Here is part 2 on key pests across multiple specialty crops in California. Todd Burkdoll, Field Market Development Manager with Valent U.S.A., says success this season will come down to…
California Farmers Push Back as NGOs Target Agricultural Land and Food Security Concerns Grow
…land battles are happening throughout California and across the country as farming communities face increasing legal and financial pressure. “We lost over 14,000 farms in 2024,” she said while discussing…
Rural Electrification: Powering America’s Farms and Future
…executive order establishing the Rural Electrification Administration (REA). This marked a decisive federal commitment to ensuring that farms and rural households could access reliable electric power. The REA’s mission was…
Dena Maldonado Talks Farming, Crime, and California’s Future in Congressional Run
…City, Sunol, and surrounding communities. A major focus of the interview centered on agriculture and California’s growing regulatory burden on farmers. Papagni pointed out that California produces hundreds of food…
Managing Hidden Nematode Threats in High-Value Crops
…nematodes. While effective, fumigants can come with higher costs and increasing regulatory challenges. Borges said newer options are now available that provide targeted control without the drawbacks of broad-spectrum fumigation….
California Governor Debate Leaves Agriculture Behind as Water, Taxes, and Policy Battles Intensify
…as warmer temperatures increase concerns for worms, mites, and mealybugs in vineyards, strawberries, and vegetable fields. Valent USA’s Todd Burkdahl encouraged growers to scout early and stay ahead of infestations…
Pest Pressure Builds Across California Specialty Crops – Part 1
As California specialty crops move deeper into the growing season, growers are facing pressure from a wide range of pests across multiple commodities. Todd Burkdoll, Field Market Development Manager with…
David Tangipa Says California Is at a Crossroads for Farmers, Water, Taxes and the Future of the State
…improve groundwater recharge and combat land subsidence. He also argued California needs to rethink reservoirs and dams as long-term water storage systems comparable to “melted glaciers” in an era of…
Location, Land, and Legacy: Farmland Values Still Tell the Story
…during periods of market uncertainty or softening prices, well-positioned farmland continues to command premium values. This enduring principle was clearly demonstrated in a notable land sale in October 2024. A…
From Farming to Fast-Growing Trees: Darren Schmall’s Vision for California Agriculture
…per year while using remarkably little water once established. By comparison, many traditional shade trees grow only 18 to 24 inches annually. The tree’s large leaves create tremendous shade while…
Potter Valley Water Battle: Farmers Fight to Save Lifeline
Keely Covello California’s rural communities are once again at the center of a high-stakes water battle—and this time, the spotlight is on Potter Valley. In a powerful interview with “The…
Farm Dog of the Year 2027: Nominations Now Open
…or supplies Greeting visitors and monitoring activity These traits—combined with loyalty and intelligence—are exactly what judges look for in this national competition. 🏆What Winners Receive The stakes are high for…
California Insurance Crisis: Can Experience Fix What’s Broken?
…insurance, equipment coverage, commercial vehicles, and workers’ compensation—creating a ripple effect across the entire food production system. At the center of the issue is the growing reliance on California’s FAIR…
Monterey County Agriculture at a Crossroads: Water, Labor, and the Future of America’s Salad Bowl
Norm Groot In a compelling interview with “the Ag Meter” host Nick Papagni, sits down with Norm Groot of the Monterey County Farm Bureau to unpack the realities facing one…