California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Tomato Processors Expect to Contract 9.8 Million Tons in 2026

    As of January, California’s tomato processors reported they have, or will have, contracts for 9.8 million tons in 2026, which is a decrease of 11% compared to 11.0 million contracted tons forecast in the August 2025 California Processing Tomato Report. Processors estimate that the contracted production for 2026 will come from 185,000 acres, generating an average yield of 53 tons per acre. This year’s contracted planted acreage forecast is 10% below the 2025 estimate of 205,000 planted acres under contract in the August forecast.

    The USDA-NASS Pacific Regional Office surveyed California’s tomato processors for their intended contract acreage and tonnage for the upcoming 2026 season. The data reported by processors was either tonnage with derived acreage, or acreage with derived tonnage.

    This early processing tomato estimate is funded by the California League of Food Producers.

  • USDA Announces New World Screwworm Grand Challenge

    Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the New World Screwworm (NWS) Grand Challenge. This funding opportunity marks a pivotal step in USDA’s comprehensive strategy to combat NWS and prevent its northward spread.

    “This is a strategic investment in America’s farmers and ranchers and is an important action to ensure the safety and future success of our food supply, which is essential to our national security,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “These are the kinds of innovations that will help us stay ahead of this pest and protect our food supply and our economy, protecting the way of life of our ranchers and go towards rebuilding our cattle herd to lower consumer prices on grocery store shelves. We know we have tried-and-true tools and methods to defeat this pest, but we must constantly look for new and better methods and innovate our way to success. Together, through science, innovation, and collaboration, we can ensure we’re utilizing the latest tools and technology to combat NWS in Mexico and Central America and keep it out of the United States.”

    As part of the Grand Challenge, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will make up to $100 million available to support innovative projects that enhance sterile NWS fly production, strengthen preparedness and response strategies, and safeguard U.S. agriculture, animal health, and trade.

    Priority Areas for Funding

    APHIS invites proposals that support one or more of the following objectives:

    • Enhance sterile NWS fly production
    • Develop novel NWS traps and lures
    • Develop and increase understanding of NWS therapeutics/treatments (i.e. products that could treat, prevent, or control NWS) for animals
    • Develop other tools to bolster preparedness or response to NWS

    The notice of funding opportunity, including application instructions, eligibility, and program requirements, is available on the NWS Grand Challenge webpage. Applicants can also find information on the ezFedGrants website or Grants.gov by searching USDA-APHIS-10025-OA000000-26-0001.

    Eligible applicants are invited to submit proposals that align with and support these priorities by the deadline on February 23, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

    Entities interested in submitting a proposal should ensure they are registered with the U.S. Government System for Award Management (SAM). Learn more about the basics of the funding process and how to get ready to apply.

    For more information about NWS, visit screwworm.gov. Sign up here to have the latest NWS updates delivered to your inbox.

  • Almond Conference Updates Growers on Best Practices for Bees & Pollination

    As almond growers prepare for pollinating their orchards — one of the most important tasks for establishing the new crop — here are insights from the Almond Conference to consider.  A “Honey Bees & Pollination” panel was moderated by Josette Lewis of the Almond Board of California (ABC).

    Hives Per Acre for Self-Fertile Cultivars: Elina Niño

    Following a string of bee losses over the past twenty years, 2025 was especially severe, with a 62% loss.  According to Elina Niño, apiculture scientist at UC Davis, the losses are becoming unsustainable.

    Niño pointed out that, in spite of having only 0.6 million of the 2.5-2.7 million colonies in the US, California ranks third in honey production, after North and South Dakota.

    Niño conducted a study of the pollination needs of self-fertile cultivars.  She excluded bees from some trees and for others used one or two hives per acre.  She counted the number of bees per flower per hour and after harvest she measured the kernel mass of 100 nuts per tree.

    The results showed that the number of visits per flower was similar for one hive as for two hives per acre.  Although the trees set more nuts and yielded more weight when one or two hives were present, kernel mass was higher where bees were excluded, presumably due to spreading the trees’ resources over fewer nuts.

    State of the US Commercial Beekeeping Industry: Matt Beekman

    The biological state of the beekeeping industry is precarious, according to Matt Beekman, a beekeeper based in Hughson, California who spends summers in North Dakota.  He presented a biological and financial State of the Beekeeping Industry report.

