Small Wineries Under Pressure: On today’s AgNet News Hour, the Ag Meter hit the road for an on-location interview at Ziveli Winery, tucked between Kerman and Fresno. Host Nick Papagni spoke with John and CalebCaleb Caleb, who shared their family’s rich Croatian winemaking roots, the challenges of keeping small wineries afloat, and what it takes to market wine in a rapidly changing industry.

A Family Legacy in Wine

John Nale explained how his grandparents immigrated from Croatia in 1928, eventually settling in the Central Valley and planting vines that would lay the foundation for generations of winemaking. Their winery today blends that family heritage with a modern vision for community, offering weddings, events, and tastings in a beautifully restored barn. “Every year we do a little project, and this is what we get,” John said, noting the pride in carrying on the tradition.

Struggles Facing Small Wineries

The Nales were candid about the headwinds California wineries face. Declining wine sales, high labor and equipment costs, and rising regulations have left many operations in the red. “There might be three or four wineries that are making any money,” John admitted. The family has been forced to take on off-farm jobs to make ends meet, with John warning that small wineries often need 1,000 acres and no debt to stay sustainable.

Caleb added that younger consumers often see wine as intimidating, preferring seltzers, cocktails, or sugary alternatives like Stella Rosa. He emphasized the importance of educating new wine drinkers and offering sweeter, approachable wines to attract them. Wine slushies and canned wines may not appeal to traditionalists, but they’re entry points for a new generation.

Competing in a Global Market

The interview also highlighted how imports from Italy, Chile, and Mexico are undercutting California growers. John noted it can even be cheaper to ship frozen grapes from Chile than to buy locally in Lodi. “If that’s true, we have a lot of issues,” he said. High costs and strict regulations, they argue, are pushing small farmers to the brink while international competitors thrive.

Despite the challenges, the Nales remain committed to keeping their family winery open. “We decided a long time ago that we’re going to keep farming until we’re made to put a sign up for sale,” John said.

For the full conversation with John and Caleb Nale of Ziveli Winery, listen to the AgNet News Hour.

California Wine Faces a Generational Challenge: On today’s AgNet News Hour, the spotlight turned to the California wine industry and its struggle to adapt to shifting consumer habits. Marlena Paolilli, head of marketing at Cry Baby Wine, joined the program to discuss the generational changes shaping wine consumption and the innovative approaches needed to revive the market.

Oversupply and Changing Tastes

Paolilli explained that California’s wine sector continues to battle an oversupply of grapes, a problem rooted in the pandemic and compounded by an influx of new producers. With over 550,000 acres of vineyards, industry leaders like Jeff Bitter of Allied Grape Growers believe acreage needs to shrink to about 500,000 to stabilize prices. “There’s just an overabundance of wine right now,” Paolilli said, adding that it will take until 2027 or 2028 for the market to fully rebound.

Younger Generations Shifting Away from Wine

One of the greatest challenges, Paolilli noted, is engaging younger consumers who are experimenting with seltzers, craft beers, and non-alcoholic options. Many younger drinkers find wine intimidating and expensive, while others are simply less inclined to drink due to health awareness and the permanence of digital footprints. “They don’t want to be recorded drunk and doing something stupid,” Paolilli observed.

Innovation in Wine Marketing

To bridge the gap, Cry Baby Wine is pursuing new products like CBD-infused and non-alcoholic wines aimed at younger demographics. Paolilli also stressed the importance of direct engagement—from farmers’ markets to boutique tastings—that let consumers try wines before committing to a full bottle. “What you did yesterday isn’t working anymore,” she said. “You have to be innovative with the new world.”

Despite regulations and market challenges, Paolilli remains optimistic. She believes California’s unmatched climate and global reputation will keep the industry strong if wineries embrace change, connect with younger audiences, and invest in storytelling.

For the full conversation with Marlena Paolilli and more insights into California’s evolving wine industry, listen to the AgNet News Hour at AgNetWest.com

Freight Safety and Dairy Market Pressures: The AgNet News Hour delivered another wide-ranging discussion today, spotlighting California’s unpredictable weather, pressures in the dairy and hay markets, and major safety concerns in the state’s freight industry.

