Podcast Summary: Dirt Talk by BuildWitt
Episode: Dozing Through California’s Central Valley w/ Josh McCahill – DT 354
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Hosts: Aaron Witt (Host)
Guest: Josh McCahill
Introduction
In episode DT 354 of Dirt Talk by BuildWitt, host Aaron Witt engages in an in-depth conversation with Josh McCahill, an industry expert involved in heavy equipment operations and agricultural land management in California’s Central Valley. The episode delves into various aspects of agriculture, equipment maintenance, wildfire management, infrastructure challenges, labor dynamics, and mental health within the construction and agricultural sectors.
Agriculture in California’s Central Valley
Corn Farming and Crop Evolution
The discussion begins with the prevalence of corn farming in the Central Valley. Josh explains that corn has always been a staple crop in the region, primarily grown to support dairy operations through cattle feed such as alfalfa and corn.
Josh McCahill [00:08]: “Dairies. A lot of dairies out here that have to grow corn. Alfalfa.”
Aaron highlights the advancements in corn production, noting its increased density and engineering over the past two decades.
Aaron Witt [00:17]: “Corn's becoming so much better. Like it's so much more dense than it was even 20 years ago. It's crazy how much they've engineered corn.”
Stone Fruits and Crop Rotation
Josh elaborates on the cultivation of stone fruits—peaches, plums, nectarines—in areas like Reedley, emphasizing their economic significance despite water and price challenges. He discusses the meticulous planning involved in crop rotation to maintain soil health and optimize harvest cycles.
Josh McCahill [32:10]: “They know their own packing shed will take in that time. Right. So they have normally no more than like 10 acre blocks.”
Heavy Equipment and Custom Modifications
Dozers and Grinders
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the heavy machinery used in land management. Josh describes the customization of dozers and grinders to handle specific tasks such as ripping up old orchards or managing wildfire areas.
Josh McCahill [03:27]: “The base machine's a waste handler. Yeah. And forest machines typically won't have that heavy guarding where a waste handler has all that stuff for trash and dust.”
He shares his experiences with equipment failures and the importance of regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Josh McCahill [20:04]: “Keeping them balanced.”
Josh McCahill [21:46]: “Most of the farmers here don't like it because it sucks a lot of nitrogen out of the soil.”
Fleet Management and Upgrades
Josh discusses the challenges and strategies involved in fleet management, including upgrading to tier-four engines to comply with California’s stringent environmental regulations.
Josh McCahill [60:49]: “So they're turning over their entire fleet to tier-four models to maintain compliance and efficiency.”
Wildfire Management and Experiences
Fire Dozers and Operations
A substantial segment recounts Josh’s firsthand experiences combating wildfires using specialized dozers. He narrates intense encounters with rapidly spreading fires and the logistical complexities of coordinating with firefighting units.
Josh McCahill [07:34]: “On the last day I was there, I was dozing deep in the forest... the fire was running on top of me.”
Challenges in Fire Suppression
Josh criticizes the inefficiencies and bureaucratic hurdles faced by government firefighting agencies, highlighting how lawsuits and red tape impede effective brush clearing and firebreak creation.
Josh McCahill [80:20]: “It's government has the hardest time to fix problems than anybody else. They create problems, they don't fix them.”
Infrastructure and High-Speed Rail Critique
High-Speed Rail Project
Aaron and Josh express skepticism regarding California’s high-speed rail initiative, questioning its feasibility, financial viability, and prioritization over more urgent infrastructure needs like highway improvements.
Josh McCahill [84:12]: “They need to lead by example. Caltrans should have the electric loaders and all the junk, right?”
Aaron Witt [85:17]: “I think they're $70 billion into it.”
Labor Dynamics and Immigration
Reliance on Immigrant Labor
The Central Valley’s agricultural and construction sectors heavily depend on immigrant labor. Josh emphasizes the critical role immigrants play in sustaining the economy, despite facing potential policy changes and societal challenges.
Josh McCahill [87:22]: “Anyone that's working in the fields, they're immigrants.”
Wage Structures and Labor Shortages
Josh discusses wage competitiveness as a factor in attracting and retaining workers, noting that higher-paying employers secure more reliable labor forces.
Josh McCahill [92:05]: “If they're willing to pay them 18 or $20 an hour, they're going to go work for the guy who's $20 an hour.”
Mental Health and Work Stress
Mental Health Challenges
The conversation shifts to the mental health struggles faced by workers in high-stress environments like construction and firefighting. Both Aaron and Josh acknowledge the high incidence of PTSD, substance abuse, and suicide among operators and law enforcement personnel.
Josh McCahill [101:29]: “That kind of attempted, went a little bit off… and then I saw a lot of people just commit suicide.”
Substance Abuse Impact
They explore the destructive impact of substance abuse, particularly opioids and prescription drugs, on individuals’ mental health and operational effectiveness.
Josh McCahill [102:12]: “The drugs change the chemicals in your brain.”
Equipment Sharing and Online Presence
Social Media Engagement
Josh shares how he utilizes platforms like Instagram and TikTok to document both the successes and challenges of his operations, fostering a relatable and authentic connection with his audience.
Josh McCahill [105:26]: “I share the good and I share the bad. The bad is relatable.”
Conclusion
In this episode of Dirt Talk, Aaron Witt and Josh McCahill provide a comprehensive look into the multifaceted challenges and innovations within California’s Central Valley. From advanced agricultural practices and heavy equipment customization to the grueling realities of wildfire management and the pressing issues of labor and mental health, the conversation offers valuable insights for industry leaders and enthusiasts alike.
Notable Quotes:
- Aaron Witt [00:17]: “Corn's becoming so much better. Like it's so much more dense than it was even 20 years ago. It's crazy how much they've engineered corn.”
- Josh McCahill [07:34]: “On the last day I was there, I was dozing deep in the forest... the fire was running on top of me.”
- Josh McCahill [80:20]: “It's government has the hardest time to fix problems than anybody else. They create problems, they don't fix them.”
- Josh McCahill [87:22]: “Anyone that's working in the fields, they're immigrants.”
- Josh McCahill [105:26]: “I share the good and I share the bad. The bad is relatable.”
This episode underscores the intricate balance between agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and the human elements that drive these industries forward despite numerous obstacles.