This is Ag!

Kirti Mutatkar
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MANAGEMENT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

This is Ag challenges us to think differently about how we lead our lives and our organizations by learning from the inspiring and captivating stories of leaders in Ag.

  1. AUG 13

    42. Marylu Ramirez - Human Resources Manager at Good Farms, women leaders, compassion, and why self-care isn't selfish

    In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with Marylu, a remarkable HR leader in the ag industry whose story is deeply rooted in resilience, compassion, and advocacy. Her journey began with a powerful influence—her mother, one of the first women to rise into a leadership role in ag in the 90s. That example of professionalism and quiet strength laid the foundation for Marylu’s own leadership approach today. Our conversation was a rich reflection on what it means to lead with empathy in an industry often driven by compliance and regulations. Marylu opened up about the joy she finds in training and empowering her teams, how she navigates the fine balance between policy and humanity, and how field visits give her direct insight into employee challenges. She shared the emotional weight of HR work—listening to workers’ personal stories, addressing their fears around immigration, and helping them navigate mental health stressors, especially in the aftermath of COVID. What really stood out to me was her emphasis on connection. Marylu believes in treating employees not just as workers, but as people with unique experiences. She finds fulfillment in seeing them grow and succeed, and she brings that same care into her leadership with her own team. She also spoke about her transformation through the Women Ag Leadership Academy, how it helped her find her voice, overcome self-doubt, and step confidently into visible leadership. Her closing message—especially for our Spanish-speaking audience—was a beautiful reminder: don’t be afraid to ask for help, use the resources available, and most importantly, don’t forget about yourself while you’re taking care of everyone else. Marylu is exactly the kind of leader our industry needs—grounded, authentic, and deeply committed to both people and progress. I’m proud to serve alongside her on the United Ag board and to continue building this movement for empathetic, inclusive leadership together. Marylu Ramirez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marylu-ramirez-57134142/ Good Farms: https://goodfarms.com/ Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg.  Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/ Episode Contributors - Marylu Ramirez, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/ SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/ MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

    25 min

  2. JUL 9

    Chago Martin, Owner/President of Paragon Personnel & Trilogy Personnel & Land Management, making decisions by putting people at the center, feeling emotional attachment to people, making connections , and much more.

    UnitedAg operates unlike any other healthplans or health insurance carriers.  Our members are at the core of UnitedAg, and their needs shape the organization. As a result, leadership at UnitedAg looks different – in fact, it derives from one of our core values: giving from the heart. Chago Martin, the owner and operator of Paragon Personnel and Trilogy Personnel and Land Management, embodies this. His focus is on showing up, and this authenticity requires a level of effort that other businesses do not offer. Chago believes that culminating genuine relationships is substantial when leading. He understands that his employees are more than the work they produce, and so, when he began leading his family’s business, he based the framework on a humanistic approach that requires patience and grace. While this may go against standard business practice, this investment creates a long-term effect. As a leader, the value Chago places in his relationships sustains his family business, and as a result, the business benefits from long-term financial success without sacrificing his belief that leading is “from [the] heart and in consideration of people putting people first.” At the forefront, leadership requires empathy – to treat others how we would like to be treated. Chago Martin truly internalizes this golden rule, and the success of Paragon Personnel and Trilogy Personnel and Land Management is the result of valuing relationships that foster growth, encouraging self-awareness, and creating a space for compassion within the business industry.   This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.   Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org Episode Contributors - Chago Martin, Paul LeCrone, Rhianna  Macias, and Kirti Mutatkar  The episode is also sponsored by  Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com/ Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com/ Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com/ Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/ SAIN Medical - https://sainmedical.com/

    27 min

  3. JUN 9

    41. Tony Ramirez - Safety Manager at Plantel Nurseries, employee wellness and genuine connections

    In this heartwarming episode, I sit down with Tony, a longtime member of the United Ag community, to talk about his inspiring journey through agriculture—from working alongside his father in the fields as a child to becoming a safety manager and United Ag ambassador. Tony shares how early hands-on experiences shaped his deep appreciation for hard work and sparked a lifelong mission to support and protect agricultural workers. We dive into how technology is transforming the ag space, with digital tools like timekeeping apps and virtual ID cards making life easier for field workers. As part of United Ag’s Ambassador Program, Tony provides honest feedback that helps customize these tools for real-world use across diverse regions and employers. More than just work, this episode celebrates the sense of family, community, and purpose that defines United Ag. Tony and I reflect on what it means to be part of something bigger—where work doesn’t feel like work, and where partnerships feel more like family. Plantel Nurseries: https://www.plantelnurseries.com/ Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg.  Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/ Episode Contributors - Tony Ramirez, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/ SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/ MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

