AgNet News Hour

California Policy, Meat Industry Concerns, and Governor Race Take Center Stage for Agriculture

The AgNet News Hour focused on major policy concerns impacting agriculture, including rising scrutiny of the meat industry, ongoing debate over California’s leadership, and the broader economic pressures facing farmers across the state.
One of the key topics discussed was the growing concern over consolidation in the meat processing industry. With just a handful of major companies controlling a large portion of the market, questions are being raised about pricing transparency and competition.
“When you have less competitors, that means the price for you and I goes through the roof,” hosts noted, emphasizing the impact on both producers and consumers.
The issue is gaining national attention, with federal officials beginning to investigate potential price-fixing practices. If confirmed, it could have significant implications for livestock producers and food costs nationwide.
At the state level, the conversation turned to California’s governor race, which continues to draw attention across the country. With candidates offering sharply different visions for the state’s future, agriculture remains closely tied to the outcome.
Hosts highlighted frustration among voters who feel that key issues—such as energy costs, regulation, and affordability—are not being adequately addressed.
“We’ve got to fix this state,” they said, pointing to ongoing concerns about the cost of doing business in California.
For farmers, those challenges are especially pronounced. High fuel prices, regulatory burdens, and labor costs continue to strain operations, making it increasingly difficult to remain competitive.
“Everything that agriculture runs on is diesel,” the discussion emphasized, noting the ripple effect fuel costs have across the entire supply chain.
The episode also featured part one of an interview with Assemblyman David Tangipa, who provided insight into legislative efforts and the importance of voter engagement heading into the election cycle.
Tangipa confirmed that a voter ID initiative will officially appear on the November ballot, marking a significant development in ongoing discussions about election integrity in California.
“It’s now time to put in the work to get voter ID done in California,” Tangipa said.
Beyond elections, Tangipa highlighted growing concerns among Californians about affordability, government spending, and accountability. He pointed to widespread frustration over how taxpayer dollars are being used, particularly as state spending continues to increase.
“If we are the fourth largest economy in the world, where does it look like it?” he said.
The conversation also addressed long-standing issues like infrastructure and the state’s high-speed rail project, which continues to face criticism over rising costs and delays.
For agriculture, the stakes remain high. Policy decisions at both the state and federal levels will play a critical role in shaping the future of farming, from market access and input costs to water infrastructure and regulatory requirements.
As the election season intensifies, industry leaders are encouraging farmers and rural communities to stay engaged and informed, recognizing that the direction of California policy will have lasting impacts on agriculture.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Madera Grower Darren Schmall Expands Agriculture into Agritourism, Innovation, and Sustainability

The AgNet News Hour featured a conversation with Madera grower Darren Schmall, highlighting how one Central Valley farmer is blending traditional agriculture with innovation, agritourism, and sustainability to stay competitive in a changing industry.
Schmall, a fourth-generation farmer, continues to grow almonds and raisins in Madera and Fresno counties, but has also expanded his operation into a diverse business model that includes concerts, events, and agricultural education.
“I’ve always been drawn to educating the public about agriculture,” Schmall said.
That vision led to the development of ApCal Rock’n Ranch, a large outdoor venue surrounded by orchards and vineyards. What started as a small operation has grown into one of the Central Valley’s largest outdoor entertainment venues, drawing thousands of visitors and helping connect the public with agriculture in a unique way.
“It’s about getting people out here and experiencing the country,” Schmall explained.
Beyond agritourism, Schmall is also focused on innovation through his Megaflora Tree Farms operation. The company produces a fast-growing hybrid tree designed to provide shade, conserve water, and improve environmental conditions.
“These trees will grow 10 to 15 feet per year,” Schmall said, noting their rapid growth compared to traditional shade trees.
The trees are also drought-tolerant and capable of sequestering significant amounts of carbon, making them attractive for municipalities, schools, and landowners looking for sustainable solutions.
“They use very, very little water,” he added.
While innovation plays a major role in his operation, Schmall emphasized that traditional farming challenges remain front and center, particularly rising costs tied to fuel, labor, and fertilizer.
“Everything is related back to fuel,” he said, pointing to diesel prices as a major driver of production costs across agriculture.
These expenses continue to impact growers statewide, especially in California where regulatory requirements add additional financial pressure. Schmall estimated that roughly 10 percent of farm costs are tied directly to regulation, further tightening margins for producers.
Labor costs are another concern, with California wages significantly higher than other states. While necessary, those increases add to the overall cost of doing business and must often be passed on to consumers.
At the same time, agriculture faces ongoing challenges related to water availability, weather, and market conditions. Schmall noted that while his operation has been fortunate with water access, other regions continue to struggle with limited supplies and uncertain allocations.
Despite the challenges, Schmall remains optimistic about agriculture’s future, especially for growers willing to adapt and diversify.
From concerts and community events to innovative tree production, his operation reflects a broader trend in California agriculture: finding new ways to stay viable while continuing to produce food and support local economies.
As the industry evolves, examples like Schmall’s highlight the importance of flexibility, innovation, and public engagement in keeping agriculture strong.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Potter Valley Fight Intensifies as Community Pushes Back Against Dam Removal and Water Loss

