…operations. Kreps also pointed to rodents and birds damaging irrigation systems as an increasing concern. Abandoned orchards, particularly almonds left idle after market declines, have fueled gopher and rat populations….
Madera County Water Challenges Explained by Matt Angell
…severity. Matt Angell-Hydro Zones Presention 250718Download A major factor is the expansion of permanent crops like almonds into marginal lands, made possible by drip irrigation. While more acreage and higher…
California’s Half-Billion Dollar Rodent Crisis: A Looming Threat to Tree Nut Growers
…weather, an increase in abandoned orchards, and evolving pest behaviors that are making them increasingly difficult to control. These rodents aren’t just nibbling at crops, they’re chewing through drip irrigation…
California Freight Industry Crisis: Trucking Leader Speaks Out on Rising Costs and Regulations
…U.S. Freight Is the Backbone of Agriculture Freight is essential to California’s massive agricultural economy. Wood’s company hauls critical materials like packaging supplies, irrigation systems, and nursery trees for pistachio,…
Innovation and Ingenuity in the Desert: Yuma, Arizona’s Role in Feeding America
…unique water strategy. Despite receiving just three inches of rain annually, Yuma’s farmers have built a remarkably efficient irrigation infrastructure that includes pre-irrigation, laser-leveled fields, and furrow flood techniques. Their…
Evolution of Irrigation in American Agriculture
…the practice of irrigation dates back thousands of years. Evolution of Irrigation in American Agriculture Ancient farmers in Asia and Africa were among the first to manipulate water for agriculture,…
Los Gatos Tomato: Innovation, Labor & Water in Focus
…seed genetics The shift from furrow to drip irrigation Precision ag techniques that reduce resource use “Farming gets smarter. We have labor issues? We bring in more machinery. Water issues?…
Early Turnpikes Paved the Way for American Agriculture
…turnpike roads. While we often think of tractors, irrigation systems, and railroads when discussing agricultural development, the role of rural roads was equally foundational. How Early Turnpikes Paved the Way…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 07-24-25
…seed selection, irrigation innovation, and California’s fertile growing conditions drive consistent quality and yield, despite the state’s increasing regulatory challenges. Listeners will also learn how 95% of U.S. processing tomatoes…
Flush Irrigation Systems to Prevent Failures
Importance of Irrigation Systems Maintenance in Agriculture When it comes to irrigation efficiency and soil health, regular maintenance of irrigation systems is essential—especially flushing. According to Cory Broad, Agronomic Sales…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 07-17-25
…from water expert Cory Broad of Avid Water. From irrigation technology and automation to challenges in groundwater recharge and irrigation system maintenance, the segment is packed with practical strategies almond…
Chad Bianco: “California Is in Crisis—And Agriculture Is Paying the Price”
…making it increasingly difficult for them to thrive. “Farmers are the best conservationists,” he said. “They’re innovating with drip irrigation, better engineering—but they’re not growing. They’re just trying to survive.”…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 07-09-25
…real-world testing grounds for tech startups. From automated harvesters to precision irrigation, the Reservoir is helping bridge the gap between Silicon Valley and farm fields—and giving smaller producers a seat…
Daniel Halladay Revolutionized Windmill Technology in 1854
…of steel instead of wood, greatly improving durability. Halladay’s invention laid the foundation for the modern windmills and turbines we see today—providing consistent power and irrigation to farms across America…