…growers are contending with rising labor costs, global supply chain disruptions, unpredictable market conditions, and persistent threats from pests and diseases. In response, the USDA program offers flexible funding to…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 07-03-25
AgNet News Hour – Labor Solutions, Walnut Momentum, and Global Almond Growth On today’s AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill deliver an insightful pre-Independence Day show that…
Water, Land, and Policy: Farmer Andrew Leimgruber Speaks Out
…in Imperial County, agriculture often gets sidelined in state politics. “They gave tax carve-outs to Hollywood but ignored agriculture,” Leimgruber said, pointing out the missed opportunity to support ag labor…
Joel Allen Talks Farm Labor, Immigration, and Pistachio Production Costs
…challenges of labor contracting and immigration policy. “We actually use three different labor contractors, especially for the pistachios,” said Allen. “It’s pretty labor-intensive the first three or four years. Then…
Advocating for Growers and Farmworkers in California Ag
…about how the organization is helping California growers navigate a complicated labor and regulatory landscape. Manuel Cunha Advocates for Growers Through Nisei Farmers League Support Programs “The immigration labor issue…
Jeff Bitter Warns: Wine Grape Growers Face Tough Road Ahead
…Falling domestic wine consumption, especially among younger consumers Excess inventory and vineyard removals Labor and input costs Tariff unpredictability Bitter noted that growers with contracts are holding steady, while those…
Wine Grape Market Struggles: Jeff Bitter Shares Tough Outlook
…going to be a pretty hit and miss situation.” Some may face the grim reality of producing grapes all season without earning a return. He also acknowledged compounding issues: labor…
Fixing Farm Labor: Manuel Cunha Calls for Urgent Immigration Reform
Nisei Farmers League President Urges Immediate Action on Immigration as Harvest Pressures Mount Fixing Farm Labor: Manuel Cunha Calls for Urgent Immigration Reform Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter”, for AgNet…
AgNet News Hour Friday, 06-27-25
AgNet News Hour: Immigration Reform, Border Concerns, and a Call to Protect California Farm Labor In today’s AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick “The Ag Meter” Papagni and Josh McGill bring…
Cunha on Immigration, Labor, Regulatory Reform
…issues impacting California’s agricultural landscape. From immigration reform to labor enforcement, Cunha offers practical insight from the front lines of advocacy. Cunha on Immigration, Labor, Regulatory Reform 1. Overview of…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 06-26-25
…and Josh kick off with a reflection on Central Valley mornings before diving into the heated topic of ag labor. From H-2A guest worker challenges to proposals for prisoner labor…
Joel Allen on Westside Farming, Family Legacy, and Football Fame
…Legacy, and Leadership The ranch relies on multiple labor contractors, especially for early-stage pistachio work. Joel praises the performance and reliability of their crews and dispels common misconceptions about labor…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 06-25-25
…from cotton due to market challenges. He emphasizes the growing importance of smart crop rotation, dependable labor contractors, and adjusting to the rising costs of freight and inputs. But it’s…
AgNet News Hour Monday, 06-23-25
…a proposed new fee structure. The plan includes a sliding scale for pumping fees that many small farmers say still disproportionately burdens them—especially as costs for labor, fertilizer, and regulatory…