AgNet West

Cattle Market Faces Questions Over Beef Import Proposal

Hailey Smith — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:26:00 +0000

The cattle market and beef imports are facing renewed uncertainty as the Trump administration considers temporarily allowing an additional 300,000 metric tons of imported beef into the U.S. market. The proposal comes ...

The post Cattle Market Faces Questions Over Beef Import Proposal appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA Trade Mission Eyes New Opportunities in Australia and New Zealand

Dan — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:04:14 +0000

USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg recently returned from a trade mission to Australia and New Zealand focused on expanding opportunities for U.S. farmers, ranchers ...

The post USDA Trade Mission Eyes New Opportunities in Australia and New Zealand appeared first on AgNet West.

Peeling Back the Layers of Onions

Josh McGill — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:22:05 +0000

In this episode of Voices of the Valley, we’re peeling back the layers on one of the most familiar ingredients in our kitchens: onions. Jessica Peri Dunham, Sales Manager at ...

The post Peeling Back the Layers of Onions appeared first on AgNet West.

Apple Orchard Robots Target Labor Challenges

Hailey Smith — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:56:56 +0000

Apple orchard robots are being developed by researchers at Cornell University to take on some of the most labor-intensive tasks in apple production. The four-year, $7.5 million USDA-funded project will explore ...

The post Apple Orchard Robots Target Labor Challenges appeared first on AgNet West.

Edward Ring Outlines a Water Plan for California Agriculture

Dan — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Edward Ring, director of Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center, returned for Part 2 of a conversation on ...

The post Edward Ring Outlines a Water Plan for California Agriculture appeared first on AgNet West.

Norman Borlaug: The Agronomist Who Helped Launch the Green Revolution

Dan — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Norman Borlaug stands among the most influential figures in modern agricultural history. An American agronomist born in the heartland, Borlaug dedicated his career to increasing agricultural production and helping address ...

The post Norman Borlaug: The Agronomist Who Helped Launch the Green Revolution appeared first on AgNet West.

Edward Ring Warns California Must Prepare for the Next Flood

Dan — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Edward Ring, director of Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center, returned for Part 1 of a two-part conversation ...

The post Edward Ring Warns California Must Prepare for the Next Flood appeared first on AgNet West.

Philadelphia Society Helped Shape American Agriculture

Dan — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

America’s First Agricultural Organization Long before today’s agricultural associations, commodity boards, and farm organizations were established, American farmers and agricultural leaders were already working together to improve farming practices. According ...

The post Philadelphia Society Helped Shape American Agriculture appeared first on AgNet West.

California Pilot Finds New Market for Surplus Strawberries

Hailey Smith — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:45:00 +0000

A California pilot project is showing how surplus strawberries could find a new market instead of being left in the field or sent to processing. The U.S. Food Waste Project ...

The post California Pilot Finds New Market for Surplus Strawberries appeared first on AgNet West.

Young Farmer Dolce Calandra Carries Family Legacy Forward

Dan — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 19:44:59 +0000

“The Ag Meter”, Nick Papagni, recently visited Wildwood Packing and Cooling in Kingsburg, California, for a conversation with fourth-generation farmer Dolce Calandra about family, farming, fruit, water, labor and the ...

The post Young Farmer Dolce Calandra Carries Family Legacy Forward appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA Develops NovaFly for More Precise New World Screwworm Control

Hailey Smith — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 16:14:25 +0000

Sterile insect techniques are once again being used to help control New World screwworm, but new USDA research could make the approach more precise. Research entomologist Alex Arp says USDA ...

The post USDA Develops NovaFly for More Precise New World Screwworm Control appeared first on AgNet West.

Young Farmer Dolce Calandra on Keeping a California Family Farm Going

Dan — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Dolce Calandra of Wildwood Packing and Cooling joined the show from Kingsburg, California, for a conversation about what it takes to ...

The post Young Farmer Dolce Calandra on Keeping a California Family Farm Going appeared first on AgNet West.

From Linseed Oil to ADM: The Unlikely Partnership That Built an Ag Giant

Dan — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Archer and Daniels Begin a Linseed Business In 1902, two very different businessmen—George A. Archer and John W. Daniels—joined forces to establish a linseed crushing business that would eventually become ...

The post From Linseed Oil to ADM: The Unlikely Partnership That Built an Ag Giant appeared first on AgNet West.

