…time, production costs continue to climb. Labor remains a major expense, even as technology and automation improve efficiency in packing facilities. Jameson noted that even with advanced optical sorting systems,…
California Cherries 2026: Bigger Crop, Earlier Season, New Challenges
…cargo) Strong U.S. dollar impacting exports Higher input costs like fertilizer and labor At the same time, produce departments have exploded from about 100 items decades ago to nearly 500…
California Cherry Crop Rebounds in 2026 as Growers Navigate Weather and Market Pressures
…cracking and loss of marketability. “If cherries are at the wrong stage, they’ll absorb that water and split,” Jameson noted. Beyond weather, growers are also facing rising production costs. Labor…
California Citrus Outlook Strong Despite Weather Challenges and Rising Costs
…pressures, including rising input costs and supply chain challenges. Packaging, fuel, and labor all continue to impact profitability, often without corresponding increases in retail pricing. “Those costs are hard to…
Smart Water, Stronger Farms: Aqua4D’s Impact on Agriculture
…before it impacts yield. These advancements reduce labor demands while increasing precision and profitability. As Nunes put it, the goal is clear: help farmers spend less time reacting to problems…
From Hand-Husking to Horse Power: The Evolution of Corn Harvesting
The Labor of Early Corn Harvesting Coming up on This Land of Ours, it’s the daily Ag History Minute. Mark Oppold brings us a glimpse into the demanding realities of…
Steve Hilton Calls for “Abundance and Growth” in California Agriculture
…agricultural sector has been “starved of water,” burdened with high energy costs, and constrained by excessive labor and regulatory pressures. These challenges, he said, have made it increasingly difficult for…
Fire Ants Pose Risks to Workers and Equipment in Almond Orchards
…from a small number of bites. This variability makes it difficult for growers to manage labor effectively. Employers cannot always predict how individuals will react, which can complicate decisions about…
Walnut Orchards to Washington: Jenny Moffitt’s Mission to Save American Farming
…the interview, she addresses the mounting pressures facing California agriculture: Overregulation Water scarcity Labor shortages Rising transportation and freight costs But the solution, she explains, goes beyond policy—it requires supporting…
Farmland Protection and Farm Transition Take Focus in AgNet News Hour Interview
…a complete system, where water, labor, markets, land use, and environmental stewardship all play interconnected roles. That holistic approach is key to maintaining both productivity and sustainability. The conversation also…
Dignity Act and Labor Reform Take Center Stage in AgNet News Hour Interview
The AgNet News Hour continued its in-depth conversation with Nisei Farmers League President Manuel Cunha, focusing on one of agriculture’s most pressing issues: labor, immigration, and the future of the…
Cesar Chavez Controversy & Immigration Reform Shake Agriculture
…the Nisei Farmers League. What started as a recap of a successful industry luncheon quickly turned into a wide-ranging discussion touching on controversy, labor history, immigration reform, and the future…
Manuel Cunha Discusses Cesar Chavez Controversy and Labor Challenges Facing California Agriculture
…and the broader implications for labor, agriculture, and policy in California. Cunha shared strong reactions to reports detailing misconduct tied to Chavez, calling the situation deeply disappointing and emphasizing that…
Ellis-Chalmers: Steam Power and the Machinery Behind Early American Agriculture
…increasingly relied on machinery to increase efficiency and production, particularly as farms grew larger and demand for food expanded. Steam engines served as the technological bridge between manual labor and…