    28 min

  4. MAY 13

    40. Veronica Luna - Director of Administrative Operations at Rancho Guadalupe, advocacy, empathy, and how to show up for others

    In this episode of This Is Ag, I'm joined by Veronica Luna—Director of Administrative Operations at Rancho Guadalupe and a passionate advocate for the people who power our fields. With years of experience in agriculture, Veronica has become a quiet but powerful force behind the scenes, using her voice to champion mental health, accessible benefits, and compassionate leadership. Raised by a strong mother, Veronica learned early what it meant to speak up—even when it wasn’t easy. Today, she carries that legacy forward at Rancho Guadalupe, where she not only manages Human Resources and benefits but also plays a key role in shaping a workplace culture grounded in care. In this episode, Veronica opens up about helping launch Spring Health before the pandemic—a bold move that brought mental health support to ag workers when they needed it most. She shares how her personal grief journey became the spark to advocate for others, and how leadership at Rancho Guadalupe—especially General Manager AJ Cisney—listens and acts when employees speak. This is an episode about the heart of ag—the unseen labor, the emotional weight, and the deep humanity behind every harvest. Veronica’s story is a reminder that care, empathy, and advocacy aren’t just nice to have; they’re essential tools for building a stronger, more resilient ag community. Veronica Luna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-luna-88900b199/ Rancho Guadalupe: https://ranchoguadalupe.com/ Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg.  Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/ Episode Contributors - Veronica Luna, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/ SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/ MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

    34 min

  5. APR 6

    39. Barbara Meza - Director of Human Resources at Taylor Farms, confidence, community, and connections for success

    In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Barbara Meza, Director of Human Resources at Taylor Farms and Taylor Harvesting, to talk about her inspiring journey in agriculture and leadership. Barbara opens up about starting her career at Ocean Mist Farms to help support her family and how that role unexpectedly turned into a lifelong passion—especially after becoming a single mother. She candidly discusses overcoming self-doubt, navigating a male-dominated industry, and the power of programs like the Women Ag Academy in building her confidence and sense of community. Through stories of mentorship, personal growth, and resilience, Barbara shares the pivotal moments that shaped her—like being entrusted with building an HR department and learning to reframe even the most tedious work tasks with deeper purpose.  She also opened up about being raised by a strong single mother, facing painful judgment from family, and using that adversity to push herself further. Her mother—who also worked in ag—instilled in her a deep sense of professionalism, integrity, and compassion. It was powerful to hear how those early lessons continue to shape her leadership today. This conversation is a powerful reminder that growth comes from discomfort, confidence is often seen before it’s felt, and when women support women, amazing things happen. Barbara Meza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-meza-phr-87064250/ Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg.  Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/ Episode Contributors - Barbara Meza, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/ SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/ MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

    22 min

  6. MAR 5

    Eric Bream - President of Bream Family Farms, ethics & business, intentionally creating inefficiencies , true responsibility , and seeing obstacles as opportunities and More

    True responsibility is not just defining and acting on the minimal legal requirement, but outlining the maximum possible actions you could have taken.  It's not happening to you, it's happening for you. Eric Bream's conversation reminded me of Michael Schur's interview with Tim Ferris. Michael Schur is the creator of the hit Netflix series, The Good Place  and written a book called, 'How to be perfect - The correct answer to every moral question."  Bream Family Farms website - www.breamfamilyfarms.com This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.   Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg. Reach me kmutatkar@unitedag.org,  www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar UnitedAg's website - www.unitedag.org

