…Livermore region are frustrated by fertilizer prices, freight costs, water concerns, and excessive red tape. “We need our farms so much,” Maldonado said during the interview, stressing the importance of…
California Politics, Early Harvests, and Water Concerns Continue Dominating Agriculture Conversation
…growing conditions continue affecting orchards throughout California. At the same time, the conversation returned repeatedly to broader concerns surrounding California agriculture, including water availability, fuel prices, labor costs, and the…
California Agriculture at a Crossroads-Roger Isom Warns of Water, Regulation, and Economic Crisis
…under soaring fuel prices, water restrictions, labor costs, and regulations that far exceed those in competing states and countries. He warned that many growers — both large and small —…
California Agriculture Faces Early Harvests, Water Pressure, and Growing Regulatory Concerns
…explained that abandoned acreage tied to low commodity prices and SGMA-related fallowing has created expanding pest populations that are damaging orchards, irrigation systems, and surrounding infrastructure. “The problem still exists,”…
California Farmers Face Mounting Pressure from Water, Fuel Costs, and Peach Industry Collapse
…concerns surrounding California agriculture heading deeper into 2026. Isom pointed directly to fuel prices, water policy, and regulatory burdens as some of the most damaging issues impacting growers. “We are…
Historic Iowa Farmland Auction Draws Crowds and Millions
…available, especially parcels held within the same family for generations. Strong Local Demand: Farmers are willing to brave extreme conditions and pay premium prices to secure land close to home….
California Governor Debate Leaves Agriculture Behind as Water, Taxes, and Policy Battles Intensify
…labor, freight costs, or fertilizer prices. “Not one question on farming, ag, water, fertilizer, labor, freight, nothing,” Papagni said, expressing frustration over the lack of focus on issues directly impacting…
California Policy, Meat Industry Concerns, and Governor Race Take Center Stage for Agriculture
…especially pronounced. High fuel prices, regulatory burdens, and labor costs continue to strain operations, making it increasingly difficult to remain competitive. “Everything that agriculture runs on is diesel,” the discussion…
Location, Land, and Legacy: Farmland Values Still Tell the Story
…during periods of market uncertainty or softening prices, well-positioned farmland continues to command premium values. This enduring principle was clearly demonstrated in a notable land sale in October 2024. A…
From Farming to Fast-Growing Trees: Darren Schmall’s Vision for California Agriculture
…allocations. Schmall also discussed the rising costs hurting farmers across California. Diesel prices, fertilizer expenses, labor costs, and government regulations are all putting enormous pressure on agriculture. According to Schmall,…
Madera Grower Darren Schmall Expands Agriculture into Agritourism, Innovation, and Sustainability
…traditional farming challenges remain front and center, particularly rising costs tied to fuel, labor, and fertilizer. “Everything is related back to fuel,” he said, pointing to diesel prices as a…
Insurance Crisis Deepens in California as Ag Industry Faces Rising Costs and Limited Coverage
…From the Central Valley to coastal production areas, the challenges remain consistent: higher prices, reduced options, and declining service levels. According to Korsgaden, many of these issues stem from long-term…
Monterey County Agriculture at a Crossroads: Water, Labor, and the Future of America’s Salad Bowl
…Farmers are also navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Proposed restrictions on fertilizer use and water quality regulations could make it difficult to maintain crop yields. At the same time,…
Farm Bill Advances as Food Security, Fertilizer Costs, and California Policy Pressures Dominate Ag Conversation
…crops like lettuce and strawberries. These roles require specialized skills and cannot easily be replaced by automation. “These are highly skilled jobs,” Groot explained. Fertilizer costs also continue to weigh…