Most farms struggle with dust, inefficiency, and labor shortages—but Tyler Niday of Bonsai Robotics reveals how AI-driven machinery is changing the game by transforming existing equipment into autonomous workhorses.

Inspired by biology, Bonsai Robotics is making some of agriculture's toughest environments manageable. Tyler shares how autonomous orchard shakers are improving nut harvest efficiency by up to 40%, while converting shuttle trucks into multi-functional farm platforms can save growers hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment costs.

Monte and Tyler explore the industry's evolution from retrofitting machines with autonomous capabilities to developing full-platform solutions, including Bonsai's Amiga series. These adaptable systems support precision spraying, harvesting, and crop scouting.

Before co-founding Bonsai Robotics, Tyler began in mechanical engineering and helped develop vision systems at Blue River Technology and gained hands-on learning at Orchard Machinery Corporation.

If you've wondered what the future of practical farm automation really looks like, this episode offers a firsthand look at innovations in the field today.

Visit Bonsai Robotics: https://bonsairobotics.ai/

Watch episode: https://youtu.be/Cvs7v5FLSN0

Timestamps:

00:10 - Tyler’s background and journey into ag tech

02:23 - The role of AI and perception challenges in dust environments

07:48 - Vision-only AI vs LiDAR debate and dust interference

12:04 - Scalability of perception models across crops

12:58 - Training AI models on dusty environments and data fusion

16:16 - Focus on specialty crops as a starting point for autonomy

16:45 - Collaborations with OEMs like Floria and OMC

17:30 - Managing connectivity in remote farm locations

19:07 - Starlink and cellular solutions for remote operations

21:30 - The Amiga platform's different configurations and applications

25:44 - Strategic move into precision spraying and harvest-related automation

28:28 - Future autonomous applications for open-field crops

37:44 - Autonomous nut shaker and harvesting efficiency

41:46 - Future of crop variability mapping and individual plant management

47:13 - Returning value through data management and software ecosystems

49:21 - Industry collaboration, standards, and evolving equipment

52:25 - Closing remarks and future outlook

Jason Mauck's approach to relay cropping, alley cropping, and tight plant timing might just be the game-changer every farmer needs to think about.It’s not just about planting crops; it’s about planning the whole system—synchronizing crop timing with solar angles, plant growth stages, and biological triggers.

And here’s the kicker: this isn’t just theory. Jason demonstrated how these principles have already pushed yields into the 80-90 bushels per acre range—something many traditional systems would consider a good year. The understanding of plant interactions, timing, and field layout can reshape the economics of your farm.If you’re tired of the same old, same old, or if you feel like your program is begging for a new approach, this is your nudge to rethink everything.

The key is getting out of the “accept what is” mindset and starting to see your acres as a dynamic, living system that responds to careful nudges.For anyone willing to experiment, to learn, and to question the status quo — consider ways to integrate these ideas into your own farm. The future favors those brave enough to think differently.

See it all in person at the Farm Weird Event. June 27, on Jason's farm.

More Details and Registration: https://conference.eco-ag.com/farmweird?am_id=monte2150

Timestamps:

02:25 - Shifting focus to regenerative farming and early adopter mindset

04:37 - Family background and landscape business

10:37 - Adjusting row spacing, plant density, and resource efficiency for higher yields

12:35 - Managing weeds, weeds suppression strategies, and relay cropping benefits

15:11 - Emotional resilience and momentum after the passing of Jason’s father

18:52 - The difference between salespeople and solution providers

19:25 - Innovations in plant sequencing, planting timing, and resource layering

20:36 - Relay cropping as a response to manure management

30:10 - Adjusting plant populations, seeding densities, and spacing strategies

36:23 - Equipment considerations and planting technology innovations for narrow-row cropping

44:11 - Crop biochemistry, plant growth regulators, and maximizing photosynthesis

45:57 - Strategic shading in crop design

54:05 - Creative mechanical solutions for seed handling, row separation, and crop integrity

58:02 - Crop and residue management, cover crop seeding, and fertility strategies

Most conversations about sustainable agriculture focus on practices—what to plant, how to till, or cover crop secrets. But what if the future of healthy soils and resilient farms hinges on something deeper? Dr. Natalie Sturm, Dakota Lakes Research Farm’s new farm manager, reveals how long-term crop rotations—and specifically the power of crop residue—are shaping the next generation of regenerative farming.

