The MyAgLife Podcast

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 offers insight into California’s insurance market and practical steps operations can take to protect their bottom line.

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 everyone there!

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 communication, risk management and strong mentorship.