…cracking and loss of marketability. “If cherries are at the wrong stage, they’ll absorb that water and split,” Jameson noted. Beyond weather, growers are also facing rising production costs. Labor…
Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture
…Reality Water continues to dominate the conversation. While critics argue California has underbuilt infrastructure, Ross pointed to major regional investments in conservation, groundwater cleanup, and storage. Still, large-scale projects remain…
California Ag Secretary Karen Ross Discusses Future of Farming, Water, and Regulation Challenges
…hydrology looks like it’s changing,” she said. “We must do a better job with water storage. It’s that simple.” Ross highlighted continued efforts to invest in water infrastructure, including regional…
Smart Water, Stronger Farms: Aqua4D’s Impact on Agriculture
How Innovative Water Technology Is Helping Farmers Fight Salinity, Save Water, and Boost Yields Jeff Nunes Water is the foundation of agriculture—and when it’s compromised, everything else follows. In a…
Early Summer Disease Pressure Builds in Almond Orchards
…impacting next year’s production. Application practices play a major role in product performance. Burkdoll stressed the importance of thorough spray coverage, recommending slower application speeds and adequate water volume to…
Water Technology Innovation Offers New Option for Growers Facing Quality Challenges
…water quality. The technology was first developed in Switzerland, where researchers were looking for ways to reduce scale buildup in pipes caused by highly alkaline water. What they discovered, Nunes…
Tulare County Farm Bureau Leader Reflects on Career, Agriculture Advocacy, and Industry Future
…milk in this county.” Her role has placed her at the center of key agricultural conversations, from local issues like land use and water access to broader challenges tied to…
From Dairy to Leadership: Inside Tulare County Agriculture
…to the industry. For nearly two decades, she has served as Executive Director of the Tulare County Farm Bureau, advocating for farmers and helping navigate complex issues like water, land…
California Farming at a Crossroads: Shannon Douglass on Policy, Pressure, and the Path Forward
…demonstrated a deeper understanding of complex agricultural issues—particularly water challenges like those involving the Delta. This level of preparedness marks progress compared to past election cycles, where such topics often…
California Agriculture at a Crossroads: Insights from Ryan Jacobsen at Fresno State
…2026 Outlook: Optimism Tempered by Uncertainty Looking ahead, Jacobsen described 2026 as a year filled with both hope and uncertainty. Key challenges include: Water Allocations: Federal water contractors are receiving…
California Ag Faces Rising Costs and Political Crossroads as Governor Race Heats Up
…with policy direction impacting everything from water access to input costs and overall farm viability. At the same time, growers are facing increasing financial strain. Rising fertilizer prices are a…
From Gold Rush to Green Fields: The Agricultural Roots of Colorado
…marked the beginning of commercial agriculture in the region. The valley’s rich soil and access to water made it an ideal location for farming, allowing settlers to establish more stable…
Steve Hilton Calls for “Abundance and Growth” in California Agriculture
…agricultural sector has been “starved of water,” burdened with high energy costs, and constrained by excessive labor and regulatory pressures. These challenges, he said, have made it increasingly difficult for…
Chad Bianco on California Agriculture: “Common Sense Can Fix What’s Broken”
…of water—estimated at 70–80%—that flows unused into the ocean. He proposed several solutions: Building more reservoirs Improving water storage infrastructure Ensuring farmers receive 100% of their water allocations Bianco emphasized…