…the interview, one theme remained constant: farmers are willing to compete — but they need a level playing field. Roberts ended with a message of resilience, saying California agriculture “has…
Kern Oil: Rickey Bird on California’s Energy, Community, and the Human Cost
…Kern Oil. Born and raised in Bakersfield and a third-generation oil field worker, Bird has lived through the highs and lows of the state’s energy industry. “People often think of…
Missouri’s Mule Legacy in American Agriculture
…plantations. In the agricultural South, mules became a backbone of field labor. They provided reliable power for plowing, hauling, and transporting goods. Their strength and relatively lower maintenance needs compared…
From Backyard Prototype to Global Ag Tech: Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder Revolution
…uninterrupted operation Compatibility with tillage, cultivation, spray rigs, and the LaserWeeder AI-powered intelligence for precise, adaptable field management Farmers can deploy the system overnight and return to a full day’s…
Bees Are Gold: Why Almond Growers Can’t Afford to Miss Pollination in 2026
…inputs in California agriculture often gets overlooked: bees. In a recent Ag Meter interview, Daniel Teran, Field Marketing Manager for Bee Hero, made it clear — without bees, there is…
Freight Industry Warning: California Trucking Companies Say Costs and Regulations Are Reaching a Breaking Point
…It is foundational. As Woods put it, the trucking industry isn’t asking for special treatment — just a level playing field and practical policies that allow companies to remain profitable…
Carbon Robotics Brings Laser Weeding and Autonomous Tractors to Center Stage
…allows remote operators to take control instantly, ensuring full workdays in the field. The technology is designed to handle tillage, spraying, and other field operations with real-time AI oversight. But…
Bee Season in Full Swing, Highlighting Pollination Urgency for Almond Growers
…With bloom percentages already climbing, growers without secured hives could find themselves in a tight spot. The episode featured an in-depth interview with Daniel Taran, Field Marketing Manager for BeeHero,…
Using Bt Products During Bloom to Manage Caterpillar Pests
…they hatch and before they grow larger. Using predictive models, trapping data, and close field monitoring can help growers apply treatments at the most effective stage. With warming spring temperatures…
Understanding Soil Tests: pH, CEC, and Base Saturation in Permanent Crops
…determines CEC—sandy soils have lower holding capacity, while heavier soils can retain more nutrients. Knowing a field’s CEC helps growers determine appropriate application rates and avoid overloading the soil with…
How 19th-Century Technology Transformed Corn and Wheat Farming
…yields and the physical limits of pre-mechanized farming. Every step—from soil preparation to planting and cultivation—required significant time and effort, making efficiency gains difficult without technological change. Mechanization by 1890:…
When American Farming Shifted From Hand Power to Horsepower
…the spring tooth harrow appeared. Designed specifically for seedbed preparation, this tool improved soil conditioning, helped control weeds, and created more consistent planting conditions—boosting both yields and reliability. Laying the…
Early Spring Moves That Protect Yield in Tree Fruit and Grapes
…set the tone for the entire season. In this episode of The Growing Edge, we sit down with Todd Burkdoll, field market development specialist at Valent USA, to discuss what…
Harry Ferguson and the Tractor Innovation That Changed Farming
…strain on equipment and operators while maximizing field performance. The Three-Point Hitch Breakthrough By 1933, Ferguson patented what would become his most influential invention: a method of attaching implements to…