…before modern engines and electricity transformed rural life. However, one innovation in the mid-19th century dramatically improved the efficiency and practicality of wind-powered equipment on American farms. In 1854, American…
Supreme Court Rules Federal Law Preempts Roundup Warning Claims
…across the United States. A recent report highlighted the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision that federal law preempts certain state failure-to-warn lawsuits involving the herbicide Roundup. In a 7-2 ruling, the…
California Agriculture Faces Mounting Pressure: Roger Isom Sounds the Alarm on Regulations, Water, and the Future of Farming
…an engaging and informative conversation between “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and Roger Isom. Throughout the interview, Isom provides detailed insight into California’s regulatory environment, water policy, cotton and tree…
How Proactive Nutrition Helps California Growers Beat Summer Heat
…Is Just as Important as Water Quantity Many growers focus primarily on irrigation scheduling, but Isaak says understanding irrigation water chemistry is equally important. Testing irrigation water for naturally occurring…
The Water It Takes To Grow Your Food
…the most important and misunderstood topics in agriculture: water. From where California’s water comes from and how it reaches farms to the technologies helping growers use it more efficiently, Michelle…
California Wine Industry Faces Defining Moment, Says Consultant Nicholas Karavidas
…the next decade. His advice is simple: Stay committed. Stay patient. Build for the future. Connect with Nicholas “Nick” Karavidas Wine industry professionals interested in following Karavidas’ market analysis, newsletters,…
Roger Isom Calls for Water Investment, Regulatory Reform, and Voter Engagement
…Those include legislation involving pesticide-treated seeds, restrictions on rodenticide use, workplace safety regulations involving farm gates and irrigation infrastructure, and continued implementation of California’s packaging regulations. He said many of…
Roger Isom Warns California Packaging Rules Could Increase Costs for Agriculture
…global markets. Unlike many industries, growers often cannot simply pass those additional expenses on to buyers. “We’re competing with growers around the world,” Isom said. “If our costs go up…
The Three Sisters: An Ancient Farming Method That Helped Shape American Agriculture
…Example of Companion Planting The Three Sisters method is one of history’s best examples of companion planting. Each crop contributes something unique: Corn provides vertical support. Beans improve soil fertility…
Allied Grape Growers at 75: Jeff Bitter Talks Survival, Wine Trends, and California’s Future
…to reshape farming. While Bitter believes AI’s long-term impact remains uncertain, he sees enormous potential. He also cautioned that today’s AI technology still produces inaccurate information and will require additional…
George Washington Carver: The Innovator Who Helped Transform Southern Agriculture
…the challenge. Finding profitable markets and sustainable farming practices proved difficult for many producers. The future of Southern agriculture would be dramatically influenced by one remarkable individual: George Washington Carver….
California Cherry Industry Suffers Historic Losses After Devastating 2026 Season
…and inventories became more difficult to manage. Crop Insurance Complicates Harvest Decisions Another challenge involved crop insurance. When severe weather damage occurs, growers often evaluate whether harvesting fruit for the…
Michael Kelly and the Forgotten Story of Barbed Wire
…that helped farmers and ranchers succeed, few have had a greater impact than barbed wire. Yet one of the men responsible for its development is often overlooked in history. Michael…
Steve Malanca: California Almond Crop May Tighten as Water Challenges Continue
…is welcome news. Input costs remain elevated, and many almond growers continue carrying substantial investments in farmland and infrastructure. Improved pricing could provide some much-needed financial stability across the industry….