KSTE Farm Hour

Welcome to Part 2 of our 2020 KSTE Farm Hour retrospective. We take a look back this week at some of the more interesting farm stories and farm people of the past year, involved with the changing face of California agriculture. And we have some feel good stories, as well.

Welcome to Part 1 of our 2020 KSTE Farm Hour retrospective. We take a look back this week at some of the more interesting farm stories and farm people of the past year, involved with the changing face of California agriculture. And we have some feel good stories, as well.

Weather researchers say they miscalculated: revised models show California will likely experience drier winters in the future. We have that report. The Metropolitan Water District is pumping millions of dollars more into the proposed Delta tunnels project, despite the objections of many Delta residents. Here’s a twist for Golden State farmers who must wheel and deal for irrigation water in the spring and summer: you can now hedge your bets on water supplies by buying California water futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Farm trade with China is looking good for 2021. We have the forecast. All that, a look at the weather ahead, and more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

The State Water Project has released its first water allocation numbers for 2021…and it’s a small number. Which county is the number one county in the country for ag production? It’s here in California. There’s a record California pistachio crop this year. We have the numbers. And, it’s a great season for Christmas tree and poinsettia sales, we talk with two Northern California businesses who are deeply involved with these important seasonal commodities.

Wine grape researchers are well aware of the damage that smoke can do to the grapes. But what about ash? Some tips about what you shouldn’t do. We do a deep dive into the Sacramento County Agriculture crop report. The 2019 edition just came out. It’s no-till November, we talk with one farm advisor about the benefits of not tilling your fields. And we have more on cover cropping. All that and more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour. Let’s get started!

Despite smoke damage to hundreds of thousands of Napa-Sonoma wine grapes, growers in the area say the 2020 harvest will be a very good vintage. We have the details. Despite the USDA’s efforts, a robust, high-speed Rural Broadband system is still lacking in rural California and many other areas of the country. More and more people surveyed say farmers are doing the right thing when it comes to sustainability. We talk a lot of turkey this Thanksgiving week, and we take a deep dive into the world of cover cropping here in California. All that, the extended weather outlook, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

A combination of lighter yields and smoke damage is playing havoc with the California wine grape crush numbers. Hundreds of thousands of wine grapes have been rejected due to smoke exposure. A famous rice mill that towers over Kentucky Avenue near Interstate 5 in Woodland has been sold. We have the details. A bit of good news: exports are up… a bit. Is there going to be a pecan orchard in your future? Some California farmers are expecting long term growth for this minor nut crop, which is currently grown in the Golden State on a little over 3,000 acres. All that, crop reports, the extended weather outlook, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour

There is some good news this week for California farmers: more medium grain rice from the Sacramento Valley is headed to China. And, the federal government has okayed more funding to fight the 20 pound rodent that is a threat to Delta area farmland - the Nutria. The weather will be considerably colder in the days ahead. How cold? Will it get cold enough to damage young walnut trees in orchards? We talk with a farm advisor about precautions that walnut growers should now be considering. Also, we delve into the frontiers of agricultural science: the use of biologics on California farmland. That includes cutting edge products such as biostimulants for the soil and plant growth regulators for bigger crops. All that, crop reports, the extended weather, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Wildfires, a Pandemic, Trade Issues, an election…where do you want to start this week? How about a good old reliable topic: California’s water wars. Lawsuits are flying in Kern County, after an attempt by a local water agency down there to start charging farmers $2100 an acre foot to replenish an aquifer. We have wildfire and trade news, too, with a little good news on both fronts. China is buying more ag products from the U.S. And table grapes in the Central Valley were unaffected by smoke taint. Rural broadband grants are back in the news. And how about we pay a visit to a Sacramento Valley wildlife refuge, where rice plays a big part in supporting overwintering migratory water fowl and other creatures. All that, crop reports and more…on this week’s KSTE farm hour. Let’s get started.

Winegrape growers in the Napa Sonoma area are getting a better handle on the damage estimates to their fields and facilities. We have the staggering numbers. Another staggering number: 10 million acres burned due to wildfires this year. We’re not there yet, but we are approaching it…for the third time in five years. Farmers are looking for estate tax relief, we have that report. And, an update on the U.S. Mexico Canada trade agreement. All that, crop reports, a look at the extended weather…and we celebrate Bat Week. It’s all on this edition of the KSTE Farm Hour.

