AgNet News Hour

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Vicki Goudreau of the Whole Vine Festival joined the show to preview this year’s event at Fresno State and explain why the festival is about much more than grapes. Later in the program, Luke Lindberg, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, discussed new opportunities for U.S. agriculture through trade with China and other global markets.

The Whole Vine Festival takes place October 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Fresno State, bringing together the Central Valley’s table grape, raisin and wine industries. The free event includes live music, food trucks, agricultural exhibits, samples and plenty of activities for families.

For Goudreau, one of the biggest priorities is introducing children to the agriculture happening around them. This year’s kids’ activities include a petting zoo, planting and food preparation activities, honeybees and tractors for younger children. Her goal is to build pride in the Central Valley and help the next generation understand just how important agriculture is to the region.

Goudreau also explained that the festival has a larger mission: changing the way people think and talk about the Central Valley. She believes celebrating the region’s agricultural legacy can help young people recognize the opportunities around them and encourage residents to become more invested in solving the Valley’s challenges.

Later in the program, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg provided an update on the new “30 for 30” framework with China. Lindberg discussed potential opportunities for U.S. fruits, nuts, vegetables and other agricultural products, as well as an upcoming USDA trade mission to China.

Lindberg also explained how USDA is working to remove technical and regulatory barriers that can prevent American specialty crops from reaching overseas customers. He shared where he sees some of the strongest opportunities for U.S. agriculture heading into the final months of the year.

Hear the full conversations with Vicki Goudreau and USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, joined us for Part 2 of a wide-ranging conversation about the future of California agriculture. From water infrastructure and rising production costs to automation and the next generation of farmers, Puglia offered his perspective on where the industry goes from here.

Water remains one of the biggest pieces of that conversation. Puglia said California needs additional surface storage, canals, aqueducts and groundwater storage, but argued that simply building infrastructure isn't enough. The state also needs to address the regulatory system governing how that infrastructure is developed and operated.

He also raised a bigger question about who benefits from agricultural water infrastructure—and who should pay for it. Puglia pointed to Sites Reservoir as an example, arguing that the economic activity, employment and tax revenue generated by productive farms should be considered part of the broader public benefit when projects are financed.

The discussion then turned to technology.

Puglia said agricultural automation has advanced considerably, particularly with automated weeders and thinners. Harvesting remains a much tougher challenge, especially for crops such as berries and Central Valley stone fruit. Western Growers is working with technology companies through its innovation efforts and Reservoir Farms, where new equipment can be tested under real farming conditions before growers make major investments.

Puglia also discussed consolidation in California agriculture, what encourages him about younger farmers entering the business, and whether he believes California can change course after years of difficult agricultural policy.

California agriculture is facing a growing list of challenges, from rising labor costs and water restrictions to regulations, trade pressures and competition from imported produce. On the latest AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, and Josh sat down with Dave Puglia, president and CEO of the Western Growers Association, for a wide-ranging conversation about the issues affecting farmers and the future of the state’s agricultural industry.

Puglia discussed the resilience of California farmers, pointing to new opportunities such as agave production as an example of growers adapting to difficult conditions. However, he also warned that California’s regulatory environment, high energy costs and labor challenges are making it increasingly difficult for agricultural businesses to remain competitive. He said agricultural organizations frequently work together in Sacramento to prevent harmful policies from moving forward, describing much of their work as trying to “keep pucks out of the net.”

The conversation also examined California’s broader economic challenges. Puglia noted that people from across the economic spectrum are leaving the state, including working families and taxpayers who contribute to California’s budget. He contrasted California’s regulatory environment with Arizona, where growers can operate under a significantly different cost structure even when producing the same crops just a short distance away.

Trade was another major topic. Puglia explained the complicated relationship California growers have with Mexico and Canada, noting that both countries are critical export markets while imports can also compete directly with California crops. He called for stronger labor and food-safety standards for Mexican agricultural production while recognizing the potential consequences of trade retaliation.

The Farm Bill and SNAP negotiations were also discussed. Puglia said the proposed Farm Bill could be transformative for specialty crops by providing greater support for pest and disease research, mechanization and automation, crop insurance and more efficient economic assistance programs. He also advocated for bipartisan action on agricultural labor, including a regulated work-status pathway for longtime farm workers and improvements to the H-2A program.

