Archives: Speakers

Wyatt Maysey

Director of Sustainability

Taylor Farms

Wyatt Maysey has been in sustainability for nearly a decade and now serves as the Director of Sustainability at Taylor Farms, leading the management and implementation of the company’s corporate sustainability strategy. He works on an array of sustainability projects including natural resource use, regenerative and climate-smart ag, and social accountability. Wyatt sits on several sustainability committees with associations such as IFPA and CPMA and is proud to be an advocate on behalf of the industry. He is a firm believer in that you cannot manage what you don’t measure and that a good sustainability program is built on good data.

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Michelle Opela

Senior IPM Manager

Costa Farms

Michelle Opela serves as the Senior Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Manager at Costa Farms’ Carolina locations, where she leads efforts to manage pests and diseases using primarily biological control methods. With a deep passion for sustainable agriculture, Michelle and her team employ innovative strategies combining beneficial insects, fungi, and bacteria to combat pests while minimizing chemical use.

Michelle’s work is rooted in the principles of IPM—combining chemical, biological, and cultural practices to create effective and environmentally responsible pest management solutions. She emphasizes the importance of diversity in pest control methods to prevent resistance and safeguard the farm’s ecosystem.

A lifelong insect enthusiast, Michelle’s fascination with bugs began in childhood and continues to inspire her professional work. She is an advocate for biological controls and enjoys educating others about their role in sustainable farming practices.

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Dr. Brian Thompson

CEO

Elemental Enzymes

Dr. Brian Thompson is the CEO and cofounder of Elemental Enzymes, where he leads advancements in biological protein technologies and their applications in agriculture. With a deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and meeting growers needs around the globe, Brian has led the highly experienced research team at Elemental Enzymes in developing products that address challenges such as drought, heat stress, disease mitigation, and fertilizer use efficiency.

Brian is dedicated to advancing Elemental Enzymes’ mission of translating complex, cutting-edge technologies from the research lab to practical market applications. His strategic vision and commitment have been instrumental in forging partnerships with top academic and industry leaders to drive the development of next-generation enzyme solutions.

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Troy Swift

Owner, Swift River Pecans LLC

President, Texas Pecan Growers Association (TPGA)

Troy is the President of the Texas Pecan Growers Association (TPGA), and is a board member of Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation (MTBC). His previous roles include TPGA Vice President and Texas Pecan Board (TPB) President. Currently, he is studying the effectiveness of bats in controlling orchard pests through DNA analysis of guano. He is also in a six-year program with the Noble Research Institute where scientific data is collected to study regenerative agriculture. Troy is an avid competitor in Texas Pecan Shows since 2013, he was the state champion for commercial pecans in 2018 and 2022.

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James Newberry

National Sales Manager

Anatis Bioprotection

James Newberry was raised on diverse crop and livestock farm in Iowa. He received his Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in horticulture and agronomy from Iowa State University and a Master of Science degree in Horticulture from Colorado State University. Over his 25-year career he has worked on golf courses, sport fields, own his own application business, and has spent the last 15 years working in specialty crop, row crop, and tree fruit and nut industries across the US. He has represented companies in both the traditional chemical and biological industries, as well as extensive experience in the seed industry. His vast experience across industries and owing his own pest control application business has allowed him to understand the importance of a product from every standpoint ranging from efficacy, storage and handling, ease of mixing, compatibility, and ease of application.

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Dr. Frederic Kendirgi

VP of Research and Development

Kula Bio

Dr. Kendirgi is an accomplished biotech leader with over 20 years of industry experience with a background in microbiology, fermentation and cell biology. He completed his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Calgary in 2000, following a M.Sc. in Virology and Immunology from the University of Quebec. His extensive post-doctoral training at Washington University in St. Louis and Vanderbilt University solidified his expertise in cell biology.

Dr. Kendirgi has held several influential positions in biotech, currently serving as VP of R&D at Kula Bio. Prior to joining Kula in 2021, he was the Executive Director of MSAT & Manufacturing at Growcentia Inc., where he led critical advancements in microbiology and biotechnology. He also directed microbiology research at Agrinos Inc., developing plant soil beneficial microbial consortia as well as managed microbiology technology at INEOS Bio USA LLC, the biofuel branch of INEOS. His early career includes a role as a Senior Scientist at Cytogenix Inc. a pharmaceutical company focused on developing DNA vaccines.

Throughout his career, Dr. Kendirgi has been recognized as an innovator and inventor, holding several U.S. patents related to microbial technology. His work continues to impact the field of biotechnology and sustainable agriculture.

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David Youngquist

Territory Field Manager – West Cascades

Pro Farm Group

David Youngquist is the Pro Farm Group Territory Field Manager for the Western Cascade region and Canada. David has his B.S. In AG business and technology from Washington State University with a minor in horticulture. He has been working with farmers in an advisory role for the last 12 years, including in roles such as agronomist, farm manager, and farm owner. He sits on the board of the Northwest Agricultural Research Foundation (NARF), and is experienced with many crops, including blueberries, small fruits, potatoes, corn, grass seed, and many other crops grown in Skagit Valley, Washington. His first job was rouging grass seed after school and on the weekends, and he has worked in agriculture since age 12, doing everything on the farm, from commercial spraying and pesticide recommendations to equipment oil changes.

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John McKeon

Director of Organic Integrity and Compliance

Taylor Farms

John McKeon is the Director of Organic Integrity and Compliance at Taylor Farms Retail overseeing organic compliance and regenerative organic practices. John also supports field food safety research, agronomic and biodiversity programs and trails, and Quality Systems management.  He has worked at Taylor Farms & Earthbound Farm for years 15 years, working in field and facility food safety, international organic supply chain compliance and organic agricultural operations. Prior to working there, John spent 10 years working at CCOF, from an intern to certification director, then inspector. John studied horticulture, sustainable agriculture and environmental studies at Cabrillo College and University of California Santa Cruz. He lives with his family on the central coast of California.

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Vincent Livengood

Perennial Propagation Grower

Swift Greenhouses

Vincent is a working horticulture grower with 30 years of industry experience with various ornamental crops, including plugs and liners, flowering annuals, perennials, and potted flower crops. Vincent has been instrumental in developing a new program integrating Bios into an existing IPM program as well as expanding and improving existing programs.

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Greg Rogers

Technical Marketing Manager

Certis Biologicals

Greg Rogers is the Technical Marketing Manager at Certis Biologicals, where he has been leading product development since January 2023. With over two decades of experience in crop protection and biological solutions, Greg previously served as Field Development Manager at Certis, managing trials and technical support for biological products. Before joining Certis, Greg held various roles at DuPont, including Global Data Systems Manager and Field Development Representative. He holds both a Master of Science in Plant Physiology and a Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Delaware.

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