Discover how Dakota Lakes is pioneering research that shows soils with consistent root biomass and high-residue crops outperform even the most diverse rotations at building organic matter and restoring soil function. Natalie shares behind-the-scenes insights from 30+ years of no-till management and her own scientific journey from suburban Chicago to the heart of South Dakota. She explains how farm-scale systems, like five-year perennial sequences and livestock integration, can drastically reduce soil erosion, combat salinity, and increase farm profitability without relying on the latest chemical fixes.

You'll learn about innovative strategies such as virtual fencing for livestock, energy independence through on-farm biodiesel, and the critical importance of research that cuts through the marketing noise of the “ag industrial complex.” Natalie delves into how long-term, systems-based research can serve as a blueprint for farms across the country—whether you're in the Midwest trying to restore saline soils or a California grower exploring perennial grasses.

Timestamps:

0:01:18 - The legacy of Dwayne Beck and the importance of long-term research

0:04:32 - Cropping systems diversity and crop management practices

0:06:25 - The role of crop rotation and residue in soil health

0:13:13 - Agroecology principles and ecological benefits in farming

0:16:21 - Livestock integration, virtual fencing, and animal management innovations

0:19:26 - Summer field days and farmer engagement

0:22:45 - Equipment innovations for no-till and residue management

0:39:01 - Residue management and its impact on soil health

0:47:36 - Education events and farm tours for farmers and researchers

0:49:46 - Innovations in energy independence and renewable energy on the farm

0:52:20 - Replicating Dakota Lakes’ model in other regions

0:54:18 - Building networks for collaborative research and adaptation

0:55:37 - Dr. Sturm’s visionary outlook for the next 20-40 years

About our Guest (credit: https://www.sdstate.edu/news/2026/03/sturm-returns-dakota-lakes-research-farm-next-farm-manager)

Dr. Natalie Sturm conducts agronomic field research at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm.

Sturm conducted research at the Dakota Lakes Research Fam as part of her master’s degree. She is now replacing her former mentor, Dwayne Beck, who retired after more than 35 years of service.

Sturm completed her bachelor’s degree in sustainable food and bioenergy systems at Montana State University, her master’s in plant science at South Dakota State University and her doctorate in soil science at Washington State University. In her first few months on the job, she plans on learning as much as possible about the farm’s daily operations and meeting the local farmers, scientists and stakeholders that support the Dakota Lakes mission.

The Dakota Lakes Research Farm is a unique partnership between the SDSU College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and the Dakota Lakes Corporation, a nonprofit, farmer-led organization that owns the farmland and provides input on how research performed on the farm can best impact farmers. The research is conducted by SDSU faculty and staff through South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station funding. Both entities are committed to conducting research that allows South Dakotans to make more informed decisions on their operations.

Annually held on the last Thursday in June, this year’s Dakota Lakes Research Farm Field Day is on June 25, beginning at 3 p.m. More info: https://dakotalakes.com/

Most farmers abandon their soil health innovations at the first sign of trouble — but Matt Griggs chose perseverance over resignation. After a near-fatal combine accident and years battling fragile, erodible soils, he’s proving that bold, strategic changes can turn disaster into success.

Resources & Links:

Griggs Farms LLC - YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7NfwgKKPu2AlhfQyWqjkfg

Griggs Farms LLC - Website: http://www.griggsfarmsllc.com/

Crop Budget Spreadsheets – Free resources for farm management: http://www.griggsfarmsllc.com/spreadsheets.html

More about this episode:

From surviving a life-threatening crash to revitalizing the soil pan beneath his fields, Matt shares how a mindset of resilience and innovation can transform even the most broken land. You'll discover how cover crops like annual ryegrass and radishes can dissolve the fragile soil pan, increase organic matter, and dramatically improve moisture retention — even in the driest conditions.

We break down:

- The pioneering practices Matt employs to reshape his soil profile

- Using custom-designed hooded sprayers to implement strip till techniques for effective cover crop management

- The critical role of soil microbiology and carbon in building resilient, drought-proof farms

- How innovative crop choices, such as canola and the integration of legumes, open new market opportunities

- Real stories of recovery and hope amid record droughts, emphasizing the importance of persistence and continuous learning

Why does this matter? Every farm faces unique challenges—whether it’s soil degradation, water scarcity, or market volatility. Matt’s story offers a blueprint for pushing past obstacles, turning setbacks into stepping stones, and creating a future-proof operation grounded in soil health. His example highlights that the key to farming resilience isn’t just better yields—it’s a shift in mindset, management, and determination.

