Voices of the Valley

In this episode of Voices of the Valley , Western Growers' Taylor Lauson sits down with Michelle Paul, Executive Director of the California Farm Water Coalition, to break down one of the most important and misunderstood topics in agriculture: water. From where California's water comes from and how it reaches farms to the technologies helping growers use it more efficiently, Michelle explai...

In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers' Jeana Cadby sits down with USDA research entomologist Dr. Daniel Hasegawa to explore the surprising role insects play in agriculture. From beneficial pollinators and parasitoid wasps to destructive pests and insect-borne crop diseases, Dr. Hasegawa breaks down how insects shape the food we grow and eat every day, and the cutting-edge re...

In this episode of Voices of the Valley, we explore the future of regenerative agriculture through the lens of stewardship, conservation and long-term resilience. Hosted by Western Growers’ Jeana Cadby, the conversation features Craig McNamara, founder of Sierra Orchards, who shares his decades-long journey in farming and his vision for farming for the next 100 years. From integrating sheep into o...

This episode of Voices of the Valley highlights the voices and experiences of women shaping the future of agriculture. Hosted by Western Growers’ Michelle Rivera and Cierra Allen, the conversation features Briana Giampaoli of Live Oak Farms and Kristen Camarena of Bonipak, who share their career journeys, challenges and perspectives on leadership in the industry. In recognition of 2026 as the Inte...

In this episode of Voices of the Valley, we sit down with Jacie Johnston and Zac Green of Johnston Farms and WN Citrus, afourth-generation family operation nestled at the base of the Tehachapi Mountains. What began nearly 80 years ago with a single potato crop has grown into a diverse farm producing citrus, potatoes, peppers, carrots and more across thousands of acres. Jacie and Zac share their ag...

On the latest episode of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers hangs out with Cannon Michael, President and CEO of Bowles Farming Company, and the sixth generation to run his family’s farm. Cannon takes us behind the scenes of a truly unique operation that grows everything from tomatoes and melons to pistachios and cotton, while also caring for thousands of acres of wildlife habitat. Cannon also d...

In this episode, we sit down with Grant and Elizabeth Talley — fourth-generation farmers from one of California’s most respected agricultural families. From vineyards to vegetable fields to grass-fed beef, the Talley's are carrying forward a legacy that began in 1948 in the Arroyo Grande Valley. Hear how they’re honoring family traditions, embracing innovation and educating the next generation...

Nestled in the heart of Irvine, Calif., Tanaka Farms is morethan just a working farm—it’s a living story of resilience, tradition and community. In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers’ Cory Lunde talks to fourth-generation farmer Kenny Tanaka. Join us as we dig into thefarm’s rich history, the vibrant “you-pick” experiences that let visitors harvest their own strawberries, pumpki...

In this Voices of the Valley episode, Western Growers Senior Vice President, Innovation, Walt Duflock and The Reservoir CEO Danny Bernstein introduce Reservoir Farms, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Salinas, Calif., where agtech startups can work with growers to do field trials of their technologies. In tandem with endeavors from the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology, Reservoi...

Curious to know how America’s farms fill the jobs that are essential for our food supply? In this episode of Voices of the Valley, we dive into the H-2A program, a vital but often misunderstood part of our agricultural workforce, with Western Growers Senior Vice President and Legal Counsel, Jason Resnick. Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to better understand the legal and operational ins...

In this Voices of the Valley episode, Sarah Rodriguez of Legacy Cooling shares the story of The Canyon House, a sanctuary where draft horses, once used for intense farm labor and carriage rides and now cast aside and destined for tragedy—can spend their days in peace. "Every horse that comes here is going to die at some point," Sarah said. "But here, they get to live their last year...

In this episode we’re joined by Bailey Myers, the Director of Marketing at Owyhee Produce in Parma, Idaho, to talk about the extensive agritourism offerings she’s set up at her farm. She’s hopeful that her agritourism events - including on-farm AirBnB stays, tours, commodity festivals and farm-to-fork dinners - can help build consumer confidence in how food gets to their table. Much of the America...

