…the business for nearly four decades, spoke with Nick Papagni—“The Ag Meter”—about what could be a turning point for walnut growers. Walnut Market Rebound: Jameson Sees Brighter 2025 “This is…
NASS Launches U.S. Mushroom Production Survey
…Survey With an annual market value exceeding $1 billion, mushrooms are classified as a specialty crop, largely due to their unique cultivation methods and the limited number of growers involved….
USDA Launches Support Program for Specialty Crop Growers
In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rolled out a new assistance initiative designed to support America’s specialty crop growers as they face mounting economic pressures. The program…
H-2A Guestworker Program Burdening California Farmers
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…