    27 min

  7. FEB 5

    38. Tim Danley - Owner of North Wind Aerial Imaging, tech innovation, farming, and education

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tim Danley, a dedicated farmer and tech innovator, about his unique journey into integrating drone technology with agriculture. Tim's path began on his family farm, where he worked during school breaks, and later enrolled in the Air Force as a military policeman. After returning home to manage Danley Farms, he became deeply involved in a range of activities, from overseeing diverse crops to volunteering as a firefighter and leading a search-and-rescue drone team. Tim's adoption of drone technology was driven by his desire to complement, not replace, traditional farming practices. He explained how drones are particularly effective for tasks like targeted spraying on small plots, and while his introduction of drones faced the same skepticism that innovations like GPS in farming once experienced, Tim’s efforts to educate others have been key in easing concerns and highlighting drones' practical benefits. One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was hearing how Tim, a self-taught drone enthusiast, has embraced experimentation and failure as part of his journey. His approach to learning and applying technology highlights endless opportunities in agriculture—opportunities not just for farmers, but also for tech-savvy individuals looking to make an impact. Tim has a passion for putting a human face to farming, connecting with his community, and sharing stories that educate and inspire. Even his neighbors and colleagues have gained new appreciation for the industry through his work. As someone who believes in the power of storytelling, I was energized by Tim’s commitment to changing perceptions one video, one story, and one connection at a time. If you’re curious about Tim’s journey, you can follow him on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook under "North Wind Aerial." His work is a testament to what can happen when you combine passion, innovation, and a willingness to share your story. This conversation left me inspired and hopeful for the future of agriculture, and I hope it does the same for you. North Wind Aerial: https://www.northwindaerialimaging.com/ Tim Danley: https://www.instagram.com/northwindaerial/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwindaerial/ Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg.  Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/ Episode Contributors - Tim Danley, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/ SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/ MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

    33 min

  8. JAN 7

    37. Chana Hauben - Vice President of Human Resources at UnitedAg, empathy, collaboration, and creativity

    In this anniversary episode of This Is Ag!, I sat down with Chana Hauben, our Vice President of Human Resources, to reflect on the remarkable culture we’ve built at UnitedAg and celebrate four years of the podcast. Our conversation explored the heart of what makes UnitedAg not just a great place to work but a unique environment for personal and professional growth. At UnitedAg, we’ve more than tripled our financial growth over the past decade all the while maintaining the innovative, energetic spirit of a startup. Chana and I discussed how this growth has been driven by intentional culture-building, starting with empathy, collaboration, and creativity. These values are central to everything we do, from hiring passionate and proactive people to fostering innovation at all levels. Initiatives like the Emerging Leaders Program, the Ag-a-thon, and our CULTIVATE values recognition system create opportunities for growth and connection. Our onboarding process, transformed into a comprehensive and immersive experience, ensures new hires feel supported and inspired from the start. A standout moment was celebrating our recent recognition as one of the best places to work in Orange County. This honor symbolizes the dedication and care we pour into creating a positive, people-first environment. It’s also a reflection of Chana’s exceptional leadership in fostering an inclusive, innovative, and empowering culture. For me, UnitedAg has always been a "lab" where we experiment with ideas—not just for business growth but for human connection. Every day is an opportunity to grow a little more, to connect on a deeper level, and to lead with empathy. Listening to our employees, hearing their stories, and seeing them thrive fills me with pride and reinforces my belief in the work we do. As we wrap up our conversation, I reflect on what makes UnitedAg so special: it’s not just a workplace, it’s a community where people support each other, challenge each other, and grow together. Whether it’s through innovative programs, meaningful connections, or a shared commitment to our values, UnitedAg continues to be a place where we can all thrive. If you’re looking for a space to innovate, grow, and make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. This is what makes us UnitedAg: a family where the journey of growth and connection never ends. This episode is sponsored by UnitedAg,  one of the largest association health plans to offer healthcare to the agriculture industry of California and Arizona.   Chana Hauben, Vice President of Human Resources at UnitedAg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanah/ Agricultural Personnel Management Association (APMA): http://agpersonnel.org/about/bod/ Kirti Mutatkar, President and CEO of UnitedAg.  Reach me at kmutatkar@unitedag.org, www.linkedin.com/in/kirtimutatkar UnitedAg website - www.unitedag.org UnitedAg Health and Wellness Centers - https://www.unitedag.org/health-benefits/united-agricultural-benefit-trust/health-centers/ Episode Contributors - Chana Hauben, Kirti Mutatkar, Dave Visaya, Rhianna Macias The episode is also sponsored by Brent Eastman Insurance Services Inc. - https://brenteastman.com Blue Shield of California - https://www.blueshieldca.com Elite Medical - https://www.elitecorpmed.com Gallagher - https://www.ajg.com/ SAIN Medical https://sainmedical.com/ MDI Network - https://www.mdinetworx.com/about-us

    34 min
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

This is Ag challenges us to think differently about how we lead our lives and our organizations by learning from the inspiring and captivating stories of leaders in Ag.

Information

  • Creator
    Kirti Mutatkar
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    This is Ag!