Drought is expanding throughout the country, but especially here in the Western United States. We have the ugly numbers. The USDA has released the latest forecasts for several important California farm commodities, including fruits, nuts and rice. And Citrus growers in California are still evaluating the effect of smoke, wildfire, haze and heat on their 2020 crop. And so far, it looks like heat is taking its toll on the state’s orange crop. We talk with one California citrus grower about what he has to contend with in 2020. We take a look at how the California Farm Academy is preparing the next generation of farmers for the Golden State. We have All that, crop reports, extended weather, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Even though the flames of September’s fires are subsiding there, wine grape growers in the Napa Sonoma area are still taking stock of the damage and lining up financial help. And winegrape growers with insurance face another obstacle in getting quick relief. Insurance companies want to see lab tests for smoke taint on wine grapes. But the laboratories that specialize in wine grape testing are overwhelmed; it could be a month or more before they can catch up. Raisin grapes in the Central Valley are also being effected by the smoke from surrounding fires. We talk with one raisin grape farmer who will explain. We have all that, crop reports, a look ahead at the week’s weather, and a chat with an organization that helps aspiring organic farmers learn the business in the Salinas Valley. It’s all on their week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

California wildfires continue their rapid spread throughout some very valuable wine country in our area. We have an update. Several farm groups are petitioning the federal government for more Covid-19 relief aid for farmworkers. What is California doing to stop the spread of illegal pesticides into the state? And, we talk with a Colusa County rice grower about the 2020 harvest. All that, crop reports, the weekly weather outlook and more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour. Let’s get started!

California farmers, their crops and their livestock continue to deal with a plethora of problems that will make 2020 one for the record books: the largest wildfires in state history, the resultant dense smoke that made Northern and Central California the most polluted area in the world recently; record high temperatures in August, and the Coronavirus pandemic that has everyone yearning for the good old days. We have an update. Yolo County has seen its pistachio orchard acreage zoom from a few hundred acres to 10,000 acres in less than a decade. We take a look at the reasons for the growth of this increasingly popular nut. Also, California rice growers are becoming fish growers. And the two go hand in hand. All that, crop reports, the weather outlook, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

It’s been a tough year for many of California’s major crops. The combination of the Covid-19 shutdown, wildfires and persistent smoke throughout California, but especially in the Central Valley, have slowed crop development, interfered with the harvest, hampered farm labor, and possibly may taint one very important California agricultural commodity, wine grapes. And all the coronavirus restrictions have caused astonishing disruptions to the California produce business, with sales at 20% below late winter forecasts. Another Covid-19 related casualty: the 2021 World Ag Expo in Tulare. It’s been cancelled. We’ll tell you why. We have all that, extensive crop reports, the week ahead in weather, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

California’s record shattering wildfire season continues. Honeybee losses from the fires in Yolo and Solano Counties will impact area almond growers in 2021. Smoke taint is an increasing concern for wine grape growers in Northern California. And livestock owners need to take precautions to protect their animals from smoke inhalation issues. We have all that, plus how you can protect your horses from the newest outbreak of West Nile Virus. We catch up with the Sacramento Valley rice harvest, and we take a look at the top California agricultural commodities for last year. All that, crop reports, the extended weather, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour. Let’s get started!

Larger than the state of Delaware. That’s the description of the number of acres burned in California’s recent lightning-started wildfires, decimating many Northern California counties, and that includes farms, ranches, vineyards, and orchards. The damage is still being registered, but we have an update, along with information about an upcoming webinar put on by the University of California to help small and large agricultural operations, as well as small acreage landowners, learn about restoration and erosion control options as well as financial assistance programs. The good news: there’s a nut glut. Record harvests of almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are expected. The bad news: who’s going to buy all those nuts? We explain. We’re coming up to cover cropping time. We’ll go over the basics. All that, crop reports, the week ahead in weather, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

California’s wildfires continue, and as the smoke somewhat clears, the impact of those fires on the state’s agricultural industries is becoming more apparent. We have an update. Hurricane Laura’s impact on the Louisiana-Texas coastline last week decimated some of that areas biggest crops, including one that Sacramento Valley farmers are very familiar with. We have the details. Rural post offices in California are an important lifeline for residents and farmers. We take a look at the funding struggles to keep them operating efficiently in the current political environment. And congratulations to a Yolo county based agricultural non-profit group, the Center for Land Based Learning, who have received federal funds to help infuse West Sacramento with more agricultural opportunities. All that, crop reports, the week ahead in weather, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Once again, Northern and Central California wildfires plague the entire region, with thick smoke blanketing populous urban areas, while flames are whipping up throughout farm and ranch land here. And once again, wine grape growers in the Napa Sonoma area who are about to begin harvesting are worried about smoke taint to their grapes, a minor concern next to staving off possible fire damage to their properties. The ongoing heat wave also is widespread. The latest concern: fruit and vegetable crops in coastal areas where triple digit temperatures are very unusual. The latest Covid-19 induced farm dilemma: a shortage of replacement parts for agricultural machinery. And ag teachers throughout northern and central california’s colleges and high schools are scrambling, trying to figure out how to teach hands on classes such as welding and crop production…via the computer. We have all that, and more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