    Parasites & Pathogens: Varroa Mites & Viruses

    The varroa mite parasite continues to afflict beehives.  Reproducing quickly, the mites vector viruses that then spread from bee to bee in the densely populated hive.  The viruses can also spread in semen.  Area-wide applications of miticide help manage the mites.

    Only one chemical had been approved to suppress varroa mites since 2005.  That chemical, Amitraz, was registered for beehive use in 2013 in California, the last state to do so.  Some softer chemistries are available, but they are temperature dependent.

    California approved two new products in 2025, one oxalic acid-based and the other RNA-based.  They are expensive, though, costing $74 per colony per year.

    Nutrition: Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

    Each hive needs about 50 pounds of pollen and 100 pounds of nectar year.  With fewer acres enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program, pollen and nectar may be scarce.

    Alternatively, almond growers can plant cover crops in the orchards to meet the need.  Seeds for Bees supplies free, appropriate cover crop seeds the first year and a discounted price the second year.  Many growers continue buying the seeds annually after seeing how effective they are.

    Pesticides: No to Organosilicon Adjuvant

    Used to amplify the effectiveness of pesticides, organosilicon surfactants harm bees.  Growers should ask their PCA to use one of the available alternatives instead.

    Beekman said that fungicides need to be sprayed during bloom, but advised using no tank mixes, adjuvants or insecticides during bloom, and applying fungicides in the early evening when bees are not flying.

    Financial Snapshot

    The net profit for beekeepers in 2024 was $11 per hive.  Overtime wages adversely impacted beekeepers, who need workers to do nighttime maintenance and overnight travel.  US honey production is declining due to fewer locations where bees can be placed to collect nectar.  The bees need more access to public land.

    Meanwhile, honey imports are increasing.  Imported honey is sometimes cut with synthetic sugar syrups.  Since honey is one of the few commodities for which the US does not have a standard definition, ambiguity and adulteration occur.

    India is now the largest exporter of honey into the US, with prices of $0.99-1.08/lb.   The US price is $2.69/lb., and the yield is declining.   

    Endangered Pollinator Species: Alexi Rodriguez

    Some insect species have been proposed for endangered species status for the first time, according to Alexi Rodriguez of the Almond Alliance.  One such insect is the monarch butterfly, which has little overlap with agriculture except for coastal sites in winter.

    A 2018 petition proposed adding four bumblebee species.

    Rodriguez said that if growers take reasonable, research-based steps to support pollinators, they will be immune to prosecution if incidental harm occurs.  The steps include using IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and planting pollinator habitat.

    Questions from the Audience

    Q: Is it worth getting mason bees to complement honeybees?

    A: Yes — blue orchard bees (a type of mason bee) — but you have to contract it separately.  They fly in colder temperatures and in rain.

    Q: Was there a bee shortage in 2025?

    A: That was not studied, but growers were saying that they did not get the number of frames they contracted for.  It’s possible that insufficient bees caused the lower yield last year, because everything else was good in 2025.

    Q: What about indoor cold storage of bees in empty warehouses to break the varroa mite cycle?

    A: It did not go well when tried in Kern County.

    Q: Does supplementing the almond orchard with pollen help with pollination?

    A: There is no research on that, but it is unlikely to help based on flower anatomy and the need for insects to get into the blooms to move pollen.

    Q: Does it help to move hives around during pollination?

    A: Yes, but it is a tradeoff economically due to the cost of labor to move the hives.  The most important variable is having morning sun on the hive to warm the bees enough to fly.  The bees will fly over the entire acre once they are warm.

    Q: What is a fair contract between grower and beekeeper?

    A: Eight frames average per hive; four to five frames minimum, 60% coverage.

    Q: Do herbicides impact bees?

    A: There is no research on that, but herbicides are not needed during bloom anyway.

    For more information about preparing for pollination, see Honeybee ABC.  – By Nancy Power, PhD, Assistant Editor, Pacific Nut Producer

  • Demand for Chicken Keeps Climbing, Can Broiler Production Keep Pace?

    The U.S. chicken industry is on a decades-long winning streak. Steady growth in consumer demand coupled with efficiency gains in broiler production have powered the sector’s remarkable growth over the last 30 years. However, an emerging set of challenges could put that track record of consistently reliable growth in jeopardy. A slowdown in new processing plant construction —  combined with the inherent limitations of existing production systems and an undersupply of chicks — could ultimately hinder processors’ ability to maintain recent growth trends.

