California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • California Walnut Commission Announces New Board Members

    The California Walnut Commission is announcing its newly elected commission board members who will serve two-year terms beginning Sept. 1, 2025, and ending Aug. 31, 2027. The commission’s board consists of eight producer members and four handler members, as well as alternates for each seat. For this upcoming term, seven new individuals will be joining the board as noted below.

    DISTRICT 1

    Producer Member: Jay Colombini, Linden

    Producer Alternate: Jack Vickery, Winters

    Producer Member: Ashley DeValentine McKenzie, Rio Oso

    Producer Alternate: Donald Norene, Rio Oso

    Producer Member: R. Davin Norene, Woodland

    Producer Alternate: Henry Gilbert, Wheatland (New)

    Producer Member: Kali Dittrich, Clements (New)

    Producer Alternate: John Heier, Live Oak (New)

    DISTRICT 2

    Producer Member: Darrell Cordova, Denair

    Producer Alternate: Gordon Heinrich, Modesto

    Producer Member: Andrew Souza, Crows Landing (New)

    Producer Alternate: Gurjant Khosa, Fowler

    Producer Member: Neil Jolliff, Modesto (New)

    Producer Alternate: Open

    Producer Member: Everett Souza Jr, Crows Landing (New)

    Producer Alternate: Open

    HANDLERS

    Handler Member: Brian Dunning, Olivehurst

    Handler Alternate: Jeffrey Sleeper, Orland

    Handler Member: Jack Mariani, Winters

    Handler Alternate: William Carriere, Glen

    Handler Member: Charles R. Crain Jr., Los Molinos

    Handler Alternate: William Crain, Los Molinos

    Handler Member: Christopher Cromwell, Stockton (New)

    Handler Alternate: Matt Langford, Stockton

    “Our new commission board members represent the next generation of leadership for California Walnuts,” said Robert Verloop,Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Commission. “Their expertise, vision, and dedication will be key as we work to grow global demand, support innovation and ultimately drive grower prosperity.”

    Commission board members will help advance the strategic priorities outlined in the industry’s strategic plan. These include delivering the best quality California walnuts; international trade and consumer marketing, supporting global retail and foodservice sales; fostering walnut innovation; defining sustainability as a point of differentiation; and conducting nutrition and health research and more.

    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 the usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research associated with consuming walnuts.

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

  • Grapes from California Promoted Globally Throughout the Fall

    As the fall and winter seasons approach, the global marketing campaign executed by the California Table Grape Commission (commission) highlights the many ways to share, prepare, and enjoy Grapes from California all around the world.

    California grapes are available now through January with opportunities to promote grapes among festive holiday celebrations. The ongoing campaign offers a comprehensive suite of tools and incentives to encourage retailer promotions including: bonus opportunities, digital promotions, contests, point-of-purchase materials, and in-store sampling. To encourage shoppers to purchase California grapes, the campaign features advertising on multi-retailer shopper apps, digital coupons and rewards, influencer and RD collaborations, and targeted social media advertising that highlights recipes, snacking ideas, and the health benefits of California grapes.

    The execution of a dynamic global marking campaign requires not only a dedicated commission staff, but a network of keen export market representatives. One such representative, Francis Lee, was recently recognized with a service award to honor his 30 years of service to the California table grape industry. “In-country market representatives are exceptionally important to the success of the commission export marketing program,” said Ian LeMay, commission president. “Francis’ work over the past three decades has helped solidify Grapes from California as a globally recognized brand known for its quality, exceptional taste, and safety,” said LeMay.

  • 2025-26 California Mandarin Forecast Down Significantly

    The 2025-26 California forecast for only the Tango and W. Murcott Afourer Mandarin varieties is 33.0 million 40-lb. cartons. This forecast is based on the results of the 2025-26 Mandarin Objective Measurement (O.M.) Survey, which was conducted from July 1 to August 28, 2025. Estimated fruit set per tree, fruit diameter, trees per acre, bearing acreage, and mandarins per box were used in the statistical models estimating production.

    Survey data indicated a fruit set per tree of 504, down 24% from the previous year. The average diameter from the survey was 1.359 inches, up 1% from last year for these varieties. Bearing acreage is estimated at 35,000, which results in a yield of 943 40-lb. cartons per acre.

