California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • UC ANR Hosting Irrigation Meeting

    UC Ag and Natural Resources is hosting its 2026 Irrigation and Nutrient Management Meeting for vegetable and berry crop growers. The session will offer cover such topics as basin conditions and groundwater management, stress factors affecting rot development in strawberries, irrigation management tools, impact assessments on nitrogen fertilizer and more.

    The meeting will be held Aug. 19 from 8:20 a.m. to to noon at the United Water Conservation District in Oxnard. Those interested can register here. Click here to view the full agenda. — Story contributed by UC Ag and Natural Resources

  • California Citrus Mutual Names Tom Danowski as New CEO

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) announced the selection of Tom Danowski as its new CEO following a search conducted by the CCM Board of Directors.

    Danowski brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience spanning agriculture, advocacy, trade association management and marketing to the job. More recently, he served for 13 years as President and CEO of the Oregon Wine Board and Oregon Winegrowers Association. During his tenure, he helped drive the Oregon wine industry’s total annual economic impact from $2.7 billion to $8 billion through industry collaboration, strategic advocacy and public policy work.

    “We are excited to welcome Tom to California Citrus Mutual,” said Julia Inestroza, CCM Board Chair. “The Board was looking for a leader with strong agricultural and advocacy experience who could help guide our organization into the future. With Tom’s leadership, experience working with growers, and ability to build strong relationships with policymakers, we are confident he will be a great leader for CCM and California’s citrus industry.”

    Danowski said he was drawn to the opportunity because of California citrus’s reputation and the organization’s strong leadership.

    “Citrus is one of California’s most iconic agricultural industries. California citrus has an outstanding reputation, and CCM has a highly respected Board of Directors and a dedicated team working on behalf of growers, said Danowski. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring what I’ve learned from another premium specialty crop industry and apply it to helping California citrus continue to thrive.”

    “I look forward to building on the tremendous work already underway, continuing the energy and vision that have made California citrus so successful, and helping lawmakers and policymakers develop an even deeper understanding of the industry’s importance to California agriculture and our economy,” he continued.

    Ryan Young of Sun Pacific, who served on the CEO Search Committee, said the Board was intentional in finding a leader with the right blend of advocacy experience and executive leadership.

    “After an extensive and thoughtful search process, it became clear that Tom possesses the qualities we are looking for. He understands grower-funded organizations, has a strong track record of working with government leaders, and has successfully led a major agricultural trade association through significant growth and change,” said Young.

    As CEO, Danowski will lead CCM’s advocacy efforts on behalf of California citrus growers at the state and federal levels while overseeing the organization’s membership services, communications, industry partnerships, and strategic initiatives. He will officially begin his role as CEO on Sept. 1.

  • Real California Milk Foodservice Launches New High-Protein Resource Hub

    As consumer demand for high-protein menu options continues to reshape the restaurant industry, Real California Milk Foodservice has launched a new protein-focused resource center designed to help chefs and foodservice operators capitalize on one of today’s fastest-growing menu trends.

    Available at RealCaliforniaMilkFoodservice.com/protein, the new hub brings together culinary inspiration, nutrition information and practical business resources that demonstrate how California dairy ingredients can help operators create craveable, protein-forward menu items that drive guest satisfaction and profitability.

    From breakfast through late-night menus, milk, cheese and yogurt naturally deliver high-quality protein while offering the flavor, versatility and functionality chefs rely on every day. The new online destination showcases how Real California dairy products can elevate menu innovation across virtually every restaurant segment.

    “Our goal is to provide foodservice professionals with practical tools that make it easier to respond to evolving consumer preferences,” said Katie Cameron, Director of Foodservice at the California Milk Advisory Board. “Protein continues to be one of the strongest drivers of menu decisions, and California dairy offers operators a simple, delicious way to deliver the protein consumers are looking for while creating memorable dining experiences.”

    The new protein section features:

    •           Chef-inspired, protein-rich recipes featuring Real California dairy ingredients

    •           Menu development ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacking occasions

    •           Business insights on leveraging protein trends to increase menu value and profitability

    •           Guidance for incorporating dairy into protein-forward menu strategies

    •           Educational resources highlighting the nutritional benefits and versatility of California dairy products

    •           Inspiration for building balanced, craveable dishes that appeal to today’s health-conscious consumers

    The new protein hub complements the Real California Milk Foodservice website’s extensive collection of recipes, supplier resources, chef inspiration and product information, further strengthening its role as a comprehensive resource for foodservice professionals seeking innovative dairy solutions.