California’s specialty crop growers can breathe a bit easier, more of the Golden State’s unique commodities have been added to the USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Those mysterious seeds from China that were received by unsuspecting homeowners here in the U.S.? There’s still a lot we don’t know, but so far, it appears to be a benign threat. We have the details. And we talk about controlling summertime weeds in farmland and pastureland here in California, especially one of the nastiest…puncture vine. All that, crop reports, a look ahead at the week’s weather, and a lot more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Yolo County agriculture is in the spotlight this week. In Woodland, sheriff’s detectives recovered 70 stolen bee boxes. And those bees are critical to Yolo county’s largest crop, almonds. The latest yolo county ag report is out, and almonds remain number 1. But there is a new crop in the second position. We have the details. We have an update on last week’s story about the mystery seeds that have been mailed, unsolicited, to unsuspecting homeowners. And those masks aren’t just to ward off the coronavirus. As the summer California wildfire season continues, a shortage of N95 respirator masks threatens California’s farm laborers, working in smoke-filled fields. And a huge fire in northeastern california may be effecting the quality of the crops grown there. All that, a look at the weather ahead, crop progress reports, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Is more pandemic relief money headed for California’s farmers and ranchers, who have been upended by changes in markets and problems with supply chains? This past week, the U.S. Senate introduced a trillion dollar pandemic relief bill, that included $20 billion for farms, ranches and rural communities. We have the details. More and more Californians are receiving those small packages of mystery seeds from China and other countries. Is it just a marketing ploy? Or do those seeds present a threat to California agriculture, if unleashed into the wild? And, we find out how HLB, citrus greening disease, can spread via seed. All that, the weather, the latest crop reports, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour. Let’s get started!

California’s farmers have some tough decisions to make, real soon, about fall and winter planting. Just how much should they plant? The loss of markets due to Covid-19 related restaurant closures and an uncertain school year could mean tighter supplies for cool season vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower. The dreaded “d” word - drought - is being heard more and more here in the West. The latest casualties - California and Oregon rangeland and pastureland. We’ve talked over the years on this program about the importance of cover cropping. It builds your soil and increases the presence of beneficial insects for pest control, too. But lets not forget California’s most important pollinator, bees. One organization is spearheading a drive to increase cover cropping in orchards to increase overall bee health in the state. And a nice side effect is: with more healthy bees, farmers will get larger harvests. All that, crop reports, a look at the weather for the week ahead, and a lot more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Everything is getting thrown in the way of California farming in 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic is causing a serious labor shortage on the state’s farms. Ongoing trade disputes have some growers worried if they will have a market for their crops this fall. The bureaucratic morass of federal relief rules for farmers seems to change constantly. In many rural areas of the state, including the far reaches of Sacramento County, schooling for the kids this fall will be at home, online. Does rural California have the broadband speed necessary to make that a success? Well, no. And, there are increasing areas of drought in the Western U.S. Some good news: a citrus specialty crop that you might not be aware of, Australian Finger Limes, just might contain the cure for HLB, also known as citrus greening disease. All those details, and more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Good news is hard to come by these days, so let’s start with this: reservoir storage right now in California is enough to get us through this water year, and maybe a bit more available to move to south state farming regions. And University of California researchers have a breakthrough: a peptide that just might thwart citrus greening disease. With rural wildfire season upon us, Covid-19 concerns may hamper firefighting efforts. We have the details. We have tips for getting ahead of navel orange worm problems now, during almond hull split season. And, we relax with all the wildlife inhabiting Northern california rice fields right now, a win-win situation for rice growers as well as environmentalists. All that, crop reports, the extended weather, and more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

California's farms, ranches and agricultural businesses are going to take a big hit from pandemic related losses. The range? Between $5.9 and $8.6 billion this year. That's according to an economic study recently released. We have the details. There's a record breaking almond crop on the way here in California. But can robust almond sales survive pandemics, trade disputes, and weather? We have that report. And it's National Pollinator Week, we're going to be talking about all the creatures that are involved in pollination, making the food you eat. It's coming up on this week's edition of the KSTE Farm Hour. Let’s get started.

