…it clear: farmers cannot carry the financial burden alone. The marketplace must also recognize and support sustainable practices. The Strength of Family Farming A powerful reminder from the interview: over…
From Gold Rush to Green Fields: The Agricultural Roots of Colorado
…were cultivating what is commonly known as the “Three Sisters”—corn, soybeans, and squash. This companion planting method was not only sustainable but highly efficient, with each crop supporting the growth…
Chad Bianco on California Agriculture: “Common Sense Can Fix What’s Broken”
…that water provided to agriculture not only supports crops but also replenishes groundwater aquifers, benefiting the broader population. He described this as a naturally sustainable system that functions best when…
Seeds of Survival: How Irrigation Shaped Early Colorado Agriculture
…to establish a sustainable agricultural presence. William N. Byers and the Push for Farming A pivotal figure in Colorado’s early agricultural history was William N. Byers, founder of the Rocky…
California Water Crisis: Can It Be Fixed?
…to rely more heavily on groundwater—often at unsustainable prices. When commodity prices can’t keep up, the financial strain becomes overwhelming. And ultimately, those costs don’t stay on the farm—they reach…
California Water Challenges Take Center Stage as Experts Call for Urgent Action
…storage in California, and that needs to be fixed.” Cederquist also pointed to the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) as a major factor shaping the future of…
Inside Agriculture’s Turning Point: Mike Johanns on Policy, Profitability, and the Future
…generation on the farm, the answer was simple: profitability. That message drives much of Johanns’ work today. Farmers don’t lack passion—they need sustainable margins to continue. Without profitability, even the…
Early American Farmers and the Cycle of Moving West
…way. Many early settlers had limited knowledge about long-term soil management or sustainable cultivation practices. Because the land they encountered was “virgin soil,” it was initially extremely fertile and produced…
From Water Challenges to Agave Innovation: The Woolf Farming Story
…strong and sustainable market for it. Potential uses extend beyond spirits to include sweeteners and even biofuels. Family, Community, and the Future of Farming What truly sets Woolf Farming apart…
California Water, SGMA, and the Future of Farming
…of SGMA Another major shift came in 2014 when California passed the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The law requires regions across the state to bring groundwater pumping into balance…
California Water Debate: Can Farming’s Future Be Secured?
…on water supply issues and the impacts of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). During the interview, Vanden Heuvel explained how SGMA and groundwater sustainability plans are reshaping agriculture across…
California Water, Energy, and Policy: Duarte, Vanden Heuvel Break It Down
…1970s and increased reliance on groundwater have significantly reshaped the state’s water system. Vanden Heuvel also discussed the impact of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and how groundwater regulation…
Six Generations of Farming: Cannon Michael on Water, Innovation, and the Future of California Agriculture
…team at Bowles Farming Company are preparing for another growing season—hoping for better water allocations, stable markets, and continued progress toward a sustainable future for California farming. Six Generations of…
R7 Enterprises: Dave Roberts on Water, Lemons & California’s Farming Future
…remains one of Roberts’ biggest concerns. While recent wet winters helped replenish supplies, the implementation of SGMA (Sustainable Groundwater Management Act) could permanently reshape farming in the Central Valley. Roberts…