AgNet News Hour

Navigating Agriculture’s Crossroads: Insights from Nick Foglio

The agricultural industry faces unprecedented challenges, from shifting commodity markets to labor shortages and automation. In a recent AgNet News Hour interview, Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities shared timely insights into hay markets, wine trends, raisin and nut production, and what California growers must do to stay competitive.
Hay and Dairy Market Trends
Foglio opened with a look at the 2025 hay market, where soft commodity prices and oversupply have shaped the season. Favorable canola and soybean meal pricing allowed dairies to supplement feed at reduced costs, while wet winters added cheaper dry-land feed, softening the market further.
The first half of the year saw resistance due to imported hay inventory, but the second half required price corrections and higher volume movement. One bright spot was dry cow alfalfa, which outperformed 2024 thanks to less low-quality weed hay available.
With milk prices softening and exportable inventory staying in-state, Folio expects continued pressure on hay pricing going into winter.
Wine Market Shifts
Alcohol consumption continues to decline, particularly among older drinkers and younger consumers who are increasingly health-focused or shifting toward cannabis alternatives. Foglio sees single-serve packaging as a strong opportunity for drawing new wine consumers by reducing the commitment of a full bottle.
His advice for new wine drinkers:
Choose California wines for quality and local support
Explore flavors to identify their preferred white or red
Visit local wineries for tasting and education
For the wine market to grow, Foglio says the industry must shed its elitist reputation and present wine as casual, accessible, and versatile for everyday dining and gatherings.
Raisins, Almonds, and Pistachios: Vertical Integration Required
Discussing raisins and permanent crops, Foglio stresses that the future belongs to vertically integrated operations. Modern, profitable raisin production now requires:
Growing one’s own fruit
Owning and maintaining equipment
Controlling storage and processing
Managing direct-to-retail sales
Without this structure, staying competitive becomes difficult. Foglio highlights Sun-Maid and National Raisin as examples of operations thriving through innovation and strong marketing.
Almonds and pistachios remain profitable markets, but Foglio warns that overplanting could soften pricing. Growers must carefully assess whether to maintain current orchards, replant, or diversify into alternative crops based on return-on-investment outlooks.
Labor, Automation, and Rising Costs
Labor remains a top pressure point. With California’s minimum wage increasing, more farms are turning to automation and mechanization. But Folio warns that growers must evaluate ROI carefully: expensive tech with a short lifespan—much like wind turbine investments—may not justify its cost.
Growers must make immediate, ROI-positive decisions, balancing labor shortages with the need for efficiency and long-term operational sustainability.
Managing Change in Agriculture
Foglio’s closing message is clear: agriculture is at a crossroads. Success in today’s environment requires:
Flexible sourcing and pricing in soft hay markets
More approachable marketing to grow the wine industry
Strong vertical integration for raisins, almonds, and pistachios
Careful, ROI-driven adoption of automation
Growers who adapt, innovate, and invest wisely will be best positioned to meet the evolving challenges of California agriculture.

AgNet News Hour: Federal Policy Discussions, Trump Bridge Assistance Funding, and Trade and Tariff Discussions

This episode of the AgNet News Hour features with Nick Papagni - The Ag Meter - and Lorrie Boyer exchanging holiday greetings and discussing the festive season. They describe local Christmas traditions in Clovis, California, including a heavily attended display called Candy Cane Lane, as well as neighborhood decorations and parades. The hosts reflect on the joys of family time during the holidays and mention favorite Christmas movies, emphasizing the season’s celebratory spirit for farmers and communities alike.
The conversation then shifts to economic and agricultural concerns in California. Papagni highlights the state’s high taxes, rising gas prices, and growing minimum wage, noting that these factors are impacting employers and contributing to job losses, particularly among younger workers entering the workforce. They discuss the strain these challenges place on housing affordability and the high cost of living in California, stressing that systemic change is needed.
The discussion moves to federal policy, specifically the Trump administration’s Farmer Bridge Assistance Program, a $12 billion aid package for farmers. Eleven billion dollars is targeted at traditional commodities such as wheat, corn, cotton, and row crops, while $1 billion is set aside for specialty crops, though details are not yet clear. The hosts note that California’s farmers may face uncertainty regarding eligibility and disbursement, as funds will flow through Farm Service Agency offices rather than directly to the state, and aid will depend on individual farmer qualifications.
Papagni and Boyer return to discussing trade and tariff issues. They reflect on how farmers are increasingly aware of international trade dynamics, including tariffs and trade negotiations, and emphasize the importance of maintaining an even playing field. The hosts highlight positive developments with China and other countries like Japan, noting that negotiations are ongoing and that a careful, deliberate approach is preferred over rushed agreements. They stress that continued dialogue and negotiations are beneficial for U.S. agriculture and the global trade landscape.

