…the best,” he said. Shafter: A Growing Community Beyond agriculture, Perez is proud of his hometown of Shafter, California. The city is experiencing significant residential and industrial growth. “They just…
Mando Perez of Semios Named CAPCA Member of the Year
…in the state. Perez shared his journey into agriculture, which began in 2009 after losing his job during the recession. He got his start at the Wonderful Company, where mentors…
California’s Water Puzzle: Insights from Avid Water’s Cory Broad
…land. We’re helping landowners prepare for that while ensuring good water practices.” Broad’s involvement with the Almond Board of California underscores this commitment. “One of our initiatives is to be…
Alexandra Duarte’s Fight for California’s Future
…in D.C.,” she said. “For example, Lodi would have three congresspeople. Decisions in the valley would be made in Stockton or San Francisco. This would be devastating, and we would…
Kevin Kester on Ranching, Trade, and Ag’s Next Generation
…agriculture shouldn’t be partisan. Estate taxes, regulations, and water policies are “common sense” issues, not Republican or Democrat ones. “We need to help so your kids of sixth generation can…
John Duarte on Central Valley Agriculture: Water, Prop 50, and the Future of Avocados
…for common sense. “We don’t need to be distracted by climate alarmism fantasies or divided by identity politics,” Duarte said. “We have a common interest in the American dream.” For…
Shannon Douglas: Leading California Agriculture Through Opportunity and Challenge
…deeper appreciation for where food comes from. Advocating for Farmers in Washington, D.C. As president of CFBF, Douglas spends much of her time in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento. Her focus…
California Farm Bureau’s Shannon Douglas Tackles Prop 50, Farm Bill, and the Future of Farming
…proud “FFA mom,” shared her passion for youth in agriculture. She reminded listeners that FFA isn’t just for farm kids — it can spark careers in science, technology, and leadership…
California Trucking: Costs, Rules & Roadblocks
…different backgrounds. Mark Woods Jr. described situations during the Yuma season when drivers arrived at his yard unable to communicate. “They just hand you the paperwork,” he explained. “They don’t…
Lorenzo Rios: Valley Strong Vision for California
…California. A Competitor’s Mindset Papagni praised Rios’s competitive spirit, noting that it reflects a refusal to give up. Rios agreed, recalling lessons from his military career. “In 23 years of…
Mike Harvey: Farming, Faith & Leading California’s Youth
…industry today. Although no longer a landowner, Harvey’s father, Mike Harvey Sr., continues to serve the agricultural sector, consulting across several states. He also leads as president of the Western…
Mike Harvey and Lorenzo Rios Share Powerful Stories on AgNet News Hour
…in agriculture and beyond. The program then shifted to Lorenzo Rios, who brought both military and community leadership experience to the conversation. A naturalized citizen and retired Army officer, Rios…
Beef Supply Shortages and Meat Prices: Darren Hill of JD Food
…Hill said the industry is now adapting. The price gap between compliant and non-compliant pork has narrowed. Non-compliant pork—produced outside California—can still be sold if it undergoes further processing in…
Reedley College Ag Conference 2025: Innovation, Careers & Farming’s Future
…College students. One final booth remains open, free of charge, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Employers with ag-related job openings can email Hannah Johnson at hannah@gyvinc.com to secure the…