AgNet News Hour

AI, Robotics, and Innovation in California Agriculture – AgNet News Hour Christmas Special

Celebrate Christmas with the AgNet News Hour as host Nick Papagni, the “Ag Meter”, talks with industry leaders transforming California agriculture. Gabe Sibley of Verdant Robotics reveals how their AI-powered Sharpshooter system delivers fertilizers, herbicides, and pollen with millimeter-level precision, helping growers cut labor costs by up to 85% while increasing yields.
Shannon Douglass, President of the California Farm Bureau, discusses regulatory challenges, water management, and ways farmers can engage in local and state policy through initiatives like Campaign School. Todd Burkdoll of Valent USA shares decades of crop science expertise, including plant growth regulators, fungicides, and techniques to improve almond, citrus, and grape production.
From automation and robotics to innovative crop management and sustainable practices, this Christmas special highlights how technology and policy are shaping the future of California farming.
Listen now to gain actionable insights, explore cutting-edge technology, and learn strategies to maximize efficiency, yields, and sustainability in modern agriculture.

AgNet News Hour: Farming, Freight & Market Reality

On this Christmas Eve “Best Of” episode of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni, the “Ag Meter”. sits down with Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on the real challenges facing agriculture today. Foglio breaks down weak hay and alfalfa markets, low milk prices, lost export demand, and the tough financial decisions farmers must make to stay afloat. The discussion also dives into water uncertainty, land conversion, generational farming pressures, and why automation must deliver immediate returns to work for family farms.
One of the most eye-opening segments focuses on the freight crisis, where ultra-low trucking rates, unsafe licensing practices, and underregulated operators are driving down margins and raising serious safety concerns across agriculture. This episode delivers unfiltered insight from someone operating on both the farming and transportation sides of the industry. A must-listen for growers, dairymen, and anyone who wants to understand what’s really shaping the future of agriculture.
🎧 Listen now and stay connected with AgNet West for agriculture news that matters—straight from the voices living it every day.

AgNet News Hour Podcast Recap: Agriculture Policy, Rodeo Ambassadors, and Holiday Cheer

California Agriculture & High-Speed Rail: Elaine Culotti on AgNet NewsHour

California Agriculture and the Central Valley
Elaine Culotti, known as the “Lipstick Farmer,” joins AgNet News Hour to discuss the state of California agriculture and the Central Valley. She highlights the challenges facing farmers, including heavy bureaucracy, regulatory red tape, and mismanaged funds, which threaten both infrastructure and agricultural innovation. Culotti emphasizes that young farmers, regenerative agriculture initiatives, and advanced farming technology depend on a more efficient, supportive system. The Central Valley, she argues, is California’s most valuable agricultural asset and should be treated as such.
The High-Speed Rail Opportunity
Culotti addresses the California high-speed rail project, criticizing political delays and bureaucratic inefficiency. She stresses that competent contractors, federal and state funding, and fair compensation for affected farmers are crucial for completing the project. Beyond transportation, she sees the rail as a lifeline that could connect Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the Central Valley, while reducing traffic congestion, supporting sustainable economic growth, and creating opportunities for young innovators and farmers.
Supporting Local Economies
A major focus of Culotti’s discussion is economic development and local revenue. She advocates returning sales tax to the towns where purchases are made, supporting small businesses, and empowering local communities. By ensuring towns keep this revenue, she argues, California can strengthen cities and reduce dependence on Sacramento, which often prioritizes large special interests over local needs.
Preparing for the 2026 Elections
Culotti encourages Californians to consider centrist candidates in the 2026 elections, emphasizing those not influenced by PACs or special interests. She calls for leaders who offer practical solutions, including better management of labor, water, and infrastructure. Culotti also urges professionals with expertise in law, education, insurance, and economic development to step into public service, helping rebuild an accountable, effective government.
Practical Advice for Farmers
Culotti provides actionable strategies for California farmers:
Adopt regenerative agriculture and modern farming equipment.
Improve post-harvest soil health using humates to conserve water and nutrients.
Protect crops with fungicides like Marivon to ensure resilience against frost and disease.
Address labor shortages through legal work permits and fair immigration policies.
Citizen Engagement and Accountability
Culotti stresses the importance of citizen engagement. With millions of taxpayers funding a system that often fails to serve local communities, she encourages Californians to hold government accountable and contribute expertise wherever possible. By supporting infrastructure, electing competent leaders, and promoting local economic growth, residents can help make California sustainable and prosperous.
Listen to the Full Episode:
Hear the full interview with Elaine Culotti on the AgNet News Hour podcast to learn more about California agriculture, infrastructure solutions, and political reform.

