AgNet News Hour

Dave Roberts Says California Farmers Are Being Squeezed From Every Direction

The March 3 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most candid conversations yet about the mounting pressures facing California agriculture. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Dave Roberts of R7 Enterprises, a diversified grower in Woodlake farming cherries, citrus, lemons, pomegranates, Asian pears, avocados, and more. His message was clear: California farmers are doing everything right — but the system is making it harder and harder to survive.
Roberts explained how global imports, shrinking marketing windows, and fewer major buyers are compressing profitability. In the lemon market alone, imports from the Southern Hemisphere have cut weeks out of California’s traditional selling window. The result? More volume forced into a shorter time frame, softer prices, and in some cases, fruit left unharvested. “When fruit leaves my farm, everybody knows what they’re going to get paid that day except for me,” Roberts said — a striking reality for any business owner.
Beyond imports, consolidation is reshaping agriculture. Large retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Kroger dominate buying power, while smaller packers struggle to afford the new technology required to stay competitive. As packers consolidate, growers have fewer marketing options, often putting additional downward pressure on returns.
Regulation remains another major challenge. Roberts estimates compliance costs are consuming roughly 20 percent of farm budgets. From labor and fuel to water policy and environmental mandates, the expenses continue climbing — without corresponding increases in farmgate prices. “The number one rule of sustainability is making a profit,” Roberts emphasized. Without profitability, there is no next generation.
Water policy also dominated the discussion. Roberts voiced strong concerns about SGMA and the potential removal of productive farmland from use. With California already importing significant food, he questioned how reducing domestic production strengthens food security. “Food security is national security,” he said, urging policymakers to reconsider how water is stored, moved, and allocated.
The conversation extended to labor reform, avocado imports, cartel-controlled production in Mexico, and the long-term future of small farming communities. Throughout the interview, one theme remained constant: farmers are willing to compete — but they need a level playing field.
Roberts ended with a message of resilience, saying California agriculture “has to get better” because people depend on safe, nutritious food.
For California farmers listening, the episode was more than an interview — it was a reflection of the real-world pressures many are feeling today.

Elaine Culotti Pushes for Middle-Ground Leadership and Stronger Support for Small Farmers

The March 2 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured part two of an in-depth conversation with gubernatorial candidate Elaine Culotti, who continued outlining her vision for California’s future — particularly when it comes to infrastructure, small farms, property rights, and regulatory reform.
Culotti, running with No Party Preference, emphasized that California voters are tired of partisan extremes. She argued the state is fundamentally “purple,” filled with hardworking residents who want practical solutions rather than political theatrics. According to Culotti, both major parties have drifted too far from common-sense governance, and she believes leadership in the middle is the only way to stabilize the state.
A major topic of discussion was infrastructure. High-speed rail once again surfaced as a flashpoint issue. Culotti suggested that private industry, rather than government bureaucracy, could complete large projects more efficiently. While debate continues over whether the rail project should move forward at all, the broader message was clear: California must prioritize roads, freight corridors, and functional infrastructure that directly supports agriculture and commerce.
Small farmers were also front and center. Culotti highlighted the roughly 80,000 farms in California under 200 acres and questioned why so many struggle to remain profitable. Rising input costs, packaging expenses, and regulations are squeezing producers, while farmgate prices often fail to keep pace. She called for policies that empower small operators rather than burden them with additional compliance hurdles.
Property rights emerged as another key concern, particularly in reference to legal battles facing agricultural families in areas like Point Reyes. Culotti criticized what she described as excessive litigation and regulatory pressure, arguing that landowners should not be forced into endless legal fights that ultimately drive them out of business.
Insurance reform also entered the conversation, with Culotti stating that California’s rising premiums and shrinking coverage options are harming farmers, truckers, and homeowners alike. She encouraged voters to research down-ballot races — including insurance commissioner — rather than voting solely along party lines.
Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill echoed a broader theme throughout the program: California agriculture remains strong, but policy decisions in Sacramento have created serious challenges across water, freight, labor, and energy sectors. Whether discussing infrastructure, immigration, or small business survival, the underlying question remains the same — can the state shift toward pragmatic leadership before more farms and families leave?
As Culotti put it, California still has all the ingredients for success. The debate now centers on whether leadership can restore balance and accountability in time.

