AgNet News Hour

Jeff Aiello Says California’s Wolf and Water Crises Are Symptoms of Broken Environmental Policy

The February 5 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured one of the most candid and wide-ranging conversations of the year as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with Jeff Aiello, a 13-time Emmy Award-winning cinematographer, PBS host, and founder of 1830 Entertainment. Aiello, best known for his work on American Grown: My Job Depends on Ag and Outside Beyond the Lens, shared what he has learned firsthand while documenting California agriculture, wolves, forests, and water policy.
Aiello explained that his recent wolf documentaries were not planned around a narrative — they unfolded in real time. While filming in Sierra Valley, he witnessed California Department of Fish and Wildlife, USDA officials, drones, wardens, and ranchers all scrambling to respond to active wolf depredation events. “It was chaos,” Aiello said. “And it was completely unsustainable.”
What stood out most to him was how predictable the crisis had been. Wolves, reintroduced decades ago in Yellowstone and later migrating into California, were placed under strict protections without a meaningful management plan. Once deer and elk populations declined, wolves did what wolves are designed to do — find new prey. In California, that meant livestock. Aiello emphasized that wolves are intelligent apex predators, not villains, but said policy failures have forced them into conflict with people.
Aiello contrasted California’s approach with Canada and other western states, where lethal control is part of responsible wolf management. “When a pack learns cattle are dangerous, they move on,” he said. “Here, they’ve learned there are no consequences.” He warned that continued inaction risks pushing ranchers into desperate situations while ultimately putting wolves themselves in greater danger.
The conversation expanded beyond wolves into forest and water management, where Aiello believes California has repeated the same mistakes for decades. He described how shutting down logging while continuing aggressive fire suppression created overgrown forests — setting the stage for today’s catastrophic wildfires. Those fires, he noted, destroy habitat, forcing wildlife downhill and closer to farms and towns.
Water policy was another major focus. Aiello argued that California’s water problems are largely man-made, pointing to failed storage projects, Delta mismanagement, and a refusal to acknowledge infrastructure realities. He warned that a major earthquake in the Delta could instantly cripple water deliveries to Southern California, exposing how fragile the system truly is.
One of Aiello’s strongest messages centered on food security. He criticized the idea that reducing agriculture in California helps the environment, calling it hypocritical. “You’re exporting your environmental responsibility to countries with fewer regulations,” he said. “People still have to eat.” He reminded listeners that agriculture is the world’s largest carbon-removal industry, pulling CO₂ from the atmosphere every day through crops and orchards.
Papagni and McGill praised Aiello for telling agriculture’s story honestly, without spin. As Aiello put it, “Farmers aren’t the problem — they’re the solution. They just need to be allowed to do their jobs.”

World Ag Expo Countdown Begins as Megan Lausten Previews the Biggest Farm Show on Earth

The February 4 edition of the AgNet News Hour was all about gearing up for what many farmers call the Super Bowl of agriculture — the World Ag Expo, set for February 10–12 in Tulare. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill were joined by Megan Lausten, Marketing Manager for the World Ag Expo, who offered a behind-the-scenes look at the scale, impact, and excitement surrounding the world’s largest annual agricultural trade show.
Lausten explained that preparations for the event are already in full swing, with massive equipment beginning to roll onto the grounds weeks ahead of opening day. More than 1,200 exhibitors will fill over 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, showcasing everything from cutting-edge automation and irrigation systems to livestock equipment, soil technology, and farm management tools.
One of the most important takeaways from the conversation was that World Ag Expo is far more than just a trade show — it’s a major economic driver for the Central Valley. Lausten said the event generates more than $60 million in economic impact for Tulare County, while relying on the support of over 1,000 volunteers who help make the show run smoothly. Those volunteers, easily spotted in bright orange jackets, play a critical role in guiding attendees and keeping operations moving.
Education remains a core mission of the Expo. Lausten highlighted the Seminar Center, where attendees can access free educational sessions with paid admission. Topics range from dairy and livestock management to safety, succession planning, and emerging ag technology. She also spotlighted the Women’s Conference Pavilion, which returns this year with networking events, cooking demonstrations using California Grown products, and panels focused on women in agricultural technology and leadership.
The hosts also discussed how accessible the event is for both farmers and the general public. Lausten emphasized that you don’t have to be a grower to enjoy the Expo. Families, students, and community members are encouraged to attend and explore the Ag Ventures Learning Center and Ag Career and Education Pavilion, where young people can learn about the wide range of careers available in agriculture — from drone pilots to agronomists to engineers.
Transportation and logistics were another highlight. Lausten encouraged attendees to take advantage of the free Park and Ride system, with locations across Tulare, Visalia, and Exeter, as well as free on-site parking and tram service throughout the grounds. She also stressed the importance of downloading the World Ag Expo mobile app, which allows visitors to plan their day, locate exhibitors, and navigate the massive grounds efficiently.
The episode wrapped with reminders about the Expo’s famous food scene, run entirely by local nonprofit groups that collectively raised more than $1 million last year, and a final encouragement to come prepared — with comfortable shoes, curiosity, and a full appetite.
As Papagni put it, “If you want to see where agriculture is headed next, World Ag Expo is where it all comes together.”

