This is Ag!

In this episode of This Is Ag, I'm joined by Veronica Luna—Director of Administrative Operations at Rancho Guadalupe and a passionate advocate for the people who power our fields. With years of experience in agriculture, Veronica has become a quiet but powerful force behind the scenes, using her voice to champion mental health, accessible benefits, and compassionate leadership.

Raised by a strong mother, Veronica learned early what it meant to speak up—even when it wasn’t easy. Today, she carries that legacy forward at Rancho Guadalupe, where she not only manages Human Resources and benefits but also plays a key role in shaping a workplace culture grounded in care.

In this episode, Veronica opens up about helping launch Spring Health before the pandemic—a bold move that brought mental health support to ag workers when they needed it most. She shares how her personal grief journey became the spark to advocate for others, and how leadership at Rancho Guadalupe—especially General Manager AJ Cisney—listens and acts when employees speak.

This is an episode about the heart of ag—the unseen labor, the emotional weight, and the deep humanity behind every harvest. Veronica’s story is a reminder that care, empathy, and advocacy aren’t just nice to have; they’re essential tools for building a stronger, more resilient ag community.

Veronica Luna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-luna-88900b199/

Rancho Guadalupe: https://ranchoguadalupe.com/

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/

Episode Contributors - Veronica Luna, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Barbara Meza, Director of Human Resources at Taylor Farms and Taylor Harvesting, to talk about her inspiring journey in agriculture and leadership.

Barbara opens up about starting her career at Ocean Mist Farms to help support her family and how that role unexpectedly turned into a lifelong passion—especially after becoming a single mother. She candidly discusses overcoming self-doubt, navigating a male-dominated industry, and the power of programs like the Women Ag Academy in building her confidence and sense of community.

Through stories of mentorship, personal growth, and resilience, Barbara shares the pivotal moments that shaped her—like being entrusted with building an HR department and learning to reframe even the most tedious work tasks with deeper purpose. 

She also opened up about being raised by a strong single mother, facing painful judgment from family, and using that adversity to push herself further. Her mother—who also worked in ag—instilled in her a deep sense of professionalism, integrity, and compassion. It was powerful to hear how those early lessons continue to shape her leadership today.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth comes from discomfort, confidence is often seen before it’s felt, and when women support women, amazing things happen.

Barbara Meza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-meza-phr-87064250/

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/

Episode Contributors - Barbara Meza, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

True responsibility is not just defining and acting on the minimal legal requirement, but outlining the maximum possible actions you could have taken. 

It's not happening to you, it's happening for you.

Eric Bream's conversation reminded me of Michael Schur's interview with Tim Ferris. Michael Schur is the creator of the hit Netflix series, The Good Place  and written a book called, 'How to be perfect - The correct answer to every moral question." 

Bream Family Farms website - www.breamfamilyfarms.com

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me [email protected], 

www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar

UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tim Danley, a dedicated farmer and tech innovator, about his unique journey into integrating drone technology with agriculture. Tim's path began on his family farm, where he worked during school breaks, and later enrolled in the Air Force as a military policeman. After returning home to manage Danley Farms, he became deeply involved in a range of activities, from overseeing diverse crops to volunteering as a firefighter and leading a search-and-rescue drone team.

Tim's adoption of drone technology was driven by his desire to complement, not replace, traditional farming practices. He explained how drones are particularly effective for tasks like targeted spraying on small plots, and while his introduction of drones faced the same skepticism that innovations like GPS in farming once experienced, Tim’s efforts to educate others have been key in easing concerns and highlighting drones' practical benefits.

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was hearing how Tim, a self-taught drone enthusiast, has embraced experimentation and failure as part of his journey. His approach to learning and applying technology highlights endless opportunities in agriculture—opportunities not just for farmers, but also for tech-savvy individuals looking to make an impact.

Tim has a passion for putting a human face to farming, connecting with his community, and sharing stories that educate and inspire. Even his neighbors and colleagues have gained new appreciation for the industry through his work. As someone who believes in the power of storytelling, I was energized by Tim’s commitment to changing perceptions one video, one story, and one connection at a time.