    Funding for the survey was provided by the California Citrus industry.

    SURVEY HISTORY

    This is the third year the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Regional Office has published a production forecast of Tango and W. Murcott Afourer Mandarin varieties. Fruit counts and size measurements have been collected each year since 2020 to build the dataset for the statistical models.

    SURVEY SAMPLE

    A sample of 337 Tango and W. Murcott Afourer Mandarin groves were randomly selected proportional to county and variety bearing acreage, with 332 of these groves utilized in this survey. Once a grove was randomly chosen and grower permission was granted, two trees were randomly selected from each grove. For each randomly selected tree, its trunk was measured along with all connected branches. A random number table was then used to select a branch, and then all connected branches from the randomly selected branch were measured.

    This process was repeated until a branch was reached with no significant limbs beyond it. This randomly selected branch, called the terminal branch, was then closely inspected to count all fruit connected to it, as well as all fruit along the path from the trunk to the terminal branch. Since each selected path has a probability of selection associated with it, a probability-based method was then applied to estimate a fruit count for the entire tree.

    In the last week of the survey period, fruit diameter measurements were collected on the right quadrant of four trees surrounding the two sampled trees. These measurements were used to estimate an average fruit diameter per tree.

  • Increase of Navel Oranges Expected in California this Upcoming Season

    The initial 2025-26 California Navel orange forecast is 80.0 million cartons, up 6% from the previous year. These forecasts, by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, are based on the results of the 2025-26 Navel Orange Objective Measurement (O.M.) Survey, which was conducted from June 12 to August 21, 2025. Estimated fruit set per tree, fruit diameter, trees per acre, bearing acreage, and oranges per box were used in the statistical models estimating production.

    This forecast includes production of conventional, organic, and specialty Navel oranges (including Cara Cara and Blood orange varieties).

    Survey data indicated a fruit set per tree of 375, down 9% from the previous year. The average diameter from the survey was 2.179 inches, up 6% from last year. Bearing acreage is estimated at 109,000, which results in a forecasted yield of 734 cartons per acre.

    Funding for the survey was provided by the California Citrus industry.

    CARA CARA PRODUCTION FORECAST

    Cara Cara variety production is forecast at 10.0 million cartons. Survey data indicated a fruit set per tree of 290, down 4% from the previous year, but 8% above the five-year average of 269. The average diameter from the survey was 2.216 inches, 3% above the previous year and 2% above the five-year average of 2.171 inches.

    SURVEY SAMPLE

    A sample of 804 Navel orange groves was randomly selected proportional to county and variety bearing acreage, and 753 of the groves were utilized in this survey. Once a grove was randomly chosen and grower permission was granted, two trees were randomly selected.

    For each randomly selected tree, the trunk was measured along with all connected branches. A random number table was then used to select a branch, and then all connected branches from the randomly selected branch were measured.

    This process was repeated until a branch was reached with no significant limbs beyond this point. This randomly selected branch, called the terminal branch, was then closely inspected to count all fruit connected to this branch, as well as all of the fruit along the path from the trunk to the terminal branch. Since each selected path has a probability of selection associated with the path, a probability-based method was then applied to estimate a fruit count for the entire tree.

    In the last week of the survey period, fruit diameter measurements were made on the right quadrant of four trees surrounding the two trees of every third grove. These measurements were used to estimate an average fruit diameter per tree. Of the 753 utilized groves, 133 were in Fresno County, 420 were in Tulare County, 174 were in Kern County, and 26 were in the remaining counties.

    SURVEY HISTORY

    A Navel Orange Objective Measurement Survey has been conducted in the Central Valley every year since the 1984-85 crop year, except for the 1991-92 season due to a lack of funding. The data from the first two years were used for research purposes in developing crop-estimating models. The Cara Cara forecast was undertaken at the request of the California Citrus Advisory Committee starting with the 2018-19 crop year.

    Beginning in the 2023-24 crop year, only state level forecasts will be published, and the Central Valley forecasts will be discontinued.

  • SEEAG Expands Ag Education Efforts in Santa Barbara

    Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) expanded its reach by opening a new Santa Barbara County office and adding student and community learning programs during the 2024-25 school year.

