It’s peak tomato season in California, and today’s AgNet News Hour dives deep into the heart of the state’s processing tomato industry with Dan Green, CEO of Los Gatos Tomato Products. From harvest logistics to international trade challenges, this episode offers growers, industry professionals, and ag-curious listeners an inside look at one of California’s most important crops.

Dan Green shares how Los Gatos Tomato—owned by four multigenerational farming families—processes tomatoes around the clock from July through September. The plant’s operation runs 24/7 for about 100 days straight, beginning with organic tomatoes and continuing with a wide array of varieties tailored for products like ketchup, juice, and sauces. He explains how seed selection, irrigation innovation, and California’s fertile growing conditions drive consistent quality and yield, despite the state’s increasing regulatory challenges.

Listeners will also learn how 95% of U.S. processing tomatoes are grown and processed in California. Green emphasizes that the industry is largely domestic—meaning minimal tariff impact—but still feels indirect effects from international market pressures and consumer behavior shifts, including the rise of weight-loss drugs affecting food demand.

The episode also features timely updates on international trade wins for American ag, including new zero-tariff trade agreements with Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These deals represent billions in economic opportunity for U.S. agriculture and could set the stage for broader global trade shifts.

Plus, growers won’t want to miss expert advice on controlling spider mites in almonds and grapes, as well as a look at the latest almond crop forecast from the Almond Board of California.

Whether you’re a grower, industry stakeholder, or just love a good tomato story, this episode is packed with insight and optimism for California agriculture.

On today’s AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill dive deep into some of the hottest topics shaking up California agriculture, starting with major developments in the almond industry. Market shock hit growers as a recent USDA estimate pegged this year’s crop at 3 billion pounds, 300 million more than previously expected. Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities joined the show for an emergency interview, breaking down how this unexpected number triggered a 50-cent drop in almond prices almost overnight. That drop could mean a 20% loss in projected profit for growers, potentially pushing some close to break-even levels.

“Growers were feeling optimistic, and now that’s been flipped on its head,” said Foglio, who warned the discrepancy could even lead to legal action against the USDA for the impact of a possibly inflated estimate. Despite the downturn, Foglio believes strong marketing and quality California product could help stabilize the market over time.

Also making headlines are two devastating fires: one at the Tomatek tomato processing plant in Firebaugh, and another at a major Calpine warehouse in Lamont. The latter burned to the ground, creating immediate logistics challenges for South Valley growers who rely on the facility for packaging materials.

On a more hopeful note, former Westlands Water District director Kevin Assemi joined the program to share innovative ideas for solving California’s ongoing water woes. Assemi, who spearheaded a farmer-led groundwater recharge program, emphasized the need for collaboration and transparency among agencies, cities, and growers to ensure smarter water management without billion-dollar investments.

With perfect Central Valley weather, the show wrapped up with light-hearted banter about watermelons, grocery store strategies, and support for FFA youth. The hosts previewed upcoming FFA interviews and celebrated the strong summer crop season.

For the latest agriculture headlines and more exclusive interviews, subscribe to the AgNet News Hour podcast and follow @AgNetWest on social media. And as always, let the Ag Meter know what’s happening in your part of ag country by emailing [email protected].

On today’s AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill delivered a jam-packed episode featuring expert insights and compelling conversations, headlined by a deep dive into immigration reform and its implications for agriculture.

The show spotlighted the newly introduced Dignity Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill aimed at resolving the nation’s immigration and labor issues, a topic especially critical to California’s ag industry. Josh outlined the bill’s key components, including a seven-year legal status pathway for undocumented immigrants who’ve been in the country since before 2021. The bill offers work and travel authorization, protection from deportation, and introduces no taxpayer burden since it’s fully funded by the applicants’ $7,000 restitution payments. Enhanced border security, mandatory E-Verify, and expedited asylum processing are also baked into the legislation.

The episode also featured a wide-ranging conversation with Stephen Paul of Homegrown Organic Farms, one of the most respected names in organic produce. Paul described the current harvest as one of the best in years, thanks to cooler-than-usual July weather and strong yields across commodities.

The conversation touched on everything from the challenges of fig production to organic certification, international partnerships, and the importance of year-round relationships with retailers like Whole Foods. Paul also echoed the urgency of immigration reform: “There are so many good people contributing to agriculture who deserve a legal pathway to stay and work.”

As the show wrapped, Nick and Josh looked ahead to upcoming episodes covering almonds, dairy, water issues, and more. Tune in every weekday to AgNet News Hour for timely news, in-depth interviews, and sharp insight into the people and policies shaping agriculture.

