AgNet News Hour

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Allie Cushnyr, senior agronomist for Holloway, and Abe Isaak, agronomist with AgroLiquid, discussed soil health, postharvest nutrition and preparing California crops for an uncertain winter. The program also highlighted USDA's newly announced $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program.
The Harvest Fuel Relief program will provide one-time payments to eligible American farmers facing increased input costs and temporary market disruptions. According to the announcement discussed on the show, payments will be calculated using factors including planted acreage, production costs and commodity prices.
Importantly for California agriculture, the program is expected to include eligible specialty crop producers, including fruit and vegetable growers.
The conversation then turned to soil health as Cushnyr discussed Holloway's work with gypsum and other soil amendments. She explained how gypsum can help address soil sodium problems and improve water penetration, particularly when applied ahead of anticipated rainfall.
Cushnyr also previewed Holloway's inaugural Soils in Action Field Day, scheduled for Thursday, October 22, at the company's Lost Hills operation.
The event will feature eight speakers discussing topics including nitrogen utilization, precision agriculture and drone imagery. Growers and agricultural professionals can earn continuing education credits while learning about emerging soil management practices.
Later, Isaak emphasized the importance of preparing permanent crops for the next growing season before winter arrives.
"That is the beginning of the next season," Isaak said of postharvest nutrition.
He encouraged growers to monitor nutrient levels through soil and tissue testing, particularly if substantial winter rainfall creates the potential for nutrient movement below the root zone.
Isaak also discussed the challenges that insufficient winter chill can create for fruit and nut trees, explaining how inadequate dormancy may affect nutrient reserves and crop development the following spring.
Both agronomists stressed that effective soil and nutrient management requires planning, especially as growers contend with unpredictable weather and rising production expenses.
Hear the full conversations with Allie Cushnyr and Abe Isaak in the player above or on your favorite podcast app.

On today's episode of the AgNet News Hour, Richard Fordyce, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, discussed billions of dollars in upcoming farm safety-net payments and new opportunities for growers through federal conservation programs. The show also featured Gary Thompson, co-founder of GUSS Automation, who shared the latest developments in autonomous spraying technology.
Fordyce announced that USDA is distributing approximately $13.8 billion nationwide through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, a substantial increase from approximately $1.9 billion distributed during the comparable period last year.
 
The increase reflects higher reference prices established through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, providing additional financial support to eligible producers facing lower commodity prices or production challenges.
 
Fordyce explained that payments are based on the 2025 crop year, with calculations reflecting local agricultural conditions. California rice growers are among the producers who may qualify, depending on their program enrollment and eligibility.
 
While enrollment for the 2025 crop has already closed, Fordyce encouraged producers to contact their local Farm Service Agency office about enrolling for the 2026 crop. Enrollment for the 2027 crop is scheduled to open November 5.
 
Fordyce also highlighted USDA's regenerative agriculture pilot program, which emphasizes soil health through conservation practices and soil testing. Unlike ARC and PLC, the regenerative program is administered through the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
 
Earlier in the program, Thompson discussed how GUSS autonomous sprayers are becoming more efficient through improved navigation software, simplified controls and detailed performance reporting.
 
Thompson said one supervisor can oversee as many as eight autonomous machines, helping growers address labor shortages while improving spraying efficiency.
 
New performance reports track spray coverage, application rates, refill times and equipment interruptions, allowing operators to identify opportunities to improve productivity.
 
According to Thompson, GUSS machines have now sprayed more than 3 million acres autonomously, demonstrating the growing role of automation in commercial agriculture.
 
Together, the interviews explore two important developments for California growers: expanded federal financial assistance and emerging technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
 
