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Get the latest local, state, and national agriculture news in today’s AgNet News Hour by AgNet West.

  1. hace 12 h

    Merced College Prepares Students for Agriculture’s Future

    Modern agriculture needs more than farmers—it needs skilled professionals who understand technology, food processing, automation, marketing and the rapidly changing demands of the agricultural industry. On the latest edition of the AgNet News Hour, “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and Sir Josh McGill spoke with Cody Jacobsen, Dean of Agriculture and Industrial Technology at Merced College, about how the college is preparing students for those opportunities. Jacobsen highlighted Merced College’s strong connections with California high schools and FFA programs. The college hosts statewide FFA competitions, welding finals and other agricultural contests while bringing students onto campus to experience its facilities and interact with industry partners. Those visits can open students’ eyes to careers they may not have previously considered, including drone operations, food processing, packaging, automation and advanced agricultural technology. One of the standout programs is the college’s food processing and innovation work. Students can develop and test products while experimenting with different packaging formats and learning how marketing influences consumer purchasing decisions. Jacobsen said Central Valley employers continue to need skilled workers, making industry-driven training an important part of Merced College’s mission. Jacobsen also discussed plans to keep the college ahead of industry trends. Merced College is developing an agricultural technology and food systems bachelor’s degree, with a goal of having the program available by 2028. The program is designed to give students practical skills they can take directly into the workforce while preparing them for the increasing use of technology in agriculture. The interview also addressed the importance of agricultural education in California. Jacobsen said the state needs to continue educating students, the public and policymakers about agriculture while ensuring that programs remain connected to the realities facing farmers and businesses. He emphasized that Merced College’s facilities and programs benefit not only students but the broader regional economy. Technology was another major theme. The hosts discussed the rapid growth of agricultural drones, automation, precision farming and other tools. Jacobsen’s philosophy is to train students on the technology farmers and agricultural businesses are using today—not equipment from decades ago. The Ag Meter team also noted that growers increasingly need technology that can provide a practical return on investment within a season or two. For families and students considering an agricultural career, the message is clear: agriculture offers far more opportunities than traditional farming alone. From food processing and marketing to drones, automation and advanced technology, Merced College is working to prepare the next generation for those careers. Listen to the full interview with Cody Jacobsen on The AgNet News Hour to hear more about Merced College’s innovative programs and the future of agricultural education. Listen to the full Part 2 interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

  2. hace 1 día

    Merced College Builds the Future of Agriculture

    The latest AgNet News Hour with Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” and Josh McGill takes listeners inside one of the most innovative agricultural education programs in California. The program features an in-depth conversation with Cody Jacobsen, Dean of Agriculture and Industrial Technology at Merced College, who explains how the college is preparing students for the rapidly changing world of farming, food processing, automation and agricultural technology. Jacobsen says Merced College is experiencing record enrollment, with more than 22,000 students expected on campus and nearly every agriculture class at capacity. The college is combining traditional hands-on farming education with advanced technology, giving students opportunities to work with tractors, orchards, livestock and crops while also learning drone operations, robotics, automation and other emerging technologies. One of the college’s most impressive projects is a new 22,000-square-foot food processing facility featuring meat processing, tree nut processing, fresh-market produce, nutrition and product development capabilities, along with a retail farm market. The facility will include advanced equipment such as optical sorters, X-ray systems, metal detection, automated packaging and palletizing systems. Merced College is also expanding its working farm. Students have access to a 10-acre almond block developed with the Almond Board of California, stone fruit acreage supported by nursery partners, table grapes and approximately 35 acres of row crops. Jacobsen emphasizes that students learn by getting into the field, working with industry professionals and developing practical skills that cannot be learned from a textbook alone. Technology is a major part of that future. The college recently conducted a pilot project comparing winter wheat planted by drone with wheat planted using a traditional grain drill. Students are being trained to understand both approaches, preparing them for farms ranging from conventional operations to highly automated businesses. Jacobsen also discusses his own Central Valley farming background. Raised on a sheep ranch, educated at Fresno State and a former high school agriculture teacher, he farms almonds himself. That experience helps him bring real-world knowledge of farming, livestock, irrigation, equipment, economics and business directly into his work at the college. Industry partnerships are another key component. Merced College works with organizations including the Almond Board of California, Toro, Duarte Nursery, Sunridge and Dave Wilson Nursery, while companies such as Pacific Farm Management provide hands-on instruction in planting, irrigation and field development. The discussion also explores why technical education may become increasingly important as AI and automation reshape the workforce. Nick and Josh emphasize that students should have the opportunity to pursue careers they are passionate about without automatically assuming a four-year university is the only path to success. There is much more to this conversation, along with the latest agriculture news and insights from across California and the nation. Listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast to hear the complete interview with Cody Jacobsen and discover how Merced College is preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