    California is the number one dairy state. Its family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

  • NAIDC Elects New Leadership for 2026-2027

    North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge® (NAIDC) recently elected new leadership, including one new board member and the 2026 – 2027 Executive Committee. As stated in the NAIDC mission statement, the organization strives to “Develop tomorrow’s dairy leaders and enhance the progress of the dairy industry, by providing education, communication and networking among students, producers and agribusiness and university personnel.”

    In its 24-year history, Dairy Challenge has evolved significantly to meet the ever-changing needs of the dairy industry. The Program originally beganin 2002 with 56 students from 13 colleges competing in one national event. Today there are more than 500 dairy students participating annually throughout the national competition, Dairy Challenge Academy and four regional events. The volunteer Board of Directors represents the many university professionals, dairy producers and industry sponsors who contribute to these opportunities.

    Newly elected to the 15-person volunteer NAIDC Board of Directors is:

    •  Brian Waymire, Nedap Livestock, CA. — Brian Waymire serves as a Large Herd Specialist for Nedap Livestock, working with dairy producers throughout the Western United States to implement technology-driven management solutions that improve dairy performance, labor efficiency and animal health. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, Waymire began his career in dairy management in 2010 and has managed dairies ranging from 400 to 7,000 milking cows. His previous management experience includes Giacomini Dairy in Petaluma, Tony De Groot Dairies in Hanford, Alhem Family Partnership in Hilmar and Jones Farms in Stevinson. He later served as a Premier Account Manager with Alta Genetics before joining Nedap. A proud alumnus of the Western Regional Dairy Challenge, Waymire has remained actively involved with the program by hosting Dairy Challenge practices, mentoring students at regional contests and Dairy Challenge Academy, judging both regional and national competitions and serving on the Western Regional Planning Committee. He credits Dairy Challenge with providing foundational skills that continue to shape hisprofessional career and values the program’s ability to bridge classroom learning with real-world dairy management.

    The NAIDC Executive Committee for 2026–2027 includes:

    •  Chair: Ted Halbach, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI.

    •  Vice Chair: Gail Carpenter, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

    •  Associate Vice Chair: Erin Spangler, Riverview, LLP, Morris, MN.

    •  Promotions & Engagement Chair: Elizabeth Eckelkamp, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.

    •  Finance Chair: Heather Weeks, Farm Credit East, Bedford, NH.

    •  Program Committee Chair: Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.

    Continuing their terms on the board are:

    ·         Doug DeGroff, Progressive Dairy Solutions, Tulare, CA.

    ·         Jeff Elliott, Balchem, Amarillo, TX.

    ·         Jordan Fisher, Mapleview Dairy, Madrid, NY.

    ·         Matt Groen, Cargill, Guelph, ON, Canada.

    ·         Jen Lane, Cargill, Hanford, CA.

    ·         Lauren Mayo, North Carolina A&T University, Greensboro, NC.

    ·         Linda Parreira, Farm Credit West, Tulare, CA.

    ·         Craig Walter, Valley Ag Software, Poynette, WI.

    The Board also recognizes the service of retiring board member Megan Mouw, Elanco Animal Health, Riverdale, California. Throughout hertenure, Mouw contributed her leadership and expertise in support of Dairy Challenge’s mission to prepare the next generation of dairy industry professionals. The organization extends its appreciation for her years of volunteer service and dedication to Dairy Challenge.

    — Story contributed by Dairy Challenge

  • IDFA Supports USMCA Review

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) was in Mexico City to support ongoing review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Becky Rasdall Vargas, IDFA’s senior vice president of trade and workforce, is engaging with U.S. government officials and industry stakeholders to advance IDFA’s priorities: preserve USMCA and strengthen it for dairy.

    “USMCA is essential to the competitiveness of the U.S. dairy industry and to the strength of North America’s agricultural economy,” said President and CEO Michael Dykes. “As the review process moves forward, we support U.S. negotiators efforts to resolve outstanding dairy commitments and preserve this agreement that is so vital to the economic growth, investment and long-term certainty for U.S. dairy processors and consumers across the region.”

