…food. 🎧Listen to the Full Interview This summary only scratches the surface. Dave Roberts dives deeper into: Tariffs and global competition Labor reform and political uncertainty Environmental narratives vs. farming…
Elaine Culotti Pushes for Middle-Ground Leadership and Stronger Support for Small Farmers
…a broader theme throughout the program: California agriculture remains strong, but policy decisions in Sacramento have created serious challenges across water, freight, labor, and energy sectors. Whether discussing infrastructure, immigration,…
Missouri’s Mule Legacy in American Agriculture
…and ability to withstand harsh conditions made them indispensable companions for those heading west. Essential Labor on Southern Plantations An even larger number of Missouri mules were used on southern…
John Deere Showcases New 25-HP Compact Tractor at World Ag Expo
…loader. These features allow operators to switch implements quickly, saving time and reducing labor demands. Ease of operation was also a focus in the design. The tractor features a simple…
California Freight in Crisis: Wildwood Express on the Pressures Facing Trucking and Agriculture
…costs, labor shortages, and insurance hurdles, their insights provide a rare glimpse into the daily challenges that keep the state—and the nation—fed. Families and Businesses Feeling the Squeeze Woods and…
From Backyard Prototype to Global Ag Tech: Carbon Robotics’ LaserWeeder Revolution
…Mikesell identified a critical challenge: weed control. Traditional methods rely heavily on herbicides and manual labor, which can harm crops, farmers, and the environment. Carbon Robotics’ solution? The LaserWeeder, an…
Freight Industry Warning: California Trucking Companies Say Costs and Regulations Are Reaching a Breaking Point
…emissions regulations, equipment mandates, licensing issues, and deteriorating road infrastructure. While growers often talk about water, labor, and regulation, Woods emphasized that none of it matters if product can’t move….
California Water, Energy, and Resource Policy: A Conversation with Edward Ring
…runoff annually. Beyond forestry, California has untapped natural resources: lithium for EV batteries, quarrying, and asphalt production. Local production could reduce reliance on countries with poor labor and environmental standards,…
Carbon Robotics Brings Laser Weeding and Autonomous Tractors to Center Stage
…farming problems — specifically herbicide resistance, rising labor costs, and environmental concerns. The LaserWeeder uses AI-powered cameras and high-precision lasers to identify and eliminate weeds without chemicals. According to Mikesell,…
Bee Season in Full Swing, Highlighting Pollination Urgency for Almond Growers
…without bees, there is no almond crop. As Papagni put it, water, labor, freight, and regulations matter — but without healthy hives in the orchard right now, nothing else counts….
California Agriculture’s Champions: John Duarte on Leadership, Policy & the Future
Screenshot California agriculture is at a pivotal moment. From water regulations and labor challenges to shifting political leadership in Sacramento, farmers and ranchers across the state are facing unprecedented uncertainty….
Fertigation vs. Foliar Sprays: Choosing the Right Nutrition Strategy
…is typically more cost-effective. By adding compatible nutrients to the spray tank, growers can address deficiencies without increasing labor or equipment costs. Fertigation, on the other hand, remains a primary…
John Duarte Lays Out a Blueprint for Water Abundance as World Ag Expo Hits Full Swing
…said, there is no backup plan for water delivery, agriculture, or public health in those regions. Immigration and labor rounded out the conversation. Duarte argued that agriculture needs a permanent,…
How 19th-Century Technology Transformed Corn and Wheat Farming
Labor, Land, and Innovation: How 19th-Century Farming Became More Efficient American agriculture in the 19th century underwent a profound transformation as new tools and techniques reshaped how crops were planted,…