California Agriculture: Water, Crop Markets & 2025 Outlook

This episode of the AgNet News Hour delivered a full hour of expert breakdowns on the challenges and opportunities shaping California agriculture. Segments one and two featured Joel Kimmelshue, who explained how growers are improving water use through advanced monitoring, satellite data, and soil-health strategies. He highlighted SGMA-driven land changes and stressed that California farming is not declining — it’s transforming into a more efficient and sustainable system.
In segment three, Greg Christensen analyzed current crop markets, noting continued pressure from high production costs, shifting global demand, and supply chain instability. Specialty crops such as nuts and grapes remain volatile, though signs of future stabilization are emerging. Labor, inputs, and freight remain key challenges, but domestic demand and new value-added opportunities offer hope.
Together, both interviews provided a realistic but optimistic outlook: growers who innovate, adopt technology, and adjust to market conditions will be best positioned for success.

The Future of Wine: Tim Hanni Explains Consumer Shifts and Solutions

AgNet News Hour Featuring Master of Wine Tim Hanni
On today’s AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni—the Ag Meter—sat down with Master of Wine, author, consultant, and sensory-science educator Tim Hanni for a candid and eye-opening conversation about the state of the wine industry. From outdated marketing strategies to consumer shaming and changing demographics, Hanni breaks down why wine sales are struggling—and what needs to happen to bring new drinkers into the category.
Why Wine Marketing Is Broken
Hanni argues that wine isn’t struggling because consumers lack education—it’s because the industry refuses to adapt. He compares traditional wine marketing to the early days of computers, when users had to learn DOS and adapt to the machine. Just as Steve Jobs introduced an intuitive interface, Hanni says wine needs a new, accessible consumer interface.
Instead of telling consumers what they should like, the industry must embrace what people already enjoy—including sweet wines, canned wines, and alternative styles.
Sweet Wine Drinkers Deserve a Seat at the Table
For decades, sweet-wine drinkers have been shamed by wine professionals. Hanni explains that preference for sweetness is often biological, not a lack of sophistication. People with more taste buds experience bitterness more intensely—which often pushes them toward sweeter, fruitier wines.
The industry’s refusal to acknowledge these consumers has pushed many away from wine altogether, especially younger generations.
The Tyranny of the Experts
Hanni criticizes the “vertical hierarchy” of wine culture—educators, and critics dictating what’s good or bad. This mindset drives consumers toward spirits and ready-to-drink beverages, where shoppers can simply buy what tastes good without judgment.
He says wine lists, especially in steakhouses, often eliminate the fun. Instead of telling people what pairs best, Hanni encourages restaurants to offer variety, playfulness, and personalization.
Attracting New Wine Drinkers
Younger consumers shop differently, cook differently, and think differently. Many love quality ingredients and home cooking but feel intimidated by traditional wine culture.
Canned wines, approachable styles, and easy entry points aren’t “dumbing down”—they’re breaking down barriers.
Wine Tasting Should Be Fun—Not a Test
Hanni encourages wineries to rethink their tasting room approach. He says experiences should be centered on data collection, discovery, and enjoyment, not lectures. Innovative tasting formats can help wineries understand consumer preferences and build loyalty.
The Real Threat: Not Technology, But Lack of Consumers
While automation, new vineyard tech, and sustainability are important, Hanni says none of it matters without drinkers.
A global oversupply of wine—from Europe to Australia—means the market is competitive like never before. Success will come from meeting consumers where they are, not pushing old narratives about wine, terroir, or prestige.
The Big Fix: Stop Shaming, Start Engaging
If Hanni were “President of Wine,” his first move would be eliminating consumer shaming overnight. He believes the industry must:
Offer wines for all taste profiles
Stop rigid wine-and-food dogma
Build inclusive wine lists
Celebrate sweet wines as legitimate
Encourage experimentation at home and restaurants
Connect with consumers across all price points
This shift, he says, would be as game-changing as the transition from DOS to the modern GUI.
Tim Hanni’s Book & Contact
Listeners can find Hanni’s book, “Why You Like the Wines You Like,” on Amazon.He welcomes questions at tim@timhanni.com.
Final Thoughts
Hanni leaves the industry with a clear message: wine has a future—but only if it stops talking to itself and starts listening to consumers. With young drinkers exploring diverse beverages, the opportunity lies in embracing individuality, breaking outdated rules, and making wine fun again.

