lakes, the challenges that lay ahead of us here on the South Plains and how we can help protect our legacy of tomorrows water. 

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Layton Schur, owner and founder of Frontier Market in Plainview, Texas. Frontier Market is a family-owned and operated endeavor, with a cooperative approach to tend to their land, animals, and crops. Frontier Market is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-6pm and have an array of produce and products from local farmers and ranchers. 

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Taylor McAlpine, a facilitator with Leading EDG and the owner of Local LBK. As a proud Lubbock native and Texas Tech grad, Taylor's interest in business and marketing has created multiple avenues to support his community. Having evolved through a few iterations, Local LBK helps connect people to businesses and activities within their own community. Taylor and his team focus on telling the stories of Lubbock through media content crafted for social media and other publications. At Leading EDG, Taylor works as a facilitator, which gives him the opportunity to consult with businesses in the rural communities outside of Lubbock. Leading EDG helps small businesses develop plans and set goals that will help accelerate the growth of their business. 

In this episode, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Rexie Hargus, the Natural Resource Specialist – Planner with Texas Climate Smart Initiative Project and the Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board. Through a grant funded by the TSSWCB, Rexie is helping connect farmers in the panhandle area with programs and funds available for practices like prescribed grazing, cover crops, and permanent grass planting.