The UC Cooperative Extension is pleased to introduce one of their newest Viticulture Farm Advisors, Joy Hollingsworth, who will be serving primarily table grape growers in Tulare and Kings Counties. Watch this video interview to get to know Joy, her history, and the research and extension she is currently focusing on.  Joy can be reached at 559-684-3313 or joyhollingsworth@ucanr.edu. Please thank this …

The arch nemesis pest of the California grape industry continues to spread to more grape growing areas. Vine mealybug damage not only leads to black sooty mold on grapevine leaves and clusters, but it can also transmit and spread grapevine leafroll associated viruses that have been devastating vineyards.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Kern County Entomology Advisor David Haviland …

With grapevine red blotch disease widespread across the west, what’s a grower to do with a young or old vineyard that contracts this disease?  How does it impact grape yield and quality and are there ways to mitigate the detrimental effects of this disease?  Watch this brief interview with the new UCCE San Joaquin County Viticulture Advisor Justin Tanner to …

While the wine grape industry is a few steps ahead in vineyard mechanization, the table grape industry has made some recent advancements in options for mechanized pruning that can help growers save on labor costs and speed up what can be a tedious process of winter pruning.  Watch this brief interview with Kern County UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor Tian Tian …

The rising generation of wine consumers are uniquely different from those that came before in so many ways.  As growers, wine makers and marketers seek to navigate changing trends and behaviors, watch this video featuring beverage alcohol consultant Danny Brager as he shares how to meet today’s wine consumers where they are. Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry …

As we’ve learned so painfully during the pandemic, one thing leads to another; and the actions of one politician in Australia have had a domino effect leading to severe challenges in the global red wine market.  Watch this brief interview with Mike Veseth, The Wine Economist and Professor Emeritus of International Political Economy at the University of Puget Sound, and …

Just as the previous Farm Bill has supported farmers with cost-share programs like EQIP to improve their sustainability, the specialty crop sector of ag is pushing for the coming Farm Bill to support on-farm ag tech innovations in a similar way.  Watch this brief interview with California Fresh Fruit Association President Ian LeMay to learn more. Please thank this video’s …

American Pistachio Growers was pleased to introduce their newest ambassador Martin Yan at their recent annual conference in a fun cooking competition setting.  World-renowned chef, famous for his 1982 cooking show, Yan’s new motto might very well be “Yan Can Cook with Pistachios and So Can You.” Watch this video and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. …

In a recent national food trends report, pistachios were named nut of the year.  Pistachio color, flavor and natural health benefits were highlighted as an official 2023 trend.  Watch this brief interview with Judy Hirigoyen from American Pistachio Growers (APG) as she explains the significance of this announcement.  Hirigoyen also highlights APG’s recent economic impact study.  Read more about it …

Watch this interview with American Pistachio Growers President Richard Matoian as he provides the latest shipment trends for US pistachios with remarkable results.  As shared at their annual pistachio industry conference, Matoian also conveys a realistic forecast for the future of the western pistachio industry, weighing out both concerns and confidence moving ahead. Special Thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this …