Puglia emphasized that farm labor should not be dismissed as “low-skilled” or “unskilled.” California’s specialty crops require significant skill, speed and precision, whether workers are harvesting melons, packing strawberries or carefully preparing table grapes. He encouraged lawmakers and political candidates to visit farms and experience the work firsthand.

The discussion also touched on imported produce arriving during California’s growing season, potentially putting additional pressure on domestic growers.

With California agriculture navigating so many challenges simultaneously, the conversation provides valuable insight into what growers are facing and what policies could shape the industry’s future.

Listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast to hear Nick Papagni and Josh’s complete interview with Dave Puglia and get his perspective on labor, water, trade, the Farm Bill, regulation and the future of California agriculture.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Michael Jameson, director of sales at Morada Nut Company, returned for Part 2 of the conversation, focusing on how technology, changing retail habits and increased competition are reshaping the way California walnuts and other specialty crops are marketed.

The competition for space in the produce department has changed dramatically during Jameson’s career. He said a typical produce section carried around 100 items when he entered the business roughly 40 years ago. Today, retailers carry around 500 items while choosing from thousands of products available worldwide. That makes consistency, quality, service and pricing increasingly important for suppliers trying to hold onto valuable shelf space.

Jameson believes artificial intelligence could make that competition even tougher.

Rather than buyers ordering extra inventory to avoid running out, Jameson said AI could increasingly analyze factors such as weather, holidays, traffic, store placement and sales per square foot to determine much more precisely how much product a retailer needs. He also expects AI-powered cameras and other technology to help retailers monitor inventory, product condition and pricing in real time.

Technology is already reaching the packing side of the business. Morada Nut Company incorporated AI into one of its cherry packing lines this year, giving the operation an early look at how the technology could influence production and marketing decisions.

Social media presents another opportunity. Jameson discussed technology that can deliver targeted promotions to consumers near a retailer, potentially alerting them that California walnuts or cherries are available nearby. For agricultural commodities competing for consumer attention, he said staying current with technology and marketing will become increasingly important.

But Jameson doesn't believe technology should replace the traditional relationships that have long driven produce sales. He described how personal relationships with buyers once helped shippers understand markets and work through difficult seasons. Today, much of that communication takes place through email and digital ordering systems rather than phone calls and face-to-face conversations.

His approach to the future is to combine both worlds: new technology and social media with old-fashioned customer relationships.

Listen to Part 2 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Michael Jameson, director of sales at Morada Nut Company, joined the show to discuss California’s walnut crop, export markets and the challenges of moving a major specialty crop in an increasingly complicated global marketplace.

One positive development for the industry is a US

DA purchase of 28 million pounds of California walnuts. Jameson explained that packers bid into the program, with USDA purchasing product for food assistance programs. Importantly for the industry, the purchases target lower grades that can be more difficult to market commercially, helping remove inventory and relieve some pressure on the overall market.

That could help California enter the new crop year with a relatively clean slate. Last year’s walnut crop totaled about 809,000 tons, while Jameson said early receipts suggest this year’s production could be considerably smaller. His working estimate was around 680,000 tons, although he emphasized that the official estimate had not yet been released at the time of the interview.

So far, however, quality appears promising. Jameson said early walnuts are showing exceptionally light kernel color, an important characteristic for many international buyers. Nut size appears somewhat smaller, which could affect some in-shell markets, but the crop is running at least 10 days ahead of last season. That earlier harvest could prove beneficial if growers can get walnuts off the ground before fall rain arrives.

Selling that crop may be the bigger challenge.

Jameson recently traveled to Italy and Spain, where he reported positive meetings and solid interest in California walnuts. But other international markets face obstacles ranging from tariffs and exchange rates to higher freight costs and geopolitical disruptions.

Turkey, a major buyer of California in-shell walnuts last season, is entering this year with significant inventory from California, China and Chile. Jameson said that could slow early purchases and place additional pressure on both the in-shell and kernel markets.

Despite those challenges, Jameson believes California’s advantage remains product quality, and finding international customers willing to pay for it.

Listen to Part 1 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Brian Van Groningen of Van Groningen & Sons returned for Part 2 of the conversation about the family’s nearly 100-year farming operation in Manteca and how innovation is helping keep a longtime California agricultural tradition moving forward.

With pumpkin season underway, the family's pumpkin patch is open with as many as 80 varieties of pumpkins and decorative gourds, including some experimental varieties that aren't offered commercially. The operation markets its pumpkins under the Pampered Farms label and has even added painted pumpkins as another way to stand out in a crowded retail marketplace.

