Industry Legends Reflect on the Past and Present The raisin industry in California, once a dominant force in global dried fruit production, is undergoing dramatic changes. In a recent conversation …
Kevin Kester on Ranching, Trade, and Ag’s Next Generation
Life in Parkfield, California Kevin Kester is a fifth-generation rancher from Parkfield, California, a small ranching community northeast of Paso Robles in southeast Monterey County. Known as the “earthquake capital …
Pistachios, Water & Trade: Kreps on Farming’s Future
A Season of Ideal Weather The summer leading into this year’s pistachio harvest has been one of the mildest in recent memory. According to pistachio grower and industry leader Rich …
Shannon Douglas: Leading California Agriculture Through Opportunity and Challenge
California is one of the most diverse and productive agricultural states in the nation. From the vineyards of Napa to the citrus groves of the Central Valley, farms across the …
California Trucking: Costs, Rules & Roadblocks
California Trucking Battles: Regulations, Costs, and the Future of Freight Freight at the Center of Agriculture Challenges In California, agriculture discussions often revolve around water and labor, but freight has …
Lorenzo Rios: Valley Strong Vision for California
Introducing Lorenzo Rios Nick Papagni recently sat down with Lorenzo Rios, candidate for California’s Congressional District 21. Rios, who describes himself as a man deeply committed to this country, shared …
Mike Harvey: Farming, Faith & Leading California’s Youth
From Farming Roots in Delano Mike Harvey’s story begins in the heart of California agriculture. Raised just north of the Kern County line in Rich Grove, Tulare County, Harvey grew …
California Farmers Face Policy, Energy, and Innovation Challenges
Introduction California agriculture is at a crossroads. From water shortages to restrictive energy mandates, farmers in the Central Valley face mounting pressures that threaten not just their livelihoods but the …
Beef Supply Shortages and Meat Prices: Darren Hill of JD Food
A Return to the Conversation Nick Papagni recently welcomed back Darren Hill, Sales Manager at JD Food and former five-star chef, to discuss the current state of the meat industry. …
California’s Water Crisis: Edward Ring Calls for Abundance Over Scarcity
A Crisis of Scarcity California’s ongoing water crisis is forcing farmers, cities, and communities into impossible trade-offs. On a recent interview with Nick Papagni, Edward Ring, Director, Water and Energy …
Reedley College Ag Conference 2025: Innovation, Careers & Farming’s Future
Reedley College to Host Ag Conference on October 9: Innovation, Careers, and the Future of Farming The Reedley College Agriculture Conference returns on October 9, 2025, bringing together growers, students, …
Fighting for California Agriculture and Values: David Tangipa on Water, Farmers, and Policy
California’s Central Valley is the heart of American agriculture, and its farmers face unprecedented challenges. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with David Tangipa, Assemblyman for the Central Valley, …
California Almond Harvest 2025: Prices and Yields
Insights from Steve Malanca of West Valley Hauling The Ag Meter recently visited Firebaugh, California, where Nick Papagni sat down with Steve Malanca of West Valley Hulling to discuss the …
Freeman Vineyard: Organic Sonoma Wines with Global Reach
A Family Story Rooted in Sonoma County In the heart of West Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Freeman Vineyard and Winery has become a leader in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production. …
Farming for the Future: Jake Barcellos and A-Bar Ag Enterprises
A Fourth-Generation California Farm in Los Banos–Firebaugh In the heart of California’s Central Valley, A-Bar Ag Enterprises, led by fourth-generation farmer Jake Barcellos, represents both tradition and innovation. Farming in …
California Wine Month: Sustainability, Innovation, and the Future of Wine
Celebrating California’s Global Role in Wine California continues to lead the U.S. wine industry, producing an impressive 81% of all U.S. wine. With more than 6,200 wineries and 5,900 growers …
Don Cameron: California Ag Leadership & Challenges
A Farmer and Leader in California Agriculture Don Cameron, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, is not only a prominent voice in policy but also a …
Melissa Oberti on Grapes, Almonds, and Water Challenges
The Oberti Family Legacy in Central Valley Agriculture Melissa Oberti, a third-generation (nearly fourth) farmer from Madera, California, continues her family’s agricultural tradition. The Oberti family, once famous for Oberti …
Immigration Reform and Ag Labor: Manuel Cunha on the Dignity Act
Manuel Cunha on Immigration Reform and Ag Labor Nick Papagni recently spoke with Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, about the urgent need for immigration reform and how …
Joe Del Bosque: Water, Labor, and the Fight for California Farming
