…the commission is investing heavily in research through its mechanization and automation initiatives. Programs like EQIP, supported by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, offer a model for helping growers adopt…
Farm Bill Advances as Food Security, Fertilizer Costs, and California Policy Pressures Dominate Ag Conversation
…finally seeing progress after years of delays. The bill includes funding for conservation programs, crop insurance, and research, particularly for specialty crops that are critical to California agriculture. However, some…
USDA’s Fordyce: Policy, Pressure & Promise for Farmers
…Service Agency (FSA): Loans, disaster relief, and safety net programs Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): Conservation and land productivity support Risk Management Agency (RMA): Crop insurance and risk protection Together,…
USDA’s Richard Fordyce Highlights Farm Bill Gains, Tax Relief, and Support for California Agriculture
…including the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Risk Management Agency (RMA). These programs provide everything from disaster assistance and conservation funding to crop insurance and…
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…
Walnut Orchards to Washington: Jenny Moffitt’s Mission to Save American Farming
…farmers holistically. From estate planning to business strategy and conservation practices, her team works directly with producers to ensure their operations remain viable long-term. Why Farming Must Be Treated as…
Colorado Irrigation: How Greeley Transformed Western Agriculture
…caused widespread soil erosion across the Great Plains. In Colorado, an estimated one-tenth of the state’s topsoil was lost to the wind. This environmental disaster underscored the importance of conservation…
California Cattle Industry Faces Growing Pressure; Katie Roberti Discusses Wolves, Water, and Policy Challenges
…In some regions, wildlife is moving closer to communities, increasing tensions between conservation efforts and agricultural sustainability. Ranchers are now being forced to adapt quickly while also working with state…
Mike Johanns Talks Farm Profitability, Policy, and the Future of California Agriculture
…financial relief by returning dollars back into farming operations. Johanns also spoke highly of farmers themselves, pushing back against misconceptions about agriculture. He emphasized that producers are committed to conservation,…
Early American Farmers and the Cycle of Moving West
…strong harvests without much effort. But over time, that natural fertility began to decline. Without crop rotation, soil conservation, or other practices that modern farmers now consider essential, the productivity…
From Water Challenges to Agave Innovation: The Woolf Farming Story
…is being shaped by the next generation. Wiley Woolf is leading sustainability efforts, focusing on water conservation, soil health, air quality, solar energy, and pollinator habitats. His work reflects a…
The Hard Lessons of the Great Plains: Early Settler Struggles
…safety net against unpredictable losses, while new conservation techniques improved soil health and water management. Large-scale federal aid further reduced risks, allowing the next generation of farmers to reestablish themselves…
Edward Ring: Dredging the Delta Could Unlock Millions of Acre-Feet for California
…while reducing long-term restrictions. Beyond dredging, Ring called for a shift away from a conservation-only mindset. Urban water use, he noted, has remained nearly flat for decades despite massive population…
California Cattle Challenges & Opportunities: Insights from Rick Roberti
…He highlights the need for practical solutions that balance conservation with agricultural needs. Urban expansion and conversion of farmland into housing also threaten the industry. “Every year, thousands of acres…