Port delays worsen as harvest of new crops approaches

As ongoing port congestion and persistent shipping obstacles continue to block movement of California agricultural goods, farmers and exporters face bulging warehouses and dwindling cash flow that threaten to sink some businesses. Tree nuts, fresh produce, dairy products and other California farm commodities struggle to find rides on vessels and containers in which to ship […]

Climate neutrality on state dairy farms ‘within reach’

As California dairy farmers face increasing pressure to reduce the impact their cows have on the warming planet, scientists and people in the business say tools are available to do just that. But getting more farms to use them will require investment and other incentives to achieve specific targets. “Climate neutrality is definitely within reach. […]

Local growers honored as Citrus Family of the Year

Three generations of the Gless Family will be honored as the “Citrus Family of the Year” during a dinner program on Friday, April 22 at Farmer Bob’s World in Ivanhoe. Farmer Bob’s World, a non-profit 501(c)(3) agricultural education program that offers farm tours and field trips, was founded by Bob McKellar, owner of McKellar Family […]

CA Department of Water Resources releases funds for repairs of Friant-Kern Canal

With California now in its third year of drought, collaboration among state, federal and local partners is critical to improving the resiliency of California’s water system. Today, the California Department of Water Resources announced it has released $29.8 million in funding to the Friant Water Authority (FWA) to repair segments of the Friant-Kern Canal, a […]

New report finds over 35,000 local jobs rely on Westlands agricultural production

A new analysis highlights the significant, positive economic impact that agricultural production within the Westlands Water District has on the State of California and the country as a whole. The Economic Impact of Westlands Water District (Study), conducted by Michael A. Shires, Ph.D., outlines the far-reaching consequences of inadequate and unreliable water supplies on economies […]

Ukraine invasion may bring more fuel spikes for farmers

Already facing sticker shock on materials and services they need to farm, California farmers are now bracing for further spikes to fuel and other energy costs as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushes crude oil prices higher. Some economists predict the conflict and resulting sanctions aimed at hurting the Russian economy will affect all petroleum-based products, […]