Rainfall Raises Questions for Crops

Unexpected rainfall across the Central Valley sparked concern for sensitive crops like peaches, plums, nectarines, and grapes. While some crops may benefit from the added water, hay and alfalfa growers risk damage when fields are cut before storms hit. “We love the rain, but sometimes we don’t love the rain,” host Nick Papagni noted, reminding listeners that timing makes all the difference for growers.

Federal Pushback on California Policies

Papagni and co-host Josh McGill also highlighted recent federal actions to counter what they described as California’s regulatory “twilight zone.” The EPA has moved to block the state from imposing trucking rules on out-of-state carriers, while the USDA has announced efficiency standards for energy projects on federal lands. Both developments, the hosts argued, mark important steps to limit California’s regulatory overreach.

Nick Folio on Freight, Dairy, and Hay

The centerpiece of the program was an in-depth interview with Nick Folio of Folio Commodities, who provided updates on hay markets, dairy economics, and trucking industry challenges. Folio explained that alfalfa markets remain soft, with prices aligning closely to weakened milk futures. Hot weather continues to reduce cow productivity, while out-of-state inventories linger due to weaker export demand.

Perhaps most alarming, Folio warned of serious safety issues in the freight sector, noting that “50 percent of owner-operators shouldn’t be on the road.” He described how lax licensing standards, fraudulent testing practices, and aging equipment create risks for both professional truckers and families sharing the highways. “Our families travel the 99,” Folio said. “It’s a huge concern when you have somebody on the road that probably shouldn’t be operating this kind of equipment.”

Folio also noted that while almond turnouts are lower this season, the reduced supply is beginning to firm up prices, providing cautious optimism for growers.

Looking Ahead

Folio urged listeners to watch winter inventories, commodity prices, and the milk market as key indicators for where hay and dairy will head in the coming months. “At the end of the day, it’s going to be about consuming inventory,” he said.

For the full interview with Nick Folio and more ag policy insights, tune into the AgNet News Hour at AgNetWest.com

California’s agricultural and transportation sectors are once again in the spotlight as state and federal policies clash, pests resurface, and long-delayed water projects inch forward. On today’s AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill broke down the latest developments impacting farmers, truckers, and communities across the state.

EPA Pushes Back on California Trucking Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is moving to block California’s latest heavy-duty vehicle inspection and maintenance rules for out-of-state trucks. The proposal argues that California’s requirements conflict with the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause and the federal Clean Air Act.

While the EPA’s move may protect out-of-state truckers, California-registered fleets remain subject to the state’s stringent standards. The hosts noted that this could accelerate a trend of trucking companies relocating to border towns like Reno, Nevada or Yuma, Arizona, where operating costs and regulations are far lighter. “Business is leaving California every day, and we’re seeing the impact across industries,” Papagni warned.

Imperial Valley vs. Yuma Lettuce Claims

Listeners also weighed in on the ongoing debate between Imperial Valley and Yuma over winter lettuce production. While Yuma promotes itself as producing 90% of the nation’s winter leafy greens, growers in Imperial Valley point out that much of the produce is still grown in California. Packers relocating across the Arizona border, they argue, are skewing the numbers.

Medfly Quarantine in Santa Clara County

In pest control news, officials detected two Mediterranean fruit flies in San Jose, triggering a quarantine in Santa Clara County. Medflies pose a devastating threat to fruit and vegetable crops, and the state is deploying a sterile male release program to contain the spread. The discovery highlights the ongoing vigilance needed to protect California agriculture from invasive species.

Sites Reservoir Funding Boost

Finally, there was a rare bit of good news for water storage. The Sites Reservoir Project received an additional $218.9 million in funding, raising its total eligibility to $1.094 billion. While construction is not expected to begin until 2026, with operations projected for 2032, the move signals renewed confidence in expanding storage capacity under Proposition 1, first approved by voters in 2014.

Papagni summed up the sentiment shared by many farmers: “It’s good to see progress, but California needs common-sense leadership to turn voter-approved projects into real water on the ground.”

