AgNet News Hour

Proper post-harvest management may be one of the most important investments California pistachio growers can make for next season's crop, according to industry leader Rich Kreps. During a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Kreps shared practical recommendations for helping orchards recover after harvest while discussing the long-term outlook for California's pistachio industry.
Kreps, a crop advisor with Ultra Gro and former chairman of the American Pistachio Growers Board of Directors, said one of the biggest mistakes growers can make is waiting until late fall to begin their nutrition program.
Instead, he recommends starting recovery efforts immediately after harvest by applying nutrients through the irrigation system while trees are still actively rebuilding carbohydrate reserves.
"As soon as the last trailer leaves the field and you turn the water on, let's start getting some nutrition back into those trees," Kreps said. "Get these trees revived so they can optimize photosynthesis for the next three months instead of waiting until late October or November."
Kreps explained that pistachio trees continue working long after harvest ends. Proper irrigation and fertility management during the recovery period help trees develop the energy reserves needed to support next year's bloom and crop potential.
He encouraged growers to work closely with their crop advisors to develop a post-harvest nutrition plan rather than treating fall fertilizer applications as a one-time event.
"It's not three months down the road," Kreps said. "It's three months long."
The conversation also turned to the future of California agriculture and the importance of supporting the next generation of growers. Kreps noted the average age of farmers continues to rise, raising concerns about succession planning as younger generations weigh whether to continue farming.
He said improving profitability and reducing production challenges are critical to keeping family farms in operation.
"My dream is to bring water storage back to California," Kreps said, adding that reliable water supplies remain one of the industry's biggest long-term priorities.
Despite the challenges facing the industry, Kreps remains optimistic about California agriculture. He emphasized that few places in the world can match the Central Valley's combination of climate, soils and production expertise.
"We are only one of five places in the world that can grow and do what we do in the Central Valley of California," he said. "Nobody does as good a job as our farmers here in the middle of California."
For growers preparing for harvest, Kreps said the focus should remain on helping orchards recover quickly, protecting tree health and laying the foundation for a stronger 2027 crop.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California pistachio growers could be facing one of the smallest crops in years after an unusually warm spring disrupted pollination across much of the Central Valley. The outlook was the focus of a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, where crop advisor and pistachio industry leader Rich Kreps discussed the challenges shaping the 2026 crop and what growers can expect moving forward.
Kreps said the extreme heat experienced during bloom created significant pollination issues, particularly in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Because pistachio pollen becomes less viable when temperatures climb above approximately 85 degrees during bloom, many orchards are now showing unexpectedly high percentages of blank nuts.
"We went from over 1.5 billion pounds last year," Kreps said. "I've heard estimates ranging from around 900 million pounds down to as low as 600 million pounds. We've almost dropped to a third of the market from last year."
While the smaller crop is expected to tighten supplies, Kreps said processors will likely work to moderate price increases in an effort to maintain long-term consumer demand. California pistachios have seen tremendous growth in both domestic and international markets, and he believes keeping the product affordable remains important.
He also emphasized the nutritional value of pistachios, noting they provide all nine essential amino acids along with fiber and other important nutrients, helping fuel continued consumer interest.
Harvest is expected to begin about a week earlier than normal in many growing regions. However, Kreps said some growers may intentionally delay harvest slightly to avoid making multiple passes through orchards. A single harvest can reduce costs while minimizing stress on trees and preserving buds needed for next year's crop.
Beyond this season, Kreps said growers continue making progress in reducing the dramatic "alternate bearing" cycle historically associated with pistachios. Newer varieties such as Golden Hills and Lost Hills, combined with improved fertility and post-harvest nutrition programs, are helping produce more consistent yields from year to year.
"If you get the nutrition right," Kreps explained, "I think you dramatically decrease your alternate bearing." He added that maintaining healthier trees allows growers to achieve more stable production rather than experiencing extreme swings between heavy and light crop years.
