…dry-on-the-vine systems. He predicts traditional Thompson Seedless vineyards could disappear entirely within the next decade, replaced by mechanized, high-efficiency systems that allow growers to survive rising labor and regulatory costs….
Anna Baldwin and the First Milking Machine
…time when dairy farming depended almost entirely on manual labor, Baldwin’s invention introduced the idea that technology could ease one of agriculture’s most labor-intensive tasks. Her milking machine was a…
Verdant Robotics’ Sharpshooter Is Redefining Precision Weed Control
…backgrounds at NASA, aerospace programs, and military aviation. Their goal was clear: bring high-level automation and precision into everyday farming operations—especially areas still dependent on manual labor and broadcast spraying….
California Pears vs. Argentina Imports: Chris Zanobini Sounds the Alarm on a Market Under Pressure
…of its impact on eating quality. The competitive imbalance comes down to cost. Zanobini said California growers face the highest production standards in the world—labor, chemical restrictions, water requirements, and…
California Pear Growers Sound the Alarm on Argentine Imports
…in storage for months. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1paEVSJAVPr44LV3nXMLDt1v4kBbm5RJV/view?usp=drive_web Rising Costs, Falling Opportunities California pear growers face some of the highest production standards in the world, from labor and water regulations to chemical use…
Drones, Sharpshooter Precision, and Almond Bloom Protection: Technology Takes Over AgNet News Hour
…to millimeter-accurate weed control to bloom-time disease protection in almonds. The message was clear: for California growers facing rising labor costs and tighter margins, innovation isn’t a luxury anymore—it’s survival….
Why California Agriculture Is Losing Ground Despite Feeding the World
…challenges: water shortages, regulatory burdens, labor costs, rising fuel prices, and freight expenses. Mason described the situation as “strangulation through regulation,” warning that California’s cost structure is accelerating the shift…
Damian Mason Says California Ag Is Outnumbered, Out Regulated, and Still Unmatched
…paid more for it, while cheaper commodities roll in from countries with lower labor costs and less regulation. Mason compared California to Peru and pointed out that global competitors now…
Joseph Dart and the Invention That Revolutionized Grain Shipping
…the first machine-powered grain elevator in America, famously known as Dart’s Elevator. This innovation allowed grain to be lifted, stored, and moved efficiently, replacing the slow, labor-intensive methods previously used….
California Farmers in Focus at Farm Bureau Convention
…farm equipment already legal in most other states, warning that the state risks falling behind technologically. Why the Full Interview Matters This interview dives deeper into labor reform, market fairness,…
Shannon Douglas on California’s Big Five: Water, Labor, Regulations, Wolves, and the Future of Farm Tech
…Anaheim and welcomed Shannon Douglas, President of the California Farm Bureau, for a deep look at the biggest issues facing California agriculture in 2026. From water storage and labor reform…
California Ag Spotlight: Farm Bureau & Almond Updates
…to the biggest challenges facing agriculture today. A key highlight of the episode is Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins’ speech, detailing significant initiatives for U.S. farmers. From H-2A labor reforms projected…
Inside the American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim
…row crops and Southern livestock—many issues remain the same. The convention creates a space where farmers and ranchers can openly discuss water, labor, markets, and policy, while learning how others…
Brooke Rollins in California, Potter Valley Dams, and Propane Tech: A Big Day for AgNet News Hour
…to California—especially when it comes to regulations, water, labor, and the future of farming in the state. Her visit alone sent a signal that Washington sees California ag as too…