AgNet News Hour

California agriculture takes center stage on the latest AgNet News Hour as “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni covers the latest issues affecting farmers, ranchers and the broader agricultural industry. The program features the second part of Papagni’s interview with California Cattlemen’s Association President Rick Roberti, followed by a conversation with Megan Lausten, assistant general manager of the World Ag Expo, about the upcoming 60th anniversary of the massive Tulare agricultural event.
Roberti discusses several challenges facing California’s cattle industry and rural communities, including wildfire risk, predators, water availability, land use, regulations and rising production costs. The conversation examines concerns surrounding the Asian longhorned tick and other threats to cattle, as well as the continuing debate over wolves and proposed grizzly bear reintroduction. Roberti also discusses how wildfire and forest management can affect wildlife behavior and rural communities.
Water remains one of the biggest issues throughout the interview. Roberti argues that California needs additional water storage to capture supplies during wet years and make them available during droughts. He says farmers cannot continue producing food without reliable water, while Papagni emphasizes the amount of water that he says is being allowed to flow to the ocean rather than being stored for future use. The discussion also touches on changing weather patterns, snowpack, reservoirs and the long-running political debate over California water policy.
The future of the next generation of farmers and ranchers is another major topic. Roberti explains that young people can face a difficult financial decision when they compare agricultural income with opportunities in other industries. He believes families and current agricultural leaders have a responsibility to help the next generation see the value of farming and ranching while recognizing that producers still need to make a living. The discussion also addresses declining cattle numbers and the loss of available grazing land through easements, hunting areas and other land-use changes.
Rising fuel and production costs also remain a concern. Roberti points to diesel, fertilizer, trucking and other expenses as factors that make it increasingly difficult for producers to reach a sustainable break-even point. Despite the challenges, he says the cattle industry will continue moving forward and stresses the importance of cooperation throughout agriculture. He also encourages producers of all sizes to become involved with the California Cattlemen’s Association.
The program then shifts to Tulare and the World Ag Expo, where Lausten discusses preparations for the event’s 60th anniversary, scheduled for February 9–11, 2027. She explains that the International Agri-Center operates year-round and includes the AgVentures Learning Center and Antique Museum, which provides hands-on agricultural education for students and families.
Lausten says approximately 25 full-time employees and about 1,000 volunteers help make World Ag Expo possible. The show features exhibitors and visitors from around the world, seminars, networking, food booths operated by local nonprofit organizations and numerous opportunities for agricultural education. She also highlights the important role of FFA students, including a recent FFA auction and auctioneering competition.
Whether you are interested in California water, cattle, rural communities, the next generation of agriculture, production costs or the latest plans for World Ag Expo, this episode delivers an in-depth look at the issues shaping the industry. Listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast for all the agriculture news and the complete interviews with Rick Roberti and Megan Lausten.
Listen to the interviews below or on your favorite podcast app.

California agriculture is facing a complicated mix of challenges, and on the latest AgNet News Hour, Ag Meter Nick Papagni sat down with Rick Roberti, president of the California Cattlemen’s Association, for a wide-ranging conversation about cattle, beef prices, imported meat, wolves, processing, wildfires and the future of California agriculture.
The conversation comes as the U.S. cattle herd remains at a reported 70-year low, creating significant challenges for ranchers, processors and consumers. Roberti explained that rebuilding cattle numbers takes years and represents a substantial investment. The recent discussion surrounding imported beef has therefore generated concern within the cattle industry—not simply because of price, but because of questions about market perception, consistency and maintaining the reputation of U.S. beef.
Papagni and Roberti also discussed the concentration of the meatpacking industry and the federal government’s interest in the Packers and Stockyards Act. Roberti said existing rules should be enforced while acknowledging that meatpacking has become highly efficient and concentrated. They also explored whether more local and small-scale meat processing could provide additional opportunities for farmers and ranchers, while recognizing the labor, regulatory and economic obstacles involved in processing an entire animal.
The conversation broadened to a challenge particularly important to California ranchers: wolves. Roberti described continued frustration over livestock losses and restrictions surrounding wolf management, while emphasizing that ranchers are seeking the ability to protect their property rather than eliminate the entire wolf population. He also discussed federal delisting efforts, California regulations and the need for greater communication among ranchers, wildlife officials and conservation organizations.
Another major topic was the New World screwworm and other livestock threats, including the Asian longhorned tick. Roberti explained why the movement of Mexican cattle remains economically significant to U.S. feeders, grain producers, slaughterhouses and processors.
