AgNet News Hour

California Water Debate: Can Farming’s Future Be Secured?

California agriculture sits at the center of an ongoing debate over water policy, infrastructure, and the future of farming in the state. In a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick “The Ag Meter” Papagni welcomed Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel of the Milk Producers Council for a passionate and insightful conversation about California’s water challenges and what must change moving forward.
The interview, part two of a continuing water series, explored the growing concerns among farmers about water allocations, environmental regulations, and the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the Golden State.
Papagni opened the discussion by pointing to what many growers see as a major disconnect between California’s growing population and its water policies. With nearly 40 million residents, the state is far larger than when much of its water infrastructure and policy framework was developed. Yet many farmers say water management has not evolved to meet those increasing demands.
Vanden Heuvel brought decades of firsthand experience to the conversation. A former Southern California dairy producer who spent nearly 40 years in the dairy industry, he has also been deeply involved in water policy at the local and statewide level. After selling his dairy in 2018, he relocated to Tulare and now works with the Milk Producers Council focusing on water supply issues and the impacts of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).
During the interview, Vanden Heuvel explained how SGMA and groundwater sustainability plans are reshaping agriculture across the San Joaquin Valley. Dairy operations and farms from Bakersfield to Stockton now face new groundwater regulations designed to prevent long-term overdraft. While the law aims to stabilize water supplies, it also presents major challenges for farming communities.
One of the most alarming findings discussed in the podcast comes from an economic impact study tied to the San Joaquin Valley Water Blueprint, a coalition of agricultural stakeholders working to develop long-term water solutions. The research suggests that if groundwater restrictions force widespread land fallowing, the region could see $7–8 billion in lost economic activity and tens of thousands of lost jobs.
Despite those challenges, Vanden Heuvel believes progress is possible. Efforts are underway to develop a Unified Valley Water Plan, designed to coordinate dozens of water supply and infrastructure projects across the region. At the same time, California lawmakers recently directed the Department of Water Resources to develop nine million acre-feet of additional water supply, a move that could help address future shortages.
The discussion also tackled misconceptions about agriculture, including the common “big ag” narrative often used in mainstream media coverage. According to Vanden Heuvel, California farming is still overwhelmingly made up of family operations, many of which are deeply committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable land management.
Both Papagni and Vanden Heuvel emphasized that education will play a major role in shaping agriculture’s future. Many urban residents, they say, simply lack exposure to farming and do not fully understand how water policy affects food production.
Their message to farmers and agricultural supporters: tell the story of agriculture, engage with communities, and stay involved in the policy conversations shaping California’s future.
The conversation also highlighted how upcoming political decisions—including California’s next gubernatorial leadership—could play a major role in determining how the state addresses its water challenges.
This wide-ranging discussion offers valuable insight into one of the most important issues facing California agriculture today.
🎧 Listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast to hear the complete conversation and deeper insights from Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel.

California Water, Energy, and Policy: Duarte, Vanden Heuvel Break It Down

California agriculture sits at the center of some of the state’s most important policy debates—water supply, infrastructure, energy, and the future of farming. Those issues took center stage on the latest AgNet News Hour, where host Nick “The AgMeter” Papagni spoke with several key voices shaping the conversation.
From a potential shake-up in California’s natural resources leadership to a deep dive into the history of the state’s water system, the program explored both the challenges and potential solutions facing farmers today.
Steve Hilton Names John Duarte for Natural Resources Role
One of the biggest stories discussed during the show was a press conference announcing that gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton plans to appoint John Duarte of Duarte Nursery as California’s Secretary of Natural Resources if elected.
Papagni attended the announcement near Millerton Lake and asked Hilton about the state’s energy challenges, particularly the impact of regulations on California’s oil and gas industry. Hilton argued that current policies have forced the state to import a large percentage of its oil and natural gas and said leadership changes could help restore domestic energy production.
Following the announcement, Papagni spoke with Duarte about his vision for California’s water future.
Duarte emphasized what he calls a return to “water abundance”—ensuring that farms, cities, and households all have reliable water supplies. His approach includes better reservoir management, expanded infrastructure, and the use of long-range weather forecasting tools that could allow water managers to predict rainfall totals months earlier.
He also highlighted ideas such as dredging the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta to improve water flow, strengthen levees, and help maintain colder water for fish while still improving water delivery reliability.
According to Duarte, improving water infrastructure and planning could allow California to support both environmental needs and agricultural production.
Fire Ant Control for Orchard Growers
The episode also included a CLS Fire Ant Friday segment with Josh McGill speaking to John Mays of Central Life Sciences.
They discussed Extinguish® Professional Fire Ant Bait, a product that uses an insect growth regulator to disrupt the fire ant colony by targeting the queen’s ability to reproduce.
Mays explained that ants carry the bait back to the colony, where it gradually collapses the population. For almond growers, the optimal application window typically falls between May and July when ants are actively foraging.
Understanding the History of California Water
The second half of the show featured a detailed conversation with Jeffrey Vanden Heuvel of the Milk Producers Council, who walked listeners through the history of California’s water system.
Vanden Heuvel explained how early agricultural development in the 1800s eventually led to massive infrastructure projects like the Central Valley Project and State Water Project, which created reservoirs, canals, and pumping systems that allowed agriculture to flourish across the Central Valley.
These projects helped create more than seven million acres of irrigated farmland producing hundreds of different crops.
However, environmental regulations beginning in the 1970s and increased reliance on groundwater have significantly reshaped the state’s water system. Vanden Heuvel also discussed the impact of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and how groundwater regulation could change farming across the San Joaquin Valley.
More to Come in Part Two
Papagni noted that the discussion with Vanden Heuvel is only the beginning. A second installment of the interview will explore potential solutions for California’s water challenges and what they could mean for the future of agriculture.
To hear the full interviews, deeper analysis, and the complete discussion, listen to the entire episode of the AgNet News Hour.

