California Ag Network

Tag: California Agriculture

  • September Orchard Tasks – Pistachios

    Pistachio harvest ended earlier than usual this year, but growers should not stop irrigating their orchards just yet. The early finish creates a longer post-harvest period before trees enter dormancy, making proper irrigation especially important.

    Research by Daniele Zaccaria, Mae Culumber and Anderson Safre of the University of California Cooperative Extension indicates that pistachio trees continue using water after the nuts have been removed. Although harvest is complete, evapotranspiration—the loss of water from the soil and through the trees’ leaves—continues until the trees become dormant.

    Because the post-harvest season will be longer this year, growers should continue monitoring their orchards’ water needs. Stopping irrigation too soon could place unnecessary stress on trees as they prepare for next season.

    However, the researchers suggest growers may be able to conserve water through carefully timed deficit irrigation. This practice involves applying less water than the orchard would normally use during selected periods. When managed properly, deficit irrigation may reduce water use by about 20% with little to no effect on the following year’s harvest.

    The key is timing. Growers should consider orchard conditions, soil moisture and the trees’ water needs before reducing irrigation. An early harvest does not mean water use has ended, and post-harvest management can play an important role in supporting the next crop.

    Read more about the research in the September issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • September Orchard Tasks – Almonds

    Although almond harvest may be wrapping up, the work needed to prepare orchards for next season has already begun. Post-harvest priorities include monitoring for disease, irrigating trees, pruning and managing pests.

    Brent Holtz with the University of California Cooperative Extension advises growers to watch for red leaf blotch and rust. Bright orange spots on leaves may indicate red leaf blotch, while orange and black spores can be signs of rust. This year’s warm March appears to have increased the severity of rust, making it important to avoid irrigation practices that keep orchards humid for extended periods.

    However, growers should not stop irrigating altogether. Water should be applied as soon as the harvested nuts are removed from the orchard floor. Dr. David Goldhamer, emeritus irrigation specialist with UC Davis, says almond trees can use up to 11 acre-inches of water after harvest if their leaves remain active. Proper post-harvest irrigation can also help move salt below the trees’ root zone.

    Growers can also begin pruning mature orchards immediately after harvest instead of waiting until dormancy. Pruning early gives wounds time to heal before rainfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. While studies indicate pruning does not significantly improve almond yields, it remains necessary to provide enough space for orchard equipment to pass between trees.

    Fall is also a good time to manage gophers, ground squirrels and mice. Baiting or fumigation can help control ground squirrels before they enter hibernation. Growers should also look for pieces of almond shells left in tree crotches, which may indicate mouse activity.

    For more information about post-harvest almond orchard management, read the full article in the September issue of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Almond Market Looks Strong Going Into 2027

    The almond industry is entering the new crop year from a solid position according to a recent market update from Blue Diamond Growers. This is thanks in no small part to exports to India.

    The 470.7-million-pound carry-in (of which only 447.1 million pounds is estimated as edible) is down from prior year and confirms the tightness in supply from one crop to the next. Downward pressure on crop potential and overall supply and demand fundamentals continue to support a stable-to-firm market outlook. Export demand remains healthy with the coming weeks expected to provide clarity on crop size, kernel sizing, and the degree to which rapidly appreciated pricing can be absorbed by end markets.

    The 2026 crop year started on a positive note, meeting strong industry expectations. August shipments totaled 190 million pounds. Exports reached 143.2 million pounds, an increase of 31%, while the domestic market shipped 46.8 million pounds at a modest -3.3% decrease versus last year. With six of the last seven last months’ total shipments outpacing previous year, the industry continues to experience strength in global demand.

    India was the clear standout in August, receiving 44.3 million pounds, up approximately 170% from 16.4 million pounds last year. The increase reflects stronger replenishment ahead of the festival season and a normalization from the unusually low August 2025 shipment level. The magnitude of the increase is notable given elevated pricing and confirms India’s continued importance as the primary outlet for California inshell almonds. Local consumption will become increasingly important ahead of festival season as buyers will begin to replenish stocks that dwindled at the end of the 2025 crop year.

    August domestic shipments totaled 46.8 million pounds, down 3.3% year over year. While this may not have been the start to the year the industry had hoped for, the improvement in shipment performance over the last six months provides optimism that the market has stabilized. As prices rose over the last month, purchasing activity slowed and shifted to closer, strategic locations. This cautious approach is expected to continue. Looking ahead, domestic demand is expected to remain steady, with a pipeline of commitments providing support for shipments in the next few months.

