AgNet News Hour

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...

California trucking companies continue to face mounting challenges from rising fuel prices, regulatory requirements, and increasing operating costs, according to industry leaders featured on a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour. During the program, Wildwood Trucking owner Mark Woods discussed the difficult business environment facing transportation companies that play a critical role in moving...

AgNet News Hour continued its spotlight on California agriculture with part two of a conversation featuring fifth-generation farmer and former San Diego County Farm Bureau President Dana Groot, who discussed the unique opportunities and growing challenges facing farmers in San Diego County. While San Diego is often known for its beaches, tourism, and year-round weather, Groot said many people are...

The AgNet News Hour continued its coverage of federal agricultural initiatives with conversations featuring USDA Rural Development State Director Bryan Anguiano and former San Diego County Farm Bureau President Dana Groot. The discussions focused on water infrastructure, rural economic development, specialty crop agriculture, and the challenges facing farmers throughout California. Fresh off a vis...

California agriculture received significant attention during a recent visit from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who announced nearly $1.7 billion in federal assistance for specialty crop producers while emphasizing the importance of food security, trade opportunities, and long-term support for American farmers. During a stop in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Rollins highlighted the s...

The AgNet News Hour focused heavily on California politics, agriculture policy, water management, labor concerns, and the future of farming during a wide-ranging June 1 broadcast featuring political analyst David Collenberg and discussions surrounding the upcoming gubernatorial race. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened the program by discussing frustration among farmers and ranchers who feel...

The AgNet News Hour featured California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton in a wide-ranging interview focused on agriculture, water policy, energy costs, regulations, and the future direction of the state ahead of the upcoming jungle primary. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened the program by noting frustration that recent gubernatorial debates largely ignored agriculture despite Californ...

Riverside County Sheriff and California governor candidate Chad Bianco returned to the AgNet News Hour for part two of his conversation about California agriculture, water policy, regulations, energy, immigration, and the future of the state. The interview opened with discussion surrounding California’s latest water allocation announcement, which increased allocations to Westlands Water District g...

The AgNet News Hour featured part one of a two-part conversation with Riverside County Sheriff and California governor candidate Chad Bianco, focusing on agriculture, water, regulation, public safety, and the upcoming jungle primary. Bianco said recent governor debates failed to address one of California’s most important industries: farming and agriculture. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill also...

The AgNet News Hour featured California Pear Advisory Board Executive Director Chris Zanobini, who discussed the upcoming pear season, market challenges, imported fruit concerns, and the future of one of California’s longtime specialty crop industries. Zanobini said the 2025 season was difficult for California pear growers, largely because of heavy competition from imported fruit on retail shelves...

The AgNet News Hour wrapped up its special four-part interview series with California Policy Center Director of Water and Energy Policy Edward Ring, focusing on California’s growing energy crisis, government overreach, water infrastructure failures, and the upcoming governor race that could shape the future of agriculture statewide. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened the Memorial Day episod...