…moving quickly toward smarter, more efficient solutions. While autonomy is advancing, Stan notes that the complexities of orchards—compared to row crops—still make full automation difficult. “It’s almost there, but not…
Florida Citrus and Specialty Crops: Frank Giles on Challenges, Optimism, and Innovation
Florida citrus and specialty crops remain a central focus of growers, industry leaders, and policymakers, with challenges such as citrus greening, hurricanes, labor shortages, and fluctuating markets shaping the future….
Rise, Fall, and Comeback of Chickens in American Agriculture
…compared to larger livestock. Rise, Fall, and Comeback of Chickens in American Agriculture Once pioneer families established their farms, chickens became an essential resource. They provided multiple benefits: a steady…
Farm Labor and Market Shifts: Today’s AgNet News Hour Highlights
…Why This Matters for Farmers The takeaway from today’s show is clear: whether you’re running a dairy, managing specialty crops, or looking at international sales, planning ahead and staying informed…
Life on a Midwest Farm in the 1840s
Photo by Tom Fisk/Pexels image The Early Midwest Homestead In the 1840s Midwest, the average family farm covered about 100 acres—large enough to support crops, livestock, and a self-sustaining lifestyle….
Dale Nicol on Syngenta, Farming Challenges, and Feeding the World
…has a process of bringing new products to market that is second to none,” Nicol explains. His region spans the western United States, where different crops and climates demand tailored…
Roger Isom on California Farming Challenges in 2025
…over mountain passes, and heavy batteries reduce payload capacity. Hydrogen trucks, while promising, are prohibitively expensive. These costs ultimately fall back on growers, who cannot raise prices in competitive global…
California Pistachio Harvest 2025: Insights from Richard Kreps
…of the most fertile soil in the world. On the energy side, Kreps welcomed the lifting of California’s EV freight mandate, which had left farmers struggling to move crops efficiently….
Dairy, Family, and Football: Joseph Bakker’s Life in the Central Valley
…the cows, flush the lanes, and then irrigate crops. People think we’re wasteful, but we’re not. We know how to use it right.” He believes the state must invest in…
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
…With service trucks covering territory from Bakersfield to Yuba City, Midland specializes in providing efficient, cutting-edge John Deere equipment for orchards, vineyards, and specialty crops. Nelson details the growing role…
Inside Hanford Dairy Life with Farmer Case Anker
…grows silage, winter wheat, and summer corn, primarily for his own herd. Occasionally, a surplus is produced depending on weather conditions, but most crops stay within the ranch to ensure…
Madera County Water Challenges Explained by Matt Angell
…notes almonds are among the most water-efficient crops—consumers typically eat all they buy, unlike other crops that waste significant portions. He considers almonds “50% more efficient” than many agricultural products….
California’s Half-Billion Dollar Rodent Crisis: A Looming Threat to Tree Nut Growers
…weather, an increase in abandoned orchards, and evolving pest behaviors that are making them increasingly difficult to control. These rodents aren’t just nibbling at crops, they’re chewing through drip irrigation…