…the same respect and sustainability that define modern agriculture. Today’s producers take pride in soil conservation practices, using science-based management to maintain soil fertility for generations to come. But historical…
How Early Farmers Learned to Protect Their Soil
…on Unsplash The Dawn of Soil Conservation in Early American Farming In the early years of American settlement, the nation’s farmers often took the vastness of the land for granted….
Van Groningen & Sons: A Century of California Farming
…the land. Whether through soil management, water conservation, or community education, their mission remains the same: to grow the best—and safest—produce California has to offer. About Van Groningen & Sons…
Karen Ross on Water, Workforce, and the Future of California Agriculture
…Ross emphasized that California’s future depends on a diverse water strategy — a “menu” that includes conservation, groundwater recharge, brackish water cleanup, and better management of local basins. “There’s no…
California Raisin Leaders on Trade, Water & Future
…shared that National Raisins has long prioritized conservation, making significant investments in renewable energy and efficiency: The company once operated the largest privately held solar farm in California. It utilizes…
Kevin Kester on Ranching, Trade, and Ag’s Next Generation
…common sense from politicians is often the first mistake. “That’s your first problem—you’re trying to use common sense on a politician, and it never, ever works,” he quipped. Conservation, Stewardship,…
Shannon Douglas: Leading California Agriculture Through Opportunity and Challenge
…almond exports to dairy markets. Meanwhile, the Farm Bill shapes crop insurance, conservation programs, and rural development. “We’re making sure we’re at the table in Washington,” Douglas said. “If we’re…
Lorenzo Rios: Valley Strong Vision for California
…he said. “Farmers are not the problem—they’re the solution. They’ve been stewarding this land for generations. Congress should reward conservation, not punish production.” Papagni agreed, pointing out that farmers treat…
California’s Water Crisis: Edward Ring Calls for Abundance Over Scarcity
…guiding policy. Ring responded that water and forestry agencies are too often staffed by academics trained by activist professors who emphasize conservation and rationing over abundance and infrastructure. He argued…
California Ag Battles: Water, Solar, and Farmland Futures
…California Land Conservation Act of 1965, better known as the Williamson Act. The act allows counties and cities to preserve farmland by restricting its use to agriculture. However, AB1156 opens…
The Roots of U.S. Forest Management
…This legislation was a critical milestone in shaping the nation’s conservation policy, ensuring that vast areas of natural forest were protected for future generations. A Lasting Legacy The early decisions…
How Pioneers Hunted and Preserved Food After 1776
…around them, including deer, wild turkeys, and small game. Interestingly, they practiced a form of resource conservation that was born out of necessity: pioneers only hunted what they needed at…
New Survey Targets Farm Conservation Efforts
…programs for agricultural conservation Support conservation efforts that protect natural resources while also benefiting producers economically A Cooperative Conservation Effort The survey is being carried out through a cooperative agreement…
EPA Region 9 Administrator Meets with Ag Leaders on Air Quality
…Association (Western Treenut Association). Administrator Cook was joined by several federal and state leaders including: Connie Conway, State Executive Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency Carlos Suarez, State Conservationist…