A Conversation on Weather, Harvest Challenges, Industry Complexity, and the Future of Farming
California agriculture is built on a foundation of resilience, innovation, and deep generational knowledge. Few people understand this better than Ryan Jacobsen, President and CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau and a fourth-generation California farmer. In a recent conversation on the Ag Meter, Jacobsen shared candid insights on the state of agriculture as 2025 wraps up and 2026 approaches—touching on weather, regulatory pressures, industry diversity, and the extraordinary responsibility of representing one of the most productive farming regions on the planet.
A Year of Remarkable Weather—and Remarkable Challenges
Jacobsen began by reflecting on an unpredictable yet extraordinary weather year. From a human standpoint, the Central Valley experienced one of its most pleasant summers in decades, a sharp contrast to recent years dominated by prolonged and intense heat waves. For perhaps the first time in many seasons, fall even “felt like a real fall,” he said.
But the pleasant temperatures came with a twist.
An Unusual Harvest Season
While growers often deal with a single storm during the harvest window, 2025 brought seven.
Storm after storm swept across the region, forcing farmers into a relentless cycle of drying crops, salvaging what they could, and preparing for the next wave of rain.
Farmers—especially those working with raisins, almonds, grapes, and other weather-sensitive crops—were pushed to their limits. They raced to dry fruit between storms, left crops temporarily on trees or vines, and worked around the clock to minimize losses.
Jacobsen credited modern meteorology for helping growers stay ahead:
“We get a lot more heads up from the weather side of things than we used to… farmers did what they could to prepare.”
While some damage is expected, he remains cautiously optimistic that losses will be less severe thanks to quick adaptation and strategic planning.
Agriculture in California: A Complex and Collective Effort
Contrary to popular belief, California agriculture isn’t just about almonds and pistachios. The Fresno County Farm Bureau represents a sprawling variety of crops and livestock operations—roughly 350 commodities, from grapes and tomatoes to dairy and cattle.
As a general agriculture organization, the Farm Bureau bridges all these sectors.
A “Jack of All Trades”
With 21 years at the Bureau and roots in multigenerational farming, Jacobsen describes the job as equal parts challenging and deeply rewarding. He has spent decades learning the unique needs and pressures of each commodity group.
Though disagreements within the industry sometimes arise, the goal remains clear:
“…work through those and try to make those good… and be a good spokesperson for so many of them.”
The Job Never Slows Down—It Only Grows More Complicated
Comparing leadership in agriculture to his past as a standout athlete, Jacobsen admitted that the job hasn’t slowed down with experience—it’s only grown more demanding.
Farming in an “urban state,” he notes, brings an ever-growing list of rules, regulations, and legislative challenges. While the broad categories of issues—water, labor, inputs—are the same as 100 years ago, the complexity surrounding them has exploded.
The holiday season, once a time for internal planning and reflection, is now filled with nonstop meetings and policy discussions. The pace of change simply won’t allow for a break.
Representing 1.88 Million Acres of World-Class Farmland
When Jacobsen walks into a political meeting, industry conference, or stakeholder discussion, he carries with him the voice of farmers who manage nearly 2 million acres of the most productive farmland on Earth.
It’s a responsibility he holds with pride.
“I get to represent some of the best and most innovative farmers or ranchers in the world.”
California farmers have long produced more food with fewer resources—less land, less water, fewer inputs—than ever before. Yet the cost of farming continues to rise faster than in nearly any other region globally.
Despite this, innovation persists, and California remains the source of much of the flavor, color, and diversity on America’s dinner plates.
The Global Market Challenge: Imports, Price Pressures, and Consumer Behavior
One of the most significant shifts Jacobsen highlighted is the impact of global imports on consumer expectations and farmer profitability.
Decades ago, imports made up only a small portion of America’s food supply. Today, over 40% of the food consumed in the U.S. comes from abroad.
This has erased seasonality:
- When it was California grape season, the East Coast celebrated.
- Today, grapes are available year-round, often imported from regions with different labor standards, environmental practices, and growing conditions.
Consumers—especially during tough economic times—make purchasing decisions largely based on price, not origin or production practices. While California offers unmatched quality and stringent standards, those advantages don’t always translate into higher retail prices.
Jacobsen explained the resulting dilemma:
“Every regulation they put on us is going to be another cost… but that doesn’t necessarily reflect in the supermarket.”
Combined with what he describes as the toughest four to five years in decades, California growers are searching for a sustainable path forward.
Reasonable regulation, recognition of production costs, and fair competition are essential conversations at both the state and federal levels.
Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Educating a Public Far Removed from the Farm
As the interview continued, the Ag Meter team pressed Jacobsen on one of the most challenging parts of his job: engaging policymakers and consumers who have little—if any—connection to farming. Many of the people influencing regulations, he explained, have never set foot on a farm, yet make decisions that affect every farmer in the state.