This Monday’s AgNet News Hour kicks off with sunshine, good vibes, and a full slate of critical updates from the Central Valley and beyond. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill bring listeners the latest on California agriculture, with a special spotlight on the table grape industry and its growing season.

Joining the program is Ian LeMay, President and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission, who shares an in-depth update on this year’s crop. Following an unusually moderate spring and early summer, conditions have been nearly ideal for growers. The Coachella Valley harvest is wrapping up, and San Joaquin Valley production is now in full swing. LeMay confirms that this year’s table grapes are maturing beautifully, with strong sugar levels and high-quality yields hitting grocery store shelves across the U.S. and internationally.

But it’s not just about flavor and freshness. LeMay dives into the international trade landscape and what it means for California growers. With negotiations heating up around the August 1 tariff deadlines, the industry is cautiously optimistic. Canada remains the top export destination for California grapes, and maintaining those relationships through political turbulence is a top priority.

LeMay also touches on the labor challenges facing California agriculture. Despite repeated efforts in Congress—including bipartisan support for the Farm Workforce Modernization Act—comprehensive reform remains elusive. LeMay stresses the importance of skilled labor in the field and hopes leaders can find a path forward that supports both workers and growers.

Whether you’re interested in crop quality, trade negotiations, or labor policy, today’s episode is packed with insights from one of the state’s most active ag voices. Tune in to hear how California’s table grape season is shaping up—and what lies ahead for the industry.

In today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Nick “The Ag Meter” Papagni and Josh McGill bring you the latest headlines, hot weather insights, and a down-to-earth conversation with a true Central Valley farming legend.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @AgNetWest to stay connected with California’s ag pulse.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Nick “The Ag Meter” Papagni and Josh McGill deliver a powerful blend of current ag headlines, real grower concerns, and future-forward insights from around California’s farming community.

The show opens with a breakdown of the U.S. government's termination of the tomato suspension agreement with Mexico, a move stirring mixed reactions across the industry. While Florida growers applaud the decision, many in Texas and California—like tomato processor Stuart Wolf of Wolf Farms—are calling for respectful trade negotiations that prioritize fair partnerships over friction.

But the real highlight of the show is a vibrant and insightful interview with Lexa Nicoletta, the Central Valley-based creator of the viral social media persona “Coastal Grandmother.” Lexa brings a refreshing perspective as a young mother, farm wife, and social media strategist. She shares how she built a movement from scratch, why storytelling is agriculture’s most underused tool, and how farmers can connect with modern consumers—especially young moms—through authenticity, recipes, and real-life moments.

The episode also takes a deep dive into marketing challenges facing the wine grape industry, now in a major slump. Lexa explores creative ideas—like canned wine cocktails—to help vintners connect with younger audiences who are looking for convenience, affordability, and style over tradition. Her advice? Speak their language and meet them where they are—on social media.

Later, Nick and Josh bring listeners the latest almond industry insights from water expert Cory Broad of Avid Water. From irrigation technology and automation to challenges in groundwater recharge and irrigation system maintenance, the segment is packed with practical strategies almond growers can use to stay ahead.

As always, the episode is peppered with warm banter, expert voices, and the authentic heart of California ag. Don’t miss it!

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X @AgNetWest to stay connected with California’s ag pulse.

On today’s AgNet News Hour, we wrap up a powerful two-part conversation with Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities, whose straight-talking insights into California agriculture highlight both the deep frustrations and enduring hope within the farming community.

Foglio, a fourth-generation farmer and ag entrepreneur, pulls no punches as he discusses everything from the labor crisis to water regulations, foreign ownership of farmland, and the increasing financial strain on producers. “It’s not just California,” Foglio points out. “It’s rural communities across the West—Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Oregon—facing the same pressures.” He calls for a reinvestment in domestic food production and fewer imports, emphasizing that national food security must become a central policy concern.

The discussion covers California’s decision to terminate the tomato suspension agreement with Mexico, drawing both praise and criticism from stakeholders. Josh McGill notes that while some, like Florida growers, see this as a victory, California growers—largely focused on canning tomatoes—have been less vocal. Foglio stresses the importance of fair competition, especially when U.S. producers face labor costs that far outpace those abroad.

Ice cream even makes its way into the conversation, as the USDA and International Dairy Foods Association commit to phasing out petroleum-based food dyes by 2028. Nick and Josh express concern that such changes should happen sooner, questioning why removing artificial coloring from food takes years.

Don’t miss this comprehensive look at the state of California agriculture—raw, honest, and full of important questions for the future.

🎧 Subscribe to the AgNet News Hour on your favorite podcast app and follow @AgNetWest on social media for daily updates.

