Pest pressure from mealybugs and scale continues to challenge California growers across multiple crops, from vineyards to tree fruit and walnuts. Todd Burkdoll, Field Market Development Manager with Valent U.S.A.,…
USDA’s Richard Fordyce Highlights Farm Bill Gains, Tax Relief, and Support for California Agriculture
…technical support. “The best resource is your local FSA or NRCS office,” Fordyce said, encouraging farmers to connect with local experts who can help navigate available programs. For California growers,…
From Hand Planting to Innovation: The Early History of Seed Planters
…a cotton planter—an innovation that aligned with the geographic and economic shifts occurring in American agriculture at the time. As cotton production expanded in the southern United States, the demand…
Ag Council President Highlights Regulatory Pressure, Plastics Policy, and Political Uncertainty for California Farmers
…issues across California agriculture… and they differ from crop to crop and region to region,” Rooney explained. One of the most pressing concerns discussed was California’s push toward aggressive plastics…
The California Trail: A Pathway to Agricultural Expansion
Introduction to the California Trail The California Trail stands as a significant chapter in American agriculture history, playing a vital role in the westward expansion of settlers seeking new opportunities….
California Agriculture Faces Policy Pressure, Weather Challenges, and Critical Election Year
The AgNet News Hour focused on a wide range of challenges impacting California agriculture, from political pressure in Sacramento to unpredictable weather patterns and rising input costs heading into a…
California Ag at a Crossroads: Policy, Pressure, and Opportunity
…include industry leaders like Dairy Farmers of America, Land O’Lakes, Blue Diamond Growers, Sunkist Growers, Sun-Maid, and Sunsweet Growers. For nearly 18 years, Rooney has helped lead advocacy efforts for…
California Governor Race and Trade Policy Highlight Challenges and Opportunities for Agriculture
The AgNet News Hour focused on two major themes impacting agriculture—California’s heated governor race and ongoing federal efforts to strengthen global trade opportunities for U.S. farmers. As the governor’s race…
America’s Westward Trails: More Than Just the Famous Routes
…story many already know. Many people recognize the famous westward routes like the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails. These historic pathways served as vital corridors for early settlers seeking…
Independent Voice for California: Culotti’s Plan
Independent candidate Elaine Culotti shares her vision for California A Fresh Perspective on California’s Future In a compelling and wide-ranging interview, California gubernatorial candidate Elaine Culotti joins “the Ag Meter,”…
California Governor Race Heats Up as Independent Candidate Pushes for Ag-Focused Reform
…take care of our farmers,” she said, emphasizing the need for improved transportation, supply chain access, and support systems to help growers remain competitive. The conversation also touched on California’s…
Cherry Industry Faces Rising Costs, Market Pressure, and Earlier Harvest Window in 2026
…safe, high-quality product. He also pointed out that California cherries are benefiting from major improvements in growing practices and post-harvest handling. “Growers are doing a phenomenal job… bigger fruit, firmer…
California Cherries 2026: Bigger Crop, Earlier Season, New Challenges
…one of the most difficult seasons California cherry growers have faced in decades. 2023: 10.1 million cartons 2024: 9.4 million cartons 2025: 4.9 million cartons That sharp drop created major…
California Citrus Outlook 2026: Growth, Challenges & Opportunity
Jesse Silva California’s citrus industry is heading into the spring and summer season with cautious optimism—and few voices capture that better than Jesse Silva, Vice President of Sales at Kings…