The discussion also touched on global pistachio markets. Despite uncertainty surrounding production in competing regions, Kreps said California remains the world's leader in quality and innovation. He believes expanding international demand, coupled with continued investment in orchard management, positions the state's pistachio industry for long-term success even after a difficult 2026 season.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California agriculture took center stage during a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, as gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton shared his vision for the state's farming industry, outlining proposals focused on water policy, regulatory reform and economic competitiveness. Throughout the interview, Hilton argued that California's agricultural sector deserves greater support from state government and said restoring the industry's long-term viability would be a top priority if elected.
Hilton described agriculture as one of California's signature industries, comparing its economic importance to the state's technology and entertainment sectors. He said farmers and agricultural businesses have faced increasing pressure from regulations, rising energy costs, labor challenges and water restrictions.
"I want to see this amazing industry thrive and flourish and grow," Hilton said, adding that California should view agriculture as an opportunity rather than a problem.
A central theme of the discussion was water. Hilton argued that improving water storage infrastructure and providing more reliable water supplies would be essential to maintaining California's agricultural productivity. He also criticized policies that he believes have reduced available water for farming while increasing costs for producers.
The conversation also focused on the broader economic environment facing California farms. Hilton pointed to high energy prices, transportation infrastructure and the state's regulatory climate as issues he believes affect agriculture's ability to compete with other states and countries. He said his campaign is centered on making California a more affordable place to live and do business while encouraging investment in industries such as agriculture and energy.
During the interview, Hilton also highlighted the role of family farms, noting that many operations have been passed down through multiple generations. He expressed concern that rising costs and operating challenges are making it increasingly difficult for those farms to remain in business.
"It's heartbreaking," Hilton said, referring to conversations with multigenerational farming families who are struggling to continue their operations.
Host Nick Papagni and co-host Josh McGill discussed California's broader business climate, saying issues such as water availability, regulatory burdens and affordability remain major concerns for many agricultural producers. They also encouraged listeners to stay engaged in the political process ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
As the campaign continues, Hilton said he plans to spend significant time meeting with farmers and agricultural businesses across the state. He pledged that, if elected, California's farming community would have a stronger voice in Sacramento and that agriculture would become a greater priority in state policy discussions.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

The future of Northern California's Potter Valley Project remains uncertain, but the issue is drawing increased attention in Washington, D.C. During a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, journalist and Potter Valley advocate Keely Covello discussed the latest developments surrounding the proposed removal of Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam, along with new federal interest in preserving the region's water infrastructure.
Covello explained that the Potter Valley Project has supplied water for homes, farms and ranches throughout the Russian River watershed for decades by storing winter runoff from the Eel River for use during the dry summer months. She said the project also provides an important source of water for wildfire suppression in one of California's most fire-prone regions.
According to Covello, the latest develop
ment is that a Southern California water district has expressed interest in purchasing the dams from PG&E rather than seeing them removed.
She said representatives from the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District recently participated in a meeting hosted by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to discuss potential options for preserving the infrastructure.
"The federal government is paying attention to this," Covello said. "If there is a group interested in preserving this water infrastructure for 750,000 people, PG&E has a responsibility to take that seriously."
Covello noted that PG&E has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for permission to decommission the hydroelectric project. She hopes federal regulators will carefully consider the impacts on agriculture, rural communities and emergency response before making a decision.
She also argued that maintaining the reservoirs is important for wildfire preparedness, pointing out that two of California's largest wildfires originated near Potter Valley and relied on water from the project during firefighting operations.
Throughout the interview, Covello emphasized that the debate extends well beyond hydroelectric power. She said the reservoirs provide reliable water deliveries for agriculture, support rural communities and serve as a critical component of the region's emergency infrastructure.
Host Nick Papagni and co-host Josh McGill noted that water storage continues to be one of California agriculture's most pressing long-term issues, especially as the state's population grows and demands on existing infrastructure continue to increase.
