It’s been a while since California growers have experienced a wet year with a plentiful snowpack and water supply.  Weather conditions this season, though, have pushed harvest back for most grape growers and powdery mildew pressure has been unusually high for growers that didn’t stay on their spray programs with just the right timing.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE …

Strategically positioned in the nation’s center of grape production — the Central Valley of California, 2023 marks 100 years for the USDA’s raisin and table grape breeding program at their agricultural research facility, currently based in Parlier, CA. Watch this brief interview with Summaira Riaz, the current head of grape breeding at this one-of-a-kind research station, as she highlights some …

Back at the annual American Pistachio Growers (APG) Conference, longtime federal advocate for the association — Bob Schramm was paid special tribute for his dedicated service to the U.S. pistachio industry.  Schramm is now transitioning into retirement, and he has worked with APG in selecting a new firm to take his place in representing and protecting the interests of the …

Watch this brief interview with UC Viticulture Extension Specialist Matthew Fidelibus with an update on the performance of a couple of new labor-saving DOV raisin grape varieties that are showing a lot of promise for the industry.  Visit AmericanVineyardMagazine.com/calendar/ to get more information on a couple upcoming raisin industry meetings to provide growers the opportunity to check out these varieties …

The thought of losing freedom sounds awful; however when it comes to the grapevine ‘Freedom’ rootstock, it may be a good idea, particularly for growers in the San Joaquin Valley.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor Karl Lund as he explains why and explores alternative options. Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

American Pistachio Growers (APG) Annual Membership luncheon is coming up on Friday, July 28th at the Visalia Convention Center.  In addition to pistachio crop and marketing updates, APG is excited to have world boxing champion and Central Valley native Jose Ramirez joining the growers for the program.  Watch this video featuring Wes Wilson from APG to learn more, and register …

Watch this brief video highlighting the recent success of Delano Growers Grape Products cooperative in protecting the US white grape juice market from Argentinian imports that were having adverse effects on US growers. Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

Native California bees and monarch butterflies may soon be listed as endangered species.  While California farmers, and almond growers in particular, want to take care of and protect these important pollinators, listing them as endangered could prove problematic for farming as we know it. Watch this interview with Josette Lewis from the Almond Board of California as she explains. Please …

As U.S. Pistachio growers anticipate a larger crop this season, watch this brief interview with Richard Matoian from American Pistachio Growers on just how large a crop may come to fruition this season, as well as some great news on the rise in pistachio export shipping trends.  Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. (Editor’s Note: We are …

Meal break violations are an open door for Class Action & PAGA lawsuits that farmers have been getting impacted by, according to longtime ag labor and employment attorney Ron Barsamian.  Watch this video interview with Ron as he shares what farm employers can do to maintain better records and avoid the costly losses involved in such litigation. Please thank this …