Rick Roberti Calls on Californians to Get Involved as Cattle Industry Faces a Crossroads

The February 3 edition of the AgNet News Hour wrapped up a powerful three-part interview series with Rick Roberti, President of the California Cattlemen’s Association, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill explored what lies ahead for California agriculture — and why complacency could be its greatest threat. The conversation blended hard truths about politics, land use, and regulation with a clear call to action for farmers, ranchers, and ag supporters statewide.
Roberti explained that cattle production remains one of the least automated and most hands-on segments of agriculture. Raising beef is a three-year investment, from breeding to harvest, requiring constant care, daily labor, and long-term financial risk. “You don’t just flip a switch,” Roberti said. “Every animal represents years of work before it ever reaches a plate.”
Despite record-high cattle prices driven by strong consumer demand, Roberti warned that profitability is still fragile. Rising costs, regulatory pressure, predator losses, and uncertainty around water and land access continue to strain producers. He pointed out that California cattle numbers are historically low, and rebuilding herds takes years — not months — making policy mistakes especially dangerous right now.
A major theme of the episode was land conversion. Roberti said thousands of acres of productive farmland are lost every year to housing and development, and once land is paved over, it never comes back. In many rangeland areas, cattle are the only viable use of the land. Remove livestock, he warned, and those landscapes either become unmanaged fire hazards or targets for urban sprawl.
Politics also took center stage. Roberti acknowledged frustration within agriculture but urged producers not to disengage. “Giving up guarantees you lose,” he said. He believes progress is still possible by working with moderate lawmakers who are beginning to recognize that California’s current approach isn’t working. Local government, he emphasized, is where agriculture can make the biggest difference — from city councils to county boards of supervisors.
Roberti encouraged farmers and ranchers to tell their story directly. He shared an example where public understanding shifted dramatically once officials explained the realities of wolf depredation and livestock losses. “Most people don’t hate agriculture,” he said. “They just don’t understand it — because no one has explained it to them.”
The episode also featured updates on World Ag Expo, with Papagni and McGill reminding listeners that innovation remains one of agriculture’s strongest tools. Precision technology, smarter agronomy, and efficient equipment are helping growers stretch inputs and stay competitive, even as regulatory pressure increases.
As the series concluded, Roberti struck an optimistic tone. California, he said, still has unmatched climate, soil, and production capacity. What’s missing is leadership with vision and common sense. “This state isn’t lost,” he said. “But agriculture has to stand up for itself — or someone else will decide its future.”
Papagni summed it up plainly: “As long as people eat, farming matters. And California farmers deserve a fair shot.”