California Cantaloupes Use Social Media to Reach Younger Consumers

Dan — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 16:20:02 +0000

California’s cantaloupe industry is taking a fresh approach to an old challenge: how do you get younger consumers excited about a familiar fruit? For Marilyn Freeman, president of Farmers Communication ...

The post California Cantaloupes Use Social Media to Reach Younger Consumers appeared first on AgNet West.

California Cantaloupes Turn to TikTok to Reach a New Generation

Dan — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:30:46 +0000

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Marilyn Freeman, president of Farmers Communication Exchange, joined the show to discuss how the California cantaloupe industry is changing the way it ...

The post California Cantaloupes Turn to TikTok to Reach a New Generation appeared first on AgNet West.

Stephen Babcock: The Test That Changed Dairy Farming

Dan — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Milk production has long been an important part of American agriculture, but determining the quality and value of milk required better ways to measure its components. One scientist whose work ...

The post Stephen Babcock: The Test That Changed Dairy Farming appeared first on AgNet West.

Danny Bernstein: Ag Tech Could Help Save California Farms

Dan — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 18:19:32 +0000

California agriculture is at a crossroads. Water infrastructure, labor availability, rising production costs, regulations and international competition are making it increasingly difficult for growers to remain competitive. Danny Bernstein believes ...

The post Danny Bernstein: Ag Tech Could Help Save California Farms appeared first on AgNet West.

Parka Helps California Citrus Growers Protect Fruit Quality and Packout

Josh McGill — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 18:41:52 +0000

As California citrus growers head into the fall and winter months, protecting fruit quality from changing weather conditions can play an important role in maximizing marketable yield. AgNet West’s Nick ...

The post Parka Helps California Citrus Growers Protect Fruit Quality and Packout appeared first on AgNet West.

John Deere Makes $10 Million Investment in California Ag Tech

Dan — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Danny Bernstein, CEO and managing partner of Reservoir and Reservoir Farms, returned for Part 2 of his conversation about the future of ...

The post John Deere Makes $10 Million Investment in California Ag Tech appeared first on AgNet West.

John W. Tyson: From Missouri Farmer to Poultry Industry Pioneer

Dan — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Great Depression Creates an Opportunity The Great Depression brought severe economic hardship to rural American families, but for some entrepreneurs, difficult times also created opportunities. One such entrepreneur was ...

The post John W. Tyson: From Missouri Farmer to Poultry Industry Pioneer appeared first on AgNet West.

Rancher’s First Initiative Targets Cattle Herd Rebuilding and Producer Stability

Hailey Smith — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 18:12:00 +0000

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the USDA’s Rancher’s First initiative will provide additional tools for cattle producers as the industry works to rebuild the nation’s cow herd. The initiative ...

The post Rancher’s First Initiative Targets Cattle Herd Rebuilding and Producer Stability appeared first on AgNet West.

UC ANR Opens Applications for Grower-Focused Ag Technology Program

Hailey Smith — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:58:40 +0000

Applications are now open for the University of California’s Agricultural Natural Resources Connect program, a grower-informed commercialization initiative operated by UC ANR Innovate. The program is designed to help agricultural ...

The post UC ANR Opens Applications for Grower-Focused Ag Technology Program appeared first on AgNet West.

California Strawberry Shipments Running Ahead of Last Year Despite Spring Weather

Hailey Smith — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:31:18 +0000

California strawberry production got off to an early start in 2026, but warm and wet spring weather slowed production during what is typically the heart of the season. Despite the ...

The post California Strawberry Shipments Running Ahead of Last Year Despite Spring Weather appeared first on AgNet West.

Ag Tech Hub Coming to Merced College as Reservoir Expands in California

Dan — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Danny Bernstein, CEO and managing partner of Reservoir and Reservoir Farms, joined the show to discuss an ambitious effort to bring more ...

The post Ag Tech Hub Coming to Merced College as Reservoir Expands in California appeared first on AgNet West.

America’s Early Forest Management Begins in 1876

Dan — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

From Settler Clearing to Forest Conservation As early American settlers cleared land for homesteads, farms, and growing communities, the federal government increasingly recognized that the nation’s forests were an important ...

The post America’s Early Forest Management Begins in 1876 appeared first on AgNet West.