Hear the full conversations with Richard Fordyce and Gary Thompson in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Carl Workenthien, a pest control adviser (PCA) with Simplot in California's Central Valley, joined Nick Papagni to discuss an unusually challenging growing season, emerging pest pressures and the rising costs of keeping California crops productive.
Working with growers throughout the Reedley, Dinuba, Kingsburg and surrounding areas, Workenthien advises producers of citrus, tree fruit, almonds, pistachios and grapes. With decades of experience in the industry, he said 2026 presented challenges unlike those he had encountered in previous seasons.
"This year I've never seen a year so early as this one," Workenthien said, describing how unusually warm March weather accelerated crop development and compressed the time available for essential fieldwork.
The accelerated season created difficulties for growers, agricultural workers and pest control advisers, particularly in labor-intensive crops requiring careful thinning and precise application timing.
Pest management has also become increasingly complicated. Workenthien explained that changes in available crop protection products have allowed some previously minor pests to become more significant problems.
He pointed to citrus mealybugs as an example, noting that growers now face greater difficulty controlling pests that were once managed with broader-spectrum products.
Meanwhile, rising input costs are putting additional pressure on agricultural operations. Workenthien said sulfur prices have doubled over the past year, affecting an important material used in fertilizers, soil amendments and other agricultural applications.
With fewer new crop protection products becoming available in California, he said PCAs must find creative ways to manage insects and diseases using the tools they still have.
Looking ahead, Workenthien also discussed the potential effects of a wetter winter, including increased fungal disease pressure and the importance of preparing orchards for the next growing season.
Despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about the industry's future.
"I'm bullish on farming," Workenthien said, encouraging growers to maintain a positive outlook while continuing to adapt.
The conversation also explores the challenges of marketing fresh tree fruit, the importance of maintaining tree nutrition and Workenthien's passion for officiating high school football.
Hear the full conversation with Carl Workenthien in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s  episode of the AgNet News Hour, Kyle Kirkland, Central Valley businessman and candidate for California's 21st Congressional District, returned for Part 2 of his conversation with Nick Papagni. Kirkland discussed rising operating costs, government accountability and why he believes California's agricultural economy needs a different approach to regulation.
Kirkland argued that California's regulatory environment is making it increasingly difficult for farmers and other businesses to remain competitive. He expressed concern that lawmakers often develop policies without adequately consulting the industries affected by them.
For agriculture, Kirkland said that disconnect can be especially damaging. Growers already face rising expenses for labor, transportation, energy and other essential inputs, while competing against agricultural products from other states and countries.
One of his biggest concerns is the future of smaller farming operations.
"I look at small farmers as entrepreneurs," Kirkland said, explaining that smaller businesses often develop innovative solutions because they must find creative ways to compete.
He warned that when regulatory costs become too burdensome, family farmers may decide to sell their land rather than continue operating, potentially reducing entrepreneurship and innovation throughout the industry.
The conversation also addressed California's tax policies and government spending. Kirkland argued that the state should focus on reducing waste and improving accountability rather than continually increasing the financial burden on businesses and residents.
Drawing on his experience managing private companies, Kirkland questioned whether California applies the same financial discipline to public spending that businesses must follow.
Kirkland also returned to the issue of high-speed rail, suggesting that the project's difficulties demonstrate broader problems with California's approach to infrastructure development.
Despite his criticisms, Kirkland emphasized that he remains optimistic about the Central Valley's future. He believes the region has tremendous agricultural and economic potential, provided elected officials work more closely with producers and prioritize practical solutions.
Hear Part 2 of the full conversation with Kyle Kirkland in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today's episode of the AgNet News Hour, Kyle Kirkland, Central Valley businessman and candidate for California's 21st Congressional District, joined Nick Papagni to discuss the challenges facing California agriculture. In Part 1 of a two-part interview, Kirkland outlined his views on water management, affordability and government spending, arguing that the Central Valley needs stronger representation in Washington.
Water was a central focus of the conversation. Kirkland argued that California's challenges are not simply about water availability but how existing resources are managed.
 
"We don't have a water problem. We have a water management problem," Kirkland said.
He pointed to what he considers insufficient investment in water storage and distribution infrastructure, emphasizing the need for consistent policies that allow farmers to plan for the future. Kirkland also described agricultural production as a matter of national security, given the Central Valley's importance to the nation's food supply.
 
Affordability was another major concern. Kirkland said rising costs for housing, gasoline, electricity and food are affecting agricultural businesses and the communities that depend on them. He argued that California's regulatory environment has contributed to declining in-state production and increased dependence on outside suppliers.
 
Drawing on his business background, including his leadership at Steinway Musical Instruments and ownership of Fresno's Club One Casino, Kirkland said he would bring a problem-solving approach to Congress.
 
The conversation also turned to California's high-speed rail project. Kirkland questioned its escalating costs and argued that funding could be better directed toward water infrastructure, roads, energy and housing.
 
Kirkland also discussed the importance of reviewing existing regulations to determine whether they are achieving their intended goals. He suggested that more legislation should include provisions requiring lawmakers to revisit policies and evaluate their effectiveness.
 
