Manuel Cunha Calls H-2A Labor System “Unworkable” for Local Growers AgNet West’s Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter”, recently sat down with Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, to…
Imperial Valley Sugar Plant Closure Raises Crop Market Concerns
…affects not just growers but also the fine balance of supply and demand across multiple crops. Leimgruber emphasized that overproduction in other crops could now lower prices, compounding challenges. Diverse…
Extreme Heat Blamed for California Cherry Shortfall
…has growers concerned about profitability. Still, there is optimism that cooler temperatures and proper dormancy going forward could lead to better seasons ahead. You can catch both of the full…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 07-03-25
…Josh explore what this could mean for fruit and vegetable growers, dairy operations, and the broader ag economy. Then, listeners are treated to a candid and optimistic interview with walnut…
Farming with Less Water: Leimgruber’s “Crop per Drop” Success
…vital for growers in the Imperial Valley and beyond. Hear the Full Interview In the full interview, Andrew Leimgruber talks about: Water-saving innovations on his farm The reality of growing…
Wine Grape Growers Back Pierce’s Disease Program
…Pierce’s Disease Control Program, with 76.56 percent of growers voting in favor of renewal—surpassing the required threshold for continuation. Wine Grape Growers Back Pierce’s Disease Program Funded through a grower-paid…
California Cherry Crop Plummets by 50%, Prices Spike
…and 112 degrees severely damaged orchards in Kern County and beyond. In the Bakersfield area, many cherry trees produced so little fruit that growers didn’t harvest at all. California Cherry…
Pierce’s Disease Program Extended to 2031
…adaptive and forward-thinking approach of both the CDFA and participating growers. Held every five years, the referendum acts as a performance review of the program’s effectiveness and value to growers….
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 07-02-25
…critical and candid conversation with Imperial Valley farmer Andrew Leimgruber —shedding light on the daily battles California growers face just to stay in business. From water rights to foreign land…
California Walnut Comeback: Norene’s Outlook
Big Time Farming Owner Shares Insights on Walnut Industry Recovery and Growth California walnut growers are seeing signs of optimism after several challenging years. Davin Norene, president and owner of…
CDFA Promotes Water Rule Compliance for California Tree Nut Growers
CDFA Promotes Water Rule Compliance for California Tree Nut Growers The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Produce Safety Program (CDFA-PSP) hit the road this spring to support farmers and…
AgNet News Hour Monday, 06-30-25
…a bill that would allow solar installations on land protected under the Williamson Act by temporarily suspending its ag-use restriction. Westerlund argues that for growers who have lost surface water…
Jeff Bitter on Challenges and Cycles in the Grape Industry
Allied Grape Growers President Sees Signs of Long-Term Correction Amid Struggles In a recent interview, Jeff Bitter, President of the Allied Grape Growers Association, discussed the tough realities facing California’s…
Advocating for Growers and Farmworkers in California Ag
…about how the organization is helping California growers navigate a complicated labor and regulatory landscape. Manuel Cunha Advocates for Growers Through Nisei Farmers League Support Programs “The immigration labor issue…