California Ag Network

Category: News

  • 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.

  • California Ag Leadership Foundation Announces Class 55 Fellows

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce the selection of Class 55 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP), a distinguished group of emerging agricultural leaders who will engage in a 17-month intensive program designed to develop leadership skills and prepare them to lead in California’s dynamic agricultural industry.

    The Ag Leadership Program selects individuals who demonstrate strong leadership potential and a deep commitment to advancing California agriculture. Over the course of the program, fellows participate in immersive experiences, including leadership seminars, national and international travel seminars, and hands-on projects that foster personal growth and drive industry impact.

    “Class 55 will be challenged to broaden their perspectives, expand their influence, and lead with purpose. They embody the very essence of CALF’s mission, to grow leaders who make a difference. This cohort will carry forward a legacy of service-driven leadership that will help ensure California agriculture thrives for generations to come,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (Class 49).

    Class 55 represents a wide range of agricultural sectors, including field crops, forestry, rice, tree crops, winegrapes, berries and water and brings diverse perspectives through their work in associations, government, agricultural services, and production.

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation has been cultivating leaders for over 55 years, with alumni contributing to policy development, industry advancement, and community engagement across the state and nation. The Class 55 cohort continues this tradition of leadership excellence.

    Class 55 fellows’ inaugural ceremony will take place on October 3rd in Fresno, California. For more information about the Ag Leadership program or to learn more about the Class 55 Fellows, visit agleaders.org Tickets and additional event information are available at agleaders.org/events

    Class 55 Fellows

    • Claire Aicken – County of San Diego AWM, Oceanside, CA
    • Jordan Albiani – Galt High School, Elk Grove, CA
    • Tommy Bottoms – Tremont Farms, Davis, CA
    • Morgan Campbell – Westside Water Authority, Bakersfield, CA
    • Sam Christopherson – Markon, Sacramento, CA
    • Natalie Collins – California Association of Winegrape Growers, Lodi, CA
    • Drew Crane – Crane Mills, Tehama, CA
    • Kelly Damewood – California Certified Organic Farmers, Santa Cruz, CA
    • Jared Davit – Jarran Ag Services, Yuba City, CA
    • Josh Enos – Carriere Family Farms, Glenn, CA
    • Lauren Fann – Almond Board of California, Modesto, CA
    • Omar Alexander Gonzalez-Benitez – Planasa LLC, Watsonville, CA
    • Lisa Howard – Tolenas Winery, Fairfield, CA
    • Casey Kirchhoff – Kirchhoff Family Wines, Clarksburg, CA
    • Kiaran Locy – California Prune Board, Sacramento, CA
    • Cesar Mendoza – BASF Corporation, Fresno, CA
    • Jordon Navarrot – Reclamation District 108, Grimes, CA
    • Jon Neugebauer – McArthur Farm Supply, McArthur, CA
    • Logan Robertson Huecker – Sequoia Riverlands Trust, Visalia, CA
    • Ryan Scott – Monterey Pacific, Templeton, CA
    • Emma Sertich – Center Safe Ag, Ventura, CA
    • Sadie Strain – Strain Farming Company, Arbuckle, CA
    • Kevin Voorhees – AgWest Farm Credit, San Luis Obispo, CA
    • Jeremy Wagner – County of San Mateo AWM, Redwood City, CA

    Class 55 Video: https://youtu.be/sHQCqXNq4hs

    About California Agricultural Leadership Foundation

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is dedicated to cultivating leaders who have the vision and capacity to advance, benefit, and promote California’s agricultural community. Since its founding in 1970, more than 1,400 fellows of the California Agricultural Leadership Program have become lifelong leaders, serving as catalysts for a vibrant agricultural industry and making lasting contributions to their businesses, communities, and families. CALF delivers a comprehensive and diverse leadership curriculum in collaboration with its five partner universities: UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Chico State.