If your specialty crop is not on the list for those eligible for coronavirus assistance payments from the USDA, there is a way you can get included, but you better hurry. And among those currently not eligible are two major California agricultural producers, cut flowers and nursery products. The Japanese Beetle is back in Sacramento County, a major threat to the county’s wine grapes and pears. We talk with the Sacramento County Agricultural commissioner about what is being done to eradicate the latest find. Small farmers with leftover produce from farmers markets now have a website where they can easily find a food bank or food pantry near them to donate their surplus. We talk with the founder of AmpleHarvest.org. And the battle to control the spread of Pierce’s Disease in California’s vineyards is an ongoing battle. We have an update. All that, crop reports, the week ahead in weather, and a lot more, on this week’s KSTE farm Hour.

There’s a bit of relief for California’s Klamath Basin Farmers. The water that was taken away from them last week, is back. We’ll explain that one. California latest ag statistics are out, you have a few minutes to think about which are the five leading agricultural commodities in California according to the latest report. We’ll tell you, don’t worry. Sacramento county farmers are concerned: Japanese beetles, which can decimate hundreds of crops, has been found in two locations in the county. We’ll let you know you where. And on a related note, how birds can help you control pests on the farm. All that, the week ahead in weather and crop reports…all coming up, on this week’s KSTE farm hour.

Not to pile on with all the other problems right now…but there’s a drought in California. And, in a bit of a switch, much drier than normal soil is taking hold in Northern California rather than in Southern California. And up in the far north of the state, Klamath basin farmers say they are facing the heartbreaking prospect of watching their crops wither, because of sharply cut water allocations recently. How resilient is the U.S. food supply? We’re finding out right now. And so far, things are stabilizing. For now. There is good news: the spread of Virulent Newcastle Disease in poultry flocks in Southern California has been contained. We hear from the state’s top veterinarian about this. Crop reports, the week ahead in weather, and more. It’s all coming up, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Following the lead of the Central Valley Project, the State Water Project is increasing its allocations of summer water to California’s farmers. But they’re saying don’t expect any more this year. We have the numbers. It’s picking time for some of our state’s tastiest crops: blueberries and cherries. We talk with a Lodi cherry grower about this year’s harvest. More details are emerging about the Coronavirus Food assistance program for farmers. We have the latest. All that, crop progress reports, the week ahead in weather, and a lot more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Amidst all the bad farm economic news due to the pandemic, there are some bright spots. The Central Valley Project is releasing more water to its farm customers south of the Delta. And we hear from President Trump, who last week announced a new, $19 billion dollar relief plan for farmers, including California’s specialty crop producers. We have the outlook for the Western wildfire season, and we pay a visit to a Sacramento Valley rice-growing family that includes a flying farmer, who has been seeding the rice fields from the air, for over 40 years. All that, crop reports, and a lot more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

There are about 25 million acres of farm and ranch land in California. Which commodity utilizes the most acreage? It’s almonds, and more and more almond trees are going in the ground in the Golden State. We have the numbers. Hard to say which is flowing faster right now, water from California’s dams, or lawsuits, to stop the flow of water from dams intended for California’s farmers. We have the latest news on that front. And, we dive into a sea of garbanzo beans, a crop that is also enjoying an increase in acreage here. All that, crop reports, the extended weather, and…what about using robots in meat processing plants? It’s all coming up, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

There is a lot of Covid 19 pandemic-related california farm stories this week, and we will get to them, but we turn our attention first to what could be the most persistent worry of California’s farmers: the summer water supply. We take a look at the final snow survey numbers that will play a big part in how much surface water farms will be getting this year. USDA Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently said that meat supplies at your local grocery store will be back to normal in a few days. You will hear what he said. And, we tackle the most important task for almond growers this time of year, getting ready to spray to avoid navel orange worm damage due to almond hull split…we get tips from a Northern California farm advisor. All that, crop reports, and the week ahead in weather, all coming up, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Everyone’s concern level is heightened recently, and that includes California’s farmers. Will the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic fundamentally change the way we do business? What will be the new normal? We don’t know. But we do have good news - farmers, and everyone associated with agriculture here in California - will keep producing healthy, safe food. But in the meantime, things will stay interesting. The effects of the Coronavirus on agriculture dominates our news today, but we also delve into the drive to get better broadband service to rural areas of California. And, we talk to one local farmer who, along with other area farmers, have pivoted their businesses to community-supported agriculture. All that, crop reports, the weather, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

