In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rolled out a new assistance initiative designed to support America’s specialty crop growers as they face mounting economic pressures. The program …
U.S.–Morocco Ag Ties Strengthened During California Almond Tour
The Almond Board of California (ABC) recently hosted a high-level agricultural trade delegation from Morocco, marking a significant step in deepening U.S.–Moroccan relations in food and agriculture. Coordinated in partnership …
H-2A Guestworker Program Burdening California Farmers
Manuel Cunha Calls H-2A Labor System “Unworkable” for Local Growers AgNet West’s Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter”, recently sat down with Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, to …
Imperial Valley Sugar Plant Closure Raises Crop Market Concerns
The recent closure of the Spreckels Sugar Plant in Imperial Valley is sending ripples through the region’s agricultural economy. Andrew Leimgruber of Leimgruber Farms, a diversified grower in the area, …
Extreme Heat Blamed for California Cherry Shortfall
The California cherry crop took a significant hit this year, and according to industry veteran Michael Jameson of Morada Produce, the weather is largely to blame. In an interview with …
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 …
James Oliver’s Chilled Plow Revolutionized Farming Worldwide
From Patented Innovation to Global Agricultural Impact In this edition of the American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlights a pivotal figure in farming innovation—James Oliver. While the Oliver name …
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 …
Farming with Less Water: Leimgruber’s “Crop per Drop” Success
Imperial Valley Grower Increases Yields While Cutting Water Use Water Scarcity Demands Innovation Andrew Leimgruber of Leimgruber Farms in California’s Imperial Valley knows what it means to farm under extreme …
Cunha: Immigration Failure Hurts America’s Farmworkers
Nisei Farmers League President Calls for Real Guest Worker Reform Longtime Workers Still Face Deportation In a powerful interview with Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter”, Manuel Cunha, president of the …
Wine Grape Growers Back Pierce’s Disease Program
California Growers Approve Continued Funding to Fight Vineyard Pests The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has certified the results of the Wine Grape Grower Continuation Referendum for the …
California Cherry Crop Plummets by 50%, Prices Spike
Michael Jameson of Morada Produce Discusses a Historic Season for California Cherries A Season Marked by Extreme Heat and Low Volume California’s 2025 cherry harvest saw a dramatic downturn, with …
Pierce’s Disease Program Extended to 2031
California Wine Growers Back Program to Combat Vineyard Threats The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has reauthorized the Pierce’s Disease Control Program, a vital effort aimed at protecting …
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 07-02-25
AgNet News Hour: Water, Land, and a Fight for the Future of Farming in California On today’s AgNet News Hour, Nick “The Ag Meter” Papagni and Josh McGill deliver a …