California Ag Network

Tag: Ranch Systems

  • Two New Labor-Saving Raisin Varieties Show Promise for CA Growers

    Watch this brief interview with UC Viticulture Extension Specialist Matthew Fidelibus with an update on the performance of a couple of new labor-saving DOV raisin grape varieties that are showing a lot of promise for the industry.  Visit AmericanVineyardMagazine.com/calendar/ to get more information on a couple upcoming raisin industry meetings to provide growers the opportunity to check out these varieties for themselves.

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

  • Losing Freedom may be Positive When it Comes to this Grapevine Rootstock

    The thought of losing freedom sounds awful; however when it comes to the grapevine ‘Freedom’ rootstock, it may be a good idea, particularly for growers in the San Joaquin Valley.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor Karl Lund as he explains why and explores alternative options.

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

  • Delano Growers Take Stand Against Foreign Grape Juice Imports

    Watch this brief video highlighting the recent success of Delano Growers Grape Products cooperative in protecting the US white grape juice market from Argentinian imports that were having adverse effects on US growers.

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

  • Meal Period Violations, Farm Employers Beware

    Meal break violations are an open door for Class Action & PAGA lawsuits that farmers have been getting impacted by, according to longtime ag labor and employment attorney Ron Barsamian.  Watch this video interview with Ron as he shares what farm employers can do to maintain better records and avoid the costly losses involved in such litigation.

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

  • How This Farmer Returned 158 Acre-ft of Stormwater to the Soil in 10 Days

    California has been blessed with a tremendous amount of snow and rainfall this spring.  Coming after many dry years that have reduced our groundwater supply, farmers want to do all they can in this brief time of plenty to not only irrigate their drought-stressed trees and vines, but also recharge the groundwater supply beneath their fields.  But how quickly can a farmer prepare his/her land to take on some of this snowmelt for groundwater recharge purposes and what will it require?  Watch this video featuring Madera grape and nut grower Jennifer Peters, who in a very short time was able to install an on-farm groundwater recharge basin and capture much of this stormwater.

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

  • CA Raisin Grower Shares Experience with Two New Complete DOV Varieties

    As the cost of labor increases and availability around harvest tightens, California raisin growers are hopeful that two new complete dried on the vine (DOV) varieties will make a big difference for the future of the industry.  Austin Hubbell of Marthedal Enterprises is one such grower who has had the unique experience in harvesting both varieties, which appear to have promise.  Watch this video with Austin and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

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

  • Why Sun-Maid Growers Acquired Plum Organics

    When Sun-Maid Growers announced its acquisition of baby food brand Plum Organics in 2021, it came as a surprise to many.  Naturally, raisin growers wanted to know how this might benefit the California raisin industry, beyond simply growing and diversifying Sun-Maid’s portfolio.  Watch this brief interview with Sun-Maid Growers Executive Chairman Harry Overly as he explains.

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

  • Central Valley Farmer Shares New Experience with On-Farm Groundwater Recharge

    While growers still have many questions and concerns as to how flooding their vineyards and orchards for groundwater recharge purposes may impact their day-to-day farming operations and eventual crop yields, Madera almond & wine grape grower Nick Davis is more concerned with making the most of the recent rainfall and snowmelt to recharge their much needed soil profiles following extended drought conditions.  Watch this video with Nick and read more about his experience with on-farm recharge in the coming issue of American Vineyard Magazine.

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

  • Madera Irrigation District Leads the Charge on Groundwater Recharge

    While farmers are accustomed to paying for the water they use, growers in Madera Irrigation District have recently been getting their water for free for groundwater recharge purposes.  While the snow melts and water is aplenty, growers are working quickly to set their farms up to be able to spread some of this water across their fields, in a ditch, or a basin to replenish their groundwater supply.  This not only serves to benefit the farmer, but the entire community as well.  Watch this video with Thomas Greci, General Manager of the Madera Irrigation District as he explains.

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

  • Introducing the New Viticulture Farm Advisor for Tulare & Kings Counties

    The UC Cooperative Extension is pleased to introduce one of their newest Viticulture Farm Advisors, Joy Hollingsworth, who will be serving primarily table grape growers in Tulare and Kings Counties. Watch this video interview to get to know Joy, her history, and the research and extension she is currently focusing on.  Joy can be reached at 559-684-3313 or joyhollingsworth@ucanr.edu.

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