…soils and access to water made the Mississippi River corridor an ideal location for early agriculture. These first farms laid the groundwork for generations of producers who would expand westward…
Learning, Networking, and a Change of Scenery: Why California Growers May Want to Head to Fort Myers in 2026
…address real-world challenges facing specialty crop producers. Topics regularly include water-use efficiency, irrigation and nutrient management, pest and disease control, soil health, precision agriculture, and emerging technologies. While production systems…
From Fresno Legend to Propane Pioneer: Lance Shebelut on Farming Smarter
…crops can’t afford to lose water. Rebates and Incentives Sweeten the Deal Beyond operational savings, propane comes with significant incentives. Rebates are based on engine size — roughly $600 per…
Fighting for Family Farms: Stephanie Moreda-Arend on Point Reyes’ Future
…farming in Point Reyes is not just about tradition; it’s about producing nutrient-dense food. Stephanie highlighted the link between soil quality, water, and animal care: “You can’t get good quality…
Freight Industry Warning: California Trucking Companies Say Costs and Regulations Are Reaching a Breaking Point
…emissions regulations, equipment mandates, licensing issues, and deteriorating road infrastructure. While growers often talk about water, labor, and regulation, Woods emphasized that none of it matters if product can’t move….
California Water, Energy, and Resource Policy: A Conversation with Edward Ring
…salmon. Recharge and groundwater management: Utilizing excess stormwater to recharge aquifers could restore depleted groundwater while supporting agricultural needs without impacting contracted water allocations. Ring stresses the importance of collaboration…
Jamie Johansson: A Farmer Running to Fix California
…experienced advocates can successfully pass bills even in an urban-dominated legislature. Water: The Top Priority Water remains the defining issue for California agriculture. Johansson highlighted renewed progress on Sites Reservoir,…
Almond Outlook, Propane Savings, and Ag Pride
…carbon sequestration, and moisture retention strategies—especially for Westside growers facing extreme water costs. With some farmers paying $1,000 to $1,500 per acre-foot in dry years, innovation is no longer optional….
Bee Season in Full Swing, Highlighting Pollination Urgency for Almond Growers
…without bees, there is no almond crop. As Papagni put it, water, labor, freight, and regulations matter — but without healthy hives in the orchard right now, nothing else counts….
Understanding Soil Tests: pH, CEC, and Base Saturation in Permanent Crops
…orchard and vineyard amendments are often surface-applied and rely on rainfall or irrigation for movement into the soil profile. By focusing on pH, CEC, and base saturation ratios—and understanding the…
Stephanie Moreda-Arend Warns Point Reyes Dairy Families Are Being Forced Off Generational Land
…ecosystems go hand in hand. Quality soil, clean water, and strong pasture management are not optional — they are essential to producing high-quality milk and beef. “You can’t have good…
The Missouri River: The Longest River in America and Its Agricultural Legacy
…Vast Agricultural Watershed The Missouri River drains a sparsely populated region covering more than 500,000 square miles. Its watershed includes parts of 10 U.S. states, stretching across the Great Plains…
Jamie Johansson Says 2026 Is a Turning Point for Northern California and Agriculture
…could be a defining year for agriculture, energy, and water policy in the Golden State. Johansson farms olives and citrus in Butte County and has spent years advocating for growers…
Using Tissue and Soil Data to Build Next Season’s Fertility Plan
…amendments are another area where data-driven decisions can make a difference. Rogers cautioned against applying products simply out of habit. Gypsum, for instance, is commonly applied each fall for water…