AgNet News Hour Podcast: Business, Ag Education, Water History & Orchard Health

The latest AgNet News Hour Podcast delivers another packed episode with Nick “The Ag Meter” Papagni and “Sir” Josh McGill, bringing listeners a wide-ranging discussion on agriculture, business, education, water policy, and crop protection. From inspiring entrepreneurship stories to the future of ag education and emerging orchard threats, this episode highlights the voices shaping agriculture across California.
If you want to stay informed about the issues affecting farmers, ranchers, and the broader ag industry, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.
Entrepreneurship Lessons from Pappy’s Seasoning
The show begins with the final segment of a fascinating interview with Eddie Papulias, owner of Pappy’s Choice Seasoning and Pappy Fine Foods. Papulias shares his journey from building a small family operation into a nationally recognized seasoning brand found in kitchens across the country.
During the conversation with the Ag Meter, Papulias offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to launch their own food products. He explains that while starting a business is still possible today, the process has become much more complex due to regulations, insurance requirements, and rising operational costs.
Papulias encourages new entrepreneurs to consider working with co-packers, manufacturers who produce products for emerging brands. This approach allows startups to bring family recipes or unique products to market without the heavy investment required to build their own manufacturing facility.
His story highlights the perseverance required to build a successful business—and why maintaining strong family values and faith helped guide his company through decades of growth.
Ag in the Classroom: Educating the Next Generation
The episode also features an important conversation with Amanda Fletcher, Executive Director of the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom.
Fletcher discusses the organization’s mission to connect students with agriculture and help them understand where their food comes from. Through curriculum resources and educational programs, the foundation now reaches approximately 1.3 million students across California each year.
One of the organization’s biggest upcoming initiatives is Virtual Farm Day on March 18, a live online learning event that takes students on a virtual journey through the farm-to-school process. The program will highlight produce operations, beef production, and school food service programs to show how food travels from the field to students’ lunch trays.
Fletcher also explains how agriculture offers a wide range of career opportunities—from technology and communications to engineering and mechanics—many of which students may not realize exist within the industry.
Water History and the Central Valley Project
The Ag Meter also previews an upcoming discussion with GeoffreyVanden Heuvel, who dives into the history of California water infrastructure and the development of the Central Valley Project.
This massive project, launched in the early 1900s, included the construction of major dams, pumping stations, and hundreds of miles of canals designed to deliver water to California’s Central Valley farms.
The upcoming conversation promises a deeper look at how California’s water system began and how water policy continues to impact agriculture today.
Almond Growers Monitor Red Leaf Blotch
The episode wraps up with Todd Burkdoll of Valent USA, who joins the “Growing Edge” segment to discuss the spread of almond red leaf blotch across the Central Valley.
This fungal disease infects almond leaves during spring, causing orange-colored spots and potentially leading to significant defoliation if left untreated. Burkdoll explains that early monitoring, winter sanitation practices, and timely fungicide applications are critical for protecting orchard health.
For growers across the valley, staying ahead of this disease is essential for maintaining long-term productivity.
Listen to the Full AgNet News Hour Podcast
From business success stories to ag education initiatives and critical crop protection updates, this episode of the AgNet News Hour brings together important conversations from across the agricultural industry.
Be sure to listen to the full podcast to hear every interview with The Ag Meter and “Sir” Josh McGill, and stay informed about the issues impacting agriculture today.