    According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the near-term outlook for broiler production remains exceptionally strong. But the opportunities for increasing output are becoming more limited. Higher capital costs, tight labor availability and increased local regulation have stalled greenfield site expansion. Chick availability has trended downward as genetic priorities have shifted from hatchability to meat yield, and adding more pounds per bird has its limits.

    “The potential long-term challenge becomes how big is too big for birds on the processing line, and what will drive consumer preferences for chicken products into 2030 and beyond,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “In the short-term, there has been a growing interest in secondary processing or the value-add segment. That’s helping chicken producers meet increased consumer demand for further processed and flavor-enhanced items like tenders, nuggets and sandwiches. But it’s not necessarily a sustainable or long-term approach to consistently increase overall production volume.”

    Annual per capita chicken consumption in the U.S. has increased 30 pounds since 1995 and currently stands at 103 pounds, according to USDA data. That number is projected to rise to 107 pounds by 2030, which far exceeds U.S. per-capita consumption of beef and pork. The steady increase in demand led chicken processors to focus on increasing meat yield and efficiency. Broiler genetics companies responded by shifting away from an emphasis on hatchability, or how many chicks a hen could produce, to feed conversion efficiency which promotes larger birds and higher meat yields.

    With the change in genetics, producers are now able to achieve more than 1,000 pounds of chicken from a single egg-laying hen. That’s a 17% increase since 2005. While the shift in genetics enabled processors to increase broiler meat yields, those gains have come at a cost. Fewer chicks are available to raise for broiler production. That limits the opportunity to increase production by adding birds into the system. The trend of lower hatchability could be reversed, but it would take several years before genetic changes improve chick availability.

    Jumbo birds, value-added products driving current growth and investment

    The overall chicken product mix available to consumers today barely resembles what it did 30 years ago. Back then, whole birds and other raw pieces comprised the bulk of consumer purchases. Today, the further processed segment makes up nearly half of all chicken marketed in the U.S. The jumbo bird format works well with chicken marketing plans that include new product innovations focused on portion-sized convenience and more exciting flavor options in products like strips, nuggets and tenders.

    Earnest said the elevated costs associated with new greenfield expansion will limit the addition of meaningful head count in the near future, and short term growth will be facilitated by larger birds and continued investments further processed capabilities. “Relying on efficiencies in per-bird production will require flexibility and technology. For processors, that means line speed efficiency will be paramount to grow production until such time more birds can be added to meet steady growth in demand.”

    Watch a video synopsis and read the report, U.S. Chicken Doubles Down on Value-Add to Meet Demand.

    About CoBank

    CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 79,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

  • Laton, CA’s Medeiros Among Students Awarded National DHIA Undergrad Scholarships

    The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) Scholarship Committee selected 12 high school seniors and college students to each receive a $1,000 scholarship. Committee members ranked applicants based on scholastic achievements, leadership in school and community activities, and responses to DHI- and career-related questions. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, applicants must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, a family member of a DHI employee, or an employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a National DHIA member.

    This year’s National DHIA scholarship recipients are Ashley Brandel, Lake Mills, Wis. (parents: Matt and Tracy Brandel); Natalie Clemenson, Zumbrota, Minn. (parents: Brian and Tiffany Clemenson); Sarah Diehl, McVeytown, Pa. (parents: Joe and Kristin Diehl); Alaina Dinderman, Orangeville, Ill. (parents: Brian and Kristi Dinderman); Alaina Fisher, Waconia, Minn. (parents: Amanda and Brian Fisher); Logan Harbaugh, Marion, Wis. (parents: Lynn and Sara Harbaugh); Nicole Hauschildt, Zumbro Falls, Minn. (parents: Stephanie and Chad Domke); Chloe Lawrason, Beaverton, Mich. (parents: Jared and Lisa Lawrason); Lily Marshman, Oxford, N.Y. (parents: John and Sheila Marshman); Keegan Medeiros, Laton, Calif. (parents: Melvin and Christina Medeiros); Ella Raatz, Colby, Wis. (parents: Al and Teri Raatz); and Lindsey Rotz, Pelican, Rapids, Minn. (parents: Paul and Carolin Rotz).

