POPULARITY
Our farmers, growers, and ranchers lead the nation, feeding millions with record-breaking production.
The September 24 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured one of the program's most eye-opening interviews yet. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Lisa Kerr, founder of Terrain Technologies, who laid out a stark picture of California agriculture's future if current policies continue unchecked. Kerr, who has deep family roots in California's oil and gas industry, connected her own experiences in Taft to the struggles farmers now face. She explained how state and federal policies, backed by billions in grant funding, have deliberately targeted industries like oil, gas, timber, and now agriculture. “They strategically go after landowners who are asset heavy and relentlessly pursue them until they get every last dime,” she warned. Water was a central theme of the conversation. Kerr argued California's shortages are a manmade crisis, worsened by policy failures and financial interests. With water being traded as a commodity and environmental groups wielding outsized influence, she cautioned that rural communities could soon face the same fate as Taft — once a thriving oil town, now struggling after restrictive policies forced wells to close. Kerr also raised concerns about California's push for electric trucks and solar panels on farmland. “If you're not ready for the automation and you push $450,000 electric trucks on farmers, you squeeze them to death,” she said. The same, she argued, goes for proposals to convert fertile ground into solar farms. “Water is the answer, not solar panels.” Despite the sobering outlook, Kerr pointed to opportunities. She highlighted new federal and NIFA grants that support ag innovators, encouraging farmers with bold ideas to pursue funding. Her company, Terrain Technologies, is working to defend agriculture and bring tools from AI and national security into farm operations. For Papagni and McGill, Kerr's story was both a warning and a rallying cry. “If you don't think they can take farming away from you, just look at Taft,” McGill said. Both hosts agreed that farmers must stay united, engaged, and proactive in defending California agriculture. Listen to the full conversation with Lisa Kerr on the AgNet News Hour by clicking below or on your favorite podcast app.
California Farmers Under Pressure: California agriculture continues to face mounting challenges, and Andrew Genasci, Executive Director of the San Joaquin Farm Bureau, says advocacy is more important than ever. Speaking on the AgNet News Hour, Genasci shared how his background as a fourth-generation dairyman gives him perspective when representing farmers on the front lines of political and regulatory battles. “I know what it's like when the milk pump breaks at 3 a.m. or when a calf needs pulling on a holiday,” Genasci explained. “That experience helps me connect with elected officials and remind them that farmers are small business owners who don't clock out when something goes wrong.” Over-regulation at the Core When asked about the biggest issues heading into 2025, Genasci pointed to overregulation. From water restrictions and burn bans to mounting labor costs and overtime rules, he says Sacramento continues to push policies that squeeze family farms. “You've got legislators looking at 2,000 bills a year, and many of them impact agriculture. At some point you have to ask if we really need all these new laws,” he said. The impact goes beyond farmers' bottom lines. Genasci emphasized that overregulation drives up grocery store prices for families. “When we ban insecticides or cut labor hours, those costs show up at the checkout line. California farmers produce the safest, healthiest food in the world, but we're competing against imports from countries that don't face the same restrictions.” Water, Land, and Labor Genasci highlighted water as the single most pressing concern. While 2014's Proposition 1 promised billions for new storage projects, little progress has been made. Farmers in the San Joaquin Valley are forced to make tough choices, from fallowing ground to converting farmland into solar developments under AB 1156. Labor is another hurdle. “Farmers are paying $20 an hour just to compete with McDonald's. Once you add overtime, you're looking at $30 to $40 an hour—costs that simply aren't sustainable,” Genasci said. The result is fewer hours for workers and an accelerated push toward automation and robotics. A Call for Advocacy Despite the frustration, Genasci is clear: the fight for California agriculture is not lost. He urges farmers to stay engaged with organizations like Farm Bureau. “If we're not at the table in Sacramento and D.C., someone else is. Whether it's environmental groups or labor groups, they're telling their story. We need to tell ours.” He also sees education as key, especially for future generations. Through scholarships, FFA, and 4-H, Farm Bureau works to connect youth with agriculture. “They may not all stay in farming, but they'll understand the responsibility and the value of what it takes to put food on the table,” he said. As California continues to grapple with regulation, water shortages, and shifting labor markets, Genasci remains committed to ensuring farmers have a strong voice: “God gave us the best land in the world to farm. If we're going to keep feeding America and the world, we've got to fight for it.”