Ryan Jacobsen: California Ag’s Future Depends on Water

Dan — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:00:00 +0000

California agriculture faces enormous challenges, but Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen remains bullish on the future. In a wide-ranging conversation with “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni, Jacobsen discussed ...

The post Ryan Jacobsen: California Ag’s Future Depends on Water appeared first on AgNet West.

Ryan Jacobsen Part 2: Why California Agriculture Is Worth Fighting For

Dan — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:30:00 +0000

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, returned for Part 2 of a wide-ranging conversation about the future of California agriculture. From ...

The post Ryan Jacobsen Part 2: Why California Agriculture Is Worth Fighting For appeared first on AgNet West.

Henry A. Wallace and the Birth of Hybrid Corn

Dan — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

From an Iowa Teenager to a Pioneer in Corn Breeding Long before hybrid seed corn transformed American agriculture, Henry A. Wallace was already experimenting with ways to help farmers produce ...

The post Henry A. Wallace and the Birth of Hybrid Corn appeared first on AgNet West.

Mexico Resumes Live Cattle Exports to U.S. Under Screwworm Protocol

Hailey Smith — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:15:00 +0000

Mexico has resumed live cattle exports into the United States, with cattle crossing through the Douglas, Arizona, port under new safeguards designed to reduce the risk of New World screwworm. ...

The post Mexico Resumes Live Cattle Exports to U.S. Under Screwworm Protocol appeared first on AgNet West.

California Judge Blocks Trump Administration H-2A Wage Rule

Hailey Smith — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 20:45:00 +0000

A federal judge in California has blocked a Trump administration rule that would have lowered wages for H-2A farm workers, creating another point of uncertainty for agricultural employers already facing ...

The post California Judge Blocks Trump Administration H-2A Wage Rule appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA Plans $30 Million Walnut Purchase to Support California Market

Hailey Smith — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:19:39 +0000

California walnut growers are set to receive a potential boost in domestic demand as the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to purchase an additional $30 million worth of walnuts from ...

The post USDA Plans $30 Million Walnut Purchase to Support California Market appeared first on AgNet West.

Smith-Lever Act Created USDA Extension Service in 1914

Dan — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +0000

A New Era of Agricultural Education More than a century ago, the United States took a major step toward connecting agricultural research with the farmers who needed it most. The ...

The post Smith-Lever Act Created USDA Extension Service in 1914 appeared first on AgNet West.

Cattle Groups Urge Trump to Reconsider Beef Import Proposal

Hailey Smith — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 23:20:00 +0000

Four major U.S. cattle organizations are urging President Donald Trump to reconsider a proposal that could allow up to 300,000 metric tons of imported beef to enter the United States ...

The post Cattle Groups Urge Trump to Reconsider Beef Import Proposal appeared first on AgNet West.

John Deere Invests $10 Million in AI Research for High-Value Crops

Hailey Smith — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 19:54:50 +0000

John Deere is making a John Deere AI investment of $10 million through a new three-year research and development partnership aimed at bringing artificial intelligence from the laboratory to the farm. The ...

The post John Deere Invests $10 Million in AI Research for High-Value Crops appeared first on AgNet West.

California Citrus Faces Trade, Labor and Water Challenges

Dan — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

California citrus growers are navigating a complicated landscape of water shortages, labor concerns, trade uncertainty, invasive pests, pesticide regulations, rising costs and increasing competition from imported fruit. In the latest ...

The post California Citrus Faces Trade, Labor and Water Challenges appeared first on AgNet West.

California Citrus Pushes for Relief from Argentine Lemon Imports

Dan — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Jacob Villagomez, director of governmental affairs for California Citrus Mutual, returned for Part 2 of his conversation about the challenges and opportunities ...

The post California Citrus Pushes for Relief from Argentine Lemon Imports appeared first on AgNet West.

Henry A. Wallace: More Than the Father of Hybrid Corn

Dan — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Henry A. Wallace is widely remembered as a pioneering figure in American agriculture and as the father of hybrid seed corn. His work helped transform corn production and eventually led ...

The post Henry A. Wallace: More Than the Father of Hybrid Corn appeared first on AgNet West.

California Citrus Faces Trade, Labor and Regulatory Pressure

Dan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

California citrus growers are navigating challenges ranging from labor shortages and invasive pests to uncertain export markets and increasing competition from imported fruit. On the latest AgNet News Hour, Jacob ...