The interview also examined California’s wildfire crisis. Roberti argued that forest management, thinning, grazing, logging and prescribed fire all need greater attention, pointing to increasingly dense forests and unmanaged vegetation as significant concerns. He questioned whether current fire-management practices are adequately protecting rural communities and agricultural operations.
Throughout the discussion, Papagni and Roberti returned to a broader question: how can California agriculture remain competitive when producers face higher labor and regulatory costs while competing with imported products? Both stressed the importance of marketing American and California-grown food and helping consumers understand where their food comes from.
This is a conversation covering far more than cattle. Listen to the full AgNet News Hour interview with Rick Roberti for the complete discussion on beef, imported meat, meat processing, wolves, screwworm, wildfire management and the issues shaping California agriculture.
Listen to Part 1 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California agriculture is facing a growing list of challenges, and on the latest AgNet NewsHour, “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni takes a hard look at those issues in a wide-ranging conversation with Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League. The two-part interview examines the pressures confronting farmers and farm workers, from labor and water to regulations, rising costs, farmland losses and the political decisions shaping the future of California agriculture. Papagni also continues his call for California political leaders to provide real answers about what they intend to do to keep farming viable in the state.
A major focus of the conversation is California’s regulatory environment. Cunha describes a system involving more than 65 agencies and hundreds of regulations that farmers must navigate, arguing that the burden falls particularly hard on small and family-owned operations that do not have large administrative staffs. According to Cunha, the combination of regulations, water restrictions and rising operating costs is contributing to farm closures and bankruptcies. He cites a decline of approximately 14,000 farmers and a reduction in total farmland from roughly 29 million acres to 22 million acres between 1992 and 2022, warning that another significant decline could be visible when the next agricultural census is conducted.
Labor remains another critical issue. Papagni and Cunha discuss the H-2A program, work authorization and the difficulty California farmers face in finding and retaining the workforce necessary to harvest and produce food. They also discuss the H-2A adverse wage rate and the reality that farmers are largely “price takers,” meaning they generally cannot simply raise the price of their commodities to offset higher labor, fuel, freight and regulatory costs. For Cunha, solving agricultural labor is essential to keeping farms operating and ensuring that food continues to reach consumers.
The interview also explores what Cunha considers an increasingly adversarial relationship between farmers and regulatory agencies. He recounts an incident involving a 93-year-old grower and an OSHA enforcement officer, using the encounter to illustrate his concerns about excessive enforcement and a lack of respect for farmers. Both Cunha and Papagni argue that agricultural organizations can provide growers with important information and assistance when dealing with regulatory agencies. Cunha encourages farmers to become involved with agricultural organizations so they can better understand their rights and protect both their operations and workers.
Underlying the entire discussion is the theme of food security. Cunha and Papagni repeatedly stress that food security is national security, warning that once productive farmland and experienced farmers disappear, they may not easily return. They argue that California’s agricultural industry should be treated as a strategic asset rather than an obstacle and that policymakers need to consider the long-term consequences of regulations that make farming increasingly difficult.
The conversation also turns toward California’s upcoming election and the need for voters to become informed and participate. Papagni urges listeners to evaluate candidates based on their ideas and proposed solutions, particularly regarding agriculture, water, labor and the state’s business climate. He also encourages farmers and rural residents to consult their local Farm Bureau organizations regarding upcoming ballot propositions.
There is far more to this conversation than can be captured in a short summary. Tune in to the full AgNet NewsHour podcast to hear Nick Papagni and Manuel Cunha discuss the challenges facing California farmers, the future of agricultural labor, the regulatory maze growers must navigate, farmland losses, food security and what they believe needs to change. The full interview provides the details, firsthand perspective and candid conversation every California agriculture supporter should hear.
Listen to Part 2 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California agriculture is facing growing pressure from labor shortages, immigration uncertainty, water challenges, rising production costs and an increasingly complicated regulatory environment. On the AgNet News Hour, “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni sat down with Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, for a wide-ranging conversation about the challenges facing California farmers and the future of the state’s agricultural industry.
Papagni opened the program by discussing several issues affecting agriculture, including rising California fuel prices, concerns about diesel costs and the potential role of propane as an alternative for some farm operations. He also touched on trade tensions involving Canada and their potential impact on California wine and citrus. In the almond industry, Papagni noted that prices were climbing as the crop appeared to be coming in lighter than expected, while California shipments reached 190 million pounds in August, up 20 percent from the previous year, with exports leading the way.
