California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • 2022 California Wine Grape Crop & Market Update

    Various climate/weather-related disasters over past several years have limited California grape production, and this year appears to be no different with a spring freeze impacting some grape growing regions of the state.  Watch this brief interview with Jeff Bitter from Allied Grape Growers as he shares a statewide outlook for the 2022 wine grape crop and how that will fit into current wine market trends. Read more in American Vineyard Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Best Farming Practices for Treated Seeds Underscores Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

    As planting season begins across the West, Western Plant Health is reminding farmers about the importance of following basic steps that will help ensure the ongoing stewardship of pesticide-treated seeds, which help reduce the overall use of pesticides.

    This major agricultural advance provides seed treatments that help protect developing seeds during their most vulnerable time – at planting and germination. Their highly targeted, precise application means less impact on the surrounding environment.

    Studies have shown that without this innovation, up to 5X’s more pesticides would have to be applied by traditional means to the crop. Fewer applications also require fewer tractor passes, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions and offers yet another way for farmers to mitigate climate change.

    Treated seeds represent one of many valuable and innovative approaches enabling farmers in the West to be more productive, while using resources more efficiently and protecting the environment. That is why adopting these best practices is critical:

    1) Follow label directions on seed containers;

    2) Eliminate flowering plants and weeds in the field prior to planting;

    3) Minimize dust by using advanced seed flow lubricants and mechanisms;

    4) “Bee Aware” of honey bees and hives located near the field;

    5) Ensure that any spilled seeds are removed to protect wildlife and the environment; and

    6) Remove all treated seed left in containers and equipment after each planting, and dispose of any remaining seeds after planting is completed.

    These are simple, effective and important stewardship practices when it comes to treated seeds. Let’s help protect this critical technology for farmers by observing these practices. Remember, always follow label directions on seed containers for proper handling, storage, planting and disposal to minimize risk to applicators, wildlife and the environment!

    Farmers are the original environmentalists; properly using treated seeds is a way to continue that tradition and value to protect the land for future generations. – By Renee Pinel, President & CEO of Western Plant Health Association

  • Vertical, Indoor Farming Boosts Yield and Anti-Cancer Nutrition of Watercress

    How does it sound to grow plants without sunlight or soil, in racks going up and down instead of in rows on the ground? That’s how crops grow in indoor vertical farms, where nutrient-rich, recycled water feeds plants under red and blue LED lights. This innovative approach gives farmers the chance to alter crops as they like, whether that means making lettuce red or producing extra-flavorful herbs. The added benefits: Amid continuing drought across the western United States and water scarcity in many other parts of the world, this system uses up to 95% less water than traditional farming. And, it has no need for pesticides.

    Watercress is an ideal crop for vertical farming. Traditionally, this semi-aquatic, leafy green from the nasturtium family grows in high-quality chalk streams in Europe. It’s also packed with nutrients, with a distinctive peppery taste that makes it a yummy addition to salads. The flavor hints at anti-cancer benefits conferred by the same natural chemical compound that creates watercress’s flavor

    Now, scientists from the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences have discovered that watercress grown in indoor, vertical farms has the highest phytonutrient content and yield, compared to cress grown in soil in California and in traditional, outdoor farms in the United Kingdom, according to a study just published in Scientia Horticulturae. Levels of the plant’s anti-cancer compound also were further elevated by increased blue light when grown indoors. This discovery shows how the quality of food can be improved for people’s health when crops are grown indoors.

    This work has been made possible with a new, specialized growing facility on campus for research in controlled environment agriculture. Multiple faculty members in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences are working in this area. The indoor farm also is being used to train the next generation of high-tech farmers, with students visiting the facility and growing red romaine lettuce this year. — By Yufei Qian & Lauren Hibbert, UC Davis

  • Duda Farm Fresh Foods Announces Sammy Duda as CEO-Elect of Duda

    Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a wholly owned subsidiary of DUDA and a leading grower of fresh vegetables and citrus, announces the company’s president, Samuel “Sammy” Duda, has been named CEO-elect of DUDA. This decision marks the culmination of a nearly year-long process led by DUDA’s Board of Directors with support from an international leadership advisory firm.

    Sammy will continue to fulfill the responsibilities of his existing role until transitioning to CEO of DUDA on January 1, 2023. At that time, his role will shift to one of oversight for Duda Farm Fresh Foods as he begins guiding the family-owned and operated diversified land company’s consolidated business vision, goals, and values.