The post California Citrus Faces Trade, Labor and Regulatory Pressure appeared first on AgNet West.

Louis B. Schmidt Helped Put Agriculture in the History Books

Dan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Farmers Who Helped Build America As American farm families moved westward and settled the nation’s heartland, they were doing more than establishing farms and communities. Their experiences were becoming ...

The post Louis B. Schmidt Helped Put Agriculture in the History Books appeared first on AgNet West.

U.S.-Canada Trade Talks Collapse, Raising Tariff Risks for Farm Exports

Hailey Smith — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 18:12:00 +0000

U.S. farm exports are facing renewed uncertainty after trade talks between the United States and Canada collapsed, raising concerns about potential retaliatory tariffs and reduced market access for American agricultural ...

The post U.S.-Canada Trade Talks Collapse, Raising Tariff Risks for Farm Exports appeared first on AgNet West.

Rollins Defends Plan to Increase Foreign Beef Imports

Hailey Smith — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:30:00 +0000

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is defending the Trump administration’s decision to allow more foreign beef into the United States, a move as U.S. cattle producers continue to navigate tight supplies and ...

The post Rollins Defends Plan to Increase Foreign Beef Imports appeared first on AgNet West.

$2 Million Investment Targets Pest Control and Quality in U.S. Tree Nuts

Hailey Smith — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:05:49 +0000

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $2 million in new technology aimed at helping U.S. tree nut handlers manage pests and maintain product quality after harvest. The funding was ...

The post $2 Million Investment Targets Pest Control and Quality in U.S. Tree Nuts appeared first on AgNet West.

Cannon Michael: California Farming at a Crossroads

Dan — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Bowles Farming CEO discusses water, labor, heat, technology and the future of California agriculture with The Ag Meter California agriculture is under pressure from nearly every direction, but sixth-generation farmer ...

The post Cannon Michael: California Farming at a Crossroads appeared first on AgNet West.

Bowles Farming Company Part 2: Labor, Technology and the Fight to Keep Farming

Dan — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

The future of California agriculture may depend on solving some problems that farmers simply cannot solve on their own. In Part 2 of his conversation on the AgNet News Hour, ...

The post Bowles Farming Company Part 2: Labor, Technology and the Fight to Keep Farming appeared first on AgNet West.

George Grant and the Four Bulls That Started Angus in America

Dan — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

A Scottish Vision Comes to the Kansas Prairie In 1873, Scottish cattleman George Grant arrived in Kansas with a bold vision for American agriculture. Grant came from Scotland as part ...

The post George Grant and the Four Bulls That Started Angus in America appeared first on AgNet West.

Bowles Farming Company: Adapting to Keep California Agriculture Moving

Dan — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Farming in California has never been simple, but for Cannon Michael of Bowles Farming Company, adapting to changing conditions has become a fundamental part of keeping a sixth-generation operation moving ...

The post Bowles Farming Company: Adapting to Keep California Agriculture Moving appeared first on AgNet West.

From Horsepower to Tractor Power: A Slow Farm Revolution

Dan — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Long Transition to Tractor Power The shift from horsepower to tractor power transformed American agriculture, but it was far from an overnight change. For generations, farmers depended on horses ...

The post From Horsepower to Tractor Power: A Slow Farm Revolution appeared first on AgNet West.

CDFA Opens Public Comment on $40 Million Farm to School Grant Program

Hailey Smith — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 23:25:00 +0000

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has released a draft request for applications for the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, with up to $40 million available for ...

The post CDFA Opens Public Comment on $40 Million Farm to School Grant Program appeared first on AgNet West.

Rising Produce Imports Add Pressure to U.S. Specialty Crop Growers

Hailey Smith — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 22:55:00 +0000

U.S. fruit and vegetable imports have increased significantly over the past decade, creating additional competition for domestic growers, according to John Walt Boatright with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Boatright ...

The post Rising Produce Imports Add Pressure to U.S. Specialty Crop Growers appeared first on AgNet West.

Citrus Greening Detected in Imperial County, California

Hailey Smith — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 19:27:18 +0000

California agriculture officials are responding to the first confirmed detection of citrus greening disease in Imperial County. The detection involves a single citrus tree on a residential property and has ...

The post Citrus Greening Detected in Imperial County, California appeared first on AgNet West.