The AgNet News Hour highlighted a growing battle in Northern California, where residents and agricultural leaders are pushing back against efforts to remove key dams in Potter Valley, an issue that could have major consequences for water supply, farming, and rural communities.
The episode featured an in-depth interview with Keely Covello, a journalist and Potter Valley native who has become a leading voice in the fight to preserve the region’s water infrastructure.
“This is a David and Goliath story,” Covello said. “We are in the thick of the fight.”
At the center of the issue is the Potter Valley Project, a system of dams and water infrastructure that supports farms, ranches, and communities across the region. The project plays a critical role in delivering water to an estimated 750,000 people, making it a cornerstone of both local agriculture and broader regional supply.
However, ongoing legal pressure and environmental advocacy efforts have pushed the system toward potential removal, raising concerns among growers and residents about the long-term impact.
“They were going to do this right under our noses,” Covello said, referring to earlier efforts to move forward without widespread public awareness.
Despite those challenges, recent developments have given the community renewed hope. Covello noted that a Southern California water district has expressed interest in purchasing the dams from PG&E, which could provide a path forward to keep the system in place.
“We are so excited that there may be a way to save these dams,” she said.
The situation has also drawn attention at the federal level. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has engaged with stakeholders on the issue, signaling increased national awareness of the potential consequences tied to the project.
Covello emphasized that many policymakers outside of California may not fully understand how essential water storage is in the state’s Mediterranean climate, where rainfall is limited to certain times of the year.
“We need a place to store it,” she said.
Beyond water supply, the conversation also addressed broader concerns about regulatory pressure, environmental policy, and the influence of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Covello argued that some advocacy groups are using legal strategies to push outcomes that may not align with the needs of rural communities or agriculture.
“It’s become an abuse of the law,” she said, referencing ongoing litigation tied to environmental regulations.
Local leaders say the stakes go far beyond a single project. The potential removal of the dams could impact hundreds of farms and ranches, disrupt water access, and fundamentally change the landscape of the region.
“This is our lifeblood,” Covello said.
The discussion also highlighted the role of California’s political leadership, with many in agriculture calling for greater focus on water infrastructure, food production, and rural representation. As the state approaches a critical election cycle, the future of projects like Potter Valley could hinge on policy decisions made in the coming years.
For now, the community continues to organize, advocate, and push for solutions that preserve both water access and agricultural viability.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Insurance Crisis Deepens in California as Ag Industry Faces Rising Costs and Limited Coverage