    SEEAG is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect youth and communities to the farm origins of their food and inspire the next generations of agricultural ambassadors.

    During the last school year, 4,225 students took part in 515 hours of STEM education. Nearly 500 high school students participated in SEEAG’s first year of STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture, a three-part experience including hands-on STEM-in-Ag labs, career guidance workshops and field trips to local agri-businesses.

    Elementary-age students in 72 schools from 27 School districts, from West Hills toSanta Maria, participated in immersive learning experiences in classrooms and on farms through SEEAG’s Farm-to-Food Lab. SEEAG’s Youth Wellness Initiative organized seven Produce Pop-Ups where 7,700 pounds of donated produce weredistributed to students and their families, with priority to students at Title 1 schools. Besides receiving seasonal fruits and vegetables, families received nutrition handouts, recipes and reusable shopping bags.

    In addition to SEEAG’s annual Farm Day in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, where farms, ranches and agricultural organizations open their doors to the public, the nonprofit introduced Farm Day Every Day in 2025. From January through May, Farm Day Every Day took place on designated Saturdays, enabling community members to tour five Ventura and Santa Barbara county farms. Over 12,000 Central Coast residents and visitors engaged with local farms firsthand through Farm Day events.

    “In a time when people are more disconnected from their food than ever before, agricultural labor and resource issues are growing, and too many community members on the Central Coast lack access to the fresh produce grown around them, SEEAG’s role is more critical than ever. SEEAG educates, inspires, and empowers youth and communities to become stewards of a more equitable and sustainable agricultural future,” says Caitlin Palus Case, SEEAG executive director.

    For a report on SEEAG’s 2024-25 activities, click here. To learn more about SEEAG or to make a donation, go to https://www.seeag.org.

  • Golden State Farm Credit Gives Back During Hunger Action Month

    Golden State Farm Credit (GSFC) is joining the fight against hunger this September in recognition of Hunger Action Month, by partnering with local food banks in the communities it serves.

    In partnership with CoBank’s matching efforts, GSFC has provided $5,000 each to North State Food Bank and Central California Food Bank, to help expand food access in rural communities throughout Northern and Central California. Furthermore, GSFC has also contributed an additional $10,000 to Central California Food Bank in support of its 12th Annual Feeding Families Fund Drive, hosted in partnership with GAR Bennett, where every dollar donated will receive a 50% match from GAR Bennett.

    Community members can also join the initiative by donating online throughout September or by visiting The Market in Fresno, on Friday, September 19, 2025. GSFC representatives will be on-site in the afternoon to present a check, which will help Central California Food Bank feed over 300,000 people each month throughout Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings, and Kern counties.

    “GSFC remains deeply committed to supporting the rural communities that we serve, and no time is more important than Hunger Action Month,” said Rob Faris, president and CEO of Golden State Farm Credit. “47 million people in America face hunger every day, and we are proud to play even a small role in supporting solutions that further the mission of these local food banks.”

    In addition to financial contributions, GSFC employees made a direct impact in helping provide food access locally by volunteering their time earlier this month. As part of GSFC’s greater Hunger Action Month efforts, a team of staff members volunteered at a food distribution site in Chico, providing food boxes for 300 families throughout the community.

    About GSFC:

    Golden State Farm Credit (GSFC) is a lending institution of the Farm Credit System with offices in Northern and Central California that service the counties of Butte, Glenn, Tehama, Shasta, Trinity, Fresno, Kings and Tulare. The GSFC administrative office is located at 3013 Ceres Avenue, Chico, CA 95973. The Farm Credit System (System) is a nationwide network of borrower-owned lending institutions that provides loans, leases, and related services to farmers, ranchers, rural homeowners, agribusiness, agricultural and rural utility cooperatives, and Young, Beginning and Small Farmers nationwide. Congress established the System in 1916 to provide a reliable source of credit for the nation’s farmers and ranchers. Today, the System provides more than one-third of the credit needed by those who live and work in rural America. For more information about Golden State Farm Credit, call (530) 895-8698 or visit us online at www.goldenstatefarmcredit.com.

  • Kemin introduces RevoCURB™, a new safe and versatile soil treatment tool to address agricultural issues such as restrictions on fumigants and the requirements for buffer zones.