    “I couldn’t be more humbled and proud to have the opportunity to lead DUDA as a fourth-generation family member and continue our commitment to our values,” says Sammy. “I look forward to learning from and working with DUDA’s leaders and Board of Directors for the continued success of the company and all of its stakeholders.”

    DUDA’s current CEO, David Duda, has served in this role since 2010 and was the first member of the Duda family’s fourth generation to earn the position. The legacy of family leadership will continue with Sammy’s selection as CEO-elect. According to noted family business experts, only three percent of family businesses make it beyond their third generation in terms of leadership succession.

    “We have been blessed with great foresight by previous generations, plus an ongoing commitment to leadership succession within this fourth generation of the Duda family,” says David. “I’m grateful to everyone for my 12 years as CEO and am excited to work closely with Sammy through the remainder of my tenure as we prepare for the transition. Sammy is skilled at building relationships, and I am confident he will do a great job as the new CEO.”

    Over the next six months, Sammy will work alongside David Duda, DUDA’s executive leadership team, and the company’s Board of Directors to make his transition as seamless and productive as possible at both the Duda Farm Fresh Foods and DUDA corporate executive levels.

    About Duda Farm Fresh Foods

    For nearly 100 years, Duda Farm Fresh Foods has been a leading grower, shipper, processor, and marketer of fresh vegetables and citrus. Known for their superior celery, the company has expanded their facilities over the years to accommodate recent developments such as celery juicing and other health and wellness trends in order to provide consumers with the freshest celery possible. With primary locations in Florida, California, Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan, Duda Farm Fresh Foods carries a commitment to innovation and sustainability and believes in growing a healthy future for generations to come. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of A. Duda & Sons, Inc., a family-owned, diversified land company headquartered in Oviedo, Fla. For more information, please visit www.dudafresh.com.

  • Genetic Insights Help Rice Survive Drought and Flood

    Plants — they’re just like us, with unique techniques for handling stress. To save one of the most important crops on Earth from extreme climate swings, scientists are mapping out plants’ own stress-busting strategies.

    Rice plant with roots visible. (Julia Bailey-Serres/UCR)

    A UC Riverside-led team has learned what happens to the roots of rice plants when they’re confronted with two types of stressful scenarios: too much water, or too little. These observations form the basis of new protective strategies.

    “This one crop is the major source of calories for upwards of 45 percent of humanity, but its harvests are in danger,” said Julia Bailey-Serres, UCR geneticist and study lead. “In the U.S., floods rival droughts in terms of damage to farmers’ crops each year.”

    While it is possible for rice to flourish in flooded soils, the plants yield less food or even die if the water is too deep for too long. This work simulated prolonged floods of five days or longer, in which plants were completely submerged. It also simulated drought conditions.

    In particular, the researchers examined the roots’ response to both types of conditions, because roots are the unseen first responders to flood and drought-related stress.

    Their work is described in a new paper published in the journal Developmental Cell.

    One key finding is about a cork-like substance, suberin, that’s produced by rice roots in response to stress. It helps protect from floods as well as from drought.

    “Suberin is a lipid molecule that helps any water drawn up by the roots make it to the shoots, and helps oxygen from shoots to reach roots,” Bailey-Serres said. “If we reinforce the plant’s ability to create suberin, rice has better chances for survival in all kinds of weather.”

    Rice experiments being conducted in a field. (Julia Bailey-Serres/UCR)

    The researchers were able to identify a network of genes that control suberin production and can use this information for gene editing or selective breeding.

    “Understanding suberin is particularly exciting because it is not susceptible to breakdown by soil microbes, so carbon that the plant puts into suberin molecules in the roots is trapped in the ground,” said Alex Borowsky, UCR computational biologist and study co-author. “This means that increasing suberin could help combat climate change by removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere.”

    The researchers also identified the genes controlling some of rice’s other stress behaviors.

    “One of our interesting findings is that when rice plants are submerged in water, the root cell growth cycle goes on pause, then switches back on shortly after the shoots have access to air,” Bailey-Serres said.

    In the future, the research team plans to test how modifying these stress responses can make the plant more resilient to both wet and dry conditions.

    “Now that we understand these responses, we have a roadmap to make targeted changes to the rice genome that will result in a more stress-tolerant plant,” Bailey-Serres said.