California farmers and the rest of the nation’s farmers were getting a bit miffed earlier this month at being on the short end - the real short end - of Covid19-related relief money from the Trump Administration. Well, that’s about to change. We have the numbers. And they’re big numbers. Another casualty of Covid 19- related anxiety: a run on seeds, especially seeds for home gardeners. Why have those seed packs disappeared from catalogs and nursery racks? We talk with one seed company about the underlying causes. We get an update on rice planting in the Sacramento Valley. All that, and a lot more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Despite the early spring rains in the valley and snow in the mountains, the Central Valley Project will be reducing the amount of available water to California’s farmers, including those with senior water rights. We have the numbers. Covid-19 woes continue for many sectors of California agriculture. Overall, most ag prices are down. But there is some good news: organic produce sales are way up. We talk with an expert on how to attract more of the farmer’s flying friends, barn owls, to your property to control springtime rodent infestations. Plus we take a look at the extended weather outlook for our area, and the latest crop reports as well, all on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to roil California agriculture. The beef, dairy, poultry, fruit and vegetable sectors all have their tales of concerns and setbacks. We have the details. Farmers and fishermen haven’t been the best of partners when it comes to divvying up California water supplies. But the state’s rice industry is spearheading an attempt to increase the number of wild salmon…by using fallowed, waterlogged Sacramento Valley rice fields in the winter. We have that story. Farmers can, and are, adapting to recent lurches in the state’s food processing and delivery systems. We hear about what one Davis-based group of farming veterans is doing to stay afloat. All that, upcoming weather, crop reports, and more…on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

The April Sierra Snow Survey by the Department of Water Resources is considered the benchmark for spring and summer water deliveries to farmers throughout the Valley. The results are in. And let’s just say, it could have been worse. We have the numbers. New farmworkers from Mexico: are they allowed to come into the U.S.…or not? We unravel the latest twists and turns in that story. How is the USMCA deal for freer trade among the United States, Canada and Mexico moving along? Slower than a turtle. And the turtle is taking a nap. And we address the 800-pound gorilla in the room: how is California agriculture faring during this coronavirus event? We have all the details on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Water and labor issues once again dominate the worries of California's farmers, oh, and yeah…that Covid-19 situation, as well, is creating confusion and problems. The coronavirus outbreak may put a halt to any new farm workers coming from Mexico. We update that story. Farmers markets: are they open, or are they closed. We unravel the confusion. A UC Study says that full implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act could lead to economic disaster for the San Joaquin Valley. But there's good news: dairy sales are way up in California. Apparently people eat a lot of ice cream when they're cooped up indoors. Birds can be your friends when battling codling moth on the farm. We'll tell you how. And we learn how to correctly stake a walnut tree. It's the KSTE Farm Hour.

Water and labor issues once again dominate the worries of California’s farmers, oh, and yeah…that Covid-19 situation, as well, is creating confusion and problems. The coronavirus outbreak may put a halt to any new farm workers coming from Mexico. We update that story. Farmers markets: are they open, or are they closed. We unravel the confusion. A UC Study says that full implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act could lead to economic disaster for the San Joaquin Valley. But there’s good news: dairy sales are way up in California. Apparently people eat a lot of ice cream when they’re cooped up indoors. Birds can be your friends when battling codling moth on the farm. We’ll tell you how. And we learn how to correctly stake a walnut tree. It’s the KSTE Farm Hour.

Coronavirus woes are hitting everyone, including California's farm communities. Markets for California farm goods are diminishing, especially crops earmarked for restaurants, airplanes and hotels. Confusion about what constitutes an essential service or an essential business in agriculture during shelter in place orders has become a bit clearer. We'll explain. What happens to those food products? The USDA thinks they have a partial answer. And coronavirus worries temporarily put a crimp in the Mexican farm labor force coming to the United States. But there was a last minute solution. With more farm families working and studying from home due to coronavirus shutdowns, poor rural internet broadband service is a problem that is back on center stage. We talk with one group that's attempting to get better internet service to rural areas of California. All that, and a lot more, on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.