If you’re curious about Tim’s journey, you can follow him on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook under "North Wind Aerial." His work is a testament to what can happen when you combine passion, innovation, and a willingness to share your story. This conversation left me inspired and hopeful for the future of agriculture, and I hope it does the same for you.

North Wind Aerial: https://www.northwindaerialimaging.com/

Tim Danley: https://www.instagram.com/northwindaerial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwindaerial/

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/

Episode Contributors - Tim Danley, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

In this anniversary episode of This Is Ag!, I sat down with Chana Hauben, our Vice President of Human Resources, to reflect on the remarkable culture we’ve built at UnitedAg and celebrate four years of the podcast. Our conversation explored the heart of what makes UnitedAg not just a great place to work but a unique environment for personal and professional growth.

At UnitedAg, we’ve more than tripled our financial growth over the past decade all the while maintaining the innovative, energetic spirit of a startup. Chana and I discussed how this growth has been driven by intentional culture-building, starting with empathy, collaboration, and creativity. These values are central to everything we do, from hiring passionate and proactive people to fostering innovation at all levels.

Initiatives like the Emerging Leaders Program, the Ag-a-thon, and our CULTIVATE values recognition system create opportunities for growth and connection. Our onboarding process, transformed into a comprehensive and immersive experience, ensures new hires feel supported and inspired from the start.

A standout moment was celebrating our recent recognition as one of the best places to work in Orange County. This honor symbolizes the dedication and care we pour into creating a positive, people-first environment. It’s also a reflection of Chana’s exceptional leadership in fostering an inclusive, innovative, and empowering culture.

For me, UnitedAg has always been a "lab" where we experiment with ideas—not just for business growth but for human connection. Every day is an opportunity to grow a little more, to connect on a deeper level, and to lead with empathy. Listening to our employees, hearing their stories, and seeing them thrive fills me with pride and reinforces my belief in the work we do.

As we wrap up our conversation, I reflect on what makes UnitedAg so special: it’s not just a workplace, it’s a community where people support each other, challenge each other, and grow together. Whether it’s through innovative programs, meaningful connections, or a shared commitment to our values, UnitedAg continues to be a place where we can all thrive.

If you’re looking for a space to innovate, grow, and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. This is what makes us UnitedAg: a family where the journey of growth and connection never ends.

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Chana Hauben, Vice President of Human Resources at UnitedAg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanah/

Agricultural Personnel Management Association (APMA): http://agpersonnel.org/about/bod/

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/

Episode Contributors - Chana Hauben, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

In this episode, I speak with Stan Welsh, a healthcare provider at the UnitedAg Health and Wellness Center in Salinas, about the transformative power of putting people at the heart of healthcare. We explore the importance of compassion, trust, and meaningful human connections in improving patient outcomes and redefining what it means to provide quality care.

Stan shares his insights on how human interaction is often missing in traditional, metrics-driven healthcare settings and how the approach at UnitedAg allows providers to fulfill their desire to make a real difference. We discuss how small yet impactful changes—like showing appreciation and building trust—can create a ripple effect, leading to better patient experiences and long-term growth.

Stan and I also dive into practical advice for listeners: the importance of self-care, including regular checkups, a balanced diet, and consistent exercise. Stan stresses the value of simplicity and consistency in maintaining health and well-being. 

Finally, we discuss how UnitedAg’s philosophy of putting people first—not metrics or profit—has tripled its impact, proving that prioritizing human beings at the center of care not only makes business sense but is also a step toward transforming the healthcare system.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about challenging the status quo and the power of human connection in healthcare.

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/

Episode Contributors - Stan Welsh, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

In this special episode, I reflect on my journey alongside an extraordinary leader and mentor, Veronica Urzua-Alvero, Vice President of Human Resources at Church Brothers Farms, who has been instrumental in shaping not only UnitedAg’s organization but also my own approach to leadership. Veronica’s roots in agriculture, inspired by her family, set her on a path where she found her true calling in operations and community-building within the ag industry. Her resilience and determination allowed her to rise above challenges and stay focused on her own growth without letting external factors derail her journey.

Veronica’s strategic thinking and unique insights have shaped UnitedAg’s distinct approach, one that doesn’t simply follow the industry but stays true to who we are. Through her guidance, I’ve learned how important it is to view challenges with a long-term perspective, making big-picture decisions that serve the greater good, even if they’re tough in the moment.

