AgNet News Hour

National FFA Week Highlights the Future of Agriculture Leadership

National FFA Week: The February 23 edition of the AgNet News Hour put the spotlight on one of the most influential youth organizations in agriculture, the National FFA Organization. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened the program discussing improving weather conditions across California as bloom season approaches, but the heart of the show focused on celebrating National FFA Week and the leadership pipeline shaping agriculture’s future.
Joining the program was Christy Meyer, Marketing and Communications Director for the National FFA Organization. Meyer shared that FFA now serves more than one million members nationwide, with over 9,000 chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Established in 1948, National FFA Week was strategically designed to include George Washington’s birthday, honoring his agricultural roots and reinforcing farming’s foundational role in America.
Throughout the week, chapters host service projects, alumni celebrations, advisor appreciation events, and community outreach efforts. One of the most impactful days is Advisor Appreciation Day, recognizing agricultural educators who often serve as mentors well beyond the classroom. Papagni emphasized that nearly every FFA member he has interviewed credits a teacher or advisor for life-changing guidance.
Meyer noted that FFA participation does not require growing up on a farm. Students enroll through agricultural education courses that range from animal science and plant science to agricultural technology and agribusiness. The organization prepares students for more than 300 agriculture-related career pathways, including food science, engineering, communications, research, and emerging ag technologies.
Leadership development remains the cornerstone of the organization. Public speaking, critical thinking, community service, and hands-on supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) equip members with marketable skills that translate well beyond agriculture. McGill shared his own background studying agricultural education and acknowledged how FFA builds confidence and professionalism in young leaders.
The program also touched on broader agricultural policy developments, including federal efforts to prioritize domestic glyphosate and phosphate production. Hosts noted that strengthening agricultural inputs at home could help stabilize costs for growers nationwide.
As bloom season begins and spring approaches, the message was clear: the future of agriculture depends not only on technology and policy, but on cultivating the next generation of leaders. National FFA Week serves as a reminder that agriculture’s strength lies in its people, and the young men and women proudly wearing blue jackets today may soon be leading farms, companies, and communities tomorrow.

Carbon Robotics Brings Laser Weeding and Autonomous Tractors to Center Stage

The February 20 edition of the AgNet News Hour focused squarely on agricultural automation, return on investment, and whether California is ready to truly support innovation in the field. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill broadcast on a drying Friday morning following recent storms, but the real spotlight was on cutting-edge technology unveiled at the 2026 World Ag Expo.
The featured guest was Paul Mikesell, founder and CEO of Carbon Robotics, the company behind the LaserWeeder and the newly announced Autonomous Tractor Kit (ATK). Mikesell shared how he built the first version of the laser weeding system in his backyard after years of working with artificial intelligence in Silicon Valley. His goal was simple: apply advanced AI to solve real-world farming problems — specifically herbicide resistance, rising labor costs, and environmental concerns.
The LaserWeeder uses AI-powered cameras and high-precision lasers to identify and eliminate weeds without chemicals. According to Mikesell, growers are seeing up to 80 percent savings on weed control while improving crop health and market timing. The key, he emphasized, is ROI. Farmers want automation to pay for itself in one to three years — not five or ten. That financial reality has shaped Carbon Robotics’ business model and rapid global expansion into 15 countries.
Beyond weed control, the company introduced Carbon ATK, an autonomous tractor kit that can convert existing tractors into self-driving units. Unlike other autonomous systems that shut down when encountering unexpected obstacles, Carbon’s system allows remote operators to take control instantly, ensuring full workdays in the field. The technology is designed to handle tillage, spraying, and other field operations with real-time AI oversight.
But the conversation also highlighted regulatory challenges in California. While self-driving vehicles operate on public streets in San Francisco, autonomous tractors face gray areas under state labor and safety regulations. Mikesell called for clearer policies that allow farmers to adopt the best tools available without unnecessary roadblocks.
Papagni and McGill underscored the broader takeaway: automation must make financial sense for growers. With labor costs high and margins tight, farmers cannot afford technology that doesn’t deliver quick, measurable returns. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, adaptability and affordability will determine which companies succeed.
The episode closed with a call for common-sense leadership and stronger support for agriculture in California. As automation advances, the question remains — will policy keep pace with innovation?

