AgNet News Hour

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

  1. 1d ago

    California Trucking Industry Grapples with Rising Fuel Costs and Regulatory Pressure

    California trucking companies continue to face mounting challenges from rising fuel prices, regulatory requirements, and increasing operating costs, according to industry leaders featured on a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour. During the program, Wildwood Trucking owner Mark Woods discussed the difficult business environment facing transportation companies that play a critical role in moving California’s agricultural products across the state and nation. Woods said freight demand remains steady, but fuel expenses continue to put pressure on trucking operations and their customers. “We’re still busy. We’re working,” Woods said. “But this whole fuel thing has been really the biggest challenge.” Woods explained that while some customers pay fuel surcharges, many trucking companies are still absorbing significant increases in diesel costs. He noted that raising freight rates is not always a practical solution because growers, shippers, and receivers are facing their own economic pressures. The discussion also examined California’s fuel tax structure and the broader impacts of state energy policies. Guest Ellington Smith, who writes regularly on energy and economic issues, argued that fuel taxes and fees have contributed significantly to higher gasoline and diesel prices in California compared to other states. Smith said California’s fuel costs affect every sector of the economy, including agriculture, transportation, and manufacturing. He also expressed concerns about refinery closures and the state’s reliance on imported fuel supplies. According to Smith, long-term energy infrastructure decisions could continue affecting costs for businesses and consumers alike. For agriculture, transportation remains a critical link in the supply chain. California growers depend on trucking companies to move fresh produce, nuts, dairy products, and other commodities from farms to processors, distributors, retailers, and export markets. Any increase in transportation costs ultimately affects the entire agricultural economy. Woods emphasized that trucking companies have already made significant investments in cleaner equipment and emissions technology while continuing to deliver products safely and efficiently. “Everything in your house, everything in your office has been delivered by an 18-wheel truck,” Woods noted during the interview. As California continues debating energy policy, fuel taxes, and economic development, transportation industry leaders say maintaining a competitive business environment will be essential for supporting agriculture and the broader economy. The conversation highlighted how closely tied fuel costs, freight transportation, and agricultural profitability have become throughout the state.

    48 min

  2. 2d ago

    San Diego Agriculture Faces Rising Costs, Labor Challenges, and Water Concerns

    AgNet News Hour continued its spotlight on California agriculture with part two of a conversation featuring fifth-generation farmer and former San Diego County Farm Bureau President Dana Groot, who discussed the unique opportunities and growing challenges facing farmers in San Diego County. While San Diego is often known for its beaches, tourism, and year-round weather, Groot said many people are unaware of the region’s significant agricultural footprint. The county remains a major producer of avocados, citrus, nursery crops, floriculture products, and specialty crops, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to the local economy. “The public has this image of farming that’s often large industrial-scale farms,” Groot said. “San Diego County, we’re family-owned farms, specialty crops, and sell a lot of what we grow here locally.” One of the biggest concerns discussed during the interview was the increasing cost of doing business in California. Groot noted that farmers must compete against imported products that are often grown under very different labor, environmental, and pesticide regulations. “The consequence will certainly be imported foods,” Groot explained, warning that California growers continue to face higher production costs than many foreign competitors. Labor remains another significant challenge. According to Groot, San Diego County growers struggle to attract workers due to high housing costs and long commute distances between urban residential areas and rural farming communities. “The issue in our county is really the available housing tends to be in the more urban locations, and the farms tend to be in the more rural locations,” Groot said. The discussion also highlighted the importance of San Diego County’s nursery and floriculture sector. California leads the nation in nursery production, and San Diego County remains the top county in the country for nursery and floriculture products. However, industry consolidation has changed the landscape over the past several decades, leaving fewer independent retailers and more reliance on large chain stores. Pest and disease management continues to be another concern for growers. Groot discussed ongoing efforts to protect citrus production from the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing disease, while also noting increasing challenges from invasive pests and plant diseases impacting ornamental crops and strawberries. Despite these challenges, San Diego agriculture continues to benefit from one of the most favorable growing climates in the country. The region’s mild weather allows growers to produce crops year-round, providing a unique advantage compared to many other agricultural regions. Groot also emphasized the importance of public education and outreach, encouraging consumers and policymakers to learn more about farming and understand the role agriculture plays in food security, economic development, and environmental stewardship. “We all stand a better chance of thriving,” Groot said, “if we all work together.” The interview underscored a common theme heard throughout California agriculture: farmers continue adapting to rising costs, labor shortages, water concerns, and increasing regulations while working to maintain local food production and support rural communities.