    The 2026 crop is progressing rapidly with current receipts for August coming in at 401.9 million pounds. The pacing of receipts is 55% above August 2025 due to harvest beginning approximately 2 weeks earlier than prior year. The increase in receipts over last year is not a reflection of projected crop receipts for 2026.
    Nonpareil and Independence varieties are largely harvested with pollinizer varieties following closely behind. In some of the most advanced areas, growers have completed orchard harvest activities and are focusing on post-harvest practices and minimizing water stress to support next season’s crop.

    Current Nonpareil reject levels are the lowest in several years, though ticking up slightly, driven by a third flight of navel orangeworm. Independence rejects are trending higher than last year, mainly due to brown spot from leaf-footed plant bugs.

    Yields are variable in Nonpareil and Independence depending on the region. Speculation on smaller kernel sizes coming into harvest are beginning to be realized. Yields in Nonpareil and Independence receipts are signaling a lower 2026 crop than 2025, as forecasted. There is continued downward pressure on crop potential, which will be informed by pollinizer varieties that hullers are beginning to process. Next month’s report may reflect further shifts to the forecast as pollinizer volume comes in and is accounted for.

  • Good Harvest Helps California Pear Growers Compete

    Pear growers enjoyed an good crop this year, both in size and quantity. Demand for California pears remains strong, but imports from Argentina could pose challenges for growers. Chris Zanobini from the California Pear Advisory Board Spoke to Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network to discuss the latest in the pear industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Legislation Heads to Governor’s Desk

    State legislators closed out the legislative session and adjourned on September 1, 2026. The end-of-session actions brought new gut and amend bills to the foreground relating to warehouses and non-residential properties that could affect agriculture. Legislators also passed bills regarding wages, water and ultraprocessed food, among others.

    On a positive note, modest funding was included in the budget for a few Ag Council priorities and those are detailed below.   

    Governor Newsom has until September 30, 2026, to decide whether he will sign or veto the bills.

    Bills include: AB 2646, which would raise hourly wages to $19.75 for H2-A workers and corresponding employees; AB 1881, requiring tribal “informed consent” for certain projects that result in a physical change to state land and waterways, while also creating a private right of action that could be used by tribes to challenge state agency decisions relating to land and water; and AB 817, which requires cold storage warehouse owners or operators to establish a contingency fund for emergencies if the facility is 20,000 square feet or greater. — Story contributed by the Ag Council of California 

  • UC ANR Connect Seeks Ag Tech for California Crops

    Applications are now open for UC ANR Connect, a grower-informed commercialization program operated by UC ANR Innovate, the innovation arm of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, in partnership with ag tech venture firm Farmhand Ventures. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 18.

    Selected companies receive commercialization support, direct feedback from California growers and agricultural professionals, industry connections and the opportunity to demonstrate their technology live at a field day.

    The current application cycle is focused on commercially available technologies for permanent crops, including fresh fruit, table grapes, pistachios, desert vegetables, berries, citrus and avocados.

    “Entering the California market requires more than a strong technology. Companies need to understand how farmers make decisions, how their products fit into agricultural operations and what it takes to earn trust,” said Helle Petersen, director of UC ANR Innovate. “UC ANR Connect gives companies a structured way to build that understanding while developing relationships across California agriculture.”

    The program begins with challenges identified by California growers and agricultural professionals. UC ANR Innovate’s advisory board and agricultural partners help define priority needs and evaluate whether applicants have commercially available solutions that are relevant to those needs.

    Participants engage directly with growers, UC Cooperative Extension advisors, researchers and industry partners through customer-discovery conversations and feedback sessions. That input helps companies refine their value proposition, strengthen their market positioning and communicate more effectively with the people who may use, recommend or support their products.

    “The unique thing about our program is that it starts with grower priorities based on their biggest operational constraints,” said Hannah Johnson, industry lead for UC ANR Connect. “We are looking for teams that have solutions to those problems and are ready to build lasting relationships in California agriculture.”

    The program culminates in a live field-day demonstration, where companies show their technology in an agricultural setting, explain how it works and answer questions from growers and other attendees. The demonstrations give companies immediate, practical feedback while allowing growers to evaluate emerging technologies before considering adoption.

    During its first two years, UC ANR Connect has worked with 55 companies through eight program cycles and brought more than 1,000 growers, researchers, agricultural professionals and industry representatives to its field days.

    Past participants have included Carbon Robotics, Verdant Robotics, Sami Robotics, Bonsai Robotics and Verdi Ag, with technologies spanning weed control, equipment automation, irrigation management, mechanical pollination, disease detection and harvest assistance.

    Applications must be submitted by Sept. 18, 2026. Learn more and apply at ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-innovate/ucanr-connect.

