S2 E1: Eryn Wingate, Agrononist

Welcome back to another episode of Ag on the Edge! In this episode, we sit down with Maureen McGuire, CEO of Farm Bureau Ventura County, for a candid conversation about advocacy, policy, and the future of farming in a region where agriculture is both legacy and lifeline.A tireless advocate, respected voice, and outspoken champion of local ag, Maureen brings both sharp insight and deep heart to the issues that matter most — from water and land use to the role of Farm Bureau in today’s changing landscape.🎧 Tune in for a grounded, smart, and honest conversation with someone who fights every day to keep Ventura County’s farms thriving.Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to another episode of Ag on the Edge! What happens after the crops are grown and picked?  How - and who - gets the food from the farm to the grocery store?  We are joined in this episode by Gabe Olmos, President and CEO of Ventura Pacific Company.  Gabe leads the organization with a focus on business strategy and operations, applying his expertise in Continuous Improvement, emerging technology, forecasting, and lean manufacturing to close the gap between the farm and the consumer.  Join us as we talk about meeting market demand, the shift to high-tech processing, increasing challenges facing our farmers, and what the future may hold for local ag!   Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to another episode of Ag on the Edge! What does it really take to protect Ventura County’s world-renowned agriculture — from strawberries and lemons to ranchlands and vineyards? In this episode, we sit down with Korinne Bell, Ventura County’s Agricultural Commissioner, for an inside look at the balancing act between farming and public policy.Born into a multi-generational Ventura County farming family, Korinne brings deep local roots, strong connections, and over two decades of hands-on experience with the Ag Commissioner’s office to her role. She offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing local agriculture today, including pest management, land use pressures, wildfire recovery, and the future of farming in one of California’s most productive regions.Whether you're a farmer, policymaker, or just passionate about where your food comes from, this conversation will give you a front-row seat to the critical work happening behind the scenes to keep Ventura County growing strong.🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion with one of the key leaders shaping the future of agriculture in our region.Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to another episode of Ag on the Edge! Our guest is Lisa Fox, a licensed Pest Control Advisor and Qualified Applicator in California.  Lisa is the owner of Eatwell Consulting, providing pesticide safety and regulatory compliance training to farmers, ranchers, growers, nurseries, municipalities, and their employees throughout the state of California. Join us as we talk about what it really means to "be organic", how pesticides are the last resort for protecting crops, upcoming regulatory changes for pesticide use in California, and the extensive training and oversight required for using pesticides in our state.  Quick note:  At time 38:36, Lisa and I are discussing both the state and federal agencies that oversee and regulate pesticide use, which have very similar acronyms.  We used the acronym FDA (federal); please note it is CDFA (California), and where we mention CDFA, it should be FDA. Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to Ag on the Edge! We are starting off Season 2 with a very special guest:  Agronomist Eryn Wingate.  Eryn is an agricultural scientist who works with farmers to optimize soil health practices, crop protection, and crop nutrients so that farmers can produce the highest quality, plentiful food.  Join us as our conversation weaves from the meaning of regenerative agriculture  and whether it is a practice that could be adopted in Ventura County, organic vs. conventional farming, and how an aspiring professional ballet dancer found a fulfilling career in agriculture.  Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back! In this episode, Edgar Terry, Terry Farms and CLU professor of economics, and I talk about farming economics, funding vs. growing cycles, and how markets and many other factors impact farming revenues.  Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for joining us for another conversation!  In this episode, Lisa Tate of Rancho Filoso and the California Coffee Collective and I talk about women in agriculture, family farming, and some of the policy and regulatory challenges associated with trying to grow a new-to-Ventura-County crop (coffee) and the struggles of trying to succeed as a multi-generational farmer.   Send us Fan Mail

Thank you for joining us for another conversation!  In this episode, Mauricio Guardado, General Manager, United  Water Conservation District, and I talk about water supply - both the threats AND the potential solutions, government redtape and regulatory interference, why we experience droughts, and why we don't necessarily need to cut farmers' water allocations.  Send us Fan Mail

Join us as we talk with Greg Lewis, Vice President, Duda Farms Fresh Foods, as we explore the history - and discuss the future - of Ventura County agriculture, Greg's love for farming, and a few of the challenges our farmers are currently facing.Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to Ag on the Edge! We are thrilled to have you join us for Episode Zero, our introductory episode. This is where our journey begins. In this podcast, we'll be shining a spotlight on Ventura County, California—a region renowned not just for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its vibrant agricultural sector. From the rolling citrus groves to the expansive strawberry fields, Ventura County's agricultural industry is a powerhouse, feeding communities locally and beyond. Each episode will feature in-depth conversations with experts, historians, and local farmers who will share their insights and personal stories. We'll explore their unique challenges, from environmental pressures to economic hurdles, and discover how they overcome these obstacles to keep Ventura County's agricultural legacy alive and thriving. Whether you're an agriculture enthusiast, a history buff, or simply love a good story, Ag on the Edge has something for you. Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, where we'll dive into the heart of Ventura County's agricultural world. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform, and follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Send us Fan Mail