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 …

The California walnut industry relies heavily on the export market, and so does the focus of much of the efforts of the California Walnut Board and Commission in promoting the industry and building demand.  At Malcolm Media’s recent Tree & Vine Expo at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, Claire Lee from the California Walnut Commission shared the current impact the international …

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 …

With increasing production in the California walnut industry, and at the same time being faced with high tariffs in some of the key export markets, growers are much appreciative of the ongoing efforts of the California Walnut Board and Commission building demand for the crop, not only in the export market, but also right here in the States. Check out …

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, …

If you missed Richard Matoian’s State of the Pistachio Industry Address at the Annual Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo, be sure to check out his brief video interview as he shares where the industry currently stands in production and marketing trends.  He also discusses the impact of the international trade dispute and its impact on the pistachio industry, and …

There were some successes, but a lot of disappointments in California’s 2018 elections.  So where do we go from here? What’s a farmer to do in an askew state like California?  Check out this brief interview with Emily Rooney, President of the Ag Council of California as she shares her insights from the election and some considerations moving forward. Enjoy our Ag video …

California farmers continue to face disappointment after disappointment with economic and regulatory issues, but now is not the time to bury your head in the sand.  The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) is coming into fruition, and farmers need to not only be aware of how this will impact them, but getting involved in their local water agencies will be …