…numbers Rising labor and operational costs Expanding automation Increasing regulatory burdens Concerns for rural communities dependent on packing-house jobs These factors, they note, are reshaping beef production and accelerating the…
Women Farmers of the Civil War
…people to accomplish more work in less time—a critical advantage during wartime labor shortages. Women worked tirelessly to support their families and the armies on both sides of the conflict….
Fourth-Generation Farming in the South Valley: An Interview with Jason Giannelli
…tells me.” Addressing Labor and Policy Challenges Labor availability and regulatory pressures continue to shape farming operations. Giannelli describes the gap between policymakers and agricultural realities: “A lot of these…
Jason Gianelli: Water, Labor, and the Future of Farming in the South Valley
The November 21 edition of the AgNet News Hour closed out the week with a powerful, wide-ranging interview featuring Jason Gianelli, fourth-generation Kern County farmer and Director of Farming for Old River…
Early 19th Century Farming Shaped America’s Economy
…periods of rapid economic growth offered ambitious farmers a chance to advance. Many families followed a simple and effective strategy: Purchase undeveloped land at a low cost. Improve and farm…
Semios Advances Smart Farming with Automation & Precision
…growers facing rising input and labor costs, this combination of precision, reliability, and reduction in manual effort is essential. Growers using Semios’ solutions have already seen year-over-year improvements in pest…
Stephen Pistoresi Shares How Semios Is Transforming Pest Control, Irrigation, and the Future of Farming
…has changed since Pistoresi’s grandfather grew mushrooms in the Valley. “You can’t farm like grandpa did,” Pistoresi agreed. “There’s too much at stake now—water shortages, labor costs, environmental rules. Today’s…
Southern Agriculture: The Rise of Plantations and Cotton’s Global Impact
…backbone of the region’s economy, driving both domestic and international trade. The success of these crops depended heavily on labor-intensive production and fertile soil, both of which played key roles…
SOLIX Robotics: Solar-Powered Autonomy for Modern Farmers
…the Modern Labor Challenge Labor shortages remain one of the most significant issues facing farmers. Wetli notes that SOLIX isn’t designed to eliminate labor but to make labor smarter and…
Solinftec’s Taylor Wetli Talks Solar Robotics and the Future of Smart Farming
…fully autonomous.” Papagni noted that California farmers are constantly battling rising costs and labor shortages, and technology like this could be a game changer. Wetli agreed, explaining that the technology…
How Railroads Transformed American Agriculture in the 1860s
…increased access to markets, reduced costs, and spurred an era of agricultural prosperity across the Great Plains and Midwest. The Homestead Act: Land for a Growing Nation The federal government’s…
Inside the World of Agricultural Shipping: A Conversation with Jeff Cox of Best Drayage
…ranging from 30 to 45 days, sometimes up to 50 depending on route and carrier. Transit times can vary based on cost considerations: faster shipments typically cost more, while lower-cost…
Inside FIRA USA 2025: California’s AgTech Future
…Need for Ag-Tech-Fluent Professionals A major topic of discussion was the changing labor landscape. As older farmworkers retire and fewer young people pursue traditional farm labor roles, automation becomes increasingly…
California Table Grapes: A Strong, High-Quality Season
…Standards in a Challenging State Nick pointed out what many growers know well: California’s world-class quality comes with higher costs. Labor, freight, and regulatory compliance all exceed the standards of…