    Money generated from the annual National DHIA Scholarship Auction primarily funds the organization’s scholarship program. Investments and donations also help build the fund. To donate to the National DHIA Scholarship Fund, contact Leslie Thoman at 608-848-6455 ext. 108 or lthoman@dhia.org.

    On July 1, 2026, the 2027 National DHIA Scholarship application will be posted on the National DHIA website at: www.dhia.org/scholarship.asp. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2026.

    National Dairy Herd Information Association, a trade association for the dairy records industry, serves the best interests of its members and the dairy industry by maintaining the integrity of dairy records and advancing dairy information systems.

  • President Trump Signs Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act

    On January 14, President Donald J. Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act in the Oval Office alongside U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., USDA National Nutrition Advisor Dr. Ben Carson, dairy farmers, moms, and bipartisan members of Congress to restore access to whole milk in schools and strengthen support for American dairy producers.

    This legislation advances the Trump Administration’s agenda and aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030, released last week, which reintroduced full-fat dairy as part of a healthy dietary pattern.

    “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, whole milk is back – and it’s the right move for kids, for parents, and for America’s dairy farmers,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “This bipartisan solution to school meals alongside the newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans reinforces what families already know: nutrient dense foods like whole milk are an important part of a healthy diet.”

    Secretary Rollins was joined by dairy farmers Thomas French, Kevin Satterwhite, Jamie Pagel, William Thiele, and Tara Vander Dussen, and emphasized that restoring whole milk in schools supports both children’s nutrition and the producers who sustain rural jobs and communities. She also highlighted the Trump Administration’s broader work to rebuild the farm economy through fair trade, lower costs, reliable financing, and strong markets, all while working to make groceries more affordable for families. As a result, between January and December of last year, dairy products became more affordable, including butter (down 3.4%) and cheese (down about 2%).

    “Dairy farmers and their cooperatives couldn’t be more thrilled that whole and 2% milk is returning to school meals,” shared National Milk Producers Federation President/CEO Gregg Doud.  “Dairy is a nutrition powerhouse that should be used to its fullest potential — and that means making it available in the same varieties families consume at home. We are ready to help schools and USDA in any way we can as this important legislation is implemented, and we thank the Trump administration, our advocates on Capitol Hill, and everyone who has worked to make school meals better through increased access to dairy.”

    “The long wait is over,” International Dairy Foods Association President/CEO Michael Dykes exclaimed.  “Whole milk is coming back to schools! This law is a win for our children, parents, and school nutrition leaders, giving schools the flexibility to offer the flavored and unflavored milk options, across all healthy fat levels, that meet students’ needs and preferences. IDFA is deeply grateful to President Trump for signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act into law, and to U.S. Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson and Kim Schrier, and U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Peter Welch for their leadership in advancing this bipartisan legislation through the Congress. Additionally, IDFA is grateful for the leadership of Chairman Tim Walberg of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Chairman John Boozman and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry for their efforts to advance this important legislation through Congress. IDFA and our members stand ready to partner with USDA, states, and school nutrition leaders to help schools offer the milk options kids prefer so more students can benefit from the 13 essential nutrients that milk provides.”

    The law reflects strong bipartisan leadership, including sponsors Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), Senator Peter Welch (D-VE), Chairman of the U.S House Agriculture Committee Representative Glenn Thompson (R-PA-15) and Representative Kim Schrier (D-WA), with support from Chairman of the U.S Senate Agriculture Committee Senator John Boozman (R-AR).

    USDA implementation begins immediately. Following the announcement USDA issued program implementation guidance to school nutrition officials to implement the bill, and a proposed rulemaking will soon commence to ensure schools and nutrition programs can begin offering whole milk as quickly as possible.

    USDA will now undergo a rewrite of Child Nutrition Programs to ensure school meals are aligned with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030.

    To mark today’s signing, USDA released the following video encouragingAmericans to Drink Whole Milk to kick off that the milk mustache is officially back.

    Watch the “whole” video here.

