Dr. Russell Hamlin

Dr. Russell Hamlin is the Senior VP of Farming for the Grimmway Produce Group in Bakersfield, California where he oversees the management of both conventional and organic vegetable crops in 9 states. Primary crops managed include carrots, potatoes, and over 65 different organic vegetable types, all supplied year-round. His previous work experience in agriculture has been diverse, having worked in academia, on a family farm, for a global crop protection company, and as an agronomic director for private equity. He is currently the Chair of the California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board, a member of the Organics Committee of the International Fresh Produce Association, and a member of the Grimm Family Organic Center Advisory Board. Dr. Hamlin obtained his BSA and MS in Horticulture from The University of Georgia and his Ph.D. from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst in Plant and Soil Sciences. His academic area of focus is plant mineral nutrition and most of his career has been spent as an Agronomist in the vegetable industry of the Southeastern United States. Russ currently lives in Bakersfield with his wife and has two sons that also live in California.

Grimmway Produce Group: is one of the world’s largest growers, shippers, and marketers of fresh vegetables. Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, the company is a leader in conventional and organic produce, supplying high-quality vegetables to consumers across North America while emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and responsible farming practices.

Brian Hefty

Brian Hefty is a farmer and agronomist from Baltic, South Dakota.  He is also the CEO of Hefty Seed Company, the 8th largest ag chem retailer and 7th largest seed retailer in the U.S.  Since 1998 he and his brother Darren have co-hosted Ag PhD TV, the nation’s most-watched agronomy television show.  The brothers also host one of the most listened-to ag radio programs in the U.S., Ag PhD Radio, which airs weekdays on SiriusXM channel 147.  Brian is an author, a father of 3, a Christian, and a long-suffering Minnesota Vikings fan.

Hefty Seed Company is one of the largest independent agricultural retailers in the United States, serving growers across the Midwest through a network of retail locations. The company provides seed, crop protection products, plant nutrition, precision agriculture services, and trusted agronomic expertise to help farmers maximize productivity and profitability.

James Engelsma II

Jim Engelsma is the Location Manager for the Sparta and Hart Specialty Crop locations with Nutrien Ag Solutions, where he works closely with growers producing apples, sweet and tart cherries, and peaches throughout West Michigan. He has spent his entire career in fruit production and brings decades of hands-on experience in both crop management and specialty agriculture.

In addition to his professional role, Jim owns and operates a 70-acre high-density apple farm, giving him a practical, grower-focused perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s fruit industry.

Jim has been actively involved in industry leadership and research, serving on the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, International Fruit Tree Association, and the Michigan Apple Research Committee. He currently serves on the Michigan Apple Committee, helping support and advance Michigan’s apple industry.

Nutrien Ag Solutions is the world’s largest provider of crop inputs and agricultural services, supporting growers with crop protection, seed, plant nutrition, digital agriculture solutions, and expert agronomic advice. Through its extensive retail network, the company helps producers improve yields while advancing sustainable farming practices.