Inside Today’s Wine Market: A Deep-Dive Conversation with Veteran Winemaker Nick Karavidas

The Friday edition of the AgNet News Hour opened with hosts Nick Papagni—the Ag Meter—and Lorrie Boyer welcoming listeners to another episode filled with agricultural insight, industry analysis, and expert voices. This week’s feature was a compelling interview with one of California’s most respected winemakers: Nicholas Karavidas, whose four-decade career spans cellar floors, tasting rooms, distillation, consulting, and global wine policy.
What followed was an in-depth, candid, and far-reaching conversation covering the evolution of California wine, today’s unprecedented industry slump, the future of global markets, and why automation is now essential for survival.
A Winemaking Journey That Began at 18
Karavidas’s entry into the wine world started by chance. After his family moved from Glendale to the historic Cucamonga Valley, he found himself surrounded by a vibrant —though now largely forgotten—grape-growing region.
At just 18 years old, he took a position as a union cellar man at an old Gallo facility owned by Brookside, a major direct-to-consumer winery producing 600,000 cases a year across 38 tasting rooms. The work hooked him instantly.
He loved:
The intellectual side of winemaking
The hands-on craft
The lifestyle—surfing in the mornings, working swing shift, and still being a teenager
His career ascended quickly:
Senior lab technician
Associate winemaker
Full winemaking responsibility by age 21
He later joined the fourth-generation Filippi family winery, producing 3,000–4,000 tons per year. For 16 years, he managed everything “from the still to the bottle,” often running the distillery late at night before receiving fruit at sunrise.
Forty Years of Change: From Jug Wine to Napa Prestige
When asked how the industry has changed since those early days, Karavidas didn’t hesitate: “Dramatically.”
The 1970s–1980s:
U.S. shelves were dominated by semi-generic wines like Chablis and Burgundy
Four-liter jugs were standard
Zinfandel was largely a blending grape
Cabernet Sauvignon was not yet king
The 1990s–2000s Shift:
Varietal wines became mainstream
Bottles got smaller and more premium
Napa Valley transformed the American palate
This evolution reshaped California wine into the global powerhouse it is today.
Today’s Wine Slump: “Unlike Any Cycle We’ve Seen Before”
Following a commercial break, the Ag Meter steered the conversation toward the most pressing topic: the current wine downturn, especially pronounced in regions like Lodi, where Karavidas resides.
He explained that while the industry has always cycled between under-supply and over-supply, the current slump is fundamentally different.
How We Got Here
From 1990 to 2000:
U.S. wine consumption surged
Vineyard plantings increased rapidly
But all those vines reached full production at the same time. By 2005, California hit a 3-million-ton harvest, outpacing domestic demand.
Back then, wine imports represented just 10–18% of the U.S. retail market.
Today: A New Reality
Imports now exceed 40%
U.S. consumption is flat
Production costs are rising
Exporting wine is harder and less profitable
International sales face steep:
Duties
VATs
Fees
Regulatory costs
Shipping
Hidden logistical expenses
Some countries—India among the most extreme—can add up to 300% of the wine’s value in export-related costs, making competition nearly impossible.
Vineyard Removals: A Potential Over-Correction
The most visible impact of today’s imbalance is on the land itself.
Karavidas estimates:
Lodi has removed up to 30% of its vineyards in just 24 months
Removals continue weekly
Thousands of acres are gone, with risk of pulling out too much too quickly
Making matters worse: European producers stockpiled massive volumes of wine in the U.S. just before tariffs hit. This “pre-load” flooded the market and pushed the 2025 California crop “into the weeds,” creating a backlog that could take years to unwind.
Global Wine Vision 2035: A Call for Worldwide Alignment
Karavidas also discussed his major initiative, Global Wine Vision 2035—a project he launched over a year ago after publishing digital essays that caught international attention.
Its aim:Establish a more balanced, cooperative, and sustainable global wine economy.
His framework focuses on:
Regulatory consistency