California Farm Bureau members traveled to the state Capitol last month to advocate on issues such as the conservation of farmland, clean water laws and regulatory burdens farmers, and the Department of Homeland Security reverses guidance on immigration raids at farms, hotels, and restaurants.
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.
California is known for being home to Hollywood and Silicon Valley. But the Golden State also has millions of acres of farmland, and we're exploring how technology is changing that landscape in a series this week about “Agtech Valley.”We visited HMC Farms with its farm manager Drew Ketelsen, who took us to an orchard of Lady Erin yellow peach trees trained to grow in narrow upright pillars rather than the usual rounded shape.
California is known for being home to Hollywood and Silicon Valley. But the Golden State also has millions of acres of farmland, and we're exploring how technology is changing that landscape in a series this week about “Agtech Valley.”We visited HMC Farms with its farm manager Drew Ketelsen, who took us to an orchard of Lady Erin yellow peach trees trained to grow in narrow upright pillars rather than the usual rounded shape.
Tariffs and retaliatory tariffs have California farmers doing what they can to preserve their relationships with foreign buyers, and USDA will lead a trade mission to Hong Kong May 12-16 to enhance market access and expand American ag exports.
Darcy B. and Darcy V. thought you could use a little refresh from all the election advertising, conversation, and in some instances, drama. Just in time for the biggest food holiday of the year, Darcy V. and Darcy B. go over some fun Thanksgiving Dinner food facts. Darcy V. has been waiting to do this episode for over a year! The Darcys share where the most popular holiday food comes from, how much in total receipts each item generates, and a multitude of other fun foodie facts! You'll be the hit of the party with this information! Spoiler alert – California Farmers are a big reason you enjoy those Thanksgiving family favorites. So, while we all count our blessings this holiday, please take a moment and offer thanks for our California Farmers. Send us a textWe Grow California Podcast is paid for by the Exchange Contractors Federal PAC and Exchange Contractors State PAC and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.
In this weeks news we cover the following stories: Woman Apologizes After Tragic Incident During Substance-Induced Psychosis | Perth Schoolboy Charged for Allegedly Making and Selling Infused Gummy Candies | California Senators Approve Bill Allowing Growers to Sell Directly to Consumers at State-Run Farmers Markets | JD Vance Claims Fentanyl Is Being Found in Products Used by Teenagers | Hundreds of Airline Passengers Smuggling Products into the UK | Come and join in the discussion about any of these news articles on our cannabis growing forum, Discord server, or any of your favourite social networks. Visit our website for links. Website: https://highonhomegrown.com Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown Thank you for downloading and listening to our cannabis podcast! I hope you enjoy this episode.
If you're a grower in California, solar panel energy is a smart, efficient option. Gradient Solar Systems ((951) 445-2271) can consult you on the best ways to get efficient, full-service solar panel battery storage on your farm! Go to https://gradientsolarsystems.com/ Gradient Solar Systems City: Colton Address: 901 East Washington Street Website: https://gradientsolarsystems.com/ Phone: +1 951 445 2271
California Farmers, ranchers and tribal members turn out recently to offer insights on an emergency regulation to set minimum flows on tributaries, and the four largest meatpackers were hit by a new price-fixing lawsuit from a group of small food distributors.
California Farmers, ranchers and tribal members turn out recently to offer insights on an emergency regulation to set minimum flows on tributaries, and the four largest meatpackers were hit by a new price-fixing lawsuit from a group of small food distributors.
After years of drought, some California farmers are planting agave, and with winter fast approaching, average gas prices declined again for the fifth straight week.
After years of drought, some California farmers are planting agave, and with winter fast approaching, average gas prices declined again for the fifth straight week.
Siyamak sits down with Sohan Samran, a farmer in Madera County. He discusses the challenges farmers are facing in California and shares how he was able to build a canal in this property to store some of the stormwater in the underground basin without any help from any government entity. "They want to downsize our agriculture footprint. It pushes small family farmers out of business. You have to spend $1 [million] to $2 million to get the permit. Cut the red tape, make it simpler." ⭕️Watch in-depth videos based on Truth & Tradition at Epoch TV
PRI fellow in agriculture policy Pam Lewison joins us for a discussion of how this year's record rainfall has been both a blessing and a major challenge for California's farmers. She also discusses federal and state policy debates and pending legal rulings that could significantly impact state water policy and California agriculture.
