The Master Milling Certificate Course has helped hundreds of olive oil processors produce better oil more efficiently. A survey of attendees’ found that 90 percent of respondents believed that the course material would boost their quality or efficiency by more than five percent, and 72 percent said that the course was “very likely” to lead to higher profitability. The course …

Kristen Barnhisel, winemaker for white wines at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, has been named 2019-2020 president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV). She succeeds John Thorngate, vice president of operations technical services at Constellation Brands. In her new role, Barnhisel will lead ASEV’s 12-member board.  “I am pleased to serve with leaders in viticulture and enology …

Ryan Junio, Pixley, Calif., received one of six Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies June 28, 2019, during the association’s 151st Annual Meeting in Canton, Ohio. The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of …

Brent Wickstrom, Hilmar, California, received one of six Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies June 28, 2019, during the association’s 151st Annual Meeting in Canton, Ohio. The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of …

The California Almond Objective Measurement Report, published today by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service – Pacific Regional Office (NASS/PRO), estimates that the 2019 crop will be 2.20 billion pounds, down 3.5% from the 2018 crop production of 2.28 billion pounds. The California Almond Objective Measurement Report is the official industry crop estimate. This year’s Objective …

WEATHER Temperature highs ranged from the high 50s to mid 80s in the mountains, mid 60s to mid 90s along the coast, mid 70s to high 90s in the valley, and mid 80s to low 110s in the desert.  Temperature lows ranged from the mid 30s to high 50s in the mountains, mid 40s to high 50s along the coast, …

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (July 2, 2019) – As Sonoma County Winegrape Growers close in on its goal of reaching 100% sustainability this year, there is an awful lot to celebrate. Foremost, despite record rainfall amounts, early reports indicate the fruit set was good throughout Sonoma County though harvest will be running two to three weeks later than last year. Next, …

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) requested state support for critical wine and viticulture research during today’s joint hearing of the Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry and the Assembly Select Committee on Wine. The hearing – titled “Cultivating the Next Generation of Wine Industry Leaders and Emerging Markets in California” – covered the state of wine education and research, as well as emerging …

SACRAMENTO – Starting in July, USDA will be asking goat producers to participate in the 2019 National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) Study. Throughout California and the U.S., goat producers that take part in the study will identify practices and health measures that promote efficient production and improve product quality. Gary Keough, USDA NASS Director for the Pacific Region, explained, “The Goat 2019 Study …

The PD/GWSS Board voted during its June 17 meeting to reduce the winegrape assessment from $1.50 to $1.00 per $1,000 of value for the 2019 harvest. The Board’s recommendation was approved by CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. The annual rate has averaged $1.42 per $1,000 of value since it was established in 2001. Assessment funds are used for research and outreach on Pierce’s …