    SPONSORED CONTENT

    Fumigants are a cornerstone of conventional agriculture in the United States for combating soil-borne pests and diseases. However, fumigants also have significant limitations, including application requirements, buffer zone restrictions and the lack of available products for organic farmers.

    The role of fumigants in agriculture

    Fumigants are chemical agents applied before planting to eliminate pests, pathogens, and weeds, which protect crops and improve vigor and yields, especially in high-value crops like strawberries and tomatoes. Despite their effectiveness, most carry significant health and environmental risks, leading to strict regulations on their use, application timing, permitting, and buffer zones1,2. In some cases, these health concerns have led to complete bans on specific products, such as methyl bromide, which has been restricted in both the United States and Europe2,3.

    Buffer zone restrictions

    To reduce exposure risks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces strict buffer zones, areas where fumigant application is prohibited, near public spaces like schools and hospitals. Zone size depends on the fumigant used, application method, local environmental conditions, and distance to public spaces. While crucial for public safety and conservation efforts, buffer zones decrease usable farmland. Often, untreated buffer zones can lead to uneven pest control and reduced crop yields4. Buffer zones also add regulatory burdens, including signage and detailed management plans, increasing cost and complexity2.

    Additional limitations of fumigants

    Beyond buffer zone requirements, fumigants come with additional key limitations:

    • Cost: Fumigation is expensive, requiring investments in chemicals, labor, and regulatory compliance, which are often unaffordable for small-scale farmers.
    • Equipment: The application requires specialized equipment, including shank injectors, calibrated applicators, tarping systems, and enhanced personal protective equipment, which further increases total expenses.
    • Application Conditions: Efficacy depends on precise environmental conditions (soil temperature, soil moisture, weather) and properly calibrated equipment to ensure efficacy
    • Environmental Risks: Fumigants are highly volatile and can drift off-site, endangering nearby communities and ecosystems. Improper application may lead to water contamination or harm to non-target organisms.

    Organic alternatives to fumigants

    For organic farmers, the limitations of fumigants are even more pronounced, as organic certification prohibits the use of most synthetic fumigants. In response to these challenges, organic farmers rely on natural alternatives to manage soil-borne pests and diseases5:

    • Soil Solarization: Fallow fields are covered with plastic during peak heat for 4-8 weeks to trap solar energy, which can kill pathogens, pests, and weed seeds. This timeline may be challenging as the temperatures required for effective treatment coincide with peak growing seasons.
    • Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD)6: Organic materials like rice bran or mustard seed meal are incorporated into the soil and the soil is then saturated with water and covered with plastic to create anaerobic conditions. As oxygen is depleted, aerobic pests die and anaerobic species flourish, producing byproducts that further suppress pathogens. Once the field is cleared and prepared for planting, the reintroduction of oxygen into the soil then reduces anaerobic microbial populations, resulting in a cleaner overall soil. This process, however, can be quite expensive as it is water- and input-intensive and can be ineffective if fields are drained too early.
    • Crop Rotation and Cover Cropping: These practices disrupt pest life cycles and improve soil health; however, they are inadequate to knock down heavy infestations without additional inputs.
    • Biological Controls: Beneficial species help suppress pests via predation or competition. Their success depends on careful species selection, application timing, and environmental fit, and they work best when paired with other methods of control.

    Introducing RevoCURB™, a safe-to-use, 3-in-1 solution for organic and conventional growers.

    RevoCURB™ is a new OMRI-listed, 3-in-1 soil treatment designed to enhance crop health and yield by targeting plant parasitic nematodes, microbes, and pre-emergent weed seeds. Exempt under FIFRA 25(b), RevoCURB offers a 0-hour restricted entry interval (REI), no restrictions on maximum residue levels, minimal requirements for personal protective equipment, and no need for buffer zones. RevoCURB utilizes the power of Smart Blend Technology and four essential oils – thyme, clove, garlic, and cinnamon to provide control through multiple complementary modes of action. These oils disrupt cellular membranes on contact, inhibit nematode egg hatching, impact the nervous systems of juvenile nematodes present in the soil, causing paralysis and death, vaporize within the soil column, repelling pests and delaying repopulation and suppress weed seed germination.