In today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill delivered a powerful and wide-ranging program that covered urgent issues impacting California agriculture. The show kicked off with a look at the extreme summer heat and the high-quality produce it’s bringing in — from juicy watermelons and cantaloupes to booming table grapes and strawberries. “Summertime is here, and the crops are on fire — in a good way,” said Papagni.

The conversation quickly turned to wildfire preparedness and the new federal stance on forest management. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins testified that the USDA is elevating the national fire preparedness level and removing regulatory hurdles like the roadless rule, which has long restricted forest service access. McGill noted that California media is pushing back on the changes, but he emphasized that new fire roads could provide vital fire breaks and improve emergency response.

The show’s central feature was an in-depth interview with Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities, offering an unfiltered look at the state of the hay and alfalfa markets. Foglio painted a sobering picture: freight costs are rising, dairy operations are increasingly relying on canola and silage instead of local hay, and long-term prospects for Central Valley alfalfa are grim. “Alfalfa in the Central Valley is going bye-bye soon,” Papagni declared, highlighting a potential shift to out-of-state sourcing.

The episode also tackled the sensitive issue of immigration, centered on a cannabis farm in Camarillo found employing over 360 undocumented immigrants, including minors. Papagni and McGill criticized state leaders for politicizing immigration enforcement while failing to address exploitation. “This isn’t just a political issue—it’s a humanitarian one,” McGill said.

The team concluded with a preview of part two of the Foglio interview airing tomorrow, promising even more insights into the future of ag markets, water scarcity, and regulatory hurdles. As always, listeners are encouraged to email story ideas to [email protected] and subscribe to the AgNet West podcast for the full interviews.

In today’s AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill bring Central Valley energy to the airwaves with an in-depth and timely conversation featuring Daniel Hartwig, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association. From soaring regulatory costs to looming freight challenges, Hartwig offers a candid look at the pressure facing California growers—and how they’re responding with grit and innovation.

Hartwig

 represents 13 fruit commodities ranging from stone fruit and table grapes to pomegranates and persimmons. But beyond sweet fruit, he carries the weight of advocating for the state's farmers in Sacramento and Washington, where he says “regulatory burdens have multiplied 12 to 14 times over the last decade.” He makes clear that California’s growers aren’t asking for special treatment—just a level playing field.

The episode also tackles key federal and state battles. Proposition 12, California’s controversial animal housing law, is now the subject of a federal lawsuit. U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins calls the law “unconstitutional” and says it limits consumer choice while driving up food costs. Nick and Josh dig into what that lawsuit could mean for producers nationwide.

Hartwig’s insights on trade, water access, and labor are especially valuable. He warns that California’s unique combination of high minimum wage, strict environmental rules, and mounting tariffs is squeezing small and mid-size growers out of the industry. “We’ve been operating in crisis mode for a long time,” he says—but insists that the pendulum may finally be swinging back toward common sense.

From student FFA involvement to rising freight costs and property rights, this episode covers the wide landscape of ag policy and on-the-ground realities. It’s a must-listen for those who want to stay informed—and inspired—about the future of California farming.

In today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill kick off a fabulous Friday with a spotlight on the upcoming Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo—an event that promises to bring the industry together with top-notch seminars, networking, and farm-focused innovation. Scheduled for August 20–21 in Tampa, Florida, this year’s expo offers something for every specialty crop producer, from tree fruit and cucurbits to tomatoes, melons, and sweet corn. With CEU credits, a “specialty crop power panel,” and free grower meals—including a Thursday brunch that’s already building buzz—it’s a can’t-miss opportunity for the ag community.

Nick and Josh also break down urgent developments from the USDA. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins is taking firm action to shut down border ports due to renewed screw worm threats just 370 miles south of the U.S. in Mexico. The pair discuss the rapid response from USDA, why trust and cooperation with Mexico is on shaky ground, and how this outbreak could ripple through the already strained cattle market.

In addition, the show takes a closer look at Secretary Rollins’ push to restrict illegal immigrants from accessing SNAP and other federal benefits. This move—backed by several federal agencies—aims to ensure only eligible U.S. residents receive taxpayer support. Nick applauds the move as a long-overdue step toward fiscal accountability, while Josh dives into the potential political pushback and what it could mean for California.

The episode rounds out with a longform interview with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who’s running for Governor of California. Sheriff Bianco lays out his farmer-first agenda, takes on misguided solar development on farmland, and calls out environmental overreach. He promises to bring common sense back to California—starting with water access, labor reform, and restoring balance in Sacramento.

Whether you’re a grower, rancher, or simply ag-curious, today’s AgNet News Hour is packed with timely updates and bold ideas.