Floodwaters on farms help boost aquifers

The historically wet winter early this year motivated greater adoption of a water management strategy known as flood-managed aquifer recharge, or flood-MAR, in which excess flood flows are diverted onto farmland to boost depleted groundwater aquifers. “We knew from the previous year, even in intense drought years, we have opportunities with these big storm events […]

Tulare County walnut buying period starts Friday

Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner Tom Tucker announced today that the walnut-buying period will begin Friday, November 3 as the County’s nut theft ordinance continues to be enforced. “Commercial production and handling of walnuts constitute an important industry here in Tulare County” Tucker said. “Unfortunately, some people steal them from orchards and attempt to sell the […]

Setton Farms launches five-ounce Tajin Seasoned Pistachio Kernels

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Inc., the nation’s second-largest pistachio grower and processor, is thrilled to launch a retail-ready 5-ounce bag of its Tajín® Seasoned Pistachio Kernels. More compact, this new addition features a fresh packaging design that prominently displays both the Tajín® and Setton Farms brands. Setton Farms previously launched its 20-ounce Tajín® Chili & Lime Seasoned Pistachio Kernels in June 2023. The new […]

Almond, walnut exports to benefit as India lifts tariffs

India has formally removed retaliatory tariffs on some U.S. farm products that made commodities such as almonds and walnuts from California less competitive. Duties on almonds, walnuts, apples, chickpeas and lentils were lifted Sept. 6. The tariffs were eliminated two days before President Joe Biden’s meeting last week with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead […]

Storm devastates table grape crops at peak of harvest

California table grape growers in Kern and Tulare counties suffered major crop losses last month when heavy rains and strong winds from Tropical Storm Hilary slammed vineyards as they neared the peak of harvest season. “The impact of the hurricane and its aftermath is devastating and heartbreaking,” Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape […]