Episode #215 - Taylor Kellerman

Taylor Kellerman is the Director of Diversified Agriculture and Land Stewardship for Kualoa Ranchon Oahu – which is the most populated of the Hawaiian Islands. Kualoa Ranch takes advantage of being in a travel hot spot by offering go-to tourist attractions like ziplining, movie set tours, horseback riding, and more.

While experiencing the ranch, guests are educated on Kualoa’s farming activities and Hawaiian culture in hopes of giving visitors new respect for Hawaii as more than just a place to take a vacation. 

Taylor was born and raised on Oahu, educated at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, and spent most of his career in Hawaiian agriculture. As Director of Ag for Kualoa, Taylor oversees the livestock, aquaculture, farming, and conservation programs. 

When he is not busy at the ranch, Taylor is a committee chair for the Hawaii Cattlemans’ Council and serves as the board president for the Agriculture Leadership Foundation of Hawaii and the Oahu Resource Development Council. 

Taylor’s pride and commitment to Hawaiian agriculture shines through in this interview. Listen in as we chat about:

• The history of Kualoa Ranch

• Invasive species and pathogens on Oahu

• The effect of Big Ag on Hawaii

• Kualoa’s 3 pillar system of land stewardship, economic stability, and ecotourism

• Incentives to support local food production

• How COVID exposed vulnerabilities in our food system – especially in Hawaii

• How Kualoa finds and retains staff in this tough labor market

• The challenge of competing in a global food system while living in the most expensive state in the US