Hear Part 1 of the full conversation with Kyle Kirkland in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Jamie Johansson, former president of the California Farm Bureau and candidate for California's 3rd Assembly District, returned for Part 2 of his conversation about the challenges facing California agriculture. The program also featured Patrick Williams of SkySense, who discussed how remotely operated drones are helping growers protect their farms.
Johansson addressed several issues affecting California producers, including agricultural labor, energy costs, forest management and wildlife conflicts. He emphasized the need for policies that support a reliable agricultural workforce while maintaining immigration enforcement and providing greater certainty for employers.
Affordability was another major concern. Johansson argued that California's regulatory environment and energy policies have increased operating costs for farmers and other businesses, making it harder for the next generation to remain in agriculture.
The conversation also explored wildfire prevention and forest management. Drawing on his experience in Northern California, Johansson called for greater use of controlled burns and forest maintenance to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires. He questioned whether existing permitting processes and regulatory decisions are allowing communities to respond quickly enough.
Johansson also discussed growing concerns among ranchers about wolf populations and livestock losses, arguing that wildlife management policies must better account for agricultural operations.
Despite those challenges, Johansson expressed optimism about California's future, emphasizing the importance of agricultural communities working together and remaining engaged in state policy discussions.
Later in the program, Patrick Williams of SkySense explained how the company uses remotely operated drones equipped with thermal cameras, lights and speakers to monitor agricultural properties.
Williams said the technology can help identify potential theft or vandalism while also discouraging birds and other wildlife from damaging crops. With remote pilots operating the equipment, growers can schedule patrols without having to manage the drones themselves.
The two conversations highlight different approaches to protecting California agriculture, from changes in public policy to emerging technology designed for everyday farm operations.
Hear the full conversations with Jamie Johansson and Patrick Williams in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Jamie Johansson, former president of the California Farm Bureau and candidate for California's 3rd Assembly District, joined Nick Papagni to discuss the challenges facing California agriculture and why he believes farmers need a stronger voice in Sacramento.
Johansson, an olive and citrus grower from the Oroville area, is seeking to represent a largely rural district covering portions of Butte, Glenn, Tehama, Sutter, Yuba and Placer counties. Drawing on his experience leading the California Farm Bureau, Johansson said agricultural communities need lawmakers who understand the financial and regulatory pressures facing producers.
Water infrastructure emerged as a central topic. Johansson expressed frustration over delays in developing additional water storage, pointing to Sites Reservoir and the state's ongoing challenges with drought preparedness. He argued that California must do more to capture water during wet years and expand opportunities for groundwater recharge.
Johansson also discussed the importance of holding state regulatory agencies accountable, including the State Water Resources Control Board and California Air Resources Board. He believes lawmakers should take a more active role in reviewing decisions that directly affect farmers and rural communities.
The conversation also addressed the growing cost of agricultural production. Johansson described recently taking gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton to a Northern California rice harvest, where he demonstrated how fuel expenses can quickly add up for producers operating large equipment.
Despite California's political divisions, Johansson emphasized that his experience working with lawmakers from both parties could help him advocate for agriculture if elected.
He also raised concerns about California's state budget, energy costs and the increasing competition domestic growers face from imported agricultural products.
The interview is the first part of a two-part conversation examining the future of California agriculture, state leadership and the policies shaping the industry's competitiveness.
Hear Part 1 of the full conversation with Jamie Johansson in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Dan Janzen, Executive Director of Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI), joined Nick Papagni to discuss a growing dispute with the National FFA Organization over the group's exclusion from its upcoming national convention in Indianapolis.
FCFI, founded in 1985, works with agricultural communities through disaster relief, youth outreach, farm shows and faith-based programs. The organization has participated in numerous state FFA conventions, connecting with students interested in agriculture, volunteer service and international agricultural development.
According to Janzen, the organization was previously informed that it did not meet National FFA's diversity, equity and inclusion objectives. He said FCFI continued participating at the state level, but several state associations have since declined to allow the organization to exhibit.
The dispute gained additional attention after Janzen said National FFA rejected FCFI's application to participate in this year's national convention because of its religious affiliation.
Janzen questioned that decision, arguing that his organization's programs complement FFA's agricultural education and leadership mission. He also pointed to FCFI's work helping farmers recover from natural disasters and providing support to producers experiencing financial hardship.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has also drawn attention to the controversy, according to Janzen, who discussed efforts to resolve the disagreement before the convention.
FCFI has submitted a demand letter requesting that National FFA reconsider its decision, with the organization seeking a response by October 14. Janzen said the group is receiving legal assistance as it evaluates its options.
Despite the disagreement, Janzen emphasized that FCFI does not want to undermine FFA or discourage support for its programs. Instead, he hopes the controversy leads to a resolution that allows the organizations to work alongside one another.
The interview explores the organization's concerns, its work with agricultural youth and what Janzen believes should happen next.
Hear the full conversation with Dan Janzen in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.