Enzo’s Olive Oil: Ricchiuti Family Builds on 100 Years of Farming

Dan — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

From a 1914 Immigrant to a California Olive Oil Brand The Ricchiuti family has been farming in California’s Central Valley for more than a century. Today, fourth-generation farmer Vincent Ricchiuti ...

The post Enzo’s Olive Oil: Ricchiuti Family Builds on 100 Years of Farming appeared first on AgNet West.

Enzo Olive Oil Part 2: Building a California Farm Brand Beyond the Bottle

Dan — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

A California olive oil company that began as a way for a longtime farming family to reinvent its operation is now growing into something much bigger. In Part 2 of ...

The post Enzo Olive Oil Part 2: Building a California Farm Brand Beyond the Bottle appeared first on AgNet West.

How Agriculture Shaped America’s New Nation

Dan — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

From Founding Leaders to Scientific Agriculture America’s early leaders were not only influential figures in the formation of the new nation—they were also accomplished farmers. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson ...

The post How Agriculture Shaped America’s New Nation appeared first on AgNet West.

California Agriculture Pushes for Protection of USMCA Ahead of 2026 Review

Hailey Smith — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 22:25:00 +0000

California agriculture and the USMCA review are drawing increased attention as farmers and agricultural leaders urge lawmakers to protect the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement ahead of its 2026 review. Growers and industry ...

The post California Agriculture Pushes for Protection of USMCA Ahead of 2026 Review appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA Lowers Steer Price Forecasts for 2026 and 2027

Hailey Smith — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:45:00 +0000

World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski discussed USDA’s latest cattle market outlook, including lower steer price forecasts for both 2026 and 2027 as recent market conditions put pressure on ...

The post USDA Lowers Steer Price Forecasts for 2026 and 2027 appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA Lowers 2026 Butter Forecast as Dairy Product Prices Shift

Hailey Smith — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:30:20 +0000

World Agricultural Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski provided an update on the latest dairy market outlook, outlining changes to USDA forecasts for butter, nonfat dry milk and dry whey prices ...

The post USDA Lowers 2026 Butter Forecast as Dairy Product Prices Shift appeared first on AgNet West.

From Stone Fruit to Olive Oil: How a California Farm Reinvented Itself

Dan — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

A fourth-generation California farming family made a major decision nearly two decades ago: move away from thousands of acres of stone fruit and bet on a crop that could offer ...

The post From Stone Fruit to Olive Oil: How a California Farm Reinvented Itself appeared first on AgNet West.

George Grant and the Early Rise of Angus Cattle in America

Dan — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

American Agriculture History Minute In 1873, Scottish Angus cattle made an important early appearance in the United States when George Grant brought four Angus bulls from Scotland to Victoria, Kansas. ...

The post George Grant and the Early Rise of Angus Cattle in America appeared first on AgNet West.

Rosa Brothers Milk: From Tulare Dairy to California Brand

Dan — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

What started as a family dairy in Tulare has grown into a California value-added success story. In a recent interview with “The Ag Meter” host Nick Papagni, Noel Rosa, president ...

The post Rosa Brothers Milk: From Tulare Dairy to California Brand appeared first on AgNet West.

Rosa Brothers Part 2: Innovation Helps a California Dairy Keep Growing

Dan — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Rosa Brothers Milk Company has turned a family dairy into a recognizable California brand, and in Part 2 of his AgNet News Hour interview, president Noel Rosa explained how innovation, ...

The post Rosa Brothers Part 2: Innovation Helps a California Dairy Keep Growing appeared first on AgNet West.

British Agricultural Revolution Helped Shape Modern Farming

Dan — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Beginning of Modern Farming What we consider modern farming in the United States can trace many of its practices and innovations back to the agricultural changes that took place ...

The post British Agricultural Revolution Helped Shape Modern Farming appeared first on AgNet West.

Specialty Crop Trade Concerns and a California Dairy Success Story

Dan — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Trade pressure on American specialty crop growers and an innovative approach to California dairy production highlight the latest AgNet News Hour. Mike Joyner of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association ...

The post Specialty Crop Trade Concerns and a California Dairy Success Story appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA: From Lincoln’s “People’s Department” to a Modern Agriculture Agency

Dan — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Birth of the U.S. Department of Agriculture The history of American agriculture is closely connected to the history of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which was established ...

The post USDA: From Lincoln’s “People’s Department” to a Modern Agriculture Agency appeared first on AgNet West.

