After so many years of drought, it’s difficult for growers to complain about all the recent rain events that have been occurring throughout California; however, the abnormally significant amount of precipitation this past month has posed its share of challenges to tree nut growers that have been anxiously awaiting entry into their orchards to make their much needed fungicide sprays …

As many in the industry know, USDA’s 2018 Grape Crush Report was delayed due to the recent government shutdown.  This record breaking crop report was covered in the May issue of American Vineyard Magazine; but we also recently got some special insights on the report along with current wine market trends from Allied Grape Growers President Jeff Bitter.  So check …

The world is at war with California agriculture, and there never has been a more important time for the industry to be united and have a strong voice in Sacramento and Washington than now.  That’s why we have lobbying trade organizations like the Almond Alliance of California to unite and support the needs and priorities of growers, hullers and processors. …

With all the new almond acreage coming into production, that means more almond hulls and shells to find a home for?  So what are some economical options?  Watch this brief interview with Julie Adams from the Almond Board of California to discuss options for exporting these coproducts overseas.  Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

As powdery mildew begins to develop resistance to our traditional fungicides, it is more important than ever that growers apply just the right products at the right times, and a new mildew spore trapping technology is now available to help growers better diagnose what’s out in the field. Watch this brief interview with Dan Rodrigues from Vina Quest and the …

Grape growers last summer experienced some pretty significant periods of hot weather that, for some, negatively impacted the health of their vines and crop yield. In the center of much of this heat, Fresno County UCCE Viticulture Advisor George Zhuang has been researching ways to reduce the impact of such temperatures which are sure to return to both the Central …

As if California grape growers didn’t have enough pest issues to deal with, UCCE Entomologist Surendra Dara reported a recent resurgence of the Western Grapeleaf Skeletonizer in California.  Watch this brief interview with Dara, as he shares where the pest is resurfacing and how growers can manage it both conventionally and organically.  Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine. …

Masked Chafer (AKA white grubs) have been problematic for blueberry growers, particularly in the Central Valley of California.  The good news is that researchers and entomologists have come up with both organic and conventional methods treatments for these soil pests.  Watch this brief interview UC Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor David Haviland to learn about these options and read more about …

With the largest pistachio crop ever in the west last year coupled with international trade issues, some might be concerned about prices and how to move such a large inventory; however, American Pistachio Growers (APG) reported that the demand is out there at their annual conference, and APG unveiled some exciting new marketing plans for the coming year, including a …

Navel Orangeworm is widely known as a serious pest in tree nuts; however, it is also becoming quite the nuisance in California’s fig crop as well.  Check out this brief interview with Brad Higbee, now Field Research & Development Manager for Trece, Inc. as he talks about the work they are doing to help fig growers, and read more about …