The AgNet News Hour tackled one of the most pressing issues impacting agriculture and rural businesses, California’s worsening insurance crisis, and what it means for farmers already navigating high costs and regulatory pressure.
The episode featured an in-depth interview with insurance commissioner candidate Stacey Korsgaden, who outlined major concerns with the current system and how it is affecting industries across the state, including agriculture, trucking, and small business operations.
“Insurance has gone up… or you can’t even get a policy,” Korsgaden said, describing what she is hearing from Californians across multiple sectors.
For agriculture, the impact is significant. Farmers are dealing with rising premiums for everything from crop insurance to equipment, vehicles, and workers’ compensation. In some cases, coverage is either unaffordable or unavailable altogether—adding another layer of financial pressure on top of already high input costs.
Industry leaders say the issue is not isolated to one region or commodity. From the Central Valley to coastal production areas, the challenges remain consistent: higher prices, reduced options, and declining service levels.
According to Korsgaden, many of these issues stem from long-term policy decisions that have created a difficult environment for insurance companies to operate in California. As regulations have increased, she said, many insurers have either scaled back their presence or left the state entirely.
“Insurance companies are looking at the restrictions… and they’re pulling back,” she said.
That trend has led to a heavier reliance on the state’s FAIR Plan, originally designed as a last-resort option. Today, however, more homeowners and businesses are being forced into the system due to lack of alternatives.
The conversation also highlighted how broader issues, such as wildfire risk, forest management, and crime, are influencing insurance availability. Companies use risk-based models, and when conditions become too unpredictable or costly, they simply stop writing policies.
“California is not insurable right now,” Korsgaden said.
For agriculture, that reality presents serious concerns. Without reliable and affordable insurance, farmers face increased financial risk, making it more difficult to invest, expand, or even maintain operations.
The discussion also touched on the need for leadership with industry experience. Korsgaden noted that California has not had an insurance commissioner with a background in the field for decades, a gap she believes has contributed to the current situation.
“I understand insurance… and I know how to fix it,” she said.
Proposed solutions include attracting new insurance companies back into California, streamlining regulatory processes, and improving communication between the state and private insurers to restore competition in the marketplace.
As California agriculture continues to face challenges from water, labor, and regulatory pressures, the insurance crisis is quickly becoming another major factor shaping the future of farming in the state.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Farm Bill Advances as Food Security, Fertilizer Costs, and California Policy Pressures Dominate Ag Conversation

One of the biggest headlines from the episode was movement on the federal Farm Bill, which officially passed the U.S. House for the first time since 2018. The legislation marks a significant step forward for national agricultural policy, though it still must move through the Senate before becoming law.
“It’s a major step forward,” hosts said, noting the importance of finally seeing progress after years of delays.
The bill includes funding for conservation programs, crop insurance, and research, particularly for specialty crops that are critical to California agriculture. However, some provisions—such as fixes to Proposition 12 and expanded fuel policy—are still under debate and could be addressed in the Senate version.
At the same time, broader concerns about food security remain front and center. Industry leaders continue to warn that without strong domestic production, the U.S. risks becoming increasingly reliant on imported food.
“If we don’t get the right leadership… we will be importing more of our food,” said Monterey County Farm Bureau Executive Director Norm Groot.
Groot emphasized that maintaining a stable farming system is essential not only for the economy, but for national security. Rising costs, regulatory pressure, and labor challenges are making it harder for farmers—especially small operations—to stay in business.
“We have to have a domestic farming system that works,” he said.
Labor remains one of the most critical issues, particularly in regions like Monterey County where tens of thousands of workers are needed to harvest crops like lettuce and strawberries. These roles require specialized skills and cannot easily be replaced by automation.
“These are highly skilled jobs,” Groot explained.
Fertilizer costs also continue to weigh heavily on growers. Discussions during the episode highlighted ongoing efforts at the federal level to increase competition and stabilize pricing, but the issue remains a long-term challenge tied to supply, global markets, and industry consolidation.
Beyond economics, the conversation also turned to California’s political landscape. With the governor’s race underway, farmers are watching closely to see whether future leadership will address key concerns like regulation, water infrastructure, and cost pressures.
“There will be wholesale change… or we risk losing our farms,” Groot warned.
The episode also touched on broader agricultural challenges across the country, including drought conditions in parts of the Midwest and Southeast, as well as wildfire concerns in other regions—reminding listeners that agriculture is interconnected nationwide.
As the Farm Bill moves forward and election season continues, the direction of both federal and state policy will play a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture—especially in a state as vital to food production as California.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Fertilizer Costs, Policy Debate, and Water Challenges Take Center Stage for California Agriculture

