Tag: American Vineyard

  • FIP-SI Offers Grape Growers Added Protection During Wildfires

    Wildfire smoke can pose a unique risk to grape growers in California, especially in the Central Valley. However, there are options for growers looking to insure their crops. In an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network, James Dillon with Relation Insurance Services discussed Fire Insurance Protection-Smoke Index protection, an endorsement available for grape growers. Watch this quick interview and learn more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Global Raisin Production Decline Could Help Growers After Rains

    Poorly timed rains led to difficulties in the 2025 harvest, but California raisin growers might benefit from international market conditions.
    This includes a below average crop in Turkey and tariffs boosting domestic sales. At Malcolm Media’s Grape, Nut & Fruit Tree Expo and in an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network, Sun-Maid Growers President/CEO Steve Loftus shared the state of raisin industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • More Consistent Year-Round Availability of Table Grapes Builds Global Demand

    Despite a lighter crop, California table grape growers enjoyed a good season in 2025, and the global appetite for grapes is increasing. In an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network, David Magaña from RaboResearch at Rabobank discusses the state of table grape industry with global market insights. Watch this brief interview and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • 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.

  • Why California is the Coldest State in the Nation

    At the annual Conference of the California Fresh Fruit Association, keynote speaker Nicola Twilley visited with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share insights the fresh produce industry in California can learn from a recent book she authored “Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves”. From the history of refrigeration and food preservation to the evolving consumer perception of what is considered fresh, watch this brief interview on an unexpectedly compelling topic.

  • Untimely, New Law in California that Farm Employers Need to be Aware of

    California laws and regulations continue changing, often causing unnecessary hardships on businesses in the state. A new law has passed in California, effective January 1, 2025 (often referred to as the “Captive Audience Meetings” law) that farm employers need to be aware of. Ron Barsamian, legal advisor to the California Fresh Fruit Association, shared the details of this new law, The California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and how to safely navigate the changes. Watch this brief interview to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.

  • American Vineyard Live: What Weeds are Telling you About your Soil Health

    Join Stetcyn Maldonado and Tom Johnson from Project Apis m. on May 9th at 10am as they discuss how to understand vineyard soil conditions better by the weeds that are thriving. Strategies for remediation and scouting tips will be a primary focus. Walk away with several actionable items to improve your soil health!

    Register to attend the free webcast at: https://americanvineyardmagazine.com/register-live/

  • American Vineyard Live & Hot Spot Ag Present: “Making the Most of Limited Water” – A Must-Attend Webcast for Grape Growers

    Water scarcity remains a top challenge for grape growers, but the right irrigation strategies can make all the difference. American Vineyard Live and Hot Spot Ag are teaming up to host a live webcast on April 10, 2025, at 10 AM PDT, helping vineyard owners and managers maximize their irrigation efficiency this season.

    Titled “Making the Most of Limited Water”, this free webcast will feature Cassie Braswell of Hot Spot Ag and Larry Williams, Professor Emeritus, who will share expert insights and actionable strategies to help growers conserve resources, optimize irrigation, and improve yield. The “Water Smarter this Season,” session will include practical solutions tailored to the unique challenges of vineyard irrigation.

    💧 Bonus for Live Attendees! Live viewers will be entered for a chance to win a brand-new set of Bahco pruning tools or a $100 Amazon gift card!

    Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and take control of your vineyard’s water management strategy before the summer heat arrives. Register now to secure your spot!

    For more details and to register CLICK HERE.

  • Historic Grape Crush Report and Live-Streamed Event to Explain It All

    California has just come off of the smallest grape crush the state has experienced in decades. Join American Vineyard live on February 21, 2025, at 10 AM PST to review the 2024 Grape Crush Report and what it means to wine grape growers, vintners, and industry stakeholders in California and worldwide. American Vineyard Live and the team at Turrentine Brokerage will dive deep into questions stakeholders have such as: What is the Grape Crush Report? Why such a low crush this year? Why were quality grapes left unharvested in 2024? How will the 2024 Grape Crush Report impact my decisions in 2025 and beyond? Will the wine market improve in 2025? How can we use the 2024 Grape Crush Report? What can the 2024 Grape Crush Report do to help me make decisions for my vineyard?

    The panel discussion will be streamed live from Fresno, California for all interested viewers worldwide. It is a FREE live stream for anyone who would like to attend virtually. Registered viewers will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a $100 Amazon Gift card or brand new Bahco hand pruning tools. Prize winners will be announced during the event (must be “present” online to win).

    Questions about the 2024 Grape Crush Report for the panelists can be submitted when registering to attend. Questions will be answered live during the event.

    No special software or login is needed to register or join the event. Just register HERE, and a link to join the event will be emailed to the address provided.

    Stay informed on the 2024 Grape Crush Report and how it can serve as a compass to lead to a more successful 2025! “There has never been a more crucial time to use the information we have to navigate the headwinds of today’s market. We look forward to seeing you on the live stream!” says Matthew Malcolm, Editor of American Vineyard Magazine.

    REGISTER HERE

  • Center for Land-Based Learning Fosters Rising Generation of CA Farmers & Ag Leaders

    Have you heard of the Center for Land-Based Learning? For over 30 years, this nonprofit organization has served California’s agricultural industries by inspiring and educating youth with an interest in food and ag — connecting them with resources and opportunities to pursue a career in farming.  Nicole Curiel, Apprenticeship Program Assistant Manager from the Center met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share more about the program and how farmers can get involved. Watch this brief interview to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.