A Fresno Success Story Featured on the AgNet News Hour

The AgNet News Hour recently featured a fascinating conversation with Fresno entrepreneur Eddie Papulias, the man behind Pappy’s Choice Seasoning and Pappy’s Fine Foods. In an interview with host Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, Papulias shared the remarkable story of how a family legacy rooted in agriculture and meat processing evolved into a nationally recognized seasoning brand.
What began as a small family effort in the Central Valley has grown into a business whose products now appear in grocery stores across California and much of the United States. Yet the story behind Pappy’s success is about far more than spices and sauces—it’s about perseverance, family, and navigating the increasingly complex world of food production and small business in California.
A Family Legacy That Started More Than a Century Ago
Papulias’ story begins long before the seasoning business existed. His grandfather immigrated from Greece in 1896 and eventually settled in Fresno, where he raised sheep, lamb, and cattle in the foothills near Friant.
Decades later, Papulias’ father—known affectionately as “Pappy”—launched Pappy Meat Company in 1958, building a reputation for high-quality aged beef supplied to markets from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
After his father passed away while Papulias was still in high school, the future of the family business became uncertain. But in the mid-1980s, Papulias decided to take a leap of faith and build something new from a seasoning recipe his father had created for meat customers.
With just $30,000 in startup capital, Pappy’s Fine Foods was born.
Four Years of Hard Work Before Profit
The early years were anything but easy.
Papulias worked tirelessly while attending college, often packaging seasoning bottles late into the night with help from friends and family. Even with the support of longtime family friends who offered free rent for a year, the company took four years before turning a profit.
But Papulias stayed focused on one goal: rebuilding his father’s legacy.
For 25 straight years, he says he never took a vacation while building the brand.
Today, more than four decades later, Pappy’s products are sold across the country—and Papulias still wakes up at 4:30 a.m. every day to go to work.
From Seasonings to Sauces and Meat Partnerships
Over time, the company expanded beyond seasoning blends to include a variety of sauces and marinades.
Some of the most popular products include:
Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Sauce
Patty’s Sweet and Spicy Buffalo Sauce
Peppercorn sauce used in marinated tri-tip products
A range of seasoning blends used for grilling and home cooking
Papulias also partnered with Harris Ranch Beef Company, helping develop marinated meats, pot roast, stuffed bell peppers, and other prepared products sold through retail channels.
One product—peppercorn tri-tip—became especially popular during a Southern California grocery strike, when Harris Ranch reportedly sold $87 million worth of the product through Smart & Final stores.
Rising Costs and Challenges for Small Businesses
While the brand has grown significantly, Papulias says operating a food business in California has become increasingly difficult.
He pointed to several challenges affecting producers today:
Rising ingredient costs, including black pepper prices increasing dramatically
Packaging costs tied to oil prices
Rising freight and transportation expenses
Expanding regulatory requirements for food production
Increased competition from private equity-owned companies
Papulias also expressed concern about the regulatory burden placed on small manufacturers. In some cases, he says, companies are leaving California altogether to operate in states with fewer regulatory hurdles.
Despite the challenges, Papulias remains deeply committed to the Central Valley and the agricultural community that helped build his business.
A Passion for Food, Agriculture, and Family
Throughout the interview, Papulias emphasized the importance of agriculture to California’s economy. The San Joaquin Valley, he noted, remains one of the most productive farming regions in the world.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining strong food safety standards. Pappy’s products are produced under rigorous global safety guidelines, including BRC (British Retail Consortium) certification, which involves extensive inspections and audits.
For Papulias, maintaining those standards is critical—not just for the business, but for consumers who trust the brand.
Listen to the Full AgNet News Hour Interview
The conversation with Eddie Papulias is packed with stories, lessons, and insights for anyone interested in:
Agriculture and food production
Entrepreneurship and family businesses
The challenges of operating in California’s business environment
The history behind one of the Central Valley’s most recognizable food brands
Papagni will continue the conversation in the next episode, where Papulias shares recipes, cooking tips, and advice for entrepreneurs considering launching their own food businesses.
👉 Listen to the full interview on the AgNet News Hour podcast to hear the entire story behind Pappy’s Seasoning and its journey from Fresno startup to national brand.

