…American farmers remained unconvinced. Cyrus McCormick and the Reaper Revolution At the time, hand labor was abundant and relatively cheap. For many, the reaper seemed unnecessary or too complex. As…
Innovation and Ingenuity in the Desert: Yuma, Arizona’s Role in Feeding America
…unique water strategy. Despite receiving just three inches of rain annually, Yuma’s farmers have built a remarkably efficient irrigation infrastructure that includes pre-irrigation, laser-leveled fields, and furrow flood techniques. Their…
Heritage Roots of American Farming Communities
…and West Virginia—became home to Dutch, German, Swedish, and Irish settlers. These groups contributed varied and rich farming traditions that significantly influenced local agriculture. Further south, English and French farmers…
Trucking in Crisis: Mark Wood Sounds the Alarm on California Freight
…effects on farmers and packers, and the urgent need for action before more companies are forced to shut down or flee the state. Plus, the show wraps with a preview…
Ticks to Tech: The Evolution of Cattle Ear Tags
…ranchers. Modern Solutions: Smarter, Lighter, and More Powerful Today’s ear tags are a far cry from those early prototypes. While they still serve their original purpose—fighting flies and other harmful…
California Dairy in the Spotlight: Generations of Dedication and a Future of Uncertainty
…our food comes from. Host Nick Papagni and co-host Josh McGill emphasized the importance of representation for farmers on state boards and in politics. They underscored the lack of understanding…
New Survey Targets Farm Conservation Efforts
…launched a major new survey effort aimed at understanding the conservation practices used by American farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners. Report by Lorrie Boyer for AgNet West: New Survey Targets…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 07-30-25
…the Central Valley. The episode begins with Nick reflecting on a sobering conversation he had with farmers the previous day, hard-working folks pouring 12 to 15 hours into pistachio and…
USDA Pays Millions to California Dairies Amid Bird Flu Milk Losses
…for farmers impacted by wildfires, droughts, and floods, ELAP was opened to dairy producers in response to the bird flu crisis. Between November 2024 and June 2025, the USDA made…
California Avocado Commission Praises USDA Reorganization Efforts
Strengthening USDA Services to Support Farmers and Safeguard Food Supply The California Avocado Commission is applauding a recent move by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restructure key components…
Federal Aid Available for U.S. Farmers Hit by Natural Disasters
New USDA Relief Program Offers Support for 2023–2024 Losses…
AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 07-29-25
…open more doors for farmers across the country. But the real meat of today’s show comes from an extended interview with Sonny Toor of Valley Pride Ag Company. Toor shares…
Evolution of Irrigation in American Agriculture
…the practice of irrigation dates back thousands of years. Evolution of Irrigation in American Agriculture Ancient farmers in Asia and Africa were among the first to manipulate water for agriculture,…
AgNet News Hour Monday, 07-28-25
…the systemic failures that have left California’s farmers struggling. Hydro Zones Presention 250718(1)Download Angel, who’s lived and worked in the heart of Madera’s most impacted groundwater sub-basin, brings unmatched firsthand…