The highlighted major issues shaping agriculture right now, including rising fertilizer costs, ongoing political debates in California, and serious water challenges facing growers in key production regions like Monterey County.
A major focus of the episode was fertilizer pricing and supply, as USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined federal efforts to increase competition and lower costs for farmers. Rollins pointed to decades of consolidation in the fertilizer industry as a key driver behind today’s high prices.
“Four companies control 75 percent of the domestic nitrogen fertilizer market,” Rollins said, emphasizing the lack of competition.
To address the issue, the administration is working to expand domestic production, streamline regulations, and increase imports where necessary. Short-term actions include easing shipping restrictions and opening additional supply channels, while long-term plans aim to significantly boost U.S. fertilizer production capacity.
“We will not rest until this problem is solved,” Rollins said.
The discussion underscored how rising fertilizer costs continue to squeeze growers already dealing with high input expenses, labor costs, and regulatory pressure.
Alongside national policy discussions, the program also touched on California’s ongoing governor race, where candidates remain divided on key economic issues like the state’s gas tax and broader fiscal policy. Hosts emphasized growing frustration among residents and farmers over the cost of living and the need for leadership focused on practical solutions.
“Do you want to change California because it’s broken or continue what’s going on?” hosts asked, highlighting the stakes of the upcoming election.
The episode also featured part one of an interview with Monterey County Farm Bureau Executive Director Norm Groot, who outlined some of the biggest challenges facing one of the most productive agricultural regions in the country.
“We are fourth in the state and fourth in the country in gross value production,” Groot said, pointing to Monterey County’s importance in supplying crops like lettuce, strawberries, and broccoli.
Water remains the top concern for growers in the region. Groot explained that local challenges are less about availability and more about infrastructure, with the area facing issues like seawater intrusion and the need for major system upgrades.
“We call it a plumbing problem,” he said, describing the complexity of managing water resources.
Labor is another ongoing challenge, particularly for crops that require skilled, hands-on harvesting. In Monterey County alone, between 55,000 and 58,000 workers are needed to harvest crops during peak season.
“These are highly skilled jobs,” Groot said, noting that tasks like harvesting strawberries require precision, speed, and experience.
Rising labor costs and regulatory pressure continue to strain operations, especially for smaller farms. Groot warned that increasing minimum wage requirements and compliance costs could push some growers out of business if conditions don’t improve.
Looking ahead, growers are also watching the upcoming election closely, hoping for policy changes that reduce regulatory burdens and support long-term sustainability in agriculture.
As the season moves forward, the intersection of federal policy, state leadership, and local challenges will continue to shape the outlook for California agriculture.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Table Grape Season Starts Early in 2026 with Strong Outlook and Global Demand

