GREENSBORO, N.C., U.S.A., Nov. 9, 2026 – The ninth season of the Soil Sense podcast, sponsored by Syngenta, explores how potato growers and industry partners are applying soil health principles across North America. The series brings together farmers, researchers, agronomists and value chain leaders to examine opportunities and challenges associated with improving soil health in one of agriculture's most intensive cropping systems. Episodes connect scientific research with on-farm experience, offering actionable insights and practical applications for potato producers.
Hosted by Syngenta Group global soil health outreach and partnership lead Abbey Wick, Ph.D., and ag communicator Tim Hammerich, the series highlights how soil health approaches are tailored to local soils, climates, rotations and production goals. From cover crops, erosion prevention and water management to soil biology, precision agronomy and the economics of adoption, weekly episodes combine research, data and technical expertise with real-world solutions, strategies and examples from the field.
“Potato growers face unique challenges when it comes to implementing soil health practices. They are looking for solutions that work in the real world – not just in theory,” said Wick. “This season, our podcast explores how collaboration across the potato industry is helping farmers evaluate new soil health approaches, exchange knowledge and advance management strategies that strengthen long-term farming resilience.”
Soil Sense opens with John Mesko, CEO of the Potato Sustainability Alliance, examining how data and benchmarking can help growers and industry partners measure progress across the potato supply chain. Researcher Carl Rosen of the University of Minnesota and Jordon Wade, Syngenta Group soil health assessment lead, explore findings from a multi-state study of soil health, potato yield and crop quality.
Grower stories bring the conversation to the field, offering firsthand perspectives from large-scale operations. Colorado farmer Tyler Mitchell reveals how cover crops, green manures, livestock integration and extended rotations are helping his operation respond to water scarcity in the San Luis Valley. Bryan Bowen of Black Gold Farms examines the role of soil biology, on-farm trials and precision agronomy in maintaining potato quality while supporting long-term stewardship across a multi-state enterprise. Karl Ritchie and Anthony Walther of Walther Farms share lessons from years of cover crop use, including efforts to reduce erosion, improve water infiltration and preserve valuable topsoil.
Additional episodes explore how large-scale operations and supply chain partners are advancing soil stewardship across diverse production environments. Rob Meyers and Gerhard Bester of PepsiCo discuss outcome-based regenerative agriculture and the challenge of delivering potatoes that meet strict quality specifications while building more resilient farming systems. Chelsea Zegler from McCain Foods examines how collaboration with growers can help support sustainability goals, while maintaining a reliable supply of high-quality potatoes.
The season also highlights regional innovation in Canada. Ryland and Lyndon Nakamura of Nakamura Farms discuss the use of reduced tillage, cover crops and agricultural technology in Alberta. From Prince Edward Island, Ryan Barrett explains how grower-led research is helping potato farmers assess rotations, nutrient management strategies and approaches aimed at reducing erosion and increasing soil organic matter.
The series concludes with Fernando Montealegre of CSS Farms examining the complexities of advancing soil health across an intensive, geographically diverse potato production system. The conversation explores the role of crop rotations, cover crops, livestock integration and partnerships with landowners and rotational crop growers.
“Soil health is not a one-size-fits-all prescription. Practices must account for regional conditions, disease pressure, water availability, market requirements and each farm’s operational realities,” said Mesko. “Collaboration among growers, researchers and industry partners is critical to turning promising ideas into scalable solutions that can be successfully implemented across major potato-growing regions in the United States and Canada.”
Listen to the Soil Sense podcast on Spotify or watch episodes on YouTube. New episodes publish weekly through January 2027.
Media Contacts
Katie Jaeger
336.662.2370
Katie.Jaeger@syngenta.com
Kennedy Fowler
704.207.5109
kfowler@gscommunications.comWeb Resources
syngenta-us.com
About Syngenta
Syngenta is a leading science-based agricultural technology (AgTech) company, creating Breakthroughs for farmers, in every field™ to help meet the demands of modern agriculture. Using cutting-edge innovation and guided by its Sustainability Goal of higher yields with lower impact, Syngenta helps farmers to grow resilient, healthy crops that can feed a growing global population, while protecting and enhancing the planet. Syngenta is part of Syngenta Group, headquartered in Switzerland. To find out more about how Syngenta creates breakthroughs for farmers around the world, read our stories and follow us on social media.
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