  3. hace 2 días

    Kyle Kirkland Part 2: Water Reliability and Regulatory Reform Key to California Agriculture

    Reliable water supplies and practical regulations remain two of the biggest issues facing California agriculture, according to congressional candidate Kyle Kirkland. In Part 2 of his interview on the AgNet News Hour, Kirkland expanded on his vision for addressing the state's water challenges, arguing that growers, environmental interests and communities all benefit when policymakers focus on practical solutions instead of political gridlock. Kirkland acknowledged California's water system is complex but said solving the problem begins with listening to those who depend on it every day. "I don't profess to be the expert," Kirkland said. "What I do profess to be is someone that can look at a complicated problem, listen, and then come up with some pretty unique solutions." He said California should bring together agricultural leaders, builders, water experts and regulators to identify long-term strategies that provide reliable water while protecting environmental resources. Rather than eliminating environmental protections, Kirkland said the state should evaluate whether current regulations are accomplishing their intended goals or simply creating unnecessary obstacles for food production. "There is a difference between regulation and suffocation," he said, arguing that California has increasingly moved toward policies that make it more difficult to produce food, housing, energy and other essential resources. During the interview, Kirkland also discussed the importance of balancing agriculture, environmental stewardship and the needs of California's growing population. He said long-term solutions should include better water management, improved storage and greater collaboration among stakeholders rather than continuing years of political conflict. The conversation broadened to include California's overall business climate. Kirkland argued that reducing unnecessary regulations and encouraging domestic production would help lower costs for consumers while strengthening the state's economy. He pointed to agriculture, energy and manufacturing as industries that can thrive when businesses have regulatory certainty and policymakers focus on encouraging production instead of creating additional barriers. AgNet News Hour hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill noted that water reliability continues to be one of the most common concerns raised by California farmers. They agreed that growers need predictable policies that allow them to make long-term investments in permanent crops and maintain productive farming operations. Wrapping up the interview, Kirkland encouraged Californians not to lose hope, saying he believes many of the state's biggest challenges are solvable through collaboration, common-sense policymaking and greater support for businesses that drive California's economy. Listen to the full Part 2 interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

  4. hace 5 días

    Congressional Candidate Kyle Kirkland Says California Agriculture Needs More Regulatory Certainty

    California farmers need predictable water supplies, practical regulations and policies that encourage production if agriculture is going to remain competitive, according to congressional candidate Kyle Kirkland. During today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Kirkland discussed the challenges facing the Central Valley and shared why he believes business experience can help address many of the issues affecting California agriculture. Kirkland, who is running for California's 21st Congressional District, said his background as a businessman has shaped the way he approaches public policy. He argued that many of California's biggest challenges stem from policies that have made it more difficult to produce food, build housing and operate businesses. "I look at those and say those are fixable problems," Kirkland said, explaining that California has reduced production in several key industries while demand has continued to grow. A major portion of the interview focused on agriculture. Kirkland said one of the most common concerns he hears from farmers is the need for reliable and predictable water supplies rather than constantly changing allocations. "When I've talked to my friends in ag, they're just saying, 'We want reliable, consistent sources of water and predictable sources,'" Kirkland said. He added that uncertainty makes it difficult for producers to plan for future crops and investments, particularly for permanent plantings such as orchards and vineyards. Kirkland also discussed California's regulatory climate, arguing that environmental regulations have become increasingly difficult for businesses and agricultural producers to navigate. While emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship, he said regulations should be evaluated to determine whether they are achieving their intended goals without unnecessarily limiting production. He suggested that policymakers should regularly review regulations after implementation to determine whether they are working as intended and make adjustments when necessary. The conversation also touched on the importance of domestic food production. Kirkland expressed concern that increasing regulations could discourage future generations from remaining in agriculture, ultimately leading to greater reliance on imported food. He argued that California should continue supporting in-state production while maintaining the state's role as one of the nation's leading agricultural regions. AgNet News Hour hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill noted that reliable water supplies remain one of the most frequently discussed issues among California growers. They also highlighted the unique challenges permanent crops face when water availability changes from year to year, making long-term planning especially difficult for producers. While the interview reflected Kirkland's perspectives as a congressional candidate, it underscored broader issues that continue to shape California agriculture, including water reliability, regulatory certainty and maintaining a strong business environment for farms and ranches. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

