…grain storage was a persistent challenge for farmers who struggled to keep their harvest safe from spoilage, rot, and rodent damage. Hatch’s creative solution to this problem would set a…
How the Cargill Brothers Built an Agricultural Empire in Iowa
…problem — too much success. With harvests exceeding their personal needs and limited local markets, many were forced to sell crops quickly or risk spoilage due to inadequate storage. This…
California Ag Tech on Display: TK, Bayer Crop Science, and John Deere’s GUSS Steal the Show
…three — GUSS, Mini GUSS, and a herbicide version that spot-sprays weeds to save chemicals,” he said. “The technology is only getting smarter from here.” Papagni wrapped up the program…
CAPCA 2025: PCAs, Innovation, and Leadership Take Center Stage
…challenges of invasive pests, shifting regulations, and the global export standards California almonds must meet. Fann, a proud FFA alumna and participant in the California Ag Leadership Program, said her…
F3 Innovate: Powering the Central Valley’s AgTech Revolution
…are equipped to solve the real-world challenges facing agriculture today. Inspiring the Next Generation of Ag Innovators Koepke and her team are looking well beyond the next harvest—they’re planning for…
Van Groningen & Sons: A Century of California Farming
…while we’re still harvesting this year’s crops.” For the Van Groningen family, farming is an ongoing cycle of planning, planting, harvesting, and improvement. “You always have to think one, two,…
Verdant Robotics: Revolutionizing Farming with Precision AI and Automation
…widespread adoption, Sibley sought an application where autonomous machinery could deliver immediate value. Through connections in DARPA programs, he was introduced to Curtis Garner, and together they founded Verdant Robotics…
Pumpkin Power and Precision Tech: California Agriculture Shines on AgNet News Hour
…and Gabe Sibley, CEO of Verdant Robotics. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill blended the warmth of fall harvest with the excitement of ag innovation, reminding listeners why California remains…
Nat DiBuduo: Politics, Water & California Farming
…housing developments—a trend he witnessed firsthand as a longtime member of the Fresno City Planning Commission, where he served for 16 years. “A lot of that ground was put into…
Nat DiBuduo, the “Godfather of Grapes,” on the Future of California Wine and Farming
…the day, it was all tree fruit and grapes,” he said. “Now it’s housing developments. Every generation needs a house, but we’re losing farmland one field at a time.” DiBuduo,…
Ag Innovation and PCA Leadership: Priscilla Koepke and Mando Perez on AgNet News Hour
…from technology and education to leadership in the field. Koepke began the program by outlining F3 Innovate’s mission: to transform the Central Valley into a world-class hub for agricultural technology…
The Roots of 4-H: Jessie Shambaugh and the Birth of American Agricultural Youth
…America’s formal agricultural education system. The program helped train new generations of leaders who balanced innovation with respect for tradition—key elements in building the nation’s agricultural strength. A Lasting Legacy…
Celebrating the Valley’s Bounty: The Whole Vine Festival Returns to Fresno State
…Ag Education While admission is free, proceeds from the festival help fund vital programs. “It costs close to $100,000 to put something like this on,” Goudreau explained. “But we also…
Elaine Culotti: Fighting for California’s Farmers and Future
…between. What are they doing with it? Are they taking vacations with homeless money? Are they building housing? Nobody’s seen any of it.” She laughed darkly before adding, “At that…




















