California Ag Network

Tag: California Ag Network

  • CA Farm Water Crisis – The Big Picture with Aubrey Bettencourt

    California farmers were already in a tight water supply situation before this dry year began. With water curtailments, SGMA implementation, settlement agreements and little progress in water infrastructure improvements, farmers have a lot of concerns regarding the future of their livelihoods. Watch this brief video with Aubrey Bettencourt as she provides the big picture of where agriculture currently stands in the California water crisis. Bettencourt has served California agriculture in various capacities over the years and is now Director of Sustainability with the California Cattle Council and Western United Dairies.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Upcoming Legislation on Product Packaging Concerns California Farmers

    As if transportation issues and port congestion weren’t challenging enough for California agriculture and other industries, further legislation to regulate the type of packaging producers can use to ship their products is pending state approval. Watch this brief video with Almond Alliance of California’s lobbyist Dennis Albiani how this will impact agriculture, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Recent Successes & Challenges on the Legislative Front with APG’s Cadee Condit

    Growers finally got to meet American Pistachio Growers’ (APG) new Director of Government Relations, Cadee Condit in-person at the recent APG Summer Luncheon in Visalia, CA. Watch this brief interview with Cadee as she introduces herself and talks about APG’s current priorities on the legislative front. Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • US Pistachio Shipments Up Despite Logistical & Economic Challenges

    Despite continued pandemic, trade and logistical issues, American Pistachio Growers President Richard Matoian shared at their annual Summer Luncheon that pistachio shipments are up, which is critical for the success of this growing commodity. Watch this brief interview with Richard as he explains, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Ag Goals & Progress of Voluntary Agreements for Bay-Delta Flows

    What is now being referred to as a 20 year drought in California has caused many problems for not only farmers, but all Californians and wildlife. In addition to the dire need for water infrastructure renovations, farming groups are also very focused on pursuing voluntary agreements for alternatives to the California State Water Resources Control Board plan for Bay-Delta flows.  Watch this brief interview with Merced County farmer, Randy Fiorini who shared some insights from the Delta Stewardship Council as the discussions on voluntary agreements have resumed.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • 2021 Crop Forecast with American Pistachio Growers

    Just how “off” of an off-year do we expect the California pistachio crop to be this season?  Obviously factors of drought and increasing bearing acreage will play major roles in the outcome of this year’s harvest, but watch this brief interview with APG President Richard Matoian as he shares the crop forecast.  Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Preharvest Conversations Growers & Wineries Need to Have Regarding Smoke Taint

    “Uncertainty” seemed to be the theme of 2020 for all, and it was no different for the wine industry.  Unfortunately, this uncertainty continues this year for wine grape growers as they gear up for harvest amidst another threatening wildfire season.  With severe drought plaguing the American West, it’s not a question of if, but when more wildfires will occur and whether they will compromise the integrity of the wine grape crop with smoke tainting compounds. Many growers fear the possibility of rejections at the winery should their crop be impacted by wildfire events.  To mitigate some of this uncertainty, watch this brief interview with Jeff Bitter, President of Allied Grape Growers, as he shares some key insights on some of the conversations growers really need to have with their wineries upfront this year to prepare for potential smoke taint concerns. Also, read a detailed report on the topic in the August issue of American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

  • 2021 California Grape Harvest & Market Update

    Wine grape harvest has begun in the Central Valley of California. After considerable challenges in both production and the wine grape market last year, how are things looking now and what can we expect for the 2021 vintage? Watch this brief interview with Jeff Bitter, President of Allied Grape Growers, as he shares his insights and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.

  • Merced Grower Works with Farmland Trust to Protect Acreage from Urban Development

    Merced County almond, walnut and peach grower, Randy Fiorini is proud to be the first farmer to work with both the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation and California Farmland Trust in a conservation fundraising campaign to protect agricultural land from urban expansion. Watch this brief video with Randy Fiorini as he explains the program and needed support to realize his goal.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Preparing to Harvest Raisins Under Smoky Skies: What Growers Need to Know

    Most agricultural news coverage of the wildfire impact last year focused on the wine grape industry.  Though raisins don’t share the same concern for smoke taint as wine grapes, the lack of radiant sunlight due to smoky overcast skies had a significant effect on the sugar accumulation and natural drying process for much of Central Valley raisin crop last year.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor George Zhuang as he shares some key insights for growers moving into another dry season, and how to better prepare for harvest should last year’s circumstances reoccur.  Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Vmech for their industry support.