    Mexico is the largest export destination for U.S. dairy products, buying $2.57b of U.S. dairy exports in 2025. As part of the review process, IDFA has consistently advocated for addressing current USMCA commitments that have not been implemented. IDFA has advocated preserving the agreement for the continued stability and growth of the U.S. dairy sector in North America.

    “The USMCA review presents the best opportunity U.S. dairy has had in six years to take a fresh look at and build on the strong trading relationship we have with Mexico,” said Rasdall Vargas. “While USMCA dairy trade issues commonly focus on Canada, ultimately, every trade relationship has areas to improve upon, and Mexico is no different.  IDFA appreciates Mexico’s constructive engagement in negotiations and looks forward to supporting a positive and speedy conclusion of the USMCA review with Mexico.”

    To learn more about IDFA’s trade policy priorities and advocacy efforts, visit www.idfa.org.

    — Story contributed by the International Dairy Foods Association

  • Meat Institute: FDA Proposed GRAS Reforms Good First Step

    The Meat Institute said the proposed changes to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) generally recognized as safe (GRAS) regulations are a good first step but it will continue to work with the Administration to ensure reforms protect food safety, foster innovation and maintain an affordable food supply.
    “The Meat Institute supports updating the GRAS framework in a way that strengthens consumer confidence while preserving a science-based, risk-based regulatory system,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “We will work closely with FDA and FSIS to ensure reforms continue to protect food safety, support innovation, and preserve affordable meat and poultry options for consumers.”
    “Consumers deserve confidence that the ingredients in their food have been rigorously evaluated for safety — and an updated GRAS process can deliver that transparency without disrupting an abundant, affordable food supply.
    “GRAS reform should improve transparency, establish a consistent national standard, while recognizing the unique regulatory framework that governs meat and poultry, where FSIS relies on FDA’s safety evaluations to approve substances as safe and suitable,” said Potts. “Close coordination between the two agencies is essential to consistent implementation.”
    The Meat Institute will provide comments during the comment period including the following priorities for regulators to consider:
    Practical timelines. New requirements should include adequate implementation time for manufacturers to comply.
    Preserving longstanding safe uses. Reform should not disturb ingredients with an established safety record.
    FDA-FSIS coordination. Close collaboration between the two agencies is critical to consistent implementation across the food supply.
    The Meat Institute warns that without thoughtful implementation, reform could delay new technologies and ingredients that improve food safety, extend shelf life, reduce food waste, and help manufacturers meet evolving consumer expectations.
    “The Meat Institute encourages HHS and FDA to pursue GRAS reform through a transparent, science-based, and collaborative approach that provides regulatory certainty for industry while protecting consumers,” said Potts.
    — Story contributed by the Meat Institute

  • DPR Announces Voluntary Cancellation of Paraquat Products

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced that all manufacturers of pesticide products containing the active ingredient paraquat-dichloride (paraquat) have voluntarily cancelled their product registrations, beginning the phase-out of the use of paraquat in California.

    “For years, communities have fought to end the use of paraquat, a weedkiller associated with negative impacts to human health and wildlife,” said California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia. “California will keep moving toward pest management practices that protect health and our ecosystems.”

    DPR initiated the reevaluation of paraquat in November 2024, aligning with requirements in Food & Agricultural Code (FAC) section 14086, and released two preliminary scientific assessments the following month. DPR’s preliminary reports identified a potential association between paraquat exposure and thyroid impacts and birth defects. The reports also indicated paraquat may adversely affect other organisms, with the most significant risks to birds.

    “We need the right data to identify where there are risks to people and the environment,” said DPR Director Karen Morrison. “This is a cornerstone of our continuous evaluation process to respond to evolving science on the impacts of pesticides.”

    Reevaluation gives DPR the authority to require registrants – the companies that make pesticides – to develop and submit new scientific studies needed to fully understand emerging risks that were unknown at the time of registration.  For paraquat, DPR invoked this reevaluation authority to require registrants to submit scientific data by June 5, 2026, to address newly identified gaps in DPR’s human health toxicology database, among other requirements. In lieu of providing required data, companies began voluntarily cancelling registration of paraquat pesticide products in California in April, with the last registrant voluntarily cancelling its registration on Aug. 6.