    Though heavy rains and droughts are both increasing as threats, Bailey-Serres has hope that new genetic technology can increase its resilience before it’s too late.

    “With genome editing, the fact that we can make a tiny but targeted change and protect a plant from disease is amazing. Though our crops are threatened, new technologies give us reasons to hope,” Bailey-Serres said. — By Jules Bernstein, UC Riverside

    About UC Riverside

    The University of California, Riverside is a doctoral research university, a living laboratory for groundbreaking exploration of issues critical to Inland Southern California, the state and communities around the world. Reflecting California’s diverse culture, UCR’s enrollment is more than 26,000 students. The campus opened a medical school in 2013 and has reached the heart of the Coachella Valley by way of the UCR Palm Desert Center. The campus has an annual impact of more than $2.7 billion on the U.S. economy. To learn more, visit www.ucr.edu.

  • CASI Center Honored by Soil and Water Conservation Society

    The Conservation Agriculture Systems Innovation Center has been named the 2022 recipient of the Conservation Innovation Award by the Soil and Water Conservation Society, an international organization based in Ankeny, Iowa.

    “This is a very nice honor… and it has been achieved by, truly, the combined work and efforts of so many,” said Department of Plant Sciences Extension Prof. Jeffrey P. Mitchell, who helped found the center and has been instrumental in its leadership.

    The CASI Center started in 1998. It was formed by farmers, scientists and representatives of public agencies, private industry and environmental groups who aimed to develop knowledge and exchange information about the benefits of reducing tillage in agricultural lands.

    Traditional practices such as tilling and plowing the land in preparation for crops are ingrained in agriculture. However, research has revealed that these practices cause soil erosion, dust and water run-off, and release greenhouse gases. In contrast, farmers and ranchers who have adopted the alternatives to tillage that CASI has been developing and evaluating see improved soil, better water infiltration and storage, less dust and lower costs, Mitchell said.

    In the last 25 years, the no-till and low-till systems being explored by CASI have been widely adopted in much of the United States and in South America. But, in California’s Central Valley, less than 1 percent of production acreage is farmed using conservation tillage. That’s “largely because producers lack information, and successful examples of CT systems are only now being developed here,” CASI reported.

    Now with more than 1,500 active members and affiliates, the CASI Center conducts annual conferences to share research and the results of demonstration projects.

    Mitchell’s leadership of CASI praised

    Mitchell is a statewide Cooperative Extension specialist based in the Fresno area. When others affiliated with the CASI Center learned of the award, they had this to say:

    Madera, Calif., farmer Tom Willey will accept the 2022 Conservation Innovation Award from the Soil and Water Conservation Society on the behalf of the CASI Center when the society meets in Denver in August.

    “Huge congratulations, Jeff, for your visionary and literally selfless leadership, always listening and learning, always humble. Thanks for taking us to new frontiers and possibilities of alternative futures. Thanks for showing us other ways to be a leader!!” – Kate Scow, UC Davis Department of Land, Air and Water Resources

    “The team is special because everyone is sharing and learning as one. And, because your leadership has enabled us to all be more than the sum of the parts.” – Eric Kueneman, former global director of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization programs in Rome

    “It was a pleasure to support the great work that this group does to change the farming paradigm in California.” – Cary Crum, California Ag Solutions

    “Jeff is a modest person, but his achievements are numerous and span the gamut of extension, research and teaching. He has contributed enormously to our department through his innovative teaching, his inclusive extension work and his dynamic classroom teaching.” – Paul Gepts, UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences

    The CASI Center is part of the University of California’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The center’s next project is to expand research and demonstration projects, acquire equipment, expand training and develop greater incentives for farmers to adopt conservation tillage in California. — By Trina Kleist, UC Davis

    The CASI Center brings together farmers, ranchers, scientists, educators, public officials and environmentalists.

  • Fellow Wines of Clarksburg Take Home Best In Show for White Wines in California

    Fellow Wines, a subscription-based wine company out of Clarksburg, CA, takes home the top prize at the California Commercial Wine Competition through the California State Fair. The 2021 Chenin Blanc was awarded top accolades this year out of the 1,953 wines evaluated, winning Double Gold, Best in Region, and Best in Show for white wines in the competition.

