AgNet News Hour

On today's episode of the AgNet News Hour, Michelle Bekkering, Acting Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, joined Nick Papagni to discuss expanding international markets for American agricultural products, new trade agreements and opportunities for California's specialty crop growers.
Bekkering, who previously served as deputy under secretary alongside Luke Lindberg, explained that her priority is maintaining momentum on USDA's international trade initiatives while helping American farmers navigate difficult economic conditions.
Growing up on a family farm in northwest Iowa, Bekkering said she understands firsthand the challenges producers face, particularly as rising input costs and international competition continue to affect profitability.
A major focus of the conversation was the agricultural trade deficit.
According to Bekkering, the administration has reduced the U.S. agricultural trade deficit from approximately $50 billion to $25 billion, an improvement she attributed to new trade frameworks and efforts to expand access to foreign markets.
She emphasized that USDA is pursuing opportunities for California commodities, including table grapes, dairy products, almonds, walnuts, pistachios and other specialty crops.
Rather than relying heavily on established trading partners, Bekkering said USDA is working to diversify agricultural exports and develop relationships with emerging markets.
One important tool is the department's agricultural trade missions, which bring American producers and agricultural businesses directly together with international buyers.
Bekkering described the meetings as "speed dating for trade," explaining that USDA arranges individual meetings designed to connect exporters with buyers interested in their products.
Upcoming trade missions include Vietnam and Singapore, with eight additional missions planned for 2027.
The interview also explored USDA's approach to agricultural trade negotiations, including efforts to improve market access in China and expand ethanol exports to Mexico.
Bekkering discussed the administration's approach to international food assistance, explaining how USDA aims to address global hunger while creating additional demand for American-grown agricultural products.
For California growers facing high production costs, she stressed that USDA recognizes the importance of maintaining premium prices rather than competing solely on cost.
Bekkering encouraged agricultural businesses interested in exporting to explore USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service programs and participate in upcoming trade missions.
The conversation offers an inside look at how USDA is working to develop international demand for California agriculture while supporting producers through ongoing economic challenges.
Hear the full conversation with Michelle Bekkering in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today's episode of the AgNet News Hour, California Assemblyman David Tangipa, who represents the state's 8th Assembly District, joined Nick Papagni for a conversation about California's water infrastructure, government spending and the policies affecting Central Valley agriculture. With Election Day approaching, Tangipa also discussed the governor's race and the changes he believes are needed to improve California's business climate.
Tangipa, a former Fresno State football player and small business owner, explained that his decision to enter politics was influenced by the farmers who helped him during a difficult period in his life.
He recalled being homeless approximately a decade ago before receiving assistance from members of the agricultural community. That experience, he said, motivated him to advocate for the farmers and businesses facing increasing costs and regulatory pressures.
Water management was a major focus of the interview.
Tangipa criticized California's approach to water infrastructure investment, arguing that the state should prioritize expanding and maintaining existing reservoirs, dams and water delivery systems.
He also raised concerns about the possibility of a particularly wet winter, saying California needs to improve its preparedness for major storms and flooding.
The conversation turned to state spending and California's high-speed rail project. Tangipa questioned the project's financial viability and argued that public resources would provide greater benefits if directed toward water infrastructure, roads and other existing facilities.
Looking toward the election, Tangipa discussed how a new governor could influence agricultural policy through appointments to state regulatory agencies and decisions involving water allocation.
He also criticized California's regulatory environment, arguing that rising operating costs and government requirements are making it increasingly difficult for farmers and small businesses to remain competitive.
Tangipa shared his positions on several ballot propositions and encouraged voters to research the measures before heading to the polls.
As the interview concluded, he urged agricultural producers to prepare for continued economic uncertainty, carefully manage debt and become more involved in the organizations influencing agricultural policy.
The conversation provides a look at the issues Tangipa believes will shape California agriculture as voters prepare to select the state's next leaders.