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Selects 24 Fellows for Class 56

Hailey Smith — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:28:38 +0000

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation has selected 24 participants for Class 56 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, bringing together agricultural professionals from across the state for a 17-month leadership development ...

The post California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Selects 24 Fellows for Class 56 appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA Provides $7.5 Million to Improve Food Assistance Cold Storage

Hailey Smith — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:19:56 +0000

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making $7.5 million available to improve cold storage and distribution capabilities for food assistance organizations, helping nonprofits better store and distribute fresh, frozen and minimally ...

The post USDA Provides $7.5 Million to Improve Food Assistance Cold Storage appeared first on AgNet West.

Can Raisins Be Great Again? Jeff Smutny on California’s Raisin Future

Dan — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

California’s raisin industry is at a crossroads, facing declining acreage, rising labor and production costs, global competition and the challenge of attracting the next generation of farmers. But Jeff Smutny, ...

The post Can Raisins Be Great Again? Jeff Smutny on California’s Raisin Future appeared first on AgNet West.

Jeff Smutny Part 2: Reinventing California Raisins for a New Generation

Dan — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Jeff Smutny, president and managing director of the Raisin Administrative Committee (RAC), returned for Part 2 of his conversation about the future ...

The post Jeff Smutny Part 2: Reinventing California Raisins for a New Generation appeared first on AgNet West.

Native American Agriculture Predates European Colonization

Dan — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Agricultural Roots of Early America Long before European colonists arrived in North America, Indigenous peoples were developing sophisticated ways to obtain food from the land. While agricultural practices varied ...

The post Native American Agriculture Predates European Colonization appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA Trade Push Meets a Changing California Raisin Industry

Dan — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, two conversations offered a look at both the opportunities and challenges facing American agriculture. USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg discussed agricultural trade ...

The post USDA Trade Push Meets a Changing California Raisin Industry appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA and the Birth of America’s Land-Grant Universities

Dan — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Agricultural Roots of American Higher Education The history of American agriculture is closely connected to the development of higher education, and two major milestones came in 1862: the establishment ...

The post USDA and the Birth of America’s Land-Grant Universities appeared first on AgNet West.

California Figs Find New Momentum as Demand Grows

Dan — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

California figs are making a comeback, and the momentum is growing from Central Valley orchards to consumers around the world. “The Ag Meter” host Nick Papagni welcomed Kris Caputo, Marketing ...

The post California Figs Find New Momentum as Demand Grows appeared first on AgNet West.

California Figs Make a Comeback as Growers Respond to Rising Demand

Dan — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Kris Caputo, marketing director for the California Fig Advisory Board and California Fresh Fig Growers Association, discussed renewed momentum for California figs ...

The post California Figs Make a Comeback as Growers Respond to Rising Demand appeared first on AgNet West.

Land-Grant Universities Transform American Agriculture

Dan — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Morrill Act of 1862 Creates a New Educational Model The history of American agriculture is closely connected to the development of the nation’s land-grant universities. In 1862, the First ...

The post Land-Grant Universities Transform American Agriculture appeared first on AgNet West.

Joe Del Bosque: Water, Labor and the Future of West Side Farming

Dan — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Joe Del Bosque: A Farmer’s View of California Agriculture California agriculture is facing a complicated combination of extreme weather, water shortages, labor challenges, rising costs, regulations and uncertain markets. Few ...

The post Joe Del Bosque: Water, Labor and the Future of West Side Farming appeared first on AgNet West.

Joe Del Bosque: California Farming Faces a Critical Future

Dan — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

California agriculture is facing a growing list of challenges, but Westside farmer Joe Del Bosque says the industry’s future depends on practical solutions, innovation, water and ensuring the next generation ...

The post Joe Del Bosque: California Farming Faces a Critical Future appeared first on AgNet West.

Shorthorn Cattle Helped Build Early American Agriculture

Dan — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Shorthorn Cattle: The Versatile Breed That Supported America’s Westward Expansion As pioneers pushed westward and established farms across the expanding United States, one breed of cattle became an essential part ...

The post Shorthorn Cattle Helped Build Early American Agriculture appeared first on AgNet West.

Joe Del Bosque on Farming the West Side: Water, Labor and Resilience

Dan — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

The latest AgNet News Hour takes listeners to California’s West Side for an in-depth conversation with Joe Del Bosque of Del Bosque Farms, as “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and ...