The next generation of agricultural leaders took center stage on the AgNet News Hour as Florida FFA state officers shared their stories and their passion for farming. Speaking at the Citrus Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Hope Storter (State President), Lyla Bent (Area V Vice President), and Isabel Jenkins (State Secretary) described how FFA has shaped their futures and why the organization continues to be a powerful force for youth development.

For Storter, FFA has been a life-changing journey rooted in family. Watching her brother, who was diagnosed with autism, thrive in the program sparked her own passion for agriculture. “Ever since I watched my older brother show a pig at our county fair, I knew FFA was my jam,” she said, noting her plans to pursue a career in agricultural law.

Lyla, coming from northern Florida where citrus is less common, said the Expo opened her eyes to new aspects of the industry, while Jenkins emphasized how her mother—an ag teacher—encouraged her to give FFA a try. “I absolutely fell in love with the diversity of agriculture,” Jenkins said, highlighting how FFA unites students from aquaculture to forestry under one mission: supporting the world through farming.

Host Nick Papagni noted that employers should take notice: “If FFA is on a resume, hire them immediately. These are the greatest people I’ve ever met.” The officers not only impressed with their professionalism but also with their leadership in running the Expo itself, from ticketing to hospitality.

The episode also featured a dairy spotlight with Dr. Jill Soderstrom of Purina Animal Nutrition, who discussed gut health technologies for young calves. She explained how probiotics and prebiotics play a critical role in supporting calves through stress and immune development. “Every calf has room to benefit from these technologies,” Soderstrom explained, emphasizing that strong early-life nutrition impacts lifetime performance.

Together, these conversations highlighted the dual focus of the AgNet News Hour: elevating the voices of tomorrow’s agricultural leaders while also delivering insights farmers can use today.

Catch the full interview with the Florida FFA officers and Dr. Soderstrom:

Stanislaus Farm Bureau Leads in Advocacy and Education: The Stanislaus County Farm Bureau is setting the pace for agricultural advocacy and education in California. In a recent interview on the AgNet News Hour, Anna Genasci, Communications Director for Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, shared insights on the challenges facing farmers and the innovative ways her organization is working to support them.

“Currently, we hold the title for the largest County Farm Bureau in terms of membership,” Genasci noted, emphasizing the strength of their grassroots network. She highlighted that advocacy remains their top priority, but education—both for youth and consumers—is increasingly important. From Ag in the Classroom programs to scholarships for students pursuing agricultural careers, Stanislaus County is investing in the next generation of ag leaders.

One of Genasci’s passions is connecting young people with farming. “Even if you’re the kid that likes to sit behind the gaming computer, there is a job for you in agriculture,” she explained. With technology playing a larger role in dairies, orchards, and row crops, Genasci believes that modern farming offers a place for every interest—from robotics to environmental science.

But challenges remain. Rising regulatory costs, water restrictions, labor issues, and international competition are straining local growers. Genasci pointed out that in Stanislaus County alone, one in eight jobs is tied directly to agriculture, making farming a critical economic driver. She urged policymakers to better appreciate agriculture’s role: “We grow over 400 commodities in the state of California, some of which can only be grown here. That is something that should be treasured and cared for.”

Despite these headwinds, Genasci remains optimistic. Through advocacy, education, and community outreach, the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau continues to ensure that farmers, ranchers, and dairymen have a strong voice in Sacramento and beyond.

California Farmers Under Pressure: California agriculture continues to face mounting challenges, and Andrew Genasci, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, says advocacy is more important than ever. Speaking on the AgNet News Hour, Genasci shared how his background as a fourth-generation dairyman gives him perspective when representing farmers on the front lines of political and regulatory battles.

“I know what it’s like when the milk pump breaks at 3 a.m. or when a calf needs pulling on a holiday,” Genasci explained. “That experience helps me connect with elected officials and remind them that farmers are small business owners who don’t clock out when something goes wrong.”

When asked about the biggest issues heading into 2025, Genasci pointed to overregulation. From water restrictions and burn bans to mounting labor costs and overtime rules, he says Sacramento continues to push policies that squeeze family farms. “You’ve got legislators looking at 2,000 bills a year, and many of them impact agriculture. At some point you have to ask if we really need all these new laws,” he said.