  • At Farm Bureau Convention in California, Secretary Rollins Announces Dairy Margin Coverage Expansion and Section 32 Purchases of Specialty Crops

    This week at the 107th American Farm Bureau Federation Convention in Anaheim, CA, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced expanded enrollment for 2026 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program and new Section 32 commodity purchases that will result in more healthy, U.S. grown food in the hands of Americans. Following the convention, Secretary Rollins also met with specialty crop producers at a local strawberry farm to discuss workforce needs and the Trump Administration’s recent wins related to significantly cutting the cost of H-2A labor for California farmers.

    Secretary Rollins and former California Ag Secretary A.G. Kawamura at his strawberry farm in Irving, California.

    “President Trump is making historic investments in the farm safety net and today’s announcement is one more action that supports our dairy producers by managing risk and strengthening markets so they can continue to provide wholesome nutrition for Americans,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “The Trump Administration will continue to stand with America’s farmers as the farm economy recovers from years of neglect under the last administration. Our mission to Make America Healthy Again continues after the recent release of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025-2030 announcement, with the upcoming purchase of U.S. grown food that will reach those in need, all while benefitting American farmers facing unfair actions from foreign competitors.”

    OBBBA Improves DMC Coverage and Premium Fees

    Secretary Rollins announced the enrollment period for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program for the 2026 coverage year, an important safety net program that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. Starting January 12, 2026, dairy producers can enroll in DMC. The enrollment period ends February 26, 2026. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed by President Donald J. Trump on July 4, 2025, reauthorized DMC for calendar years 2026 through 2031 and provided substantial program improvements, including establishing new production history and increasing Tier 1 coverage.

    The OBBBA increased DMC’s Tier 1 coverage level increased from five million pounds to six million pounds. All dairy operations that elect to enroll in DMC for 2026 will establish a new production history. Existing dairy operations that started marketing milk on or before January 1, 2023, will use the higher of milk marketings for the years of 2021, 2022, or 2023. New dairy operations starting after January 1, 2023, will use their first year of monthly milk marketings, even for a partial year. Milk marketing statements or production evidence are required to establish a production history.

    Dairy operations also have the option to lock-in coverage levels for six years (2026-2031) with premium fees discounted by 25%.

    DMC offers different levels of coverage, including an option that is free to producers, minus a $100 administrative fee. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specific dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool.

    For more information visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center.

    Agricultural Marketing Service Section 32 Purchases

    Secretary Rollins also announced USDA’s intent to purchase up to $80 million in specialty crops from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through USDA’s authority under Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. With this action, the Trump Administration is bolstering American prosperity by supporting American agriculture, rural communities, and those in need of nutrition assistance.

    The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) continuously purchases a variety of domestically produced and processed agricultural products. These “USDA Foods” are provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and are a vital component of the nation’s food safety net.

    USDA AMS will purchase up to $80 million of the following commodities:

    •Almonds: $20M

    •Grape juice: $20M

    •Pistachios: $20M

    •Raisins: $20M

  • California Walnut Commission Applauds Emphasis on Nuts in New Dietary Guidelines for Americans

    There is good news for walnuts in the newly released 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), which emphasize “real”, nutrient-dense foods — including nuts — as the foundation of a healthy diet.

    The DGAs recognize nuts as a source of plant-based protein and emphasize consumption of healthy fats found in whole foods across multiple age groups and life-stages, and the accompanying report features walnuts on their list of “rich sources of [omega-3] ALA[1].” In addition, for the first time, walnuts are clearly represented in the new food pyramid.

    Further, within a 2,000-calorie diet, the DGAs recommend one ounce of nuts or seeds and two tablespoons of nut or seed butter as part of the three to four daily servings of protein foods. The DGAs also recommend introducing potentially allergenic foods —including nut butters—with other complementary foods to infants at about 6 months.

    “This marks an important step in gaining broader recognition that walnuts, as a healthy and real food, should be part of our daily lifestyle,” said Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Commission (CWC). “It also is a testament to the 30 years of investment in sound, scientific health and nutrition research by the California walnut industry.”

    While the new DGAs were under development, the CWC leveraged the over 240 published research studies to submit comments and provide evidence showcasing how walnuts can be included in healthy dietary patterns. The CWC continues to support new research in areas such as gut health, sleep and cognitive function, alongside continued investment in heart and metabolic health.

    “Through CWC’s Global Health Research Program, we’re fueling science that speaks to health and wellness, and supporting researchers exploring the topics that truly matter to consumers,” said Rachel Blaine, CWC scientific advisor. “By advancing evidence in these areas, we’re showcasing how walnuts can power overall well-being and inspire people everywhere to make walnuts a delicious part of their daily routine.”