A Legacy in California Agriculture Joe Del Bosque, a well-known farmer from Firebaugh and Los Banos, has spent decades cultivating melons, almonds, tomatoes, and more on nearly 2,000 acres. His …
Ziveli Winery: A Croatian Legacy Thrives in the Heart of California
Discovering Ziveli Winery in West Fresno Nestled between Kerman and Fresno, just north of the small town of Biola, Ziveli Winery offers more than just exquisite wines—it’s a place where …
California Farmers Struggle with Water, Labor, and Regulations
California agriculture faces mounting challenges, from water shortages to labor and regulatory pressures. Andrew Genasci, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, shares firsthand insights on what farmers are …
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau: Advocacy, Education & the Future of Agriculture
Stanislaus County: Leading the Way in Farm Bureau Membership When it comes to agriculture, Stanislaus County is setting the pace in California. According to Anna Genasci, Communication Director of the …
Marlena Paolilli on Cry Baby Wine and the Future of California’s Wine Industry
From Italian Restaurants to California Wine Marlena Paolilli is no stranger to food, family, and tradition. Coming from one of the Central Valley’s most iconic Italian families, her roots are …
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds: Advancing Lettuce and Melon Varieties in Salinas
Syngenta Showcases Future of Vegetable Seeds in Salinas Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter”, recently visited Syngenta Vegetable Seeds’ Future of Veg event in Salinas, California. The event featured Justin Goodwin, …
Ted Torosian Builds Custom Produce into Ag Success Story
Custom Produce: Ted Torosian’s Journey from Football Legend to Produce Industry Leader From the Football Field to Farming Success Ted Torosian, a name well known in Sanger Apache football history …
Rachel Nettleton Leads Kern County Farm Bureau
From Sports to Agriculture Rachel Nettleton, Executive Director of the Kern County Farm Bureau, didn’t grow up in the farming industry. Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, she often jokes …
Florida FFA Leaders Share Their Passion for Agriculture at Specialty Crop Expo
Inspiring the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders At the recent Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida, three outstanding members of the Florida FFA Association—Lyla Bent, Hope Storter, and Isabelle Jenkins—shared …
Midland Tractor: John Deere Dealer Powering California Farmers with Innovation and Service
A Family Legacy in Madera At the heart of California’s Central Valley, Midland Tractor in Madera has been serving farmers for more than 40 years. For Stan Nelson, who has …
Dale Nicol on Syngenta, Farming Challenges, and Feeding the World
A Lifetime in Agriculture Few names in agriculture carry the respect and legacy of Dale Nicol, AgriEdge Manager at Syngenta and a proud native of Wasco, California. With over 45 …
Roger Isom on California Farming Challenges in 2025
California Farming at a Crossroads: Roger Isom on Water, Labor, and the Future of Agriculture Leadership in Agriculture Roger Isom serves as President and CEO of both the Western Tree …
California Pistachio Harvest 2025: Insights from Richard Kreps
A Promising Pistachio Season Ahead California pistachio growers are preparing for what could be their largest harvest on record. According to Richard Kreps, Ultra Gro representative and Chairman of the …
Dairy, Family, and Football: Joseph Bakker’s Life in the Central Valley
Carrying the Family Legacy In Tulare County, where agriculture and community are woven together, Joseph Bakker stands as the third generation in a long line of dairy farmers. His family …
Inside Hanford Dairy Life with Farmer Case Anker
A Legacy Rooted in the Dairy Industry In Hanford, California, dairy farmer Case Anker continues a proud family tradition that began in the 1940s. His grandfather immigrated from the Netherlands …
California FFA Leaders Share Vision for Agriculture’s Future
Inspiring the Next Generation of Farmers and Leaders The California FFA State Officer Team is on a mission to grow agricultural awareness, leadership skills, and career opportunities for young people …
Madera County Water Challenges Explained by Matt Angell
In a candid interview with agricultural broadcaster Nick Papagni, Madera farmer and water innovator Matt Angell shares hard truths about California’s water crisis and the complex path forward. An Innovator …
Minturn Nut’s Darren Rigg Talks Almond Industry
Minturn Nut Company’s Role in California Agriculture Darren Rigg, a leader at Minturn Nut Company in Le Grand, California, shared insights on the current almond market, crop quality, and the …
California Almonds & Walnuts: Sonny Toor on Markets, Tariffs, Grower Strategy
Valley Pride Ag’s Sonny Toor discusses the 2025 harvest outlook, global demand, and what California nut growers should expect. California Nut Industry Navigates Opportunity and Challenge, Says Valley Pride Ag …
