President Donald J. Trump today signed the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act” (CARES Act) into law with provisions to provide financially distressed consumers and small businesses greater access to business loans and bankruptcy relief. The legislative package, which quickly passed the House of Representatives on a voice vote earlier today and 96-0 in the Senate on Wednesday, provides …

Each year, a special group of young women are selected to represent the state’s dairy farm families who contribute to making California number one for milk production in the U.S. These Dairy Princess ambassadors and alternates are selected during events at Districts throughout the state, where they showcase speaking skills, knowledge of dairy and plans to represent the industry during …

The 2019 crush totaled 4,085,772 tons, down 9.3 percent from the 2018 crush of 4,506,010 tons.  Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 2,135,112 tons, down 12.8 percent from 2018.  The 2019 white wine variety crush totaled 1,755,141 tons, down 4.3 percent from 2018.  Tons crushed of raisin type varieties totaled 61,051, down 26.0 …

The USDA-NASS Pacific Regional Office surveyed California’s tomato processors for their intended contract acreage and tonnage for the upcoming 2020 season.  The data reported by processors was either tonnage with derived acreage, or acreage with derived tonnage. As of January, California’s tomato processors reported they have, or will have, contracts for 12.0 million tons in 2020, which is an increase …

Rominger Brothers Farms of Winters has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 California Leopold Conservation Award®. Sand County Foundation created the Leopold Conservation Award to inspire American landowners by recognizing exceptional farmers, ranchers and foresters. The prestigious award, named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, is given in 20 states. The award is presented annually by Sand County …

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new board officers and directors. CAWG is governed by 28 growers in seven districts who serve three-year terms beginning Dec. 1. Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care in Buellton, pictured above, was elected chair. He succeeds Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Ceres, who served in the role …

Save the date, Tuesday, November 19th for the annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Big Fresno Fairgrounds.  Held by Malcolm Media Ag Publishing in cooperation with California Ag Network, Pacific Nut Producer, American Vineyard, and California Fresh Fruit Magazines, it is the ultimate postharvest industry gathering place for regional grape, nut & tree fruit growers and crop …

Save the date, Friday, November 15th for the Sonoma Grape Expo at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds, in Sonoma County, Malcolm Media’s premier event for North Coast  Wine Grape Growers and PCAs.  Held biennially in cooperation with American Vineyard Magazine and California Ag Network, it is the ultimate postharvest regional gathering place for wine grape growers and crop advisors.  Hundreds of …

Save the date, Tuesday, November 12th for the annual Tree & Vine Expo at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, in Turlock, California, the heart of North Valley wine grape, tree nut and fruit country.  Held by Malcolm Media Ag Publishing in cooperation with California Ag Network, Pacific Nut Producer, American Vineyard, and California Fresh Fruit Magazines, it is the ultimate postharvest …

By Farouk A. Hassan, Ph.D. Emission devices or emitters are vital component of drip/microirrigation systems as they control the dripping (emission) of water and fertilizer solution to the plant.  Drip emitters basically slow down the flow rate to a “trickle” by dissipating the energy of the flow through frictional resistance.  This makes it possible to deliver water and fertilizer solution …