Covello said she remains encouraged that more people are learning about the Potter Valley Project and believes increased public awareness could play an important role as decisions move forward.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Land O'Lakes is making a significant investment in California's dairy industry with plans to expand its Tulare processing facility, a move designed to support dairy farmers while capitalizing on growing consumer demand for high-protein dairy products. The announcement was the focus of today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, featuring Heather Anfang, Executive Vice President and President of Dairy Foods at Land O'Lakes.
Anfang said the cooperative is investing in new processing capabilities that will allow the Tulare plant to begin producing ultra-filtered milk ingredients, marking the first phase of a broader expansion into dairy proteins.
"We're making an investment in our Tulare facility that will move us into the dairy proteins space," Anfang said. "This first phase is going to get us into ultra-filtered milk as an ingredient, creating a terrific growth opportunity for our farmers."
The Tulare facility is already the largest manufacturing plant in the Land O'Lakes network. Because existing infrastructure is already in place, the company expects construction to move quickly, with the first phase targeted to be operational during the first quarter of next year.
Anfang said the investment comes as consumer demand for dairy products continues to strengthen. She pointed to renewed interest in protein-rich foods, favorable dietary guidance, and increasing demand for butter, cheese and dairy ingredients as key drivers behind the expansion.
"Dairy is in the spotlight," Anfang said. "Consumers are really interested in dairy, they're understanding how terrific dairy is as part of their diet, and we're seeing tremendous demand."
While much of Land O'Lakes' retail butter and cheese business serves the domestic market, the company's ingredients division has a significant international presence. Anfang noted that roughly half of the cooperative's milk powder production is exported, creating additional opportunities for member dairy farmers.
The cooperative currently represents approximately 1,100 dairy farmer members across the United States. Anfang said the new processing capacity will help support future growth from those producers, including California dairy operations that continue investing in expansion.
The conversation also touched on California's regulatory environment. Anfang acknowledged the challenges manufacturers and dairy producers face operating in the state but reaffirmed Land O'Lakes' commitment to California and its farmer-members.
"We are very committed to California," she said. "We want to continue to grow our processing capacity out there and support our farmers."
Looking ahead, Anfang said automation, new dairy ingredients and continued investment in processing facilities will help position both Land O'Lakes and its member farmers for long-term success as consumer demand for dairy products continues to evolve.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

The future of California's raisin industry was the focus of today’s  episode of the AgNet News Hour, where longtime industry leader Kalem Barserian shared his perspective on the challenges facing raisin growers and processors. Drawing on more than six decades of experience, Barserian discussed declining acreage, changing consumer preferences, and why he believes new safeguards are needed as the industry continues to evolve.
Barserian, former president of the Raisin Bargaining Association (RBA), said California's raisin industry has changed dramatically over the past quarter century. He noted that raisin grape acreage has fallen from roughly 280,000 acres in 2000 to about 100,000 acres, reflecting shifting consumer demand, higher production costs, and increased global competition.
"People are not eating as much dried fruit as they once did," Barserian said, adding that California has slipped from the world's leading raisin producer to fourth behind countries including Turkey and China.
A major portion of the conversation centered on what Barserian referred to as "gunny sacking," the practice of drying surplus table grapes into raisins rather than growing grapes specifically for raisin production. He said the practice has become more common in both South America and California as table grape growers seek additional value from fruit that does not enter the fresh market.
According to Barserian, the additional supply created through this practice is changing the dynamics of California's raisin market.
He proposed changes to the Raisin Administrative Committee's inspection process that would require greater verification of grape varieties entering the raisin supply chain. Barserian argued that distinguishing raisins produced from traditional raisin varieties versus surplus table grapes would improve transparency within the marketplace.
Host Nick Papagni noted that the issue represents a legitimate debate within the industry, suggesting growers, processors and marketers may hold differing views on whether the practice helps California remain competitive or places additional pressure on traditional raisin producers. The program concluded with plans to invite additional industry representatives to discuss the issue from other perspectives.
Beyond production practices, Barserian also discussed changing consumer habits. He pointed to California's wine grape, peach and walnut industries as examples of commodities that have adapted through marketing and product innovation. He suggested the raisin industry may also need to rethink how it promotes raisins to younger consumers and families.