    48 min

  3. 3d ago

    USDA Officials Highlight Water, Rural Development, and Specialty Crop Support in California

    The AgNet News Hour continued its coverage of federal agricultural initiatives with conversations featuring USDA Rural Development State Director Bryan Anguiano and former San Diego County Farm Bureau President Dana Groot. The discussions focused on water infrastructure, rural economic development, specialty crop agriculture, and the challenges facing farmers throughout California. Fresh off a visit to California by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, USDA officials emphasized the importance of supporting agriculture and rural communities across the state. Bryan Anguiano, who serves as California State Director for USDA Rural Development, said his agency plays a key role in funding infrastructure projects, economic development, and water systems that support farming communities. “We help provide the resources needed for infrastructure, for job creation, and really for the next generation of rural communities,” Anguiano said. Water remained a central topic throughout the broadcast. Anguiano noted that USDA programs assist municipalities, counties, and water districts with financing projects such as pipelines, water tanks, and system improvements. He stressed that reliable water infrastructure is essential for both agricultural production and rural quality of life. “Water means jobs,” Anguiano explained, noting that rural communities depend on stable water supplies to support both agriculture and economic development. The show also featured an extended conversation with former San Diego County Farm Bureau President Dana Groot, who highlighted the unique agricultural landscape of Southern California. While many consumers associate San Diego County with avocados and citrus, Groot explained that the region is also home to the nation’s largest concentration of nursery and floriculture production. “San Diego is the largest county in the country for nursery and floriculture products,” Groot said, noting that greenhouse, ornamental plant, and nursery production accounts for roughly $1 billion of the county’s agricultural value. Groot discussed the challenges facing growers in one of California’s most expensive regions. Land costs, labor expenses, housing shortages, and increasing regulations continue to place pressure on family farming operations. He noted that many farms in San Diego County average only about 10 acres in size and rely heavily on specialty crops that require significant labor and management. One of the most pressing concerns for growers in the region is water. According to Groot, agricultural water costs in San Diego County are among the highest in the nation, reaching approximately $3,000 per acre-foot in some cases. Much of the region’s supply comes from imported sources, making long-term affordability a major concern. The interview also addressed concerns about declining acreage, regulatory burdens, and the future of family farming in California. Groot warned that increasing production costs continue to challenge the next generation of farmers and make succession planning more difficult. “We grow what we call specialty crops,” Groot said. “The specialty crop nature of our production is really considered high-value inventory.” Throughout the discussion, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill emphasized the importance of maintaining California’s agricultural production capacity while improving water management and reducing barriers that impact growers. Water infrastructure, labor availability, housing affordability, and regulatory reform were recurring themes throughout the broadcast. The program also highlighted concerns over the future of avocado production in Southern California. Groot noted that some growers are considering shutting off water to large acreage blocks due to rising costs, creating both economic and environmental concerns for the region. The broadcast concluded with optimism that increased attention from federal agricultural officials could help address some of the long-standing challenges facing California agriculture, particularly in rural communities dependent on water infrastructure and specialty crop production.

    48 min

  4. 4d ago

    USDA Specialty Crop Assistance, Water Policy, and California Agriculture in Focus

    California agriculture received significant attention during a recent visit from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, who announced nearly $1.7 billion in federal assistance for specialty crop producers while emphasizing the importance of food security, trade opportunities, and long-term support for American farmers. During a stop in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Rollins highlighted the state’s critical role in feeding both the nation and the world. California produces more agricultural products than any other state, accounting for more than $60 billion in annual farm sales and supplying consumers with everything from almonds and grapes to potatoes, citrus, and vegetables. One of the major announcements from the visit was the launch of the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program. The initiative will provide nearly $1.7 billion in support to specialty crop growers facing economic pressures from rising labor costs, input expenses, and international competition. According to Rollins, enrollment began June 1 and will remain open through August 7. “Specialty crop producers across the nation have faced negative margins and growing economic pressure due to rising labor costs, import pressures, and high input prices,” Rollins said. The AgNet News Hour team attended the event and also spoke with USDA California State Executive Director Connie Conway, who emphasized the challenges California farmers face before a crop is even planted. “I think Cal Poly did a study. I think they said it was $1,700 an acre in fees before you even start farming,” Conway said. “That’s not a seed. That’s not a tree. That’s not fertilizer. That’s not diesel. That’s not water.” Much of the discussion centered on California’s regulatory climate, water management policies, and the future of specialty crop production. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill noted ongoing concerns about water allocations, particularly for growers on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley who continue to face restrictions despite recent wet years and strong reservoir levels. California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass also participated in discussions and stressed the importance of maintaining agriculture as a priority for state and federal policymakers. He noted that water availability, labor legislation, international trade, and predator management remain key issues facing farmers heading into the summer growing season. The program also highlighted growing efforts to expand export opportunities for U.S. specialty crops. Rollins pointed to increasing agricultural exports and new trade agreements that could help California growers access additional international markets. Throughout the discussion, a recurring theme emerged: the belief that food production should remain a central focus of public policy. “Food security is national security,” Rollins said during the event. As California growers continue navigating regulatory challenges, labor shortages, rising production costs, and water concerns, industry leaders say support programs and policy reforms will play an important role in maintaining the state’s position as one of the world’s leading agricultural producers. For specialty crop producers, the newly announced federal assistance program may provide some near-term relief while larger conversations about water, trade, labor, and agricultural competitiveness continue.

