The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, now in its third week, is taking a toll on California’s high-value specialty crop sector. In addition to causing sharp increases in fuel and fertilizer costs, the war has disrupted access to key export markets. “As the largest exporting state, California and our exporters and producers are bearing the brunt […]
Although California beekeepers have not seen the devastating hive mortality this winter that they did in 2025, they say they’re still losing colonies. “Things are looking OK, but we won’t really know until the end of bloom,” said Ryan Burris, California State Beekeepers Association president and a Palo Cedro beekeeper and queen breeder. “It sounds […]
The 2026 World Ag Expo gathered attendees and exhibitors from around the world in Tulare, California, for the world’s largest annual outdoor agricultural exposition. Over 100,000 attendees joined the 2026 World Ag Expo, with a slight increase in attendance from last year. Visitors represented all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 53 countries. Farmers, […]
After nearly 20 years of dedicated leadership, the Tulare County Farm Bureau announces that its Executive Director, Tricia Stever Blattler will step down from her role effective July 1, 2026. Following thoughtful reflection, she shared her decision with the Board of Directors earlier this month, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve and confidence […]
Cold temperatures, which put trees into deep winter dormancy, may have been late to arrive last fall. But prolonged periods of tule fog during the winter made up for it by depressing temperatures, likely resulting in adequate chilling. “I do believe that the chill may have been more effective this year because of so many […]
Several new state laws set to take effect this week will impact agriculture in California. Beginning Jan. 1, California farmers and ranchers will see changes pertaining to employee wages, management of abandoned farmland, organic waste disposal, agritourism and immigration enforcement. As with other sectors, the cost of agricultural labor will rise as California’s minimum wage […]
Today, Westlands Water District released its 2025 Economic Impact Report, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the District’s economic contributions using the most recent available data from 2022. While the report confirms that Westlands continues to be a foundational economic force in the San Joaquin Valley and statewide-supporting thousands of jobs, driving billions in economic […]
The Great Western Livestock Show is gearing up for its highly anticipated return, taking place January 30th to February 1st, 2026, at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. This premier agricultural event celebrates excellence in livestock exhibition and is proud to partner with Fresno State and College of the Sequoias Agriculture Departments to foster education and community […]
The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) unanimously adopted a resolution at its December 2nd board meeting to return three Kaweah River area groundwater agencies to Department of Water Resources (DWR) oversight, effectively retaining local control over groundwater management. The Kaweah Subbasin, a groundwater basin within Tulare County comprised of the East Kaweah, […]
California often swings between climate extremes — from powerful storms to punishing droughts. As climate change drives more intense and frequent dry and wet cycles, pressure on California’s water supplies grows. A new University of California, Davis, economic study finds that drought in California pushes the price of water from rivers, lakes and reservoirs up […]