Jacobsen noted the paradox at the heart of the issue. While people love food, cooking, and culinary culture, they often fail to recognize that agriculture is food. California agriculture also produces fiber, flora, and countless other products that support daily life. Yet public conversations frequently reduce farming to abstract policy topics rather than recognizing the industry as the foundation of the nation’s food system.
He stressed the disconnect between urban populations and agriculture, even in places like Fresno County—a region with over one million residents and some of the most productive farmland in the world. Many people today are two, three, or even four generations removed from any direct agricultural experience. In other regions of the state, those connections may not exist at all.
Jacobsen emphasized the urgent need to “get back to the basics”—helping the public understand where their food comes from, how it is grown, and why California’s production practices stand apart globally. He argued that agriculture outreach must be tied directly to issues consumers care about: food quality, food safety, environmental stewardship, and labor-friendly production standards.
California farmers excel in these areas, he said, and must continue celebrating that success while highlighting how deeply agriculture supports the state’s ports, transportation sectors, and local economies.
When Education Connects, It Works
When the Ag Meter asked whether people become more engaged once they learn about agriculture firsthand, Jacobsen didn’t hesitate: absolutely.
Adults with little exposure to farming are often fascinated when they discover even the most basic realities of agriculture. Many still hold misconceptions—like believing chocolate milk comes from brown cows—or have no idea how staple crops are grown. Jacobsen shared examples of high-ranking officials who didn’t know almonds grow on trees or that peanuts are a ground crop.
This lack of fundamental knowledge isn’t a criticism, he noted; it’s a sign of how easily society forgets the origins of the food found in every grocery store. That’s why he believes media, documentaries, cooking shows, and food-focused programming play a vital role in rebuilding awareness. When people make the connection between the flavors they love and the farmers who produce them, meaningful conversations about agriculture can finally take place.
Rodent Damage: A Silent but Spreading Crisis
The conversation turned to a problem that recently surprised many listeners: widespread rodent damage in orchards and vineyards. After a previous Ag Meter segment went viral, Jacobsen received countless emails from people shocked to learn that rats, squirrels, and gophers are destroying trees, irrigation lines—including drip systems—and other critical infrastructure.
Unfortunately, the problem has not improved.
Jacobsen reported that growers across the region continue to face severe infestations. In some areas that had never experienced rodent pressure before, the issue is now widespread. The causes remain uncertain, with numerous hypotheses being explored, but the impact is consistent: extensive destruction and costly repairs.
He urged growers to lean heavily on local agricultural organizations and state and county officials who are working on mitigation strategies. Rodents, he emphasized, are highly intelligent—if growers use one method against them, they quickly adapt, forcing farmers to switch tactics. Right now, the focus isn’t on containment but on helping each affected grower find the tools, resources, and strategies necessary to manage the crisis on their own operations.
Balancing Today’s Realities with Tomorrow’s Innovations
The Ag Meter then shifted to another pressing topic: automation and agricultural technology. With BRF 2025 showcasing new robotics, drones, automated tractors, and other innovations, the question was clear: how can farmers focus on the future when today’s economic challenges are so severe?
Jacobsen acknowledged that California farmers are experiencing the toughest economic period in 40 years. Costs continue to rise, commodity prices remain stagnant, and producers have little room for financial risk. Yet innovation is not optional.
Farmers, he said, face the constant pressure to innovate or die.
But innovation doesn’t always mean adopting the flashiest new device. Jacobsen warned growers to avoid getting lost in a sea of “widgets”—technology that may look exciting but lacks a proven track record. With limited budgets, farmers need solutions that are practical, scalable, and cost-effective.
He encouraged growers to collaborate with neighbors, experts, and early adopters; to test technologies slowly; and to focus on proven tools that make a measurable impact on the bottom line.
At the same time, Jacobsen underscored the importance of long-term investment from the broader industry and government. While farmers must manage their individual ROI, California must strategically invest in research, mechanization, plant breeding, and emerging technologies—including AI—to remain competitive in the future.
The Quiet Power of Plant Breeding
While robotic harvesters and autonomous tractors capture the spotlight, Jacobsen highlighted one of agriculture’s most transformative but underrated technologies: plant breeding.
He praised the California table grape industry for its remarkable progress in developing new varieties with exceptional flavor, texture, and consumer appeal. While not as “sexy” as robotics, varietal innovation has dramatically improved the marketplace and continues to drive consumer enthusiasm.
This technological evolution is helping California extend its harvest window, maintain market share, and compete globally. These advancements, Jacobsen said, are critical as farmers try to fit their production into “global holes”—time slots in the international market where California fruit can thrive without overlapping competing crops from Mexico, Chile, or Argentina.
