The Specialty Crop Cast

Smarter Autonomous Irrigation for Growers | Verdi Ag

Irrigation decisions can make or break a season—and too often, growers are left guessing when and how much to water. In this episode, we sit down with Eugene and Val from Verdi to talk about how data-driven irrigation is helping growers make smarter, more efficient decisions in the field. From timing and water use to improving crop performance, this conversation breaks down what better irrigation management really looks like in modern agriculture. A big thank you to Eugene and Val from Verdi for joining the podcast and sharing their insights with growers. Learn more about Verdi and their technology here: https://www.verdi.ag/ [https://www.verdi.ag/] Follow them on all socials @verdi.ag This episode is sponsored by Nichino—supporting growers with innovative crop protection solutions and trusted expertise in the field. Find out more in the link below. www.nichino.net [www.nichino.net] Be sure to subscribe and follow for more conversations on farming, orchard management, irrigation, and ag technology.

The Independent CCA Perspective | Kyle Kelley Cropwatch LLC

Independent crop consulting, agronomy insight, and practical specialty crop advice are at the center of this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast with Kyle Kelley of Crop Watch LLC. As an independent CCA, Kyle shares valuable perspectives on crop scouting, decision-making, pest management, and helping growers navigate challenges with unbiased agronomic recommendations. In this conversation, we dig into what it means to be an independent Certified Crop Adviser, why trusted crop intelligence matters, and how sound agronomic decisions can impact orchard performance from season to season. Whether you grow apples, cherries, seed corn or other specialty crops, this episode is packed with insight for growers looking to make better decisions in the field. A big thank you to our sponsor, Nichino America, for supporting this episode and supporting growers with innovative crop protection solutions. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and follow The Specialty Crop Cast, and share this episode with a fellow grower or agronomy enthusiast. Learn more about Crop Watch LLC: https://www.cropwatch.us/ #SpecialtyCropCast #CropConsulting #AgronomyPodcast

Understanding Regenerative Ag for Michigan Growers

In this episode of The Specialty Crop Cast, we sit down with Lauren to break down regenerative agriculture in Michigan and how it connects to the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). We dive into what MAEAP is, how it functions to support farmers through environmental stewardship and risk management, and take a closer look at the new regenerative agriculture program and what it could mean for specialty crop growers. From soil health and sustainability to real-world applications in apple and cherry orchards, this conversation explores how regenerative ag is being discussed, measured, and applied across modern farming systems in Michigan. Whether you're a grower, agronomist, or just interested in the future of agriculture, this episode brings practical insight into where regenerative practices fit in today’s specialty crop industry. 👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow The Specialty Crop Cast for more conversations from the field. 📲 Follow Lauren here: Instagram: laur.shaf  Facebook: Lauren Shaffner  🌱 Learn more about MAEAP: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/environment/maeap 🎧 This episode is sponsored by Nichino America!

Bridging the Gap Between Farm and Consumer With Kait Thornton

In this episode of the Specialty Cropcast, we sit down with Kait Thornton to talk about bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through education, storytelling, and transparency. Kait shares her mission to reconnect people with where their food comes from and why understanding modern agriculture matters now more than ever. If you’re a grower, ag professional, or consumer who wants a closer connection to the farm, this conversation is for you. 👉 Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe to the Specialty Crop Cast for more conversations that connect you directly to the people shaping agriculture today. 🔗 Follow Kait Thornton on all socials @applegirlkait 🎧 Listen on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Acres TV 📲 Follow us for more clips on TikTok & Instagram: @SpecialtyCropcast Huge thanks to our sponsor Nichino for support specialty crop conversations like this!

Navigating Risk in Ag with a Federal Crop Insurance Specialist

Federal crop insurance for farmers is one of the most important risk management tools in agriculture, helping protect crops, revenue, and farm stability from weather events like frost, hail, and drought. In this episode of the Specialty Crop Cast, we sit down with Cory Blumerick, a federal crop insurance expert with Greenstone Farm Credit Services, to break down how crop insurance works and why it’s critical for specialty crop growers. We cover the fundamentals of federal crop insurance, including coverage options, policy structure, and how growers can use these programs to reduce risk and protect their operations. Cory shares real-world insights on how farmers can prepare for unpredictable weather and make smarter decisions when selecting crop insurance that fits their farm. Whether you grow cherries, apples, or other specialty crops, this episode highlights how crop insurance supports long-term farm resilience, financial protection, and peace of mind in an industry impacted by Mother Nature. If you found value in this episode, make sure to like, follow, and share the Specialty Crop Cast with other growers and ag professionals—it helps us keep these conversations going. Big thanks to Cory for sharing his expertise and helping simplify federal crop insurance for today’s farmers. This episode is brought to you by Nichino. Thanks for supporting conversations that help move specialty crop growers forward. Find more information about the solutions they can bring you in the link below! https://nichino.net/ [https://nichino.net/]