Almond Outlook, Propane Savings, and Ag Pride

The February 19 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered a fast-moving and wide-ranging program as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill covered everything from almond crop projections and propane-powered irrigation savings to cattle health and agricultural advocacy. With bloom season underway and storms rolling through California, the message was clear: growers are adapting in real time to protect both this year’s crop and their bottom line.
The show featured an in-depth interview with Steve Malanca, longtime almond hauler and co-founder of the “My Job Depends on Ag” campaign. Malanca provided an updated almond crop estimate, noting that early fears of a sharply reduced harvest may have been overstated. While some counties reported yields down as much as 15 percent, stronger-than-expected production in Kern County helped stabilize the statewide total. Current projections now place the crop closer to the mid–2.6 to 2.7 billion pound range.
Looking ahead, Malanca said chill hours and bloom conditions could position nonpareils for a rebound year, while pistachios may cycle down after last season’s record harvest. Beyond production numbers, he emphasized the importance of soil health, carbon sequestration, and moisture retention strategies—especially for Westside growers facing extreme water costs. With some farmers paying $1,000 to $1,500 per acre-foot in dry years, innovation is no longer optional.
The program also spotlighted energy efficiency through a compelling interview with grower Lance Shebelut, who detailed his switch from diesel and electric irrigation pumps to propane-powered engines. After running side-by-side comparisons during peak summer heat, Shebelut reported significantly lower operating costs with propane—saving thousands of dollars over just a ten-day period compared to diesel and electricity. With available rebates and full tax write-offs on new equipment, propane is quickly becoming a serious option for growers looking to reduce overhead.
Cattle health and disease management were also addressed, with insights into bovine respiratory disease and ongoing vigilance within the beef industry. Meanwhile, the hosts discussed recent arrests tied to beehive theft, underscoring the importance of protecting pollination assets during bloom.
Beyond agronomics and economics, the episode reinforced the importance of advocacy. Malanca’s “My Job Depends on Ag” campaign continues to raise awareness about how many industries rely on farming, while events like the upcoming Citrus & Specialty Crop Expo highlight the value of networking and innovation across state lines.
As Papagni and McGill wrapped the show, one theme stood out: whether it’s crop projections, energy solutions, livestock health, or public outreach, California agriculture continues to adjust, innovate, and push forward.

Bee Season in Full Swing, Highlighting Pollination Urgency for Almond Growers

Bee Season in Full Swing: The February 18 edition of the AgNet News Hour focused on one of the most critical — and often overlooked — inputs in California agriculture: bees. With almond bloom underway across the Central Valley and storms rolling through the state, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill dedicated much of the program to pollination, hive health, and why timing is everything during this narrow three- to four-week window.
Papagni opened the show reflecting on recent rainstorms and the importance of moisture heading into peak bloom. While rain is welcome for reservoirs and soil profiles, it complicates pollination logistics. Bees don’t fly in heavy rain, cold temperatures, or high winds, and muddy orchards can delay hive placement. With bloom percentages already climbing, growers without secured hives could find themselves in a tight spot.
The episode featured an in-depth interview with Daniel Taran, Field Marketing Manager for BeeHero, who explained how technology is changing the pollination game. Traditionally, growers rely on a standard rate of two hives per acre. BeeHero takes a more data-driven approach, using in-hive sensors to measure colony strength and frame counts before deployment. That transparency gives growers confidence they’re receiving strong, active colonies — not underperforming boxes.
Taran noted that nearly every commercial beehive in the country eventually makes its way to California for almond pollination. Given the scale of the industry, even minor colony losses can tighten supply. Last year’s elevated losses due to Varroa mite resistance highlighted how fragile the system can be. While conditions appear improved this season, demand remains extremely high, and theft of beehives — sometimes worth hundreds of dollars each — continues to be an issue across rural counties.
The hosts also emphasized the biological side of the story. Bees are responsible for pollinating roughly one-third of the food humans consume. Worker bees live about 30 to 40 days, while queens can live several years. During bloom, bees work quickly and methodically, foraging from the closest flowers and returning repeatedly to their hive. With only one shot at pollination each season, successful bloom directly determines final yields.
Beyond bees, the program also featured interviews from World Ag Expo, including Alexandra Duarte’s California Senate campaign update and agronomic insights from AgroLiquid and Valent on post-rain nutrition and pest management. But pollination remained the central theme: without bees, there is no almond crop.
As Papagni put it, water, labor, freight, and regulations matter — but without healthy hives in the orchard right now, nothing else counts.