    The DGAs also highlight a broader commitment to American agriculture. “We are realigning our food system to support American farmers, ranchers and companies who grow and produce real food,” according to the DGAs.

    For more information on the 2025-2030 DGAs, visit realfood.gov. For more information about the California Walnut  Commission and its programs, visit walnuts.org.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWC, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts.

    To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.

    [1] One ounce of walnuts provides 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat, including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3.

  • ASEV Renames Extension Distinction Award to Honor Dr. Anita Oberholster

    The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) announces that the ASEV Extension Distinction Award has been officially renamed The Anita Oberholster Award for Extension Excellence in honor of Dr. Anita Oberholster, who passed away on January 11, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

    Dr. Oberholster was a globally respected professor of cooperative extension in enology at the University of California, Davis, whose work bridged rigorous science with practical solutions for the wine and grape industry. Throughout her 14-year career at UC Davis, she was known for her scientific excellence, her deep commitment to education and mentorship, and her ability to translate complex research into accessible tools that growers and winemakers could immediately apply.

    “Renaming this award in Anita’s honor reflects the immense contributions she made to extension work and the profound impact she had on our industry,” said James Osborne, Oregon State University professor and ASEV board president. “Her dedication to serving growers and winemakers, mentoring the next generation of wine and grape scientists, and translating research into practical solutions will continue to inspire extension professionals for generations to come.”

    A Legacy of Service and Scientific Impact

    Dr. Oberholster’s distinguished career advanced understanding in critical areas of wine science and viticulture. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on the California wine industry and beyond, including:

    • Pioneering work on smoke taint: Dr. Oberholster led a large group of researchers developing methods to assess and mitigate the impact of wildfire smoke exposure on grapes and wines. This work became essential during the devastating wildfire seasons of 2017, 2018 and 2020, when fires closed in on key California growing regions.
    • Applied research on grapevine diseases: As the lead investigator on a USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative grant, she worked to understand the impact of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus, helping growers diagnose and respond to a disease with significant economic impact on the California industry.
    • Exceptional communicator and educator: Dr. Oberholster excelled at making complex science accessible, delivering education through on-site workshops, webinars, videos and one-on-one outreach with producers across California and around the world. Her warm personality and gift for communication made her a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor.
    • Service to the global wine community: Dr. Oberholster served multiple terms on the ASEV Board of Directors and was a regular presenter at major conferences, including the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium. She was twice named by Wine Business Monthly as one of the Top 50 most influential people in the U.S. wine industry.

    In 2021, Dr. Oberholster was a recipient of the very award now renamed in her honor, the ASEV Extension Distinction Award, recognition of her outstanding extension contributions to viticulture and enology.

    “Anita was an ideal Cooperative Extension specialist,” said UC Davis Professor and former Chair of the Viticulture and Enology Department Dr. David Block. “She was so talented at explaining complex concepts in understandable and usable ways for stakeholders. Her personality put winemakers and vineyard managers at ease, drawing them into discussions that they might not have had with other academics.”

    A Legacy of Mentorship

    Perhaps Dr. Oberholster’s greatest passion was mentoring postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduate interns, guiding and inspiring them to discover their love of science while embracing them in an exciting and caring environment. Those she mentored have become leaders themselves in industry and academia on at least four continents around the world.

    About The Anita Oberholster Award for Extension Excellence

    The Anita Oberholster Award for Extension Excellence will continue to recognize exceptional extension professionals in enology and viticulture whose outreach, education and application of research drive meaningful industry advancement. Recipients are honored for translating scientific knowledge into practical tools and for elevating the reach and relevance of extension programming.

    The award is presented annually in June at the ASEV National Conference and includes a plaque and monetary award. Recipients are expected to present on their extension programs at the conference.

    About ASEV

    Founded in 1950, the American Society for Enology and Viticulture is dedicated to advancing the interests of professionals in grape and wine research, production and education worldwide. ASEV fosters communication and collaboration among researchers, educators and industry practitioners.

  • WWII Veteran & San Joaquin Valley Wine Grape Grower Passes at 98

    Sam Paregian was born on August 2, 1927 in Philadelphia to John and Bertha Paregian. He was the middle child and had an older sister, Agnes and younger brother Abe.