That focus on marketing has become increasingly important as California growers face competition from neighboring states. Van Groningen said pumpkins from Washington and Oregon have been entering the California market, where growers from those states can benefit from lower labor and fuel costs.

“When our costs are higher than maybe our neighboring states, then the neighboring states start being able to find avenues of ways to get their product into a California marketplace,” Van Groningen said.

Finding something different for consumers is one way the farm competes. Van Groningen & Sons dedicates a few acres each year to testing new pumpkin varieties supplied by seed companies. Promising varieties are then shown to retailers, allowing the farm, seed companies and stores to work together on products that could distinguish themselves in the produce department.

Part 2 also looks beyond pumpkin production to the farm's connection with the next generation of agriculture. Van Groningen discussed his involvement with FFA and agricultural education, including opportunities for students to visit the farm. Through California Farm Bureau's Ag in the Classroom program, the operation has participated in a virtual field trip that reached as many as 20,000 students in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties.

After nearly 95 years of farming, Van Groningen said the fundamentals of growing crops remain familiar, even as mechanization, crop protection and production practices continue to evolve.

For a family operation approaching its centennial, the combination of tradition and willingness to adapt continues to shape what comes next.

Listen to Part 2 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Brian Van Groningen of Van Groningen & Sons joined the show as California's pumpkin season gets into full swing, discussing the family's nearly century-long farming history and what goes into producing pumpkins and watermelons in the Central Valley.

Van Groningen & Sons has been growing watermelons and pumpkins in the Ripon-Manteca area for nearly 95 years. Today, the operation farms about 5,000 acres, with watermelons and pumpkins serving as two of its signature crops alongside almonds, alfalfa, wheat, corn and a beef cattle feedlot.

Pumpkins sold under the family's Pampered Farms label are grown in San Joaquin County, which Van Groningen described as the second-largest pumpkin-producing county in the country. Unlike production in Illinois that is largely destined for processing, much of the San Joaquin County crop is grown for the ornamental market. Van Groningen said growers in the county supply more than half of the pumpkins shipped throughout California.

This year's pumpkin season started surprisingly early. Van Groningen said the operation began shipping around August 19, with some retailers wanting pumpkins in stores before the end of August. With multiple plantings and more than 60 varieties, the family's shipping season can now stretch for roughly 12 weeks.

That variety is becoming increasingly important as consumers look beyond the traditional orange carving pumpkin. Different colors, shapes, mini pumpkins and gourds have become popular for fall decorating, and some of the hardier varieties can last three to four months. Traditional carving pumpkins may have a shelf life closer to three weeks.

But producing those crops continues to get more expensive. Van Groningen said higher fuel costs affect nearly every stage of the vertically integrated operation, from fieldwork and harvest to packing and transportation. While growers try to pass along some of those increases, he said margins continue to tighten.

Despite those challenges, another generation of the Van Groningen family is already becoming involved in the business, continuing a farming tradition approaching the century mark.

Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, joined the show from the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association convention to discuss several major issues facing specialty crop producers across the country.

Trade remains near the top of that list. Puglia said Western Growers supports extending the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, but wants changes involving Mexico, including stronger labor enforcement and increased food safety oversight. He noted that the impact of Mexican imports varies considerably by crop and region, making changes to the trade agreement particularly complicated for specialty agriculture.

Food safety was another major concern following the recent cyclospora outbreak. Puglia said uncertainty surrounding the source caused market losses well beyond the products ultimately implicated, with lettuce, berries, carrots and other produce categories affected as consumers reacted to conflicting information.

Puglia argued that FDA needs to communicate more quickly and clearly during outbreaks, while the produce industry also needs to improve its ability to counter misinformation through social media.

The conversation also turned to the Farm Bill, where Puglia highlighted several provisions important to specialty crop growers. Among them are efforts to make crop insurance and other risk-management tools available to more specialty crops and potentially cover losses resulting from events such as food safety outbreaks outside a grower's control. He also pointed to funding for mechanization research and changes that could improve how economic assistance reaches specialty crop producers.

Puglia also addressed California's restrictions surrounding autonomous agricultural equipment. After seeing a driverless tractor operating in a Florida vegetable field, he contrasted that with the regulatory limitations California farmers face when attempting to deploy similar technology.

Later in the program, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce discussed changes to Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs, including the addition of 30 million base acres and enrollment deadlines producers need to know.

Listen to the full interviews below or on your favorite podcast app.

