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 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, […]
The value of much of California’s farmland declined from 2023 to 2024, according to figures published last month by the state’s chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Authors of the ASFMRA chapter’s annual Trends report attributed the declines in farmland value to multiple factors, including low commodity prices, high inflation […]
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 […]
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 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 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 […]
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, […]
The Valley Air District’s Governing Board took action today to enhance the Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program. The program helps farmers upgrade to cleaner, more efficient equipment while improving air quality and public health across the San Joaquin Valley. Advancing low-emission technology in this sector is vital for continued air quality improvements in the Valley’s […]
While there have been news reports of unease among some farm employees, the California Farm Bureau has been in contact with numerous farmers across the state and has not heard of any widespread workforce disruption. Bryan Little, senior director of policy advocacy at the California Farm Bureau, which represents more than 26,000 farm and ranch […]