…another layer of complexity. Rising wages and overtime laws make it difficult for farms to compete with foreign producers. Many operations are turning to mechanization, replacing labor with robotics to…
California Wine Faces a Generational Challenge: Marlena Paolilli
…Tastes Paolilli explained that California’s wine sector continues to battle an oversupply of grapes, a problem rooted in the pandemic and compounded by an influx of new producers. With over…
Rachel Nettleton Leads Kern County Farm Bureau
…Fairgrounds. The event hosts 5,000 second- to fourth-grade students, teaching them where their food comes from. “A lot of kids think chocolate milk comes from brown cows or that food…
Freight Safety and Dairy Market Pressures: Nick Folio
…soft, with prices aligning closely to weakened milk futures. Hot weather continues to reduce cow productivity, while out-of-state inventories linger due to weaker export demand. Perhaps most alarming, Folio warned…
California Farmers Under Pressure: Andrew Genasci Calls for Advocacy and Common-Sense Policy
…what it’s like when the milk pump breaks at 3 a.m. or when a calf needs pulling on a holiday,” Genasci explained. “That experience helps me connect with elected officials…
Role of Shorthorn Cattle in American Agricultural History
…The Shorthorn cattle were widely favored by early American farmers and ranchers for several key reasons: Milk Production: They were excellent milk producers, providing a valuable resource for pioneer families….
Kern County’s Agriculture Advocate: Rachel Nettleton
…Kern County Agriculture Under her leadership, Kern County Farm Bureau continues to rank among the nation’s top agricultural producers. “Yes, we are the leading ag county in America this year,”…
Farm Labor and Market Shifts: Today’s AgNet News Hour Highlights
…dairy sector also remains under scrutiny, as producers balance herd management, feed costs, and market volatility. Today’s discussion touches on the importance of supporting fresh cows through nutritional management and…
Dale Nicol on Syngenta, Farming Challenges, and Feeding the World
…competition. Nicol highlights troubling examples: Potato growers in the Northwest losing money on uncontracted crops. California wine grape producers facing competition from frozen imports from South America and Australia. For…
Roger Isom on California Farming Challenges in 2025
…margins razor-thin, leaving producers struggling to survive. He noted that even lawmakers are beginning to feel pressure as everyday Californians face skyrocketing utility bills, gas prices, and housing costs. What…
Dairy, Family, and Football: Joseph Bakker’s Life in the Central Valley
…welcomes farm tours and encourages conversations that help bridge the gap between producers and consumers. Milk’s Comeback and the Push for Schools Joseph hopes milk is regaining popularity, especially among…
California Ag at a Crossroads: Syngenta’s Dale Nicol
…Imports Impacting California Crops Nicol began by addressing the growing competition from imported wine grapes, noting how international supply pressures are reshaping markets for California producers. While the Golden State…
California Farming Voices: Case Anker and Stan Nelson
…that keeping cows cool and stress-free is just as critical as feed quality. While 2024 has brought fair milk and feed prices, Anker notes the dairy business demands resilience—farmers must…
Fires to Food Security: Elaine Collotti Outlines Bold Plan for California Agriculture
…producers, utilizes rail for efficient distribution, and delivers fresh, local produce to those in need. “Get the best food to the most needy for the best price,” Collotti emphasized, calling…