California Table Grapes: A Seasonal Treasure
When the Ag Meter mentioned their love of red fall table grapes, Jacobsen enthusiastically agreed. The fall season is one of the best times of year for California grapes, with harvest now stretching well into December thanks to new late-season varieties and improved production techniques.
The state’s growers and packer-shippers excel at extending the season and delivering high-quality fruit deep into winter, a testament to their expertise and innovation. Their work ensures that consumers can enjoy exceptional grapes long after other growing regions have finished their seasons.
Farmers as the Original Environmentalists
When the conversation touched on environmental issues, Jacobsen reiterated a point often overlooked in public discussions: farmers are among the greatest environmental stewards in the world. Their livelihoods depend on the health of their soil, water, and ecosystems, and they treat their land with extraordinary care, often across generations.
California farmers have become highly innovative, he said, not only in production but in understanding global markets. Some commodities, like almonds—of which California produces nearly 80% of the world’s supply—dominate international trade. Others occupy smaller niches yet require precise timing to avoid overlapping with foreign competitors. Producers must constantly adapt to survive today while planning decades ahead.
Farmers aren’t just producing crops; they’re preserving legacies.
Weather Outlook: Hope for a Wet Year and the Power of a Few Good Storms
As the conversation continued, the Ag Meter turned the focus to weather—an ever-present concern in California agriculture. With early-season snow already covering the mountains, the hosts wondered whether 2026 might mark a fourth consecutive wet year. Jacobsen agreed that such a scenario would be “phenomenal,” but provided an important caveat: despite early projections, 2025 was not the wet year many expected. It wasn’t disastrous, he noted, but it ended up drier than forecasts suggested.
Even so, Jacobsen emphasized the tremendous value of a truly abundant water year, something in the range of 120% to 150% of average. If those conditions materialize, he said, the region is ready to capture as much water as possible. What farmers don’t want, however, is a repeat of 2023—the massive flood year that submerged regions up and down the state. California depends on water, but extremes come with major consequences.
Looking ahead, Jacobsen noted that early indicators point to a weak La Niña. Statistically, La Niña years lean dry—seven of the last ten have been on the drier side—but he stressed that nothing is guaranteed. Climate patterns have become increasingly erratic; California can experience a flurry of storms in December, only to see the system shut off for months. Ultimately, five to seven significant storms determine the success of a Central California water year. If those arrive steadily throughout winter, growers can look forward to a strong supply in 2026.
California’s North–South Water Divide
The Ag Meter hosts joked about their “dreams”—one of which was seeing Jacobsen run for governor someday, and the other involving plentiful water for west-side farmers. Jacobsen laughed off the political idea but wholeheartedly agreed about water: California’s geography complicates everything. The state is so vast that good water conditions in the Central Valley don’t necessarily mean good conditions in the north, where much of the state’s supply originates. A healthy Sierra Nevada snowpack benefits the entire agricultural system, but a weak northern water year can spell trouble for west-side growers who depend heavily on federal and state water project deliveries.
That’s why Jacobsen hopes for long-duration systems—“freight trains of storms”—that blanket the mountains with snow and sustain communities across the whole state.
How to Join the Fresno County Farm Bureau
Turning to community engagement, the Ag Meter asked how listeners could become members of the Fresno County Farm Bureau (FCFB). Jacobsen called it the “best question of the day” and laid out the simple steps. Anyone can join—farmers, ranchers, ag-adjacent businesses, and community members who rely on agriculture in any way.
Membership is available online at FCFB.org, or by calling 559-237-0263. Jacobsen emphasized that the organization relies completely on voluntary support. Whether someone is renewing after years away or joining for the first time, every membership strengthens the Farm Bureau’s ability to advocate for agriculture at the local, state, and federal levels.
Agriculture’s Economic Backbone: Every Job Depends on Food
The Ag Meter pointed out something many Central Valley residents don’t realize: virtually every business in the region is tied to agriculture. Jacobsen wholeheartedly agreed. Even jobs far removed from tractors and orchards ultimately depend on dollars generated by farming. From restaurants to manufacturing to retail, agriculture remains the economic backbone of Fresno County.
He noted that the movement “My Job Depends on Ag” resonated across the region because it revealed how deeply food production is embedded in every local industry. Though some may resist the idea, the reality is clear: a healthy agricultural sector supports the rest of the regional economy. That’s why it is critical to sustain and celebrate agriculture’s role—not only as a production powerhouse but as the foundation of local prosperity.
Agriculture Is Food—And That Message Still Needs Repeating
Jacobsen reiterated a point he makes often: agriculture is food. Fresno County isn’t just an agricultural hub; it is the food capital of the nation. While the connection may seem obvious to those working within the industry, many consumers simply do not link everyday meals to the complex agricultural system that makes them possible.
