…strong production regions. The sandy loam soils, with some areas containing over 20 feet of topsoil, have produced yields 30% higher than those on the Eastside for both row crops…
Norman Borlaug: The Father of the Green Revolution
…is best known for leading efforts in what became known as the Green Revolution—a period marked by the development and adoption of high-yield, disease-resistant crops and improved farming techniques. His…
Farming for the Future: Jake Barcellos and A-Bar Ag Enterprises
…and fresh tomatoes Niche crops such as asparagus, garlic, and onions Barcellos notes that crops like asparagus are a difficult but important niche, dependent on fluctuating markets and competition from…
Native American Agriculture: Roots of U.S. Farming
…Crops of Native American Farming The agricultural systems developed by Native Americans were not only about managing land—they also revolved around cultivating crops that became essential to global diets. The…
Don Cameron: California Ag Leadership & Challenges
…believes automation will be critical for the future, particularly for labor-intensive crops. Market Pressures and Global Competition California farmers face increasing pressure from imported commodities, where production costs are much…
Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture: America’s First Farm Organization
…by the Society was crop rotation. Instead of planting the same crop in the same field year after year—which quickly depleted soil nutrients—rotation introduced a system where different crops were…
From Olives to Almonds: Melissa Oberti Shares Her Family’s Farming Legacy and the Struggles Facing California Growers
…grapes and 170 acres of almonds, but both crops face major challenges. Oberti described how water regulations under SGMA and fees have strained operations, while the state’s high-speed rail project…
California Ag Battles: Water, Solar, and Farmland Futures
…While solar developers claim crops or grazing can coexist under solar panels, many California farmers remain skeptical. Boyer highlighted discussions in Kern County, where farmland is increasingly being eyed for…
Joe Del Bosque: Water, Labor, and the Fight for California Farming
…and Retailers’ Choices While melons have avoided heavy competition from imports, other crops like asparagus and raisins have been severely impacted. Low wages abroad make it impossible for California farmers…
The Roots of U.S. Forest Management
Photo by Roman Biernacki/Pexels image Early Recognition of Forest Stewardship Even as America’s early settlers were clearing land to establish homesteads and plant crops, the government recognized the importance of…
California Agriculture: Don Cameron on Labor, Water, and Innovation
…Agriculture A central topic of conversation was labor in agriculture. Cameron emphasized the critical importance of a stable workforce for California’s labor-intensive crops. He highlighted the need for programs like…
California Farmers Struggle with Water, Labor, and Regulations
…and help farmers sustain crops, communities, and the state’s economy. Advocacy Is Key to Survival Active involvement in advocacy groups ensures farmers’ voices are heard. Genasci encourages participation in local…
Family Tree Farms on Quality and Water: Daniel Jackson
…with new warm-weather apple varieties like the Sugarburst. Rain, Trade, and Tariffs Recent storms across the Central Valley raised concerns about damage to late-harvest crops. Jackson said it is too…
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds: Advancing Lettuce and Melon Varieties in Salinas
…and Sonja Begemann The Salinas field trials provide growers with a first-hand look at a diverse range of lettuce varieties—including romaine, iceberg, and specialty types—as well as brassicas such as…