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, …
Water, Land, and Policy: Farmer Andrew Leimgruber Speaks Out
California Farmer Confronts Water, Regulation, and Foreign Land Sales Fourth-generation Imperial Valley farmer Andrew Leimgruber of Leimgruber Farms has become a national voice for California agriculture, speaking candidly on Fox …
Corn Plantings Rise, Soybeans and Cotton Fall in 2025
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2025 – The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released its annual Acreage Report today, showing key shifts in U.S. crop planting for 2025. Corn continues to …
California Eggplant Harvest Begins with Strong Quality Reports
Eggplant production is now underway in California’s Central Valley, with growers noting encouraging early results. The first harvests are producing a strong showing of number-one quality eggplant, particularly in the …
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 06-26-25
Labor, Wolves, and Wine Woes: AgNet News Hour Talks Ag Policy and Market Shifts Happy Thursday from the Central Valley! On this week’s AgNet News Hour, Nick “The Ag Meter” …
USDA Proposal Sparks Concern Among Organic Mushroom Growers
Organic Industry Pushes Back Against USDA Rule Change A newly proposed rule from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is drawing sharp criticism from across the organic agriculture sector—particularly …
Berry Growers: Is Your Fungicide & Miticide Program Ready for Summer?
In this episode of The Growing Edge, Todd Burkdoll from Valent® U.S.A. delves into what berry growers across California need to prepare for as summer sets in. From managing botrytis …
Domestic Lemons in High Demand as Imports Decline
Market Turns Favorable for U.S. Lemons Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” recently caught up with Jesse Silva, Vice President of Sales at Kings River Packing, one of the largest citrus …
Jesse Silva Discusses California Citrus, Global Trade, Future of Farming
Jesse Silva, Vice President of Sales for Kings River Packing, represents the eighth generation of a California farming family rooted in Sanger. The company operates four packing sheds and markets …
Strawberry Supply Holds Steady Amid Seasonal Fruit Competition
Strawberry supplies from California’s Ventura County and Watsonville-Salinas regions remain consistent, providing steady volume for retailers and distributors. Despite moderate demand—impacted by the seasonal availability of other fruits—the strawberry market …
Rooted in Legacy: Daniel Jackson Reflects on Family Tree Farms’ Origins
In a recent conversation with AgNet West’s Nick Papagni, Daniel Jackson of Family Tree Farms shared the powerful origin story behind one of the largest grower-packer-shippers of stone fruit and …
Mangoes May Boost Heart Health in Postmenopausal Women
Researchers link daily mango consumption to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association suggests that eating mangoes may offer heart …
California Table Grape Season Begins with Optimism and Strong Quality
A Promising Outlook for 2025’s Table Grape Crop In a recent update from AgNet West, Nick Papagni—known as “The Ag Meter”—spoke with Ian LeMay, President and CEO of the California …