Farmers in California's San Joaquin Valley are being forced to bulldoze healthy nut and citrus trees and grapevines due to water shortages, and many electric vehicles don't come with AM radio and that's a big worry for farm broadcasters.
For decades, Mario Santoyo is someone who has fought hard for water for California Farmers. He describes the catastrophic nature of SGMA.
All Californians are feeling the effect of three-plus years of drought and the Morning Show with Nikki Medoro welcomes Joe Del Bosque of Del Bosque Farms to talk about the obstacles facing California farmers right now, including changing the kinds of fruits and vegetables grown. How can consumers help?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
All Californians are feeling the effect of three-plus years of drought and the Morning Show with Nikki Medoro welcomes Joe Del Bosque of Del Bosque Farms to talk about the obstacles facing California farmers right now, including changing the kinds of fruits and vegetables grown. How can consumers help?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Covered Topics – What's been happening with tha boys! – Athena Sponsorship – Guys that dont make their own seeds – AB 2691 California Farmers market bill – Events – our memories of events, what it’s like at events. Where […]
The Top Local Stories Of The Day
Paul meets with Mingle's Coconuts in Ojai, California to talk about their handcrafted fresh Thai coconuts, how the family got started in the coconut business, what it's been like operating at many Southern California Farmers Markets during COVID and the many artisan products they sell.
This week, I speak with Kara Heckert, a regional director at the nonprofit American Farmland Trust. Its mission is to save America's farms and ranches. Kara works there on agricultural sustainability and natural resource conservation in California. America's farmers are facing some very real challenges right now. Wildfires, drought, loss of farmland, and a history of discrimination. In this episode, we look more closely at all these issues.
Nearly half of California is mired in exceptional drought, including vast swaths of the Central Valley, which produces roughly 40% of the nation's fruits, vegetables and nuts. Water shortages in the region are having profound effects on growers, who are uprooting crops, letting fields lie fallow and turning their lands into solar farms and other uses. We'll hear from farmers about how the drought is affecting their operations and the steps they're taking to mitigate the worst impacts.
In today's My Ag Life in Citrus show, host Sabrina Halvorson facilitates a conversation between Casey Creamer, president and CEO of California Citrus Mutual and Eric Bream, President of Bream Family Farm. They discuss regulations the California farmer face, the Sustainable Groundwater Act (SGMA), and more.
A fifth straight dry month is now officially in the books and farmers are warned to expect low supplies. Sabrina Halvorson talks with Cannon Michael of Bowles Farming about the current situation, farming with less water and what he's expecting for this year. We also have highlights from the California Walnut Board and Commission industry meeting and Commodity Classic.
In this episode, I speak with Carrie Isaacson and Mitchel Yerxa to learn more about the implications of Prop. 15. In this interview, you will get answers to questions such as why are California producers concerned? How will it affect small business owners? What will be the effect on consumers? Music: "Upbeat Party" by scottholmesmusic.com
When it comes to agricultural output, California is truly the cream of the crop. The Golden State produces one-third of the nation's vegetables and two-thirds of its fruit. And those grapes you're enjoying, either in a bowl or in a glass? Odds are they were grown on a California farm. While the California sunshine, mild temperatures, and fertile soil make for optimal growing conditions, there would be no California agricultural industry without hardworking farmers and farmworkers. They toil day in and day out all year long to cultivate everything from juicy oranges and peaches to crunchy almonds. In recognition of those tireless workers, California Grown has designated October California Farmer and Farmworker Month. To mark the occasion, California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson interviews farmers located in two of the state’s richest agricultural regions—the Central Valley and the Central Coast. Johnson first learns about the family history and traditions of a multigenerational peach and stone-fruit farm outside of Fresno. He then talks with an urban winemaker based in Paso Robles who got her start cleaning wine cellars. After that, he chats with a Central Valley grape and almond farmer who has been working the fields for 50 years.
Congressman Harder
How is the agriculture industry faring in the new normal? We look at how family farms are adjusting during shelter-in-place. Then, East Bay musicians share what it’s like to be LGBTQ in the pop-punk scene. And, we'll continue our "New Arrivals" series featuring local authors. Plus, we're remembering Oakland's Bonnie Pointer .
