Join Cal Poly Organic Center graduate research assistant Evan Tamayo at the California Association of Pest Control Advisors (CAPCA) Conference in Reno, Nevada, where conversations with students and industry professionals highlight the future of pest management, soil health, and agriculture careers.

Here’s what we get into in this episode:

Grant Mattos of Nature Safe Fertilizers discusses how building soil health can play a key role in preventing pests across both organic and conventional systems.

Mohammad A. Aghaee, Entomology Program Leader at the Cal Poly Strawberry Center, shares insights on biopesticides and Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy.

Alyssa Lindberg, CAPCA Support Intern, talks about the value of events like CAPCA and how networking with fellow pest control advisors (PCAs) can shape your career long-term.

Cal Poly Plant Science student Alex Moreno breaks down the flexibility of a PCA license and why students should take advantage of scholarships and opportunities that often go unused.

Edgar Godoy of BioWorks explains how applying a biology-first mindset, like using beneficial insects, fungi, and other microorganisms, is advancing biological pest control strategies.

Larry Odell, Regional Sales Manager at Tiger-Sul, discusses opportunities in the retail side of pest management, the importance of CCA certification, and how organizations like Western Plant Health support education and industry connections.

This episode offers a practical look at sustainable agriculture and the evolving role of pest control advisors for anyone interested in soil health, pest management, and careers in agriculture.