Tag: California Ag Network

  • New Pilot Program for Walnut Inspections Could be a Game-Changer for Entire Tree Nut Industry

    California walnut growers have been wanting to see more consistency on incoming inspections, and DFA of California has been leading the charge to deliver on that. Brendan O’Donnell, President of DFA of California met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share details on a new pilot program in walnuts that has been implemented this season that could be a game changer for the entire tree nut industry. Watch the interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going on at Fresno State, Thanks to Pistachio Harvester Partnership with OXBO

    Thanks to a collaborative partnership with OXBO, Fresno State ag students have hands-on access to state-of-the-art pistachio harvesting equipment. During the thick of pistachio harvest, Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Ag instructor John Williams, Jordan College of Agriculture Dean Rolston St. Hilaire, and OXBO Fruit Division President Robert Huckaby out in the Fresno State pistachio orchard to explain the collaborative nature of this partnership and how it stands to benefit the future of the pistachio industry. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • CAPCA on the Rise & Role of Biologicals in Crop Protection

    Crop protection tools are becoming more and more regulated and limited in California. Biostimulants, biopesticides and biofertilizers offer more options for growers. How they fit into conventional and organic farming systems is still being investigated and how the California Department of Pesticide Regulation should treat and classify them is still in debate. The California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) has been actively involved in the conversation though, advocating for tools for sustainable pest management. At their annual Conference, Malcolm Media Editor-in-Chief Matthew Malcolm sat down with CAPCA State Board Vice President Adam Tavares from AMVAC Chemical as he shared his perspective on where their at and priorities for the future.

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

  • Getting American Pistachios Exempt from Mexico’s “Unhealthy” Snack Tax

    As American Pistachio Growers eyes Mexico for increased export growth potential, they have been sharing the results of health studies on the benefits of pistachios with consumers there.  Currently the government of Mexico taxes its citizens on foods it deems unhealthy with a snack tax, and unfortunately, pistachios are on that list! Zachary Fraser from American Pistachio Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during their Pistachio Insights Day to share the details of this issue and how they are working with the Mexican government to change that. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Widespread Rat Infestation in Orchards & Vineyards, CAPCA on Tools & Resources Moving Ahead

    As if California growers and PCAs didn’t have enough on their plates with rising input costs compounded by the most restrictive laws & regulations in the nation, they’ve been further challenged with an unusual pest problem this year — rats! An  increasing number of abandoned orchards and vineyards due to poor economic circumstances has caused a feeding frenzy for some uninvited rodent guests, whose numbers have been multiplying at unprecedented levels. Ruthann Anderson, President/CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain this issue and what they are doing to help provide the tools and resources growers and PCAs to combat this emergency situation, beginning with an anonymous survey they can fill out HERE. Watch this brief video to learn more.

  • Solid Expectations for the 2025 California Walnut Crop

    Mother Nature has favored California walnut growers this season with improved growing conditions/tree health, and a larger crop is expected than last year with high quality product. An exceptionally low carry-in inventory could also yield higher prices for growers this year. Watch this brief interview with Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Board & Commission, as he met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to highlight expectations for this year’s walnut crop and recent activities to boost global market access. Verloop will be sharing the State of the Walnut Industry report at Malcolm Media’s Tree & Vine Expo on Nov. 11th at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds and at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo on Nov. 14th at the Fresno Fairgrounds, so be sure to attend.

  • American Pistachios Dominate the Culinary World this Week in California

    As pistachio growers gear up for harvest, American Pistachio Growers has partnered with restaurants all over California to celebrate Pistachio Week with both novel and classic pistachio-inspired culinary delicacies. Hannah Young from American Pistachio Growers met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network during their Pistachio Insights Day to share what growers and consumers alike have to look forward to during Pistachio Week. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • How Farmers can Win in Sacramento

    California farmers are fed up with losing elections and poor representation in Sacramento. That’s why a number of agricultural organizations have combined forces to turn things around.  According to Darrin Monteiro of California Dairies, Inc., California agriculture can win in Sacramento and the time is now to rally together and invest in protecting our future in farming. Watch this interview with Darrin as he shares the mission of the Alliance of California’s Farmers & Ranchers, following a recent presentation with American Pistachio Growers’ Political Action Committee.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.

  • Four of the Biggest Challenges for California Tree Nut Growers also Bring Opportunities

    They say every cloud has a silver lining, and perhaps that could be said of the current market dynamics of the California tree nut industry. While the ominous clouds of tariffs, increasing regulatory burdens and limited water availability impact growers ability to farm everyday, there are opportunities that come with each of these challenges.  Watch this brief interview as Terrain Ag’s Specialty Crop Analyst Matt Woolf shares these opportunities with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network based on his recent presentation at the annual Convention of the Almond Alliance of California.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.

  • Economist Shares How California Farmers Should Respond to Economic Uncertainty

    Economic uncertainty can be quite unsettling and can make important business and investment decisions difficult to navigate. Inflating costs, threatening tariffs and a volatile stock market are very concerning, especially in a state like California. World-renowned economist and financial expert Marci Rossell met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network following a presentation she delivered to a group of American Pistachio Growers to address these concerns as they relate specifically to California farmers, whose success rely quite heavily on a healthy export market. Watch this brief interview to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.