California Farm Bureau underscores need for stable agricultural workforce

In response to recent immigration enforcement activity, the California Farm Bureau reaffirms its support for the employees who are essential to the success and sustainability of farming and ranching in California. “California agriculture depends on and values its workforce. Farm employees are not just workers—they are partners in this industry,” said Bryan Little, senior director […]

State unveils wolf mapping tool to help avoid conflicts

California ranchers have a new mapping tool designed to provide regular location information on GPS-collared gray wolves in the state to help prevent wolf-livestock conflicts. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife released the Wolf Location Automated Mapping System last week. Available to the public on CDFW’s website, the wolf tracker shows the approximate location […]

Study finds that subsidence, groundwater over-pumping could limit future water deliveries without action

A recently released technical report concludes that the sinking of land in the Central Valley due to over-pumping of groundwater, referred to as subsidence, has restricted the amount of water the State Water Project (SWP) can deliver in a year by 3 percent. By 2043, if no action is taken, the current trajectory of subsidence, […]

Setton Pistachio announces first annual drone challenge contest

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the nation’s second-largest pistachio grower and processor, is excited to announce the recipients of their first annual Drone Challenge contest. This initiative was launched as part of Setton’s commitment to fostering advanced education for students and to encourage the development of future technology leaders and innovators. For more information, […]

California dairies make progress in cutting emissions

At their current pace, California dairy farmers are expected to meet the state’s goal for reducing methane emissions from their farms ahead of schedule. Though methane digesters are often credited for doing most of the heavy lifting, California dairy farmers have been implementing other technologies and conservation practices that help them move the needle toward […]

Cracking the code of pistachio genetics

California produces 99% of the nation’s pistachios, generating nearly $3 billion in economic value in the state. But pistachios have been slightly understudied in part because of the lack of a high-quality map of their DNA. University of California, Davis, researchers have now generated the most comprehensive genome sequence of the pistachio, allowing plant breeders […]

Westlands Water District appoints Brad Cavallo as science advisor

Westlands Water District is pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Cavallo as its new Science Advisor. In this key role, Mr. Cavallo will provide scientific expertise and strategic guidance on water management, environmental compliance, regulatory matters, and scientific investigations. He will also collaborate closely with state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and key stakeholders […]

California Farm Bureau president highlights urgent challenges facing agriculture

California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass identified critical issues facing the state’s farmers and ranchers, stressing immediate action is needed to support small and mid-sized farms, streamline regulations and invest in innovative water management practices. “Agriculture has been the backbone of California’s economy for generations,” Douglass said. “However, today, our sector is facing significant challenges […]

State to revisit ban on driverless tractors

New technologies have transformed the world during the past half-century. Agriculture has been no exception, with the emergence of aerial drones, autonomous tractors and other equipment changing the way crops are planted, cared for and harvested. One thing that hasn’t changed since 1977, however, is a regulation from California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, […]