California Ag Network

Tag: California Ag Network

  • Stink Bugs Foul Up Central Valley Stone Fruit

    While growers hoped the invasive brown marmorated stink bug would stay out of California orchards, they seem to have taken a liking to stone fruit, along with other stink bug species, and caused problems for some growers this year. UC Cooperative Extension Fruit & Almond Advisor Raymond Mireles shared this at Malcolm Media’s recent Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo in Fresno. Following his presentation, Raymond met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

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

  • Why Do Some of My Peaches Stay Small and Never Fully Develop?

    Have you seen “nubbins” in your orchard? During a presentation at Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo, UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Cameron Zuber described nubbins as occasional smaller sized fruit you may find on a peach tree that never fully develops. Watch this brief interview as Zuber meets with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain nubbins and why you might be seeing them in your orchard.

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

  • Pecan Harvest Underway, Tight Supply May Bring Higher Prices

    Pecan harvest is underway, just in time for that Thanksgiving pecan pie; however American pecans are breaking out of their shell and being utilized by consumers around the world in more creative ways than ever before. During the State of the Tree Nut Industry presentations at Malcolm Media Ag Expos, Anne Warden, CEO of the American Pecan Council and American Pecan Promotion Board shared insights on the growth potential of American Pecans. After her address, she met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to elaborate and provide an update on pecan harvest and the market this year. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in the coming issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Raisin Growers Suffer Devastating Losses that Crop Insurance Won’t Cover

    California raisin growers were poised to enjoy a beautiful, high quality crop this year due to ideal spring and summer growing conditions. Stormy weather at harvest, however, followed by a cool spell, dampened their great expectations. American Vineyard Magazine Editor Matthew Malcolm met with raisin growers Nick Melkonian and Doug Benik in an unharvested raisin vineyard to assess the situation. This year’s tragedy has also shed some light on a major gap in USDA RMA insurance coverage, impacting up to half of the raisin industry today. Watch this brief interview and learn more in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

  • New Pilot Program for Walnut Inspections Could be a Game-Changer for Entire Tree Nut Industry

    California walnut growers have been wanting to see more consistency on incoming inspections, and DFA of California has been leading the charge to deliver on that. Brendan O’Donnell, President of DFA of California met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share details on a new pilot program in walnuts that has been implemented this season that could be a game changer for the entire tree nut industry. Watch the interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going on at Fresno State, Thanks to Pistachio Harvester Partnership with OXBO

    Thanks to a collaborative partnership with OXBO, Fresno State ag students have hands-on access to state-of-the-art pistachio harvesting equipment. During the thick of pistachio harvest, Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Ag instructor John Williams, Jordan College of Agriculture Dean Rolston St. Hilaire, and OXBO Fruit Division President Robert Huckaby out in the Fresno State pistachio orchard to explain the collaborative nature of this partnership and how it stands to benefit the future of the pistachio industry. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • 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.

  • 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.