On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Karl Workentin, a pest control adviser (PCA) with Simplot in California’s Central Valley, joined Nick Papagni to discuss an unusually challenging growing season, emerging pest pressures and the rising costs of keeping California crops productive.
Working with growers throughout the Reedley, Dinuba, Kingsburg and surrounding areas, Workentin advises producers of citrus, tree fruit, almonds, pistachios and grapes. With decades of experience in the industry, he said 2026 presented challenges unlike those he had encountered in previous seasons.
“This year I’ve never seen a year so early as this one,” Workentin said, describing how unusually warm March weather accelerated crop development and compressed the time available for essential fieldwork.
The accelerated season created difficulties for growers, agricultural workers and pest control advisers, particularly in labor-intensive crops requiring careful thinning and precise application timing.
Pest management has also become increasingly complicated. Workentin explained that changes in available crop protection products have allowed some previously minor pests to become more significant problems.
He pointed to citrus mealybugs as an example, noting that growers now face greater difficulty controlling pests that were once managed with broader-spectrum products.
Meanwhile, rising input costs are putting additional pressure on agricultural operations. Workentin said sulfur prices have doubled over the past year, affecting an important material used in fertilizers, soil amendments and other agricultural applications.
With fewer new crop protection products becoming available in California, he said PCAs must find creative ways to manage insects and diseases using the tools they still have.
Looking ahead, Workentin also discussed the potential effects of a wetter winter, including increased fungal disease pressure and the importance of preparing orchards for the next growing season.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the industry’s future.
“I’m bullish on farming,” Workentin said, encouraging growers to maintain a positive outlook while continuing to adapt.
The conversation also explores the challenges of marketing fresh tree fruit, the importance of maintaining tree nutrition and Workentin’s passion for officiating high school football.
Hear the full conversation with Karl Workentin in the player above or on your favorite podcast app.
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