The raisin harvest is underway in California and growers are anxious to know what they’re getting for their crops. The Raisin Bargaining Association is ready to offer a higher bonus for quality raisins, with the organization wanting to incentivize a good product. RBA Chairman Charles Salmon spoke to Matthew Malcolm with American Vineyard to discuss raisin prices this year and …

Growers looking to showcase and export their products face numerous hurdles and challenges, but the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA) is working with growers to get their products onto the international market. Hayden Romig from WUSATA spoke with Matthew Malcolm of Malcolm Media Ag Publishing to discuss the work his organization does. Watch this quick video and learn …

The Raisin Administrative Committee is eager to push California-grown raisins. They are hoping to get a windfall of $7.6 million left over from the California Raisin Marketing Board to aid their efforts. Raisin Administrative Committee President Jeff Smutny spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network about the Committee’s plans and efforts. Watch this quick video and learn more in …

The wine industry continues to struggle with fewer buyers, while tariffs threaten to shrink the market further. A boycott by provincial governments in Canada is costing vineyards their second-most important wine market and some wineries are at risk of going out of business. At the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, The Wine Economist editor Mike Veseth spoke with Matthew Malcolm …

The wine industry has been struggling since the pandemic, but there are some bright spots. The premium side of the market is doing relatively better than the value end, and there are opportunities with packaging and the ready-to-drink beverage category. Danny Brager with Azur Associates spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Malcolm Media Ag Publishing at the Unified Wine & Grape …

Wine grape growers had a difficult year despite favorable weather conditions through much of the season. There were a high number of rejections, with many grapes never making their way to the tank and vineyards getting mothballed. Mike Needham from Turrentine Brokerage discussed the state of wine grape growers at Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock and in …

The walnut industry is building momentum as indicators suggest one of the best crops growers have had in recent history. Committed sales are also at record numbers. At Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock and in an interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network, California Walnut Board Commission CEO/Executive Director Robert Verloop discusses the state of walnut …

A Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter find in Turlock back in August 2024 has led to an expanding quarantine in Stanislaus County. The primary vector for the grapevine-killing Pierce’s Disease, this insect pest is a top concern for the regional grape industry and the Stanislaus County Ag Department. At Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock and in an interview with Matthew …

Fresno County is the number one agricultural county in the nation, and grapes have long been among the top commodities bringing tremendous economic value to the community. Many of these grapes are grown by multi-generational farmers for raisin production. Byron Russell, a professor of film at Fresno State, took interest in his own family history with the raisin industry, leading …

California raisin growers were poised to enjoy a beautiful, high quality crop this year due to ideal spring and summer growing conditions. Stormy weather at harvest, however, followed by a cool spell, dampened their great expectations. American Vineyard Magazine Editor Matthew Malcolm met with raisin growers Nick Melkonian and Doug Benik in an unharvested raisin vineyard to assess the situation. …