National Security, Innovation, and Tariff Tension In today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill break down the latest headlines shaping agriculture in California and across …
Hilton: California Broken by Extremism, Incompetence
Steve Hilton: California’s Crisis is “Democrat Extremism and Incompetence” Nick Papagni, known as “The Ag Meter”, recently sat down with Steve Hilton, who is officially running for Governor of California. …
Farming Isn’t Easy—But It’s a Story Worth Telling
Imperial Valley farmer Andrew Leimgruber recently spoke with Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” about the increasing challenges faced by producers and the importance of telling agriculture’s true story. “We put …
“One Big, Beautiful Bill” Delivers Tax Relief for Ag Producers
The House of Representatives has passed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill“, a sweeping tax reform package that marks a major legislative victory for America’s agricultural community, especially cattle producers and …
AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 07-08-25
Tariffs, Trade, and a Turnaround for Walnuts It’s a new week in California agriculture, and we’re starting strong with a packed episode of the AgNet News Hour. Join Nick Papagni …
Del Monte Foods Chapter 11 Signals Shift in Food Industry
Del Monte Foods Files for Bankruptcy Amid Market Transformation As the food industry continues evolving under health-conscious consumer trends and inflationary pressures, legacy companies are facing unprecedented challenges. Del Monte …
Assemblyman Warns of $8 Gas and Regulatory Strain on Farmers
Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter” from AgNet West, spoke with David Tangipa, a Central Valley Assemblyman, about the mounting challenges facing California agriculture. While water remains a top concern, Tangipa …
Southern Border Action Could Protect Farms
Manuel Cunha, President of the Nisei Farmers League, is calling for immediate action at the southern border to address the growing crisis of human smuggling and labor exploitation in agriculture. …
Ag Economy Barometer Dips in June, Signals Mixed Outlook
In June 2025, the Purdue University CME Group’s Ag Economy Barometer dropped 12 points to a reading of 146, reflecting growing caution among U.S. agricultural producers. Despite the decline, the …
Walnut Market Rebound: Jameson Sees Brighter 2025
California Walnut Outlook Shows Signs of Recovery After several challenging seasons, California’s walnut industry may finally be poised for a comeback. Michael Jameson of Morada Nut Company, who’s been in …
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 …
Agricultural Prices Rise 1.7% in May Amid Climbing Farm Costs
May Sees Modest Agricultural Price Increases Despite Rising Farm Costs In May, the United States experienced a modest but notable increase in agricultural output, with both crop and livestock production …
USDA Launches Support Program for Specialty Crop Growers
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 …
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, …