…We become more efficient.” Labor Stability and Seasonal Strength Despite concerns around immigration and state labor regulations, Los Gatos enjoys strong employee retention—over 90% of its 150 seasonal workers return…
Tomato Trade Shift Pressures U.S. Processors
…said. “Ultimately, we had the highest price on record for the cost of tomatoes in 2023.” But the industry’s record-high pricing didn’t hold. A bumper crop led to an oversupplied…
Strawberry Volumes Rise, But Growers Still Lag Behind
…life, leading to higher overall fruit quality. Pricing Improves, But Costs and Labor Weigh Heavy Prices for strawberries this year are holding slightly above last season’s averages, offering growers a…
Ground Beef Prices Hit Historic Highs Amid Supply Chain Strains
…latest Consumer Price Index data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national average price for ground beef surpassed $6 per pound — the highest ever recorded since data…
Court Limits ICE Actions in Southern California
…bus stops, car washes, and day labor sites as potentially violating constitutional protections. The order prohibits ICE from stopping or detaining individuals without specific suspicion, and bars action based solely…
AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 07-22-25
Dignity Act Gains Momentum as Organic Leader Stephen Paul Highlights Labor Realities On today’s AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill delivered a jam-packed episode featuring expert insights and…
American Agri-Women Advocate for Agriculture on Capitol Hill
…a growing threat to rural communities and natural resources. Additional advocacy priorities included: Protecting private property rights Labor and trade policy reform Addressing regulatory burdens Engaging in the Budget Reconciliation…
Homegrown Organic: Stephen Paul on Fruit, Figs, Farming Future
…exciting commodities—figs. “We just started fig harvest,” said Paul. “It’ll be a solid six to eight weeks of intense picking, packing, and shipping. Figs are delicate and labor-intensive, but they’re…
AgNet News Hour Monday, 07-21-25
…industry is cautiously optimistic. Canada remains the top export destination for California grapes, and maintaining those relationships through political turbulence is a top priority. LeMay also touches on the labor…
Republicans Urge Legal Fix for Ag Workforce
…pragmatism, especially in labor-intensive sectors like farming. Pressure Mounts as Ag Industry Seeks Labor Certainty The call for reform reflects growing concerns from farmers and agricultural producers across the country…
Wade Kirschenman on Grapes, Potatoes & Policy
…grapes, they have to come here.” Navigating Labor and Immigration Complexities Labor availability has remained stable for now, though Wade recalled a scare in January when ICE activity caused some…
California Table Grape Season Off to a Strong Start
…Table Grape Commission, growers are optimistic about 2025. In a recent interview with Nick Papagni on “The Ag Meter,” LeMay shared insights into crop conditions, export dynamics, and pressing labor…
Nick Foglio on Hay Markets, Water Scarcity, and the Future of California Ag
…$3,500–$4,000 for first-lactation cows or springers, putting further pressure on operating lines. Freight Costs and Fuel: A Growing Threat Foglio also expressed concern over rising freight costs, predicting gas prices…
AgNet News Hour Friday, 07-18-25
…agriculture in California. Wayde shares insights into labor and immigration concerns, the complexities of tariffs—especially on watermelons exported to Canada—and how freight, regulations, and water access play major roles in…