    UC ANR Innovate will host a virtual information session for prospective applicants and other interested stakeholders on Sept. 10, 2026, at 8 a.m. PDT. The webinar will explain how the program works, who should apply, how companies are selected and what participating companies can expect.

    Register for the webinar at https://ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5x2lvlO-SjWcQjUIW3PFdQ#/registration.

  • This Week In Ag

    This Week in Ag: Five stories you need to know from across California agriculture.

    This week, we’re covering new funding to stop the spread of glassy-winged sharpshooter, a potential new tool for fighting navel orangeworm, free business training for producers, a USDA trade mission to Singapore, and a $2 million investment aimed at helping the tree nut industry overcome trade barriers.

    Stay informed on the issues and opportunities shaping California agriculture.

    For more news impacting the California ag industry, follow California Ag Network.

  • USDA Announces Roster for Trade Mission to Australia

    The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service announced the participant list for its upcoming trade mission to Melbourne, Australia, Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

    Participants  from California include Best Buy Grocers, Carriere Family Farms, the California Table Grape Commission, the California Milk Advisory Board, Western United Dairies, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and Valley Pride Ag Co.

    Through FAS agribusiness trade missions, American agribusinesses connect directly with overseas buyers to expand market access and boost exports for U.S. producers. Luke J. Lindberg, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, will lead the delegation to Australia. The delegation includes 38 agribusinesses and trade organizations, as well as representatives from 10 State ag departments.

    “There’s no substitute for getting our producers face-to-face with overseas buyers – it’s the best way to showcase the best of what American agriculture has to offer,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “Growing demand across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands makes this an ideal time for us to expand trade, strengthen partnerships and support American producers.”

    In 2025, Australia imported nearly $1.7 billion in American agricultural products, making it the 18th-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products. Consumer-oriented goods – such as packaged snacks, wine and fresh meats – account for 85% of that value. In New Zealand, U.S. exports reached $612 million in 2025, with consumer-oriented products making up more than half of the total.

    In addition to brokering business-to-business meetings, FAS staff and regional experts will hold in-depth market briefings and host site visits and networking events to strengthen trade relationships. — Story contributed by the USDA Foreign Ag Service

  • California Agritourism Summit

    This year’s UC Cooperative Extension California Agritourism Summit will be held September 23-25 in Paso Robles, CA. The summit brings together leaders, experts, and practitioners to connect, learn, and engage. This is an opportunity for you to connect colleagues from across the state to learn from each other, share your work, and discuss how to meet this exciting ear for growth.

    Through panel discussions, breakout sessions, and farm tours, participants will gain practical tools and inspiration to strengthen agritourism in California.

    California Agritourism Summit 2026 Flyer

    Visit the Program page to view more information. Registration is Open.

  • Free Business Skills Training Offered to Growers, Ranchers and Food Vendors

    UC Ag and Natural Resources and F3 are offering  free skills training courses to help California growers navigate the hurdles of planning, marketing, social media, capital access and buyer engagement.

    Small- to mid-size growers, ranchers, fishers, food producers and food business owners are invited to join the Business Launchpad, a free, cohort-based business development program designed to help them build stronger, more resilient businesses.

    Growing and preparing exceptional food is only part of what it takes to build a successful food business. Today’s producers are expected to be marketers, financial managers, regulatory experts and sales professionals – all while continuing to farm, ranch, fish or manufacture food products. While they excel at their craft, many people would benefit from developing the business skills needed to grow and sustain their operations.

    “We are recruiting up to 40 participants across the state to be part of a nine-week virtual cohort designed to improve the financial stability and operational resilience of small- to mid-sized agricultural enterprises in California,” said Tracy Celio, regional director of F3 Local Farm and Food Innovation and UC ANR’s Southwest Regional Food Business Center.

    Business Launchpad participants will receive practical instruction from experts on key business topics, including recordkeeping, business planning, access to capital, marketing, branding and food safety. In addition to weekly online sessions, participants will receive individualized technical assistance and have opportunities to connect with peers and buyers in person.

    The fall 2026 cohort will run from October through December 2026. Participants will attend one online session each week, with each session lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Weekly educational sessions and coaching are delivered virtually, while regional networking and resource fair events will be held in person in Northern California, Central California and Southern California.

    The course will cover:

    • Business planning
    • Financial literacy
    • Regulatory compliance
    • Marketing and branding

    Participation will be hybrid with:

    • Virtual courses
    • 1:1 coaching
    • Regional networking events for professional growth

    Applications will be accepted until Sept. 1, and applicants will be notified of acceptance by Sept. 10, 2026.

    Learn more and complete the application for Business Launchpad: Growing Resilient Roots For Food, Farm and Ranch Businesses at https://bit.ly/Foodbizlaunch.