    Under California law, DPR-licensed dealers may continue to possess and sell pesticides that were voluntarily canceled for up to two years following the effective date of each product’s cancellation. Growers who continue to use these products must act in accordance with all applicable label directions, use requirements, and state and federal regulations.

    Paraquat reevaluation is part of a series of actions at the department to continuously evaluate and mitigate pesticide impacts. Status updates for other actions and pesticide active ingredients and classes under evaluation can be found on DPR’s Continuous Evaluation and Mitigation Update webpage.

    DPR provides funding to research alternatives to pesticides and to increase access to safe, effective sustainable pest management (SPM) through its annual SPM Grants program. The 2027 priority areas include projects that are likely to decrease usage of pesticides prioritized for mitigation or evaluation by DPR, such as paraquat, and those that offer alternatives to weed management. The current application period is open through Sept. 1.

    “To realize systemwide change in California, DPR plays a critical role in supporting additional research and outreach to move the state towards safer, more sustainable pest management approaches,” said Director Morrison. “As growers transition from the use of paraquat, the department will leverage available tools to support the use of effective alternatives and foster SPM.”

    — Story contributed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

  • Common Tree Disease May Contribute to Reduced Orchard Longevity

    Recent studies conducted by scientists at UCCE and CSU Bakersfield demonstrate that a common disease prevalent in vineyards and orchards may impact long-term orchard longevity of almonds in the southern San Joaquin Valley.  Almond orchards with a high incidence of crown gall, a disease caused by a ubiquitous soilborne pathogen, exhibit high rates of tree failure caused by a newly identified wood rotting disease.

    Crown gall is common in walnut and almond orchards and can be readily identified by the tumors it induces on the roots and crowns of trees. Unless severe, crown gall generally does not cause tree mortality, but may limit tree size, thus affecting overall yield.  Growers with crown gall-affected orchards often replant young trees that exhibit girdling by the tumors but leave mature trees untreated. Within the past decade, however, growers have noticed heightened prevalence of tree mortality due to butt rot in crown gall-affected almond orchards. The butt rot disease is caused by an introduced fungal pathogen, Ganoderma adspersum, that was first reported in California in 2016.

    From 2024 through 2026, UCCE researchers have surveyed over 23,000 almond trees in Kern and Tulare Counties, documenting prevalence of both butt rot and crown gall.  Molecular identification of the butt rot pathogen in each surveyed orchard was conducted by scientists at CSU Bakersfield. The study found that Ganoderma adspersum was the only species of Ganoderma isolated in all surveyed orchards. Additionally, the results indicated that orchards with crown gall were six times more likely to have butt rot disease. Trees with historic or active signs of butt rot also exhibited 1.5 times the mortality rate of healthy trees over a 26-month survey period.

    The results of this work demonstrate that the introduction of the new butt rot pathogen may elevate the importance of crown gall as a predictor of orchard longevity. The implication of this finding is that the planting of crown gall-free rootstocks during orchard establishment may be key to future reduction of risk from G. adspersum. Similarly, Mohammad Yaghmour and Elizabeth Fichtner, Farm Advisors in Kern and Tulare Counties, respectively, found that crown gall was also associated with increased incidence of thousand cankers disease on walnut.  Fichtner has also reported that crown gall is related to heightened root predation by ten-lined June beetle on walnut.

    The current study was conducted with support from the Almond Board of California and as a collaborative effort between UCCE scientists including Elizabeth Fichtner, Santosh Bhandari, Mohammad Yaghmour, and Raymond Mireles, and CSU Bakersfield Professor Isolde Francis and Chance Kophamer, graduate student. — Story by Elizabeth J. Fichtner, UC Ag and Natural Resources

  • Blue Diamond Releases Crop Progress Report

    Blue Diamond Growers release its monthly crop progress report, noting that harvesting conditions began earlier this year due to the impact of the weather.

