…of the most profitable crops they could grow and export. Farmers Expand Flaxseed and Corn Production In addition to wheat, colonial farmers also increased production of other crops such as…
Broadcast Applications Improve Fire Ant Control in Almond Orchards
Fire ants remain a persistent challenge for California almond growers, impacting both crop quality and worker safety. John Mays, Senior Director of Specialty Agriculture with Central Life Sciences, says choosing…
Mike Johanns Talks Farm Profitability, Policy, and the Future of California Agriculture
…wine, where demand has shifted in recent years. Beyond market challenges, Johanns highlighted the importance of recognizing the work farmers are already doing to innovate. From improving crop practices to…
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
…to navigate shifting commodity markets: Tomatoes: Production is down following a large crop last year, as the industry works through excess inventory. Pistachios: Strong demand continues, with global factors influencing…
Agave Opportunity Grows in California; Wolf Family Pushes Innovation Amid Water Challenges
…limited water allocations—currently around 15 percent. That uncertainty is forcing farmers to rethink how they use their land and what crops can realistically be sustained in the future. For Stuart…
The Hard Lessons of the Great Plains: Early Settler Struggles
…farmers. Settlers faced extreme weather conditions, including tornadoes, blizzards, droughts, hailstorms, and floods. To make matters worse, swarms of grasshoppers regularly swept through crops, devastating entire harvests. These natural hardships…
Agave Innovation on the West Side; Stuart Wolf and Family Look Toward Farming’s Future
…explained that early allocation decisions are critical because farmers must plan crops, financing, and planting schedules months in advance. One potential solution gaining attention is agave, a desert crop traditionally…
The Homestead Act: How Free Land Transformed North American Agriculture
…heavily on crop production and livestock agriculture. Railroads Help Drive Settlement While federal land programs encouraged settlement, the rapid expansion of railroads also played a major role in bringing farmers…
California Water Debate: Can Farming’s Future Be Secured?
…understand how water policy affects food production. Their message to farmers and agricultural supporters: tell the story of agriculture, engage with communities, and stay involved in the policy conversations shaping…
Growing the Future: Ag in the Classroom Reaches California Students
…millions of students learn about farming, food production, and career opportunities within agriculture. The California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is the nonprofit education arm of the California Farm…
California Water, Energy, and Policy: Duarte, Vanden Heuvel Break It Down
…production. Following the announcement, Papagni spoke with Duarte about his vision for California’s water future. Duarte emphasized what he calls a return to “water abundance”—ensuring that farms, cities, and households…
Part 1: Almond Red Leaf Blotch Spreading in Central Valley Orchards
…carbohydrate production needed for nut production. Burkdoll noted that maintaining healthy foliage is critical to sustaining orchard productivity year after year. Moist conditions play a major role in disease development….
AgNet News Hour Podcast: Business, Ag Education, Water History & Orchard Health
…policy, and crop protection. From inspiring entrepreneurship stories to the future of ag education and emerging orchard threats, this episode highlights the voices shaping agriculture across California. If you want…