    “These contact and repellency modes of action work in tandem upon application of RevoCURB to disrupt pest lifecycles and prepare soils for planting.” – Emma Trainer, Scientist at Kemin Crop Technologies.

    RevoCURB should be applied 14 days prior to planting or post-harvest and watered in per label directions to maximize efficacy and the zone of protection without harming crop seeds, seedlings, and plugs.

    Field trial to assess the effectiveness of RevoCURB on root-knot and stunt nematode populations on cucumber. San Luis Obispo, California (Credit: Bradley Booker at Pacific Ag Research) (SD-25-28093)

    RevoCURB protects young crops from multiple soil pest pressures, allowing for healthier plants and greater yields. Because it’s free from buffer zone requirements, REI, and residue restrictions, RevoCURB is ideal for transitional areas and organic acreages – bringing flexibility and safety where conventional fumigants fall short.

    For more information about RevoCURB, visit www.kemin.com/revocurb or contact us croptech@kemin.com

    References

    1. Panth, M. & Hassler, S. and F. Baysal Gurel (2020). Methods for Management of Soil-borne Diseases in Crop Production. Agriculture,
    2. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Soil Fumigant Toolbox. https://www.epa.gov/soil-fumigants
    3. European Commission. European Community Management Strategy for the phase-our of the critical uses of methyl bromide. April 2009. https://ozone.unep.org/sites/default/files/additional-reported-information/MeBr_Submissions/EC%20Management%20Strategy%20for%20Methyl%20Bromide.pdf
    4. Vansickle, J.J.; Smith, S.; and R. Weldon (2009). Impacts of EPA proposed buffer-zone restrictions on profitability of Florida strawberry growers. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; FE795.
    5. Bolda, M.P.; Dara, D.K.; Daugovish, O.; Koike, S.T.; Ploeg A.T.; Brown, G.T.; Fennimore, S.A.; Gordon, T.R.; Joseph, S.V.; Westerdahl, B.B.; and F.G. Zalom. Non-fumigant alternatives for soil disinfection. UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Strawberry. UC ANR Publication 3468. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Davis, CA. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/strawberry/non-fumigant-alternatives-for-soil-disinfestation/#gsc.tab=0
    6. Lopes, E.A.; Canedo, E.J.; Gomes, V.A.; Vieira, B.S.; Parreira, D.F.; and W.S. Neves (2022). Anaerobic soil disinfection for the management of soil-borne pathogens: a review. Applied Soil Ecology, 174.

    © Kemin Industries, Inc. and its group of companies 2025. All rights reserved. ® ™ Trademarks of Kemin Industries, Inc., USA. Always read and follow label directions. FIFRA 25(b) Exempt: RevoCURB has not been registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Kemin Industries, Inc. represents that this product qualifies for exemption from registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The products are not registered or authorized for sale in all states. Consult with your Kemin representative or state regulatory representative for approval of this use in your state, specific applications, and labeling. croptech@kemin.com | 800-752-2864 (ext.2).

  • Celebrate California Wine Month and the State’s 175th Birthday Throughout September

    This September there’s more than one reason to raise a glass. September 1 kicked off California Wine Month, officially designated by the California State Legislature as a statewide recognition of one of the world’s most iconic winegrowing regions. And on September 9, the Golden State marks its 175th birthday.

    “California Wine Month is a celebration of the people, places and traditions that make our wines truly unique,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO of Wine Institute. “California wine brings people together across cultures and generations, and behind every bottle is a community that supports more than 1.1 million U.S. jobs and contributes $170 billion to the economy. This month is a reminder of how deeply rooted wine is in our state’s identity and how vital it is to our future.”

    Throughout September, wineries across the Golden State are hosting California Wine Month events and activities, from behind-the-scenes harvest tours and grape stomps to wine and food festivals.

    “California Wine Month shines a light on the hard work and heritage of our state’s winegrowers, many of them multigenerational farmers who care deeply about their land, their communities and the future,” said Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. “Wine connects people to California in a way that’s uniquely personal. Whether you’re walking a vineyard at harvest or enjoying a bottle at your table, you’re experiencing something truly rooted in our state’s culture and values.”