The post Joe Del Bosque on Farming the West Side: Water, Labor and Resilience appeared first on AgNet West.

Why Chickens Were the Backbone of Early American Farms

Dan — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Chickens Were the First Livestock of the American Frontier When many people think about American agriculture in the 1800s, they often picture vast cattle ranches or large hog operations. However, ...

The post Why Chickens Were the Backbone of Early American Farms appeared first on AgNet West.

Merced College Prepares the Next Generation of Ag Leaders

Dan — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Merced College Is Rethinking Agricultural Education For students considering a career in agriculture, food processing, agricultural technology or industrial technology, Merced College is building an educational model designed to put ...

The post Merced College Prepares the Next Generation of Ag Leaders appeared first on AgNet West.

Merced College Prepares Students for Agriculture’s Future

Dan — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Modern agriculture needs more than farmers—it needs skilled professionals who understand technology, food processing, automation, marketing and the rapidly changing demands of the agricultural industry. On the latest edition of ...

The post Merced College Prepares Students for Agriculture’s Future appeared first on AgNet West.

From Log Cabins to Lasting Homesteads: How Midwest Farmhouses Evolved in the 1840s

Dan — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Humble Beginnings of Midwest Farm Life As settlers pushed westward during the 1840s, the American Midwest became a center of agricultural expansion. Most pioneer families established farms of approximately ...

The post From Log Cabins to Lasting Homesteads: How Midwest Farmhouses Evolved in the 1840s appeared first on AgNet West.

Merced College Builds the Future of Agriculture

Dan — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

The latest AgNet News Hour with Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” and Josh McGill takes listeners inside one of the most innovative agricultural education programs in California. The program features ...

The post Merced College Builds the Future of Agriculture appeared first on AgNet West.

Mid-1840s Iowa Farms: How Corn Created the Tall Corn State

Dan — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

What Iowa Farms Looked Like in the Mid-1840s American agriculture has undergone remarkable changes over the past two centuries, but the foundations of modern farming can be traced back to ...

The post Mid-1840s Iowa Farms: How Corn Created the Tall Corn State appeared first on AgNet West.

Business Leader Kyle Kirkland Outlines Vision for California’s Future

Dan — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Congressional Candidate Discusses Agriculture, Water, Energy, and the Economy with “The Ag Meter“ As California’s 21st Congressional District prepares for the November election, businessman and community leader Kyle Kirkland says ...

The post Business Leader Kyle Kirkland Outlines Vision for California’s Future appeared first on AgNet West.

Kyle Kirkland Part 2: Water Reliability and Regulatory Reform Key to California Agriculture

Dan — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Reliable water supplies and practical regulations remain two of the biggest issues facing California agriculture, according to congressional candidate Kyle Kirkland. In Part 2 of his interview on the AgNet ...

The post Kyle Kirkland Part 2: Water Reliability and Regulatory Reform Key to California Agriculture appeared first on AgNet West.

The Hawkeye Riding Cultivator Helped Spark America’s First Agricultural Revolution

Dan — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

America’s First Agricultural Revolution Changed Farming Forever Between 1862 and 1875, the United States experienced what historians often describe as the first American Agricultural Revolution. This transformative period marked a ...

The post The Hawkeye Riding Cultivator Helped Spark America’s First Agricultural Revolution appeared first on AgNet West.

Congressional Candidate Kyle Kirkland Says California Agriculture Needs More Regulatory Certainty

Dan — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

California farmers need predictable water supplies, practical regulations and policies that encourage production if agriculture is going to remain competitive, according to congressional candidate Kyle Kirkland. During today’s episode of ...

The post Congressional Candidate Kyle Kirkland Says California Agriculture Needs More Regulatory Certainty appeared first on AgNet West.

John Froelich’s Tractor Changed Farming Forever

Dan — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Birth of the Gasoline-Powered Tractor Modern agriculture depends on powerful, efficient machinery, but that revolution began with one inventor’s breakthrough in the late 19th century. In 1892, John Froelich, ...

The post John Froelich’s Tractor Changed Farming Forever appeared first on AgNet West.

Growing Milk Supplies Continue to Pressure U.S. Dairy Prices

Hailey Smith — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:30:00 +0000

Increasing milk production and sluggish domestic demand are continuing to weigh on U.S. dairy prices, creating financial pressure for producers across the country. A recent report examined the market conditions contributing to ...