Los Gatos Tomato: Innovation, Labor & Water in Focus
California’s Tomato Powerhouse Balances Efficiency and Sustainability Los Gatos Tomato Products has been a quiet leader in California’s tomato processing industry for over 30 years. Owned by four multi-generational farming …
Homegrown Organic: Stephen Paul on Fruit, Figs, Farming Future
A Refreshing Harvest and a Bright Outlook In a rare moment of seasonal reprieve, California’s Central Valley is enjoying cooler weather—and so are its farmers. Stephen Paul of Homegrown Organic …
Wade Kirschenman on Grapes, Potatoes & Policy
Legacy and Innovation in Kern County Farming A Family Legacy Rooted in California Soil Kirschenman Enterprises has been farming in California since 1937. Now led by third-generation farmer Wade Kirschenman, …
California Table Grape Season Off to a Strong Start
Ian LeMay Discusses California Table Grape Quality, Trade Challenges, and Global Growth California table grapes are in peak season, and according to Ian LeMay, President and CEO of the California …
Nick Foglio on Hay Markets, Water Scarcity, and the Future of California Ag
Inside the California Feed Market: Price Pressures and Protein Replacements In a wide-ranging conversation with AgNet West, Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities detailed the evolving dynamics of the hay and …
Coastal Grandmother Talks Ag and Online Influence
Lex Nicoleta, the creator of the viral Coastal Grandmother aesthetic, joined AgNet West to reflect on her unexpected rise to influencer fame—and how her connection to California agriculture is shaping …
Chad Bianco: “California Is in Crisis—And Agriculture Is Paying the Price”
In a candid conversation with The Ag Meter host Nick Papagni, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, now running for governor, shared bold criticisms of California’s current leadership—especially when it comes …
California Fresh Fruit Industry Faces Crisis
A Voice for California’s Fruit Growers Daniel Hartwig, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, joined AgNet West’s “The Ag Meter” to discuss the state of agriculture in California. Representing …
Hilton Slams Solar on Farmland, Pledges Support for California Ag
California at a Crossroads: Steve Hilton Talks Ag, Energy, and Leadership In a wide-ranging interview with AgNet West’s Nick Papagni, gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton laid out his vision for California …
David Tangipa: Defending California Farmers from Costly Policies
California Assemblyman Tangipa Calls for Ag Policy Reform, Water Security, and Common-Sense Leadership In a candid and wide-ranging interview with AgNet West, California Assembly District 8 representative Mr. David Tangipa …
Morada Nut’s Jameson on Walnut Market Challenges
Morada’s Outlook: California Walnuts Poised for a Comeback In a detailed interview with AgNet West’s Nick Papagni, Michael Jameson of Morada Nut Company offered insight into the 2025 California walnut …
Water, Land, and Policy: Farmer Andrew Leimgruber Speaks Out
California Farmer Confronts Water, Regulation, and Foreign Land Sales Fourth-generation Imperial Valley farmer Andrew Leimgruber of Leimgruber Farms has become a national voice for California agriculture, speaking candidly on Fox …
California Walnut Comeback: Norene’s Outlook
Big Time Farming Owner Shares Insights on Walnut Industry Recovery and Growth California walnut growers are seeing signs of optimism after several challenging years. Davin Norene, president and owner of …
Jeff Bitter Warns: Wine Grape Growers Face Tough Road Ahead
Allied Grape Growers President Speaks Candidly on Wine Sales, Tariffs, and Industry Struggles At the 49th Annual Allied Grape Growers Luncheon in Fresno, California, Jeff Bitter, President of the Allied …
Morada Produce Reports Cherry Shortage
Michael Jameson Reflects on a Wild 37th Cherry Season in California In a wide-ranging and insightful interview, cherry industry legend Michael Jameson of Morada Produce breaks down the highs and …
Cunha on Immigration, Labor, Regulatory Reform
Nisei Farmers League President Tackles Policy, Worker Rights, and Federal Overreach In a candid and wide-ranging interview with AgNet West, Manuel Cunha, President of the Nisei Farmers League, outlined pressing …
Joel Allen on Westside Farming, Family Legacy, and Football Fame
In this exclusive interview, Joel Allen of Joel Allen Ranch joins The Ag Meter to discuss farming in Firebaugh, the challenges and successes of Westside agriculture, and life as the …
California’s Meat Industry Faces Historic Supply Crunch
Darren Hill of JD Food Discusses Beef Shortages, Rising Costs, and the Future of Meat in California In a candid conversation with “The Ag Meter,” Darren Hill, sales manager at …
“My Job Depends On Ag” Celebrates 10 Years of Grassroots Impact
How a Simple Sticker Became a Statewide Movement for California Agriculture In 2015, two friends in California’s Central Valley, Steve Malanca and Erik Wilson, unknowingly launched one of agriculture’s most …
Ryan Jacobsen: Defending California Agriculture
