Sustainable Farming & Family Business Innovation with Kat Coombes

In this episode, host Joe Sampson chats with Kat Coombes, GM at Tillage Management based in Tulare, California. A marine biology major turned agricultural innovator, Kat shares how a two-month job in 2012 with her family’s company turned into a fulfilling 13-year career. Her journey covers growing up on the family dairy and pistachio farm, working in Japan, and building a diversified product line for orchards, vineyards, and row crops. Kat explores the company’s mission to combine sustainability with efficiency—cutting fuel use and dust pollution—while maintaining deep family and community values. She also discusses her roles in industry through FEMA, efforts to streamline processes, and her cautious yet optimistic view of AI. And on the lighter side, Kat unwinds by playing piano, gaming with her husband, and gardening.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Unexpected Paths – A two-month stint back home evolved into a 13-year career grounded in evolving roles and earning respect.
• Family at the Core – Sharing decision‑making, defined roles, and trust form the foundation of a close-knit family business.
• Designed for Diversity – Tillage Management expanded its equipment line from row crops to orchards and vineyards, adapting to California’s varied agriculture.
• Sustainability Meets ROI – Their systems reduce fuel use by ~50% and dust pollution by 70%, aligning economic and ecological goals.
• Question Everything – Kat embraces a “‘processes are not people” mindset—rethinking rules for relevance and efficiency.
• Tech with Integrity – AI and CRM tools excite her for marketing and CRM uses—but only if they preserve personal authenticity.
• Passion beyond Farming – Piano, gardening, and video games recharge her—and strengthen relationships (yes, even with her husband!).