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.
Videos
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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.
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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.
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What is California Grown? New Board Chair Shares Perspective
What is California Grown, its Mission, and what it means to the hundreds of agricultural commodities it represents? Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm met with the new Chair of the organization, Kiaran Locy from the California Prune Board to find out. Watch this video if you love agriculture and want to learn more.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.
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Western Brassica Growers Troubled by Diamondback Moth Insecticide Resistance
When a prevalent pest like Diamondback Moth develops insecticide resistance, pest management costs can rise astronomically for farmers and can even lead to food shortages. California Fruit & Vegetable Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm met with CAPCA Board Member Kyle Kuechel from Syngenta to discuss the gravity of the situation, what growers can do to manage resistance issues, and what hope can be offered looking to the future.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Getting American Pistachios Exempt from Mexico’s “Unhealthy” Snack Tax
As American Pistachio Growers eyes Mexico for increased export growth potential, they have been sharing the results of health studies on the benefits of pistachios with consumers there. Currently the government of Mexico taxes its citizens on foods it deems unhealthy with a snack tax, and unfortunately, pistachios are on that list! Zachary Fraser from American Pistachio Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during their Pistachio Insights Day to share the details of this issue and how they are working with the Mexican government to change that. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.