Hear the full conversation with Assemblyman David Tangipa in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Hannah Johnson of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) joined Nick Papagni to discuss the future of agricultural automation, artificial intelligence and the challenges facing California's family farms. Johnson also highlighted the California Ag Tech Alliance's efforts to connect growers with practical technology and previewed an upcoming agricultural technology field day in Parlier.
Johnson explained that the California Ag Tech Alliance is working to ensure new agricultural technologies address the problems growers actually face. Through its CONNECT program, UC ANR evaluates emerging technologies, reviews companies' financial stability and brings promising equipment into the field for growers to see firsthand.
The goal, she said, is to help producers make informed investments without wasting valuable resources on technology that may not deliver.
One particularly interesting finding involves the return on investment growers expect from automation. According to Johnson, early survey responses suggest farmers are generally comfortable investing in new technology when they can recover their costs within approximately two and a half years.
The conversation also explored concerns that automation and artificial intelligence could replace agricultural workers. Johnson argued that many emerging technologies are instead changing how employees work, allowing them to move away from repetitive or potentially hazardous tasks into more specialized positions.
She also expressed optimism that California could authorize broader use of autonomous tractors and agricultural equipment within the next two years, although that remains a prediction rather than an established regulatory timeline.
Beyond technology, Johnson shared the personal experience that drives her commitment to agriculture.
Growing up on an 80-acre family farm in Laton, California, Johnson and her sister eventually took over the operation after their father became ill. Facing depleted wells and mounting financial pressures, they ultimately made the difficult decision to sell.
Johnson said the regret of losing the family farm continues to motivate her work helping other growers remain in business.
Looking ahead, she encouraged producers to participate in UC ANR's grower survey so their concerns can help guide future research, investment and agricultural policy.
Johnson also invited growers to attend a free agricultural technology field day on November 5 at the Kearney Research and Extension Center in Parlier, where seven companies are scheduled to demonstrate technologies for orchard and vineyard operations.
The interview offers a look at how innovation, workforce development and practical research could help California farmers remain competitive while preserving opportunities for the next generation.
Hear the full conversation with Hannah Johnson in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Matt Angel, Madera County farmer and longtime groundwater and irrigation pump expert formerly associated with Madera Pumps, joined Nick Papagni for an in-depth conversation about California's declining groundwater supplies, irrigation efficiency and the challenges facing San Joaquin Valley agriculture. Angel warned that without better groundwater monitoring and management, some of the state's most productive farmland could face an uncertain future.
Angel explained that groundwater conditions can vary dramatically even within the same subbasin. In Madera County, he said, groundwater levels can range from approximately 70 feet below the surface near the river to 400 feet in other areas.
Those differences, he argued, make it difficult to manage an entire groundwater basin under a uniform approach.
"We can't manage what we don't measure," Angel said, emphasizing the need for more detailed groundwater monitoring.
One of the most revealing portions of the interview focused on how declining groundwater levels affect irrigation systems.
Angel explained that a pump initially delivering 600 gallons per minute could eventually drop to 400 gallons per minute during extended operation as groundwater levels decline.
That reduction can disrupt irrigation uniformity, potentially leaving portions of an orchard receiving less water than others. According to Angel, the resulting differences can affect crop production even when growers have invested heavily in modern irrigation technology.
The conversation also explored California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and the potential consequences of continued groundwater overdraft.
Angel warned that farmland values could decline substantially if growers lose reliable access to groundwater. He used his own farming operation as an example, suggesting land worth $30,000 per acre with water could fall to $10,000 without dependable supplies.
Looking toward winter, Angel discussed the possibility of increased precipitation and the importance of groundwater recharge. He said growers and irrigation districts are better prepared than in previous years to capture stormwater, although significant uncertainty remains about upcoming weather conditions.
Angel also raised desalination and underground water storage as potential components of California's long-term water strategy.
Beyond water, he reflected on the difficult economic conditions facing agricultural producers, revealing that he recently removed 200 acres of grapevines amid struggles in the bulk wine market.
