…passion not only for farming, but also for educating the public about agriculture. That passion led him to launch “The Pizza Farm” educational program in the 1990s, eventually expanding into…
Madera Grower Darren Schmall Expands Agriculture into Agritourism, Innovation, and Sustainability
The AgNet News Hour featured a conversation with Madera grower Darren Schmall, highlighting how one Central Valley farmer is blending traditional agriculture with innovation, agritourism, and sustainability to stay competitive…
Farm Dog of the Year 2027: Nominations Now Open
Farmers and ranchers across the country have a new opportunity to spotlight their most loyal partners—their farm dogs. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has officially opened nominations for the…
Monterey County Agriculture at a Crossroads: Water, Labor, and the Future of America’s Salad Bowl
…farming now accounts for roughly 21–23% of Monterey County’s production and continues to grow. Larger farms are increasingly producing both conventional and organic crops, reflecting evolving consumer demand. A Call…
Farm Bill Advances as Food Security, Fertilizer Costs, and California Policy Pressures Dominate Ag Conversation
…we will be importing more of our food,” said Monterey County Farm Bureau Executive Director Norm Groot. Groot emphasized that maintaining a stable farming system is essential not only for…
Fertilizer Costs, Policy Debate, and Water Challenges Take Center Stage for California Agriculture
…A major focus of the episode was fertilizer pricing and supply, as USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined federal efforts to increase competition and lower costs for farmers. Rollins pointed to…
Valley Irrigation: A $5,000 Gamble That Changed Farming Forever
…Valley Manufacturing. This was no small risk, especially in the post-war economy, but it was a decision that would ultimately reshape modern farming. From Farm Elevators to Innovation After acquiring…
California Crossroads: McClintock on Water, Policy & Ag
…adjust. A Call to Action for Farmers Perhaps most importantly, McClintock urges farmers and agricultural leaders to engage more actively with the public. He believes that many policy challenges stem…
Congressman McClintock Calls for Policy Shift as Water, Labor, and Regulation Pressures Mount in California Agriculture
…the state’s economic strength. McClintock pointed to water management as one of the most critical issues impacting farmers today, emphasizing that California’s challenges are not due to a lack of…
Garst & Hybrid Corn: From Iowa to the Cold War
…improved plant strength, and better disease resistance. Garst and Thomas helped farmers transition from traditional seed varieties to hybrid options, fundamentally reshaping corn production across the United States. A Farm…
California Agriculture Left Out of Governor Debate as Leaders Push for Policy Change
The AgNet News Hour highlighted growing frustration across the agricultural community after a recent California governor debate failed to address key issues like farming, water, and food production, despite their…
From Colonial Streets to Community Staples: The History of Farmers Markets in America
…as vital hubs where farmers and consumers connected directly. Their influence stretches back centuries, shaping how food was distributed, sold, and enjoyed across growing communities. Origins in the 1600s Farmers…
Women in Agriculture Highlight Leadership, Challenges, and the Future of Farming
…Giampaoli of Live Oak Farms and Kristen Camarena of Bonnie Plants, who shared their experiences, career paths, and perspectives on the future of farming. The conversation comes at a fitting…
USDA’s Fordyce: Policy, Pressure & Promise for Farmers
…the wildcard every year in farming,” Fordyce explains. A Message to Farmers Fordyce closed with a strong reminder: USDA is committed to a “farmer-first” approach. He encouraged producers to connect…