The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service recently reported a record 1.25 million acres of almonds across California’s landscape, up 5.9% from 2019. More almond orchard continue to be planted as we speak, due in part to the reduce labor needs associated with this crop and a healthy global market for this versatile product.  With increased almond acreage anticipated to be …

California raisin growers have been disappointed this year with the raisin market after coming off of record high raisin prices the year before.  Is this price volatility expected to last, and will the continued removal of raisin acreage impact future pricing? Watch this brief interview with Steve Kister, Chairman of Board with Sun-Maid Growers, and read more about it in …

The dried fruit sector hasn’t been as popular with millennial consumers as in other generations, but Sun-Maid Growers are working to turn things around (at least for California raisins) with some new strategies and investments as shared at their annual meeting in Fresno recently.  Watch this brief interview with Sun-Maid CEO Harry Overly and read more about it in American …

With record acreage of pistachios being planted in the San Joaquin Valley, some of these orchards are being planted in areas where pistachios have never grown before.  They are being planted in marginal soils with saline or sodic issues; and although pistachios have greater tolerance for these kinds of soils than almonds, they are are not invincible.  Where do you …

In today’s fast paced urban society, there is a serious disconnect between consumers and the source of their food.  There is so much public misinformation and misconceptions about agriculture, that it has become more critical for farmers to reach out side of their comfort zone and communities to share the truth about what they do out in the field.  International …

It used to be that growers had few if any options in bring uniformity to a vineyard with so much variability in soil type among other geographical characteristics.  There have been so many recent developments and technological advances in plant and soil sensing equipment that has taken precision viticulture to a whole new level.  Watch this brief interview with UC …

An increasing tight labor supply has compelled grape growers to turn to mechanization, and spur pruning grapevines can save growers a lot of money over cane pruning; however, there has been a belief in the industry that spur pruning Pinot Noir vineyards leads to reduced yields in comparison.  Watch this brief interview with Patty Skinkis from Oregon State University as …

As many are aware, Sonoma County Winegrowers launched a unified effort within the community and bold five year goal back in 2014 to achieve 100% sustainability.  In the final year and stretch to reach this goal, they have made phenomenal progress, but will they achieve their goal?  Watch this brief interview with Amy Tesconi to find out, and read more …

With the number of wineries in the US higher than ever, and only a few retailers controlling the bulk of wine distribution, what’s a mid-size winery to do to get their product through the supply chain?  Watch this brief interview with wine broker Glenn Proctor from the Ciatti Company as he shares a few recommendations and read more it in …

As wine inventory movement has been pretty slow since the spring, there is some concern in the industry whether there will be room in the tanks for the 2019 crop that is beginning to mature.  Watch this brief wine market update with Wine Broker Glenn Proctor from the Ciatti Company as he explains, and read more in American Vineyard Magazine.