The 2026 California table grape season is officially underway—and it’s arriving earlier than expected. In a recent interview on The Ag Meter, host Nick Papagni sat down with Ian LeMay, …
California Table Grape Season Starts Early in 2026 with Strong Outlook and Global Demand
The AgNet News Hour featured a conversation with California Table Grape Commission President and CEO Ian LeMay, highlighting an early start to the 2026 season, strong market demand, and the …
Wine Industry at a Crossroads: Crisis, Comeback & What’s Next
The global wine industry is facing one of the most disruptive periods in modern history—and this exclusive conversation, conducted by “the Ag Meter”, Nick Papagni, sat with veteran winemaker Nicholas …
Mike Johanns Talks Farm Profitability, Policy, and the Future of California Agriculture
The March 19 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a compelling and wide-ranging interview with former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, who offered insight into the economic challenges …
Early Spring Moves That Protect Yield in Tree Fruit and Grapes
The Growing Edge is brought to you by Valent USA, the makers of Seize IGR for long-lasting scale control. Early spring is a narrow window where the right decisions can …
California Raisins in Trouble: Kalem Barserian Warns the Industry Is Shrinking Fast
The January 26 edition of the AgNet News Hour focused on a crop that helped build the Central Valley—but is now fighting for survival: California raisins. Hosts Nick Papagni and …
George Zhuang on Raisins, Innovation, and Fresno Grapes
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 …
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: 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 …
Todd Burkdoll of Valent USA on Coverage, Technology, and the Future of California Agriculture
When Todd Burkdoll speaks, California agriculture listens. A Field Market Development Specialist with Valent USA, Burkdoll brings decades of hands-on experience, deep technical knowledge, and a grounded perspective shaped by …
The Future of Wine: Tim Hanni Explains Consumer Shifts and Solutions
AgNet News Hour Featuring Master of Wine Tim Hanni On today’s AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni—the Ag Meter—sat down with Master of Wine, author, consultant, and sensory-science educator Tim …
A Conversation with Nicholas “Nick” Karavidas: A Winemaker’s Journey and Today’s Global Wine Challenges
Building a Global Framework for the Future of Wine Nicholas Karavidas continued outlining his vision for a more unified global structure that supports the small and mid-sized producers who represent …
John Duarte on California’s Future: Agriculture, Leadership & Change
California’s Crossroads: John Duarte Talks Leadership, Agriculture, and the Future of the Golden State On a special Thanksgiving edition of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” …
California Table Grapes: A Strong, High-Quality Season
California Table Grapes Shine in a Strong Season: Insights from President Ian LeMay A Promising Season for California Table Grapes The fall season has brought another strong showing for California’s …



















