In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with agricultural legend Jane Dever to explore her remarkable journey from a small West Texas cotton farm to leading agricultural research in South Carolina. Jane shares her family’s deep immigrant roots, the legacy of her grandfather’s 160-acre farm, and the powerful story of how her parents opened their home to foster and refugee children. She reflects on decades in the cotton industry—from improving West Texas fiber quality through public breeding programs to working with FiberMax and championing underserved growers. Their conversation also explores agricultural transitions, from hemp fiber’s challenges to innovative uses of indigo, and the importance of connecting end buyers with producers. Now directing Clemson University’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center, Jane discusses managing diverse research programs, adapting to new crops, promoting pollinator habitats, and seeing conservation in action through wildlife and habitat health. This episode blends history, science, and heart—showcasing how stewardship, innovation, and community shape the future of agriculture.

More about our guests:

Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center

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For more information about SARA, please visit sara-conservation.com

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Conservation Stories is presented by The Sandhills Area Research Association (SARA). Subscribe now to hear all the interviews.

Upcoming Episodes Include:
• Leah Duzy, Principal Consultant, Compliance Services International
• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center
• Joe Martinez, CEO, Cierto, H2A H2B TN Visa Recruiter

In this thought-provoking episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims welcomes hydrologist and University of Texas researcher Dr. Bridget Scanlon, whose global perspective and deep technical insight offer a compelling look at water’s future in West Texas and beyond. Originally from southwest Ireland and now based in Austin, Dr. Scanlon shares her journey from farming roots to cutting-edge research in groundwater recharge, produced water reuse, and climate-smart resource management.

The episode dives into challenges and innovations around water quantity, quality, and treatment—especially as they relate to agriculture and energy production in the Permian Basin. From reusing produced water to recharge aquifers, to expanding local horticulture models like Leighton’s sustainable strawberry farm, Dr. Scanlon and Tillery discuss practical solutions that balance environmental stewardship, economic realities, and community resilience.

With refreshing candor, the conversation also highlights the disconnect between federal programs and local needs, the growing awareness of aquifer depletion, and the importance of farmer voices in policy discussions. This episode serves as both a cautionary tale and a hopeful roadmap for sustainable water use across rural America.

More about our guests:

Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin

Contact Bridget

Water Resources Podcast

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:
• Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center
• Leah Duzy, Principal Consultant, Compliance Services International
• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center

Upcoming Produced Water Society Event: 10th Annual Permian Basin Conference & Exhibition

Dates: August 11–13, 2025
Location: Bush Convention Center, Midland, Texas
Details: Industry leaders gather to discuss produced water management.
Register: Register Here

More About Our Guest

Michael Grossman
Moderator for Panel 5A ("Treat, Discharge, Recharge: Mitigating Risks and Maximizing Benefits of Surface Discharge") at the Produced Water Society’s 35th Annual Conference. He represents Aquafortus Technologies.
LinkedIn: Michael Grossman LinkedIn

The Produced Water Society (PWS) is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit comprised of oil and gas water professionals focused on improving produced water management through events, workshops, and community.
Website: Produced Water Society Website

Social Media & Online Presence

Follow PWS on: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | 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.

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery welcomes Dr. Todd Baughman, the new director of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Center in Lubbock, Texas. They explore Todd’s agricultural background, the mission and evolution of land grant universities, and the vital role of research, teaching, and extension in supporting rural communities. The conversation highlights the breadth of ongoing research at the Lubbock center—including cotton, peanuts, corn breeding, and remote sensing with NASA—as well as cutting-edge projects like using produced water from oil drilling for irrigation.

They also discuss the importance of independent research, future water conservation strategies, and the extensive resources available through extension offices, including the educational power of 4-H programs. Whether you're a producer, student, or just curious about the intersection of ag science and sustainability, this episode offers a rich look into the present and future of conservation-focused agriculture in West Texas.

More about our guests:

Todd Baughman - Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center

Website

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:
• Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin
• Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center
• Leah Duzy, Principal Consultant, Compliance Services International

In this heartfelt episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims visits with multi-generational farmers and ranchers Pug, Cade, and Lane Lyons in Brownfield, Texas, to discuss land stewardship, legacy, and the realities of rural life. With candor and care, the Lyons family shares their experiences navigating decades of change in West Texas agriculture—from soil health to succession planning. Together, they reflect on the resilience it takes to operate through drought, low commodity prices, and evolving consumer expectations. The conversation touches on everything from intergenerational learning and the emotional weight of ownership, to how young people are finding new purpose in continuing family traditions while adapting to modern conservation challenges. Tillery also opens up about her personal connection to the land and the importance of storytelling in bridging the past and the future. This episode is a moving reminder that conservation isn’t just about practices—it’s about people, place, and the power of listening across generations.

