Dignity Act Gains Momentum as Organic Leader Stephen Paul Highlights Labor Realities On today’s AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill delivered a jam-packed episode featuring expert insights and …
Wade Kirschenman on Grapes, Potatoes & Policy
Legacy and Innovation in Kern County Farming A Family Legacy Rooted in California Soil Kirschenman Enterprises has been farming in California since 1937. Now led by third-generation farmer Wade Kirschenman, …
Coastal Grandmother Talks Ag and Online Influence
Lex Nicoleta, the creator of the viral Coastal Grandmother aesthetic, joined AgNet West to reflect on her unexpected rise to influencer fame—and how her connection to California agriculture is shaping …
California Fresh Fruit Industry Faces Crisis
A Voice for California’s Fruit Growers Daniel Hartwig, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, joined AgNet West’s “The Ag Meter” to discuss the state of agriculture in California. Representing …
California Fruit Leader Calls Out Regulations Hurting Growers
California Fresh Fruit Association President Speaks Out on Growing Regulatory Burdens Nick Papagni, known as “The Ag Meter,” recently sat down with Daniel Hartwig, president of the California Fresh Fruit …
California Pear Yields Set for Strong Comeback in 2025
After a challenging 2024 season, the California pear industry is poised for a major rebound. Growers across the state anticipate harvesting 2.4 million 36-pound box equivalents in 2025—a 41% increase …
NASS Launches U.S. Mushroom Production Survey
Nationwide Survey to Shed Light on Specialty Mushroom Sector The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has launched a new nationwide survey …
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, …
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 …