…modest financial cushion. However, the rising cost of production and persistent labor shortages continue to strain growers across the board. From land acquisition and plant materials to harvesting and packing,…
Labor Crisis Still Looms Over California’s Fresh Fruit Industry
…part of their communities, families, and operations. The Limits of Automation in Fresh Fruit Harvesting A key challenge Hartwig highlighted is the misconception that automation can replace human labor in…
Hilton Slams Solar on Farmland, Pledges Support for California Ag
…He emphasized the need to master existing voting rules—including ballot harvesting and early voting—until reforms are possible. Defending Family Farms and Rural Values Hilton spoke with passion about fifth-generation farmers…
Farming Innovation and Rural Sustainability: Inside The Reservoir
…such as harvest-assist technologies and alternative harvesting techniques to reduce dependency on surge labor and costly H-2A workers. Smarter Input Management for Sustainability Input efficiency is another cornerstone of The…
California Pear Yields Set for Strong Comeback in 2025
After a challenging 2024 season, the California pear industry is poised for a major rebound. Growers across the state anticipate harvesting 2.4 million 36-pound box equivalents in 2025—a 41% increase…
CIR Agriculture Harvester Products
…platforms, chutes and a multitude of replacement parts for nut harvesting and harvesting equipment and much more! Both our in-store and outside sales staff have the knowledge to answer any…
Joel Allen on Westside Farming, Family Legacy, and Football Fame
…alfalfa… We didn’t have any issues at all until that biological opinion in 1993,” said Allen. “This year, we’ve got more water than we know what to do with.” Harvesting…
Cotton, and Cotton Gin, Helped Shape American Ag Economy
…1616, colonists were harvesting cotton along Virginia’s James River. But it was in 1793 when Eli Whitney revolutionized the cotton industry with the invention of the cotton gin. This simple…
California Farm Leaders Urge Rethink of Immigration Enforcement
…disrupting the food supply chain, increasing uncertainty for producers already facing tight margins, regulatory pressure, and weather-related challenges. “Immigrant workers are not only essential to harvesting crops—they are central to…
California Citrus Shines: Jesse Silva Highlights Quality, Demand, and Imports
…grow really clean fruit. We grow really good tasting fruit,” Silva noted. Currently, Kings River Packing is harvesting its domestic Valencia crops—known as a key variety for juice production. While…
Maximizing Shelf Life: Family Tree Farms Adapts to the Demands of Fresh Tree Fruit
…growing conditions. Precision Harvesting and Cooling The harvest process is continuous, with fruit picked daily as it matures. Once harvested, it’s quickly moved to the packing facility, pre-cooled to 32°F…
Cherry Theft Arrests Underscore Ongoing Farm Security Concerns
…damage to plants and harvesting operations. Damaged produce, broken branches, and disrupted schedules increase the burden on already stretched farm operators. In response, many growers are investing in enhanced security…
2025-2026 California Table Grape Season: A Fresh Start to a Global Campaign
The 2025-2026 California table grape season has officially begun, marking the start of a months-long journey of harvesting, packaging, and distribution that will ensure a steady supply of premium-quality grapes…
Reservoir Farms Opens Applications for Inaugural Cohort of 12 Startups
…aims to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge solutions in the industry. The selected startups will focus on advancing technologies in several key areas of AgTech, including robotic harvesting, rugged mobility,…