Rick Roberti California Cattle Threats: Wolves, Water, and Workforce

The February 2 edition of the AgNet News Hour continued the powerful, multi-part conversation with Rick Roberti, President of the California Cattlemen’s Association, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill dug deeper into what ranchers are really facing on the ground. From unchecked predators to workforce uncertainty and food security, Roberti warned that California is drifting dangerously far from common sense — and the consequences are already showing.
Roberti explained that California’s wolf problem has moved well beyond theory and into daily reality. In regions like Sierra Valley, ranchers documented more than 100 livestock kills in just a few months, despite constant monitoring and intervention by state and federal agencies. Wolves in California, he said, have never been pressured or deterred, making them fearless around cattle and people. “They don’t know what consequences are,” Roberti said. “They’ve never had any.”
State agencies attempted extensive non-lethal methods, including round-the-clock wardens, night-vision surveillance, and even USDA drone teams. None of it stopped the killings. Roberti said the idea that ranchers can solve the problem with guard dogs or range riders ignores reality. “If drones and helicopters couldn’t stop them, how is a guy on horseback supposed to?” he asked.
The impact goes far beyond livestock losses. Ranchers are now pulling cattle out of mountain grazing areas entirely, making it impossible to sustain operations that have relied on that land for generations. That decision ripples outward — reducing county revenue, increasing wildfire risk due to unmanaged vegetation, and weakening already-fragile rural economies.
Roberti tied the wolf crisis into a broader pattern of policy failure. He said California continues to lose farmland to development while importing more food than it exports — a shift he called alarming. “A nation that can’t feed itself isn’t free,” he said, warning that the U.S. is edging closer to that reality.
Another major concern is succession. Roberti said fewer young people are willing to take over ranches that require seven-day-a-week commitment with constant regulatory pressure and financial risk. When families sell, land is often purchased by investors with no long-term connection to agriculture. “They’ll still run cows,” he said, “but it’s not the same when it’s not your life.”
Water management and forest policy also entered the discussion. Roberti argued that decades of mismanagement — including halting logging and controlled burns — have contributed to catastrophic wildfires and habitat loss, which in turn pushes predators closer to livestock and communities. “This isn’t climate change,” he said. “This is fuel buildup and bad decisions.”
Despite the challenges, Roberti stressed that cattle producers are not asking to eliminate wolves or abandon environmental responsibility. They want balance — and the right to protect their livelihoods. “Give us the ability to defend our property,” he said. “The wolves will learn fast.”
Papagni and McGill closed the episode by emphasizing that the cattle industry’s struggle reflects a larger disconnect between policymakers and rural California. As Roberti put it, “You can’t manage agriculture from a desk and expect it to work in the real world.”

Rick Roberti Warns California’s Wolf Crisis Is Devastating the Cattle Industry

The January 30 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most graphic and hard-hitting conversations yet on California’s escalating wolf crisis, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill continued their in-depth interview with Rick Roberti, President of the California Cattlemen’s Association. This first installment of a three-part series pulled back the curtain on what ranchers are facing in real time — and why many believe state policy has gone dangerously off the rails.
Roberti explained that California’s wolf population did not organically re-establish itself, but instead migrated from Yellowstone wolves introduced decades ago. Once a single wolf crossed into California roughly a dozen years ago, the state quickly listed wolves under its own Endangered Species Act, creating some of the strictest predator protections in the country. That decision, Roberti said, left ranchers defenseless.
Under California law, ranchers are prohibited from hazing, deterring, or defending against wolves — even when livestock are actively being attacked. “You couldn’t even chase them off,” Roberti said. “That’s hard for people to believe, but it’s true.” As packs expanded, wolves adapted quickly, losing their fear of humans and learning that cattle herds offered easy prey.
Roberti described in disturbing detail how wolves kill livestock — often not to eat, but for sport. Unlike mountain lions, which kill quickly and return to their prey, wolves maim animals over long periods, leaving calves and cows paralyzed and suffering before consuming only select portions. In open valleys like Sierra Valley, ranchers have been able to document the damage firsthand, revealing daily losses that would otherwise go unnoticed in rough terrain.
The situation is compounded by declining wildlife populations. With deer and elk numbers collapsing due to unchecked predators like mountain lions and bears, wolves have shifted closer to human communities. Roberti said wolves are now being spotted near homes and ranch yards, creating safety concerns far beyond livestock losses.
Beyond wolves, Roberti highlighted the broader pressure facing the cattle industry. U.S. cattle numbers are at their lowest level since 1951, and rebuilding a herd takes years — not months. While producers have improved meat quality and efficiency, challenges like labor costs, regulation, border issues, and threats such as the New World screwworm continue to strain operations.
Despite the grim realities, Roberti emphasized that California cattle producers still have unique advantages, including year-round grass growth and fall calving that produces premium-timed animals for the market. But he warned that without policy changes, those advantages won’t be enough.
Papagni and McGill stressed that this issue goes beyond cattle — it reflects a growing disconnect between decision-makers and the realities of rural life. As Roberti put it, “You can’t manage wildlife from a desk in Sacramento and expect it to work on the ground.”
This episode served as a stark reminder that California agriculture isn’t asking for special treatment — just the ability to survive.