Fair trade policies
Countering anti-alcohol and neo-prohibitionist movements
Industry sustainability
Representation for small & mid-sized producers
Interest in the initiative is growing among academics in Canada, UK regulators, EU stakeholders, and others worldwide. A Global Wine Advisory Board is now in development, representing the 99% of producers who are not multinational giants.
Karavidas shares ongoing insights via his Purple Happy Wine Inside Out Newsletter on LinkedIn.
Why Younger Consumers Drink Less Wine
The conversation turned to a key demographic shift. According to Karavidas, younger adults face multiple barriers:
Health consciousness
Rising interest in organic lifestyles
Competition from cannabis & ready-to-drink beverages
Too many choices and little guidance
High prices
Intimidating wine environments
“You walk into a store with hundreds of bottles,” he said. “Where do you even start?”
The Future Is Accessible: Cans, Single Serves & Less Intimidation
Karavidas believes the current oversupply will help break down barriers and usher in a more modern, approachable wine culture.
Expect more:
Single-serve options
Canned wines
Affordable ready-to-drink portions
Lower price points
Less pressure and more fun
He remains optimistic:
“I’m bullish on the wine industry—not because it will return to the boomer boom, but because we’re getting better at understanding our markets and our customers.”
Advice to New Wine Drinkers: Keep It Fun
His guidance for young couples or new consumers?
Visit accessible regions like Lodi
Talk to small producers
Try new things—no rules
Mix a spritzer if you want
Chill reds if it tastes good
Dive into technical knowledge only if it sparks curiosity
Wine, he emphasized, should never be intimidating.
Imports Are Winning—And Why California Must Automate Fast
The Ag Meter raised the growing presence of low-price French, Italian, and other imported wines on U.S. shelves.
Why are they so cheap?
Foreign subsidies
Lower labor costs
Lower production costs
Easier global export models
California, meanwhile, pays:
Higher wages
Higher regulatory costs
More expensive production inputs
Karavidas’s solution:Rapid mechanization and automation over the next 3–5 years.
Automation: The Next Great Wine Revolution
Karavidas predicts sweeping changes, including:
Robotics in vineyards
Mechanical pruning & pre-pruning
Unmanned tractors
Advanced mechanical harvesting
Automated pump-overs
Rotary screen systems for tank emptying
Robotics in bottling & barrel cellars
Smart-power systems like VinWizard
Reduced water & energy use
Alternatives to oak barrels
This isn’t about eliminating jobs, he stressed—it’s about creating new ones for technicians, mechanics, and automation specialists.
Automation will help California:
Lower costs
Improve consistency
Compete internationally
Maintain quality
Connect with Nicholas Karavidas
For consulting, winery guidance, or conversation:
Email: nick@consultingwine.com
Office: 209-625-6339
Websites: thewinefirm.com | design2wine.com
He welcomes calls, texts, and messages.
Industry Reflections from the Hosts
After the interview, Papagni and Boyer reflected on:
The complex challenges facing the wine industry
Declining consumption
An aging population
Stockpiled EU wine
Tariffs, duties, and labor constraints
The rise in organic preferences
The importance of modernization
They also promoted Monday’s upcoming interview with Tim Hanni, focusing on why younger demographics are drinking less wine.
Stay Connected with AgNet West
Listeners can access more interviews, podcasts, and ag-industry coverage at AgNet West through their:
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AgNet West continues to deliver trusted agricultural reporting for growers, producers, and industry professionals statewide.
A Wine Industry in Transition—And Opportunity
The full conversation with Nicholas Karavidas offered a rare insiders’ look at an industry undergoing profound change. From global trade pressures and shifting consumer behavior to automation, vineyard redevelopment, and new packaging innovations, wine is at a defining moment.
Yet Karavidas is clear:The future is promising for those who innovate.
Adaptation, technology, and a renewed focus on accessibility will shape the next era of California and global wine—and the industry is already moving.

