Policy in the Pasture

Regenerative Agriculture with Aaron Halydier

Aaron Halydier is an eighth-generation Texan whose passion for agriculture began in childhood. During high school, he immersed himself in every facet of agriculture he could -working with horses, cattle, sheep, goats, forestry, hay, and poultry. That early exposure inspired him to pursue collegiate livestock judging and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a minor in Range and Wildlife Management from Angelo State University. Aaron launched a business in solar grazing, blending innovation with agricultural stewardship. This entrepreneurial experience led him to join Soilworks, where he deepened his commitment to regenerative agriculture. Today, Aaron works in mergers and acquisitions, specializing in identifying and structuring investments that empower producers by making regenerative practices more profitable and scalable. Together with his wife and two children, Aaron raises Dorpers south of San Antonio using an intensive rotational grazing system. He is deeply committed to supporting fellow producers-his favorite part of the day is connecting with producers to share insights, collaborate, and champion the industry's future.

Young Leaders in Ag Policy with McKenna Bush

McKenna Bush serves as the Youth Outreach Coordinator in the Organization Division. She joined Texas Farm Bureau in November 2021. In this role, Bush is responsible for the development, organization, oversight and execution of all activities involving TFB youth outreach and collegiate programs. That includes the Clover Cash Grant Program, Student Success Series, scholarships, Speak Out For Agriculture (SOFA) Challenge, AgVentures Challenge: Pitch It, Market It, Sell It Contest, and Collegiate Farm Bureau programs. Prior to joining TFB, Bush was the graduate assistant for the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications at Texas A&M University in College Station. She also held a variety of student and entry-level positions with Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Texas A&M College of Engineering throughout her collegiate career. She earned her undergraduate degree from Texas A&M in Agricultural Communications and Journalism and Agricultural Leadership and Development. In the summer of 2022, she earned her master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications with an emphasis in curriculum development and instructional design also from Texas A&M. Bush received numerous awards through Texas FFA while in high school, including her American FFA Degree and recently her Texas FFA Honorary Lone Star Degree. She held several leadership positions at the chapter and district level. She was a member of the 2015 class of Ford Leadership Scholars and currently serves on the selection committee and as a mentor for the program. She resides in Waco

Creating Opportunities with Lisa Castillo

Lisa Castillo is a 2013 graduate of Sam Houston State University and owner of Castillo Cattle Company along with her husband, Nicho. They are beef and dairy farmers in Normangee, TX. They have a Private Ministerial Association (PMA) which allows them to sell directly to members. They sell any product from their farm including beef and raw dairy products legally through their PMA. They have classes at their farm about canning, dairy, and regenerative farming. They aim to help locals learn to produce the same great quality foods they love and they help supply their community with quality food too. They want farmers to know more about PMAs and understand it to be another way to benefit their operation.

The Carbon Credit Conversation with James Clement III

James is a seasoned rancher and innovative leader in agricultural technology, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Grass and Rangeland at EarthOptics. In this role, he empowers ranchers by introducing cutting-edge technology that maps and quantifies soil health and carbon capture capabilities, enabling informed land management decisions and new revenue opportunities. With nearly 400 years of combined family ranching experience—including iconic operations like Beggs Cattle Co. (est. 1876) and King Ranch (est. 1853)—James is deeply rooted in the ranching tradition. He founded Bloody Buckets Cattle Co. and The Land Board, managing initiatives in livestock, resource management, wildlife conservation, governance, and succession planning. Before joining EarthOptics, James spent a decade at King Ranch, Inc., where he excelled as Land Resources Manager and Horse Division Manager. Under his leadership, the ranch won the prestigious 2019 AQHA Best Remuda Award, bred its first ranch-raised World Champion, CORONEL DEL RANCHO, and revitalized the commercial sales and marketing efforts of the horse program. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, James is a dedicated Marine Corps infantry officer, with service spanning both active and reserve components since 2008. His deployments include Afghanistan, Chile, and Mexico, as well as leading a refugee camp that successfully transitioned 3,000 Afghans to U.S. citizenship during Operation Allies Welcome. Throughout his career, he has trained and led over 3,500 American and foreign troops. James serves on the boards of several organizations, including Frontiers Market, Beggs Cattle Company, the National Ranching Heritage Center, the American Quarter Horse Association, and the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. He is also a director and Chair of the Resources and Wildlife Committee for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. A graduate of Goucher College with an MBA from Cornell University, James lives in South Texas with his wife, Paige Shaw, MSN RN, and their children, where they raise cattle and horses on their family ranch.

Navigating the Currents with Andy Wier

Andy Wier is the Executive Director of the Simsboro Aquifer Water Defense Fund (SAWDF), a non-profit organization in Central Texas dedicated to protecting the region’s groundwater resources of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer. Under his leadership, SAWDF works with landowners, businesses, and government entities to safeguard fair and sustainable access to groundwater, ensuring the long-term availability of this critical resource. A Bastrop County native, Andy has a deep personal connection to the land and water of the region. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Radio and Television from the University of Texas at Austin and later enjoyed a successful career in state service. Upon retirement, his passion for science and conservation led him to become a citizen scientist with a focus on hydrology and groundwater issues. Andy has since immersed himself in the complex and ever-evolving world of Texas water policy. He actively participates in board meetings of area Groundwater Conservation Districts, contributes to regional planning groups responsible for developing the State Water Plan, and is a member of the Texas Water Conservation Association. He is also a frequent voice at the Texas Legislature, where he testifies on issues related to groundwater management and conservation.