AgNet News Hour

Agriculture has one of the best stories to tell, but too often someone else is telling it. That was the message from agricultural advocate Michelle Miller, better known as The Farm Babe, during a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour. Miller discussed how social media, public outreach and personal conversations can help bridge the gap between farmers and consumers while combating misinformation about modern agriculture.
Miller, who began sharing her farming experiences online more than a decade ago, said her journey into agricultural advocacy happened almost by accident. What started as a personal blog documenting life on an Iowa farm has grown into one of agriculture's most recognizable voices on social media, reaching hundreds of thousands of followers across multiple platforms.
Throughout the interview, Miller emphasized that many consumers simply have little firsthand experience with farming. Rather than criticizing those misconceptions, she encourages farmers to approach conversations with empathy and education.
"I know what it feels like to be misinformed," Miller said, explaining that she once believed many of the same myths about agriculture before becoming involved in farming herself. Today, she focuses on helping consumers understand the science behind modern farming practices and the realities of food production.
The discussion also highlighted California agriculture's unique diversity. Having traveled extensively across the country, Miller said California's hundreds of commodities—from lettuce and strawberries to citrus, avocados and specialty crops—offer an incredible opportunity to showcase American agriculture to the public.
She encouraged producers to share what they do every day, noting that people are often fascinated once they have the chance to see farms firsthand.
Another key theme of the conversation was farmland preservation. Miller expressed concern about the continued loss of agricultural land to urban development, saying the country loses valuable farmland every minute. She argued that protecting farmland and supporting family farms should remain priorities for both policymakers and consumers.
Miller also challenged farmers to expand their outreach beyond traditional agricultural audiences. She suggested inviting influencers, public officials and other community leaders onto farms to experience agriculture firsthand, saying those relationships can help reshape public perceptions and build broader support for farming.
"I think people appreciate and love farmers, but they don't always understand them," she said. "Your voice is way more powerful than you'll ever know."
AgNet News Hour hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill echoed that message, encouraging producers to participate in farm tours, community events and educational programs that connect consumers with the people who grow their food. As California agriculture continues facing challenges ranging from regulations to urban development, they noted that telling agriculture's story has never been more important.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Michael Gates Says California Must End Waste, Fraud, and Heavy Regulation on Agriculture
California's agricultural community continues to face mounting challenges ranging from burdensome regulations to economic uncertainty. During the latest edition of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, and co-host Josh McGill discussed several of the issues currently affecting California agriculture before sitting down with California Attorney General candidate Michael Gates to discuss his campaign, government accountability, and his vision for the state's future.
Before the interview, Papagni highlighted several current agricultural topics, including the changing market for California's canned peach industry following the closure of Del Monte's processing facility. The discussion centered on the challenges facing traditional agricultural sectors, with both hosts noting that consumer demand has shifted toward fresh fruit while long-term marketing strategies and export opportunities may have been overlooked. They also discussed the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences rather than relying on industries whose markets continue to shrink.
The conversation then shifted to California politics as Gates joined the program to discuss his campaign for Attorney General. Gates explained that his June primary campaign established what he described as a record-setting performance for a Republican statewide candidate, earning approximately 3.4 million votes while building momentum through fundraising efforts and endorsements from numerous law enforcement leaders. According to Gates, the campaign continues to expand its coalition heading toward the general election.
Campaign Focused on Government Accountability
A major focus of the interview centered on Gates' criticism of California's current leadership. Gates argued that the Attorney General's office has failed to investigate significant cases involving government waste, fraud, and abuse. He pointed to recent state audit findings and claimed that billions of taxpayer dollars have been lost while state leadership failed to take meaningful action. Gates contended that restoring accountability within state government would be one of his highest priorities if elected.
Papagni noted that many farmers and ranchers across California feel frustrated by what they see as excessive government regulation and ongoing political dysfunction. Gates acknowledged those concerns and expressed appreciation for the agricultural community, saying farmers are often overlooked despite providing food and economic stability for the state. He emphasized that agriculture deserves support rather than additional government obstacles.