Elaine Culotti Enters Governor’s Race, Calls for Major Reset in California Policy

The February 27 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a wide-ranging and energetic conversation with Elaine Culotti, who officially announced she is running for Governor of California. In a discussion that touched on everything from water and infrastructure to immigration and state spending, Culotti made it clear she believes California needs a complete reset.
Culotti, a farmer and entrepreneur, is running with No Party Preference, arguing that California’s biggest challenges won’t be solved by partisan politics. With the state facing a massive budget deficit, high gas prices, struggling infrastructure, and ongoing recovery from devastating wildfires, she says leadership must focus on practical solutions instead of party loyalty.
A major theme of the interview was Sacramento’s role in what she describes as “oppression” of local cities through unfunded mandates. Culotti argued that cities and counties are often required to comply with state directives without receiving the funding necessary to implement them. According to her, that structure drains local resources and limits communities’ ability to solve problems on their own terms.
Infrastructure also took center stage. From the unfinished high-speed rail project to crumbling highways and rising fuel costs, Culotti emphasized the need to prioritize roads, freight corridors, and supply chains before launching new large-scale initiatives. With refineries closing and transportation costs rising, she warned that California families and farmers will continue feeling pressure at the pump and in grocery stores unless energy and logistics are addressed directly.
Water policy was another focal point. Culotti stressed that California must bring in subject-matter experts and implement long-term, science-based strategies to secure reliable water supplies for agriculture and growing communities. She also called for stronger collaboration with federal agencies to unlock infrastructure funding and stabilize the state’s economy.
Immigration policy entered the conversation as well, with Culotti highlighting concerns about the backlog of legal immigration applications and the strain on local systems. She argued that restoring order and clarity to the process is essential for economic stability and public trust.
Looking ahead, Culotti said the upcoming primary will be critical. With California’s “top two” primary system sending only the highest vote-getters to the general election, she is appealing directly to voters across party lines who want accountability, fiscal responsibility, and economic development.
As California prepares for the 2028 Olympics and continues recovering from wildfire damage, Culotti says the state must rebuild its foundation — economically and structurally — before pursuing new ambitions.
Part two of the interview continues next week.

Kern Oil Documentary Highlights Human Cost of California Energy Policy

The February 26 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most powerful and personal interviews of the year, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with Rickey Bird, director and writer of the documentary Kern Oil. The conversation centered on California’s oil industry, energy independence, and the ripple effects energy policy has on agriculture, freight, and rural communities.
Bird, a third-generation oilfield worker from Bakersfield, shared how dramatically the industry has changed over the past several years. Despite California consuming roughly 1.8 million barrels of oil per day, in-state production continues to decline due to regulatory hurdles. Instead, the state imports oil from overseas — a move Bird argues increases costs while outsourcing environmental oversight.
He emphasized that California-produced oil is among the most heavily regulated and environmentally monitored in the world. Yet, as production slows, communities like Taft and parts of Kern County are feeling the economic strain. Fewer permits, refinery closures, and regulatory uncertainty have led to job losses, shuttered businesses, and declining local tax revenues.
The discussion also underscored how deeply interconnected oil is with agriculture. From fuel for tractors and irrigation pumps to freight transportation and fertilizer production, energy costs impact every step of the food supply chain. As Papagni noted, when fuel prices rise, so does the cost of getting grapes, almonds, and vegetables to market. Those increases ultimately reach the consumer.
Bird also shared the deeply personal motivation behind his documentary. After years of declining work opportunities in the oilfield, his family experienced firsthand the emotional and financial toll that industry contraction can bring. His film aims to highlight not just policy debates, but the real families affected when jobs disappear in rural California.
Kern Oil features interviews with oilfield workers, executives, community leaders, and policymakers, offering perspectives from across the industry. Bird says the goal is education — helping Californians understand how energy policy decisions affect everything from gas prices to property taxes.
The episode also touched on broader themes of accountability and governance. With California facing budget challenges and rising living costs, the hosts discussed whether better management of existing natural resources could help stabilize local economies.
As the conversation made clear, energy isn’t just about fuel at the pump — it’s about jobs, infrastructure, agriculture, and community stability.
Kern Oil premieres this week at the historic Fox Theater in Bakersfield, with additional screenings planned across the state.

