…“There’s a program called SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) that limits how much groundwater you can pump,” he said. “If we don’t activate the water projects that voters approved, there…
The Roots of 4-H: Jessie Shambaugh and the Birth of American Agricultural Youth
…an enduring emblem of learning, leadership, and agricultural pride. The Smith-Lever Act and National Recognition Just two years later, in 1914, the U.S. Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, creating the…
Elaine Culotti: Fighting for California’s Farmers and Future
…sending it out,” she said. “They did it in 90 days instead of 120. That’s not OK. They violated the Open Commission Act.” Her message was clear: Vote No on…
Elaine Culotti, the “Lipstick Farmer,” Warns Farmers on Prop 50 and California’s Mismanagement
…think twice — they’re coming after you.” She warned that Prop 50’s rushed rollout violated the Open Commission Act and will result in maps that gerrymander rural voices out of…
How the Smith-Lever Act Created 4-H and Transformed Rural America
…confident leaders. The Legacy of the Smith-Lever Act The Smith-Lever Act didn’t just create an educational system—it created a movement. By integrating research, outreach, and community development, it strengthened the…
Why Prop 50 Threatens Rural Representation: California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass
…dollars in economic activity and the livelihoods of farming families at stake, Douglass insists this is the moment to act. “Time is running out. We need to do it now…
How Rural Electrification Transformed U.S. Farms
…lack of power limited productivity and quality of life, creating a growing divide between urban progress and rural hardship. How Rural Electrification Transformed U.S. Farms The Turning Point: Federal Action…
California’s Water Puzzle: Insights from Avid Water’s Cory Broad
…fuel and equipment wear.” This method not only saves money but also helps reduce environmental impact by limiting runoff and ensuring nutrients go exactly where they’re needed. Groundwater and Water…
Pistachios, Water & Trade: Kreps on Farming’s Future
…orchards, especially in water-scarce areas, have become breeding grounds for rodents. Without farmers investing in removal or replanting due to lack of water, these orchards act as safe havens for…
John Duarte on Central Valley Agriculture: Water, Prop 50, and the Future of Avocados
…led to initiatives like the Rural Roads and Markets Act and efforts to fund projects such as raising Shasta Dam. These were made possible through bipartisan cooperation, with local congressmen…
Lorenzo Rios: Valley Strong Vision for California
…Flat and Sites Reservoir, streamlining reviews by the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation, and re-examining outdated Endangered Species Act interpretations. “Our farmers are contributing to national security…
Mike Harvey: Farming, Faith & Leading California’s Youth
…earlier one. The Impact of FFA and Youth Leadership While Harvey’s agricultural upbringing shaped him, another formative influence was his time in FFA at Bakersfield High School. Encouraged by his…
Mike Harvey and Lorenzo Rios Share Powerful Stories on AgNet News Hour
…Endangered Species Act, and push for a farm bill that protects family farms, not foreign corporations. For Rios, agriculture is national security, and he made clear he sees farmers as…
Don Cameron: California Ag Leadership & Challenges
…risk as housing developments expand and groundwater regulations tighten under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Farmers must achieve groundwater sustainability by 2040, a shift that will force tough decisions…