Choosing when to irrigate this season with a very limited resource amidst the current drought can be quite a challenge, and the adverse effects of insufficient irrigation are already becoming manifest in the 2021 San Joaquin Valley wine grape crop. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Karl Lund and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.
Watch this brief interview with Dwayne Cardoza from the Raisin Bargaining Association as he shared some key insights on the current state of the California raisin industry at their recent annual meeting. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.
Just last month, a vote passed to shut down the California Raisin Marketing Board. But what of generic California raisin marketing and the iconic dancing raisins? Watch this brief interview with Dwayne Cardoza from the Raisin Bargaining Association and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.
What is the current status of the international trade war impact on almonds and what changes can we anticipate in the foreseeable future? Watch this brief video with Julie Adams from the Almond Board of California and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
In addition to the temporary effects of port congestion, COVID-19 and international trade wars, aflatoxin inspections and rejections have been a longer term issue and limiting factor for our almond industry exports. Julie Adams provided an update at the recent Almond Alliance Convention on how the industry is doing in keeping aflatoxin levels down to a minimum in their orchard and post harvest practices, as well as current discussions abroad on lowering the costly inspection requirements. Watch this brief video with Julie, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
As farmers face drought conditions once again this summer, local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies are still working on the planning and implementation of their Groundwater Sustainability Plans. Watch this brief video with Patricia Poire, Executive Director of the Kern Groundwater Authority, as she shares concerns and needs for both farmer and government support to meet the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) requirements.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
Following their brother’s stewardship lead, Tom Murphy and Chester Murphy have protected 72 acres of farmland destined to be developed in San Joaquin County. Combined with their brother Bill, the Murphy family now has collectively created a 200-acre greenbelt in the area of Farmington, California, east of Stockton.
“Highway 4 is a major east-west artery connecting the Bay Area to the Sierra Nevada,” shared Charlotte Mitchell, California Farmland Trust’s (CFT) executive director. “Protecting the important farmland along this artery sends a clear signal to local planners that urbanization along this corridor needs to be thoughtfully planned.”
Marked by a little red brick house built by their grandfather in the 1930s, the property was initially used for dryland cattle grazing. Once the ground was leveled and pumps were installed, the prime soil was planted with irrigated row crops and currently has a 6-year-old almond orchard.
“Permanently protecting the Murphys’ farm will not only ensure scenic views along Highway 4 but will encourage ongoing production of a permanent orchard crop that employs low-carbon best management practices,” said Chelsea Molina, CFT conservation director. “In addition, Duck Creek, which flows along the farm’s northern boundary, provides both riparian habitat and a corridor for wildlife.”
Funds for the conservation easement were made available through the California Strategic Growth Council’s (SGC) Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) in collaboration with the Department of Conservation. SALC is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities.
“Congratulations to the Murphy family and California Farmland Trust for working together to permanently protect these 72 acres in San Joaquin County,” said Jessica Buendia, SGC’s Acting Executive Director. “By expanding its land conservation legacy, the Murphy family is helping to achieve California’s climate goals while ensuring this land will continue to produce fresh, healthy foods as part of the state’s agricultural economy.”
The Murphys’ property compliments the existing 14 easements and 2,872 acres permanently protected by CFT in San Joaquin County.
The California Farmland Trust is a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 16,780 acres of farmland on 77 family farms. To learn more visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org.
