California Ag Today

California's push to expand organic acreage faces real-world resistance from farmers navigating high costs, tight labor, and tough market conditions.

The 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention is coming to Anaheim—and keynote speaker Tim Tebow is set to bring energy and insight to the national ag gathering. California farmers are invited to be front and center for this one.

Even after harvest, cherry trees keep working—heat stress solutions like Parka can help ensure next year's fruit quality.

Helena Agri-Enterprises offers solutions to keep orchards productive through the triple-digit summer stretch.

A decade of University of Idaho research shows that cattle grazing improves sage grouse habitat and reduces wildfire risk—confirming what ranchers have long known.

After hours of testimony, the California Fish and Game Commission's Wildlife Resources Committee declines to recommend new restrictions on coyote control. Ranchers maintain their ability to protect livestock.

As heat stress continues to challenge citrus production, a plant health solution called Parka is helping growers protect fruit quality and improve yields. Cultiva's Jeremy Hamlin explains how it works.

As heat stress continues to challenge citrus production, a plant health solution called Parka is helping growers protect fruit quality and improve yields. Cultiva's Jeremy Hamlin explains how it works.

The Buying American Cotton Act, supported by the National Cotton Council, aims to drive demand for U.S.-grown cotton—benefiting California producers through new tax incentives.

Dave Cheetham, Helena Agri-Enterprises, discusses weed control and fertility.

New farmers and ranchers are finding guidance—and confidence—through a unique mentorship program launched by the California Farm Bureau's California Bountiful Foundation. Expanding Our Roots connects beginning producers with experienced mentors to help navigate the complex world of modern agriculture.

Farm Bureau economists say federal tax changes coming in 2025 could add pressure to California growers already navigating high costs and unpredictable conditions.

California growers are feeling the squeeze of high input costs and consumer tolerance. But tools like Megafol are helping crops fight back against extreme stress.

California growers are turning to innovative plant health solutions like Parka to protect crops from extreme weather, improve fruit quality, and streamline their spray programs.

Eight USDA offices in California once slated for closure will now remain open, according to a press release from Senator Adam Schiff's office. The update affects locations critical to farmers and ranchers across the state.

California ag leaders will tackle the future of single-use packaging at the June 3rd State Board of Food and Agriculture meeting. From cost concerns to compostable innovations, it's a discussion producers won't want to miss.

According to a recent American Farm Bureau Market Intel report, U.S. consumer sentiment is on shaky ground.

Almonds here in the state of California are entering into the hull split crop stage. On the grower anxiety risk list, that means cue up navel orangeworm and hull rot.

A new federal report on childhood disease draws fire from cotton producers, who argue their natural fiber and farming practices promote health—not harm.

Cattle producers took their voices to the Capitol earlier this month during the USCA Fly-In, advocating for transparent markets, science-based livestock ID, and stronger labeling standards.

With small farms making up the majority of U.S. agriculture, the American Farm Bureau Federation is pushing for policies that protect family-run operations. As California farmers face mounting challenges, new USDA attention could bring much-needed support.

Join a free virtual workshop May 28 to gain practical tools for telling your story and advocating for the beef industry. Learn from NCBA's Chandler Mulvaney in this one-hour, producer-focused session.

"With the price being depressed, you can't make mistakes," says George Morris of Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC.

Stress and lifestyle put farmers and rural women at risk for heart disease. Taking charge of your heart health is key to staying strong on and off the farm.

Senate Bill 628 aimed to support farm employers and workers affected by California's overtime law. The bill was rejected along party lines despite support from farm groups and labor advocates.

Growers have until May 22 to return their Almond Board election ballots. Meanwhile, USDA forecasts a strong 2025 crop—up 3% from last year.

A new study warns that without coordinated efforts, California risks losing billions in agricultural output and millions of acre-feet of water. Senate Bill 72 aims to secure the state's water future by 2040.

With an aging ag workforce and growing labor shortages, California educators are stepping up with free, hands-on video training to help prepare the farm workforce of tomorrow—available to anyone, anywhere.

A new University of California report warns that dust storms—intensified by climate change—are threatening crops, livestock, and labor productivity. The study outlines both the causes and the consequences for the nation's top agricultural producer.

California's ag communicators are in the national spotlight. From print to digital, the California Farm Bureau communications team is being celebrated for telling the stories that matter to farmers and ranchers.

The USDA is putting serious muscle behind the fight against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, with a hefty $100 million earmarked for vaccine research and development.

U.S. farm bankruptcies surged 55% in 2024 after years of decline, with California at the forefront. Lower commodity prices, high input costs, and mounting debt are pushing family farmers to the brink.

A proposed rule could restrict year-round coyote management in California—a move ranchers say threatens livestock and livelihoods.

James Schaeffer of Helena Agri-Enterprises gives an update on this year's almond crop and the challenges its facing.

A new campaign by the Center for Environment and Welfare is calling on Congress to address rising grocery costs they attribute to California's Proposition 12. The group says nationwide prices are increasing due to costly compliance burdens on food producers.

UC Davis researchers are digging into the economic and welfare impacts of gray wolves on California cattle ranches. Using trail cameras, GPS collars, and lab analysis, they're finding that wolf presence leads to millions in livestock-related losses.

California Dairies, Inc. has unveiled its cutting-edge Valley Natural Beverages plant—a 200,000 square-foot facility in Bakersfield focused on shelf-stable dairy products.

Growers in San Joaquin County are navigating a season of mixed signals—adequate moisture, but a stagnant market. According to the California Farm Bureau, concerns over vineyard removals, shifting consumer habits, and tariff impacts are creating plenty of unknowns in the months ahead.

Breaking news headlines this week have told of an agreement between U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Mexico when it comes to the handling of a damaging pest, the New World screwworm, which was detected in Mexico late this past fall.

Gustavo Lopez, Helena Agri-Enterprises, discusses the need for a plant health focus amidst dry conditions.

A new Farm Bureau report shows that in 2023, just 23% of farm household income came from the farm itself. The remaining 77% came from off-farm sources like wages, investments, and retirement income—making these “other paychecks” essential to keeping farmers afloat.

From drones to robotic harvesters, new ag tech took center stage at a UC field day in Ventura County.