Conservation Stories podcast | Listen online for free

Available Episodes

5 of 40

Navigating Land, Water, and Energy: Legal Insights with Calloway Huffaker
In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Calloway Huffaker, a seasoned attorney from Tahoka, Texas, to discuss the evolving landscape of land ownership, energy development, and agriculture. Huffaker, whose family has practiced law in the region for generations, shares his expertise on topics ranging from mineral rights and renewable energy leases to the complexities of water ownership and land use. The conversation delves into the growing legal challenges faced by landowners, including wind and solar leases, CO2 storage rights, and the emerging value of produced water. Huffaker explains how these issues impact landowners financially and legally, emphasizing the importance of carefully negotiated contracts and informed decision-making. Beyond energy and water rights, the episode also explores shifting trends in agriculture, including changing lease agreements, cooperative farming models, and the increasing number of urban transplants seeking rural land. Huffaker highlights how these developments are reshaping West Texas agriculture and the critical role of legal guidance in protecting landowners’ interests. This episode offers invaluable insights for landowners, farmers, and anyone interested in the intersection of law, energy, and conservation in today’s rapidly changing landscape. More About Our Guest: Calloway Huffaker, attorney, partner in Huffaker & Harris, LLP email: [email protected] website: www.hhlawtx.com For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Garrett Couts, Partner, Brady and Hamilton, LLP• Tina Siemens, Author and Owner of West Texas Living Heritage Museum • Guest Host, Nicholas Bergfeld, Interviews Tillery Timmons Sims
--------
47:14
Farming, Family, and Fashion: The Story Behind Acre & Rust
In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Ty and Chelsea Criswell, a farming couple from the Plainview area, to discuss their life in agriculture and their creative venture, Acre & Rust—a clothing brand that celebrates the farming way of life. Ty, a lifelong cotton farmer, shares his journey back to the family farm and the challenges of dryland and irrigated farming in the High Plains. The discussion covers sustainability, water conservation, and the economic pressures shaping the future of agriculture. Chelsea, originally from North Texas, talks about her transition to farm life and her role in education, where she integrates agricultural literacy into her curriculum. The Criswells also dive into the inspiration behind Acre & Rust, a brand designed to reflect the values and traditions of rural America. They share how the business started as a creative outlet and evolved into a way to connect people to the agricultural community. The conversation touches on the importance of cotton as a sustainable fiber, the misconceptions surrounding modern agriculture, and the need for farmers to be part of the conversations shaping the industry’s future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of farming, creativity, and sustainability. More About Our Guest: Ty and Chelsea Criswell - Acre and Rust Instagram Website Facebook TikTok For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Calloway Huffaker, attorney, partner at Huffaker & Harris, LLP• Garrett Couts, Partner, Brady and Hamilton, LLP• Tina Siemens, Author and Owner of West Texas Living Heritage Museum
--------
31:29
Regenerative Viticulture: Blending Grapes, Livestock, and Conservation with Kelly Mulville"
In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims and guest co-host Dusty Timmons sit down with Kelly Mulville, Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch, to discuss innovative approaches to vineyard management through regenerative agriculture. Mulville shares how he integrates livestock grazing, biodiversity, and sustainable vineyard design to improve soil health, reduce irrigation needs, and enhance overall vineyard resilience. The conversation delves into the unique trellising system used at Paicines Ranch, allowing year-round sheep grazing while maintaining grape production. Mulville also highlights the role of biodiversity, discussing how increasing plant species from 11 to over 100 has improved vineyard sustainability. He shares insights into the economic benefits of regenerative viticulture, the challenges of pests like voles, and the importance of adapting vineyard practices to climate variability. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how regenerative farming principles can be applied to viticulture, creating a system that benefits both the land and the farmer. This episode offers valuable takeaways for vineyard owners, conservationists, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable agriculture. More About Our Guest: Kelly Mulville, Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch Email For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Acre and Rust - Ty and Chelsea Criswell• Calloway Huffaker, attorney, partner at Huffaker & Harris, LLP• Garrett Couts, Partner, Brady and Hamilton, LLP
--------
1:00:32
From Waste to Wealth: Unlocking the Value of Produced Water with Aric Denton
In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Aric Denton, a chemical engineer and co-founder of DJR Labs, to discuss innovative ways to transform produced water—a byproduct of oil and gas extraction—into valuable resources. Denton, who grew up on a cotton farm in Texas, shares his journey from farming to studying chemical engineering and how his background shaped his interest in finding sustainable solutions for produced water. He explains the complex composition of produced water, which contains various minerals, salts, and even lithium, and explores how these elements can be extracted and repurposed for industrial, agricultural, and technological applications. The conversation dives into potential solutions, including using produced water for irrigation, industrial cooling, and even municipal water supplies. Denton also discusses the challenges of filtering out valuable elements, the role of microbes in water purification, and the economic potential of converting waste into marketable products. With a focus on using "every part of the buffalo," this episode highlights how scientific innovation and responsible water management can create new economic opportunities while reducing environmental impacts More About Our Guest: Aric Denton co-Founder and CEO of DJR Labs Email Linked-In: Aric Denton E.I.T. X: @AricDenton For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Kelly Mulville, Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch• Acre and Rust - Ty and Chelsea Criswell• Calloway Huffaker, attorney, partner at Huffaker & Harris, LLP
--------
58:38
Bringing Space Tech to the Farm: NASA's Role in Agriculture with Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft
In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims speaks with Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft, a research professor at the University of Maryland and a leader in NASA’s agricultural initiatives. They discuss how satellite technology is revolutionizing farming, providing real-time data on crop conditions, weather patterns, and soil health. Dr. Whitcraft explains how NASA’s Acres Program aims to bridge the gap between space-based data and on-the-ground farming decisions. By working directly with farmers and agricultural organizations, the initiative helps improve yield forecasting, resource management, and climate resilience. They also explore the Farm Innovation Ambassador Team (FIAT) program, which fosters collaboration between researchers and producers to ensure that satellite-driven insights directly benefit the farming community. The conversation highlights the critical role of farmers in global food security and economic stability. With agriculture facing increasing challenges—from climate change to economic pressures—this episode emphasizes the importance of innovation, collaboration, and ensuring that farmers have access to the best technology available. More About Our Guest: Dr. Alyssa Whitcraft is the founding Executive Director of NASA Acres and the former and co-founding Deputy Director for NASA Harvest. She also direct the Harvest Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture (SARA) Initiative. For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com Support the Conservation Stories Podcast Follow SARA for more updates • Instagram • Facebook • LinkedIn • X/Twitter Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews. Upcoming Episodes Include: • Aric Denton co-Founder and CEO of DJR Labs• Kelly Mulville, Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch• Ty and Chelsea Criswell, Acre and Rust
--------
53:52