Perfect for farmers, ag professionals, or anyone looking to understand how soil health practices can restore land’s capacity to fight drought and erosion. If you're tired of doing the same old, expect better results by thinking differently, experimenting boldly, and never giving up.

Follow Matt at Grigg's Farms LLC on YouTube and all major social media platforms for real-time updates—whether it’s soil breakthroughs or crop budgets. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a more sustainable, profitable farm.

Lisa Kissing Kucek shares her expertise on developing sustainable, high-performing cover crop varieties like hairy vetch, cereal rye, and other legumes, transforming agricultural systems for long-term soil health and productivity.

Lisa and Monte discuss the innovative world of cover crop breeding, biological nitrogen fixation, and the unique challenges and opportunities in microbial and plant genetics. This episode highlights the groundbreaking efforts in seed domestication, trait selection, and sustainable crop management, offering actionable insights for farmers, researchers, and agribusinesses looking to innovate in cover cropping and rotational systems. Stay tuned for upcoming variety releases and continued progress in crop genetics!

Timestamp Highlights:

0:00:00 - Cover crop innovations in almond orchards and Midwest grazing opportunities

0:04:33 - Dr. Kissing Kucek's background in soil conservation and her shift to plant breeding

0:05:49 - The significance of variety differences in cover crops: biomass, nitrogen fixation, weed suppression

0:08:35 - Developing nitrogen-fixing legumes like hairy vetch amidst rising fertilizer costs

0:10:28 - Harry Vetch: a star in biological nitrogen fixation with high biomass and winter survival

0:12:23 - Challenges in domestication: reducing seed shattering and seed dormancy in hairy vetch

0:14:48 - Addressing toxicity concerns in vetch and balancing its role as livestock feed

0:16:18 - Effects of frost, freeze-thaw cycles, and environment on overwintering success of legumes

0:18:06 - Differentiating true hairy vetch from similar species for improved breeding outcomes

0 ;20:01 - The impact of variety origin and seed source on winter survival and adaptability

0:25:52 - Biomass and nitrogen response correlations in breeding programs

0:28:00 - Tools for estimating nitrogen contribution from cover crops

0:31:46 - Advances in shatter resistance and seed cost reduction in vetch breeding

0:36:53 - The role of genetic diversity and selection in rye and vetch adaptation over time

0:44:35 - Diversifying rye with different flowering times for forage, cover cropping, and allelopathic traits

0:51:33 - How seed mixing and diversity within seed bags drive adaptability of rye and vetch

0:55:10 - The unique breeding strategies required for interspecific hybrids like triticale

0:58:38 - Relay cropping and intercropping legumes with cereals for organic systems

0:60:45 - Upcoming cover crop variety releases by the Cover Crop Breeding Network (CCB)

0:62:15 - The long-term vision of plant breeders and the importance of perseverance in genetic improvement

Resources & Links:

Cover Crop Breeding Network (CCB): https://www.covercropbreeding.com/

Nitrogen Estimator Tool: https://covercrop-ncalc.org

North Carolina State University Allelopathy Screening: https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/csc2.70275

Hairy Vetch Research: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339657710_Pod_Dehiscence_in_Hairy_Vetch_Vicia_villosa_Roth

About our Guest:

Lisa Kissing Kucek is a Research Geneticist with the United States Department of Agriculture Dairy Forage Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin. As part of the Cover Crop Breeding Network, Lisa improves cover crops, including cereal rye, hairy vetch, winter pea, and crimson clover. She worked alongside farmers, bakers, and chefs to develop wheat varieties for organic and local food systems during her doctoral research at Cornell University.

Discover how Ty Brown, founder and owner of Drago Indiana, uses innovative practices like cover crop breeding, drone technology, and water quality management to enhance sustainability, crop yields, and farm productivity. Hold on tight—this isn’t just about incremental improvements; it’s about transforming your entire farming operation for the better, one innovative step at a time.

Monte and Ty break down the crucial role of modern plant breeding, highlighting how genetic markers for traits like seed shatter resistance and hard seed are revolutionizing cover crop reliability. Plus, get insights into how water quality, via reverse osmosis systems, is dramatically enhancing pesticide chemistry effectiveness and crop health—potentially cutting herbicide and fungicide costs by up to 40%. Understand the practicalities of integrating drone technology for precision spraying, and why selecting the right machinery is vital for large-scale applications.