  5. hace 6 días

    Farm Babe Michelle Miller Encourages Farmers to Tell Agriculture's Story

    Agriculture has one of the best stories to tell, but too often someone else is telling it. That was the message from agricultural advocate Michelle Miller, better known as The Farm Babe, during a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour. Miller discussed how social media, public outreach and personal conversations can help bridge the gap between farmers and consumers while combating misinformation about modern agriculture. Miller, who began sharing her farming experiences online more than a decade ago, said her journey into agricultural advocacy happened almost by accident. What started as a personal blog documenting life on an Iowa farm has grown into one of agriculture's most recognizable voices on social media, reaching hundreds of thousands of followers across multiple platforms. Throughout the interview, Miller emphasized that many consumers simply have little firsthand experience with farming. Rather than criticizing those misconceptions, she encourages farmers to approach conversations with empathy and education. "I know what it feels like to be misinformed," Miller said, explaining that she once believed many of the same myths about agriculture before becoming involved in farming herself. Today, she focuses on helping consumers understand the science behind modern farming practices and the realities of food production. The discussion also highlighted California agriculture's unique diversity. Having traveled extensively across the country, Miller said California's hundreds of commodities—from lettuce and strawberries to citrus, avocados and specialty crops—offer an incredible opportunity to showcase American agriculture to the public. She encouraged producers to share what they do every day, noting that people are often fascinated once they have the chance to see farms firsthand. Another key theme of the conversation was farmland preservation. Miller expressed concern about the continued loss of agricultural land to urban development, saying the country loses valuable farmland every minute. She argued that protecting farmland and supporting family farms should remain priorities for both policymakers and consumers. Miller also challenged farmers to expand their outreach beyond traditional agricultural audiences. She suggested inviting influencers, public officials and other community leaders onto farms to experience agriculture firsthand, saying those relationships can help reshape public perceptions and build broader support for farming. "I think people appreciate and love farmers, but they don't always understand them," she said. "Your voice is way more powerful than you'll ever know." AgNet News Hour hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill echoed that message, encouraging producers to participate in farm tours, community events and educational programs that connect consumers with the people who grow their food. As California agriculture continues facing challenges ranging from regulations to urban development, they noted that telling agriculture's story has never been more important. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

  6. 5 ago

    Michael Gates Pledges to Fight California Fraud and Support Agriculture

    Michael Gates Says California Must End Waste, Fraud, and Heavy Regulation on Agriculture California's agricultural community continues to face mounting challenges ranging from burdensome regulations to economic uncertainty. During the latest edition of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni, “the Ag Meter”, and co-host Josh McGill discussed several of the issues currently affecting California agriculture before sitting down with California Attorney General candidate Michael Gates to discuss his campaign, government accountability, and his vision for the state's future. Before the interview, Papagni highlighted several current agricultural topics, including the changing market for California's canned peach industry following the closure of Del Monte's processing facility. The discussion centered on the challenges facing traditional agricultural sectors, with both hosts noting that consumer demand has shifted toward fresh fruit while long-term marketing strategies and export opportunities may have been overlooked. They also discussed the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences rather than relying on industries whose markets continue to shrink. The conversation then shifted to California politics as Gates joined the program to discuss his campaign for Attorney General. Gates explained that his June primary campaign established what he described as a record-setting performance for a Republican statewide candidate, earning approximately 3.4 million votes while building momentum through fundraising efforts and endorsements from numerous law enforcement leaders. According to Gates, the campaign continues to expand its coalition heading toward the general election. Campaign Focused on Government Accountability A major focus of the interview centered on Gates' criticism of California's current leadership. Gates argued that the Attorney General's office has failed to investigate significant cases involving government waste, fraud, and abuse. He pointed to recent state audit findings and claimed that billions of taxpayer dollars have been lost while state leadership failed to take meaningful action. Gates contended that restoring accountability within state government would be one of his highest priorities if elected. Papagni noted that many farmers and ranchers across California feel frustrated by what they see as excessive government regulation and ongoing political dysfunction. Gates acknowledged those concerns and expressed appreciation for the agricultural community, saying farmers are often overlooked despite providing food and economic stability for the state. He emphasized that agriculture deserves support rather than additional government obstacles. Support for California's Agricultural Industry During the interview, Gates pledged that, if elected Attorney General, he would work to reduce unnecessary government interference affecting California farmers. He stated that agriculture should be allowed to focus on producing food and sustaining rural communities rather than navigating excessive regulatory burdens. His comments were aimed directly at California's farming audience, many of whom continue to face increasing production costs, labor challenges, and regulatory pressures. While the interview covered politics, its central message remained focused on accountability and the future of California agriculture. The discussion reflected ongoing concerns throughout the state's farming communities about government oversight, fiscal responsibility, and creating an environment where agriculture can continue to thrive. Listen to the Full Podcast This article highlights only a portion of the conversation between Nick Papagni, the Ag Meter, Josh McGill, and California Attorney General candidate Michael Gates. To hear Gates discuss his campaign, government accountability, California politics, and his plans for supporting the state's agricultural community in greater detail, be sure to listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast. The complete interview provides additional insight into the issues affecting California farmers and ranchers and offers listeners a deeper look at one of the state's most closely watched political races.