Support for California's Agricultural Industry
During the interview, Gates pledged that, if elected Attorney General, he would work to reduce unnecessary government interference affecting California farmers. He stated that agriculture should be allowed to focus on producing food and sustaining rural communities rather than navigating excessive regulatory burdens. His comments were aimed directly at California's farming audience, many of whom continue to face increasing production costs, labor challenges, and regulatory pressures.
While the interview covered politics, its central message remained focused on accountability and the future of California agriculture. The discussion reflected ongoing concerns throughout the state's farming communities about government oversight, fiscal responsibility, and creating an environment where agriculture can continue to thrive.
Listen to the Full Podcast
This article highlights only a portion of the conversation between Nick Papagni, the Ag Meter, Josh McGill, and California Attorney General candidate Michael Gates. To hear Gates discuss his campaign, government accountability, California politics, and his plans for supporting the state's agricultural community in greater detail, be sure to listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast. The complete interview provides additional insight into the issues affecting California farmers and ranchers and offers listeners a deeper look at one of the state's most closely watched political races.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $35 million to help combat one of agriculture's most destructive invasive species. During today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce discussed the department's newly announced Feral Swine Eradication Program, which will provide grant funding to help landowners and partners reduce wild hog populations that threaten farms, ranches and natural resources.
Fordyce said feral swine are among the most damaging invasive species affecting U.S. agriculture. The animals destroy cropland, pasture, irrigation infrastructure and wildlife habitat while also posing a serious disease risk to livestock.
"When we think about invasive species, they come in all different shapes and sizes," Fordyce said. "Honestly, the feral swine probably could be the most invasive and probably cause the most damage."
The program, administered jointly by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), will distribute $35 million in grant funding through qualified partners. Those organizations will work directly with landowners on education, trapping and other management practices designed to reduce feral swine populations.
Fordyce emphasized that the program is designed to address both the economic and biological impacts of wild hogs.
"They really don't care what landscape they're destroying," he said, noting that feral swine damage forests, cropland, grazing land and sensitive natural areas while also carrying diseases that could spread to domestic swine and other livestock.
The discussion also highlighted California's growing feral swine problem. While states such as Texas, Arkansas and Missouri have some of the nation's largest populations, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill noted that wild hogs have been reported across much of California and can cause extensive damage to farmland, orchards and rangeland.
For producers experiencing feral swine damage, Fordyce encouraged them to begin by contacting their local NRCS office.
"This is a pilot program," he said. "Contact NRCS if you have these critters around and you want to see about how to get rid of them."
Applications from eligible partner organizations are due September 21, with NRCS and APHIS working together to evaluate proposals and distribute funding. Fordyce said the goal is to support organizations that already have the expertise to help landowners effectively trap and remove feral swine populations.
As wild hog populations continue expanding across the country, Fordyce said the new initiative reflects USDA's commitment to protecting agricultural production while reducing the environmental and economic damage caused by one of the nation's most destructive invasive pests.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California's 2026 gubernatorial election could be one of the most consequential in decades for farmers and ranchers, according to Congressman Tom McClintock. During a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, McClintock discussed why he believes the outcome of the governor's race will have a direct impact on water policy, regulations, energy costs and the overall business climate facing California agriculture.
Representing California's 5th Congressional District, McClintock argued that many of the challenges confronting agriculture today stem from state policy decisions made over several decades. He pointed to water infrastructure, housing affordability, transportation costs and regulatory burdens as issues he believes have reduced California's competitiveness.
One of the interview's central themes was water.
McClintock said California is not suffering from a shortage of water, but rather a shortage of storage infrastructure. He noted that the state has not completed a major dam since New Melones in 1979, despite significant population growth over the same period.
"We're suffering chronic water shortages as a result," McClintock said, arguing that expanding water storage should be a priority for future state leadership.
The discussion also focused on the Potter Valley Project in Northern California, where McClintock expressed concern over proposals affecting Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam. He said maintaining water infrastructure is important not only for communities but also for farms, ranches and forest management throughout the region.
Looking ahead to next year's election, McClintock argued that California voters will have a choice between continuing the state's current policy direction or pursuing a different approach to agriculture, energy and resource management.