Coronavirus woes are hitting everyone, including California’s farm communities. Markets for California farm goods are diminishing, especially crops earmarked for restaurants, airplanes and hotels. Confusion about what constitutes an essential service or an essential business in agriculture during shelter in place orders has become a bit clearer. We’ll explain. What happens to those food products? The USDA thinks they have a partial answer. And coronavirus worries temporarily put a crimp in the Mexican farm labor force coming to the United States. But there was a last minute solution. With more farm families working and studying from home due to coronavirus shutdowns, poor rural internet broadband service is a problem that is back on center stage. We talk with one group that’s attempting to get better internet service to rural areas of California. All that, and a lot more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Impacts to California Agriculture due to the coronavirus are widespread and growing. A double hit to California's grape growers: the grape crush numbers are down, and another grape disease looms: Grapevine Red Blight Virus. There is one bright spot on the China trade front: that country is now granting access to California nectarines that originate in the San Joaquin Valley. We have the details. And we talk with a local community college ag teacher about his growing program. All that and more, on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.

Impacts to California Agriculture due to the coronavirus are widespread and growing. A double hit to California’s grape growers: the grape crush numbers are down, and another grape disease looms: Grapevine Red Blight Virus. There is one bright spot on the China trade front: that country is now granting access to California nectarines that originate in the San Joaquin Valley. We have the details. And we talk with a local community college ag teacher about his growing program. All that and more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

There's a beautiful, but deadly new pest headed to California. It's the spotted lantern fly, a voracious feeder on scores of important crops, including grapes and almonds. We tell you where they originated, and where they've landed, here in California. A third payment to farmers for trade relief is looking doubtful. We have the details. And we have a California prune primer for you…all about that misunderstood crop. That, and a lot more, on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.

There’s a beautiful, but deadly new pest headed to California. It’s the spotted lantern fly, a voracious feeder on scores of important crops, including grapes and almonds. We tell you where they originated, and where they’ve landed, here in California. A third payment to farmers for trade relief is looking doubtful. We have the details. And we have a California prune primer for you…all about that misunderstood crop. That, and a lot more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

The President promised farmers in Bakersfield more water recently. It won't be coming anytime soon. You may have noticed why: It hasn't rained in the valleys or snowed in the mountains for over a month here. We have the ugly numbers. How's that Phase One China trade deal working out for California's farmers? There are still a lot of unknowns. Recent agricultural research once again shows, Everything You Know is Wrong. In this case, it's about apples. In particular, the supposed inability to grow high chill apple varieties in Southern California. All that and a lot more, on this week's KSTE Farm Hour

The President promised farmers in Bakersfield more water recently. It won’t be coming anytime soon. You may have noticed why: It hasn’t rained in the valleys or snowed in the mountains for over a month here. We have the ugly numbers. How’s that Phase One China trade deal working out for California’s farmers? There are still a lot of unknowns. Recent agricultural research once again shows, Everything You Know is Wrong. In this case, it’s about apples. In particular, the supposed inability to grow high chill apple varieties in Southern California. All that and a lot more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour

The President paid a visit to Bakersfield last week. He brought good news for San Joaquin Valley farmers. That's right, more Northern California water will be heading south. And, of course, lawsuits will be filed. How much nitrogen does alfalfa need? You might be surprised at how much money you could be saving if you've been fertilizing your alfalfa with too much nitrogen. We take a look at current Sierra snow levels (it's shrinking), the federal government's promise to upgrade broadband internet service in rural California (it hasn't happened yet) and a lot more, on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.

The President paid a visit to Bakersfield last week. He brought good news for San Joaquin Valley farmers. That’s right, more Northern California water will be heading south. And, of course, lawsuits will be filed. How much nitrogen does alfalfa need? You might be surprised at how much money you could be saving if you’ve been fertilizing your alfalfa with too much nitrogen. We take a look at current Sierra snow levels (it’s shrinking), the federal government’s promise to upgrade broadband internet service in rural California (it hasn’t happened yet) and a lot more, on this week’s KSTE Farm Hour.

Don't be fooled by those views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains. With the lack of precipitation, that white stuff is shrinking rapidly, threatening summertime time agricultural water supplies. As a result, water talks are heating up here in Valley over who gets any available water. We talk with one influential valley farmer, and his hopes for a compromise. Illegal pesticide use, as well as counterfeit pesticides, are a growing business in Brazil. But it's not just in South America. (audio). Val Dolcini, the Director of California's Department of Pesticide Regulation, tells us what California is doing to keep illegal pesticides out of the state as well as keep consumers here safe from any dangerous pesticide residues on imported food. And, an expert offers up valuable honeybee tips for getting the most of that buzzing army right now, during almond bloom. All that and more, on this week's KSTE Farm Hour.