  7. 4 ago

    USDA Launches $35 Million Feral Swine Eradication Program to Protect Farms

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $35 million to help combat one of agriculture's most destructive invasive species. During today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, USDA Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce discussed the department's newly announced Feral Swine Eradication Program, which will provide grant funding to help landowners and partners reduce wild hog populations that threaten farms, ranches and natural resources. Fordyce said feral swine are among the most damaging invasive species affecting U.S. agriculture. The animals destroy cropland, pasture, irrigation infrastructure and wildlife habitat while also posing a serious disease risk to livestock. "When we think about invasive species, they come in all different shapes and sizes," Fordyce said. "Honestly, the feral swine probably could be the most invasive and probably cause the most damage." The program, administered jointly by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), will distribute $35 million in grant funding through qualified partners. Those organizations will work directly with landowners on education, trapping and other management practices designed to reduce feral swine populations. Fordyce emphasized that the program is designed to address both the economic and biological impacts of wild hogs. "They really don't care what landscape they're destroying," he said, noting that feral swine damage forests, cropland, grazing land and sensitive natural areas while also carrying diseases that could spread to domestic swine and other livestock. The discussion also highlighted California's growing feral swine problem. While states such as Texas, Arkansas and Missouri have some of the nation's largest populations, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill noted that wild hogs have been reported across much of California and can cause extensive damage to farmland, orchards and rangeland. For producers experiencing feral swine damage, Fordyce encouraged them to begin by contacting their local NRCS office. "This is a pilot program," he said. "Contact NRCS if you have these critters around and you want to see about how to get rid of them." Applications from eligible partner organizations are due September 21, with NRCS and APHIS working together to evaluate proposals and distribute funding. Fordyce said the goal is to support organizations that already have the expertise to help landowners effectively trap and remove feral swine populations. As wild hog populations continue expanding across the country, Fordyce said the new initiative reflects USDA's commitment to protecting agricultural production while reducing the environmental and economic damage caused by one of the nation's most destructive invasive pests. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

  8. 3 ago

    Part 2: Tom McClintock, California Governor's Race Could Shape the Future of Agriculture

    California's 2026 gubernatorial election could be one of the most consequential in decades for farmers and ranchers, according to Congressman Tom McClintock. During a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, McClintock discussed why he believes the outcome of the governor's race will have a direct impact on water policy, regulations, energy costs and the overall business climate facing California agriculture. Representing California's 5th Congressional District, McClintock argued that many of the challenges confronting agriculture today stem from state policy decisions made over several decades. He pointed to water infrastructure, housing affordability, transportation costs and regulatory burdens as issues he believes have reduced California's competitiveness. One of the interview's central themes was water. McClintock said California is not suffering from a shortage of water, but rather a shortage of storage infrastructure. He noted that the state has not completed a major dam since New Melones in 1979, despite significant population growth over the same period. "We're suffering chronic water shortages as a result," McClintock said, arguing that expanding water storage should be a priority for future state leadership. The discussion also focused on the Potter Valley Project in Northern California, where McClintock expressed concern over proposals affecting Scott Dam and Cape Horn Dam. He said maintaining water infrastructure is important not only for communities but also for farms, ranches and forest management throughout the region. Looking ahead to next year's election, McClintock argued that California voters will have a choice between continuing the state's current policy direction or pursuing a different approach to agriculture, energy and resource management. "If Becerra wins, you're going to have the same war being waged now against water delivery, against energy, all of the things that are required for agriculture," McClintock said during the interview. McClintock also said California once benefited from abundant water, affordable housing, reliable electricity and lower unemployment, and argued those conditions can be restored through different public policy decisions. He encouraged voters to consider how state leadership affects agriculture and the broader economy when evaluating candidates in 2026. While the interview reflected McClintock's perspectives on California politics and policy, the broader discussion underscored the significant role the governor's office plays in shaping issues that directly affect agriculture—from water infrastructure and environmental regulations to energy costs and economic competitiveness. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

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Get the latest local, state, and national agriculture news in today’s AgNet News Hour by AgNet West.

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  • Creador
    AgNet West Radio Network
  • Años de actividad
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodios
    40
  • Clasificación
    Apto
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