AgNet News Hour: Alexandra Duarte on California Agriculture, Water Policy, and the Future of Farming

In this week’s AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Lori Boyer sit down with Alexandra Duarte, almond grower and candidate for California State Senate District 4, to discuss the challenges facing rural communities, water management, and the future of agriculture. Duarte shares her campaign vision, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, state and federal collaboration, and empowering the next generation of farmers. The episode also features an interview with Leslie Hickle and Eamonn Keogh from Farm Sense, showcasing innovative AI-driven solutions for real-time pest management in orchards.
Alexandra Duarte: Fighting for Rural Communities and Agriculture
Alexandra Duarte has spent decades in agriculture and understands firsthand the pressures on California’s farmers. On the campaign trail, she’s heard consistent concerns from sheriffs, educators, and local business owners: high costs of water and energy, staffing shortages, and limited rural resources. Duarte argues that California doesn’t have a water shortage, but rather a “Sacramento problem”, and she’s committed to working with both state and federal agencies to solve these challenges.
Duarte highlights her strong relationships in Washington, including ties through her husband, former Congressman John Duarte, as a key asset for navigating agricultural policy. She plans to prioritize water management, infrastructure, and natural resources in rural communities, ensuring funding from Sacramento benefits the Central Valley, not just coastal regions. She also stresses the importance of supporting young farmers, promoting agricultural education through FFA and 4-H programs, and encouraging more farmers and business leaders to step into political roles.
Farm Sense: AI Technology for Smarter Farming
Following the main interview, the show turns to innovation in the field with Leslie Hickle and Eamonn Keogh of Farm Sense. Their AI-powered sensors provide real-time data on orchard pests, including navel orangeworm and codling moth, enabling growers to optimize treatment timing and reduce chemical use. With pricing comparable to traditional sticky traps and environmentally conscious benefits like reduced CO2 emissions, Farm Sense is helping farmers save money, improve efficiency, and move toward more organic practices.
Growers can monitor pest populations via mobile devices, customize treatments based on life stage analysis, and reduce unnecessary labor. Hickle and Keogh emphasize that technology like this is critical as farming evolves, particularly in the era of AI and automation.
Looking Ahead: Agriculture, Automation, and Small Business
The conversation also touches on the broader challenges facing farmers and small businesses, including labor shortages, minimum wage pressures, and automation. Duarte and the AgNet team highlight the need for ROI-focused solutions that help small farms remain competitive, while new technology and delivery trends are reshaping rural economies. They also explore the role of consumers in supporting small businesses over large corporations, emphasizing sustainability and local community impact.
Call to Action:
Learn more about Alexandra Duarte’s campaign for State Senate District 4 by visiting her official website and connecting via social media.
Learn more about Farm Sense and their AI-driven pest management solutions at farmsense.io.

AgNet News Hour: California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass on Policy, People, and the Future of Agriculture

The AgNet News Hour features a wide-ranging conversation with Shannon Douglass, President of the California Farm Bureau, focusing on the policies, people, and priorities shaping the future of California agriculture. Hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer discuss the Farm Bureau’s role in representing more than 400 commodities while advocating for growers of all sizes across the state.
Douglass reflects on the 107th California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Anaheim, highlighting strong member engagement, youth participation, philanthropy, and recognition of long-serving leaders. She emphasizes that agriculture today goes far beyond traditional farming, offering careers in technology, science, innovation, and advocacy—making the industry accessible to first-generation farmers and young professionals.
Key policy topics include food affordability, land-use protection, rising input costs, workforce and immigration reform, and the urgent push to modernize regulations to allow autonomous farm equipment in California. Douglass points out the contradiction of permitting driverless cars on public roads while banning autonomous tractors in farm fields, noting growing bipartisan momentum for change.

AgNet News Hour: Policy Shifts, Market Pressures, and the Future of California Almonds

The AgNet News Hour breaks down the most important agriculture news impacting California and the nation. Hosts Nick Papagni (the Ag Meter) and Lorrie Boyer cover major policy developments, market pressures, and environmental issues shaping today’s ag economy—while delivering an in-depth look at innovation and growth within the California almond industry.
This episode features highlights from the Almond Board of California Annual Meeting, including remarks from President and CEO Clarice Turner, who outlines global demand trends, sustainability leadership, AI-driven research, and new value-added uses for almonds, hulls, and shells. From dairy policy and energy costs to citrus season strength and export market expansion, this episode provides critical insight for growers, shippers, and ag professionals.
Listen & Subscribe
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Listen now for expert analysis on California agriculture, almond markets, sustainability, and global trade.

AgNet News Hour: Weather, Policy, and Crop Insights in California Agriculture

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer dive into the latest California agriculture headlines. They cover winter weather trends, including chill hours critical for cherries, citrus, almonds, and other tree crops. Listeners get insights on rainfall, snow forecasts, and seasonal outlooks, along with the potential impacts on crop yields and farm operations.
The conversation moves to policy and federal oversight, including updates on SNAP program audits and the importance of transparency in government support programs. Papagni and Boyer also explore fertilizer markets, record-breaking nut crop production, and emerging global demand trends for pistachios and walnuts.
A highlight of the episode is the interview with Todd Bergdoll of Valent USA, who shares his expertise on crop protection, plant growth regulators (PGRs), and maximizing coverage for better efficacy. Todd emphasizes the importance of slowing down for optimal spray application and blending technology with traditional agricultural knowledge. He also discusses his personal journey from Dinuba, California, to international experience in Southeast Asia, and back to California agriculture leadership.
Growers and agricultural professionals will gain actionable insights on crop management, water allocation, and future trends heading into 2026.
How to Connect
Email Todd Bergdoll: tburk@valent.com
Learn More & Stay Updated: AgNet West
Follow on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, X (@AgNetWest)
Subscribe to the Podcast: Search “AgNet West” on your favorite podcast app