AgNet News Hour

California Ag Secretary Karen Ross Discusses Future of Farming, Water, and Regulation Challenges

Ross emphasized that agriculture in California is at a critical moment, balancing economic pressures, regulatory demands, and long-term sustainability goals. She noted that farming today requires navigating a complex landscape of competing interests across a state with more than 39 million residents.
“Everything in farming is difficult right now,” Ross said. “The job of government is to balance… a little bit of this and a little bit of that.”
One of the biggest issues discussed was water—an ongoing concern for growers across the state. Ross pointed to changing weather patterns, including reduced snowpack reliability, as a major factor impacting water availability. While some argue the issue is tied to infrastructure, she stressed that shifting hydrology must also be considered.
“Our hydrology looks like it’s changing,” she said. “We must do a better job with water storage. It’s that simple.”
Ross highlighted continued efforts to invest in water infrastructure, including regional storage, groundwater cleanup, and large-scale projects like Sites Reservoir. However, she acknowledged that funding and permitting remain significant hurdles.
Beyond water, the conversation turned to regulation and the burden it places on farmers. Ross recognized that California’s regulatory system has grown increasingly complex over time, often requiring farmers to submit similar information to multiple agencies.
“We’ve seen continuous add-on,” she said. “People are asking for the same information… in slightly different forms.”
Efforts are underway to streamline some of those requirements, including pilot programs aimed at aligning reporting across agencies. Ross indicated that improving efficiency without sacrificing standards is a key goal moving forward.
She also discussed the importance of innovation in agriculture, including a newly released statewide roadmap focused on research, technology, and long-term resiliency. The plan aims to support growers over the next decade by improving productivity while addressing environmental and economic challenges.
Ross stressed that resilience must include profitability, not just environmental goals.
“You cannot have climate resiliency or environmental resiliency if you don’t have economic resiliency,” she said.
Looking ahead, Ross said the future of California agriculture will likely include more automation, improved technology, and a stronger focus on sustainability. However, she emphasized that maintaining family farms and supporting rural communities must remain a priority.
“Over 93 percent of California farms are family farms,” she said. “They take a long-term view.”
As she prepares to step down after 16 years as Secretary, Ross encouraged continued collaboration across the industry, government, and agricultural organizations to ensure a strong future for farming in the state.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Water Technology Innovation Offers New Option for Growers Facing Quality Challenges

The AgNet News Hour featured a conversation with Aqua4D manager Jeff Nunes, who explained how new water-treatment technology could help farmers improve irrigation efficiency, reduce line clogging, and better manage salinity and bicarbonate issues that continue to impact operations across California.
Nunes said Aqua4D uses electromagnetic fields and frequencies to treat water without chemicals, helping address problems tied to poor water quality. The technology was first developed in Switzerland, where researchers were looking for ways to reduce scale buildup in pipes caused by highly alkaline water. What they discovered, Nunes explained, was that the treatment did more than just clean infrastructure.
“They just started off trying to descale and de-lime,” Nunes said. “What happened was miraculous.”
According to Nunes, one of the biggest challenges growers face is the buildup of biofilm and mineral deposits inside irrigation systems. Over time, those issues can clog emitters, reduce water uniformity, increase pump strain, and force farmers to spend more time and money maintaining lines.
“We do have major biofilm and major calcification in irrigation systems,” he said.
That kind of maintenance burden is especially frustrating for growers already dealing with difficult soil and water conditions. Nunes pointed to areas in the San Joaquin Valley, including parts of Madera, Chowchilla, Bakersfield, and beyond, where salinity and bicarbonate levels create ongoing obstacles for crop production. In some cases, he said, the soils are so saline they are considered nearly unproductive without intervention.
Rather than relying on acids or other chemical treatments, Aqua4D aims to improve the way water moves through irrigation systems and interacts with soils. Nunes said the treatment can help release biofilm from pipes, improve emitter performance, and support better mineral distribution in the soil profile.
“We’re harnessing the hydrogen and oxygen in the water,” he said. “Now the water can carry those fertilizers that are highly important.”
Nunes emphasized that the system is not a silver bullet, but part of a broader effort to improve farm efficiency and sustainability. He said growers still need good soil management, healthy inputs, and strong agronomic practices, but better water function can create a stronger starting point.
The conversation also touched on the bigger pressures facing agriculture, including grower stress, rising costs, and the challenge of keeping family farms viable for the next generation. Nunes argued that technology should help make farming more efficient and less overwhelming.
“We need to make farming fun again,” he said.
As growers continue searching for ways to stretch resources and improve performance, tools that address water quality could become an increasingly important part of the conversation.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Tulare County Farm Bureau Leader Reflects on Career, Agriculture Advocacy, and Industry Future