The conversation with Cunha quickly turned to agricultural labor and immigration. Cunha argued that California farmers need a reliable workforce and that the current immigration system does not adequately address the needs of agriculture or other labor-intensive industries. He discussed the Dignity Act as one potential framework for providing legal work authorization to people already contributing to the U.S. economy without automatically granting citizenship. He also called for industry-specific visa programs that reflect actual workforce needs rather than arbitrary limits.
Cunha said a workable system should establish legal pathways for workers to enter the country, provide employment authorization for qualified people already here and eventually require employers to participate in E-Verify. He also discussed the continuing role of human smugglers, or “coyotes,” saying migrants can pay approximately $15,000 to $20,000 per person to cross the border and that the system can involve extortion and human trafficking. In his view, creating legal avenues for workers would provide a safer and less expensive alternative.
The interview also highlighted the contributions of longtime immigrant workers in agriculture, construction, restaurants, housing and other industries. Cunha expressed concern about workers who have spent decades contributing to the economy while remaining without permanent legal status. He argued that immigration policy should distinguish between hardworking individuals contributing to their communities and those who commit serious crimes.
Another major issue was the regulatory burden facing California farmers. Cunha said agricultural producers must deal with more than 65 regulatory agencies and hundreds of rules covering areas such as labor, workplace safety, water, environmental requirements and county regulations. He argued that the cumulative burden can consume valuable time and make it increasingly difficult for family farms to remain viable.
Water was another central concern. Cunha said California must address its groundwater crisis while also developing additional water storage and recharge opportunities. He argued that farmers are already doing their part and that policymakers need to consider how water infrastructure and regulation affect the long-term viability of agriculture.
Perhaps the most important concern raised during the interview was the future of the next generation of farmers. Cunha shared the story of a 103-year-old Japanese American farmer who remains engaged in her operation and still follows raisin prices. He worries that younger people may look at the regulatory, labor and water challenges their parents and grandparents face and decide that farming is no longer worth pursuing.
The discussion ultimately connects labor, immigration, water and regulation to a much larger question: Can California continue to support a strong agricultural industry while maintaining the systems designed to protect workers, consumers and natural resources?
There is much more to this powerful conversation. Listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast featuring Nick Papagni and Manuel Cunha for the complete discussion on California farm labor, immigration reform, coyotes, E-Verify, water, regulations and the future of family farming.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, the conversation covered both the current California almond season and a new approach to protecting high-value crops from birds and other wildlife.
Taylor Hillman, manager of industry communications with the Almond Board of California, joined the show with an update on harvest and several issues growers should be watching. Hillman said harvest has generally benefited from favorable weather, although the crop came off noticeably early in many areas—roughly 10 days to two weeks ahead of normal in parts of the southern growing region.
He also discussed the voluntary cancellation of some paraquat registrations in California and the major decisions growers face when replacing aging orchards. With an almond orchard representing a 20- to 25-year investment, Hillman encouraged growers to gather as much information as possible before replanting.
Looking ahead, attention is already turning to The Almond Conference, scheduled for December 8-10 in Sacramento. Hillman said the event will again offer production, pest management, regulatory and marketing sessions, along with opportunities for growers to interact directly with researchers. One new tool expected to be introduced is a yield prediction calculator designed to help growers better estimate orchard production.
Later in the program, Patrick Williams of SkySense discussed how remotely operated drones are being used for wildlife mitigation in crops including lettuce, table grapes and rice.
The drones can operate during the day or at night using thermal cameras and onboard speakers. Williams said the system can change sounds and tactics to prevent birds from becoming accustomed to the deterrent, a common problem with stationary tools such as propane cannons.
SkySense is also exploring applications beyond birds, including hogs, deer, coyotes and potentially livestock protection. Williams said the company has seen particularly strong demand in California as growers look for ways to reduce crop losses while dealing with rising labor costs.
From an early almond harvest to emerging technology in the field, the episode offers a look at both the immediate concerns and longer-term innovations shaping California agriculture.
Listen to the full interviews 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 a conversation on California water, laying out the combination of projects he believes could substantially increase supplies for farms, communities and cities.
Ring began with one of the issues discussed in Part 1: dredging the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. He argued sediment removal could improve the Delta's ability to move water while also reducing flood risk. Ring also pointed to research suggesting the turbidity created by dredging can provide smaller fish with protection from predators.
But dredging is only one piece of his proposed water strategy.