The post Growing Milk Supplies Continue to Pressure U.S. Dairy Prices appeared first on AgNet West.

U.S. Bison Gain Duty-Free Access to European Union Market

Hailey Smith — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:59:17 +0000

A new trade opportunity is opening doors for the American bison industry as U.S. bison exports now qualify for duty-free access to the European Union under a newly implemented tariff rate quota ...

The post U.S. Bison Gain Duty-Free Access to European Union Market appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA Expands Crop Insurance Flexibility for Farmers

Hailey Smith — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:03:37 +0000

New crop insurance flexibility is on the way for producers as USDA announces additional payment relief and restores an important risk management option ahead of the fall planting season. A recent report highlighted ...

The post USDA Expands Crop Insurance Flexibility for Farmers appeared first on AgNet West.

Michelle Miller “Farm Babe” Says Farmers Must Tell Their Story Before Someone Else Does

Dan — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 16:41:39 +0000

Modern Agriculture Needs More Voices—and Michelle Miller Is Leading the Way In an engaging conversation on The Ag Meter, host Nick Papagni sat down with one of agriculture’s most recognizable ...

The post Michelle Miller “Farm Babe” Says Farmers Must Tell Their Story Before Someone Else Does appeared first on AgNet West.

Farm Babe Michelle Miller Encourages Farmers to Tell Agriculture’s Story

Dan — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Agriculture has one of the best stories to tell, but too often someone else is telling it. That was the message from agricultural advocate Michelle Miller, better known as The ...

The post Farm Babe Michelle Miller Encourages Farmers to Tell Agriculture’s Story appeared first on AgNet West.

How Immigrant Traditions Shaped Early American Agriculture

Dan — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Early American agriculture was influenced by more than just fertile land and hard work. The farming traditions and cultural practices brought by immigrants from Europe played a major role in ...

The post How Immigrant Traditions Shaped Early American Agriculture appeared first on AgNet West.

Michael Gates Outlines Vision for California, Public Safety, and Agriculture in Exclusive Ag Meter Interview

Dan — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:54:42 +0000

Attorney General Candidate Says Restoring Law and Order Begins with Accountability California Attorney General candidate Michael Gates says restoring public trust in state government begins with accountability, public safety, and ...

The post Michael Gates Outlines Vision for California, Public Safety, and Agriculture in Exclusive Ag Meter Interview appeared first on AgNet West.

Michael Gates Pledges to Fight California Fraud and Support Agriculture

Dan — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

Michael Gates Says California Must End Waste, Fraud, and Heavy Regulation on Agriculture California’s agricultural community continues to face mounting challenges ranging from burdensome regulations to economic uncertainty. During the ...

The post Michael Gates Pledges to Fight California Fraud and Support Agriculture appeared first on AgNet West.

The Northwest Territory Opened the Door to America’s Westward Expansion

Dan — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

The Northwest Territory Fueled America’s Westward Growth The establishment of the Northwest Territory in 1788 marked a major turning point in American history, opening vast new lands for settlement and ...

The post The Northwest Territory Opened the Door to America’s Westward Expansion appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA Expands $35 Million Feral Swine Eradication Program to Protect Farms

Dan — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:15:00 +0000

USDA Announces New Funding to Combat Destructive Feral Swine America’s farmers and ranchers continue to battle one of agriculture’s most destructive invasive species: feral swine. During a recent interview with ...

The post USDA Expands $35 Million Feral Swine Eradication Program to Protect Farms appeared first on AgNet West.

Khyle Aphay’s FFA Journey Shows the Power of Leadership and Opportunity

Dan — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

El Capitan FFA Student Represents California at National NextGen Agribusiness Conference For many students, FFA is an introduction to agriculture. For Khyle Aphay, an incoming senior at El Capitan High ...

The post Khyle Aphay’s FFA Journey Shows the Power of Leadership and Opportunity appeared first on AgNet West.

USDA Launches $35 Million Feral Swine Eradication Program to Protect Farms

Dan — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 13:30:00 +0000

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $35 million to help combat one of agriculture’s most destructive invasive species. During today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, USDA Under Secretary ...

The post USDA Launches $35 Million Feral Swine Eradication Program to Protect Farms appeared first on AgNet West.