Stephanie Moreda-Arend Warns Point Reyes Dairy Families Are Being Forced Off Generational Land

The February 17 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most emotional and urgent interviews of the year as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed back Stephanie Moreda-Arend, a fifth-generation dairy farmer from the Point Reyes–Petaluma area. Her message was clear: small, organic dairy families are being pushed off historic land, and California agriculture cannot afford to ignore it.
Moreda-Arend first joined the program months ago when environmental groups filed lawsuits aimed at removing multi-generational farms from land leased through Point Reyes National Seashore. Now, the situation has escalated. A settlement agreement signed in early January has already led to several dairy families selling their cattle, shutting down operations, and leaving land that has been farmed for over a century.
The impact goes far beyond a handful of ranches. According to Moreda-Arend, the closures affect not only farm owners, but also the dozens of families who live and work on those properties. Many employees receive housing as part of their employment, meaning entire households are now scrambling to find new homes, new jobs, and new schools for their children in an already tight California housing market.
She pushed back strongly on claims that removing agriculture protects the environment. In her view, regenerative dairy operations and healthy ecosystems go hand in hand. Quality soil, clean water, and strong pasture management are not optional — they are essential to producing high-quality milk and beef. “You can’t have good food without good land,” she emphasized.
Moreda-Arend also raised concerns about the long-term consequences. Once a dairy shuts down, it rarely returns. The generational knowledge, infrastructure, and passion required to run a dairy operation cannot simply be replaced. If small family farms disappear, she warned, food production will consolidate into fewer, larger operations — or shift out of state entirely.
The conversation also touched on federal attention to the issue. While the legal complexities of national park land make intervention challenging, Moreda-Arend said awareness at the national level is growing. Still, she stressed that public support and continued pressure are critical if remaining farms are to survive.
For her personally, the fight has added another layer of responsibility to an already demanding life. Dairy farming is a 24/7 commitment, and advocacy was never part of the original job description. But she believes staying silent is no longer an option.
Papagni and McGill underscored the broader takeaway: California cannot claim to value sustainability while dismantling the very farms that produce local, organic food.
As Moreda-Arend put it, protecting small family dairies isn’t just about one region — it’s about preserving the backbone of American agriculture.

Jamie Johansson Says 2026 Is a Turning Point for Northern California and Agriculture

The February 16 edition of the AgNet News Hour kicked off a week of rain, World Ag Expo momentum, and a major political conversation as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with Jamie Johansson, candidate for California’s District 3 Assembly seat. Johansson, a first-generation farmer and former President of the California Farm Bureau, made it clear that 2026 could be a defining year for agriculture, energy, and water policy in the Golden State.
Johansson farms olives and citrus in Butte County and has spent years advocating for growers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. Now, with current Assemblymember James Gallagher terming out, Johansson says the North State needs someone who can “hit the ground running” on day one. His district spans six counties stretching from Yuba-Sutter to the Oregon border, covering vast agricultural and forested lands that often feel overlooked in a legislature dominated by urban representation.
A central theme of the interview was predictability — something Johansson believes California has lost. Farmers face rising regulatory costs, soaring energy prices, and water uncertainty that make it nearly impossible to plan for the next season. Electricity rates hovering around 40 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to a national average closer to 17 cents, hit both farms and families hard. “There has to be accountability,” Johansson said, pointing to the state’s multi-billion-dollar deficit and a pattern of promises made to agriculture that go unfunded.
Water policy also took center stage. Johansson discussed the importance of moving forward with long-delayed projects like Sites Reservoir and emphasized the need to treat hydropower as clean energy again. He argued that removing dams under the current regulatory climate only weakens both rural communities and the state’s energy reliability.
Wildfire management, forest thinning, and predator issues such as wolves were also part of the conversation. Johansson said Northern California communities have lived with evacuation warnings and catastrophic fires for years, and regulatory barriers must be addressed to allow proactive forest management instead of reactive disaster response.
Beyond policy, Johansson spoke personally about generational farming. As a first-generation farmer raising three children, he understands the fear that the next generation may not be able to afford to live — let alone farm — in California. He urged agricultural voters to get involved, whether through campaigns, local boards, or simply showing up at the ballot box.
Papagni and McGill emphasized that agriculture needs strong, experienced voices in Sacramento. Johansson’s background with Farm Bureau and local government positions him to advocate effectively in a legislature often disconnected from rural realities.
As Johansson put it, California still has everything it needs — soil, water, forests, and hardworking families. The question is whether leadership will restore accountability and abundance before more farms disappear.

