…those initiatives are key to keeping workers employed as agriculture transitions toward more technology-driven production. “We want to make sure we leave no one behind in making those transitions,” Ross…
How Railroads Transformed American Agriculture
…production, diversified crops, and fueled the growth of agribusiness across the country. Railroads also helped populate the Midwest and West, enabling settlers to move equipment, building materials, and goods needed…
How the Smith-Lever Act Created 4-H and Transformed Rural America
…directly. The Cooperative Extension Service helped rural families improve crop production, livestock health, and household management. It bridged the gap between university research and on-the-ground application, giving farmers the tools…
David Tangipa: Fighting for California Farmers and Rejecting Proposition 50
…dependent on imports from Singapore when local refineries falter. “That’s how fragile this system is,” Tangipa said. “Federal production is bailing California out right now.” Generational Burdens and the Price…
Why Prop 50 Threatens Rural Representation: California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass
…Economic Stakes: Agriculture’s $60 Billion Role California agriculture is not only a cultural cornerstone but also a massive economic engine. “We have just over $60 billion in agricultural production here…
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…
California Raisin Leaders on Trade, Water & Future
…in global dried fruit production, is undergoing dramatic changes. In a recent conversation hosted by Nick Papagni, three longtime leaders shared their perspectives on the state of the sector: Kalem…
Raisin Industry Legends Warn of Challenges and Chart a Path Forward
…gave a sweeping history lesson, recalling how raisins were once California’s pride crop, producing more than 400,000 tons a year. But today, production has slipped under 200,000 tons annually, dropping…
Kevin Kester on Ranching, Trade, and Ag’s Next Generation
…a complete solution, such support helps counterbalance state-level political challenges. He also praised Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, noting her personal ties to cattle production and FFA leadership. Rollins, whose daughters…
Pistachios, Water & Trade: Kreps on Farming’s Future
…basic for a career California politician. “We just need California politicians to get behind solving problems instead of fighting against President Trump,” he said. Expanding Pistachio Production Across the Southwest…
John Duarte on Central Valley Agriculture: Water, Prop 50, and the Future of Avocados
…luck to you and thank you for doing what you do.” Proven Results in Almonds and Pistachios Farmers listening in had one pressing question—what kind of production gains can they…
Shannon Douglas: Leading California Agriculture Through Opportunity and Challenge
…an Uneven Playing Field American farmers face strict environmental and labor standards. While these rules reflect important values, they also raise production costs. When foreign competitors operate under looser regulations,…
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 Farmers Face Policy, Energy, and Innovation Challenges
…to secure the water necessary to sustain their crops. Energy policies add to the strain. California’s restrictions on oil production have driven up fuel costs, impacting everything from machinery operation…