    From vineyard to table, California wine brings out the best in local flavors, from Sonoma oysters to Santa Maria tri-tip. Back by popular demand, the “Iconic California Dishes to Celebrate California Wine Month” e-book offers delicious inspiration for pairing local wines with California’s seasonal bounty.

    “California wine country is not one singular destination or experience,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “It’s the perfect blend of world-class wines, stunning landscapes and unforgettable hospitality. California welcomes visitors from around the world to explore our wine regions, where every tasting is a chance to connect, reflect and raise a glass to what makes the state special.”

    10 Great Moments in California Wine History

    California’s wine community has come a long way during the last 175 years — and it’s just getting started. Here are some of the most memorable and impactful moments in the state’s wine history.

    1850: California gains statehood. This sets the stage for the wine industry’s growth as Gold Rush migration to Northern California spurs demand and vineyard plantings.

    1933: Prohibition is repealed, allowing wine sales to resume.

    1934: Wine Institute is founded to support the California wine industry’s rebirth.

    1960s–1970s: A new wave of wineries across California usher in a modern era, pairing innovation in winemaking with welcoming visitor experiences that set the stage for global recognition.

    1967: Table wines outsell dessert wines by volume in the U.S. for the first time since Prohibition.

    1976: At the Judgment of Paris, California wines beat France in a blind tasting, gaining worldwide recognition.

    1993: Sales of wines labeled by grape name surpass generic wine sales in the U.S.

    2002: Industry leaders introduce the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing.

    2004: California Wine Month is established to celebrate the wine community’s cultural and economic contributions.

    2005: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that states can’t favor local wineries over out-of-state ones when it comes to shipping wine directly to consumers. This gives wine lovers across the country better access to California wines.

    California Grown along with select restaurants and retail partners are celebrating California Wine Month and the state’s 175th birthday with the California 75 wine cocktail, and a Modern Prune Birthday Cake.
    Images and recipes of the California 75 and Modern Prune Cake may be downloaded here

    About CA GROWN
    California Grown was formed in 2001 to increase awareness and consumption of high-quality California agricultural products. The organization is represented today by more than two dozen commodity organizations and dozens of agricultural entities licensed to use the popular California Grown brand. Image of Locy can be downloaded here. For more information about California Grown, contact Cherie Watte at cher@californiagrown.org.
    californiagrown.org.

  • California Orchards Blossom with NRCS Help Managing Pests

    California’s Central Valley is a land of agricultural abundance, known for its incredible diversity of crops including fruits, vegetables and nuts. It produces approximately 25% of the nation’s food.

    But with plenty can come pests – in as many varieties and types as the crops grown in the region. Area farmers have worked with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement integrated pest management into their orchard operations with marked results.

    Sandra and Mike Smith of Smith Family Farm in Fresno, California, showed NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt the benefits of the practices that they have incorporated with NRCS assistance as they toured their 36-acre almond orchard.

    Established in 1903, the farm is on the cusp of welcoming its fifth generation of farmers. By adapting their operations to increase conservation and sustainability practices, the Smiths hope to pass on a rich legacy to their young granddaughters.

    The Smiths highlighted the impact that integrated pest management practices – notably hormone disruptors – have had in their fight to combat navel orangeworms in their almond orchards.

    “We were at 17.1% loss of our almond crop two years ago because of the infestation of navel orangeworms,” Mike Smith told Chief Bettencourt. “Once we implemented the mating disrupters, we were able to bring our almond reject numbers down to 1.1%.”

    Navel orangeworms burrow into almond nuts to feed on the kernel, damaging the nut and impacting producers’ overall yield and harvest quality. Deploying pheromone-based mating disruption tools can reduce navel orangeworm populations by hindering male moths’ ability to locate females.

    The Smiths have also leaned on NRCS technical assistance to implement other conservation techniques to increase the health of their orchard. The family now prioritizes composting and increasing organic matter, guided by the knowledge gained through NRCS collaboration.

    Further north, Chinchiolo Farming Co., Inc., a family-run business located in Lodi, California, is managing orchards of a different kind while embracing similar production practices.