The April 8 episode of AgNet News Hour featured a conversation with longtime Tulare County Farm Bureau Executive Director Tricia Stever Blattler, highlighting her nearly two-decade career supporting agriculture and the critical role local farm bureaus play in advocating for farmers across California.
Blattler, who has spent 19 years leading the Tulare County Farm Bureau, discussed the scope and importance of agriculture in one of the most productive regions in the country. With over one million acres of irrigated farmland and a dairy industry valued at more than $1 billion, Tulare County remains a cornerstone of California agriculture.
“We are the largest dairy county in America,” she said. “We create a lot of milk and a lot of products for milk in this county.”
Her role has placed her at the center of key agricultural conversations, from local issues like land use and water access to broader challenges tied to regulation and policy. She emphasized that farm bureaus serve as a vital bridge between farmers and decision-makers.
“If you have a question about your land use or a water question… you can call your local Farm Bureau and get some form of assistance,” Blattler explained.
Beyond advocacy, she highlighted the importance of community and education within agriculture. Programs like FFA and 4-H continue to shape future leaders, though she noted challenges in maintaining a strong pipeline of agricultural educators.
“The number of ag teachers entering the pipeline is getting smaller and smaller,” she said, pointing to retention challenges within the profession.
As California prepares for a new governor, Blattler stressed the importance of leadership that understands rural communities and agriculture’s role in the state’s economy.
“Anytime rural communities… can have better representation in Sacramento, I think everyone in agriculture would see that as a win,” she said.
Blattler also reflected on her personal journey, growing up in an agricultural family in Exeter and building a career rooted in service to the farming community. Her experience spans both state and county-level Farm Bureau work, giving her a deep understanding of the industry’s evolving challenges.
As she prepares to step down later this year, Blattler plans to stay connected to agriculture through consulting and strategic advisory work, particularly helping farm families navigate succession planning and long-term business decisions.
“I’ve created a wonderful network of family farms and business owners,” she said. “I’m hoping to work with a small number of clients on strategic planning and leadership transition.”
She also expressed interest in writing and raising awareness about mental health in agriculture, an issue she has become passionate about in recent years.
Reflecting on her career, Blattler emphasized the sense of community that defines Farm Bureau work.
“Farm Bureau is a family,” she said. “It’s been a pleasure to serve and be a voice for this organization.”
 

California Ag Faces Rising Costs and Political Crossroads as Governor Race Heats Up

The AgNet News Hour continued its coverage of California’s pivotal governor race, while also highlighting mounting cost pressures facing farmers—from fertilizer and fuel to packaging—at a critical time for the state’s agricultural industry.
With the June primary approaching, the conversation centered on how leadership decisions could shape the future of agriculture in California. Hosts emphasized that the stakes are high, with policy direction impacting everything from water access to input costs and overall farm viability.
At the same time, growers are facing increasing financial strain. Rising fertilizer prices are a growing concern, driven in part by global supply disruptions and shipping challenges. “We’re going to continue to see fertilizer prices rise… it’s impacting pricing and our ag industry for sure,” Josh McGill explained.
Fuel prices remain another major pressure point. California continues to see significantly higher diesel and gasoline costs compared to other states, adding to production and transportation expenses for farmers.
“We’ve had the same problem for 10 to 15 years… we’re always about $2 a gallon higher than anyone else,” Nick Papagni said, pointing to regulatory and tax structures as key drivers.
In addition, the cost of plastic packaging—used widely across produce sectors—is climbing. Materials like clamshell containers for fruits are becoming more expensive, further squeezing margins for growers already dealing with tight returns.
“It could get a lot worse before it gets better,” McGill said, noting the connection between global oil markets and plastic production.
Beyond input costs, the discussion also touched on broader concerns about government spending and regulatory complexity in California. Both hosts pointed to large-scale projects and programs that have faced delays or cost overruns, raising questions about efficiency and accountability.
“It ends up taking so long… the money gets eaten up in approval processes and never makes construction,” McGill said.
The episode also featured interviews with gubernatorial candidates Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, both of whom emphasized reducing regulations and increasing support for agriculture.
“We know how it can be done… it’s not rocket science,” Bianco said. “You identify what’s broken and you fix it.”
Hilton echoed that sentiment, calling for a major shift in direction. “We need a complete change… they’ve made it impossible to run your business,” he said, referencing regulations, energy costs, and water challenges.
Both candidates stressed the importance of involving farmers directly in decision-making and improving coordination between state and federal leadership.
As the race continues, the conversation made clear that California agriculture sits at a crossroads, balancing rising costs, regulatory pressures, and the need for leadership that understands the realities of farming.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Governor Debate Highlights Sharp Divide on Energy, Water, and Farm Regulations

