Managing manure is nothing new for dairy operators. After all, cows and their four-chambered stomachs are one of nature’s best examples of efficient digestion. But these days, those bovine digestive systems are generating a new source of income for nearly 200 dairies in California. At his River Ranch Farms in Hanford, Jack de Jong now […]
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 […]
After a two-year hiatus, The California Antique Equipment Show™ is back and bigger than ever! For more than 30 years the event has focused solely on antique farm equipment and family entertainment. But after the success of the newly created Swap-O-Rama, a swap meet for vintage cars, motorcycles, parts, and automobilia, it made sense for […]
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 […]
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, […]
The 2021 drought directly cost the California agriculture sector about $1.1 billion and nearly 8,750 full- and part-time jobs, according to estimates in a new analysis led by UC Merced researchers. Once the effects on other economic sectors are considered, total impacts are estimated at $1.7 billion and 14,634 full- and part-time jobs lost. The […]
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) released new satellite-based data that show subsidence – or the sinking of the land surface due to excessive groundwater pumping – continues in the state. DWR has intensified statewide subsidence monitoring to help identify impacts and address them collaboratively with local groundwater agencies, counties and landowners. The areas […]
It happens every year. As soon as pallets loaded with honeybee colonies hit the soil in California orchards to pollinate the almond crop, they are targeted by thieves. Authorities and others in the business say the culprits tend to be other beekeepers. Thieves are after the pollination rental income, which this year is $200 to […]
In partnership with Alianza Ecologista – a Tulare County environmental alliance – Circle J – Norris Ranch is holding its Community Biodiversity Festival Saturday, February 26. The public is invited to attend and participate in fun, hands-on activities suitable for the whole family. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., attendees can participate in the annual BioBlitz to document the biodiversity of Circle J utilizing the […]
The 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space at the World Ag Expo in Tulare last week brimmed with robotics, automated harvesters, artificial intelligence, plus low-emission vehicles, data management software and even some traditional implements to help farmers. “This place is like a candy store, just seeing all the new technologies, and (I can) dream […]