Regulations, Water Challenges, and the 2026 Outlook: Roger Isom on the AgNet News Hour

Regulations, Water Challenges, and the 2026 Outlook: Roger Isom on the AgNet News Hour
In this Thursday edition of the AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer sit down with Roger Isom, a leading voice in California agriculture. The conversation covers critical challenges and opportunities for growers, including regulatory pressures, water scarcity, rising energy costs, and strategies for advocacy heading into 2026.
Advocacy and Grassroots Engagement
Active participation in agriculture advocacy is essential.
Growers and farm suppliers are encouraged to engage with legislators and county supervisors.
Joining industry organizations strengthens collective influence:
Western Tree Nut Association (WTNA): wtna.org
California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association (CCGGA): ccgga.org
2026 is an election year—growers need to be heard in policy and voting decisions.
Regulatory Challenges
Rodenticide restrictions: Proposed DPR rules may limit usage, affecting food safety and crop protection.
Sustainable pest management: Phase-out of priority pesticides by 2050 raises concerns about balanced advisory representation.
Automation hurdles: Driverless tractors face restrictions under OSHA rules, despite driverless cars operating freely.
Increasing paperwork burdens take time away from actual farming.
Water, Energy, and Affordability Pressures
Groundwater restrictions are enforced ahead of SGMA 2040 benchmarks.
Funding gaps prevent critical infrastructure development for water conveyance and storage.
Rising PG&E rates threaten farm operations:
Proposed 27% electricity hike
California agricultural rates up to 3x higher than Texas
Solar payback periods under NEM 3.0 now nearly 20 years.
The Future of California Agriculture
Population loss and migration of growers to states like Texas and Idaho.
Regulatory and energy burdens threaten long-term agricultural viability.
Advocacy, voter engagement, and unified industry action are critical to protecting California agriculture.
Wine Industry Insights
Younger generations are drinking less wine due to cost, health, lifestyle, and cannabis alternatives.
Wine marketing must emphasize storytelling, tasting experiences, and approachable options.
Sampling and education about varietals, winemakers, and history can grow consumer appreciation.
In today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni (The Ag Meter) and co-host Lorrie Boyer wrapped up a lively discussion on the changing landscape of wine consumption and what the wine industry can do to engage new generations of drinkers.
Younger Consumers: Price, Health, and Lifestyle Drive Decisions
Lorrie explained that younger adults are drinking less wine for several reasons—cost being a major factor. Many prioritize health, career, or school, while others prefer non-alcoholic beverages now trending in breweries and restaurants. She noted that wineries may need to expand into non-alcoholic options, just as beer companies have.
Experience Over Alcohol: What Today’s Drinkers Want
Nick and Lorrie agreed that modern consumers focus more on experiences than alcohol volume. Craft cocktails, tasting-room visits, and curated beverage moments continue to capture interest. At the same time, the overwhelming number of wine choices can intimidate new drinkers, especially when bottle prices are high.
The Value of Tasting and Storytelling
Lorrie shared her personal love for wine tasting—trying small pours, exploring Cabernet and Zinfandel, and discovering new favorites based on food, mood, and weather. She emphasized that winery visits are about more than wine:
Meeting the winemaker
Learning the history
Hearing the story behind each bottle
Nick added that “every bottle has a story,” underscoring why wine remains a unique and powerful part of agriculture.
Wrapping Up
Nick and Lorrie closed the episode with excitement for upcoming holiday-themed content and encouraged listeners to return tomorrow for more ag news, insights, and seasonal fun.
Listeners can find additional information, connect on social media, and subscribe to podcasts through AgNetWest.com.