In this episode, we talk to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and explore how the organization inspires a deeper connection to the agricultural industry by promoting a greater understanding of how food gets from farm to table. SEEAG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between farmers and the community by educating students and the public about the origins of...

In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between the food we eat, provided by the farmers who grow our food, and our overall health and wellness. From fueling our bodies and preventing disease to supporting a balanced lifestyle, we discuss how nutrient-rich crops play a crucial role in our well-being with insights from our health and wellness expert, Beth Sims.

The next generation of ag leaders are playing an important role in shaping the future of farming. California is one of the most vital agricultural regions in the world, and these emerging voices are navigating an industry influenced by climate change and the need for sustainability, water and labor shortages and advancements in agtech. We explore the California Agricultural Leadership Program and...

You may have never given today’s topic much consideration, but this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. In this episode, Western Growers' Kara Timmins and Jeana Cadby talk with CDFA entomologist Dr. Jason Leathers and canine handler Michelle King to explore the exciting world of agricultural pest detection. They’ll share why it’s so important travelers don’t pack a pest and how we can all p...

Did you know that California produces more than 80% of the nation’s stone fruits? For those of you unfamiliar with the term, stone fruits are named after the large stone in their centers, or what we know as the seed or pit. These types of fruits include peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries and mangos. In this week’s episode, Western Growers’ Julia Nellis and Michelle Rivera talk to special guest C...

When you think of olive oil, you may think of places like Spain, Italy and Greece. But did you know that California produces some of the finest olive oil? In this week’s episode of Voices of the Valley, we pour over everything you wanted to know about olives and olive oil with Western Growers’ Michelle Rivera and Julia Nellis and special guest Vincent Ricchiuti from Enzo Olive Oil Company. Based o...

Did you know that California farmers produce nearly 75% of all cantaloupes grown in the US? That makes for a total of $300 million in nationwide market sales. In this episode, we slice into everything you wanted to know about melons with Western Growers’ Michelle Rivera and Julia Nellis and special guest Garrett Patricio, President of Westside Produce and melon grower based in Firebaugh, Californi...

In this episode, Western Growers Director of Communications, Ann Donahue, talks with Garrett Nishimori, Business Manager at San Miguel Produce. Garrett grew up in a farming family in Oxnard, Calif. He left to attend culinary school, after which he became a chef in a two-star Michelin restaurant in San Francisco. He returned to the family farm 15 years ago. His unique perspective on the “Farm to Fo...

Cross-border health care is growing in popularity as Mexico increasingly provides innovative, technologically advanced medical services at a cost-savings for employers. In fact, close to a million Americans cross the border every year to receive medical care in Mexico. In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Raquel Lugo, Senior Director of Client Services and Mexico Operations at Western Growers...

Almonds have been cultivated for thousands of years, and as it turns out, California is the largest producer of almonds globally, accounting for more than 80% of the world's almond production. In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Stuart Woolf, President and CEO of Woolf Farming & Processing and Chair of the Western Growers Board of Directors, joins Western Growers Communications Manage...

A farmland landscape may not make many people think of a place rich in scientific research and discovery, but it should! In this episode of Voices of the Valley Megan Kavanaugh, VP of Science and Agronomy at Bio S.I., talks about the fascinating life that exists in the soil with Western Growers Jeana Cadby, Director of Climate and Sustainability, and Kara Timmins, Communications Manager.

Western Growers food safety scientists Sonia Salas, Associate Vice President, Science & Technology, and Joelle Mosso, Associate Vice President, Science Programs, discuss their perspective and insight when it comes to buying fresh produce for their children.

In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Katie Chiapuzio, Director of Environmental Science and Resources at Braga Fresh, joins Western Growers Jeana Cadby, Environment and Climate Director, and Kara Timmins, Communications Manager, to discuss the amazing nature of bees and how they contribute to agriculture.