California Ag Network

Category: Video News

  • CAPCA on the Rise & Role of Biologicals in Crop Protection

    Crop protection tools are becoming more and more regulated and limited in California. Biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilizers offer more options for growers. How they fit into conventional and organic farming systems is still being investigated and how the California Department of Pesticide Regulation should treat and classify them is still in debate. The California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) has been actively involved in the conversation though, advocating for tools for sustainable pest management. At their annual Conference, Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm sat down with CAPCA State Board Vice President Adam Tavares from AMVAC Chemical as he shared his perspective on where their at and priorities for the future.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • What is California Grown? New Board Chair Shares Perspective

    What is California Grown, its Mission, and what it means to the hundreds of agricultural commodities it represents? Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm met with the new Chair of the organization, Kiaran Locy from the California Prune Board to find out. Watch this video if you love agriculture and want to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • Western Brassica Growers Troubled by Diamondback Moth Insecticide Resistance

    When a prevalent pest like Diamondback Moth develops insecticide resistance, pest management costs can rise astronomically for farmers and can even lead to food shortages. California Fruit & Vegetable Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm met with CAPCA Board Member Kyle Kuechel from Syngenta to discuss the gravity of the situation, what growers can do to manage resistance issues, and what hope can be offered looking to the future.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • How to Effectively Control Rats on California Farms in a State of Emergency

    Rats have taken an unusual interest in the specialty crop capital of the nation. Many attribute the cause to the pest multiplying unchecked in orchards and vineyards in the Central Valley that have been abandoned due to water restrictions and economic challenges. This becomes a real problem when the rats move into neighboring farms in active production, tearing up driplines, feeding on crops and damaging trees. Growers are in a state of emergency and have limited tools for managing this pest.  Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm met with UCCE Wildlife Specialist Roger Baldwin at the California Association of Pest Control Adviser’s annual conference to gain answers on how to knock down populations effectively and keep the pest at bay.  Watch this brief interview and learn more by attending Baldwin’s presentation on rat control at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Fresno Fairgrounds on Nov. 14 (register to attend at agexpo.biz).

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • U.S. Blueberries ‘Go Big’ on Domestic & Global Marketing, California Hit a Sweet Spot This Year

    According to Kasey Cronquist, President of the North American Blueberry Council and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, California blueberry growers hit a sweet spot on the market this year and had a successful harvest season. Meanwhile, the two councils “Go Big” on their latest marketing efforts, determined to position blueberries as the world’s favorite fruit. Watch Cronquist’s brief interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Global Demand Rises for California Figs, Met with Ideal Growing Conditions

    California fig growers have experienced delayed, yet ideal growing conditions this year.  Karla Stockli CEO of the California Fresh Fig Growers Association and California Fig Advisory Board met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network in August to share an outlook for the 2025 crop and some exciting new global market opportunities for both fresh and dried California figs. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Nation’s Largest Fig Grower Embraces Exciting New Variety

    There is a new fig variety finally being commercially harvested this year in California. Exclusively grown (for the time being) by the nation’s largest fig grower, The Specialty Crop Company, multi-generational Central Valley farmer Erik Herman met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network in August to talk about the performance of the new variety and share some insights on this year’s fig crop and how it’s expected to be received in the market. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Getting American Pistachios Exempt from Mexico’s “Unhealthy” Snack Tax

    As American Pistachio Growers eyes Mexico for increased export growth potential, they have been sharing the results of health studies on the benefits of pistachios with consumers there.  Currently the government of Mexico taxes its citizens on foods it deems unhealthy with a snack tax, and unfortunately, pistachios are on that list! Zachary Fraser from American Pistachio Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during their Pistachio Insights Day to share the details of this issue and how they are working with the Mexican government to change that. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Widespread Rat Infestation in Orchards & Vineyards, CAPCA on Tools & Resources Moving Ahead

    As if California growers and PCAs didn’t have enough on their plates with rising input costs compounded by the most restrictive laws & regulations in the nation, they’ve been further challenged with an unusual pest problem this year — rats! An  increasing number of abandoned orchards and vineyards due to poor economic circumstances has caused a feeding frenzy for some uninvited rodent guests, whose numbers have been multiplying at unprecedented levels. Ruthann Anderson, President/CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain this issue and what they are doing to help provide the tools and resources growers and PCAs to combat this emergency situation, beginning with an anonymous survey they can fill out HERE. Watch this brief video to learn more.

  • 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.