More about our guests:

Pug Lyons -Area 1 Board Member for the Soil and Water Conservation District

Along with his sons: Lane and Cade Lyons.

Regenerative Texas Facebook Page

Email

Texas Soil and Water Conservation

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:
• Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin
• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center
• Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center

In this episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims talks with Claude Corcos of Netafim, a global leader in drip irrigation, about the evolution and future of precision water management in agriculture. Claude shares his journey from upstate New York to working with farms across North America and explains how Netafim has revolutionized irrigation with subsurface drip systems—designed to deliver water and nutrients directly to crop roots with unmatched efficiency.

The conversation dives into the benefits of drip irrigation for water conservation, crop yield improvement, and adaptability in semi-arid regions like West Texas. Claude highlights how technology—such as soil moisture sensors and crop imaging—integrates with irrigation systems to optimize timing and reduce waste. The episode also explores a groundbreaking new frontier: the potential to use recycled produced water from oil and gas operations as a viable irrigation source. Backed by lab analysis and promising early results, Claude and Tillery discuss how these efforts could provide a game-changing new water supply for agriculture in drought-prone areas.

From lawn systems to large-scale farms, from cotton fields to native grass restoration, this episode offers a wide-ranging look at water innovation, policy, and the role of farmer education in maximizing long-term sustainability. It’s a must-listen for growers, conservationists, and anyone interested in how agricultural technology can help secure the future of food and fiber.

More about our guests:

Claude Corcos
Senior Director
Strategy & Business Development for Netafim

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Netafim USA 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:
• Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin
• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center
• Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center

In this candid episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims sits down with Sam Nesbit, Senior Vice President at First United Bank, to explore the financial and emotional landscape of modern agriculture. With deep roots in the West Texas ag community, Sam shares insights from the front lines of agricultural lending, describing how small-town banks are helping producers navigate one of the most financially challenging periods in decades.

They dive into the complexities of farm finance, from rising input costs and volatile crop prices to the growing strain on farmers without clear exit strategies. Sam outlines the growing need for financial planning, succession strategies, and mental health support, particularly as drought, inflation, and market oversupply push many producers to the brink. The conversation also tackles rural community decline, the importance of local banking, the misconceptions around corporate farms, and the shared fate of rural and urban economies.

Honest and compassionate, this episode underscores the need for community-based solutions, cross-sector support, and a renewed understanding of the human cost behind our food and fiber systems. Whether you're in ag, finance, or just care about the future of rural America, this episode delivers a powerful message about resilience, responsibility, and the urgent need for connection.

These opinions are solely of Sam Nesbit and does not reflect 1st United Bank.

More about our guests:

Sam Nesbit
Senior Vice President at 1st United Bank

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:
• Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin
• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center
• Jane Dever, Professor and Director, Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center

In this powerful episode of Conservation Stories, host Tillery Timmons-Sims interviews Dr. Allen Williams—co-founder of Understanding Ag and Regenified, and a pioneer in the regenerative agriculture movement. With roots in six generations of farming and a former academic career in conventional ag science, Dr. Williams shares how a shift in perspective led him to question the effectiveness of mainstream methods and ultimately to redefine what sustainable land stewardship means.

The conversation covers the core principles of regenerative agriculture, including adaptive stewardship, biodiversity, soil biology, and the importance of working with—not against—natural systems. Dr. Williams explains the shortcomings of traditional certification programs and introduces Regenified, a tiered, scalable verification system built by real farmers to reward continuous improvement rather than perfection. He and Tillery discuss the measurable outcomes of regeneration—improved soil health, stronger crops, richer nutrients, and more resilient ecosystems—and how new partnerships are forming to connect producers, brands, and consumers in meaningful ways.

Listeners will also hear candid reflections on industry culture, the need for farmer-centered leadership in sustainability conversations, and the role of science, observation, and experience in driving agricultural transformation. Whether you're a seasoned grower, a consumer curious about where your cotton or food comes from, or an advocate for more regenerative systems, this episode offers both philosophical and practical insight into the journey of healing our land.

More about our guests:

Allen Williams, Ph.D.

6th Generation Farmer & Rancher, Founding Partner Understanding Ag and Regenified

Understanding Ag Website • Regenified 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:
• Sam Nesbit, 1st United Bank
• Bridget Scanlon Research Professor University of Texas at Austin
• Todd Baughman Center Director Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center