…the last decade.” He makes clear that California’s growers aren’t asking for special treatment—just a level playing field. The episode also tackles key federal and state battles. Proposition 12, California’s…
Labor Crisis Still Looms Over California’s Fresh Fruit Industry
…of the most pressing issues in California agriculture: the ongoing farm labor shortage and its ties to immigration policy. Labor Crisis Still Looms Over California’s Fresh Fruit Industry Hopeful—but Realistic—Outlook…
Bianco Slams Solar Panels on Farmland
…from farmers and industry advocates concerned about the long-term impact on California’s food production. Bianco Slams Solar Panels on Farmland “A Rude Awakening” for Sacramento “If I win this election,…
U.S. Citrus Tariff Threatens South African Agriculture
…agreements. Impact on Citrus Industry and Rural Jobs The South African citrus industry, a key driver of the country’s agricultural economy, now faces severe disruption. According to the Citrus Growers…
Chad Bianco: “California Is in Crisis—And Agriculture Is Paying the Price”
In a candid conversation with The Ag Meter host Nick Papagni, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, now running for governor, shared bold criticisms of California’s current leadership—especially when it comes…
California Fresh Fruit Industry Faces Crisis
A Voice for California’s Fruit Growers Daniel Hartwig, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, joined AgNet West’s “The Ag Meter” to discuss the state of agriculture in California. Representing…
Hilton Slams Solar on Farmland, Pledges Support for California Ag
California at a Crossroads: Steve Hilton Talks Ag, Energy, and Leadership In a wide-ranging interview with AgNet West’s Nick Papagni, gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton laid out his vision for California…
Chad Bianco: “Somebody’s Got to Fix California”
…its agricultural communities. Chad Bianco: “Somebody’s Got to Fix California” California’s farming sector has long struggled under what many consider burdensome regulations and misguided priorities. Papagni opened the conversation by…
San Joaquin Valley Water Blueprint Pushes for Bold Water Reforms
The San Joaquin Valley Water Blueprint, a diverse coalition of agricultural, municipal, and community stakeholders, is stepping up efforts to improve water supply reliability in California’s Central Valley. At the…
AgNet News Hour: Citrus Expo Preview, USDA Snap Crackdown, and Chad Bianco’s Bold Vision for California Ag
…move as a long-overdue step toward fiscal accountability, while Josh dives into the potential political pushback and what it could mean for California. The episode rounds out with a longform…
California Fruit Leader Calls Out Regulations Hurting Growers
…Association (CFFA), to discuss the challenges California’s fresh fruit growers face in today’s political and regulatory climate. California Fruit Leader Calls Out Regulations Hurting Growers Founded 87 years ago, the…
Tariffs and Oversupply Strain California Walnut Growers
Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO of both the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC), is sounding the alarm over the mounting challenges facing California’s walnut…
Steve Hilton Blasts Solar Farms on California Agricultural Land
…Again (MAHA). “We should be growing healthy food here, not importing it. Yet, farmland is being ripped out for solar installations that don’t benefit California’s families or farmers.” A Call…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 07-10-25
…most vocal candidates in California’s upcoming gubernatorial race, Steve Hilton. It’s a high-energy episode packed with policy critiques, hard-hitting interviews, and a call to action for California’s farming communities. Hilton,…





