    “I’m excited that through this award, Clarksburg is getting some notoriety as a high-quality winegrowing region.” says Fellow Winemaker, David Ogilvie. “Since the 1970s our little AVA has long been sending grapes to be blended into high-quality wines from other regions and this award helps to further highlight Clarksburg as a region that can stand on its own.”

    David Ogilvie, Phil Ogilvie, and Tom Merwin, local farmers and childhood friends, started Fellow Wines with the vision to share Clarksburg with the world. As fourth and seventh generation farmers in the region, they understand the importance of a truly sustainable farm-to-table winery. Striving to remain authentic to the consumer, they are the farmer, the winemaker, and the retailer and promise to never hide the fruit in the winemaking process.

    “One thing that I love about this label is that I get to be in control of the whole process starting from bud break in the vineyard to bottling our wine”, Ogilvie states. “As farmer and winemaker, I get to ensure the quality measures are put in place along the way from soil to bottle and I think that shows in the final product.”

    Fellow Wines start at $20.00 per bottle through their website’s online store but through their subscription service you can enjoy 3-bottle and 6-bottle subscription packages starting at $49.00 with shipping included. Fellow Wines brings it’s customers the best of the Clarksburg area at the best price, delivered for free right to your door-step. For more information about their wines, subscriptions services, or to grab a bottle of the Award Winning 2021 Chenin Blanc, visit fellowwines.com.

  • Robert Verloop Named CEO of California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC) are pleased to announce that Robert Verloop has been named executive director and chief executive officer, effective July 11, 2022. The CWB and CWC represent over 4,500 California walnut growers and nearly 90 handlers, producing over 1.4 billion pounds of walnuts in 2021 that ship to more than 50 countries around the world.

    “We are excited to bring onboard an experienced strategic leader such as Robert, his background will well serve the California walnut industry. He has the unique experience of leadership roles as a grower/shipper of highly perishable produce and in commodity organizations. Robert understands the challenge to ‘move the crop.’ In addition, he has extensive knowledge and creativity as a marketer working in complex domestic and international markets,” said Bill Tos, the California Walnut Board’s Executive Committee Chairperson.

    Mr. Verloop recently held the position of COO for Coastline Family Farms, a family-owned vegetable grower/shipper. Previously, he held executive/ leadership roles with Naturipe Farms/Naturipe Brands, Sunkist Growers Inc., and the California Avocado Commission. In those capacities, Robert worked in such areas as marketing and sales promotions in retail, foodservice and ingredient channels in domestic and global markets; issues management; strategic planning; and government relations, working with various state and federal agencies, including USDA, FAS/ATO, CDFA, and FDA.

    “When he was a member of the then-Produce Marketing Association Board of Directors, Robert showed a true drive to help find and create solutions for the global produce and floral community. His focus on disciplined marketing and uncovering the implications in challenges and opportunities helped us immensely, and I expect the walnut industry will realize these same leadership benefits,” said International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns.

    “I am looking forward to working with the staff, the two Boards (CWB and CWC), and the growers and handlers that make up the California walnut industry. Walnuts are highly versatile and nutritious, ideal for plant-based eating. In collaboration with the growers and handlers we must respond to rapidly evolving market conditions with a sense of urgency and purpose and continue to build an ongoing dialogue with key customer segments in order to drive sales in all market segments,” added Verloop. “I am also keenly aware of the multi-generational nature of an industry dating back more than a century. The new generations are inheriting a dynamic industry that continues to evolve through innovation, starting with new advances in orchard management practices, post-harvest management, and developing exciting new consumer products that showcase the versatility and delicious taste of nutritious California walnuts.”

    The CWB and the CWC play a vital role in expanding walnut usage occasions and understanding walnuts’ health benefits, solving for production and post-harvest challenges, protecting the industry against burdensome regulations, and building demand for California walnuts globally. Despite current supply-chain challenges, there is rising demand for walnuts given their versatility and wide range of studied health benefits. Interest in plant-based eating around the globe is an opportunity for walnuts, which contain protein and fiber, and are the only nut that is an excellent source of essential plant-based omega-3 ALA.[1]

    “We look forward to Robert and the CWB and CWC staff working in collaboration with the industry to address the near-term challenges in supply chain logistics, port congestion and rising costs. At the same time, we will refresh and refocus our long-term strategies given the evolving marketplace and not waiver our focus on the mission of market development and increasing consumer demand globally for our future crops,” added Tos.

