…significance: the Cooper Barn in Colby, Kansas. Barns as the Backbone of Family Farms Throughout American history, barns were—and remain—a defining feature of family farms. As settlers continued across the…
California FFA: Growing the Next Generation of Ag Leaders
…Farmers of America). On a recent Ag Meter episode, Nick Papagni spoke with Katie Otto, Executive Director of Development for the California FFA Foundation, about the program’s impact on students…
FFA: Building the Next Generation of California Agriculture Leaders
California agriculture is facing growing challenges—from extreme weather and trade pressures to regulatory shifts—but the future of farming depends on the next generation. On this episode of the AgNet News…
Corn Shelling Bees: How Community and Early Technology Shaped American Agriculture
…and livestock feed. From early settlement through the 19th century, corn production shaped farm economies and rural livelihoods across the country. However, while growing corn was essential, processing it—particularly removing…
Milk Is Back: Health Benefits, Kids, and California Dairy
…farm-to-school programs, ensuring that students receive nutritious foods grown and produced within the state. These meals not only support child health but also strengthen local agriculture. According to DeLisio, school…
AgNet News Hour: Regenerative Ag & Dairy Insights for 2026
Join the AgNet News Hour for expert insights into the latest in U.S. agriculture. In this episode, we cover USDA’s Farmer-First Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program, which rewards farmers for improving…
How the Great Depression Transformed American Farmland
…soil conservation practices we rely on today. The Dust Bowl and Abandoned Farmland During the Great Depression, millions of acres of farmland across the U.S. became barren due to over-plowing,…
AI, Robotics, and Innovation in California Agriculture – AgNet News Hour Christmas Special
…Sharpshooter system delivers fertilizers, herbicides, and pollen with millimeter-level precision, helping growers cut labor costs by up to 85% while increasing yields. Shannon Douglass, President of the California Farm Bureau,…
AgNet News Hour Podcast Recap: Agriculture Policy, Rodeo Ambassadors, and Holiday Cheer
…of holiday fun—making it a must-listen for anyone connected to farming, ranching, or rural life. Hosts Nick Papagni, the “Ag Meter”, and Lorrie Boyer begin the show by tackling one…
Alexandra Duarte Talks Water, Agriculture, and Rural California in State Senate District 4 Race
Alexandra Duarte Alexandra Duarte, Modesto almond farmer and candidate for California State Senate District 4, joined Ag Meter to discuss her rapidly growing campaign, the challenges facing rural California, and…
California Farm Bureau 107th Annual Meeting: Highlights, Advocacy Wins, and Preparing the Next Generation
…highlighted the energy and enthusiasm, particularly from young farmers, who brought optimism and innovation to the event. A highlight was the “Giving Back with Farm Bureau” philanthropy project, where over…
Elaine Culotti: Why California’s Farmers, Cities, and Future Are at a Breaking Point
…Farming in California: Dependent by Design Culotti described farming in California as increasingly unsustainable without government assistance. While grants and targeted support can be useful, she warned that farmers have…
AgNet News Hour: Alexandra Duarte on California Agriculture, Water Policy, and the Future of Farming
…political roles. Farm Sense: AI Technology for Smarter Farming Following the main interview, the show turns to innovation in the field with Leslie Hickle and Eamonn Keogh of Farm Sense….
How Weather Shaped Early American Agriculture
…for early farmers. As settlement expanded westward, wheat production followed, creating a steadily advancing wheat frontier. This frontier continued moving west and eventually spread across what is now known as…