Advertise on podcast: Voice of California Agriculture

How does a state farm leader characterize this past legislative session for agriculture?  Government bureaucracy is blamed for Monterey County farmers unable to prepare for the super El Nino.   USDA invests money to strengthen specialty crop agriculture, which is so important in California.

We’ll look at California’s apple crop--challenges, and why you should visit a local farmstand for apples.    President Trump gives farmers some relief on the price of diesel fuel.    A visit with some pumpkin farmers about their operations and their love of growing pumpkins.    How farmers fared in this legislative session on bills that reached the governor’s desk.    California Farm Bureau presents its Voters’ Guide.

On this episode, we talk with pumpkin growers about this year’s crop and what you can expect to find at pumpkin patches across California for Halloween. We also explore why California is becoming an increasingly important producer of blueberries and how farmers are navigating rising diesel costs, which are nearly $2 higher in California. Plus, we take a look at how the California Farm Bureau is advocating for farmers in Washington, D.C., and discuss the Farm Bureau’s comments on the U.S. Forest Service’s Travel Management Rule and what it could mean for California’s agricultural community.

Could almond hulls be a new food ingredient? What researchers have found.  What will a super El Nino mean for California’s snowpack?  Farm Bureau releases its statewide ballot recommendations  A BOLO for a new weed in rice fields  Farmers are spending more money on interest payments  USDA’s lates farm income forecast.

Checking in on the progress of the state’s rice crop  An expected super El Nino could lead to heavy rainfall this winter. Are you prepared?  Federal agencies look to narrow the scope of federal waters jurisdiction. That’s good news for farmers.  A Presidential order that would help ranchers and looks to lower food prices.

Tough times in the winegrape industry has some farmers mothballing vineyards. A UC Viticulture advisor talks about this new practice.  A Super El Nino is forecast for this winter, what might be the effects for agriculture? We speak about it with a UCANR climate scientist.  Farm reports from the fields from around the state.

We’ll find out how Imperial Valley farmers feel about the Colorado River Plan and what impact it may have on the supply of winter vegetables. The Imperial Valley produces a huge percentage of this nation’s supply of winter vegetables.   California’s aggressive battle against a feared grape pest.  An unfavorable court ruling on what California farm employers may end up paying for certain foreign workers.  A San Diego County strawberry farmer who has a long and proud tradition of growing the popular fruit.    And a look at farm prices during the month of July—the ups and downs of various crops.

California’s wolf population continues to expand and CDFW continues to look for ways to help deal with the population. A look at the critical need for Farm Bill to pass this year. Will putting walnuts in the produce department increase sales?  A California start-up company develops a product to help livestock producers. Farm Bureau pushes back on new off-road diesel regulations.

Farm Bill--can it be passed this year? It’s desperately needed for specialty crop farmers  A couple in Alameda County is connecting locally produced meat with consumers.  California lettuce is safe to eat, despite outbreaks in other countries. Us and others are seeking uniformity in food labeling regulations across the nation.

Goats as a wildfire protection tool is threatened.  From the Fields—how crops are progressing as reported by famers and livestock producers themselves.    A change in the federal standards for orange juice will benefit California farmers.

Regulatory and compliance costs are taking a bite out of salad bowl producers in Monterey County.  It could ultimately affect food shoppers.   And a conversation with Farm Employers Labor Service to help farmers protect employees from heat and to stay compliant with heat illness regulations. The fines are costly.

A Sierra Foothills winery has big plans for tea production—tea on its own, botanicals, and infusing into their wine.  A fascinating look at the possibilities.   Plus, From the Fields—what farmers and ranchers report in their region of the state about their crops this season.

How big is this year’s pistachio crop--and just how many pistachios does the average American eat each year?   The golden mussel, California's newest invasive pest, is already causing millions of dollars in damage.  Plus, the almond harvest is beginning --we’ll look at their challenges and market conditions.  Food prices continue to rise, but are farmers sharing in those higher prices? And where does California rank when it comes to grocery costs?

A bill to bring grizzly bears back to California moves forward.  Some help for livestock producers who lose animals to wolves.  One of the worst years in memory for fire blight in pears.  Finally, some promising news for pear farmers.

We’ll check on the pear crop and why you should look for California fresh pears.  Certified Crop Advisors helping farmers on and off the field.  The USDA is cracking down on state errors in their food assistance programs costing taxpayers billions.