Despite those challenges, Angel called for greater cooperation among farmers, policymakers and communities throughout the state.
"We've got to be California strong," he said.
Hear the full conversation with Matt Angel in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Steve Hilton, Republican candidate for governor of California, joined Nick Papagni for a final conversation ahead of the November election. Hilton discussed his plans for California agriculture, including water availability, farm labor regulations, energy costs and the economic pressures facing growers throughout the state.
Hilton emphasized the importance of agriculture to California's economy, arguing that state policies have made it increasingly difficult for family farming operations to remain competitive.
He pointed to water restrictions, agricultural labor requirements, rising energy expenses and pesticide regulations as major challenges facing producers.
"I don't just want our industry to survive. I want us to thrive and grow and flourish," Hilton said.
The gubernatorial candidate highlighted his visits to agricultural communities throughout California, including the Central Valley, Yolo County, Imperial County and the Salinas Valley. He said those conversations have helped shape his priorities for the state's agricultural future.
Water management remains a central component of Hilton's platform. He pledged to pursue changes intended to improve water availability for farmers while reducing regulatory and operating costs.
Hilton also outlined several broader economic proposals, including reducing gasoline prices to $3 per gallon, exempting the first $150,000 of income from state income taxes and capping annual vehicle registration fees at $73.
He argued that these changes, alongside reforms to labor regulations and energy policies, could help California businesses become more competitive.
The interview also addressed Hilton's criticism of Democratic opponent Xavier Becerra and the direction of state government. Hilton questioned California's spending priorities and said he would seek to cancel the state's high-speed rail project as part of his proposed budget changes.
With Election Day approaching, Hilton acknowledged the challenges of winning statewide but expressed confidence that increased voter participation could make the race competitive.
Beyond the gubernatorial interview, Papagni and co-host Josh McGill discussed California's almond, walnut and pistachio markets, including reports of reduced production volumes and stronger prices for several major tree nut commodities.
The episode offers a look at Hilton's agricultural policy priorities and the economic issues shaping California's upcoming election.
Hear the full conversation with Steve Hilton in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, U.S. Representative Tom McClintock, representing California's 5th Congressional District, returned for Part 2 of his conversation with Nick Papagni. McClintock discussed federal forest management reforms, California's water challenges and the economic pressures driving residents and businesses out of the state. The program also featured Kyle Kuechel of Syngenta AgriEdge, discussing crop protection developments and the upcoming winter produce season.
McClintock highlighted legislation he helped advance to streamline forest thinning projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin. According to McClintock, the changes reduced environmental review timelines from approximately five and a half years to just a few months, allowing more acreage to receive preventative forest treatments.
He said the approach has helped improve forest resilience and pointed to its role in protecting South Lake Tahoe during the Caldor Fire.
McClintock is now seeking to expand similar provisions throughout the national forest system through legislation included in the Farm Bill and the Fix Our Forests Act.
The discussion also explored the relationship between forest management and California's water supplies. McClintock argued that better management of forests, reservoirs and aqueducts could help improve water availability while reducing wildfire risks.
Turning to California's economy, McClintock expressed concern about residents relocating to other states, citing migration patterns as evidence of growing frustration with housing costs, regulations and the state's overall affordability.
He also emphasized agriculture's importance to everyday life, noting that water used to produce food and clothing ultimately serves consumers.
"Droughts are nature's fault, but water shortages are our fault," McClintock said, arguing that California's water infrastructure and regulatory policies need significant changes.
Later in the program, Kuechel joined Papagni from the California Agricultural Pest Control Advisers convention in Anaheim.
Kuechel discussed preparations for the winter leafy greens season in Yuma and Southern California, along with Syngenta's anticipated introduction of PLINAZOLIN technology in California.
He explained that the technology could provide growers with an additional insecticide rotation option for managing diamondback moth populations, including those showing resistance to existing products.