The AgNet News Hour continued its coverage of the California governor’s race, breaking down key moments from last week’s Fresno State debate where candidates laid out sharply different visions for the future of agriculture, energy, and water policy.
With farmers and ag leaders in attendance, the debate made one thing clear, there is little agreement on how to fix rising costs and ongoing challenges facing California agriculture.
Energy costs emerged as a major concern, with candidates offering competing solutions. Some pushed for expanded domestic oil and gas production and reducing regulations, while others emphasized continued investment in renewable energy and infrastructure.
“We will use California natural gas to generate electricity… to cut your electric bills in half,” Steve Hilton said, pointing to underutilized energy capacity in the state.
Others argued for a longer-term transition toward renewable energy, focusing on expanding solar, battery storage, and grid infrastructure. However, the divide highlighted a broader debate over affordability versus long-term sustainability.
Food prices were another major topic, with candidates acknowledging that rising input costs, especially energy and regulation, are driving higher grocery bills for consumers.
“The regulatory environment in California is choking off our agricultural community,” one candidate said. “It’s not one regulation, it’s layer after layer.”
Several candidates pointed to the increasing cost of compliance, with estimates showing regulatory costs for farms rising dramatically over the past two decades. Others emphasized the need to balance regulation with worker safety and environmental protections, while still allowing farms to remain profitable.
Water policy also took center stage, with nearly all candidates agreeing that California must improve storage, delivery, and long-term planning. However, how to achieve that goal remains a point of contention.
“We have enough water in California—it’s making the best use of it,” one candidate said, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure and management.
Others called for more aggressive action, including building new reservoirs, increasing water deliveries, and cutting regulatory barriers that limit water access for agriculture.
“We need to give you 100 percent of the water to operate your farms,” another candidate said, stressing the urgency of addressing supply shortages.
Beyond policy specifics, the debate underscored a broader frustration within the agricultural community. Many candidates acknowledged that farmers are already innovating and adapting, but continue to face mounting pressure from costs, regulations, and uncertainty.
Ultimately, the discussion reflected a pivotal moment for California agriculture as voters prepare to choose leadership that will shape the future of farming, water, and food production in the state.

California Ag Leaders Push for Policy Change and Representation at Governor Debate

Today’s AgNet News Hour spotlighted a major moment for California agriculture as industry leaders and political candidates gathered at Fresno State for a gubernatorial debate focused heavily on farming, water, and regulatory challenges facing the state.
Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobson and California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass both emphasized the importance of agriculture being front and center in the conversation as California heads toward a critical election year.
Jacobson noted that while candidates came prepared with more detailed responses than expected, the state’s agricultural challenges remain urgent. “I think most of us could probably agree that we’ve been in crisis mode now for potentially a decade or two,” he said.
A key theme throughout the discussion was regulation. While acknowledging that some level of oversight is necessary to maintain food safety, Jacobson warned that excessive regulation continues to burden farmers and rural communities.
“Regulation makes our food some of the safest in the world,” he said. “But overregulation… has turned into a hodgepodge of a mess that hurts our farmers and communities.”
Candidates also addressed water availability, one of the most pressing issues in the Central Valley. Despite some increases in allocation, Jacobson described current levels as insufficient for long-term stability.
“Water allocations at 20 percent… are pretty dismal,” he said. “We were hoping for much higher in a year like this.”
Douglass echoed those concerns, describing the current environment as one of significant strain for producers across the state. “We’re at a very scary time in California farming,” she said. “Our members are facing tremendous frustration and challenges.”
Both leaders stressed that the next governor will play a critical role in shaping the future of agriculture—not only through policy decisions, but through key appointments and leadership direction.
“Those appointments have a lot of direction to where the state’s headed,” Jacobson explained. “It doesn’t boil down to one person—it’s the team behind them.”
Douglass added that a governor willing to take a closer look at legislation and push back when necessary could make a meaningful difference. “We don’t necessarily need more bills,” she said. “For our industry, most of those bills are typically an attack.”
Another major takeaway from the event was the growing recognition among candidates of agriculture’s importance to California’s economy. Douglass noted that it was encouraging to see candidates more informed on key issues like the Delta and regulatory burdens than in past election cycles.
“I was really pleased to see more candidates digging into these ag issues,” she said.
Looking ahead, both leaders encouraged farmers and industry members to stay engaged and involved, particularly as policy decisions continue to impact day-to-day operations.
“This is a changing, dynamic situation,” Jacobson said. “Get involved… because who gets in office makes a big difference.”
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Pistachio Market Outlook Brightens as Global Tensions Shift Supply Dynamics