California produces more food than any other state in the nation. Over one-third of U.S. vegetables and two-thirds of U.S. fruits and nuts are grown in California. But drought, wildfire, and the impacts of climate change are increasing across the state. How are the farmers doing? And how are the young farmers doing? Lindsey talks with Mai Nguyen, Young Farmers' California Organizer, based in San Diego, who is also a heritage grain farmer, activist, and former climate researcher. Mai authored the 2019 California Young Farmers Report for the National Young Farmers Coalition which drops later this week.
Away from Home meals are up. What does that mean for California Farmers' income? We have the details. What are the Trump Administration's strategies for increasing rural prosperity? We've got that info, too. Have you heard about the California Farm Demonstration Network? We'll tell you all about it. When it comes to gophers versus drip irrigation, it's usually the gopher that wins. We have tips to put you on the winning side. And the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is slowly being implemented in California. And for some California farms, the slower the better. We'll tell you why. All that, plus a report on the mushrooming, um growing,…mushroom business. It's all on today's KSTE Farm Hour. Let's get started!
Away from Home meals are up. What does that mean for California Farmers’ income? We have the details. What are the Trump Administration’s strategies for increasing rural prosperity? We’ve got that info, too. Have you heard about the California Farm Demonstration Network? We’ll tell you all about it. When it comes to gophers versus drip irrigation, it’s usually the gopher that wins. We have tips to put you on the winning side. And the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is slowly being implemented in California. And for some California farms, the slower the better. We’ll tell you why. All that, plus a report on the mushrooming, um growing,…mushroom business. It’s all on today’s KSTE Farm Hour. Let’s get started!
I’m super excited to introduce my guest today who I think I have a lot in common with as she is also a Farmer’s wife and writer! I think we both have a passion for biographies! She’s written a book about some farms in California so I hope some listeners will learn about some farms in their own neighborhoods! (http://amzn.to/2vuk0m5) (http://amzn.to/2vuk0m5) Why We Farm: Farmers’ Stories of Growing Our Food and Sustaining Their Business (http://amzn.to/2vuk0m5) is a book for people who want to know the whole truth about life as a modern day farmer. Each chapter features a different model of farming. Farmers share the stories behind their work and their lives on the farm; the business side of production, the personal challenges they face, and words of advice for the would-be-farmer. The book asks hard questions and gives a reverent yet realistic picture of a thriving local food system. Elvira Di’Brigit is the farmer’s wife and cat-herder at The Gettleshtetl Gardens, where they grow organic olives, walnuts, and much more. She has been a resident of the Capay Valley for over 15 years. Becoming familiar with the valley’s landscapes and people is what inspired her to write Why We Farm (http://amzn.to/2kjGmCO) . The Farmers (Leapfrog Farm) Learn how one farmer makes a living from a one-acre crop. ( Cache Creek Lavender (http://www.cachecreeklavender.com/) ) (Full Belly Farm) Read about people who chose to start farming in their retirement. (Capay Valley Vineyards and Grumpy Goats Farm Olive Oil) See how livestock ranchers are adopting ecologically beneficial methods. (Skyelark Ranch, Riverdog Farm, and Pasture 42) I’m super excited to introduce my guest today who I think I have a lot in common with as she is also a Farmer’s wife and writer! I think we both have a passion for biographies! She’s written a book about some farms in California so I hope some listeners will learn about some farms in their own neighborhoods! Why We Farm (http://amzn.to/2kjGmCO) is a book for people who want to know the whole truth about life as a modern day farmer. Each chapter features a different model of farming. Farmers share the stories behind their work and their lives on the farm; the business side of production, the personal challenges they face, and words of advice for the would-be-farmer. The book asks hard questions and gives a reverent yet realistic picture of a thriving local food system. Elvira Di’Brigit is the farmer’s wife and cat-herder at (http://amzn.to/2kjGmCO) . (http://amzn.to/2kjGmCO) (http://amzn.to/2kjGmCO) Tell us a little about yourself. I like seeing your bio on your website, my husband does a lot of the farming and I come out and help sometimes. I used to go to Montana every summer. My grandparents lived in Coures d’Alene outside of Troy, MT I was lucky to spend the summers there. Spending the summers in the garden learning about homesteading animals big vegetable garden more about myself I grew up in the Bay Area in California when I had children really started looking around for a place to live a little healthier environment that’s how I got into the organic Capay Valley good questions a lot of people who live near by have not even heard of CApay Valley it’s a little secret west of davis, sacramento about an hour California has a big central valley that takes up most of the state from the first foothills to the west napa valley one more set of hills 3 children 2 are all grown out of house a little older yep secrued this route to getting to the Capay Valley we found about it knowing about Wilbur Hot springs wilderness retreat space 10 miles north of the Capay Valley exploring looking for land Tell me about your first gardening experience? no, I think it was really with my grandparents actually moved from Brooklyn NY to Idaho Support this podcast
Be aware that a hearing at the California Supreme Court on Tues. Sept. 5 that could in essence force all California Farmers into UFW unionization.
