AgNet News Hour

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 forward. In the latest AgNet News Hour , Michael discusses everything from extreme heat and limited water supplies to labor, regulation and the future of farming on California's West Side. Bowles...

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 his interview on the  AgNet News Hour , Vincent Ricchiuti explains how Enzo Olive Oil is using direct-to-consumer marketing, new products and technology on the farm to build the next chapter of the family business. For Ricchiuti, produci...

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 a different future. On the latest AgNet News Hour , Vincent Ricchiuti shares how that decision ultimately led to Enzo Olive Oil and a California olive oil operation now competing on the world stage. Ricchiuti's family has de...

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, sustainability and value-added products are helping the Tulare-based operation continue to grow. One opportunity Rosa is particularly excited about is renewed interest in whole milk in schools. He believes giving st...

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 discussed the stakes surrounding USMCA and the Farm Bill, while Noel Rosa of Rosa Brothers Milk Company shared how his family's Tulare dairy transformed from a commodity operation into a growing...

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 of California raisins. This time, the focus turned toward rebuilding demand through innovation, modern marketing and reaching a new generation of consumers. Smutny believes innovation will be critical. Raisin...

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 and expanding markets for U.S. products, while Jeff Smutny, president and managing director of the Raisin Administrative Committee, shared his outlook for an iconic California specialty cro...

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 as consumer awareness grows and producers plant additional acreage to meet demand. California's Central Valley remains the heart of the nation's fig industry, particularly in Fresno, Madera and...

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 has a reason to stay involved in farming. In the latest episode of the AgNet News Hour , “the Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and Sir Josh McGill welcome Joe Del Bosque of Del Bosque Farms for an in-de...

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 Sir Josh McGill explore the realities facing farmers trying to keep nearly 2,000 acres productive. Del Bosque’s story is one of perseverance. His family came to the San Joaquin Valley from the Imperial Valley in the 1930s and...

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 AgNet News Hour , “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and Sir Josh McGill spoke with Cody Jacobsen, Dean of Agriculture and Industrial Technology at Merced College , about how...

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 an in-depth conversation with Cody Jacobsen, Dean of Agriculture and Industrial Technology at Merced College , who explains how the college is preparing students for the rapidly changing world of farming,...

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 News Hour , Kirkland expanded on his vision for addressing the state's water challenges, arguing that growers, environmental interests and communities all benefit when policymakers focus on prac...

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 AgNet News Hour , Kirkland discussed the challenges facing the Central Valley and shared why he believes business experience can help address many of the issu...

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 Farm Babe , during a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour . Miller discussed how social media, public outreach and personal conversations can help bridge the gap between farmers and consumers while combating misinformation...

The San Joaquin Valley's grape industry will once again take center stage this fall as the Whole Vine Festival returns to Fresno State on October 24, celebrating the region's table grape, raisin, and wine grape industries while connecting consumers with California agriculture. On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour , Whole Vine Festival Founder and Director Vickie Goudreau shared how the event...

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour , California Walnut Commission and Board CEO and Executive Director Robert Verloop shared an optimistic outlook for the state's walnut industry, highlighting strong export demand, improving trade conditions, and what growers can expect as the 2026 harvest approaches. Verloop said the 2025 crop benefited from favorable growing conditions that resulted in ex...

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour , California farmer and former gubernatorial candidate Elaine Culotti discussed why she believes the state's 2026 governor's race could have lasting implications for agriculture, water infrastructure, and rural communities. Drawing from her own campaign experience, Culotti said California voters should focus on policies that directly affect farmers rather...

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour , commercial fisherman and Morro Bay resident Lori French described an industry struggling under mounting regulations, shrinking infrastructure, and declining opportunities for the next generation of fishermen. Drawing comparisons to many of the challenges facing California agriculture, French said commercial fishing has become increasingly difficult as re...

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour , filmmaker and third-generation oilfield worker Rickey Bird discussed his new documentary, Kern Oil, and argued that California's energy policies are hurting local communities while increasing the state's dependence on imported oil. Bird, who has spent his career working in Kern County's oil fields, said the documentary was inspired in part by the persona...

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour , two major issues shaping agriculture's future took center stage: efforts to modernize the nation's farm labor system and new USDA initiatives designed to strengthen American agriculture. American Farm Bureau Federation Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis John Newton discussed bipartisan legislation aimed at reforming the H-2A guest work...

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour , USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg outlined how the Trump administration is working to expand export opportunities for American agriculture while reducing the nation's agricultural trade deficit. Lindberg said restoring the United States to an agricultural trade surplus has been a top priority since he took off...

The future of California agriculture will depend on water reliability, regulatory reform, and stronger support for rural communities, according to Assemblyman David Tangipa. During a recent appearance on the AgNet News Hour, Tangipa discussed the challenges facing farmers, proposed new taxes, wildfire preparedness, and why he believes California must change course to remain competitive. Tangipa sa...

California's wine industry won't recover simply by waiting for consumers to return, according to veteran wine consultant Nick Karavidas. Instead, he believes the industry must fundamentally rethink how it markets wine to younger consumers while planning decades into the future. During a recent appearance on the AgNet News Hour, Karavidas shared his perspective on the industry's current downturn an...

The second half of AgNet News Hour's conversation with Roger Isom focused on what he believes are the biggest issues facing California agriculture: water infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the state's upcoming governor's race. The president and CEO of the Western Tree Nut Association and California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association outlined a lengthy list of legislative and regulatory iss...