Voice of California Agriculture

Shannon Douglass talks issues for Farm Bureau in 2026.   New laws for the new year  Hog and Beef supply numbers and what it means for consumers  Farm fatalities are lower than other dangerous professions in 2025  Scholarship applications are coming due. College bound students should check it out.  

Farm Bureau President talks 2025 Year in Ag.    “Regenerative agriculture,” explained.   Minimum wage increased.   Campaign School—to help members running for political office or involved in a campaign  Farm Bureau donates 1,000 backpacks with supplies for school students .

Why Farm Bureau is hosting a campaign school for political office seekers, and we speak with several farm leaders about Christmas on the Farm—work still needs to be done. 

Researchers are trying to protect livestock from mountain lions. The American Farm Bureau is pleased with proposed changes in clean water regulations and will check in with a farmer of persimmons and figs to learn a little about the crop and their health benefits.   

Del Monte bankruptcy concerns cling peach growers, choose and cut Christmas trees, and poinsettias.

Thanksgiving dinner costs more in California, but don’t blame the farmer.   Thanksgiving dinner food safety tips, bringing winegrape supplies into balance with lower consumption, USDA’s largest trade mission ever, and increasing farm mental health help.   

Featured Interview—Farm Bureau saving farmers money in public utilities work.   Walnut outlook brightens, State officials work to protect industry from the New World Screwworm, an effort to bring back whole and low-fat milk into school cafeterias would be better for student nutrition and for dairy farmers, plus Farm Bureau works to loosen restrictions on autonomous tractors. It would improve effic...

Our featured interview--an Ag economist details problems plaguing U.S. specialty crop farmers.  Plus, California’s minimum wage will increase next year.  Ranchers who lost livestock by wolf kills can apply for compensation.  And the changing taste of Brussels sprouts.  

Featured interview on California apples—the crop marketing efforts and why buy California apples, plus news briefs on forest fire prevention, plan to import Argentine beef, USDA plans to help beef cattle producers and dairy news.

Why shoppers wanting a fresh California turkey for Thanksgiving should contact their grocery stores early this year.  Plus, a record pistachio crop, agritourism is becoming more popular.  Farmers say immigration raids did not affect this summer’s supply of workers.   Also, tough times for this nation’s farmers.  

Pumpkins adorn many porches during the fall months either as jack-o-lanterns or fall displays. The pumpkin you buy at the store may very well come from this farm, and we’ll speak with an agritourism pumpkin farmer about activities that await their visitors. 

We’ll check out the California winegrape harvest this year, plus future industry struggles that it must overcome.

Hispanic farm industry leaders speak of their culture, background, success, and love of farming in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.  

A walnut industry leader discusses the exceptional quality of this year’s crop and a brighter marketing outlook, plus their work to increase demand for California walnuts.

Developing an almond tree that would rely less on honeybees and other benefits for farmers. A conversation with the head of Burchell Nursery–a leading independent tree nursery that has an in-house breeding program. 

The state’s largest farm group says Proposition 50 is bad for rural California, communities and counties.

Farming is a dangerous occupation. Today we look at staying safe and getting workers back to work.

Turning the tables on host Gary Sack to learn more about his passion for agriculture.

Apex predators—mainly lions cause huge losses in Lake County. 

Part 2 of the impact of the grey wolf on a community, a great crop of tomatoes for processing and their amazing story, also, find out what the USDA is forecasting for meat and dairy supplies.

Part 1- Gray wolves are proving to be brutal killing machines against livestock in the Northeastern part of the state, causing economic and mental stress for ranchers. Part 2 - Problems caused by abandoned farmland could get worse. Young Farmers awards and contests applications are now open, be sure to check them out!

Neglected farmland causing pest problems, trade deals effect on farmers, Marin--a tiny farm county has a big economic contribution, and a rough year for cherry growers.

Pesticide regulator collaborates to reduce use Farm industry supported legislation moves forward. A check on this season’s watermelon and pear crops.

A check on California’s summer fruit season. Legislative briefs, The U.S. border closed again to Mexican livestock, and details on the National Farm Security Action Plan.

The cost of regulations hurts California farm competitiveness Organic production turns downward Farm Labor Contractors helping on more farms today American Farm Bureau says the Big Beautiful Bill benefits farm families.