The impact goes beyond farmers’ bottom lines. Genasci emphasized that overregulation drives up grocery store prices for families. “When we ban insecticides or cut labor hours, those costs show up at the checkout line. California farmers produce the safest, healthiest food in the world, but we’re competing against imports from countries that don’t face the same restrictions.”

Genasci highlighted water as the single most pressing concern. While 2014’s Proposition 1 promised billions for new storage projects, little progress has been made. Farmers in the San Joaquin Valley are forced to make tough choices, from fallowing ground to converting farmland into solar developments under AB 1156.

Labor is another hurdle. “Farmers are paying $20 an hour just to compete with McDonald’s. Once you add overtime, you’re looking at $30 to $40 an hour—costs that simply aren’t sustainable,” Genasci said. The result is fewer hours for workers and an accelerated push toward automation and robotics.

Despite the frustration, Genasci is clear: the fight for California agriculture is not lost. He urges farmers to stay engaged with organizations like Farm Bureau. “If we’re not at the table in Sacramento and D.C., someone else is. Whether it’s environmental groups or labor groups, they’re telling their story. We need to tell ours.”

He also sees education as key, especially for future generations. Through scholarships, FFA, and 4-H, Farm Bureau works to connect youth with agriculture. “They may not all stay in farming, but they’ll understand the responsibility and the value of what it takes to put food on the table,” he said.

As California continues to grapple with regulation, water shortages, and shifting labor markets, Genasci remains committed to ensuring farmers have a strong voice: “God gave us the best land in the world to farm. If we’re going to keep feeding America and the world, we’ve got to fight for it.”

Kern County’s Agriculture Advocate: Rachel Nettleton, executive director of the Kern County Farm Bureau, is taking on the dual challenge of advocating for California farmers while educating the broader community about the importance of agriculture.

In a recent conversation on the AgNet News Hour, Nettleton shared her unique journey into agriculture. Though she did not grow up working in farming, her Bakersfield roots and background in sports and marketing helped her develop a passion for advocacy. “I actually did not come from the agriculture industry, but I was born and raised here in Bakersfield, California. And we all eat food and we all wear clothes, so at the end of the day, we’re all part of agriculture,” she said.

Leading Kern County Agriculture

Under her leadership, Kern County Farm Bureau continues to rank among the nation’s top agricultural producers. “Yes, we are the leading ag county in America this year,” Nettleton explained, noting that Kern fluctuates in the top three spots alongside Fresno and Tulare. In 2023 alone, the county produced over $8 billion in agricultural products.

Nettleton describes her role as multifaceted, joking, “I like to call myself an octopus. I have eight arms at all times. I’ve become a professional juggler since I started this position two years ago.” Her work ranges from legislative advocacy to direct community outreach.

Educating the Next Generation

One of her most impactful initiatives is Farm Day in the City, an annual event that brings thousands of Kern County schoolchildren face-to-face with agriculture. “We invite 5,000 children… and teach these kids about where their food comes from because a lot of kids think that chocolate milk comes from brown cows or that food grows in grocery stores,” she explained. Adults often leave with a new perspective as well.

Nettleton emphasized the importance of engaging policymakers and the public alike. “We try our best to meet with as many legislators as we can, bring them physically to farms and have those conversations… It’s just so important to have those in-person conversations to expand on why we need them to fight for our agriculture community,” she said.

Looking Forward

From water access and regulations to generational farming challenges, Nettleton is focused on ensuring agriculture remains strong in Kern County and beyond. “Farmers don’t have time to go to all these meetings in Bakersfield and Sacramento… That’s why we are here, to fight for them and provide those resources so they can focus on what they do best: feeding the world,” she said.

Her passion also extends to social media outreach, where she sees opportunities to better highlight the environmental stewardship of farmers and the innovation happening across the industry.

As Nettleton put it, “Everybody can make an impact for the agriculture industry. We all eat food, we all wear clothes, and the more positive action we can generate, the better.”