Tag: American Vineyard

  • How to Effectively Control Rats on California Farms in a State of Emergency

    Rats have taken an unusual interest in the specialty crop capital of the nation. Many attribute the cause to the pest multiplying unchecked in orchards and vineyards in the Central Valley that have been abandoned due to water restrictions and economic challenges. This becomes a real problem when the rats move into neighboring farms in active production, tearing up driplines, feeding on crops and damaging trees. Growers are in a state of emergency and have limited tools for managing this pest.  Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm met with UCCE Wildlife Specialist Roger Baldwin at the California Association of Pest Control Adviser’s annual conference to gain answers on how to knock down populations effectively and keep the pest at bay.  Watch this brief interview and learn more by attending Baldwin’s presentation on rat control at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo at the Fresno Fairgrounds on Nov. 14 (register to attend at agexpo.biz).

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot Grower Solutions for their industry support.

  • Untimely, New Law in California that Farm Employers Need to be Aware of

    California laws and regulations continue changing, often causing unnecessary hardships on businesses in the state. A new law has passed in California, effective January 1, 2025 (often referred to as the “Captive Audience Meetings” law) that farm employers need to be aware of. Ron Barsamian, legal advisor to the California Fresh Fruit Association, shared the details of this new law, The California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and how to safely navigate the changes. Watch this brief interview to learn more.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.
  • Introducing the New Horticulture Department Head at Oregon State University

    Oregon State University has done an amazing job not only training the next generation of innovators in the Pacific Northwest agricultural industries, but also plays a leading role in extension research that has particularly made a big difference for viticulturists and hazelnut growers. Here to coordinate future agricultural education and extension research is Patricia Stock, the new Horticulture Department Head at Oregon State University. Learn more about Patricia in her interview with Laura Malcolm here and read more about Oregon State University’s world-renowned agricultural education, research and extension in American Vineyard and Pacific Nut Producer Magazines.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.

  • Center for Land-Based Learning Fosters Rising Generation of CA Farmers & Ag Leaders

    Have you heard of the Center for Land-Based Learning? For over 30 years, this nonprofit organization has served California’s agricultural industries by inspiring and educating youth with an interest in food and ag — connecting them with resources and opportunities to pursue a career in farming.  Nicole Curiel, Apprenticeship Program Assistant Manager from the Center met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share more about the program and how farmers can get involved. Watch this brief interview to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.

  • New Technologies Featured at World Ag Expo That California Farmers Should Know About

    Boasting over 100,000 attendees from 49 States and 81 countries, the World Ag Expo was another big hit this year.  With  a sea of vendors to navigate across the International Agri-Center grounds in Tulare, it’s hardly feasible for attendees to see it all.  Check out this brief video featuring several companies that Malcolm Media visited with during the event that shared some novel technologies and equipment to support and sustain California farmers needs well into the future.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor afimilk for their industry support.

  • New Robots Featured at FIRA USA to Serve Specialty Crop Ag

    The specialty crop ag community was excited to gather recently in Salinas for the second edition of FIRA USA.  The event featured the latest robotics and automation technologies on the market for fruit, vegetable and tree nut growers.  Watch this special video presentation showcasing new technologies from several innovative companies featured at this event.

  • Meal Period Violations, Farm Employers Beware

    Meal break violations are an open door for Class Action & PAGA lawsuits that farmers have been getting impacted by, according to longtime ag labor and employment attorney Ron Barsamian.  Watch this video interview with Ron as he shares what farm employers can do to maintain better records and avoid the costly losses involved in such litigation.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • How This Farmer Returned 158 Acre-ft of Stormwater to the Soil in 10 Days

    California has been blessed with a tremendous amount of snow and rainfall this spring.  Coming after many dry years that have reduced our groundwater supply, farmers want to do all they can in this brief time of plenty to not only irrigate their drought-stressed trees and vines, but also recharge the groundwater supply beneath their fields.  But how quickly can a farmer prepare his/her land to take on some of this snowmelt for groundwater recharge purposes and what will it require?  Watch this video featuring Madera grape and nut grower Jennifer Peters, who in a very short time was able to install an on-farm groundwater recharge basin and capture much of this stormwater.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.

  • Six Ways to Improve Pesticide Sprayer Calibration/Coverage

    Are you not seeing the results you expected in your latest fungicide/insecticide application? Watch this brief interview with Peter Ako Larbi from the UC Cooperative Extension who shares several considerations on how growers can improve their pesticide spray coverage in their orchard or vineyard.

  • BASF Corrects Misconceptions about Ag & Engages in Community Education

    In today’s fast paced urban society, there is a serious disconnect between consumers and the source of their food.  There is so much public misinformation and misconceptions about agriculture, that it has become more critical for farmers to reach out side of their comfort zone and communities to share the truth about what they do out in the field.  International Ag chemical Corporation, BASF has joined farmers with efforts of their own in educating the public about agriculture, as shared in this brief video with BASF representative Paul Rea.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at Malcolm Media’s Annual Agricultural Expos next month.