…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,…
USDA Unveils 7-Point National Farm Security Action Plan
…and domestic vulnerabilities. 1. Protecting American Farmland Ownership At the forefront of the plan is a push to prohibit foreign adversaries from purchasing U.S. farmland. Secretary Rollins emphasized the importance…
Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin Revolutionized American Agriculture
…agriculture was immediate and profound. Cotton production soared, transforming it into a dominant cash crop in the South. This, in turn, fueled economic growth, expanded farmland use, and reshaped the…
Chad Bianco: “California Is in Crisis—And Agriculture Is Paying the Price”
…AB-1156, a bill allowing solar panel development on farmland in Central California. “You’ve got to be a moron to combine solar panels and farming and think that’s okay,” he said….
California Fresh Fruit Industry Faces Crisis
…frustration over farmland being converted to solar fields due to lack of water. “Farmers don’t want to put solar on prime land—they’re forced to,” he said. He stressed that the…
Hilton Slams Solar on Farmland, Pledges Support for California Ag
…of “Democrat extremism and incompetence.” Farmers, he argues, are not just battling market forces—they’re battling Sacramento. Slamming AB 1156: “Solar Farms Are a Scam” Hilton took aim at Assembly Bill…
AgNet News Hour: Citrus Expo Preview, USDA Snap Crackdown, and Chad Bianco’s Bold Vision for California Ag
…interview with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who’s running for Governor of California. Sheriff Bianco lays out his farmer-first agenda, takes on misguided solar development on farmland, and calls out…
California Fruit Leader Calls Out Regulations Hurting Growers
…decisions have on food production and farm viability. “We have to be so good at what we do here just to be able to compete, really,” Hartwig concluded. For more…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 07-10-25
…1156, which allows pauses on the Williamson Act and enables the conversion of ag land to solar farms. Hilton calls it “heartbreaking,” emphasizing that farmland in California, especially the Central…
Farming Innovation and Rural Sustainability: Inside The Reservoir
…on innovation and sustainability. The conversation spotlighted how this venture is working to reshape farming for long-term viability—both economically and environmentally. Farming Innovation and Rural Sustainability: Inside the Reservoir Reducing…
USDA Launches Grape Grower Survey
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is gearing up to launch a nationwide survey that will play a critical role in shaping the 2025 grape production forecast. Conducted by the…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 07-09-25
…the nation. From Washington D.C. to the fields of Salinas and the Central Valley, this episode covers some of the most urgent and transformative issues impacting farmers today. Leading the…
Farming Isn’t Easy—But It’s a Story Worth Telling
Imperial Valley farmer Andrew Leimgruber recently spoke with Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” about the increasing challenges faced by producers and the importance of telling agriculture’s true story. Farming Isn’t…





















