A New Year and Renewed Optimism for Grapes As California’s grape industry faces ongoing economic and labor pressures, cautious optimism is beginning to surface. On Ag Meter, Fresno County Viticulture …
California Raisins & Grape Innovation: AgNet News Hour Highlights
California agriculture continues to evolve as growers adapt to water shortages, rising labor costs, and global competition. On the latest AgNet News Hour, Fresno County Viticulture Advisor George Zhuang shared …
Colonists’ Livestock and the Transformation of Early American Land
Colonists and the Transformation of Early American Agriculture The arrival of European colonists in North America brought more than settlers—it introduced new agricultural practices that reshaped the land. While colonists …
Food Dyes, Kids, and Behavior: One Family’s Story
When national conversations turn to artificial food dyes, most people think about labels and regulations. For Erin Krier, the issue is personal—and rooted in years of lived experience as both …
Food Dyes, Fraud, and the Future of Agriculture in 2026
The first AgNet News Hour of 2026 opened with a wide-ranging conversation on agriculture, food policy, and accountability, as Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, and Lorrie Boyer set the tone …
New Mexico: A Surprising Leader in American Agriculture
New Mexico’s Agricultural Significance When most people think of top agricultural states in the U.S., New Mexico might not immediately come to mind. Yet, this southwestern state plays a vital …
California Water Solutions: Inside Turlock Irrigation District
California’s water challenges often dominate headlines, but the most effective solutions are frequently happening at the local level. In a compelling conversation on Ag Meter, Josh Weimer, Director of External …
AgNet News Hour Podcast: Water, Policy, and the Future of California Agriculture
The AgNet News Hour kicks off 2026 with a comprehensive discussion on the most critical issue facing California agriculture: water. Hosts Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, and Lorrie Boyer examine …
Colonial Farming and Soil Stewardship: Lessons from Early America
In the early days of American colonization, settlers faced steep learning curves when it came to managing the land. Soil stewardship was not yet a science, and many early practices …
California in Crisis: Elaine Culotti on Leadership, Voter ID & Agriculture
California faces critical challenges in 2026, from economic mismanagement to overregulation and environmental disputes, and farmers are feeling the impact. On the AgNet West News Hour, Nick Papagni, the Ag …
America’s Largest Barns: Icons of Agriculture
Barns have long been a symbol of America’s agricultural heritage. They vary widely in size, shape, and purpose, yet many still stand as enduring reminders of the nation’s farming past. …
AgNet News Hour: California Agriculture, Wine Industry Insights & Trade Talks for 2026
In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, and Lorrie Boyer explore a wide array of topics that matter to California agriculture and beyond, from …
AgNet News Hour Podcast: 2025 Ag Review & 2026 Outlook
On this New Year’s Eve edition of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni, the Ag Meter, looks back at the defining agriculture stories of 2025 while setting the stage …
The History of Corn Harvesting in American Agriculture: From Hand-Husked Fields to Mechanization
Hand-Harvesting Corn – A Labor-Intensive Tradition Corn has long been a cornerstone of American agriculture, but harvesting it in the early 20th century was a labor-intensive challenge. Before tractors and …