Asked what he would do if given the opportunity to reshape California water policy, Ring outlined a combination of desalination, additional storage and new methods of moving water from the Delta during wet years. He proposed developing roughly 500,000 acre-feet per year of seawater desalination capacity in Southern California and pursuing what he described as “fish-friendly Delta diversions” capable of capturing more water during heavy rainfall.
Storage would also play a major role. Ring called for completing Sites Reservoir, building Temperance Flat Reservoir, adding other off-stream storage and raising Shasta Dam by at least 18 feet. He said the Shasta expansion alone could add approximately 600,000 acre-feet of storage.
Ring also argued that California could make desalination considerably more affordable by reducing regulatory and construction costs. He estimated that, with lower construction and electricity costs, desalinated water could become much more competitive with existing treated-water supplies.
Beyond new construction, Ring said better weather forecasting could allow reservoir operators to capture more water with infrastructure California already has. He said improved forecasting technology, coupled with changes in operating procedures and faster information sharing, could help the state retain additional supplies during wet periods.
For agriculture, Ring argued the stakes extend well beyond individual farms. He said replacing productive farmland with solar development cannot replicate the economic activity, employment and food production generated by California's agricultural economy.
“The solution is to save our farm economy,” Ring said.
Listen to Part 2 of the full interview 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 1 of a two-part conversation about California water and the infrastructure he believes the state needs to better prepare for both drought and flooding.
Ring focused first on sediment buildup in the San Joaquin River and South Delta, warning that a future period of heavy rain could overwhelm the system. He pointed to the major flooding of 1997 and argued conditions could be worse today because meaningful sediment removal has not occurred in decades.
His concern isn't limited to flooded farmland. Ring said breached levees could mix contaminants with floodwater and potentially disrupt the ability to move water into California's aqueduct system for an extended period.
“The point is, if we don't dredge that Delta, the South Delta, we're going to have flooding that's going to make 1997 look like nothing,” Ring said.
The discussion then turned to California's broader water storage system. Ring pointed to proposals including expanding Shasta Lake, constructing Auburn Dam and revisiting Temperance Flat as examples of infrastructure that could capture more water during wet years. He argued additional storage will become even more important if California faces longer stretches of dry weather interrupted by exceptionally wet winters.
Groundwater recharge is another piece of the equation. Ring acknowledged that California has made progress in allowing farmers to use floodwater to recharge aquifers, but said permitting and other barriers still make the process unnecessarily difficult.
Ring also discussed desalination, arguing that coastal production could reduce the amount of water Southern California needs to import, potentially leaving more supplies available for agriculture and the Delta. He pointed to desalination projects elsewhere in the world and blamed California's regulatory costs for making similar projects considerably more expensive in the state.
Throughout the interview, Ring's central argument was that California needs to focus more heavily on infrastructure capable of capturing, storing and moving water when it is available.
The conversation with Ring continues in Part 2.
Listen to Part 1 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Dolce Calandra of Wildwood Packing and Cooling joined the show from Kingsburg, California, for a conversation about what it takes to keep a family farming operation moving forward in an increasingly difficult environment.
Calandra is a fourth-generation farmer whose family operation stretches from farming to packing and cold storage. He grew up working in the fields, thinning and picking fruit and driving tractors before eventually taking on a larger role at the packing house. Today, the operation handles stone fruit and citrus, with roughly 800 acres under production, including about 200 acres of citrus.
That vertical integration gives Calandra a firsthand look at challenges throughout the supply chain. One of those is the cost of operating cold storage in California.
“The ugly probably is the cost,” Calandra said. “Electricity in California and utilities in California, it’s not cheap.” Even with solar, he said the operation continues to face substantial utility bills.
Water presents another challenge. Calandra described one family block caught up in groundwater management issues in Kings County, where fees and penalties are adding another layer of uncertainty to an already expensive business.
Labor costs, regulations and the expense of new technology are also shaping decisions. Calandra sees automation as part of agriculture's future, but said investing in it can be a major gamble for a smaller family operation. A large upfront investment followed by one bad crop year could put the entire business at risk.
Despite those pressures, Calandra remains committed to agriculture.
“The goal for my family is keep this going for the guy that made it. And that’s our grandpa, Mark,” he said. Calandra hopes to eventually pass the operation down to his own children, just as previous generations kept it going for him.
For Calandra, that determination extends beyond his own farm. His message to California agriculture is to keep sharing knowledge and working together, particularly as a new generation steps into the industry.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.