Kyle Kirkland Talks Ag, Water and California's Future

Congressional Candidate Discusses Agriculture, Water, Energy, and the Economy with “The Ag Meter“

As California’s 21st Congressional District prepares for the November election, businessman and community leader Kyle Kirkland says it’s time to replace politics as usual with practical, business-minded leadership. During an in-depth interview with “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni, Kirkland shared his vision for tackling some of California’s biggest challenges—including agriculture, water, energy, housing, and the rising cost of living—while emphasizing that many of the state’s problems are “fixable.”

Kirkland enters the general election after advancing through the June primary. Having previously run during the 2024 special election following former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s retirement, he said this campaign has reinforced his belief that elected officials should approach government with the same problem-solving mindset successful businesses use every day.

From Finance to California Business Leader

Originally from Virginia and raised in Maine, Kirkland came to California to attend Stanford Graduate School before building a successful career in finance and corporate restructuring. He helped acquire and revive the Selmer Company before leading Steinway Musical Instruments as chairman and controlling shareholder, guiding the iconic company through significant growth.

Nearly two decades ago, Kirkland purchased Club One Casino in Fresno and has since served as owner-operator while also becoming president of the California Gaming Association.

Outside of business, he is perhaps best known throughout the Central Valley for his extensive charitable work. As chairman of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and founder of the Kirkland Foundation, he has helped rescue approximately 30,000 animals through spay-and-neuter programs, veterinary care, orthopedic surgeries, and prosthetic treatments. During the interview, host Nick Papagni joked that many residents recognize Kirkland more for helping their cats than for his business accomplishments—a compliment Kirkland happily accepted.

Agriculture Deserves a Stronger Voice

Agriculture remained a central theme throughout the conversation.

Kirkland argued that California farmers are among the state’s best environmental stewards because their livelihoods depend on preserving the land for future generations. He rejected the notion that agriculture and environmental protection must be at odds, saying responsible farming and conservation can coexist.

He also expressed concern that regulations originally intended to protect natural resources have expanded to the point where they often discourage food production, housing construction, and energy development.

Instead, Kirkland believes lawmakers should regularly evaluate regulations to determine whether they are accomplishing their intended purpose or creating unintended consequences that hurt producers and consumers alike.

Water Reliability is Critical for Farming

Reliable water supplies remain one of the Central Valley’s most pressing concerns.

Rather than claiming to have all the answers, Kirkland said effective leadership begins by bringing together farmers, water experts, builders, and local stakeholders to identify practical solutions. He stressed the importance of balancing agricultural production, population growth, groundwater management, water storage, and environmental protection.

As someone who has spent his career solving complex business problems, Kirkland said his approach would be to listen first, study the issues carefully, and develop workable solutions based on measurable results instead of political ideology.

Producing More at Home

Throughout the interview, Kirkland repeatedly returned to one central message: California should produce more of what it consumes.

Whether discussing food, housing, gasoline, or electricity, he argued that restricting in-state production only forces Californians to import those same products from elsewhere—often at higher costs and, in some cases, with greater environmental impacts.

He pointed to declining oil production, refinery closures, shrinking agricultural operations, fewer dairy farms, and reduced housing construction as examples of industries that have been constrained by excessive regulation.

According to Kirkland, increasing responsible in-state production would help lower costs for families while strengthening California’s economy.

Business Experience Shapes His Political Philosophy

Kirkland frequently contrasted his business background with career politicians, saying his entire career has focused on identifying struggling organizations, improving operations, and delivering measurable results.

He cited his work leading Steinway Musical Instruments, managing Club One Casino, and overseeing the Fresno Chaffee Zoo as examples of organizations where success depended on efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

He argued that government should adopt similar principles by measuring outcomes, respecting taxpayers, and eliminating wasteful spending rather than continually expanding programs without evaluating their effectiveness.

Looking Toward California’s Future

Despite acknowledging California’s many challenges, Kirkland remains optimistic.

He recalled arriving in California as a graduate student with little money before building successful businesses and a life in the Central Valley. He believes the state still offers tremendous opportunity if policymakers focus on encouraging investment, supporting business growth, expanding production, and lowering the cost of living.

Kirkland also encouraged Californians not to become discouraged about voting, saying every election matters and that many communities across the state are seeking practical solutions rather than continued political division.

Looking ahead to the final months of the campaign, he said his team will continue meeting with voters throughout the district while promoting what he describes as a business-minded alternative to the status quo.

Listen to the Full Interview

This article highlights only a portion of the wide-ranging conversation between “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and congressional candidate Kyle Kirkland. Throughout the interview, Kirkland discusses California agriculture, water policy, energy production, housing, business regulation, fiscal responsibility, and why he believes California’s biggest challenges can be solved through practical leadership and economic growth.

Be sure to listen to the full interview to hear Kirkland explain his positions in his own words and learn more about his campaign for California’s 21st Congressional District.