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

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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:
• Acre and Rust - Ty and Chelsea Criswell
• Calloway Huffaker, attorney, partner at Huffaker & Harris, LLP
• Garrett Couts, Partner, Brady and Hamilton, LLP

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

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