"If Becerra wins, you're going to have the same war being waged now against water delivery, against energy, all of the things that are required for agriculture," McClintock said during the interview.
McClintock also said California once benefited from abundant water, affordable housing, reliable electricity and lower unemployment, and argued those conditions can be restored through different public policy decisions. He encouraged voters to consider how state leadership affects agriculture and the broader economy when evaluating candidates in 2026.
While the interview reflected McClintock's perspectives on California politics and policy, the broader discussion underscored the significant role the governor's office plays in shaping issues that directly affect agriculture—from water infrastructure and environmental regulations to energy costs and economic competitiveness.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Congressman Tom McClintock discussed why California's upcoming gubernatorial election could have significant implications for the state's agricultural industry. During the conversation, McClintock argued that issues such as water storage, energy costs, housing affordability and regulatory policy will all play a major role in determining the future competitiveness of California agriculture.
Representing California's 5th Congressional District, which includes portions of the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada, McClintock said many of the challenges facing farmers stem from long-term policy decisions. He pointed to high fuel prices, electricity costs and housing expenses as examples of issues that affect not only farm families but also agricultural employers trying to remain competitive.
One issue McClintock repeatedly returned to was water.
He argued that California's water shortages are largely the result of infrastructure decisions rather than a lack of natural water resources. He cited projects such as expanding Shasta Dam and constructing additional storage facilities as opportunities he believes would increase water availability for farms and communities.
McClintock also discussed the gubernatorial race, suggesting that the election will determine whether California continues its current policy direction or pursues changes affecting agriculture, energy and water development. He encouraged voters to evaluate candidates based on how they would address affordability and the state's agricultural economy.
Following the interview, AgNet News Hour hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill noted that California growers continue facing rising production costs and uncertainty surrounding water supplies. They emphasized that regardless of political affiliation, agricultural producers have a strong interest in understanding where candidates stand on issues that directly affect farming operations.
While McClintock expressed support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton and was critical of Democratic leadership, those remarks reflected his own views during the interview. The broader takeaway for agriculture is that the governor elected in 2026 will have substantial influence over policies affecting water infrastructure, environmental regulation, business costs and the overall operating climate for California farmers and ranchers.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California cattle producers continue to benefit from historically strong cattle prices, but one of the industry's biggest long-term concerns isn't the market—it's the steady loss of grazing land. During a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, California Cattlemen's Association President Rick Roberti said the future of the state's beef industry will depend on preserving working lands and ensuring ranchers have the resources needed to stay in business.
Roberti said many people assume higher cattle prices mean ranchers are thriving. While markets have improved, he noted that producers continue to face rising costs for energy, fertilizer and other inputs, while also losing pastureland to development.
"I think we're losing the one thing that we need, and that's grass," Roberti said. "We're losing thousands of acres a day throughout the state and throughout the whole nation. There's less place to put cattle now than there was even ten years ago."
He explained that rebuilding the nation's cattle herd requires more than favorable market conditions. Young producers must see ranching as a viable business, and that means creating an environment where operations can remain profitable for future generations.
"We now need to raise up new cowboys, new ranchers that want to get into business," Roberti said. "It can't be just a lifestyle. You've got to be able to make some money."
Roberti emphasized that cattle producers continue to face significant uncertainty. Weather remains unpredictable, production costs remain elevated, and ranchers often have little control over the prices they receive for their livestock.
"We buy everything at a high price, and then we take what they can give us for what we raise," he said, noting that producers must constantly balance costs while preparing for future market cycles.
Despite those challenges, Roberti remains optimistic about the future of California ranching. He said agriculture has not lost its commitment to stewardship or hard work, but policymakers must recognize the importance of maintaining a strong domestic food supply.
"If we can't feed our nation, then we're weak," Roberti said. "Hopefully we'll come to our senses."
Roberti also highlighted the work of the California Cattlemen's Association, explaining that the organization reviews thousands of legislative proposals each year while advocating for ranchers in Sacramento. Much of that work, he said, involves preventing legislation that could negatively affect cattle producers before it ever reaches the governor's desk.
