The flock of sheep at Tablas Creek Vineyard are now Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW), Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Non-GMO by AGW, demonstrating transparency and sustainability. Tablas Creek Vineyard is the first farming business in California to achieve all three certifications for their sheep.   One of a portfolio of leading farm certifications offered …

The California dairy community has long been dedicated to improving groundwater protection, and this commitment will only grow in the new year. By participating in the Central Valley Salinity Coalition, and working closely with regional and state officials, dairy farmers have been part of an incredible 13-year stakeholder effort, which recently resulted in the adoption of a new long-term plan. …

“Big Dairy.” One of the strangest terms attached to the industry. As seen in fear-mongering headlines, Big Dairy is used to de-personalize individual dairy farmers and imply some large, faceless force foisting an agenda on unsuspecting consumers. So, who exactly is it? Maybe by figuring out what Big Dairy is – or isn’t – some light could be shed on …

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is saddened to share that Richard Keehn, a founding member of CAWG and the first chair of its board of directors, passed away on Dec. 20, 2019. Following a decorated 15-year career in the U.S. Army, Keehn began farming winegrapes in Mendocino County in the early 1970s. In the years that followed, he …

SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS: Winter grain crop planting is finished. Winter grain plants are beginning to emerge from the soil. Some wheat, oats, and barley fields are being treated for weed control, as the winter wheat germination will increase due to high moisture.   DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES: Almond and pistachio harvest have ended. Dead and …

On December 17, 2019, Don Peracchi announced that he would step down as President of Westlands Water District’s Board, effective December 31, 2019. Following his announcement, the District’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to elect Director Daniel Errotabere as President of the District. Mr. Peracchi stated, “It has been an honor to serve as Westlands’ President, and I am proud of …

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, American Farmland Trust, the organization behind the national movement No Farms No Food®, released fact sheets summarizing results from its Non-Operating Landowners, or NOLs, Survey that surveyed individually or partnership-owned lands, not institutions or trusts, for California. The results are promising, demonstrating that landowners care about their land and are keenly interested in stewarding their land well — keeping it …

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 …

Western Growers is pleased to announce that Ryan Talley, co-owner and farm manager of Talley Farms, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Talley, who has been committed to agriculture for more than three decades, will serve as chairman for a one-year term, taking over the responsibilities of outgoing chairman, Ron Ratto, president of Ratto Bros., …

SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the appointment of members of the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board, as outlined in AB 1054, and the California Catastrophe Response Council, established by AB 111, both signed into law in July. The legislation created the California Wildfire Safety Advisory Board, a board of independent expert advisors, to advise a new Wildfire Safety Division …