Once confined mostly to the Great Plains of North America, coyotes have spread across much of the continent, and can be a real threat and nuisance to farming communities. Check out this brief interview with USDA Wildlife Specialist Derek Milsaps, as he offers some recommendations on how to identify and deal with these pests. Read more about it in the …

Rodents of unusual size —California has got them! The new kid on the block is Nutria, a semiaquatic rodent, that has invaded California’s waterways, and is doing a lot of damage.  USDA is asking farmers for help in locating these pests to be removed. Derek Milsaps from USDA-APHIS presented some information on this pest at the Tree & Vine Expo …

The California raisin industry maintains their reputation for producing the highest quality raisins in the world; however, they are no longer the highest yielding raisin community in the world.  The dynamics of raisin marketing also need to evolve with changing economic and consumer trends.  Sun-Maid CEO Harry Overly addressed this at their Annual Meeting and shared Sun-Maid’s plans to increase …

Over the last couple years, Central Valley raisin growers have been receiving great prices for their crop; however, that hasn’t stopped the continual raisin grape vineyard pullouts going on. So what’s going to change the tide and bring more balance and longterm prosperity for this much needed industry in California? Check out this interview with Sun-Maid Chairman Jeff Jue and …

Sun-Maid made a big decision this year to opt out of the Raisin Bargaining Association’s negotiated field price for the first time ever.  While growers were excited about receiving the highest price ever for their raisins, Sun-Maid representatives felt the price was too high under current circumstances in the world raisin market.  Watch this interview with Sun-Maid Chairman Jeff Jue, …

With record low raisin inventories in California this past year, record high imports of raisins flooded the US market. Foreign competitors also took larger shares of key export markets for the California raisin industry. With increasing production costs and declining raisin grape acreage, what can the California raisin industry do to remain competitive in the world market? Harry Overly answered …

At the time of Malcolm Media’s Central Grape Expo mid-November, some growers were still out harvesting; but many took a short break to attend this popular half-day industry event.  One of the featured speakers this year was Todd Azevedo from Ciatti Company who shared his insights on the current State of the Central Coast Wine industry, and how different varieties …

Technological Innovations in Agriculture are playing a key role in helping American farmers succeed in adapting to meet today’s challenges and remaining sustainable well into the future. But these new technologies need to start somewhere, and sometimes ‘somewhere’ can be far away in distant lands. Check out this video featuring several AgTech Startup Companies out of Portugal who visited the …

The Raisin Bargaining Association and packers came to an agreement on October 19th to establish the highest price ever in California raisin history for the 2018 California raisin crop.  Watch this brief interview with RBA CEO Kalem Barserian as he shares the price and update on inventory. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine, and be sure to attend …

If you missed the CAWG Summer Conference this year, be sure to check out this video presentation honoring the CAWG Grower of the Year, Steve Schafer. Diversified grower and Vintner in Madera, Schafer grew up in the industry and has also been involved in the community. He has served on many grower boards and leadership roles. Watch this video and …