Kuechel said the company is hoping for California registration in early 2027, although the timing remains dependent on regulatory approval.
Together, the interviews examine the policy decisions and agricultural technologies that could shape California's farming future.
Hear Part 2 of the conversation with Congressman Tom McClintock and the full interview with Kyle Kuechel in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, U.S. Representative Tom McClintock, who represents California's 5th Congressional District, joined Nick Papagni for Part 1 of a two-part interview examining California's rising cost of living, energy policies and regulatory environment. The program also featured Patrick Williams of SkySense, discussing how remotely operated drones are helping farmers protect their crops and equipment.
McClintock reflected on California's economic transformation over several decades, arguing that state policies have contributed to higher costs for residents and businesses.
He pointed to gasoline and electricity prices as examples, criticizing regulations and taxes that he believes have discouraged domestic energy production and increased California's dependence on imported fuel.
McClintock also discussed housing affordability, comparing California's home prices and construction activity with those of other states. He argued that lengthy permitting processes and development restrictions have made it increasingly difficult to build affordable housing.
Transportation infrastructure was another concern. McClintock questioned whether California's highway capacity has kept pace with population growth and vehicle traffic, despite the taxes residents pay to maintain the state's roads.
The conversation also turned to the upcoming elections and California's political direction. McClintock encouraged voters to examine the consequences of state policies and consider how decisions made in Sacramento affect their everyday expenses.
Earlier in the program, Williams explained how SkySense uses remotely operated drones to help agricultural producers address two persistent problems: wildlife damage and farm theft.
The drones operate from docking stations installed on agricultural properties and can use lights, speakers and remote monitoring to discourage unwanted activity.
Williams said a single drone can typically protect approximately 100 to 150 acres against bird and wildlife pressure, depending on the operation.
He also described the company's ongoing work with artificial intelligence to improve wildlife identification and automated response capabilities.
With growers facing rising labor expenses and concerns about crop losses, Williams said the technology offers another option for protecting agricultural investments without requiring farmers to maintain around-the-clock security personnel.
Together, the interviews explore the economic pressures facing California agriculture and the technologies producers are adopting to remain competitive.
Hear Part 1 of the conversation with Congressman Tom McClintock and the full interview with Patrick Williams in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Edward Ring, director of water and energy policy at the California Policy Center, returned for Part 2 of his conversation with Nick Papagni. Ring discussed the possibility of a strong El Niño winter, opportunities to replenish California's groundwater supplies and the policies he believes are threatening the future of Central Valley agriculture.
With forecasters discussing the potential for increased winter precipitation, Ring emphasized that California should prepare for both the opportunities and challenges that significant rainfall could bring.
While acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding El Niño, he said agricultural water districts should begin developing plans to capture excess stormwater before it flows downstream.
"Figure out how to divert as much of that flood water as you possibly can to do recharge," Ring said.
He encouraged growers to work directly with their irrigation districts and groundwater sustainability agencies to identify fields suitable for groundwater recharge.
According to Ring, expanding recharge efforts could provide immediate benefits without waiting years for new reservoirs or other major infrastructure projects to be completed.
The discussion also examined reservoir operations, including the potential for improved weather forecasting and updated management practices to help California retain more water while maintaining flood protection.
Ring also renewed his call for dredging portions of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, arguing that removing accumulated sediment could improve water movement, reduce flood risks and potentially benefit aquatic habitats.
Beyond infrastructure, Ring expressed concern about the long-term effects of water restrictions and regulatory costs on California agriculture.
He warned that smaller farming operations are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the financial resources available to larger agricultural businesses.
Ring argued that losing independent and multigenerational farms could also reduce the diversity of crops grown throughout the Central Valley.
As the conversation concluded, he encouraged growers to become more involved in local water management decisions rather than waiting for statewide policy changes.
His message was especially timely as California approaches another winter season with uncertainty surrounding precipitation, reservoir storage and groundwater supplies.
Hear Part 2 of the full conversation with Edward Ring in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.