If your sprayer can deliver good spray coverage at hull split, with a little work it can deliver good bloom spray coverage faster and cheaper. How is this possible? With no leaves in the canopy, air movement is less restricted at bloom than hull split. Also, there is less surface area to cover at bloom than hull split so volume …

Thanks to support from the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation, California Farmland Trust (CFT) is embarking on a conservation fundraising campaign to protect Fiorini Ranch. Located in Merced County, the 60-acre almond operation is owned and operated by a multi-generational farming family, the Fiorini’s. Currently operated by a third-generation family member, Randy Fiorini, the fourth and fifth generation family members are …

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, California Association of Winegrape Growers, LIVE, Long Island Sustainable Winegrowing, Oregon Wine, New York Wines, Washington State Wine, Washington Winegrowers and Wine Institute are co-hosting the 2nd U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit on April 19-21, an all-virtual event. Growers, vintners, association leaders, trade, and other industry professionals from around the globe will gather virtually to hear …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced amendments to the federal marketing order regulating the handling of walnuts grown in California. These amendments authorize the California Walnut Board to provide credit for market promotion expenses paid by handlers against their annual assessments due under the program. The amendments were approved in a referendum conducted Nov. 30 through Dec. 11, …

The National Dairy FARM Program (FARM) has published its 2020 Year in Review. Serving as the annual summary of the achievements and program developments of the FARM Program, the Year in Review showcases successes and challenges during a year of change and uncertainty. “As the industry shifted with the pandemic, we adapted the program to fit farmer’s and program participant’s …

Findings from a recent consumer research study that gathered insights on purchase, consumption, and shopping behaviors among U.S. primary shoppers ages 25 to 73 were released today by the California Table Grape Commission. Among the key findings:   46% of primary shoppers consider fresh grapes to be a staple in their household, increased from 32% in 2019. Another 35% report that grapes …

As efforts to vaccinate essential agricultural and production workers struggle to proceed throughout California and the nation, Sonoma County’s farmers, vintners and health communities have been successfully partnering to get thousands of COVID-19 vaccination doses to these essential workers throughout the region. Now entering its 5th week of operation, the program has already vaccinated and scheduled vaccination appointments for more …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations for the American Pecan Promotion Board under the newly established Pecan Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Nominations are due by March 26, 2021. The 17-member board will consist of 10 producers and seven importers. The 10 producer members will be allocated between three regions within the United …

Farmers love tools. The prospect of a fully stocked tool shed ranges from badge of honor to true obsession.  Plants, too, can be used as tools. Integrating cover crops into a farmer’s toolbox can offer many benefits – and it’s a tool given to us by nature! Getting farmers to adopt cover crops as various tools can be hard. To do that, …

American Pistachio Growers (APG) is pleased to announce the hiring of Cadee Condit as their new Director of Government Relations. Cadee has two decades of experience in governmental public affairs, an extensive vision in achieving strategic objectives in complex political landscapes, and broad collaboration across a spectrum of business, trade associations and community organizations. APG President Richard Matoian noted, “Cadee comes …