By celebrating food—its origins, its flavor, its quality—the community can bridge this understanding gap. When people fall in love with the culinary experience, they become more invested in the farmers who produce it.
Looking Ahead to Early 2026: Optimism With Measured Caution
As the discussion shifted toward the months ahead, Jacobsen reflected on 2025. Despite hopes for a rebound, the year didn’t end as strong as many expected. Still, he sees encouraging signs. After enduring what he called a “great depression” in the ag economy—stretching from 2021 through 2024—conditions are beginning to improve.
His focus heading into 2026 is straightforward: advocacy, persistence, and progress. Jacobsen remains committed to pushing for better policies, reducing regulatory burdens, and supporting long-term economic stability for farmers and ranchers. While challenges vary across commodities, he believes the overall direction is trending more positively than in recent years.
Labor and Freight: Persistent Challenges With Hope for Policy Progress
Labor remains a constant concern for California agriculture. The Ag Meter raised the possibility of immigration reform under the incoming federal administration. Jacobsen expressed cautious optimism. President-elect Trump has repeatedly stated an interest in addressing several categories of immigration—agricultural laborers, DACA recipients, and college-educated workers among them.
For decades, policymakers claimed reform could not proceed until the border was secure. Now, Jacobsen said, many agree that the border is more secure than it has been in years, creating an opportunity to shift the conversation toward productive solutions for workers already living and contributing in the United States.
He believes the coming year may bring more meaningful discussions about agricultural labor policy than the country has seen in a long time.
Freight—the movement of goods—remains another major hurdle. More than 40% of California’s agricultural products are exported, making efficient ports, shipping lanes, and trade agreements essential. While tariffs often dominate headlines, Jacobsen reminded listeners that non-tariff barriers are equally consequential. He remains hopeful that over the next 6 to 12 months, the federal government will strengthen trade relationships and reduce obstacles for California producers.
The Spirit of the Farmer: Resilience, Faith, and Unshakeable Optimism
The Ag Meter hosts praised the tenacity of farmers, comparing them to “middle linebackers” who refuse to quit. Jacobsen agreed without hesitation. Farming requires an extraordinary level of optimism—an ability to plant seeds, invest capital, and weather threats ranging from markets to regulations to Mother Nature.
He emphasized the almost spiritual dimension of agriculture, calling it “magical” to witness how a seed or sapling becomes a bountiful crop. But that magic comes with risk. Across the Valley, producers invest heavily in crops—row crops, tree crops, vineyards, and livestock—knowing that circumstances beyond their control can jeopardize an entire season.
Despite regulatory pressures, economic volatility, and public misunderstanding, farmers and ranchers remain remarkably resilient. That resilience sustains local communities and feeds the nation.
A Season of Gratitude for Farmers, Ranchers, and Farmworkers
As the interview segment drew toward its close, Jacobsen offered a heartfelt acknowledgment for the people who make California agriculture what it is. During this season of gratitude, he encouraged listeners to remember not only farmers and ranchers but also the farm employees whose hands harvest much of the state’s produce, including the iconic table grapes celebrated earlier in the conversation.
Their work is essential. Their contributions are profound. And their dedication helps maintain one of the world’s most abundant and diverse food supplies.
A Final Message of Gratitude to the Agriculture Community
As the conversation wrapped up, the Ag Meter encouraged listeners to support California farming by choosing locally grown products at their neighborhood grocery stores. Before signing off, the hosts asked Ryan Jacobsen if he had any final thoughts for AgNet West listeners. Jacobsen responded with a heartfelt message of appreciation for everyone who plays a part in sustaining California agriculture.
He emphasized that while farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers often receive the most visible recognition, the agricultural community extends far wider. Bankers, accountants, box makers, marketers, mechanics, sales reps, fertilizer suppliers, truck drivers, and countless others contribute daily to a complex system that feeds the nation. Jacobsen underscored that agriculture functions as a vast network—one in which every supporting role is essential.
To anyone listening who contributes to the industry in even the smallest way, he offered a sincere thank you. And for those who may not have a direct connection to agriculture, he added a simple reminder: by eating, they too are part of the system. He encouraged everyone to look for the California Grown label when shopping, supporting the region’s farmers and the broader ag economy.
Closing Remarks and Holiday Well-Wishes
The Ag Meter closed the interview by praising Jacobsen as “one of the great guys in the industry,” thanking him for joining the program. Jacobsen expressed his appreciation and said he always enjoys the opportunity to catch up and share insights with the agricultural community.
As the segment came to an end, both Jacobsen and the hosts exchanged warm Thanksgiving wishes. With that, the interview concluded on a positive, hopeful note—one that recognized the challenges facing agriculture, celebrated its resilience, and honored the people who keep the industry moving forward.