California agriculture depends on healthy soil, effective nutrient management and responsible water use.
For Allie Cushnyr, senior agronomist for Holloway, helping growers improve soil health is about more than producing a successful crop this season. It is about supporting California agriculture for generations to come.
In an interview with Nick Papagni “The Ag Meter”, Cushnyr discussed Holloway’s longstanding role in California agriculture, the benefits of gypsum as a soil amendment, the challenges growers face with limited water supplies and the importance of continuing agricultural education. She also shared details about Holloway’s inaugural Soils in Action Field Day, an event designed to bring growers, researchers and agricultural professionals together to explore soil health and new farming technologies.
Holloway’s California Roots Run Deep
Born and raised in Bakersfield, Cushnyr brings a local perspective to her work with California growers. Holloway has been mining gypsum in Lost Hills, California, for more than 90 years, supplying agricultural operations throughout the state.
Located in Kern County, the mine serves as a distribution point where trucking companies collect material and transport it directly to farms. Holloway also works with distributors, retailers and growers to accommodate their individual needs.
Cushnyr explained that the company can deliver throughout California and encourages customers outside the state to contact its team to discuss their requirements.
She emphasized the importance of understanding gypsum quality, particularly because much of the material currently available in California is transported from other states. Holloway’s California-based operation provides an opportunity to educate growers about what constitutes true gypsum and which questions they should ask when evaluating products.
How Gypsum Helps Improve Soil Health
Gypsum, a calcium sulfate mineral containing two molecules of water in its hydrated form, is an important soil amendment for addressing certain soil chemistry and water infiltration problems.
According to Cushnyr, gypsum is particularly useful in soils affected by excessive sodium. Sodium can contribute to poor soil structure, reducing water infiltration and making it more difficult for water to move through the soil profile.
Gypsum supplies calcium, which can help displace sodium from soil exchange sites. When adequate water and drainage are available, the displaced sodium can be leached through the soil.
This process can improve soil structure and water movement under appropriate conditions. However, the results depend on soil chemistry, drainage, irrigation water quality and other field-specific factors.
Cushnyr said growers experiencing water penetration problems should evaluate whether gypsum could help address the underlying issue rather than simply treating the visible symptoms.
Timing also matters. Although gypsum can be applied at different times of the year, applying it ahead of anticipated rainfall can help incorporate the material into the soil. Flood irrigation and micro-sprinkler systems may also help move gypsum into the soil, while drip irrigation can present greater challenges because water is concentrated in a smaller area.
A Whole-Soil Approach to Agricultural Productivity
Cushnyr stressed that improving soil health requires looking beyond a single product.
As a senior agronomist, she consults with growers on broader management programs involving nutrients, soil biology and organic matter. Her work includes evaluating compost applications and exploring biological products that may offer value to farmers.
The objective is to understand how different practices work together to support plant growth, soil function and long-term productivity.
With growing public and government interest in soil health and sustainable agriculture, Cushnyr believes continued research and education are essential.
She also acknowledged the difficult decisions facing farmers with limited water supplies. Depending on their circumstances, growers may need to consider permanent crops, annual row crops or leaving fields fallow for a season.
Those decisions require careful budgeting and an assessment of available resources. When growers decide to plant, Holloway offers agronomic consulting to help them evaluate soil conditions, nutrient requirements and other production considerations.
Soils in Action Field Day Brings Farmers Together
One of Cushnyr’s major projects is Holloway’s inaugural Soils in Action Field Day, developed to provide educational opportunities for growers, pest control advisers (PCAs), certified crop advisers (CCAs) and other agricultural professionals.
Scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026, beginning at 8 a.m., the event takes place at Holloway’s mine in Lost Hills. The location offers access for agricultural communities throughout Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno and surrounding counties.
Cushnyr emphasized that the event is focused on education rather than sales. Eight speakers were planned, including growers, university and Cooperative Extension educators, and agricultural industry representatives.
Topics include nitrogen utilization in soil, precision agriculture and variable-rate orchard spreading, and the use of drone imagery to manage farm operations.
One of the event’s distinguishing features is the opportunity to hear directly from growers about their experiences. Small-group discussions are intended to encourage participants to exchange ideas and learn how different practices and technologies are being applied in the field.
The event also offers approved continuing education opportunities, with 3.5 CCA hours and 2.5 hours through the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR), as announced in the interview. Registration was set at $10.
More than 40 sponsors were expected to participate, with a trade show giving attendees opportunities to speak with vendors about agricultural products, services and emerging technologies. Coffee in the morning and lunch later in the day were also planned.
Cushnyr said organizing the event required extensive coordination, but the response from agricultural businesses and industry professionals has been encouraging. She hopes the field day will become an annual event, expanding opportunities for collaboration and agricultural education.
Finding the Event and Registering
Attendees were encouraged to register in advance at soilsinaction.com, which directs visitors to the event’s Eventbrite registration page. On-site registration was also planned, although advance registration helps organizers estimate attendance and prepare meals.
The mine is located on Holloway Road, between Lost Hills and Blackwell’s Corner. Travelers heading west on Highway 46 toward Blackwell’s Corner were instructed to turn north onto Holloway Road and follow the event signs.
Cushnyr reminded visitors to watch for trucks on the road, emphasizing safety during harvest and throughout the year.
Companies interested in sponsoring future events were encouraged to contact Holloway about opportunities for 2027.
Supporting California Agriculture for Generations
Cushnyr believes the future of agriculture depends on continued learning and a better understanding of the soil beneath our feet. She sees opportunities for researchers, growers and industry professionals to build on existing knowledge and develop better management practices over the next decade.
She also emphasized the importance of balanced plant nutrition. Applying more fertilizer does not necessarily produce better results; crops need the right nutrients in appropriate amounts for their growing conditions.
Holloway supports growers with gypsum, compost, lime and other soil amendments that require transportation to the farm. Through its products, delivery services and educational efforts, the company aims to help farmers make informed decisions about their land.
For Cushnyr, the mission is straightforward: healthy soil provides the foundation for healthy plants and productive farms.
Listen to the Full Interview with The Ag Meter
Want to learn more about gypsum quality, soil health, water challenges and the future of California agriculture? Listen to the full podcast interview between The Ag Meter host Nick Papagni and Holloway Senior Agronomist Allie Cushnyr.
The conversation provides additional insight into Holloway’s work, the thinking behind the Soils in Action Field Day and why educating growers remains essential to the future of farming.
Listen to the full interview with The Ag Meter for more information and insights from Allie Cushnyr.