Rooted in Legacy, Driven by Innovation
Kat Coombes and the Future of Sustainable Tillage
In the latest episode of the Germinate Podcast, we feature Kat Coombes, General Manager of Tillage Management, a family-owned ag equipment company based in Tulare, California. What began as a temporary return home in 2012 turned into a transformative journey that not only reshaped her career, but also the future of sustainable tillage.
From Marine Biology to Manufacturing
Kat’s story isn’t typical, and that’s exactly what makes it inspiring. With a degree in marine biology and stints teaching in Japan and studying in Australia, agriculture was never her intended path. But when she returned to the U.S. to help her fiancé get a visa, a temporary job at the family business led to a discovery: there was meaning in the work, and she had a role in shaping it.
“You don’t just come back and you’re the manager. You take every step along the way.”
That hands-on, earned-not-given mentality became Kat’s foundation as she helped evolve Tillage Management from a one-product manufacturer into a versatile, conservation-driven business serving orchards, vineyards, and row crop farmers alike.
California Agriculture’s Unique Challenge
California’s farming landscape is a mosaic of complexity, home to over 300 crop types and countless microclimates. For Kat and her team, adapting to that diversity has been critical.
Since 2016, Tillage Management has introduced smaller, precision-focused equipment lines specifically tailored to orchard and vineyard applications. This innovation was driven not just by demand, but by necessity, to help farmers do more with less, all while preserving their soil.
“We cut fuel use by 50% and dust pollution by 70%. It’s a win-win.”
A Conservation-First Mindset
Kat’s environmental science background has shaped the company’s core mission. Their equipment is engineered to reduce passes in the field, minimizing soil compaction, erosion, and operational costs. The result? Efficient, eco-conscious solutions that don’t compromise on performance.
This balance of sustainability and ROI isn’t just a sales pitch—it’s the heart of their product philosophy.
Family Dynamics in a Modern Business
With her father still active, and her husband and two brothers working full-time in the company, Kat knows the complexities of mixing family and business. But she sees it as a strength, not a challenge.
Defined roles, open communication, and mutual respect have helped their team operate as a circle, not a hierarchy. Ideas and feedback flow freely, whether they come from a sibling or a long-time employee.
“You earn your way into the circle, just like we all had to.”
Rethinking Processes, Embracing Progress
Known for her thoughtful approach to improvement, Kat is vocal about questioning outdated systems. Her mantra?
“Processes are not people.”
Whether it’s streamlining internal workflows or helping shape strategy on the board of FEMA (Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association), Kat brings a fresh perspective and the courage to challenge the norm.
She’s cautious—but curious—about AI’s role in agriculture. For her, the key lies in ensuring technology supports authenticity, not replaces it.
Looking Ahead
As agriculture faces a future shaped by climate pressures, workforce shifts, and rapid tech advances, leaders like Kat Coombes are bridging the gap between tradition and transformation. Her journey from marine biology to pistachio orchards is more than a career pivot—it’s proof that purpose can be found in the most unexpected places.
“I never thought I’d be here. But now that I am, I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
Learn More
Explore Kat's work and the latest tillage innovations at onepasttillage.com
Listen to the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/@germinatepodcast