While export promotion efforts continue through USDA-supported programs, Barserian noted that domestic marketing has become far more limited than in previous decades.
Looking ahead, Barserian expects California's raisin industry to continue consolidating around larger, vertically integrated operations that both grow and process raisins. He also believes mechanization and overhead trellis production systems will become increasingly important as labor costs continue to rise.
"The industry is going to look much different in the next five to ten years," Barserian said, predicting fewer growers and processors but continued production through more efficient operations.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Education, workforce development and the future of California agriculture took center stage during Part 2 of the AgNet News Hour interview with Republican lieutenant governor candidate Gloria Romero. During the conversation, Romero outlined several policy priorities she believes could strengthen California's rural communities and agricultural economy.
Romero emphasized that California's agricultural industry extends far beyond crop production, arguing that strong schools, reliable infrastructure and a skilled workforce are essential to keeping farms and rural businesses competitive.
One issue she highlighted was education. Romero noted that the lieutenant governor serves on governing boards for the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges, giving the office an opportunity to influence higher education policy.
She expressed concern about student achievement and workforce readiness, saying California must better prepare students for careers in agriculture, business and other industries.
"We have a very profound education crisis," Romero said while discussing academic performance and workforce development.
Romero also returned to the topic of California agriculture, describing farming as one of the state's most important economic drivers. She said state leaders should place greater emphasis on supporting food production through practical policies involving water, housing, education and regulation.
Throughout the interview, she argued that maintaining a strong agricultural economy requires long-term investment in rural communities and infrastructure while reducing barriers that make it more difficult for producers to operate in California.
The conversation also revisited government spending and transparency. Romero said she would support increased oversight of state spending and called for greater accountability in how taxpayer dollars are managed if elected to statewide office. She said restoring public confidence requires more transparency and regular review of state programs.
Near the end of the interview, Romero reflected on her own background growing up around agriculture and said those experiences continue to shape her perspective on California farming.
"I understand that family farms are worth fighting for," she said, adding that agriculture remains central to California's economy and identity.
The interview concluded with Romero encouraging Californians to evaluate candidates based on their policy proposals and vision for the state's future.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California agriculture, water infrastructure and rural communities were among the topics discussed during today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, featuring Republican lieutenant governor candidate Gloria Romero. Romero shared her views on the challenges facing the state and discussed why she believes agriculture should play a larger role in California's policy discussions.
Romero, a former Democratic state senator who later changed her party affiliation, said California's agricultural regions often receive less attention than the state's major urban centers. She argued that farmers, ranchers and rural communities deserve a stronger voice in Sacramento, particularly when it comes to water, infrastructure and regulatory policy.
Water was one of the primary issues discussed throughout the interview. Romero said California should invest more aggressively in water storage, additional reservoir capacity and desalination projects while continuing to improve long-term planning for the state's growing population.
"Water is the source of life," Romero said. "We have to prepare for the future."
The conversation also touched on California's energy sector. Romero referenced the state's oil production, arguing that California has significant energy resources that could help support jobs and reduce reliance on imported petroleum. She also discussed recent AgNet News Hour interviews covering California's commercial fishing industry and domestic energy production, saying both industries deserve greater public attention.
Romero also criticized what she described as increasing regulatory burdens on agriculture, saying California producers face challenges ranging from water availability and permitting to labor costs and environmental regulations. She argued that state leaders should focus on policies that allow farming operations to remain competitive while continuing to produce food for California and the nation.
Another topic during the interview was the California Coastal Commission. Romero said that, if elected lieutenant governor, she would serve on several state commissions and would advocate for what she described as a more balanced approach to protecting natural resources while supporting economic activity along the coast. She specifically pointed to concerns about water quality and wastewater issues affecting Southern California beaches.
Throughout the discussion, Romero emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation and encouraged Californians to evaluate candidates based on their proposed policies and solutions.
The interview is part one of a two-part conversation, with the second installment continuing the discussion on California policy, agriculture and the state's economic outlook.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.