In this episode:

- The evolution of cover crop breeding and its role in sustainable farming

- How genetic selection is improving hairy vetch and cereal rye traits

- The impact of water quality on foliar applications and herbicide effectiveness

- Using drones and aircraft for efficient crop spraying and farm management

- The benefits of diversifying cover crop species, including legumes and ancient grains

- The importance of farm-research collaboration and long-term development strategies

- Strategies for managing weed suppression, disease risks, and crop rotation complexities

- Technological tools for nitrogen estimation and nutrient cycling optimization

- The role of peer groups and continuous education in farm success

About the Guest:

About the Guest:

Ty Brown is a 1992 graduate of Rossville High School and a 1996 graduate of Purdue University where he holds a B.S. in Agronomy. While at Purdue he was named the top student in Agronomy 3 of 4 years, and was part of the Purdue Soils Judging Team and Agronomy Club all 4 years. After graduation he returned to the farm as the 6th generation to do so. He married his college sweetheart, Sacha, whom he met in college in 1997. Sacha and he immediately became actively involved in the community. Ty and Sacha both served on Purdue Club of Clinton County, were 4-H leaders, served a 2.5 year term on the Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Committee and Ty took State level 4-H responsibilities, served on the soil and water board, as well as numerous other advisory roles.

He started Drago Indiana in 2007 because he wanted to make available to farmers what we felt was a better option for a corn header. In 2013 he added Horsch and 2017 he added Honey Bee and all for the same reasons; they just simply offered a better product than what the major OEM’s were offering.

Timestamps:

(00:00) – Introduction: Unveiling farm innovations with industry leaders

(03:48) – Equipment and drone technology transforming crop management

(05:01) – Precision foliar nitrogen application and drone night-time spraying

(07:20) – Compatibility of drones with John Deere Operations Center

(08:35) – Breeding efforts in hairy vetch and cereal rye for nitrogen and weed control

(12:10) – The story behind the evolution of the equipment dealership

(15:45) – The innovative service model with aerial farm management

(18:02) – Water quality’s impact on fungicide and herbicide efficiency

(22:05) – Exploring rye's adaptability and seed diversity based on genetics

(25:58) – Nitrogen fixation potential and selecting cover crop varieties

(33:44) – Reducing seed shattering and seed cost through breeding

(41:40) – Developing cereal rye varieties tailored for cover cropping purposes

(58:57) – Relay cropping and interspecies plantings for diverse farming systems

(60:45) – The importance of selecting varieties suited to harsh environments

(61:23) – Upcoming cover crop varieties from the Cover Crop Breeding Network

(62:15) – Long-term research and the importance of perseverance in breeding

Many farmers assume glyphosate is a reliable tool for weed control with minimal downsides, but Dr. Michael McNeill shows how this herbicide quietly disrupts the very foundation of productive farming—from soil biology to crop health and long-term field resilience.

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. McNeill explains the hidden journey of glyphosate through the farm system: how it lingers in manure from treated feed, carries over to contaminate even organic fields, and boosts pathogenic fungi and other disease pressures that hit yields hard. He shares research revealing glyphosate's antibiotic-like effects on soil microbes—shifting the microbial balance, weakening natural disease suppression, and making plants more vulnerable to outbreaks that cost farmers in inputs and lost production.

You'll hear about practical, farmer-tested ways to fight back, including using raw sauerkraut juice (loaded with beneficial fermentative microbes like Lactobacillus plantarum) to rapidly break down glyphosate residues in soil and feed crops—potentially slashing contamination by 80-90% in just months and freeing up bound nutrients for better plant uptake.

The discussion dives deep into proven regenerative strategies to reclaim fields: strategic cover crops, targeted microbial inoculants, balanced soil nutrition, and other biological practices that naturally crowd out weeds, curb pests and diseases, and rebuild robust soil structure—without leaning on chemicals that create dependency and hidden costs over time.

This episode lays bare how over-reliance on glyphosate often leads to nutrient lockups, escalating disease pressure, and rising input needs that eat into profits. But it also delivers real hope: a path to more resilient crops, healthier soils, lower long-term costs, and stronger farm sustainability.

Ideal for row-crop farmers, livestock producers, agronomists, and anyone managing land who wants to cut through the noise and explore science-backed ways to reduce chemical dependency while boosting productivity and soil vitality. If you're ready to rethink weed management and invest in farming biologically, this conversation is essential listening.