Dayna Ghirardelli Says Sonoma County Agriculture Is Under Constant Attack — and Still Standing

The January 29 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most wide-ranging and passionate interviews of the year as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with Dayna Ghirardelli, Executive Director of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. From animal-rights extremism to water insecurity, vineyard market shifts, and the rising cost of simply staying in business, Ghirardelli laid out why farming in Sonoma County has become a daily fight — and why giving up is not an option.
Ghirardelli opened by acknowledging the beauty of Sonoma County, while making it clear that agriculture there faces relentless pressure. Wine grapes remain under market strain, the Potter Valley Project threatens regional water reliability, and animal-rights activists continue to target dairies and poultry operations despite strong local voter support for agriculture. “It’s another day in agriculture in Sonoma County,” she said. “And it never slows down.”
A major focus of the conversation was Measure J, a ballot initiative backed by animal-rights groups that aimed to ban so-called “factory farms” in the county. Ghirardelli explained that the measure deliberately misused the EPA’s CAFO definition, which is meant to regulate water quality — not eliminate animal agriculture. Had it passed, she said, the fallout would have devastated poultry, dairy, and the many businesses that support them. Voters overwhelmingly rejected the measure, stopping what she called an attempt to turn Sonoma County into a statewide test case for eliminating animal agriculture altogether.
The interview also addressed the recent conviction of Zoe Rosenberg, an activist tied to the Measure J campaign who was found guilty of felony conspiracy and multiple misdemeanors after trespassing, tampering with vehicles, and stealing livestock. While Ghirardelli welcomed accountability, she expressed frustration that the sentence amounted to just ten days in jail. “It sends a dangerous message,” she said, warning that weak penalties embolden extremists who view arrest as a badge of honor.
Water and environmental policy were another major theme. While Sonoma County hasn’t faced the wolf pressure seen in other regions, Ghirardelli noted that predator issues, NGOs, and environmental lawsuits are increasingly being used as tools to financially bleed farmers dry. “They don’t need to win,” she said. “They just need to make it expensive enough to keep farming.”
Education, she emphasized, is agriculture’s strongest defense. Ghirardelli said the industry has done a good job marketing, but not nearly enough educating. Programs like Ag Days, Farm Fest, and school outreach events are critical to reconnecting the public with where food actually comes from — especially in a state where many residents believe it comes straight from a grocery shelf.
Looking ahead to 2026, Ghirardelli called the moment urgent. Rising costs, regulatory overload, housing challenges, and political polarization are pushing California toward a breaking point. “People need to stop voting by party and start voting by reality,” she said. “Quality of life is on the line.”
Papagni summed it up simply: Dayna Ghirardelli isn’t just defending agriculture — she’s defending common sense.

Potter Valley Fight Escalates as Rich Brazil Warns California’s Water Future Is on the Line