The California Assembly passed AB1066, which is an ag overtime bill. It's puts a huge burden on California Farmers, which already pay overtime to their workers
RN and Professor of Public Health at University of San Francisco talks with us about the practice of using oil wastewater in California's Central Valley--to irrigate crops. And the oil companies are making a profit on the wastewater--they SELL, yes sell--to the farmers. Barbara talks about this and more about California oil production and the concerns nurses have about public health. This is a 3-part podcast.
Part 2: RN and Professor of Public Health at University of San Francisco talks with us about the practice of using oil wastewater in California's Central Valley--to irrigate crops. And the oil companies are making a profit on the wastewater--they SELL, yes sell--to the farmers. Barbara talks about this and more about California oil production and the concerns nurses have about public health. This is a 3-part podcast.
Part 1: RN and Professor of Public Health at University of San Francisco talks with us about the practice of using oil wastewater in California's Central Valley--to irrigate crops. And the oil companies are making a profit on the wastewater--they SELL, yes sell--to the farmers. Barbara talks about this and more about California oil production and the concerns nurses have about public health. This is a 3-part podcast.
This podcast explores how California Farmers are generously helping with donations of fresh produce to food banks
Ed Butowsky, wealth manager, financial advisor, and managing partner of Chapwood Investment Management, discusses how President Obama's executive action would block 5 million people from deportation and what the impact is on California farmers.
PatiCakes, Queen of Cannabis; Dr T, Sidekick; Kandice Hawes, Executive Director Orange County NORML, David James, Secretary Orange County NORML discuss with guest Dani of Sacramento, what is going on in Sacramento.................. The Farmer's Daughter restaurant and Bakery in Sacramento was raided in 2012 and police say they had 80 lbs of pot! Well it was something like 2 pounds! More lies & deceit to make a bust! And from what Dani says, the raids are still happening in Sacramento! Didn't they get the email from the government? BIG NEWS...........California Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 566 which will allow California Farmers to grow industrial Hemp upon federal approval........Maybe I won't have to have my Hemp Tote Bags "Made in China"!! Canada knows how to do it, they are pumping $1.3Billion into new pot growing project! Take notice United States, you are in the dark Ages!! Hey who turned the lights off? California indoor Growers blow out electrical lines in a "quiet" residential neighborhood in Stanislaus County. They used so much electricity that they overloaded the grid & burned through cables supplying the entire neighborhood!! WTF! America's First Hemp Crop Harvest In Almost 60 Years Begins In Colorado!! YAY!! Hemp Hemp Hooray!! Back in May, Springfield, Colo. farmer Ryan Lofin planted 55 acres of hemp -- the first hemp crop planted in the U.S. in nearly 60 years. Last week, Lofin and others harvested the historic hemp plants by hand as advocates watched. The passage of Amendment 64 in Colorado last November, which famously legalized marijuana for recreational use by adults, also allows for the commercial growing of hemp. And now that Attorney General Eric Holder recently announced that the Department of Justice will allow Colorado's new marijuana laws to go into effect, this harvest may be the symbolic first that restarts a once-booming American industry, if other farmers choose to follow Lofin's lead. "This is monumental for our industry," said Bruce Perlowin, chief executive of Hemp Inc., to The Denver Post back when Lofin first planted his crop. "It will unlock a clean industrial revolution that will be good for the economy, good for jobs and good for the environment." http://norml.org/ca/item/sacramento-norml http://hempradio.com/ http://orangecountynorml.org/ http://normlwomensalliance.org/ We love hearing from you at paticakes@hempradio.com Be Safe Be Smart Have a Fabulous Time!