  • 3rd Annual Whole Vine Festival to Celebrate the Valley’s ‘Grape-ness’

    The Whole Vine Festival returns to Fresno State for its third year, bringing the community together to celebrate the San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural heritage, local talent, and of course, the grape. Designed to bring together growers and consumers alike, all are invited to come and attend this family-friendly event on Saturday, November 1, 2025 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM) at the Fresno State Campus (Barstow & Woodrow, parking off Woodrow).

    The San Joaquin Valley is the only region in the United States that grows table grapes, raisin grapes, and wine grapes all in one place. This festival is a tribute to that unique distinction and to the hardworking farming families whose resiliency, humility, and perseverance shape our region.

    Festival Highlights:

    ● Free Admission & Parking – Family-friendly and accessible to all.

    ● Grape & Raisin Tastings – Sample the Valley’s bounty, grown in our own backyard.

    ● Local Wine & Beer Garden – Relax with exceptional regional wines, craft beer, and live entertainment.

    ● Live Music – Featuring Country artist John Pemberton & Band – bring your boots, blankets, and lawn chairs.

    ● Kids Zone – A free, interactive space with ag-based and creative activities that connect kids to our Valley’s roots.

    ● Art, Shopping & Culture – Explore artisan vendors, local businesses, and captivating exhibits celebrating the Valley’s diversity and heritage.

    “Our Valley is rich with people who serve well, work hard, and push for a better life for their families,” said organizers of the Whole Vine Festival. “This event is our way of honoring that legacy and celebrating the beauty and resilience of the community.”

    With support from generous sponsors including California Farm Bureau, American Vineyard Magazine, Fresno State, Farm Credit, California Table Grape Commission, Raisin Administrative Committee, and Fresno BMW, the festival continues to grow as a premier regional event.

    More Info: https://thewholevine.com

    About The Whole Vine Festival:
    The Whole Vine Festival is a premier annual event in the San Joaquin Valley celebrating the heritage of table grapes, raisins, and wine. The festival showcases the Valley’s exceptional flavors, artistry, and community spirit, featuring tastings, live music, cultural exhibits, artisan vendors, and family-friendly activities. It’s an unforgettable experience that connects food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and families to the agricultural legacy that makes the Valley unique.

  • 76 North American Restaurants Receive Sonoma County Winegrowers’ Inaugural ‘Magnum Award’

    Seventy-six restaurants spanning from Graton, California, to Greenwich, Connecticut, are being honored with the 2025 Sonoma County Magnum Award for their exceptional support and promotion of Sonoma County wines.  Earlier this year, Sonoma County Winegrowers launched this new initiative to recognize restaurants that demonstrate outstanding support for Sonoma County wines and showcasing Sonoma County as a world-class wine region. Each restaurant will receive a uniquely etched magnum bottle, symbolizing their role as an ambassador for Sonoma County’s farmers, winemakers, and wines.

    During the year, Sonoma County wineries submitted nominations of restaurants they felt were deserving of recognition. Input was also provided by partners, trade, and sommeliers from throughout the country. Restaurants were selected based on key criteria, including their commitment to showcasing a diverse range of producers, vintages, and AVAs; fostering strong partnerships with wineries; hosting or promoting winemaker dinners and special events; and thoughtfully highlighting Sonoma County wines through curated lists and pairings that celebrate the region’s rich agricultural legacy.

    “When it comes to promoting and celebrating wines from Sonoma County, these restaurants are the best of the best,” said Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “We created this award to recognize and thank restaurants for their efforts to showcase our wine.  Our hope is that people will see the Magnum recognition and continue to support both the restaurant and Sonoma County wines.”

