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Available Episodes

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Beyond Overproduction: Rethinking the Future of Agriculture with Damian Mason
In this provocative and forward-looking episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Damian Mason—agricultural economist, author, speaker, and host of The Business of Agriculture podcast—for a big-picture discussion about the future of farming. With humor and candor, Damian challenges long-held agricultural assumptions, especially around the culture of overproduction and the outdated belief that demand will always rise to match supply. The conversation dives deep into the economic and cultural forces shaping agriculture today, from global surplus and commodity pricing pressures to consumer shifts toward traceability, nutritional value, and sustainability. Damian addresses the uncomfortable realities many in agriculture avoid: falling profitability, declining global population growth, and the risk of repeating past crises like the 1980s farm collapse. Together, they explore potential paths forward, including value-added production, diversification, local supply chains, and the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in ag. With insights on policy, global competition, and changing consumer behavior, this episode is a must-listen for producers, ag professionals, and anyone looking to adapt to a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. More About Our Guest: Damian Mason - Podcast - The Business of Agriculture Website 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: • Liz Hershfield, Founder & CEO of Green-ish• Daren Abney, Executive Director, U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol• Eric Stone - Clear Rock Realty
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58:35
Innovation in Action: Empowering West Texas Entrepreneurs with Taysha Williams
In this inspiring episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Taysha Williams, Managing Director of the Texas Tech Innovation Hub, to explore how the Hub is fueling innovation and entrepreneurship in West Texas. Taysha shares her unique journey from nonprofit work to leading a powerhouse of startup development, and how her passion for community building translates into helping founders turn ideas into successful companies. The conversation dives into the Hub’s three-stage model—ideation, commercialization, and acceleration—where aspiring entrepreneurs receive mentorship, funding, and hands-on support to develop their innovations. From biotech startups to viral e-commerce products and social ventures, Taysha highlights the diversity and creativity flourishing at the Hub. They also discuss the critical role of keeping talent local, bridging gaps between urban and rural communities, and encouraging students and farmers alike to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset. With real stories of success, like Braxley Bands and Hyper Innovations, this episode is a powerful reminder of how innovation can grow anywhere—especially when rooted in community, mentorship, and bold thinking. Whether you’re a farmer with an idea, a student innovator, or someone passionate about growing your local economy, this episode will leave you inspired to take the next step. More About Our Guest: Taysha Williams, Managing Director, Texas Tech Innovation Hub Website and Facebook and Instagram 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: • Shane Walker - Director of the Water and Environment Research Center ad Texas Produced Water Consortium• To...
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37:45
Weathering the Storm: Life, Loss, and Hope After Farm Bankruptcy with Doug Sims
In this heartfelt episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims is joined by her husband, Doug Sims, for an open and deeply personal conversation about their journey through farm bankruptcy, family hardship, and rebuilding life after loss. Doug shares his history in agriculture, the deep ties to land and identity that made walking away so painful, and the emotional, financial, and spiritual challenges they faced as their farm operations came to an end. Together, Doug and Tillery reflect on the realities many farmers face—crippling debt, the stigma surrounding bankruptcy, and the emotional toll on families. They discuss the importance of mental health, community support, faith, and resilience in navigating one of the most difficult periods of their lives. This powerful conversation offers hope and practical insight for farmers and families currently facing financial crisis, emphasizing that while the road is hard, there is life—and even joy—on the other side. It’s a raw, honest look at hardship, healing, and finding new purpose after a life rooted in farming is forever changed. More About Our Guest: Doug Sims, Founder of Sims Land Service and Our Host, Tillery's Husband 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: • Shane Walker - Director of the Water and Environment Research Center ad Texas Produced Water Consortium• Todd Baughman - Center Director - Texas A&M AgriLife• Damian Mason - Host of Podcast: The Business of Agriculture
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1:00:49
Rooted in Resilience: Tillery Timmons-Sims on Faith, Farming, and the Future of Conservation with Guest Host Nicholas Bergfeld
In this special episode of Conservation Stories, the script is flipped as host Tillery Timmons-Sims takes the guest seat, interviewed by friend and fellow storyteller Nicholas Bergfeld. Tillery opens up about her deep West Texas roots, her journey through personal and professional adversity, and how her lived experiences—from bankruptcy and homeschooling to hemp research and nonprofit leadership—shaped her passion for rural revitalization and conservation. With honesty, humor, and heart, Tillery reflects on the cultural shifts in agriculture, the impact of technology, and the socio-economic pressures facing farming families. She shares how unexpected opportunities, such as hemp consulting and grant writing, propelled her into a leadership role with the Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). The conversation touches on everything from the legacy of the Ogallala Aquifer to building bridges between rural and urban communities. Tillery also discusses the power of empathy, the importance of community relationships, and the role of women—and allies—in leading change. Passionate, personal, and powerful, this episode is both a tribute to West Texas grit and a call to action for the next generation of conservation leaders. 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: • Doug Sims, Owner of Sims Land Service and Tillery's Husband on Bankrupcy• Kyle Bingham and Hunter Buffington, National Hemp Growers Association• Taysha Williams, Managing Director, Texas Tech Innovation Hub
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59:26
Preserving Heritage: Tina Siemens on the West Texas Living Heritage Museum
In this insightful conversation, Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Tina Siemens, an award-winning author and owner of the West Texas Living Heritage Museum in Seminole. Tina shares her passion for preserving the rich cultural history of the region. She discusses her journey in historical research, the significance of documenting Mennonite and pioneer stories, and the museum’s role in educating future generations. With engaging anecdotes and deep reflections, Tina highlights the challenges and rewards of keeping history alive in an ever-changing world. More About Our Guest: Tina Siemens, an award winning author and owner of the West Texas living Heritage Museum in Seminole. Email or West Texas Living Heritage Museum Email Website for West Texas Living Heritage Museum Seminole the Book Website 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: • Guest Host, Nicholas Bergfeld, Interviews Tillery Timmons Sims• Doug Sims, Owner of Sims Land Service and Tillery's Husband on Bankrupcy• Kyle Bingham and Hunter Buffington, National Hemp Growers Association
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46:52