Industrial Edge Ep 20: AI & Automation in Tree Nut Processing with Zach Shields

Industrial Edge Ep 21: Farming and AI Technology with William Bordeau

Welcome to Industrial Edge! In this episode, we sit down with William Bordeau at the 2025 Pistachio Growers Conference in Monterey, California. William shares his journey as a farmer, veteran, and executive, and dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today—from water policy and the Endangered Species Act to the impact of AI and automation on farming. We also discuss the importance of local business, political advocacy, and making a difference in your community. 00:00 - Introduction 00:23 - William Bordeau: Background & Roles 00:42 - Farming Operations & Executive Leadership 01:02 - Public Speaking & Water Supply Challenges 01:22 - The Endangered Species Act Explained 02:20 - Real-World Impacts on Farming 04:08 - Water Policy, Habitat, and Environmental Issues 06:25 - National Security & Food Supply 07:46 - Legal Battles & Environmental Policy 09:15 - Forest Management & Economic Decisions 11:57 - Political Advocacy & Making a Difference 13:17 - The Future of Local Business 15:01 - Nutrition, Pistachios, and Global Markets 16:41 - Trends in Agriculture: AI & Automation 18:21 - Embracing Technology in Farming 20:21 - Leadership, Upbringing, and Forward Thinking 24:08 - Community Involvement & Making an Impact 27:13 - Final Thoughts & Advice for Getting Involved 34:55 - Closing

Industrial Edge Ep 20: AI & Automation in Tree Nut Processing with Zach Shields

Welcome to Industrial Edge! In this episode, we’re live from the 2025 American Pistachio Growers Conference in Monterey, California, with special guest Zach Shields, Head of Sales and Customer Success at Borde AI. We discuss the future of factory automation, AI-powered grading and inspection, and the evolving landscape of the tree nut industry. 00:00 – Introduction & Conference Setting 00:21 – Meet Zach Shields: Background & Role at Borde 00:41 – What is AI Grading & Inspection for Tree Nuts? 01:03 – USDA Standards & Sampling Limitations 01:56 – Critical Foreign Material Detection (Glass, Metal, Allergens) 02:37 – What Can’t the Cameras See? (Rancidity) 05:09 – Overcoming Price Sensitivity & Industry Inertia 06:14 – Labor Savings, Traceability, and Visibility 07:13 – Zach’s Career Journey: From Insurance to AgTech 07:49 – Market Cycles in Tree Nuts: Pistachio, Almond, Walnut 09:23 – AI in Ag: Beyond Sci-Fi, Real-World Computer Vision 09:41 – Real-Time Alerts & The Human-AI Balance 11:05 – Real-Time Data Feedback to Sorting Machines 13:58 – AI Model Training & Network Effects 14:16 – Operating Without Internet: Offline Capabilities 14:38 – The Future: Disrupting 60-Year-Old Standards 17:18 – Closing Thoughts & Thanks

Industrial Edge Ep 19: Behind the Scenes of the Pistachio Industry with Zachary Fraser

In this episode of Industrial Edge, host Lacey sits down with Zachary Fraser, President and CEO of American Pistachio Growers, at the 2025 Pistachio Growers Conference in Monterey, California. They discuss Zachary's journey from sports management to the pistachio industry, his insights into future trends, the challenges faced by growers, and the ambitious goals of the organization. 00:00 Introduction 00:26 Meet Zachary Fraser 01:18 Transition to the Pistachio Industry 02:46 Learning Every Day 04:02 Goals for the Future 07:15 Sustainability 09:49 Supporting Growers 19:58 Government Affairs 23:39 Trends in the Industry 23:41 Technology's Role 30:11 New Uses for Pistachios 33:03 Sports Management Skills 36:33 Conference as Game Day 39:24 Call to Action

Industrial Edge Ep 18: The Future of Pistachio Automation with Kiki Sandrini

Join us in this episode of Industrial Edge as Lacey Chandler sits down with Kiki Sandrini at the 2025 Pistachio Growers Conference. Kiki Sandrini from Chandler Automation, shares her journey from pistachio farming to selling cutting-edge automation equipment. Discover the transformative trends in the pistachio industry, the impact of automation, and the evolving market dynamics that are shaping the future. Whether you're involved in agriculture or intrigued by industrial automation, this episode offers valuable insights into embracing change and leveraging technology for growth. 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Meet Kiki Sandrini 02:02 Industry Changes 02:17 Pistachio Market Trends 03:49 Understanding Automation 07:04 Modernizing Production 07:57 Adapting to New Technologies 09:12 Future Insights 10:13 Work Culture at Chandler Automation 12:02 Final Thoughts

Industrial Edge Ep 17: Inside the Future of Pistachio Processing w/ Meridian Growers

In this episode of Industrial Edge, recorded at the 2025 Pistachio Growers Conference in Monterey, California, we talk about the advancements in factory automation that are revolutionizing the industry. Lacy Chandler interviews John Beaulieu, Director of Operations at Meridian Growers Processing, and Sean Chandler, CEO of Chandler Automation, discussing state-of-the-art processing methods, efficiency enhancements, and the pivotal role of automation in the future of pistachio processing. 00:00 Introduction to Industrial Edge 00:24 Guest Introduction: John Beaulieu 00:48 Innovations in Pistachio Processing 02:38 Future Projects and Efficiency Enhancements 03:59 The Role of Automation Technology 04:53 Industry Changes Over the Years 05:32 Introduction to Sean Chandler 12:43 Employee Efficiency with Automation 29:40 Closing Thoughts