…strong production regions. The sandy loam soils, with some areas containing over 20 feet of topsoil, have produced yields 30% higher than those on the Eastside for both row crops…
Freeman Vineyard: Organic Sonoma Wines with Global Reach
A Family Story Rooted in Sonoma County In the heart of West Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, Freeman Vineyard and Winery has become a leader in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production….
Norman Borlaug: The Father of the Green Revolution
…to advancing agricultural science and improving global food security. His groundbreaking work as an agronomist transformed farming practices, increased crop yields, and helped feed millions around the world. Norman Borlaug:…
Native American Agriculture: Roots of U.S. Farming
…Crops of Native American Farming The agricultural systems developed by Native Americans were not only about managing land—they also revolved around cultivating crops that became essential to global diets. The…
Don Cameron: California Ag Leadership & Challenges
…believes automation will be critical for the future, particularly for labor-intensive crops. Market Pressures and Global Competition California farmers face increasing pressure from imported commodities, where production costs are much…
Big News for Dairy and Almond Growers: USDA Announces $1 Billion Relief Program, Almond Yields Down
…Hauling for a ground-level perspective on this year’s almond crop. Early in the season, projections of a massive three-billion-pound harvest had many in the industry worried about oversupply and falling…
Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture: America’s First Farm Organization
…by the Society was crop rotation. Instead of planting the same crop in the same field year after year—which quickly depleted soil nutrients—rotation introduced a system where different crops were…
Tariffs, Trade, and Table Grapes: Richard Matoian Shares Insights on California Farming Challenges
…fields at harvest, he stressed that automation is limited when presentation and precision matter most. Looking Ahead Matoian advised young farmers to find a niche—whether in crop choice, marketing, or…
California Wine Month Highlights Sustainability and Innovation: Julie Berge of the Wine Institute Shares Industry Outlook
…remains a powerhouse not just in production but also in culture, tourism, and economic impact. Sustainability at the Forefront One of the most surprising facts Berge shared is that 90%…
Henry A. Wallace: Innovator, Journalist, and Statesman
…death in 1924, highlighting a legacy of agricultural leadership. Legacy Henry A. Wallace’s life bridged innovation, media, and government service. From revolutionizing crop production to shaping national policy, his contributions…
From Olives to Almonds: Melissa Oberti Shares Her Family’s Farming Legacy and the Struggles Facing California Growers
…grapes and 170 acres of almonds, but both crops face major challenges. Oberti described how water regulations under SGMA and fees have strained operations, while the state’s high-speed rail project…
California Ag Battles: Water, Solar, and Farmland Futures
…Papagni noted, that means four years without almond production—a devastating blow for growers and the local economy. While investors circle California land, many producers see it as a “bridge to…
Henry A. Wallace: Father of Hybrid Corn
Photo by Johann Piber/Pexels image A Young Innovator in Iowa In 1904, a 16-year-old high school student in Iowa began experimenting with corn in the hopes of boosting crop yields….
Melissa Oberti on Grapes, Almonds, and Water Challenges
…name. Grapes and Almonds: Managing Crop Production in California Melissa explains the complexities of growing grapes and almonds in the Central Valley. Wine grapes benefit from long-term contracts with local…