Edward Ring Says Energy Abundance Could Transform California’s Water and Agriculture Future

The February 13 edition of the AgNet News Hour wrapped up a powerful week of policy conversations with Part Two of the in-depth interview featuring Edward Ring, Director of Energy and Water Policy at the California Policy Center. While earlier discussions focused heavily on water, this episode zeroed in on energy, oil production, electricity pricing, and California’s economic future, all through the lens of common-sense reform.
Ring tackled a growing concern in California: refinery closures and the long-term outlook for in-state oil production. As refineries begin shutting down or repurposing to import refined gasoline instead of processing California crude, Ring warned that fuel prices are likely to remain high, and regions like Kern County could suffer economically. He emphasized that California produces some of the cleanest oil in the world yet continues to import crude and refined fuel from overseas, outsourcing environmental impact rather than solving it.
The broader issue, Ring explained, is regulatory instability. Oil producers and refiners are hesitant to invest in long-term infrastructure if policy shifts every election cycle. Without consistent leadership and predictable rules, companies won’t commit capital to projects that require 10–20 years to pay off. The result? Reduced in-state production and increased dependence on imports.
But Ring struck a far more optimistic tone when the conversation turned to electricity. He predicted California is heading toward an era of energy abundance, driven not by mandates, but by innovation. He pointed to emerging technologies like small modular nuclear reactors and decentralized energy generation, including data centers generating surplus power and potentially even electric vehicles serving as mobile battery banks.
Ring questioned why natural gas power plants are only operating about 28 percent of the time instead of providing consistent baseload power. If allowed to compete freely, he argued, electricity costs could fall dramatically. Abundant, affordable energy would unlock solutions across the board, from desalination and groundwater recharge to advanced water filtration and inter-basin transfers.
The conversation also circled back to forestry and environmental management. Ring noted that reducing logging from historic levels has contributed to catastrophic wildfires and overgrown forests. Strategic thinning and responsible land management, he said, could improve forest health and potentially increase runoff from Sierra watersheds, boosting water supply while reducing fire risk.
Throughout the interview, Ring repeatedly emphasized collaboration over conflict. Farmers, urban water agencies, and policymakers must unite behind an “all-of-the-above” strategy for water and energy infrastructure. Instead of fighting over scarcity, California could build toward abundance.
As hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill highlighted, the takeaway was simple: California has the resources, oil, water, land, and innovation, but needs leadership willing to prioritize practicality over politics.
In Ring’s words, “We really could do it all.”

Edward Ring: Dredging the Delta Could Unlock Millions of Acre-Feet for California

The February 12 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured one of the most detailed and solutions-driven conversations of the year as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Edward Ring, Director of Energy and Water Policy at the California Policy Center. Broadcasting during the final day of World Ag Expo, the discussion centered on a bold but practical idea: dredging the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta to increase water supply, reduce conflict, and restore environmental balance.
Ring argued that California’s water crisis is not simply about scarcity — it’s about management. Since the 1970s, environmental litigation halted large-scale dredging operations in the Delta. Over time, silt accumulation has significantly reduced channel capacity, cutting water throughput from historic levels of roughly 200,000 cubic feet per second down to about 130,000. That reduced flow capacity, Ring explained, forces reservoir operators to release more water for flood control rather than storing it for farms and cities.
According to Ring, restoring the Delta’s channel depth could potentially free up one to two million acre-feet of additional water per year — water that currently flows out to sea during high-flow winter events. He emphasized that dredging would not only benefit agriculture and urban water users but could also help salmon migration by creating deeper, cooler channels that improve fish habitat.
The conversation highlighted growing cooperation between Delta farmers, San Joaquin Valley growers, and Southern California water agencies — groups that historically clashed over pumping. Ring said deeper channels would ease that tension by preventing irrigation channels from running dry when pumps are operating. In his view, this is one of the rare opportunities where agricultural, urban, and environmental interests could align.
Ring also addressed groundwater recharge. During recent winter storms, hundreds of thousands of acre-feet of water passed through the system without being captured. He suggested temporarily allowing growers to divert excess flows for recharge — without counting it against summer allocations — as a way to accelerate aquifer recovery under SGMA. “Let farmers put floodwater to work,” he said, arguing that smart agreements could restore groundwater faster while reducing long-term restrictions.
Beyond dredging, Ring called for a shift away from a conservation-only mindset. Urban water use, he noted, has remained nearly flat for decades despite massive population growth — proof that conservation has already delivered major gains. The next phase, he said, must focus on infrastructure expansion and water abundance, not permanent scarcity.
Papagni and McGill emphasized that bringing experts like Ring onto the program reflects the show’s commitment to practical solutions. With new storms forecast and allocations still uncertain, the conversation served as a reminder that California has options — if leaders are willing to act.
Part two of the interview, focusing on energy policy, airs Friday.