…years of talking to producers across California, the U.S., and beyond. He points to a troubling trend: the U.S. has become a net importer of food for the first time…
Beef Plan, Spray Tech, and AI: California Ag Eyes Relief and Reinvention
…opened with encouraging news for cattle producers: USDA released a multifaceted plan aimed at stabilizing the beef sector and easing price pressure on consumers. The framework focuses on three pillars—strengthening…
Van Groningen & Sons: A Century of California Farming
…compares it to the care a dairyman gives his cows: “That’s what keeps giving you milk. For us, the soil is what sustains everything.” The family continually works to amend…
How Wheat Transformed Mid-Atlantic Farming Before the American Revolution
…Wheat Boom In the mid-18th century, Europe’s massive population explosion fueled an even greater demand for grain. This demographic surge drove wheat prices up dramatically, benefiting American producers. By 1770,…
How Railroads Transformed American Agriculture
…become a vital link between agricultural producers and the growing markets of the East Coast. A Turning Point for Agriculture The expansion of railroads revolutionized American agriculture by connecting rural…
Elaine Culotti: Fighting for California’s Farmers and Future
…its political mindset. Culotti didn’t hesitate. “I think a lot of people in Hollywood have had enough,” she said. “Most actors, producers, and directors—this is their business. But we’ve made…
How the Smith-Lever Act Created 4-H and Transformed Rural America
…livestock, and home economics. The law created a system that connected land-grant universities with communities across the nation, ensuring that agricultural innovation and scientific research reached producers and their families…
California Raisin Leaders on Trade, Water & Future
…Burdens and Industry Realities Nick Papagni raised the question of whether California’s political environment has offered meaningful support for raisin producers. Mark McCormick, CEO of National Raisins, did not hesitate…
Kevin Kester on Ranching, Trade, and Ag’s Next Generation
…overdrafted Paso Robles water basin. While drought still impacts his operation, he does not face the same basin management requirements looming over many producers in the San Joaquin Valley. That…
John Duarte on Central Valley Agriculture: Water, Prop 50, and the Future of Avocados
…that field this year,” John noted. For producers, the variety represents not only a new nut with excellent quality but also a critical economic shift in an industry where prices…
Lorenzo Rios: Valley Strong Vision for California
…where tough answers are found.” Farmers as Environmental Stewards Rios pushed back against policies that, in his view, wrongly penalize producers. “We’ve got to stop weaponizing climate policy against farmers,”…
Jean Étienne de Boré: Pioneer of Granulated Sugar in Louisiana
…of Louisiana’s most important crops. His work laid the foundation for what would become a central part of the state’s agricultural identity and economy, influencing generations of farmers and producers….
California Dairy Relief, Ag Policy Battles, and a Turning Point for Farmers
…announced another $1 billion in disaster relief funds for California’s dairy industry through the ELRP program. This comes on top of an earlier billion-dollar package, providing critical support as milk…
Don Cameron: California Ag Leadership & Challenges
…lower. Cameron points to Brazil, where farmworkers earn around $300 a month, creating a steep disadvantage for California growers. Despite offering better working conditions and higher standards, California producers must…