…the challenges organic producers face, from high input costs to strict regulations. She stressed that success in organic farming requires a whole-systems approach—managing soil health, irrigation, habitat diversity, and biological…
California Farmers Struggle with Water, Labor, and Regulations
…another layer of complexity. Rising wages and overtime laws make it difficult for farms to compete with foreign producers. Many operations are turning to mechanization, replacing labor with robotics to…
Angus Bulls Introduced to America
…Introduced to America Early Challenges for Angus Cattle Two of the Angus bulls were exhibited at the Kansas Livestock Expo in Kansas City. At the time, cattle buyers were skeptical….
George Grant and the Introduction of Angus Cattle to America
…Atlantic. The Legacy of Four Angus Bulls Although the settlers left, their cattle remained. Among the livestock Grant transported to America were four Angus bulls, a breed that was virtually…
California Wine Faces a Generational Challenge: Marlena Paolilli
…Tastes Paolilli explained that California’s wine sector continues to battle an oversupply of grapes, a problem rooted in the pandemic and compounded by an influx of new producers. With over…
Role of Shorthorn Cattle in American Agricultural History
…The Shorthorn cattle were widely favored by early American farmers and ranchers for several key reasons: Milk Production: They were excellent milk producers, providing a valuable resource for pioneer families….
Kern County’s Agriculture Advocate: Rachel Nettleton
…Kern County Agriculture Under her leadership, Kern County Farm Bureau continues to rank among the nation’s top agricultural producers. “Yes, we are the leading ag county in America this year,”…
Rise, Fall, and Comeback of Chickens in American Agriculture
Photo by Kirsten Bühne/Pexels image Chickens: The Early Livestock Staple of Pioneer Farms Cattle and hogs are widely recognized today as major livestock staples on American farms and ranches. However,…
Farm Labor and Market Shifts: Today’s AgNet News Hour Highlights
…dairy sector also remains under scrutiny, as producers balance herd management, feed costs, and market volatility. Today’s discussion touches on the importance of supporting fresh cows through nutritional management and…
Life on a Midwest Farm in the 1840s
Photo by Tom Fisk/Pexels image The Early Midwest Homestead In the 1840s Midwest, the average family farm covered about 100 acres—large enough to support crops, livestock, and a self-sustaining lifestyle….
Dale Nicol on Syngenta, Farming Challenges, and Feeding the World
…competition. Nicol highlights troubling examples: Potato growers in the Northwest losing money on uncontracted crops. California wine grape producers facing competition from frozen imports from South America and Australia. For…
Roger Isom on California Farming Challenges in 2025
…margins razor-thin, leaving producers struggling to survive. He noted that even lawmakers are beginning to feel pressure as everyday Californians face skyrocketing utility bills, gas prices, and housing costs. What…
Dairy, Family, and Football: Joseph Bakker’s Life in the Central Valley
…welcomes farm tours and encourages conversations that help bridge the gap between producers and consumers. Milk’s Comeback and the Push for Schools Joseph hopes milk is regaining popularity, especially among…
California Ag at a Crossroads: Syngenta’s Dale Nicol
…Imports Impacting California Crops Nicol began by addressing the growing competition from imported wine grapes, noting how international supply pressures are reshaping markets for California producers. While the Golden State…