    Warm summer temperatures dominated the conditions in California’s Central Valley during much of July, with a significant heat wave developing during the final week of the period. Daily maximum temperatures ranged predominately between the mid- and upper 90’s to just over 100 degrees with highest temperatures reported in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Morning lows exhibited greater variability, with readings ranging from the low 50’s to lower 70’s, depending on the degree of cloud cover each morning. Temperatures were amplified by monsoonal moisture traveling northward, bringing occasionally cloudy skies and increased humidity. Increasing daytime temperatures materialized in the final days of the period, marking the start of a significant heat wave. Temperatures were reported to be between 102 to 105 degrees, with higher temperatures forecast for the first week of August.

    The annual return of summertime monsoon flows stirred a bit of apprehension among California’s almond growers, as memories of the challenging 2025 harvest season were rekindled. With that in mind, growers and huller/sheller operators alike worked to complete final pre-harvest tasks during July, focusing on crop maturity that is running well ahead of normal.

    Insect and vegetation management were prime considerations during the period. As noted in our previous report, treatments to protect early harvesting varieties from damage by navel orangeworm were initiated in June, causing the early or advanced crop and pest development. As the crop continues to develop, secondary treatments, intended to catch the insect’s next generation and protect mid and later maturing varieties, were completed in July. As a reflection of the year’s advanced crop development, second treatments have been conducted in roughly the same time frame that initial applications would have been in “normal” years.

    As for other pest issues, observers are reporting increased population of web-spinning mites in the Sacramento and southern San Joaquin Valleys. Control at this stage of crop development presents several challenges and the forecast heat wave promises to expand existing infestations. Treatments targeting almond-damaging ant species have also been performed, including second applications in cases with particularly high populations.

    Observers are reporting widespread instances of red blotch infections in orchards throughout the Central Valley. As may be seen in the photo accompanying this report, if untreated, red blotch can cause severe foliar damage. However, symptoms of this new fungal disease do not appear until 30 to 40 days after infection. Easily spread by airborne spores that are activated by rain events, and potentially by irrigation, this disease spread from a single orchard in Merced County in 2024 to most of the Central Valley by 2025. Orchards that did not receive adequate protection, or any treatments at all are presenting significant symptoms, with the worst infections beginning to defoliate the trees. This is especially problematic in orchards that have been abandoned. Leaf rust, which follows a similar symptomology, has also been observed.

    After delaying or deferring mower passes during the growing season to control costs, vegetation management on the orchard floor became particularly important during the period. Growers must provide for a clean, firm soil surface within the orchard middles (the area between the tree rows), to facilitate an efficient harvest. Where warranted, treatments to control weed regrowth, followed by flail mowers running close to the soil surface, provide the best conditions for a clean harvest.

    Crop maturity also made irrigation management a focal point. Machinery passing through the orchards must be timed between irrigations to prevent rutting of the surface. For those working to employ regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) described in our previous report, the hotter temperatures complicate grower decisions. Under RDI, growers reduce irrigation to one-half of the orchard’s consumptive use for a two-week period at the initiation of hull split. Keeping in mind that water consumption increases as temperatures rise, in extreme cases, normal irrigation scheduling can result in one-half of consumptive use. For those with orchards ready for harvest, water must also be withheld to prevent bark damage during shaking.

    Owing to the advanced crop maturity, harvest operations of the 2026 crop were launched in mid-July. Observers reported the shakers entered the first orchard on July 10 in western Colusa County. Shakers began working in other advanced plantings along the west side of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys during the week of July 12 and the first crop to be picked up was delivered to huller/shellers during the week of July 19. For those along the east side and along the Highway 99 corridor, shaking of advanced blocks is expected to begin during the first week of August.

    Growers and observers have noted that hulls have begun splitting in several pollinator varieties, indicating a potentially compressed harvest. However, how the crop will flow though huller/shellers will be determined as more crop arrives in the first weeks of August. Observers have noted thick hulls in many orchards that can potentially reduce flow rates during hulling.

    — Story by Mel Machado, Blue Diamond Growers

  • Madera County Seeks Pistachio Grower Input

    The Madera County Ag Commissioner’s office is gathering data to determine if the pistachio crop has been damaged due to weather and pollination earlier this year. They are hearing reports of low yields and lots of blanks in the current pistachio crop and would appreicate the filling out of this survey form.

    The survey form can be downloaded here.