Dairy Leadership, Innovation, and Challenges with Melvin Medeiros

The AgNet News Hour recently featured an in-depth conversation with dairy leader Melvin Medeiros, chairman of the Western Council for Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). In a wide-ranging interview with host Nick Papagni, the two discussed everything from the future of California dairy to new consumer trends and the importance of educating the public about agriculture.
Medeiros, a second-generation dairy farmer from Laton, California, has spent decades in the dairy business while also helping guide policy and strategy at the national level. Through his role with DFA—the largest dairy cooperative in the world—he works with producers and industry leaders across the country to address some of the biggest challenges facing modern agriculture.
During the conversation, Medeiros explained that while the national dairy industry remains strong, California producers face unique hurdles. Regulations, water uncertainty, and rising costs have made the state one of the most expensive places in the country to farm. At the same time, investment in dairy processing has increasingly shifted to other states where companies see more predictable operating conditions.
Even with those challenges, Medeiros remains optimistic about the industry’s future. Demand for dairy protein continues to grow, and consumers are rediscovering the nutritional benefits of products like yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk. In fact, he noted that cottage cheese has experienced a major resurgence as consumers seek high-protein foods.
Innovation is also playing a major role. Dairy Farmers of America continues to invest heavily in research and development, working to bring new dairy products with improved texture, flavor, and nutritional value to grocery store shelves. These innovations, along with improved marketing, are helping connect dairy products with younger consumers and families.
The conversation also touched on sustainability. Medeiros pointed out that over the past 50 years, the California dairy industry has dramatically improved efficiency—reducing emissions, water use, and land requirements per gallon of milk produced. For farmers, sustainability isn’t a buzzword; it’s a necessity tied directly to their goal of passing farms on to the next generation.
Beyond policy and markets, the interview also revealed Medeiros’ personal side—his deep ties to family, community, and sports, including a long history of basketball success within his family.
To hear the full conversation and learn more about the future of California dairy, be sure to listen to the complete interview on the AgNet News Hour Podcast, available now through AgNet West.

Cannon Michael Highlights Farming Challenges; USDA’s Luke Lindberg Talks Trade Gains

The March 9 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured two important conversations highlighting both the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture today. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill continued their discussion with Cannon Michael, President and CEO of Bowles Farming Company, while also sharing an interview with USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg about improving agricultural trade and expanding export opportunities for American producers.
Michael, a sixth-generation California farmer, spoke candidly about the difficult conditions growers are facing as the 2026 season begins. Bowles Farming Company farms more than 11,000 acres between Los Banos and Merced, producing a wide range of crops including tomatoes, melons, cotton, carrots, garlic, onions, almonds, pistachios, and specialty herbs. While diversification has helped the company remain competitive, Michael said farmers across the state are facing growing pressure from rising costs, uncertain markets, and ongoing water challenges.
One of the biggest concerns for west side growers continues to be water availability. With early federal allocations announced at just 15 percent, many farmers are forced to make planting and financing decisions without knowing whether additional water will become available later in the season. Even if allocations increase later, Michael explained that delayed decisions can already limit crop options and reduce overall productivity.
Despite these challenges, Michael emphasized the importance of continuing to innovate. Bowles Farming Company is exploring automation technologies, precision spraying, robotic weed control, and artificial intelligence to help improve efficiency and address labor challenges. While some of these technologies are still developing, Michael believes innovation will be critical for the long-term success of California agriculture.
The program also featured an interview with USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg, who shared encouraging news about international markets for U.S. agriculture. According to Lindberg, the U.S. agricultural trade deficit is projected to drop significantly—from about $50 billion to $29 billion, a 43 percent improvement since the start of the current administration.
Lindberg credited expanded trade agreements and improved market access for the progress. U.S. exports are growing across several sectors, including dairy, ethanol, and corn, while new trade frameworks with multiple countries are opening additional opportunities for American farmers and ranchers. He noted that global demand for U.S. agricultural products remains strong because of their reputation for quality, safety, and reliability.
For California farmers, the conversation highlighted both sides of the agricultural equation: the challenges of producing food in a highly regulated and resource-constrained environment, and the growing demand for those products in global markets.
As Michael noted, farmers remain optimistic by necessity—but long-term success will depend on continued innovation, supportive policies, and stronger connections between producers, consumers, and policymakers.

