AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour: Policy Shifts, Market Pressures, and the Future of California Almonds

The AgNet News Hour breaks down the most important agriculture news impacting California and the nation. Hosts Nick Papagni (the Ag Meter) and Lorrie Boyer cover major policy developments, market pressures, and environmental issues shaping today’s ag economy—while delivering an in-depth look at innovation and growth within the California almond industry.
This episode features highlights from the Almond Board of California Annual Meeting, including remarks from President and CEO Clarice Turner, who outlines global demand trends, sustainability leadership, AI-driven research, and new value-added uses for almonds, hulls, and shells. From dairy policy and energy costs to citrus season strength and export market expansion, this episode provides critical insight for growers, shippers, and ag professionals.
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Listen now for expert analysis on California agriculture, almond markets, sustainability, and global trade.

AgNet News Hour: Weather, Policy, and Crop Insights in California Agriculture

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer dive into the latest California agriculture headlines. They cover winter weather trends, including chill hours critical for cherries, citrus, almonds, and other tree crops. Listeners get insights on rainfall, snow forecasts, and seasonal outlooks, along with the potential impacts on crop yields and farm operations.
The conversation moves to policy and federal oversight, including updates on SNAP program audits and the importance of transparency in government support programs. Papagni and Boyer also explore fertilizer markets, record-breaking nut crop production, and emerging global demand trends for pistachios and walnuts.
A highlight of the episode is the interview with Todd Bergdoll of Valent USA, who shares his expertise on crop protection, plant growth regulators (PGRs), and maximizing coverage for better efficacy. Todd emphasizes the importance of slowing down for optimal spray application and blending technology with traditional agricultural knowledge. He also discusses his personal journey from Dinuba, California, to international experience in Southeast Asia, and back to California agriculture leadership.
Growers and agricultural professionals will gain actionable insights on crop management, water allocation, and future trends heading into 2026.
How to Connect
Email Todd Bergdoll: tburk@valent.com
Learn More & Stay Updated: AgNet West
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Subscribe to the Podcast: Search “AgNet West” on your favorite podcast app

Pheromones, Frost, and Farm Power: This Week on the AgNet News Hour

This week’s AgNet News Hour delivers a fast-paced look at the tools and trends shaping California agriculture, featuring expert insights on citrus nutrition, pheromone pest control, and key Farm Bureau updates. Abe Isaak of AgroLiquid explains how strategic potassium, phosphorus, and micronutrient programs are helping citrus growers boost frost protection, fruit quality, and overall crop resilience heading into winter. The episode then dives into a standout conversation with Steven Pistoresi of Semios Group, who breaks down how pheromone mating disruption—an early-season, low-maintenance, highly reliable pest solution—is rapidly gaining adoption for managing mealybugs, NOW, and red scale across specialty crops. Pistoresi highlights Semios’ full-service installation and monitoring model, making it easier for growers to transition away from traditional spray timing and toward year-round automated protection.
Between interviews, hosts Nick Papagni the“Ag Meter”, and Lorrie Boyer, unpack the economic pressures facing farmers as analysts forecast a tough but manageable 2026, with some bright spots in livestock and specialty crops. The show also spotlights key updates from the California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, including the state’s Discussion Meet winner, JP Beall, who will advance to nationals. The episode closes with a reminder to stay connected through agnetwest.com and the AgNet West podcast for more interviews, market insights, and industry news.

California Agriculture in Transition: Market Volatility, Almond Outlook & Feed Trends

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, commodity expert and fourth-generation farmer Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities delivers one of the most insightful breakdowns of California agriculture heading into 2025. From hay and forage markets to dairy economics, water uncertainty, and the global forces shaping local prices, Foglio explains why producers across the Central Valley and Imperial Valley are facing unprecedented volatility. He covers early-season pricing standstills, the impact of the latest CDI milk price drop, and the ripple effects that global commodity shifts have on feed markets.
Foglio also provides a grounded outlook on the upcoming almond season, forecasting a more realistic 2.5–2.75 billion pounds—far below early, panic-inducing estimates. He discusses land values, long-term crop investment strategy, and the pressures younger farmers face in today’s ag economy. The conversation expands into broader issues affecting California’s future, including water planning, housing affordability, fire prevention, and the need for stronger leadership.
Packed with real-world experience and no-nonsense analysis, this episode is essential listening for farmers, dairymen, ag professionals, and anyone who wants to understand the fast-changing landscape of California agriculture.

Navigating Agriculture’s Crossroads: Insights from Nick Foglio

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

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

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

California Agriculture: Water, Crop Markets & 2025 Outlook

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

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

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