…politics, and hope for California’s future. Jones, who still farms almonds, pistachios, pomegranates, and tomatoes near Firebaugh, shared insight into the challenges and cycles of California farming. “We need the…
How Immigrant Farmers Shaped Early American Agriculture
Photo by Matt Richmond/Pexels image Ethnic Traditions and the Roots of American Farming In the early days of the United States, immigrant farmers played a defining role in shaping American…
Nat DiBuduo: Politics, Water & California Farming
…water reservoirs—not a single one has been built, even though the money’s been collected.” He described driving through the West Side of Fresno County, where once-productive farmland now sits barren….
Nat DiBuduo, the “Godfather of Grapes,” on the Future of California Wine and Farming
…behind every label.” He also encouraged innovation in packaging, including canned and low-alcohol wines, to meet new consumer preferences. DiBuduo spoke passionately about farming challenges — from water scarcity to…
Ethnic Roots of American Agriculture: How Immigrants Shaped U.S. Farming
…It demonstrated how farming offered not just sustenance, but also opportunities for economic mobility and independence. The blending of ethnic farming traditions, combined with hard work and innovation, helped lay…
Ag Innovation and PCA Leadership: Priscilla Koepke and Mando Perez on AgNet News Hour
…California PCA with Semios and this year’s CAPCA Member of the Year. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill led conversations that connected the past, present, and future of farming —…
The Roots of 4-H: Jessie Shambaugh and the Birth of American Agricultural Youth
…involved in her rural community and believed the future of farming depended on engaging young boys and girls. She wanted to equip them with agricultural knowledge, leadership skills, and a…
Celebrating the Valley’s Bounty: The Whole Vine Festival Returns to Fresno State
…State services the entire valley, and this is a regional festival.” Free Admission and Family-Friendly Fun Thanks to President Sandoval’s request, admission to the Whole Vine Festival is completely free,…
Karen Ross on Water, Workforce, and the Future of California Agriculture
…the sameness in farming, if you’ve seen one farm, you’ve seen one farm,” Ross noted. “Understanding regional specifics helps us see where people are working together to really lean into…
Karen Ross Talks Water, Regulation, and Prop 50 Silence on AgNet News Hour
…mix of climate uncertainty and government regulation has made farming even more difficult. Still, she emphasized that the future can be bright if farmers and policymakers work together on education,…
How Railroads Transformed American Agriculture
…for farming. In turn, new agricultural regions flourished—feeding the nation and driving the U.S. economy. The Lasting Legacy of Railroads Railroads didn’t just carry freight—they carried opportunity. By linking isolated…
Elaine Culotti: Fighting for California’s Farmers and Future
…and traveling the country to spread awareness about what’s happening in California’s farming communities. “It’s important,” she said. “You’ve got to get the word out. People are interested all across…
Elaine Culotti, the “Lipstick Farmer,” Warns Farmers on Prop 50 and California’s Mismanagement
…Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed her back for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, farming, and California’s future. Culotti, who farms in Fallbrook, has become a national voice on agricultural and…
How the Smith-Lever Act Created 4-H and Transformed Rural America
A Turning Point in Agricultural Education In 1914, the United States Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, establishing the Cooperative Extension Service—a transformative program that reshaped how Americans learned about farming,…