Category: Featured Post

  • What the Coming Farm Bill Could Mean for Specialty Crop Agriculture

    As specialty crops become a bigger topic of conversation in the development of a new US Farm Bill, California growers could potentially receive more national support than ever before.  Watch this brief interview with Sara Arsenault, new Vice President of the Almond Alliance of California as she explains — based on her presentation at the recent Tree & Vine Expo.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • 2022 Postharvest State of the Pistachio Industry

    The 2022 western pistachio crop came in considerably shorter than was expected with all the new acreage coming into production. Watch this brief interview with Richard Matoian, President of the American Pistachio Growers, as he shares some of the factors that led to this as well as an update on shipments — based on his State of the Pistachio Industry address at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo. Read more about it in the December issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • State of the Walnut Industry & Future Prospects with Robert Verloop

    There is no question, the California walnut industry is navigating through some challenging times, but hope is on the horizon. Bringing a fresh perspective to the industry is Robert Verloop, the new CEO of the California Walnut Board & Commission.  Watch this brief interview based on his first State of the Walnut Industry address at the recent Tree & Vine Expo, and read more about it in the December issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • 2022 Postharvest State of the California Almond Industry

    The 2022 California almond harvest is in the books now, and growers are appreciating a much needed breather. The crop came in considerably short in comparison with the last couple years. How will this reflect on the market and what other factors are currently at play? Watch this brief interview with Richard Waycott, President of the Almond Board of California, as he explains. Read more about it in the December issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Claim Your Cash Reward for Employing Through COVID-19 Mandates

    Did you know the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) for businesses is FREE money? Well, not really – it’s technically your money sitting in the treasury – you just have to rightfully claim it. If I told you I help businesses like yours capitalize on the government’s newest and most profitable “credit” program, would you believe me?

    It’s true. But, not in a gimmicky way. That’s not my style. I just want your attention for a few minutes. I want you to know you could receive money back that you never knew existed. If you did know about ERC, maybe you’re like many business owners who were told they didn’t qualify because of PPP loans or because your business profited during 2020 or 2021, but actually, a second look by our company found otherwise, like Robert of Clovis, California:

    “After being told by other processors that I probably would not qualify because my sales increased, Jorns and Associates got me an absolutely unbelievable return for my business! In just under 4 months I have received my checks from the US Treasury! Soooo glad I gave this program a chance…Easiest money I have ever made! Thank you Jorns and Associates!” Robert Porcella, Business Owner, Clovis, CA

    More about ERC

    The ERC program was made available over two years ago as part of the CARES Act, along with programs like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan and there’s still billions of ERC dollars to claim. When originally implemented, employers were not eligible for the ERC if they received a (PPP) loan, but Congress retroactively changed the law to allow employers who received PPP loans to qualify for the ERC, as long as the payroll expenses paid with forgiven PPP proceeds did not duplicate qualified wages used to claim the ERC.

    The average refund for businesses is averaging around $150k but varies based on how many employees you have and you probably qualify for more than you think! Every business I’ve worked with so far has qualified for much more than they expected.

    It was, and still is hard for many business owners to stay afloat after we were struck with government mandates surrounding COVID-19. You deserve it because it’s your payroll related tax dollars and the government will return it to you – IF you claim it!

    Find out if you qualify and get an estimate for how big your cash refund could be.

    Start today by answering a few simple questions on this form, or stop by our booth at one of the upcoming ag expos:

    Tree and Vine Expo on November 8, 2022: Booth 705
    Grape Nut and Tree Fruit Expo on November 11, 2022: Booth 118

    If you can’t make it to one of the expos but you have questions, please give us a call at (559) 221-2614. We’d be happy to serve and help you claim your cash!

    About the author:

    Shannon Merritt is an independent contractor in the areas of Business Operations, Sales, Marketing and Communications. With over 25 years of combined experience in these areas, Shannon is passionate about helping businesses improve internal processes and communication practices, develop or refine policies and procedures, improve profit margins and gain business exposure and name recognition. Shannon is married to Rich Merritt, VP of Supply Chain at Valley Pride Ag of Fresno, California. They have two boys, Richie (age 24), a young sales professional in Phoenix, Arizona, and Matthew (age 21), student athlete at Stanford University.

  • Prepare Now for Pending Water Quality Regulations for Central Valley Dairies

    There are some significant changes coming soon to water quality regulations for Central Valley dairy producers and now is the time to prepare.  Watch this brief interview with Paul Sousa from Western United Dairies as he explains and read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Clean Energy for their industry support.

  • Study Shows Increased Production from Dairies Converting to Robotic Milking Systems

    A recent multi-university collaborative study is showing consistent increases in milk production for dairies converting to robotic milking systems across the nation.  Watch this brief interview with Dairy Management Specialist Camila Lage from Cornell Cooperative Extension as she explains.  Read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Clean Energy for their industry support.

  • Automated Milking Systems Support California Dairies Amidst Labor Challenges

    Automated milking systems are turning out to be a plus for both labor reduction and overall animal welfare on California dairies.  Watch this brief interview with Daniela Bruno, UCCE Dairy Advisor based Fresno County, as she explains.  Read more about it in California Dairy Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Clean Energy for their industry support.

  • California Dairy Producer Invests in Robotic Milking System

    While automation is not a cheap investment, Travis Hooker and his father are invested in the future of the California dairy industry, and automating their milking system is one way they working to meet today’s challenges.  Watch this brief interview with Travis on how this new system is panning out on his family dairy in Chowchilla, CA.  Read more in California Dairy Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Clean Energy for their industry support.

  • New and Innovative Specialty Crop Protection Tools for California Growers

    As crop protection materials continue to get regulated out of circulation, California farmers are struggling to have sufficient tools to maintain plant health and combat the major pests and diseases that afflict this region of the world.  The good news is that new and innovative crop protection tools are being developed and receiving registration for use on specialty crops in the state, as shared at the recent annual Conference of the California Association of Pest Control Advisors. watch this video collage featuring representatives introducing some of these new tools on the market.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.