Advertise on podcast: Voices of the Valley

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 discusses the importance of water to California agriculture, his work on regional waterboards and how Bowles Farming is investing in sustainability and leadership to shape the future of farming.

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 — all while growing the food and wine that nourish California and beyond. This episode offers a heartfelt look into the life of a modern farming family.

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, pumpkins and more, and the many educational programs that bring kids and families closer to where their food comes from.

In this Voices of the Valley episode, Western Growers SeniorVice 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, Reservoir is trying to solve one of ag’s biggest problems: there is simply not enough labor to get crops out of the field and onto dinner tables. “We have a big and growing line-item expense challenge withgrowers in California,” Duflock says. “The best and maybe only realistic scalable solution for that is robots.”

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 and outs of the H-2A program, this conversation breaks it all down. Tune in to get some insight on how the program really works, what growers need to know and why it’s more important than ever.

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 years with dignity."

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 American population is now four or five generations removed from the farm, she says, and it’s imperative for growers to educate people in order to bridge that knowledge gap. "People trust farmers, but they don’t trust farming,” Bailey says, as she talks about her goal of giving people a “lightbulb moment” when they visit Owyhee.

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 their food. Through interactive programs, farm tours and hands-on activities, SEEAG connects participants with local agriculture, fostering an appreciation for the farmers who grow and harvest the fresh produce that nourishes us.

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 discussing the challenges and opportunities our future leaders are facing in the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture. Featuring: Abby-Taylor Silva, Executive VP of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation; Bryan Nickerson, Commodity and Supply Chain Services Director for Western Growers; and Cory Lunde, VP of External Affairs for Western Growers.

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 participate in protecting agriculture. We’ll even get to meet agriculture detector K9 Kernul, an eight-year-old chocolate lab who helps protect California agriculture by using his nose to sniff out unwanted pests in unmarked packages.

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 Chelsea Ketelsen, Vice President of Marketing from HMC Farms. Based out of Kingsburg, California, HMC Farms is a leading grower, packer and shipper of stone fruit and table grapes. Tune in this week as we peel back the farmer’s curtain. We uncover surprising facts and stories about your favorite fruits, tracing their fascinating journey from farm to table—and explaining why your nectarine might taste a little different each week.

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 out of Central San Joaquin Valley, Enzo Olive Oil Company’s mill is home to the award-winning, 100 percent estate-grown organic extra virgin olive oil. Join us as we uncover the difference between virgin and extra virgin olive oil, proper packaging and storage and an olive’s journey from farm to table. You’ll also find out what things you should consider before purchasing olive oil at the store.

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, California. Learn about what goes on behind the scenes on the melon farm and the practices and strategies farmers are putting in place to ensure the safety of your cantaloupes as they go from farm to table. You’ll also learn some pro tips on how to tell when a melon is ripe for picking. If you’re someone who knocks or taps on melons in the grocery store, we have a surprising revelation for you.

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 Fork” movement provides a first-hand account on food waste prevention, the intricacies of the supply chain – and why consumers should all get to know where our food comes from. Tune in to listen to Garrett talk about his family’s legacy, the July 2024 acquisition of San Miguel Produce by Grimmway Farms and how realistic FX’s “The Bear” is.