During our conversation, Veronica also shares her shift from a focus on individual achievement to empowering her team, fostering a growth-oriented and purpose-driven environment. We both emphasize the importance of empathy and coaching in leadership, striving to build understanding and resilience within our teams.  

We also reflect on the impact of Veronica’s leadership, especially in her role at UnitedAg such as serving as the first female chairperson in 2013 and guiding us through significant events like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and COVID-19. Her big-picture vision and risk management skills were essential to building a strong foundation for UnitedAg, setting structures and making decisions that continue to support our organization today. I am deeply grateful for her friendship and leadership. She has not only shaped UnitedAg but has influenced how I lead and live my life, encouraging me to think beyond the immediate and truly value the people and purpose behind our work. Join us as I celebrate and share the lessons I’ve learned from this remarkable leader and friend, Veronica Urzua-Alvero.

Veronica Urzua-Alvero: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-urzua-alvero-52842730b/

Church Brothers Farms: https://www.churchbrothers.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Veronica Urzua-Alvero, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

In this episode, I spoke with Jayson Welter, our General Counsel at United Ag, about our advocacy efforts for agricultural communities, particularly in healthcare. We discussed key challenges like hospital closures and improving access to mental health services through platforms like Teladoc. Jayson explained how the Affordable Care Act brought mental health parity, ensuring equal costs for mental and physical healthcare.  

We also touched on the empathy and care that agricultural employers have for their workers, and how improving healthcare coverage boosts productivity. Our advocacy isn't just about making requests—it's about building relationships, educating policymakers, and showing the real challenges faced in rural healthcare and agriculture.

I encourage anyone, even outside of agriculture, to get involved. Whether it’s locally or joining us in Sacramento, every effort makes a difference. Agriculture touches all of us, and together we can do even more to support the communities that feed our nation.

Jayson Welter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayson-welter-7b049290/

UnitedAg Advocacy - https://www.unitedag.org/advocacy/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Jayson Welter, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

In this episode, I sit down with Charles Ernst, co-founder of CoreVantage, as he shares his journey of building a business with his wife, Joanna, over the past 15 years. He discusses the critical lessons learned about delegation, teamwork, and the complexities of the insurance industry, including the impact of service provider errors on patient care. Charles recounts a poignant story about a client’s struggle with insurance delays and the tragic consequences of processing errors, and I reflect on my own experience with healthcare mismanagement, highlighting how these issues often lead to frustration and misunderstanding. Together, we explore the importance of supporting patients and clients, emphasizing that proactive, compassionate service can make all the difference. Tune in for a conversation about balancing business, personal well-being, and the future of healthcare.

Charles Ernst - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-ernst-994547124

CoreVantage - https://corevantagehub.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Charles Ernst, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

In this episode, I sit down with Chris Valadez, President of the Grower Shippers Association, to explore the challenges and strategies shaping the agriculture industry. We dive into how aligning our strengths with our core values can make a big difference, the importance of telling stories that actually connect with people, and the vital role agriculture plays in our everyday lives. Chris offers valuable insights into how the industry can better connect with the public by sharing stories that resonate with their concerns. He notably emphasizes that effective communication in the agriculture industry requires not just telling the story but understanding which aspects will resonate with the public, aligning responses with their concerns, and fostering connections by addressing criticisms thoughtfully rather than defensively.

We also reflect on the challenges the agriculture industry faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris discusses the chaotic response to COVID, particularly in agriculture, highlighting the immense pressure on the industry to continue food production while managing health risks, and I share how even with good intentions to lower costs and offer free services, we felt the financial impact. Despite these challenges, Chris’ leadership within the agriculture industry served as an example of the value of human connection. 

Together, Chris and I delve into the resilience of the industry during the pandemic, the importance of human connection in our work, and explore recent food safety initiatives that are paving the way for the future of agriculture. Join us for this insightful conversation on leadership, communication, and the evolving landscape of food production.

Chris Valadez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-valadez-2b85a9234

Grower-Shipper Association - https://www.growershipper.com/

This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.  

Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. 

Reach me at [email protected], www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar
UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org

Episode Contributors - Chris Valadez, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias

The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com

Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com

Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com

Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/

SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/

MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us