Read the journal article here: https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/hortsci/59/11/article-p1618.xml

About Dr. Michael McNeill:

Over the past four decades, Dr. McNeill's focus as an agronomist has been in teaching the agricultural community an understanding of soil and plant nutrition, emphasizing its’ importance for animal and human health. His emphasis has been placed on developing farming systems that promote soil and plant health, as well as, conducting on farm research to develop efficient bio-remediation of soil and water contaminated with farm chemicals and fertilizer nutrients. Also, a major focus of his has been to teach farmers methods to evaluate soil health by measuring soil microbial life, water infiltration rates, soil density, soil compaction, soil fertility levels and how to develop corrective measures if problems are discovered.

Positions, Scientific Appointments

1983 – Present President of Ag Advisory, Ltd. (an agricultural consulting company)

1971 – 1983 Research Scientist and Manager of a regional corn breeding station located in Algona,

Iowa.

1969 – 1971 U.S. Army research pathologist, study of soybean and corn disease epiphytology.

1964 – 1969 Iowa State University, research associate.

Contributions to Science: Published papers in the following:

Crop Science, Horticulture Science, Egyptian Journal of Genetics, Plant Disease Reporter, Journal of

Genetics, Journal of Economic Entomology, Agronomy Journal, Iowa State University Extension

Service Bulletins

Popular Press articles: Farm Journal, Successful Farming, Farm Industry News, Iowa Farmer Today, Soybean Digest, Furrow

Rockwell City native James Hepp aspired to farm, but with no direct ties to land, that dream seemed out of reach. So how did he get to be farming thousands of acres and a Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioner?

About Our Guest:

James Hepp aspired to farm, but with no direct ties to land, that dream seemed out of reach. Hepp attended Northwest Missouri State University, where he earned a degree in agricultural business and started his career as a crop insurance adjuster after graduation.

In 2019, the opportunity to work with a high school friend’s father, who was nearing retirement, led to a crop-share arrangement and opened the door for Hepp to farm full time. At the same time, Hepp started up his own crop insurance agency. Hepp now manages about 1,400 acres of corn, soybeans, and small grains as a first-generation farmer. Hepp also runs an ag retail business selling lots of regenerative products he uses on his acres. With support from his landlord, Hepp incorporates a wide range of conservation and soil-health building practices on his acres, including cover crops, buffer strips, no-till, strip-till, split-applied nitrogen, variable rate seeding, and much more.

Hepp is passionate about showing others how to implement conservation practices that protect soil and water quality through field days held annually on his farm. He is also involved in the local fire department and is a past president of the Calhoun County Farm Bureau. In 2024, James earned the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Environmental Leadership Award.

Navigating Farm Transitions, Conservation, and Innovation with James Hepp

In this episode, James Hepp shares his inspiring journey from a non-traditional farming background to becoming a full-time, innovative no-till farmer. He discusses transitioning practices, cover crops, soil health, and water quality—offering practical advice for farmers looking to adapt and improve sustainably.

Timestamps

00:29 - Introduction to James Hepp's farming story and background

05:44 - Growth of farm acreage and shift to no-till and regenerative practices

06:35 - Balancing family life and farming full-time with young children

07:05 - Diversification: cover crops, regenerative products, and livestock

08:14 - The challenge of farm succession and transition for older farmers

11:55 - Foundations of risk management: having legal agreements in writing

12:24 - Financial and land management strategies with landowners

13:07 - The benefits of innovative lease agreements and crop share options

16:22 - The mindset of free-thinking farmers and stepping outside of traditional practices

17:25 - Risk mitigation: equipment setup, safety, and exit strategies

22:31 - The advantages of simulated rent and crop sharing models

30:02 - Fertilizer timing, fertilizer reduction, and nutrient placement strategies

34:15 - Cover crop choices: triticale, rye, camelina, and their benefits

36:11 - The economics of strip tillage and equipment investment

38:48 - Practical tips for planting soybeans no-till in different row widths

43:18 - Managing cover crop seeding with drone technology and timing considerations

44:36 - Growing seed oats and low-input, high-return cover crops

54:20 - Water quality challenges, policy, and personal responsibility in Iowa

55:48 - The need for a systems approach, collaboration, and conservation policies

65:21 - Final thoughts: encouragement for farmers to innovate and lead

Resources & Links

Rockwell City, Iowa (local context)

Des Moines Water Works

Soil health research by Richard Mulvaney

Crop insurance programs

Cover crop seed providers

No-till conference insights

Crop and soil testing services

Regenerative ag products: Spray Tech

Iowa Farm Bureau Roots Program

Water quality policy initiatives in Iowa

Connect with James Hepp

LinkedIn

Twitter

Rockwell City farm website

Imagine autonomous equipment that transforms productivity, reduces costs, and addresses soil health like never before. In this episode, Dave Krog—founder of Salin 247— shows how farmers can replace massive, soil-compacting machinery with sleek, small-scale autonomous tools designed to work around the clock without a single operator.