    His father, John,  connected with some of their relatives who had already come to Fresno, California and established themselves in farming. With the intention of providing a better life for his young family, John closed his grocery store in Philadelphia and headed to Fresno ahead of his family to get established. In 1940 he sent for his wife and children who traveled by train to join him. John built Penn Market right next door to their family home and Sam worked at his dad’s market after school and on weekends while he was in high school. Later he worked at Pep Boys, Earl Scheib sanding cars.

    After graduating from Roosevelt High school Sam enlisted in the Navy during the tail end of  World War II and was stationed in the South Pacific. He never saw action, but wished he had.

    After being honorably discharged he returned to Fresno and once again worked at the family’s grocery store while earning a Bachelor’s degree at Fresno State. He paid for college by raising two thousand laying hens for egg production. He teamed up with a college classmate to cleverly design chicken houses with a unique system that allowed the hens to be raised up and the eggs to roll down for collection.  Additionally, in the evenings he worked as a night watchman.

    Despite the fact his parents could afford to pay for his education Sam chose to work to cover his expenses and contribute to the family.  He felt that his parents worked hard, provided and encouraged him, and he wanted to do his part

    After graduating from Fresno State he attended UCSF School of Dentistry from 1951-1955 in San Francisco. While in school he worked at the US Post Office during Christmas break, helped his brother-in-law as a surveyor, and worked at a research and hepatitis lab.

    After graduation he enlisted in the Air Force but was waitlisted so he went to work in Los Angeles at what was then called an “Advertising Dentist” and gained invaluable experience with dental surgery.

    In the Air Force he was promoted to captain and continued to practice dentistry in Guam for two years before opening his own dental practice in Fresno, and then another practice with a partner.  Realizing there was an overabundance of dentists already established in Fresno, he closed his practice and went back to school to pursue a master’s degree in orthodontics at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Hackensack, New Jersey.

    During his final semester he sent for Geraldine whom he had met through relatives previously and later worked for him at the dental office. Later they were married at St. Thomas Armenian Church in Tenafly, New Jersey. During this time Geraldine helped Sam by typing his thesis paper and providing support.

    The young couple settled in Modesto as Sam was part of an invitation-only Gnathology study group whose dentists had encouraged him to bring his level of skills to a region that had very few Orthodontists.

    In downtown Modesto Sam opened his first Orthodontic office, then later in a popular outdoor shopping center called McHenry Village.  Sam worked hard but building a practice took time. While he was building his practice he had the privilege of working with an experienced orthodontist by the name of Dr. Benjamin Ichinose in San Francisco, who also served as his mentor.

    From Sam’s early days in Fresno working with his father, he knew he wanted to be a farmer too someday. He bought his first property with a small home on the outskirts of town, and soon after bought a second property on the same road, ultimately making farming his fall back career.  With his growing family they moved to his current home a few years later on Patterson road.

    Sam grew wine grapes, walnuts and almonds commercially and grew dozens of other fruits and vegetables for distribution for family and friends.

    At this point farming and orthodontics were intertwined in his daily life, and he started and ended each day farming. The balance and challenges of both occupations he found satisfying and rewarding.

    He went on to open McHenry Village Dental Service which was a dental clinic and a new concept at the time. He was also a partner in a Dental Insurance company.

    Sam was committed to working with patients, many of which were multi-generational.  He continued to take professional development courses to keep current with the latest orthodontic practices.

    His passions were far and wide.  Dentistry, farming, land development, coming up with new innovative products, learning new skills, repairing or restoring everything from cars, to daughter Sherrie’s shoes.  “If in doubt, ask Dad.”

    With everything he pursued he approached it with perfection even in his last days. He was also an inspiration to many whether it was a long time relationship or a first time meeting. His life’s motto: “Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained.”

    As a Christian we take comfort in knowing that he is reunited with his beloved parents, siblings and relatives.

    Sam is survived by Geraldine Paregian, daughters: Keely, Sherrie and Michelle, grandchildren: Dmitri and Athena, Margie Paregian, the Morjig, Devletian and Tascian families and countless friends and colleagues who considered him a part of their family.

    To send a flower arrangement in memory of Sam Paregian, please click here. — Article courtesy of Farewell Funeral Service