California agriculture takes center stage in the latest AgNet NewsHour, as Nick Papagni, the Ag Meter, talks with fourth-generation Bakersfield farmer Jason Giannelli and Patrick Williams of SkySense about some of the biggest issues facing farmers across the state.

Giannelli, director of farming for Old River Farming and R.& G. Fanucci and president of the California Water Alliance, gives listeners an inside look at the challenges facing Kern and Kings County agriculture. His operation farms roughly 10,000 acres, much of it dedicated to dairy feed crops including corn silage, milo, Sudan grass and triticale. He says the current dairy market remains difficult, while increasing water-quality regulations are adding additional challenges for farmers working with manure, nitrogen and irrigation water.

Water remains one of the central themes of the conversation. Giannelli discusses the difficulty of receiving reliable surface-water deliveries and explains that his operation received a maximum of about 40 percent of its allocation during the season. He also discusses the challenges surrounding on-farm water storage and the broader implications of leaving agricultural land fallow. The conversation connects water availability with agricultural production, rural employment, local economies and concerns about conditions such as Valley fever.

Fuel costs are another major concern. Giannelli explains how his operation purchased diesel early as part of an effort to hedge against anticipated market and refinery pressures. The interview also examines agricultural automation and the California Ag Tech Alliance, including efforts to evaluate emerging technologies and navigate workplace regulations affecting autonomous farm equipment.

The program then turns to agricultural technology with Patrick Williams of SkySense, who explains how remotely operated drones are being used to protect crops from birds and other wildlife. SkySense operates drones equipped with thermal cameras and powerful speakers, providing day-and-night protection for crops including lettuce, table grapes, rice, blueberries, cherries and peaches. The technology can also help identify and deter trespassers and agricultural theft.

Williams says SkySense handles installation, removal and operation, meaning growers do not have to provide additional labor for the wildlife-mitigation system. Individual drones can effectively cover as much as 150 acres, while changing deterrent sounds helps prevent birds from becoming accustomed to the system. Growers interested in learning more can visit SkySense.ag or call 888-759-1947.

There is much more in this episode, including California's harvest season, walnut marketing, agricultural labor, water infrastructure, fuel supplies, farm technology and the personal story of a fourth-generation farmer working to keep agriculture moving forward.

Listen to the full AgNet NewsHour podcast on your favorite podcast app or listen below for the complete conversation and all the latest California agriculture news.

California agriculture faces constant changes in labor regulations, water management and operating costs, making timely information increasingly important for farmers and ranchers. On the latest AgNet News Hour, “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni covers those issues with California Farm Bureau Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) General Manager Anna Genasci and RanchBot CEO Andrew Coppin. The full podcast is available below or on your favorite podcast app.

Genasci explains how FELS helps agricultural employers navigate California’s complicated labor, safety and compliance environment. The organization works with operations of all sizes, providing services that can include onsite training, mock Cal/OSHA inspections, safety assistance and connections with agricultural labor attorneys. Genasci describes one recent situation involving an employer facing an employee performance issue that quickly became a potential legal dispute, illustrating the value of having access to professional guidance before a situation escalates.

The discussion also examines regulatory changes growers need to watch. Genasci points to Department of Pesticide Regulation requirements involving treated seed that could affect farm labor contractors and employees involved in planting. She says FELS plans to provide additional training and will host a free “What’s New in 2027” webinar covering important Cal/OSHA, HR and DPR developments. Growers can contact FELS through FELS.net, while Genasci also provided her direct phone number, 925-989-1621.

The program then shifts from labor compliance to one of agriculture’s most critical resources: water. Coppin explains how RanchBot uses sensors and satellite communications to give farmers and ranchers real-time information about wells, pumps, pipes, storage and reservoirs without requiring them to constantly travel around their operations. He argues that better monitoring can help producers document water use, identify problems sooner and make more informed management decisions.

Coppin also discusses the broader challenge of competing demands for water, changing weather patterns and the need for better data to understand actual water consumption. He points to the Ogallala Aquifer as an example of the broader national challenge and says RanchBot recently closed a Series B funding round totaling nearly $16 million. He encourages farmers and ranchers to consider technology that can improve productivity, reduce water waste and provide greater visibility into their water assets.

From labor compliance to water technology, this episode highlights two issues California producers are dealing with every day. Listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast below or on your favorite podcast app for the complete conversations with Anna Genasci and Andrew Coppin.