    Producer James Patrick Chinchiolo has worked to uphold a century-old farming legacy, started by great grandfather Italian immigrant James Joseph Chinchiolo. Chinchiolo has worked with NRCS to incorporate a number of conservation practices including cover crops, tractor replacements, orchard removal and soil incorporation.

    Like the Smiths, Chinchiolo has dealt with pest issues, incorporating a Biologically Integrated Orchard Systems (BIOS) approach in managing his orchards. The BIOS system aligns with NRCS principles, embracing the implementation of conservation practices like cover cropping, beneficial insect habitat, and compost application to keep pests at bay.

    “We aim to foster a more ecologically balanced environment within our orchards,” Chinchiolo said during his discussion with Chief Bettencourt. “We are focusing on minimizing our inputs and creating more habitat for beneficial insects to flourish to help control unwanted pests.”

    Conservation practices like cover cropping and compost application not only help pollinators flourish – a crucial part of growing beautiful cherries – they also protect the trees’ overall health, improving soil structure and water retention.

    After last summer’s heat impacted this year’s cherry crop, Chinchiolo is working to take additional measures to make his trees more heat resistant in preparation for next season.

    “Growing cherries is never predictable. But it’s always beautiful.” Chinchiolo said.

    Helping People Help the Land

    During her visit, Chief Bettencourt emphasized that the agency’s primary focus is to give producers the tools that they need to be the best producers that they can be – increasing their yield while stewarding the nation’s natural resources.

    “Producers are the solution, and we want to empower them by getting our highly skilled staff out in the field to provide technical support. We want to streamline our programs to work better and faster for producers,” she said.

    NRCS helps farmers, ranchers and forest landowners make critical investments in their operations and local communities by helping them implement proven practices to ensure all of America’s farms, ranches and private lands are economically viable and thriving.

    If you are interested learning how these programs can help you achieve your operational and land management goals, find your local USDA Service Center and get started today.

    Follow the Chief through our blog series as she meets with producers across the country to learn how NRCS has helped their operations. — By Debra Denhart, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA

  • 2025 California Walnut Industry Crop Estimate Up from Last Year

    The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the official 2025 California Walnut Industry Objective Measurement Report on Wednesday, September 4, 2025. The 2025 California walnut production is forecasted at 710,000 tons (644,101 MT), up 18% from 2024’s production of 603,000 tons (547,032 MT). The forecast is based on 365,000 bearing acres, down 1% from 2024’s estimated bearing acreage of 370,000 acres.

    The September 4th announcement from NASS provides the industry with an objective crop volume estimate. Using scientific methodologies, USDA field staff counted, measured, weighed, and evaluated thousands of walnuts from major growing regions in July and August for use in a statistical acreage model to establish the annual walnut crop estimate.

    In addition to the updated crop estimate, the California walnut industry is nearing the close-out of the 2024 crop year. Early evaluations are encouraging, suggesting it will be one of the lowest unsold carry-in inventory volumes the industry has seen in years and much of this inventory will be sold in September and October before the new harvest is ready to ship.

    “The estimate of 710,000 tons is in-line with what the industry was projecting,” said Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission. “Combined with virtually being sold out of the 2024 crop, the industry is well positioned to start shipping new harvest California walnuts immediately, providing seller and buyer confidence and stable markets.”

    “Moreover, walnut quality is exceptional, the result of careful farming, ideal spring and summer conditions and replenished soil moisture, with a consistent nut set. Growers have been opening walnuts and have commented that the walnuts kernels are completely filling the shells and have exceptionally light color for this time of the year. This crop may exceed the excellent quality we have seen in the last two years. I think international markets will be very pleased.”

    Harvest begins in September with early varieties and may extend into early November, harvesting the crop at its peak quality and full development.

    The California walnut industry foresees a promising season ahead. The California Walnut Board and Commission continue its focus to build long-term demand and increase sales for California walnuts by implementing programs that drive consumers to eat more walnuts, more often, and in more ways. With a strong commitment to delivering excellent quality, the highest food safety standards, consumer appeal and a reliable supply, California walnuts are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the global market — today and into the future.

    About the California Walnut Board and Commission

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent 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 CWB, established in 1948, 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. The CWC, established in 1987, is involved in health research with consuming walnuts as well as domestic and export market development activities.

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