AgNet News Hour: Midweek Agriculture Insights & Industry Headlines

The latest midweek edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered a fast-paced blend of California agriculture updates, community conversations, and industry innovations. Hosted by Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer, the episode covered everything from winter health habits to major ag policy issues, commodity challenges, and new breakthroughs shaping U.S. farming.
Seasonal Trends, Food Costs & Community Life
Nick and Lorrie opened the show discussing winter colds, flu season, and staying healthy in public spaces. Their lighthearted talk about potlucks and restaurant cleanliness led to a more serious point: fast food isn’t the cheapest option anymore, and local restaurants continue to struggle with inflation and freight costs.
Nick also announced plans to bring holiday spirit into the AgNet West studio and encouraged listeners to share local Christmas light displays for on-air features.
California Christmas Tree Farms Under Pressure
The hosts explored the challenges facing Christmas tree growers across California and the U.S. Rising production costs, increasing demand for artificial trees, and regulatory hurdles continue to pressure the traditional tree market. A California tree grower is expected to join the show soon for deeper insight.
Winter Meeting Season: Key Agriculture Events
The episode highlighted several major December events:
California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting – Anaheim
Almond Board of California Conference – Sacramento
Organic Grower Summit – Monterey
These conferences offer growers education, networking, and a break from fieldwork during the slower winter season.
National Association of Farm Broadcasting: Industry Takeaways
Lorrie shared updates from the NAFB Annual Meeting in Kansas City, including:
Continued push for year-round E15 availability
Reports from major commodity groups, including the Pork Board and NCBA
Farm Credit’s economic outlook pointing to high input costs, a tight farm economy, and the need for financial discipline, especially for younger producers
Her takeaway: agriculture is cyclical—prepare during the good years to withstand the hard ones.
Butte County Focus: Interview with Colleen Cecil
A major highlight was an in-depth conversation with Colleen Cecil, Executive Director of the Butte County Farm Bureau.
Key Themes:
Importance of 4-H and FFA in developing leadership and communication skills
Workforce challenges and the value of hiring people with agricultural backgrounds
Farmland loss due to housing development
Water policy and SGMA concerns
Wolf reintroduction impacts
The need for more farmers in public office
Cecil emphasized that policymakers don’t need all the answers—they just need reliable agricultural partners to ask.
Butte County Commodities: A Diverse, Surprising Mix
Butte County produces far more than almonds and walnuts. The region’s commodities include:
Citrus
Nursery stock
Prunes
Olives & olive oil
Kiwis
Nick also announced plans to bring premium olive oil producer Vincent Ricchiuti onto a future episode.
Innovation Spotlight: Avocados, Organics & New Crop Research
The episode highlighted several exciting developments:
Heat-tolerant avocado trees from Duarte Nurseries could expand production deeper into the Central Valley.
Organic growers continue advancing automation, soil health, and certification practices.
Researchers are working on self-fertilizing wheat, disease-resistant crops, and tools to combat threats like citrus greening.
Nick reminded listeners that farmers are among the country’s top environmental stewards—despite often being misunderstood.
Efficiency Across Livestock & Dairy
From pork to dairy, U.S. producers continue proving they can do more with less. Better nutrition, management, and automation are driving higher output even as herd sizes decline.
Looking Ahead
Nick and Lorrie plan to bring more Farm Bureau leaders, California growers, and industry innovators on future episodes. For full interviews, daily ag news, and podcast episodes, visit AgNetWest.com and follow AgNet West on social media.

AgNet News Hour: Butte County Agriculture, Regulations & Almond Outlook

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer share post-Thanksgiving reflections before diving into key issues shaping California agriculture. The show features Part One of Nick’s interview with Colleen Cecil, Executive Director of the Butte County Farm Bureau, following the county’s 21st Annual Agribee™ for 4th and 5th graders.
Cecil highlights Butte County’s strong agricultural foundation—almonds, walnuts, rice, citrus, olives, cattle, and a major pollination sector—and emphasizes the region’s dependable water, quality soils, and active grower involvement in groundwater sustainability planning. She also discusses challenges facing farmers statewide, including rising regulation costs, wildfire impacts, and increasing wolf depredation in nearby grazing regions.
The show touches on trade tensions ahead of the USMCA review, updates on global almond production (expected to climb nearly 10%), and the strong performance of California’s tree nut industries following a near-perfect growing season.
Cecil previews Grower Day on December 3 in Chico, a free, one-day farm show offering education, networking, and industry speakers. Nick and Lorrie close with light holiday banter and reminders to follow AgNet West online for ongoing coverage.