    The 2025 Magnum Award winners are:

    SONOMA COUNTY

    •Baci Café & Wine Bar – Healdsburg, CA

    •Bird & The Bottle – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Ca’Bianca – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Cafe La Haye – Sonoma, CA

    •Cucina Paradiso – Petaluma, CA

    •Cyrus – Geyserville, CA

    •El Dorado Kitchen – Sonoma, CA

    •Glen Ellen Star – Glen Ellen, CA

    •Goodnight’s Prime Steak & Spirits – Healdsburg, CA

    •Guiso Latin Fusion – Healdsburg, CA

    •Harbor House Inn – Elk, CA

    •Hazel – Occidental, CA

    •John Ash – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Montage – Healdsburg, CA

    •Monti’s – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Osake Sushi – Santa Rosa, CA

    •River’s End – Jenner, CA

    •Single Thread – Healdsburg, CA

    •Sonoma Pizza Co. – Forestville, CA

    •Stark’s Steak & Seafood – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Stella – Kenwood, CA

    •Sushi Tozai – Sebastopol, CA

    •The Girl & The Fig – Sonoma, CA

    •The Matheson – Healdsburg, CA

    •The Restaurant at Farmhouse Inn – Forestville, CA

    •Timber Cove Resort – Jenner, CA

    •Underwood Bar & Bistro – Graton, CA

    •Valette – Healdsburg, CA

    •Walter Hansel Wine & Bistro – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Willi’s Seafood – Healdsburg, CA

    •Willi’s Wine Bar – Santa Rosa, CA

    •Willow Wood Market Cafe – Graton, CA

    •

    CALIFORNIA

    •71Above – Los Angeles, CA

    •Angler SF – San Francisco, CA

    •Charlie’s – St. Helena, CA

    •EPIC Steak – San Francisco, CA

    •Lazy Bear – San Francisco, CA

    •Lucky’s – Montecito, CA

    •Press – St. Helena, CA

    •Rutherford Grill – Napa, CA

    •Spago – Beverly Hills, CA

    •Spruce – San Francisco, CA

    •Stanly Ranch – Napa, CA

    •The Ahwahnee – Yosemite, CA

    •The Charter Oak – St. Helena, CA

    •The Edge Palm Springs – Palm Springs, CA

    •The Spinnaker – Sausalito, CA

    •Wally’s Wine – Santa Monica, CA

    •Waterbar – San Francisco, CA

    UNITED STATES & BEYOND

    •Annie Gunn’s – Chesterfield, MO

    •Bern’s Steak House – Tampa, FL

    •Blackberry Farm – Walland, TN

    •Buck & Rider – Phoenix, AZ

    •Canlis – Seattle, WA

    •Eleven Madison Park – New York, NY

    •Gramercy Tavern – New York, NY

    •Joe’s – Chicago, IL

    •Joe’s – Las Vegas, NV

    •Joe’s – Washington, D.C.

    •Manta– Waimea, HI

    •Mastro’s – Houston, TX

    •Meli-Melo – Greenwich, CT

    •Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – Houston, TX – Galleria & Downtown

    •Peak – New York, NY

    •RPM Italian – Chicago, IL

    •RPM Italian – Las Vegas, NV

    •RPM Italian – Washington, D.C.

    •RPM Seafood – Chicago, IL

    •RPM Steak – Chicago, IL

    •Summer House – Chicago, IL

    •The Inn at Little Washington – Washington, VA

    •The Little Nell – Aspen, CO

    •The Palm – Orlando, FL

    •The Palm – Mexico City, Mexico

    •The Post Oak Hotel – Houston, TX

    •Willie G’s – Houston, TX

    About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

    Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) is a marketing and educational organization committed to promoting and protecting Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier winegrowing regions. With more than 1,800 grape growers across 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), Sonoma County is recognized globally for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

    In 2014, Sonoma County Winegrowers led the charge for all local vineyards to become certified sustainable, resulting in 99% of the region’s vineyard acreage being certified by a third-party auditor—making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world.

    SCW continues to lead through its Farm of the Future initiative, establishing Sonoma County as a “living lab” for innovation and regenerative agriculture. This first-of-its-kind platform brings together global collaborators such as Ford Pro, John Deere, Wilbur-Ellis, and Agrology to accelerate climate-smart farming solutions.