As California continues to grapple with development pressures and increasing production costs, Roberti said protecting working ranches will be critical to ensuring future generations can continue producing high-quality beef while preserving the state's agricultural landscape.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

The future of California's ranching industry may depend as much on the next generation as it does on markets and weather. That was one of the central themes during a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, where Rick Roberti, president of the California Cattlemen's Association, discussed the challenges facing family ranches and why attracting young people back to agriculture is becoming increasingly difficult.
Roberti, whose family has ranched in Sierra Valley for six generations, said many of the issues facing producers today are similar to those that prompted the creation of the California Cattlemen's Association more than a century ago. While markets and policies have evolved, he said the organization's mission remains the same: advocating for California ranchers.
One of Roberti's biggest concerns is whether younger generations will choose to continue farming and ranching.
"I think getting the next generation to stay on the farm or stay on the ranch is going to be difficult because our culture has changed so much," Roberti said.
He pointed to changing lifestyles, technology and shifting priorities as factors making agriculture a more difficult career path to attract young people. At the same time, he emphasized that producing food remains one of the country's most essential industries and requires dedicated producers willing to make long-term investments.
Roberti also discussed the financial pressures facing California agriculture, noting that producers compete against imported products while operating under some of the nation's most stringent environmental and labor regulations. He said those factors have made it increasingly difficult for American producers to compete on price.
"We're importing so much more food," Roberti said. "We have to change some rules so that we're put on an even playing field again."
The conversation also turned to California's water resources. Roberti argued that the state has sufficient water but needs improved forest management, storage and infrastructure to better capture and deliver it where it is needed.
He cited examples from his own region where wildfire and overgrown forests have reduced watershed efficiency, saying better management could improve both water supplies and forest health.
Beyond policy discussions, Roberti stressed the importance of educating consumers about where their food comes from and helping younger generations understand the value of agriculture.
For California's ranching community, he said the goal is simple: ensure family operations remain viable so future generations have the opportunity—and the desire—to continue producing food.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Proper post-harvest management may be one of the most important investments California pistachio growers can make for next season's crop, according to industry leader Rich Kreps. During a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Kreps shared practical recommendations for helping orchards recover after harvest while discussing the long-term outlook for California's pistachio industry.
Kreps, a crop advisor with Ultra Gro and former chairman of the American Pistachio Growers Board of Directors, said one of the biggest mistakes growers can make is waiting until late fall to begin their nutrition program.
Instead, he recommends starting recovery efforts immediately after harvest by applying nutrients through the irrigation system while trees are still actively rebuilding carbohydrate reserves.
"As soon as the last trailer leaves the field and you turn the water on, let's start getting some nutrition back into those trees," Kreps said. "Get these trees revived so they can optimize photosynthesis for the next three months instead of waiting until late October or November."
Kreps explained that pistachio trees continue working long after harvest ends. Proper irrigation and fertility management during the recovery period help trees develop the energy reserves needed to support next year's bloom and crop potential.
He encouraged growers to work closely with their crop advisors to develop a post-harvest nutrition plan rather than treating fall fertilizer applications as a one-time event.
"It's not three months down the road," Kreps said. "It's three months long."
The conversation also turned to the future of California agriculture and the importance of supporting the next generation of growers. Kreps noted the average age of farmers continues to rise, raising concerns about succession planning as younger generations weigh whether to continue farming.
He said improving profitability and reducing production challenges are critical to keeping family farms in operation.
"My dream is to bring water storage back to California," Kreps said, adding that reliable water supplies remain one of the industry's biggest long-term priorities.
Despite the challenges facing the industry, Kreps remains optimistic about California agriculture. He emphasized that few places in the world can match the Central Valley's combination of climate, soils and production expertise.
"We are only one of five places in the world that can grow and do what we do in the Central Valley of California," he said. "Nobody does as good a job as our farmers here in the middle of California."
For growers preparing for harvest, Kreps said the focus should remain on helping orchards recover quickly, protecting tree health and laying the foundation for a stronger 2027 crop.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.