Dave walks us through his story from growing up on a farm in Iowa to pioneering autonomous planter prototypes in the fields. He reveals how his team is developing smart, electric implement frameworks that can seamlessly switch between planting, spraying, and other field tasks—cutting costs, lowering environmental impact, and solving labor shortages all at once.

Dave explains how small, self-propelled tools can outperform traditional large equipment in efficiency and soil health. With host Monte Bottens, Dave proves the economic advantages of dividing hardware costs and why autonomy is the key to farming practices like strip cropping and organic systems.

Timestamps:

0:00:00 Introduction to Autonomous Farming

0:05:00 The Genesis of Salin247

0:07:00 Challenges in Autonomous Technology

0:10:00 Early challenges faced in developing autonomous farming equipment.

0:15:00 Discussion on the transition to electric and autonomous machinery.

0:20:00 How autonomous technology can reduce costs and improve soil health.

0:25:00 Dave's insights on the future of farming with autonomous technology.

About our Guest:

Dave Krog is an Iowa-based engineer and founder of Salin247, leading the charge with innovative autonomous and electric farm equipment designed to reduce soil impact and elevate productivity.

Key Takeaways:

- Dave emphasizes the importance of understanding one's 'why' in their work.

- The evolution of farm machinery has led to increased soil compaction issues.

- Krog's company aims to replace large equipment with smaller, autonomous machines.

- Electric machinery is a key focus for sustainable farming solutions.

- The journey of developing autonomous farming technology has been ongoing for several years.

- Labor availability is a significant challenge in modern agriculture.

- Krog's background in farming informs his approach to agricultural technology.

- The initial prototype was a four-row planter, which posed unique challenges.

- Collaboration with Iowa State University has been crucial for Krog's innovations.

- Continuous education and adaptation are essential in the field of ag tech.

Unlock the future of farming with insights from one of America's leading agriculture champions. Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief of the NRCS, and Host Monte Bottens, talk through how innovative programs, voluntary practices, and market-driven solutions are transforming the ways farmers conserve resources, improve soil health, and remain resilient.

Hear how the new, USDA outcomes-based regen pilot program is set to redefine the way we address resource concerns—making conservation efforts more practical, impactful, and sticky for farmers from coast to coast.

Chief Bettencourt reveals the bold strategy behind the NRCS's reinvigorated mission: keeping farmers on the land and demonstrating that soil health and water management are not just buzzwords but vital pathways to economic and environmental security. We break down how existing programs like EQIP and CSP are being harnessed in innovative ways to accelerate regenerative practices without adding burdens—ensuring voluntary, flexible, and locally driven adoption.

Aubrey shares her vision for a future where farmers are empowered, markets are aligned, and soil health becomes a shared goal—ultimately transforming agriculture into a resilient, sustainable engine for generations to come.

Click to learn more about NRCS and the Regen Pilot Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhuHrYrPXfM

About NRCS​: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/

***About Our Guest:

Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt serves as Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the primary private lands conservation agency at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). NRCS helps producers, soil and water conservation districts, and other partners protect and conserve natural resources on private working lands while supporting American agricultural productivity throughout the United States. NRCS employees in the field work side-by-side with producers in every State and territory.

Aubrey is a prominent leader in agriculture, water, and sustainability, most recently serving as the Global Director of Government Relations and External Affairs for Netafim, an Orbia Company. Prior to serving at Netafim, Aubrey was the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Almond Alliance, the national trade association advocating for American almond growers and processors.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Aubrey served as the Sustainability Director for Western United Dairies, specifically leading initiatives in groundwater management. During the first Trump Administration, Aubrey worked with both the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and USDA. As a Deputy Assistant Secretary with the DOI, she oversaw water and science policy.

Prior to serving at DOI, Aubrey was the State Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in California where she directed the administration of farm commodity programs providing support, security, and emergency relief for producers throughout the state.

Her work reflects her personal commitment to keep farmers farming through sound water policy, agricultural support, technology, and sustainable practices. This is supported by her family’s farming roots in California’s great Central Valley.

Aubrey is a third-generation farmer at Bettencourt Farms in Kings County, California, alongside her father, mother, husband, daughter, and loyal farm dogs. Aubrey is an Eisenhower Agricultural Fellow and holds a degree in History from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.