The January 28 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most detailed and urgent updates yet on the unfolding Potter Valley water crisis, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with longtime local veterinarian Rich Brazil to explain what’s truly at stake if the Potter Valley Project dams are removed. The message was clear: this isn’t just a Northern California issue — it’s a warning for every rural community in the state.
Brazil, who has lived and worked in Potter Valley for 38 years, explained that the region’s farms, ranches, homes, and businesses exist because of a century-old water diversion system connecting the Eel River to the Russian River watershed. That small diversion — roughly 30,000 acre-feet — represents less than one-half of one percent of the Eel River’s annual flow, yet supports agriculture, domestic water supplies, fire protection, and entire rural economies downstream.
Environmental groups are pushing to remove Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam, arguing that free-flowing rivers will restore fish populations. Brazil countered that argument with hard data. Over the past 20 years, diversion flows have already been cut by 60 to 80 percent, yet salmon numbers have continued to decline. “That tells you the problem isn’t the water diversion,” Brazil said. “It’s habitat issues, predators, and offshore impacts.”
One of the most alarming consequences Brazil outlined is what would happen if the dams were removed outright. Behind the dams sit an estimated 20 to 40 million cubic yards of sediment. If released, that material could bury the river system in silt, destroying spawning habitat and harming the very fish the removals are meant to protect. Meanwhile, communities would lose reliable water overnight. Domestic wells would dry up, farmland would be abandoned, and property values would collapse.
Brazil emphasized that local leaders have repeatedly proposed compromise solutions — including fish ladders and infrastructure upgrades — that would allow fish recovery while preserving water reliability for people. Those options, he said, were rejected outright. “This isn’t about sharing,” he warned. “This is about taking everything.”
The conversation also touched on the broader political landscape. Brazil believes the Potter Valley dams have become symbolic targets in California’s aggressive environmental agenda, and that rural communities are being treated as expendable. However, he expressed cautious optimism thanks to recent engagement from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and NRCS Chief Aubrey J. D. Bettencourt, calling their involvement a turning point after years of being ignored at the state level.
Papagni and McGill stressed that the Potter Valley fight mirrors other California battles — from wolves to water storage — where policy decisions are made far from the people who live with the consequences. As Brazil put it, “If this can happen here, it can happen anywhere.”
The episode closed with a call for awareness, engagement, and persistence. “Sunlight matters,” Brazil said. “When people understand what’s really happening, common sense still has a chance.”

California Wolves Push Ranchers to the Brink as Heather Hadwick Demands Action

The January 27 edition of the AgNet News Hour took a deep and urgent look at one of California agriculture’s most emotionally charged and fast-growing crises: wolves. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill were joined by Assemblymember Heather Hadwick, who represents California’s massive and rural District 1, stretching across much of the state’s northern tier. Her message was blunt—California’s current wolf policies are failing ranchers, rural families, and public safety.
Hadwick explained that while wolves have been present in Northern California for several years, the situation has escalated dramatically. Declining deer, elk, and antelope populations have left wolves without adequate natural food sources, pushing them closer to ranches, schools, and neighborhoods. In some areas, wolf packs have killed more than 100 head of cattle in a single season, devastating family ranching operations that were already struggling with rising costs.
What frustrates ranchers most, Hadwick said, is that California law leaves them virtually powerless. Wolves are so heavily protected that ranchers cannot haze them, deter them, or defend their livestock without risking legal consequences. “They’re being asked to watch their livelihoods be destroyed,” she said, “and they aren’t even allowed to protect their own property.”
The problem goes beyond livestock losses. Hadwick described growing fear in rural communities, where wolves have been spotted near schools, playgrounds, and homes. Parents are hesitant to let their children play outside, and ranchers are spending sleepless nights patrolling calving grounds. “There’s an emotional and mental toll here that no compensation check can fix,” she said.
Hadwick contrasted California’s approach with neighboring states and even Canada, where wolf populations are managed with clearer rules that balance wildlife conservation and human safety. In California, she said, predator management is fragmented, with wolves, bears, and mountain lions all handled separately—despite exploding populations and shrinking habitat. Bears alone are now estimated at more than 65,000 statewide, with some of the highest concentrations in her district.
To address the crisis, Hadwick is introducing legislation aimed at improving transparency, response time, and public safety authority. One proposal would allow local sheriffs to act when wolves pose an immediate threat, while another would require real-time tracking data so ranchers know when wolves are nearby—rather than learning hours later after livestock has been killed.
Papagni and McGill agreed the issue isn’t about eliminating wolves, but about restoring balance. Other states have proven coexistence is possible when policy reflects reality on the ground. Hadwick warned that without change, California risks pushing ranchers into desperate situations—and losing more of its rural communities in the process.
“This is about common sense,” she said. “And it’s about protecting the people who produce our food.”