Advocating for California Ag: Ryan Jacobsen on Water, Policy, and the Valley’s Future Agriculture and Advocacy: A Lifelong Mission Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, reflects on …
Jesse Silva Discusses California Citrus, Global Trade, Future of Farming
Jesse Silva, Vice President of Sales for Kings River Packing, represents the eighth generation of a California farming family rooted in Sanger. The company operates four packing sheds and markets …
Generations of Growth: Daniel Jackson on Family Tree Farms’ Roots, Innovation, Future
A Valley Legacy Rooted in Grit For Daniel Jackson of Family Tree Farms, farming isn’t just a business — it’s a family legacy dating back to the Great Depression. His …
California Ag at a Crossroads: Rich Kreps Talks Water, Pistachios, and Policy Reform
“If you can’t feed the world, we’ve got issues.” That’s how Rich Kreps, pistachio farmer, crop advisor, and Chairman of the American Pistachio Growers, opened a wide-ranging, no-punches-pulled conversation with …
California Table Grape Season Kicks Off Strong: Ian LeMay Shares Optimism for 2025-26
The 2025 California table grape season is officially underway, and it’s shaping up to be one to remember. In a recent interview with AgNetWest, Ian LeMay, the newly appointed President …
California Freight Crisis Hits Farmers and Truckers Hard: A Conversation with Nick Foglio
In a candid conversation with Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities, AgNet West’s “Ag Meter,” Nick Papagni, explores the freight emergency unfolding in California. What was meant to be a routine …
Tomatoes to Tequila: Stuart Woolf’s Agave Revolution in California
From almond flour to agave spirits, legendary farmer Stuart Woolf shares how he’s reshaping the future of California agriculture — one drought-tolerant plant at a time. If you’ve spent any …
Steve Hilton Pledges to Restore California Agriculture and Fight Regulatory Extremism
In an exclusive AgNet West interview, Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, sat down with Steve Hilton, candidate for Governor of California, to discuss the future of the Golden State. A …
Fifth-Generation Dairy Farmer Sounds Alarm on California Ag Issues
A Family Legacy Under Threat Stephanie Moreda-Arend, a fifth-generation dairy farmer from Petaluma, California, is sounding the alarm over an unfolding crisis that threatens the very existence of multi-generational family …
Raisin Industry Legends Warn of Challenges and Chart a Path Forward
The October 2 edition of the AgNet News Hour was dedicated to the raisin industry — past, present, and future. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with three …
Plymouth Colony Crops: Corn, Tobacco, and Early Trade
The First Crops in Plymouth Colony When the first settlers arrived in Plymouth, they planted barley and peas brought from England. But their most important crop soon became Indian corn, …
Kevin Kester on Cattle, Wolves, and the Fight to Keep Family Ranches Alive
The October 1 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a wide-ranging conversation with Kevin Kester, a fifth-generation rancher from Parkfield, California, and former president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef …
Ohio River: A Lifeline of American Agriculture
Introduction The Ohio River has played a crucial role in shaping American agriculture and commerce. Stretching nearly a thousand miles, this historic waterway has been central to trade, transportation, and …
Pistachio Harvest Update and Fair Season Fun on AgNet News Hour
The September 30 edition of the AgNet News Hour mixed lighthearted fair talk with serious updates on California’s pistachio industry. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened the show with …
Iowa Farmer Unearths Rare Treasure from the 1850s
A Remarkable Discovery in Iowa Agriculture In March 2017, history surfaced in an Iowa farm field when farmer Robert Ellis made an extraordinary discovery. While plowing near the Missouri River, …
John Duarte on Central Valley Agriculture: Water, Prop 50, and the Future of Avocados
A Legacy Rooted in Innovation When it comes to modern agriculture, few names carry as much influence as John Duarte, president of Duarte Nursery. Founded in 1989, Duarte Nursery has …
John Duarte Shares Bold Nursery Innovations and Warns of Prop 50 Threat
The September 29 edition of the AgNet News Hour kicked off the week with a deep dive into the future of California agriculture. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat …
Oregon Trail: How It Shaped American Agriculture
A Defining Route in Agricultural History The Oregon Trail remains one of the most significant routes in American history, playing a vital role in the nation’s agricultural development. Stretching 2,170 …
California Farm Bureau’s Shannon Douglas Tackles Prop 50, Farm Bill, and the Future of Farming
The September 26 edition of the AgNet News Hour closed out the week with one of the state’s most important agricultural voices. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Shannon …