…provides not just a financial lifeline but a strategic investment in the stability of U.S. specialty crop production. As growers work to deliver diverse, healthy produce to American tables, the…
Imperial Valley Sugar Plant Closure Raises Crop Market Concerns
…a major gap. Leimgruber noted the possibility of reviving the plant or returning to cotton production, a crop not widely grown in the region for two decades. “Sugar beets are…
Water, Land, and Policy: Farmer Andrew Leimgruber Speaks Out
…Environmental Contradictions and Global Concerns Leimgruber pointed to the irony of lithium battery production, which requires immense water resources, and raised alarms about environmental groups supporting overseas food production that…
Cunha: Immigration Failure Hurts America’s Farmworkers
…for comprehensive guest worker reform—one that protects American food production while honoring the commitment and dignity of longtime immigrant workers. Read more, and listen to Manuel Cunha’s full interview. Reporter:…
California Cherry Crop Plummets by 50%, Prices Spike
…statewide production down nearly 50% from the previous year. According to Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter”, much of the loss traces back to last summer’s scorching temperatures—persistent heat between 108…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 07-02-25
…never been greater. Don’t miss this important episode—where real farmers speak hard truths about policy, production, and perseverance. Subscribe to the AgNet West podcast on your favorite app. Listen to…
Technology Transforms California Cherry Industry
…the full interview with Michael Jameson for more insights on the future of California cherry production. Sponsored Content Purina Podcast: Managing for Success from One Life Phase to Another July…
AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 07-01-25
…technology like optical sorting systems that ensure consumers get consistently high-quality fruit, contributing to stronger retail demand. However, he warns that per-capita consumption is slipping even as production expands, calling…
California Walnut Comeback: Norene’s Outlook
…been manageable. While walnut trees can survive on minimal water, Norene emphasized, “In production ag, you have to be very efficient and very productive.” Norene also drew parallels between farming…
Corn Plantings Rise, Soybeans and Cotton Fall in 2025
…Cotton Overview: Total cotton acreage: 10.1 million acres (down 10%) Upland cotton: 9.95 million acres (down 9%) American Pima: 171,000 acres (down 17%) 97% of upland cotton is biotech, up…
AgNet News Hour Monday, 06-30-25
…They also challenge claims that solar fields benefit pollinators and push back on what they see as a dangerous trend of sidelining food production for feel-good energy policy. With input…
Joel Allen Talks Farm Labor, Immigration, and Pistachio Production Costs
Joel Allen of Joel Allen Ranch is managing more than just crops on his 3,000-acre operation. From corn silage to pistachios and cantaloupes, Allen’s farming efforts also involve navigating the…
Wine Grape Market Struggles: Jeff Bitter Shares Tough Outlook
…growers. Bitter emphasized that growers with production contracts are likely to weather the storm. “They’re probably going to be fine,” he said. “But if they don’t have a contract, it’s…
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…