The AgNet News Hour featured a conversation with California Table Grape Commission President and CEO Ian LeMay, highlighting an early start to the 2026 season, strong market demand, and the continued importance of labor and global trade for the industry.
LeMay said California growers are preparing to kick off harvest in Coachella earlier than usual this year, driven by a warmer-than-normal February and March. That shift has pushed the season ahead by as much as two to three weeks compared to historical averages.
“We are just days away from the California table grape season… it’s an exciting time,” LeMay said.
Despite the earlier timeline, the overall outlook remains positive. Growers are expecting high-quality fruit and solid volumes, supported by California’s long production window that typically runs from late spring through the end of the year.
“We have what we call promotable volume from the beginning of June all the way through December,” LeMay explained.
That extended season gives California a competitive advantage in both domestic and international markets. Table grapes grown in the state are shipped to more than 50 countries annually, with demand continuing to grow worldwide.
“We’re going to be running promotion campaigns in 23 different countries,” LeMay said, noting strong partnerships across key global markets.
The industry is also coming off a relatively strong 2025 season, though late-season rain events created some challenges. While early conditions were favorable, multiple storms in September, October, and November impacted the final stretch of harvest.
“That accumulation of three rains over a 70-day period definitely hampered how we ended our season,” he said.
Even with those setbacks, total production still exceeded the previous year, reinforcing the industry’s resilience.
As the 2026 season begins, one of the biggest ongoing challenges remains labor. Unlike some crops that are moving toward automation, table grapes still rely heavily on skilled workers to harvest and pack fruit.
“We still holistically depend on the human hand to pick, pack, and ship California table grapes,” LeMay said.
That workforce plays a critical role in maintaining quality, with experienced crews ensuring grapes are carefully handled and packed for retail. While labor costs continue to rise, LeMay said the industry benefits from a consistent, experienced workforce that returns season after season.
At the same time, efforts are underway to explore automation and mechanization, though progress remains gradual due to the complexity of vineyard conditions and the need for precision handling.
Beyond labor, water and regulatory pressures remain top concerns for growers across California. LeMay pointed to the need for long-term investment in infrastructure, including water storage and delivery systems, to support agriculture’s future.
“Water has been a paramount issue,” he said.
Despite these challenges, optimism remains strong heading into the 2026 season. With high-quality fruit, expanding global demand, and a long harvest window, California table grapes are positioned for another solid year.
“Look for and choose California table grapes,” LeMay said. “We appreciate the support.”
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Attorney General Candidate Michael Gates Targets Fraud, Crime, and Oversight Reform Impacting California Agriculture

The AgNet News Hour featured a high-energy conversation with California Attorney General candidate Michael Gates, who outlined his plans to combat fraud, restore law and order, and bring accountability back to state government—issues that directly impact farmers and rural communities.
Gates, a longtime attorney and former Huntington Beach city attorney, said California is facing widespread financial mismanagement and rising crime, with billions in taxpayer dollars lost through fraud and lack of oversight.
“We are currently a lawless state, but we need to be a law and order state,” Gates said.
A central focus of his campaign is cracking down on what he described as large-scale fraud tied to government spending and nonprofit organizations. Gates estimated that as much as $500 billion in taxpayer money has been lost to waste, fraud, and abuse over recent years—money he says should be recovered and returned to Californians.
“That money’s out there somewhere,” he said. “People are going to go to jail… and we’re going to claw back that money.”
For agriculture, those issues hit especially close to home. Gates noted that farmers are already dealing with rising costs, labor challenges, regulatory pressure, and water concerns, leaving little room to absorb the financial impacts of misused taxpayer funds.
“Farmers don’t have time to worry about fraud,” hosts noted during the discussion, pointing to the growing list of operational challenges across the industry.
Gates emphasized that addressing fraud and improving oversight could help relieve some of that pressure by ensuring resources are properly allocated and not diverted away from essential services and infrastructure.
In addition to financial accountability, Gates said public safety would be a top priority. Drawing on his experience in Huntington Beach—where he helped reduce crime and improve enforcement—he plans to take a more aggressive approach statewide.
“When there’s a new sheriff in town… we will return California back to the rule of law,” he said.
The conversation also touched on broader concerns about government transparency and proposed legislation that could limit public oversight. Gates strongly opposed efforts that would restrict citizen journalism or reduce accountability, arguing that Californians have a right to question how their government operates.
“We should be empowering them, not punishing them,” he said.
Gates also highlighted the importance of leadership in turning California around, expressing confidence that coordinated efforts across multiple offices—including governor, attorney general, and controller—could drive meaningful change.
“If we get the right leaders in office… we can turn California overnight,” he said.
As the election cycle continues, Gates is positioning himself as a candidate focused on enforcement, accountability, and restoring confidence in state government—priorities that many in agriculture say are long overdue.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.