…aren’t coming from just one direction. Wine consumption has declined, particularly among younger consumers, as post-pandemic lifestyles shift toward health and wellness. The lingering “COVID hangover” has changed how people…
Daniel Morgan Boone and the Struggle of Early Kansas Farming
…of organized farming in the area. A Climate Unlike the East The Kansas climate also proved to be a major obstacle for early settlers. Many pioneers came from eastern states…
Inside Agriculture’s Turning Point: Mike Johanns on Policy, Profitability, and the Future
…most dedicated producers may be forced to step away. R&D Tax Credits: A Game-Changer for Farmers A major focus of the discussion is the Research & Development (R&D) tax credit—an…
From Water Challenges to Agave Innovation: The Woolf Farming Story
…local soils, climate, and terroir to produce distinctive agave-based products. However, the industry is still in its early stages. Growers want contracts before planting, while distillers want supply before committing—creating…
The Hard Lessons of the Great Plains: Early Settler Struggles
…in an American Agriculture History Minute, “Early settlers discovered that the Great Plains were not all that great.” The region’s climate posed formidable challenges that often proved disastrous for new…
California Water, SGMA, and the Future of Farming
…how policy decisions over the past several decades have changed the landscape for farmers. In a recent Ag Meter podcast interview, host Nick Papagni sat down with Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel…
California Water Debate: Can Farming’s Future Be Secured?
…Hour, host Nick “The Ag Meter” Papagni welcomed Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel of the Milk Producers Council for a passionate and insightful conversation about California’s water challenges and what must change…
California Water, Energy, and Policy: Duarte, Vanden Heuvel Break It Down
…industry. Hilton argued that current policies have forced the state to import a large percentage of its oil and natural gas and said leadership changes could help restore domestic energy…
Steve Hilton: “Help Is on the Way” for California Agriculture
…was direct: after 16 years of one-party rule, change is not just necessary — it’s urgent. Cutting the Budget, Cutting the Bureaucracy Hilton argues California’s nearly doubled state budget —…
Elaine Culotti Announces Run for California Governor, Calls for Economic Reset and Bipartisan Reform
…oil and gas restrictions have worsened supply chain costs and energy prices. “If we don’t fix our foundation, nothing else works,” she said. Insurance, Litigation, and Business Climate Culotti also…
Learning, Networking, and a Change of Scenery: Why California Growers May Want to Head to Fort Myers in 2026
…itself. What sets this Expo apart is its location. Fort Myers sits on Florida’s Gulf Coast, with the event hosted in a waterfront setting that offers a change of pace…
Robert Thomas and the Birth of the Farmer’s Almanac
…“Old” was not part of the original title. It was added later, in 1832, giving the publication the name many recognize today. That small change cemented its identity and linked…
California Water, Energy, and Resource Policy: A Conversation with Edward Ring
…Path Forward While political and regulatory hurdles remain, Ring sees opportunity in leadership and collaboration. He notes that the governor and state agencies can implement meaningful change through executive action…
Jamie Johansson Says 2026 Is a Turning Point for Northern California and Agriculture
…regulatory climate only weakens both rural communities and the state’s energy reliability. Wildfire management, forest thinning, and predator issues such as wolves were also part of the conversation. Johansson said…