Cannon Michael Warns West Side Farmers Face Major Challenges with 15% Water Allocation

The March 6 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a detailed and eye-opening conversation with Cannon Michael, President and CEO of Bowles Farming Company, about the serious challenges facing farmers on the west side of California’s Central Valley. Speaking with hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill, Michael discussed water allocations, rising regulatory pressure, and the long-term future of farming in the state.
Bowles Farming Company, based between Los Banos and Merced, represents one of California agriculture’s long-standing family operations. Michael is the sixth generation of his family to lead the business, which traces its roots back to the historic Miller & Lux cattle enterprise of the mid-1800s. Today, the operation farms roughly 11,000 acres of diverse crops, including tomatoes, melons, cotton, onions, garlic, carrots, pistachios, almonds, and herbs, along with managing hundreds of acres of wetland habitat along the Pacific Flyway.
Despite the operation’s scale and diversification, water uncertainty remains the biggest challenge. Michael explained that federal water allocations for the Central Valley Project were recently announced at just 15 percent for west side growers, a number he described as extremely disappointing given the current reservoir levels and multiple years of favorable hydrology.
The low allocation creates serious business challenges for farmers. Early season water estimates are critical for securing crop financing, purchasing seed, and planning planting schedules. Without reliable water commitments, banks may hesitate to issue operating loans, leaving farmers unable to move forward with crops even if conditions improve later in the season.
Michael noted that water supply uncertainty is only one piece of the puzzle. Farmers must also navigate fluctuating commodity prices, unpredictable weather, labor costs, and increasing regulatory requirements. With so many variables outside their control, farming on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley often requires significant financial risk and long-term planning.
Infrastructure investment was another major topic during the discussion. Michael emphasized that California’s water system relies heavily on projects built decades ago, many of which now require significant upgrades or expansion. As the state’s population has doubled since the 1960s, water storage and delivery infrastructure has not kept pace, creating ongoing conflicts over limited supplies.
Despite the challenges, Michael stressed that farmers remain deeply committed to their land, their employees, and their communities. Beyond producing food, many farms contribute to wildlife habitat, education programs, and community development efforts throughout rural California.
The conversation underscored a key point for California agriculture: farmers are willing to innovate and adapt, but long-term success will depend on reliable water supplies, modern infrastructure, and policies that allow farms to remain economically viable for future generations.

Steve Hilton Lays Out Plan to Revive California Agriculture, Energy, and Water Policy

The March 5 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a wide-ranging interview with Steve Hilton, a candidate for governor of California who says the state is at a turning point. Speaking with hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill, Hilton outlined his vision for rebuilding California’s economy, restoring support for agriculture, and reversing policies he says are driving businesses and farms out of the state.
Hilton argued that California’s biggest problem is excessive government spending combined with overregulation. According to him, the state budget has nearly doubled in recent years, while results for residents and businesses continue to decline. He says his approach would focus on reducing bureaucracy, cutting wasteful spending, and building a leadership team capable of implementing meaningful reforms across state agencies.
Agriculture played a central role in the discussion. Hilton said California farmers are being suffocated by regulations, permits, and environmental rules that make it difficult to operate profitably. He pledged to streamline regulations and reduce duplicative government oversight that currently exists across multiple agencies. Hilton also emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with federal leadership to improve policy coordination on water, energy, and infrastructure issues that impact agriculture.
Water policy remains one of the most pressing concerns for farmers in the Central Valley. Hilton said increased water deliveries to agriculture could be achieved immediately by reversing certain regulatory decisions that restrict water flows for environmental purposes. In addition, he supports expanding long-discussed infrastructure projects such as Sites Reservoir and raising Shasta Dam, both of which could significantly increase water storage capacity for California agriculture.
Energy policy also surfaced as a major issue. Hilton criticized California’s reliance on imported oil while limiting domestic production. He argued that producing more energy within the state would lower costs, protect jobs, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The same regulatory reforms he proposes for agriculture, he said, should also apply to energy producers and other industries struggling under California’s current policies.
Another area of concern discussed on the program was innovation in agriculture. Hilton pointed to emerging technologies such as automation and robotics that could improve efficiency and address labor challenges. However, he noted that California regulations often prevent farmers from adopting technologies that are already being used successfully in other states.
Throughout the interview, Hilton emphasized that California has the natural resources, farmland, and talent needed to lead the nation in agriculture, energy, and innovation. The challenge, he said, is restoring common-sense leadership and removing policies that limit the state’s economic potential.
For farmers across California, Hilton’s message was simple: support is on the way if the state embraces policies that prioritize food production, economic growth, and responsible resource management.