    About the California Walnut Board

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. The CWB is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The CWB promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities. For more industry information, health research and recipe ideas, visit www.walnuts.org.

  • Nominate Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local FSA County Committees

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for members. LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. This may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.  
     
    County committee members make important decisions about how Federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2022 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2022.  
      
    “It is a priority for USDA to integrate equity into its decision-making and policymaking, and that starts with our local FSA county committees,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We need enthusiastic, diverse leaders to serve other agricultural producers on these committees as we work to build equitable systems and programming inclusive of all employees and all of our customers. I ask that you consider making a difference in your community by nominating yourself, or another agricultural producer, to serve on your local FSA county committee.”  
      
    Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in a USDA program and reside in the LAA that is up for election this year, may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. A cooperating producer is someone who has provided information about their farming or ranching operation to FSA, even if they have not applied or received program benefits. Individuals may nominate themselves or others and qualifying organizations may also nominate candidates. USDA encourages minority producers, women, and beginning farmers or ranchers to nominate, vote and hold office.  
      
    Nationwide, more than 7,700 dedicated members of the agricultural community serve on FSA county committees. The committees are made up of three to 11 members who serve three-year terms. Producers serving on FSA county committees play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the agency. Committee members are vital to how FSA carries out disaster programs, as well as conservation, commodity and price support programs, county office employment and other agricultural issues.  
       
    Urban and Suburban County Committees 

    The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to form urban county committees as well as make other advancements related to urban agriculture, including the establishment of the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. FSA established county committees specifically focused on urban agriculture. The urban county committees will work to encourage and promote urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural production practices. Additionally, the new county committees may address areas such as food access, community engagement, support of local activities to promote and encourage community compost and food waste reduction.  
      
    Urban committee members are nominated and elected to serve by local urban producers in the same jurisdiction. Urban county committee members will provide outreach to ensure urban producers understand USDA programs and serve as the voice of other urban producers and assist in program implementation that support the needs of the growing urban community.    
      
    The following urban and suburban county committees will hold elections this year Phoenix, Atlanta, New Orleans, Minneapolis-St. Paul, St. Louis, Albuquerque, N.M., Cleveland, Portland, Ore., Philadelphia, Dallas and Richmond, Va.   
      
    USDA recently announced six new urban county committees in Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Los Angeles, Brooklyn, and Oakland. Elections will be held for these locations at a later date.  
      
    Learn more at farmers.gov/urban.  
      
    More Information 

    Producers should contact their local FSA office today to register and find out how to get involved in their county’s election, including if their LAA is up for election this year. To be considered, a producer must be registered and sign an FSA-669A nomination form. Urban farmers should use an FSA-669-A-3 for urban county committees. The form and other information about FSA county committee elections are available at fsa.usda.gov/elections.  
      
    Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters beginning Nov. 7, 2022. Producers can find their local USDA Service Center at farmers.gov/service-locator.

  • Mark Barnett Named Livestock Marketing Association President

    Mark Barnett of Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market, Inc. in Guthrie, Ky., was installed president of the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) at the 2022 LMA Annual Convention & WLAC, held June 8-11. Barnett will complete a two-year term leading the nation’s largest livestock marketing trade association that represents more than 800 local livestock auction markets and allied businesses.

    Mark has lived in the Guthrie, Ky., area his entire life and owned the Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market for over 40 years. Through a strong relationship with the previous market owner, Mark invested in the business, spurring his involvement in the livestock marketing industry.

    In addition to the livestock auction market, Mark and his wife, Betty, run a cow/calf and row crop operation. Together, they have three sons; Tom, Will and Matt, who are also involved in the family business. Tom’s wife, Stephanie, is the secretary for Kentucky-Tennessee Livestock Market.

    As LMA president, Mark hopes to continue supporting the strong reputation of LMA and promote auction markets as an integral source of price discovery in the livestock industry. He says one of the biggest obstacles the livestock marketing industry faces is keeping young people interested and involved in the cattle industry.

    “Our next generation, bringing them into our businesses, is one of the biggest tasks we have in front of us,” Barnett said. “That’s a goal that I have. I want to encourage that next generation and tell our story, and agriculture has a good story to tell.”

    In addition to his involvement with LMA, Mark is the Director of Legends Bank, a Commissioner of Woodlawn Utility District and a deacon at the Second Mile Baptist Church.

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through support, representation and communication efforts.