…advocacy. He noted the decline in California’s cotton industry as an example of legislative impact on agriculture: “In 2006, there were over 200 cotton ginners in the state…we are down…
Farming for the Future: Jake Barcellos and A-Bar Ag Enterprises
…Stability Jake Barcellos At A-Bar Ag, diversification is key. The farm produces multiple tree and row crops including: Almonds and pistachios Pomegranates and olives (for oil) Pima cotton, processing tomatoes,…
Ted Torosian Builds Custom Produce into Ag Success Story
…products reach destinations across the U.S. and Canada in top condition. From split-box services to value-added packaging, the company tailors shipments for food service clients who need smaller quantities and…
Roger Isom on California Farming Challenges in 2025
…nation’s leading cotton-producing region, water cutbacks reduced the number of cotton gins from 26 in 2005 to just six by 2009. An estimated 10,000 jobs were lost in cotton alone….
Custom Produce’s Growth Story: Ted Torosian
…core focus remains on the “small guys” who need flexible, dependable service. “It’s about relationships,” Torosian said. “We’ve built trust with our growers and our customers over decades.” From a…
Freight, Labor, and Water: Roger Isom Unpacks the Big Challenges
…the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association. From labor policy to freight and water infrastructure, Isom doesn’t hold back in explaining what’s holding California agriculture back and what might just…
California’s Half-Billion Dollar Rodent Crisis: A Looming Threat to Tree Nut Growers
…Isom, CEO of both the Western Agricultural Processors Association and the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association. He weighs in on California’s regulatory pressure, labor costs, and the breaking point…
California Avocado Commission Praises USDA Reorganization Efforts
Strengthening USDA Services to Support Farmers and Safeguard Food Supply The California Avocado Commission is applauding a recent move by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restructure key components…
Lawnmower Origins in Agriculture History
…the rich history of agricultural innovation, names like Cyrus McCormick (mechanical reaper), John Deere (steel plow), and Eli Whitney (cotton gin) are firmly etched into the collective memory. These inventors…
California Almonds & Walnuts: Sonny Toor on Markets, Tariffs, Grower Strategy
…crucial. Toor commended the U.S. government’s tariff negotiations—especially with Japan, China, Vietnam, and South Korea—but noted Europe could present challenges. “There’s talk of counter tariffs from the EU in December….
AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 07-29-25
…BSE (mad cow disease) concerns, American beef is now welcomed back under new science-based guidelines. This is a huge development for U.S. cattle producers and represents a growing trust in…
Cotton Acreage Drops Significantly Across the Belt
Cotton Acreage Drops Significantly Across the Belt The U.S. cotton industry is experiencing a notable reduction in planted acreage in 2025, with declines ranging from 25% to 30% in various…
EPA Region 9 Administrator Meets with Ag Leaders on Air Quality
Federal and State Leaders Convene in California’s Central Valley Josh Cook, the newly appointed Region 9 Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recently traveled to California’s Central Valley…
Homegrown Organic: Stephen Paul on Fruit, Figs, Farming Future
…that come with tariffs: “If tariffs are used reasonably, they can be an effective negotiation tool. But when they’re too extreme, they threaten commerce.” He emphasized the importance of trust…




















