…California, defend the land and resources that sustain generations, and challenge the power structures that seek to marginalize the Central Valley. “Right now is the time to show up,” he…
California Farmers Struggle with Water, Labor, and Regulations
…AB 1156, highlights tensions between renewable energy and farmland preservation. While solar panels provide farmers with alternative revenue in water-scarce areas, weakening the Williamson Act raises concerns about long-term farmland…
Founding Fathers, Farming, and the Rise of Agricultural Education
…signaled agriculture’s central role in America’s growth and emphasized the importance of supporting farmers through research, resources, and policy. The Morrill Act and Land-Grant Universities To bring agricultural knowledge to…
Rachel Nettleton Leads Kern County Farm Bureau
…water to robotics addressing labor shortages, the region continues to adapt and thrive despite challenges. “Farmers live where they farm,” Nettleton explained. “They care about the land, their families, and…
The Birth of the USDA and Land-Grant Universities
…Agriculture Committee to further support agricultural policy. The Birth of the USDA and Land-Grant Universities Congress and the Land-Grant College Act That same year, Congress passed federal land grants to…
California Farmers Under Pressure: Andrew Genasci Calls for Advocacy and Common-Sense Policy
…line. California farmers produce the safest, healthiest food in the world, but we’re competing against imports from countries that don’t face the same restrictions.” Water, Land, and Labor Genasci highlighted…
History of Land-Grant Universities in U.S. Agriculture
…to technical, mechanical, and scientific advancements alongside agricultural studies, broadening the scope of the land-grant mission. Legacy of the Land-Grant System The land-grant university system remains one of the most…
Dale Nicol on Syngenta, Farming Challenges, and Feeding the World
…voices are heard. Nicol stresses that agriculture is not only about producing food but also about caring for the land: “Farmers are the greatest environmentalists. They take care of the…
Roger Isom on California Farming Challenges in 2025
…farmers, by contrast, operate under some of the strictest environmental and worker safety regulations in the world. “Farmers here are the best stewards of the land,” Isom emphasized. “We live…
Dairy, Family, and Football: Joseph Bakker’s Life in the Central Valley
…farmland, growing corn silage, wheat silage, and a little alfalfa. “It’s the third generation,” Bakker said. “My grandpa, my dad, and now me. We’ve been blessed to do what we…
California Farming Voices: Case Anker and Stan Nelson
…the pride and stewardship that comes with caring for animals and the land. The show then shifts north to Madera, where Nelson discusses Midland Tractor’s 40-year history serving California growers….
Inside Hanford Dairy Life with Farmer Case Anker
…him establish his own dairy operation. After a few moves, the family settled in Hanford, where they now milk cows, farm land, and grow feed to sustain the herd. Inside…
Fighting for California Agriculture: Rich Kreps
…California farmer nearing retirement age, the industry must find ways to lower barriers for the next generation — from access to land and capital to education and mentorship. Listeners also…
Madera County Water Challenges Explained by Matt Angell
…severity. Matt Angell-Hydro Zones Presention 250718Download A major factor is the expansion of permanent crops like almonds into marginal lands, made possible by drip irrigation. While more acreage and higher…