Freight Crisis Deepens as California Trucking Companies Warn of Industry Collapse

The February 25 edition of the AgNet News Hour continued a powerful two-part discussion on the growing crisis in California trucking, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill again welcomed Mark Woods and Jose Nunez of Wildwood Express. Their message was urgent: without meaningful policy changes, the trucking industry that agriculture depends on may not survive.
Woods, who operates a 45-truck fleet in Kings County, detailed the mounting pressures squeezing freight companies from every direction. New truck prices have climbed close to $200,000 per unit, with 2027 models expected to increase another $15,000 to $25,000 due to additional emissions requirements and new technology mandates. Meanwhile, repair costs at dealership service centers can exceed $240 per hour — and trucks often sit for days or weeks waiting for qualified technicians.
The biggest concern, Woods emphasized, isn’t engine reliability. Modern engines remain durable. Instead, nearly every mechanical issue stems from emissions systems, sensors, and regulatory compliance components. Diesel exhaust systems, filters, and electronic sensors frequently trigger downtime, leaving trucks parked while payments, insurance, and payroll continue.
For many small and mid-sized fleets, there is no margin for extended downtime. Unlike major corporations with large reserves, independent operators cannot afford long-term research and development risks on unproven equipment. As Woods explained, trucking companies don’t need government assistance — they need government to step aside and allow them to operate efficiently.
Insurance premiums remain another heavy burden. Companies invest in AI-driven safety systems, in-cab cameras, and electronic logging devices to protect drivers and limit liability. Yet insurance rates continue rising, especially in California’s increasingly litigious environment. A single accident can jeopardize both a driver’s commercial license and a company’s financial stability.
Fuel costs add further uncertainty. With refinery closures on the horizon, concerns about diesel availability and potential price spikes loom large. If fuel prices rise dramatically, every product transported — from fertilizer and bee hives to finished almonds and fresh produce — becomes more expensive. As Papagni noted, freight touches every step of the agricultural supply chain.
Workforce retention remains steady for Wildwood Express, but compliance enforcement and licensing scrutiny create additional hurdles. Meanwhile, deteriorating highway conditions, especially along Highway 99, accelerate wear and tear on already expensive equipment.
The takeaway from the conversation was clear: trucking is not optional infrastructure. It is the backbone of agriculture and the broader economy. Without freight, food does not move.
As Woods put it, the industry must stand united and demand practical solutions before more companies disappear.

Freight Industry Warning: California Trucking Companies Say Costs and Regulations Are Reaching a Breaking Point

Freight Industry Warning: The February 24 edition of the AgNet News Hour tackled a topic that affects every farmer, processor, retailer, and consumer in California — freight. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill devoted the program to a candid and urgent conversation with Mark Woods and Jose Nunez of Wildwood Express, who say the state’s trucking industry is approaching a critical breaking point.
Woods, who operates a 45-truck fleet based in Kings County, laid out the growing list of challenges facing California freight companies: rising fuel costs, increasing insurance premiums, emissions regulations, equipment mandates, licensing issues, and deteriorating road infrastructure. While growers often talk about water, labor, and regulation, Woods emphasized that none of it matters if product can’t move.
“If you can’t get it to market, you’re dead in the water,” McGill noted — a reality that applies to almonds, tomatoes, citrus, livestock, and every other commodity grown in the state.
Fuel remains one of the largest burdens. California diesel prices run significantly higher than neighboring states, and with refinery closures looming, uncertainty around supply and future pricing adds another layer of stress. Woods warned that rising transportation costs inevitably trickle down to consumers — whether it’s the price of produce, meat, or a restaurant meal.
Insurance is another major pressure point. Freight companies are investing in advanced safety technology — including AI-powered monitoring systems and in-cab cameras — to reduce accidents and protect drivers. Yet despite those investments, insurance costs continue climbing. Woods said companies are doing everything they can to operate safely and efficiently, but margins remain razor thin.
Regulatory complexity compounds the issue. Emissions testing requirements, equipment standards, and licensing enforcement create additional compliance hurdles. Woods expressed concern that smaller operators may not survive under the weight of expanding mandates, particularly as newer truck models become more expensive.
The conversation also addressed workforce challenges. While interest in commercial driving remains steady, language requirements and licensing scrutiny are impacting available drivers. Meanwhile, California’s poor road conditions accelerate wear and tear on already costly equipment.
Papagni underscored a critical point: everything in your home — from food to furniture — was delivered by truck. Freight is not optional. It is foundational.
As Woods put it, the trucking industry isn’t asking for special treatment — just a level playing field and practical policies that allow companies to remain profitable while serving California agriculture.
Part two of the freight discussion continues tomorrow.

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?