While walnut growers tend to pay more attention to walnut prices and varieties, rootstock selection can make a big difference in the establishment and longevity of their orchards. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Orchard Systems Advisor Luke Milliron as he shares characteristics and availability of new rootstocks for the walnut industry. Read more about in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. …

In addition to the grape crush report, its also nice to get a good picture of where the California wine grape industry currently stands from a vineyard acreage and planting perspective. What varieties are being planted and where in the state? How’s the vineyard planting to removal ratio looking? Watch this brief interview with Jeff Bitter from Allied Grape Growers …

With an ongoing drought in western US, wine grape growers surrounded by neglected wildlands are becoming more and more concerned about the drought-induced dying vegetation around them.  Many want to proactively manage this risk for them the communities around them; however, they are running into quite a few stumbling blocks as addressed by Michael Miiller from the California Association of …

As California’s agricultural industries progress towards a more sustainable future with new technologies and innovations, current Cal OSHA regulations (unless changed) may hinder their progress, particularly with regard to autonomous or self-driving tractors.  Watch this brief video with Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers as he explains.   Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

Interested in furthering your wine industry education or do you know someone that is? Watch this brief video with Ray Johnson, Executive Director of Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute, as he shares some upcoming programs and scholarship opportunities to take advantage of.  Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.   Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

Beehive theft has been a growing concern for the California almond industry and the threat of getting stung by a bee hasn’t been sufficient in deterring thieves from this valuable commodity that is critical for setting a profitable crop.  Watch this brief interview with Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux who addresses this issue and read more about in Pacific Nut …

Smoke taint is unfortunately an annual concern now for wine grape growers, and this was a topic of interest at the recent Sonoma Grape Expo. Watch this brief video with UCCE Specialist Anita Oberholster as she shares what’s been learned so far about the issue and how growers can prepare their operations as they head into another dry wildfire threatening …

While we hear more about almonds, walnuts and pistachios in California, pecans are still a significant crop for the Golden State, and are grown across the nation. Watch this brief interview Jeff Smutny from the American Pecan Council as he shares his production and market outlook for the pecan industry. Read the full proceedings of the annual Grape, Nut & …

Beekeepers have begun delivering hives to almond orchards and the buds of all varieties are swelling and prepping for bloom. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Farm Advisor Brent Holtz as he shares some important advice with growers regarding bloom fungicide spray timing, and read his monthly Almond Tasks column in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine. Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for …

California has allocated $10 million to begin the development of a statewide system the provides information to the public about pesticides used around them. DPR is working in partnership with several agricultural commissioners on local pilot projects as part of the development of the system this year. Watch this brief interview with Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner Ruben Arroyo as he …