…capture the attention of Gen Z consumers. The campaign has partnered with Fresno-based Backstory Creative to produce creative video content. Freeman said video is essential to today’s social media environment,…
Ryan Jacobsen: California Ag’s Future Depends on Water
California agriculture faces enormous challenges, but Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen remains bullish on the future. Ryan Jacobsen In a wide-ranging conversation with “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni,…
Ryan Jacobsen Part 2: Why California Agriculture Is Worth Fighting For
On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, returned for Part 2 of a wide-ranging conversation about the future of California…
California Citrus Faces Trade, Labor and Water Challenges
…industry’s future. Jacob Villagomez Villagomez grew up in Sanger, where his parents are citrus growers. After attending Fresno State and participating in the Maddy Institute’s governmental affairs program, he entered…
California Citrus Faces Trade, Labor and Regulatory Pressure
…a personal connection to the industry. His parents are citrus growers in Sanger, California, and he grew up around the crop before studying at Fresno State and eventually moving into…
Enzo’s Olive Oil: Ricchiuti Family Builds on 100 Years of Farming
…flavored oil is the Fresno chili olive oil, made using Fresno chilies grown on the family ranch and co-crushed with the olives. He recommends it on pizza, pasta, soups and…
California Agriculture Pushes for Protection of USMCA Ahead of 2026 Review
…held a meeting in Fresno focused on the upcoming review of the trade agreement. California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and representatives from several major agricultural organizations also participated. For California…
Can Raisins Be Great Again? Jeff Smutny on California’s Raisin Future
California’s raisin industry is at a crossroads, facing declining acreage, rising labor and production costs, global competition and the challenge of attracting the next generation of farmers. But Jeff Smutny,…
California Figs Find New Momentum as Demand Grows
…in Fresno when fig orchards surrounded the area. Today, Caputo says the Central Valley remains the heart of California’s fig industry, particularly Fresno, Madera and Merced counties. California produces 100%…
California Figs Make a Comeback as Growers Respond to Rising Demand
…as consumer awareness grows and producers plant additional acreage to meet demand. California’s Central Valley remains the heart of the nation’s fig industry, particularly in Fresno, Madera and Merced counties….
Joe Del Bosque: Water, Labor and the Future of West Side Farming
…of farm workers are studying agriculture at Fresno State and could return to the industry as ranch managers, pest-control advisors, human resources professionals or even farmers. As automation, drones and…
Merced College Prepares the Next Generation of Ag Leaders
…Jacobsen said the vision is an agriculture technology and food systems bachelor’s degree that combines advanced education with practical workforce skills. The college is working with partners including Fresno State…
Merced College Builds the Future of Agriculture
…sheep ranch, educated at Fresno State and a former high school agriculture teacher, he farms almonds himself. That experience helps him bring real-world knowledge of farming, livestock, irrigation, equipment, economics…
Business Leader Kyle Kirkland Outlines Vision for California’s Future
…before leading Steinway Musical Instruments as chairman and controlling shareholder, guiding the iconic company through significant growth. Nearly two decades ago, Kirkland purchased Club One Casino in Fresno and has…





















