Labor costs, weather volatility, and shrinking margins continue to challenge specialty crop growers across California and beyond. As producers search for ways to improve efficiency and profitability, technology is becoming …
Harvest Replay Technology Helps Specialty Crop Growers Improve Labor Efficiency
As labor costs continue to rise and farm margins remain under pressure, specialty crop growers are increasingly turning to technology to improve efficiency. One company believes artificial intelligence and farm …
Blueberry Boom: How the Blueberry Boost Accelerator Is Fueling the Future of America’s Favorite Superfruit
Blueberries are having a moment—and according to industry leaders, the boom is only getting started. In a recent conversation on The Ag Meter, host Nick Papagni sat down with Kasey …
Watermelon Supplies Expected to Remain Tight Ahead of Fourth of July Demand
As consumers prepare for one of the biggest watermelon-buying holidays of the year, growers are warning that supplies may be lighter than normal and less predictable than many buyers expect. …
Economic Outlook Session to Spotlight Key Challenges Facing Tree Nut Industry
Tree nut growers attending this year’s Western Tree Nut Association Annual Meeting will have an opportunity to hear firsthand analysis of the economic forces shaping their industry. David Magaña, Senior …
Napa County Officials Warn Growers After Glassy-Winged Sharpshooters Found on Grapevines
A recent report is raising concerns for California’s grape industry after invasive glassy-winged sharpshooters were discovered on grapevines sold through a retail outlet and in shipments distributed across multiple Northern …
San Diego Agriculture at a Crossroads: Dana Groot on Water, Regulation, Labor, and California’s Farming Future
California agriculture faces no shortage of challenges, but few regions illustrate both the opportunities and obstacles facing farmers better than San Diego County. In a wide-ranging conversation with “The Ag …
USDA Officials Highlight Water, Rural Development, and Specialty Crop Support in California
The AgNet News Hour continued its coverage of federal agricultural initiatives with conversations featuring USDA Rural Development State Director Bryan Anguiano and former San Diego County Farm Bureau President Dana …
Connie Conway: USDA Focused on Keeping California Farmers Farming
California Agriculture Faces Growing Challenges—But Is Washington Finally Listening? California farmers are battling rising costs, burdensome regulations, water uncertainty, and increasing pressure from policies that many believe threaten the future …
USDA Specialty Crop Assistance, Water Policy, and California Agriculture in Focus
California agriculture received significant attention during a recent visit from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who announced nearly $1.7 billion in federal assistance for specialty crop producers while emphasizing the …
California Pear Growers Fight Imports While Delivering Premium Fruit
California’s pear industry may be smaller than it once was, but its growers are fighting harder than ever to preserve the quality, reputation, and future of one of the state’s …
California Pear Growers Push for Quality, Fair Market as Early Season Approaches
The AgNet News Hour featured California Pear Advisory Board Executive Director Chris Zanobini, who discussed the upcoming pear season, market challenges, imported fruit concerns, and the future of one of …
California Farming at a Crossroads: Stephen Paul Sounds the Alarm on Water, Labor & the Future of Organic Agriculture
California agriculture is facing one of the most challenging and transformational periods in its history — and few people understand that reality better than Stephen Paul of Homegrown Organic Farms. …
From Farming to Fast-Growing Trees: Darren Schmall’s Vision for California Agriculture
In the heart of Madera County, California, “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni recently sat down with fourth-generation farmer and entrepreneur Darren Schmall at the popular ApCal Rock and Ranch. What …