Today’s AgNet News Hour featured an in-depth conversation with pistachio grower and crop advisor Rich Kreps, highlighting how global events, domestic policy, and on-the-ground growing conditions are shaping the outlook for California’s pistachio industry.
Kreps, widely known in the industry as “Mr. Pistachio,” pointed to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East as a key factor influencing the market. With Iran ranking as the world’s second-largest pistachio producer, any disruption in that region could significantly benefit California growers.
“Iran is the second-largest producer of pistachios, so it will help the American market—especially California,” Kreps said. “That’s just the reality of global supply.”
While last year delivered a record-breaking crop in both volume and quality, early signs suggest another strong year could be ahead. Kreps noted that newer pistachio varieties like Golden Hills are helping stabilize production by reducing the dramatic swings of alternate bearing.
“They don’t show as big of an alternate bearing issue,” he explained. “So you can budget better and see more consistent yields year to year.”
Still, weather remains the biggest wildcard. Kreps warned that early season conditions could point to an extremely hot summer, which would put additional stress on orchards during critical development periods.
“If March is any indication, this could be one of the worst heat years we’ve had,” he said.
To combat heat stress, growers are increasingly turning to advanced crop protection tools and nutritional programs designed to help plants regulate stress and maintain productivity. These innovations, combined with strong management practices, could help sustain another solid crop despite challenging conditions.
Beyond production, the conversation also turned to ongoing challenges facing California agriculture—particularly water availability. Despite recent increases, allocations remain far below what growers have historically paid for and relied upon.
“We’re still getting about 80 percent less water than what we’ve paid for,” Kreps said. “That’s the reality.”
He emphasized that improving water storage and delivery systems would have far-reaching benefits—not just for agriculture, but for environmental management, energy production, and long-term sustainability.
On the policy front, Kreps stressed the importance of engagement between farmers and policymakers. He recently participated in discussions with state leaders to help bridge the gap between legislative decisions and real-world farming conditions.
“We’ve got to sit down and have those conversations,” he said. “Even if we don’t agree, we need common-sense solutions.”
Despite ongoing uncertainty, Kreps remains optimistic about both the pistachio crop and the resilience of California agriculture.
“Be prepared—it’s going to take a lot of effort to get that food to your table,” he said. “But farmers will get it done.”
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Farmland Protection and Farm Transition Take Focus in AgNet News Hour Interview

Today’s AgNet News Hour featured a forward-looking conversation with fifth-generation farmer Jenny Lester Moffitt, now serving as Vice President of Farmland Protection and Strategic Priorities at American Farmland Trust, highlighting the critical need to keep farmers on the land and ensure the future of agriculture.
Moffitt, who grew up farming organic walnuts in Northern California, brings both policy and real-world farming experience to her role. Her work now centers on supporting farmers through some of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today, ranging from land access and succession planning to long-term farm viability.
“We want to make sure that anyone who is looking to get into farming has the ability to do so,” Moffitt said. “A big part of that is keeping farmers on the land and looking at what that next generation transition looks like.”
A major focus of her work is helping farm families navigate the often-complex process of transitioning operations to the next generation. This includes everything from estate planning to business strategy, ensuring farms can remain productive and profitable for decades to come.
“We sit down at the kitchen table with farmers and look at the whole system of their operation,” she explained. “Farming is absolutely not in silos.”
Moffitt emphasized that agriculture must be viewed as a complete system, where water, labor, markets, land use, and environmental stewardship all play interconnected roles. That holistic approach is key to maintaining both productivity and sustainability.
The conversation also highlighted the increasing pressure farmers face in California, including regulatory challenges, rising costs, and competition from lower-cost imports. Moffitt acknowledged the need to better recognize and compensate farmers for the broader value they provide beyond just food production.
“How do we bring new revenue streams for farmers so they are compensated for all the benefits they provide?” she said, pointing to areas like soil health, water quality, and environmental stewardship.
Another key theme was the importance of education and leadership development in agriculture. Moffitt credited programs like FFA and 4-H with shaping future leaders in the industry, emphasizing their role in building communication skills, responsibility, and real-world experience.
“Leadership values, public speaking, and understanding how to navigate different situations—those are all taught through these programs,” she said.
Moffitt also stressed the importance of connecting policymakers with agriculture by bringing them directly onto farms. “There is incredible value in walking the field and having those conversations,” she noted.
Despite ongoing challenges, Moffitt remains optimistic about the future of agriculture, particularly if farmers, communities, and policymakers work together to strengthen the industry.
“Thank you to everyone out there doing the work,” she said. “What you do is so important to all of us.”
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.