Voice of California Agriculture

Overtime tax credit makes progress but fall short; legislation to limit nitrogen discharge, and Farm Bureau says a bill to significantly increase the minimum wage of certain farm workers would add to inflationary pressures. 

Ag Day at the Capitol--farm groups engage with lawmakers 

Federal efforts to increase farm exports and increase fertilizer availability while lowering the price.  

A retired engineer from the Mid-West who became a wine expert, shares his journey, wine pairings and thoughts on California wines. 

How those automatic license plate readers are helping to solve rural crimes.  

A Farm Bureau survey finds farmers are having trouble affording all their fertilizer needs this year because of the prolonged turmoil in the Mid-East.  

 A small family vineyard and winery is doing well through the downturn in wine consumption. We’ll delve into their history and what is working for them. 

How farmers can protect their property despite criminals going high tech.  

An effort to return the grizzly bear to California meets resistance.   

Rural crime- today’s criminals are using more technology to steal from farms. 

A Central Valley farmer reports there is more uncertainty in this year’s spring planting season. 

The Agriculture Department is forecasting U.S. farm income, and how farmers are doing in paying down their debt load.   

We’ll look at the government’s food price inflation forecast for the year, broken down by categories. 

The government’s definition of a “small farm,” and their challenges. 

The challenge to control pests under the new Sustainable Pest Management philosophy.  

Farm stress and mental health—some tips to help reduce that stress and keep farmers healthy. 

Legislation to help U.S. cotton farmers.

A rural crime investigator talks about what’s popular in farm thefts and prevention tips. 

The U.S. Agriculture Secretary says they’re working to lower farm input costs and increase farm exports. 

Legislation to increase the minimum agricultural wage. 

And a story about what’s being done to educate the public about the nation’s Dietary Guideline recommendations. 

A bill to monitor farm nitrogen applications and discharges. 

What beekeepers are doing to thwart thefts of their hives. We’ll hear about a recent bust to recover 172 stolen beehives.  

A trade deal with India is expected to pay benefits to California farmers of tree nuts, certain fruits, and wine. 

Oil is not the only item being held up through the Strait of Hormuz, farmers need fertilizer for growing this year’s crops.  The situation is said to be serious. 

USDA will build a facility to help stop the spread of the New World Screwworm—a damaging livestock pest.

As people drink less wine, vineyard removal companies are busy.  

The Farm Bill passes the Ag Committee. 

A beekeeper talks almond pollination and bee health 

The Census of Agriculture ranks California #1 in Horticultural Specialties 

Farmers get more good news on their “Right to Repair” farm equipment.  

A state panel looks at farm nitrogen use. 

What employers need to know about the Employee’s Right to Know law. Huge fines for non-compliance. 

Farm Advisors talk about pests that rice farmers need to be on the lookout for in 2026. 

A key deadline is coming for specialty crop farmers applying for USDA assistance funds. 

Farm Advisors talk about last year’s rice crop and challenges ahead 

California Farm Bureau works to close a loophole on something called “U.S. Duty Drawback” to help U.S. winegrape growers.   

A labor expert discusses California’s minimum wage escalator. 

There’s optimism about the State’s upcoming snowpack survey 

USDA has a new method to better track foreign ownership of U.S. farmland.