A Visit to Reedley: California’s Ag Secretary Engages with the Valley California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross joined The Ag Meter host Nick Papagni at Reedley…
Karen Ross Talks Water, Regulation, and Prop 50 Silence on AgNet News Hour
…Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. The discussion, recorded at Reedley College, covered water storage, regulation, labor, and the growing tension between Sacramento and Central Valley agriculture. Ross acknowledged that California farmers…
Elaine Culotti: Fighting for California’s Farmers and Future
…from Republican to Democrat—potentially handing control to lawmakers “who have no idea what a farm looks like.” Culotti agreed, warning that the long-term consequences could devastate California agriculture. “People have…
How the Smith-Lever Act Created 4-H and Transformed Rural America
A Turning Point in Agricultural Education In 1914, the United States Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act, establishing the Cooperative Extension Service—a transformative program that reshaped how Americans learned about farming,…
Mando Perez: Innovation & Leadership in California Ag
…professional growth, which Perez considers the most rewarding part of his career. Discovering a Passion for Agriculture Perez’s journey into agriculture began in 2009 during a challenging economic period. After…
California’s Water Puzzle: Insights from Avid Water’s Cory Broad
…Agriculture Papagni noted that federal attention on water storage projects could bring long-awaited progress, and Broad agreed, calling agriculture a matter of national security. “We can’t outsource our ag production—you…
Alexandra Duarte’s Fight for California’s Future
…crops, fruits, vegetables. Agriculture needs energy, water, fewer regulations, and labor laws that work. What agriculture needs, everybody needs.” Her vision even extends to creative ways to highlight agriculture’s value:…
Kevin Kester on Ranching, Trade, and Ag’s Next Generation
…the next generation of leaders in agriculture. However, Kester warns that funding remains a concern. “We just have to make sure the funding doesn’t go away for the program across…
Shannon Douglas: Leading California Agriculture Through Opportunity and Challenge
…more than 26,000 farmers and ranchers across the state. Her leadership emphasizes advocacy, education, innovation, and a deep commitment to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders. In a recent…
Lorenzo Rios: Valley Strong Vision for California
…done and help move it across the finish line.” Educating America on the Value of Farmers Both Rios and Papagni stressed the importance of public education about agriculture. Many policymakers,…
Lisa Kerr Warns of Policy Threats and Fights for California Farmers
…agriculture. Listen to the full conversation with Lisa Kerr on the AgNet News Hour by clicking below or on your favorite podcast app. Listen to previous AgNet News Hour episodes……
California Farmers Face Policy, Energy, and Innovation Challenges
…Funding for Innovation Despite the grim outlook, Kerr sees positive momentum in new funding opportunities for agricultural innovation. She highlights the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), which has…
Edward Ring Brings Water Solutions to the AgNet News Hour
…the weekend ahead and then touched on national food issues, including McDonald’s pledge of $200 million toward regenerative agriculture practices. Partnering with Cargill, Coca-Cola, and USDA, the company is funding…
E.T. York: Advancing American Agriculture Through Education and Leadership
…and knowledge in driving agricultural innovation. E.T. York: Advancing American Agriculture Through Education and Leadership From Administrator to National Leader E.T. York dedicated his career to strengthening the connection between…