…grape production. Almond orchards face rodent infestations, with limited pesticide options. Rising costs for labor, utilities, and materials challenge profitability. “Farming is one of the hardest businesses,” Melissa notes. “You’re…
Dale Nicol on Syngenta, Farming Challenges, and Feeding the World
…A graduate of Wasco High School—and a former football player who proudly recalls victories over rival Shafter—he and his family remain deeply connected to the community. His wife serves on…
Dairy, Family, and Football: Joseph Bakker’s Life in the Central Valley
…love.” A Family Rooted in Sports While farming is the family’s livelihood, sports are a shared passion. Joseph and his wife, both former high school athletes, raised four children—Max, Joey,…
California Ag at a Crossroads: Syngenta’s Dale Nicol
…to protect local industries. Regulatory Pressures and Political Climate One of the central themes of the interview was the mounting regulatory burden on California farmers. From pesticide restrictions to environmental…
Inside Hanford Dairy Life with Farmer Case Anker
…dairy, Case serves as a pitching coach at Central Valley Christian High School, an outlet he loves despite the time constraints it creates during the spring season. Coaching allows him…
California FFA Leaders Share Vision for Agriculture’s Future
…travel from rural towns to urban centers, visiting schools, hosting workshops, and advocating for agriculture. California FFA Leaders Share Vision for Agriculture’s Future In a recent conversation on the AgNet…
California Dairy in the Spotlight: Generations of Dedication and a Future of Uncertainty
…in football at Central Valley Christian School, and how sports and farming go hand in hand in instilling strong values and work ethic. In the second half of the episode,…
IFPA Pushes Produce for Better U.S. Health Policy
…to prescribe them as part of treatment for chronic conditions. Expanding the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP): Ensuring all students, regardless of school district, have access to fresh produce…
Wade Kirschenman on Grapes, Potatoes & Policy
…State agriculture graduate and former Bulldog football player, Wade still makes time for games and remains deeply connected to the Central Valley community. “I love high school sports and seeing…
AgNet News Hour Friday, 07-18-25
…vegetables, particularly in school lunch programs. The International Fresh Produce Association has proposed policy updates, pushing for expanded produce prescriptions in federal healthcare and broader access to nutrition education. Finally,…
New Tariff Targets Mexican Tomato Imports
…State University’s Morrison School of Agribusiness, estimates that the 17% duty could raise U.S. retail tomato prices by approximately 8.5%. “This duty will make fresh tomatoes more expensive for U.S….
Hilton Eyes Regulatory Overhaul for California Ag
…the State Water Resources Control Board, California Air Resources Board (CARB), and various pesticide regulatory bodies. He criticized what he described as “madness” from CARB, including mandates that push Tier…
CDFA Opens Grant Program for Invasive Pest Management
…Grant Program for Invasive Pest Management Supporting Fast-Response and Research-Based Pest Control Administered by the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis within the Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability, the…
California Fruit Leader Calls Out Regulations Hurting Growers
…skyrocket—12 to 14 times higher than in years past. These costs span everything from worker safety requirements to administrative paperwork and recordkeeping for water and pesticide use. The regulatory landscape,…