AgNet News Hour

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.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Edward Ring, director of water and energy policy at the California Policy Center, joined Nick Papagni for Part 1 of a two-part conversation about California's water infrastructure, rising costs and the policies affecting the state's agricultural economy. The program also featured Todd Burkdoll, field market development specialist with Valent USA, discussing crop protection ahead of the 2027 growing season.
Ring argued that California's water challenges stem partly from decades of insufficient investment in major infrastructure projects. While acknowledging improvements in conservation and water-use efficiency, he said the state needs to reconsider its approach to expanding water supplies.
"We stopped doing really big things 50 years ago," Ring said, pointing to the reservoirs, aqueducts and other infrastructure developed during the previous century.
According to Ring, California has become increasingly dependent on infrastructure built for a much smaller population. He believes additional water storage and improved management of rainfall could help strengthen supplies for both agricultural and urban users.
The discussion also explored California's regulatory environment and its effects on affordability.
Ring argued that lengthy permitting processes, litigation and compliance requirements make it increasingly difficult to build infrastructure or expand businesses. He also questioned the growth of government spending and warned that rising costs could further undermine California's competitiveness.
Looking ahead, Ring called for broader reforms that would make it easier to invest in water, energy, transportation and housing projects.
Later in the program, Burkdoll discussed Valent USA's Intuity fungicide and its potential role in protecting grapes and strawberries from fungal diseases.
With the possibility of increased rainfall during the coming winter and spring, Burkdoll emphasized the importance of preventative disease management, particularly against Botrytis.
He explained that application timing and thorough spray coverage are critical to successful disease control, especially during sensitive crop development stages.
The conversation also touched on the importance of rotating fungicides and following product label restrictions as growers prepare for the upcoming season.
Hear Part 1 of the conversation with Edward Ring and the full interview with Todd Burkdoll in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.

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.