    Beyond the vineyard, SCW supports the people who power the wine industry through its 501(c)(3) foundation, which invests in vineyard employees and their families. This includes a pioneering Leadership Academy designed to elevate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

    SCW’s dynamic marketing efforts extend nationwide through partnerships with brands and organizations including Landry’s, Lettuce Entertain You, the San Francisco Giants, Houston Rockets, Chicago Bears, Coachella Valley Firebirds, and Food & Wine magazine—sharing the story of Sonoma County’s heritage, innovation, and excellence with new audiences across the country.

  • September USDA Lending Rates for Ag Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for September 2025, which are effective Sept. 1, 2025. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.      
           

    Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans      
    FSA offers farm operating, ownership and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.      

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for September 2025 are as follows:

    FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders. To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.

    Commodity and Storage Facility Loans
    Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

    More Information

    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Additionally, producers can use online tools, such as the Loan Assistance Tool and Debt Consolidation Tool to explore loan options.

  • California Raisin Harvest 2025 and Factors Shaping Grower Prices

    California raisin harvest is underway and growers are anxious to find out what they will get for this year’s crop. Raisin Bargaining Association Chairman Charles Salmon and board member Dwayne Cardoza met with American Vineyard Magazine Editor Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share their outlook for this year’s crop with some concern for adverse weather at harvest and other factors influencing crop size and anticipated grower returns. Watch this brief interview, and save the date, Friday Nov. 14th for the annual State of the California Raisin Industry presentation at Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds, featuring representatives from the Raisin Bargaining Association and Sun-Maid Growers.

  • EPA Provides Regulatory Relief to Meat & Poultry Companies

    The Meat Institute applauded President Donald Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for stopping costly changes to wastewater regulations that would have closed meat and poultry processing facilities, driving up the cost of food, killing jobs and hurting rural economies.

    “This important decision by Administrator Zeldin ends a regulatory disaster that would have forced meat processing facilities to close, causing food prices to go up and hardship for livestock and poultry producers,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “We are grateful for the swift action of the Trump Administration to put the consumer first and eliminate burdensome regulations that destroy jobs.”

    EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed a final action withdrawing proposed revisions to the EPA’s Meat and Poultry Products Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELG) for wastewater discharged by meat and poultry processing (MPP) and rendering facilities.  Last amended in 2004, the meat and poultry ELGs currently apply to about 180 of the estimated 5,300 meat and poultry facilities nationwide. EPA estimated between 845 and 1,620 facilities would be subject to and incur costs should the proposed ELGs become final.

    To protect small and medium sized meat and poultry processors most likely affected by these changes, the Meat Institute joined the Meat and Poultry Products Industry Coalition which is made up of the Meat Institute, National Chicken Council, National Pork Producers Council, National Turkey Federation, North American Renderers Association and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association.

    The Meat and Poultry Products Industry Coalition commissioned an economic impact analysis that found the Agency grossly underestimated the number of facility closures should the proposed guidelines be enacted from the 16 sites in the EPA estimate to 74 sites.

    The projected number of near-term job losses associated with these facility closures would increase from nearly 17,000 that EPA estimates in the proposal to over thirty thousand to nearly 80,000 direct job losses from plant closures.

    The proposed rule would have also harmed the relationship between MPPs and publicly-owned treatment works (POTWs). Indirect discharging MPP facilities often make significant financial investments in maintaining and upgrading the POTW or shouldering major surcharges for the POTW’s continued operation and maintenance, which reduce public treatment costs for residential ratepayers and improve the quality of local and downstream waters.

    “In January, the Meat Institute called on the Trump Administration to roll back onerous regulations that would reduce the upward pressure on the cost of food, said Potts. “Three of those top priorities to protect consumers have been addressed with today’s news demonstrating President Trump’s commitment to ending the damaging and inflationary policies of the Biden Administration.”

    About the Meat Institute
    The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit: MeatInstitute.org.