Beyond the Fence Line

Texas Agricultural Land Trust

The Texas Ag Land Trust believes in the importance of working lands. Join us as we explore important issues, research, and resources surrounding working lands conservation.

  1. Jul 22

    Succession Planning: Building a Plan for the Future

    In this episode of Beyond the Fence Line, Texas Agricultural Land Trust CEO Chad Ellis and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agricultural law specialist Tiffany Dowell Lashmet discuss the urgent need for succession planning as Texas experiences one of the largest transfers of agricultural land and wealth in history. They emphasize that successful transition planning involves more than deciding who inherits the land. Families must also intentionally pass down stewardship knowledge, operational experience, and management skills to ensure the long-term success of farms and ranches. Lashmet encourages landowners to start these conversations early, noting that succession planning is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. The conversation also explores common planning mistakes, including avoiding difficult decisions, failing to update beneficiary designations, and overlooking tax and ownership issues that can threaten the future of family land. Ellis and Lashmet discuss creative tools such as conservation easements, LLCs, life insurance, long-term leases, and alternative income streams that can help families balance fairness, conservation goals, and economic realities. The episode concludes with a discussion on mental health in agriculture and the importance of supporting farm and ranch families through life’s challenges. Their central message is clear: start planning now, have honest family conversations, and take proactive steps to protect both the land and the legacy it represents.

    Succession Planning: Building a Plan for the Future

  2. Apr 22

    Andy Sansom on Private Land Stewardship | Public Benefit of Private Land Stewardship

    Private land stewardship plays a critical role in protecting Texas landscapes, water resources, and working lands. In this episode of Beyond the Fence Line, Chad Ellis sits down with Andy Sansom to explore the public benefits of private land stewardship and why landowners are essential to the future of conservation in Texas. Together, they discuss: How private landowners support water conservation and natural infrastructureThe role of ecosystem services and market-based conservationWhy philanthropy and public-private partnerships are critical for long-term impactThe connection between land, art, and conservation awarenessChallenges and opportunities facing today’s landownersFrom water infrastructure to conservation easements, this conversation highlights how stewardship on private lands delivers lasting benefits for communities, economies, and natural resources. Whether you are a landowner, policymaker, conservation partner, or advocate for working lands, this episode offers valuable insight into the future of Texas conservation. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Conservation and Stewardship 02:58 The Importance of Private Land Stewardship 06:13 Water Infrastructure and Conservation 09:02 Art and Conservation: A New Approach 11:58 Ecosystem Markets and Conservation Innovation 14:51 The Role of Philanthropy in Conservation 17:55 Challenges Facing Landowners 21:02 Connecting Youth to Nature 24:11 Future of Conservation and Land Stewardship Resources: https://www.txaglandtrust.org/ https://www.txaglandtrust.org/additiveconservation https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-sansom-3b77988/

    Andy Sansom on Private Land Stewardship | Public Benefit of Private Land Stewardship

  3. Mar 12

    Conservation Easements in Texas: A Candid Conversation

    In this candid video conversation, members of Texas Agricultural Land Trust’s land and stewardship teams share their perspectives on conservation easements in Texas and what it truly means to partner with landowners. From navigating the legal framework of conservation agreements to building long-term relationships rooted in trust, this episode offers a quick inside look at how TALT works alongside landowners to protect working lands for future generations. Whether you’re a rancher exploring conservation options, a policymaker interested in land stewardship, or simply passionate about preserving Texas landscapes, this discussion provides practical insight into the realities and responsibilities behind conservation easements. Learn more about Texas Agricultural Land Trust at www.txaglandtrust.org

  4. 06/16/2025

    Data Driven: Turning Ranch Records into Revenue

    In this episode of Beyond the Fence Line, host Chad Ellis speaks with James Clement and Ryan Dierking from Earth Optics about how ranchers can turn data into decisions—and decisions into dollars. The trio discusses emerging carbon markets, the value of soil health metrics, and how landowners can get paid for stewarding open space, biodiversity, and clean water. Whether you’re operating on acres in Missouri or in Texas, this conversation will equip you with practical tools to engage in the future of sustainable agriculture. Data might just be your most valuable asset. 🎧 Subscribe and listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud, and YouTube. www.txaglandtrust.org

    Data Driven: Turning Ranch Records into Revenue

  5. 10/18/2023

    Beyond The Fence Line Episode 38 - Next Generation of Land Stewards

    Michael Vance has learned a lot about farming and ranching during his lifetime. He grew up on a small cattle and farming operation in Mississippi and earned a Bachelor of Science in animal science, followed by an MBA. Now he is the VP of Agriculture for an investment firm specializing in farms and ranches. Listen in on our latest podcast as he and TALT CEO Chad Ellis continue the conversation about Next Generation Land Stewards: the barriers to entry, resources available, and the future outlook.

    Beyond The Fence Line Episode 38 - Next Generation of Land Stewards

  6. 09/20/2023

    Beyond The Fence Line Episode 37 - Ecosystem Services Markets: Who's Who?

    Ecosystem services markets are an evolving landscape with much left to be discovered. Join Brandon Bennett, TALT Director of Additive Conservation and General Counsel, as he gives an overview of who's who in this new world of markets. Stay tuned in the coming months as we dive deeper into what opportunities there are for landowners in Texas to participate.

    Beyond The Fence Line Episode 37 - Ecosystem Services Markets: Who's Who?

  7. 08/16/2023

    Episode 36 - Surviving the Dry Spell: Wildlife and Drought in Texas with Thomas Janke

    Dive deep into the nitty-gritty of Texas conservation on "Beyond the Fence Line" podcast. Andy James, TALT Land Transactions Manager teamed up with Thomas Janke, the Texas state coordinator for Quail Forever and Pheasants Forever. From the challenges wildlife faces during drought to the innovative strategies that protect Texas's incredible ecosystems – this podcast is your backstage pass to the wild world of Texas conservation. Tune in where ever you listen to hear the tough questions, discover ingenious survival tactics of our native species, and what it looks like to champion conservation efforts. Thank you for listening to Beyond the Fence Line. Each episode we may mention something that you are curious about – check here in the show notes for links to items we mentioned. Visit our website: www.txaglandtrust.org Connect with us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/TXAGLANDTRUST https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-agricultural-land-trust/ https://www.instagram.com/txaglandtrust/ https://twitter.com/TXAgLandTrust Join our mailing list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/WokdU7B/taltsubscribe

    Episode 36 - Surviving the Dry Spell: Wildlife and Drought in Texas with Thomas Janke

  8. 07/19/2023

    Beyond The Fence Line Episode 35 - Investing in Conservation

    The population of Texas is projected to increase by nearly 73 percent in most of our lifetimes. Dr. Roel Lopez and Alison Lund at Texas A&M’s Natural Resource Institute have authored a recently released report that seeks to better understand the benefits and needs for financial investment in our state's natural resources to best support our growing state population, the stewards of the land, our thriving economy, and healthy landscapes. Listen in on our latest podcast as they discuss the report’s findings and how they could impact conservation work in Texas.

    Beyond The Fence Line Episode 35 - Investing in Conservation
See All (42)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

The Texas Ag Land Trust believes in the importance of working lands. Join us as we explore important issues, research, and resources surrounding working lands conservation.

Information

  • Creator
    Texas Agricultural Land Trust
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Texas Agricultural Land Trust
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Fence Line

You Might Also Like