AgNet News Hour

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...

California agriculture could face higher production costs and increased regulatory burdens as new packaging requirements move toward implementation, according to Roger Isom, president and CEO of the Western Tree Nut Association and the California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association. During a recent interview on the AgNet News Hour, Isom discussed the potential impacts of California's packaging...

The California wine industry is facing a period of transition, but leaders within the sector remain focused on long-term stability and future growth. During the recent 75th anniversary celebration of Allied Grape Growers, President Jeff Bitter discussed the challenges facing wine grape growers and the strategies being considered to help the industry adapt to changing consumer trends and market con...

California cherry growers are working through one of the most difficult seasons in recent memory after weather disruptions, quality concerns, and market challenges combined to create what industry veteran Michael Jameson describes as the toughest cherry season of his 38-year career. During Part Two of a recent AgNet News Hour interview, Jameson of Morada Produce provided an inside look at the comp...

California cherry growers are facing one of the most difficult seasons in recent memory after multiple spring rain events devastated what had initially appeared to be a promising crop. According to longtime industry veteran Michael Jameson of Morada Produce, the 2026 California cherry season may be the worst he has seen in nearly four decades in the business. Jameson, who has worked in the cherry...

Steve Malanca Joins the AgNet News Hour to Discuss Almond Markets, Water Policy, and California Agriculture California agriculture faces no shortage of challenges and opportunities heading into the second half of 2026. On this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” and Josh McGill sit down with longtime almond industry leader Steve Malanca of West Valley Hulling in Fir...

Family Tree Farms Vice President Daniel Jackson says California agriculture faces significant challenges from water policy uncertainty, but he remains optimistic about the future of farming and the next generation of growers. During the second part of a recent AgNet News Hour interview, Jackson discussed water regulations, labor concerns, blueberry production, and the importance of maintaining Cal...

Family Tree Farms is seeing one of the earliest fruit seasons in recent memory, creating unique opportunities and challenges as California growers navigate changing weather patterns, market conditions, and long-term water concerns. During a recent AgNet News Hour interview, Family Tree Farms Vice President Daniel Jackson discussed the 2025 season, global marketing efforts, and the future of Califo...

The American Farm Bureau Convention remains one of the most important gatherings for farmers and ranchers across the country, bringing together agricultural leaders, producers, and industry advocates to discuss the issues shaping the future of agriculture. During a recent AgNet News Hour interview, American Farm Bureau Federation Communications Manager Bailey Corwine discussed the organization's u...

The New World screwworm continues to be a major concern for livestock producers across the southern United States, but Texas agricultural leaders say coordinated efforts between state and federal agencies are helping contain the threat and protect animal health. On today’s episode of AgNet News Hour , Texas Farm Bureau Director of Communications Gary Joiner provided an update on the latest develop...

FFA membership continues to grow across the country, surpassing one million members as the organization prepares for its 99th National FFA Convention and Expo this fall in Indianapolis. National FFA Marketing and Communications Lead Kristy Meyer recently joined the AgNet News Hour to discuss membership growth, leadership development, and the future of agricultural education. According to Meyer, FF...

Driscoll’s CEO Soren Bjorn says stronger consumer education, regulatory reform, and support for California farmers will be critical to maintaining a vibrant specialty crop industry in the years ahead. In the second part of an AgNet News Hour interview, Driscoll’s CEO Soren Bjorn discussed the importance of public engagement, agricultural policy, labor regulations, and the future of berry productio...

Driscoll’s CEO says weather volatility, rising regulations, labor concerns, and water challenges continue shaping the future of California’s specialty crop industry, even as consumer demand for berries remains strong. Driscoll’s Chief Executive Officer Soren Bjorn recently joined AgNet News Hour to discuss the current berry season, the company’s growth, and the challenges facing specialty crop gro...

As labor costs continue to rise and farm margins remain under pressure, specialty crop growers are increasingly turning to technology to improve efficiency. One company believes artificial intelligence and farm data can help growers make better decisions every day through a unique audio-based reporting system. Steve Mantle, founder of Innovate Ag, recently discussed the company’s Harvest Replay pl...

Blueberries continue to gain popularity with consumers, and industry leaders are looking for new ways to keep that momentum growing through innovative products, creative marketing, and expanded consumer engagement. In today's episode of the AgNet News Hour, U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council President Kasey Cronquist discussed how the industry is leveraging the Blueberry Boost Accelerator program to...

Beef prices remain elevated across the United States as cattle supplies stay historically tight while consumer demand for protein continues to grow, according to meat industry expert Darren Hill of J.D. Food. During a recent AgNet News Hour interview, Hill discussed the factors driving beef prices, changing consumer habits, and emerging animal health concerns impacting the livestock sector. Hill e...