    48 min

  5. 5d ago

    California Agriculture, Water, and Regulations Take Center Stage in AgNet News Hour Discussion

    The AgNet News Hour focused heavily on California politics, agriculture policy, water management, labor concerns, and the future of farming during a wide-ranging June 1 broadcast featuring political analyst David Collenberg and discussions surrounding the upcoming gubernatorial race. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened the program by discussing frustration among farmers and ranchers who feel agriculture is being overlooked in statewide political debates despite California producing much of the nation’s food supply. “We need leadership that understands agriculture,” Papagni said during the broadcast as the conversation shifted toward regulation, water storage, energy costs, and food production. Political analyst David Collenberg joined the show to discuss the evolving governor’s race and the growing divide between Sacramento policies and the concerns of working Californians, particularly in rural communities and the agricultural sector. Collenberg said agriculture has become one of the clearest examples of California’s broader affordability and regulatory problems. “When people can’t afford fuel, can’t afford electricity, can’t afford food, it all ties together,” Collenberg explained. Water policy remained one of the dominant themes throughout the show. Papagni and McGill discussed ongoing frustration from growers who continue to see water shortages, pumping restrictions, and infrastructure delays despite multiple wet winters and strong reservoir levels in parts of the state. “We have the water. We just don’t store it,” McGill said during the discussion. The conversation also touched on increasing production costs facing California farmers, including labor expenses, insurance, fuel prices, fertilizer costs, and state regulations. Papagni noted that many longtime family farming operations are reaching a difficult crossroads as generational growers evaluate whether the next generation can continue farming in California. Cherry growers and specialty crop producers were also mentioned as industries facing particularly difficult economic conditions this season due to rising costs and shifting markets. “There are growers hanging on right now,” Papagni said. “But it’s getting harder every single year.” Wildfire prevention and land management became another major topic during the discussion. Collenberg argued that California’s forest management and environmental policies have contributed to dangerous fuel buildup and growing fire risks across rural areas. The show also explored migration trends as more Californians continue relocating to states such as Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Arizona in search of lower costs of living and fewer regulations. Despite the concerns raised throughout the broadcast, the hosts emphasized optimism about California agriculture’s future if policy changes allow growers more flexibility and support. “We still grow the best food in the world right here in California,” Papagni said. The program concluded with continued calls for practical solutions involving water storage, regulatory reform, infrastructure investment, and support for California farmers and ranchers. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

    48 min

  6. May 29

    Steve Hilton Calls for Major Changes to California Water, Energy, and Agriculture Policies

    The AgNet News Hour featured California gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton in a wide-ranging interview focused on agriculture, water policy, energy costs, regulations, and the future direction of the state ahead of the upcoming jungle primary. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened the program by noting frustration that recent gubernatorial debates largely ignored agriculture despite California’s massive farming economy. Hilton said agriculture has been “strangled and throttled” by state leadership and promised major changes if elected governor. “You’re never going to have a stronger champion for farming and agriculture than me when I’m governor,” Hilton said. Hilton repeatedly criticized California’s current water management system, arguing that environmental policies and regulatory decisions have limited water deliveries to growers while hurting rural communities. “We can increase deliveries within our current water infrastructure,” he said while discussing the State Water Resources Control Board and water allocation policies. Energy policy was another major topic throughout the interview. Hilton blamed California’s high diesel, electricity, and fuel costs on climate regulations, restrictions on oil production, and state environmental mandates that he argued increase costs for farmers and consumers alike. “Energy costs go into everything,” Hilton explained, pointing to fuel, transportation, processing, and irrigation expenses impacting agriculture across the state. Hilton also criticized California’s push toward solar development on farmland and accused state leadership of neglecting agriculture in favor of environmental ideology. “They are happy to see farmland ripped out and replaced by solar farms,” Hilton said. The interview also focused heavily on regulations and labor costs. Hilton discussed concerns over PAGA lawsuits, overtime rules, Air Resources Board regulations, and the cost of complying with state mandates. “We’ve got to deal with the lawsuits that are crippling so many industries,” he said. Hilton said his administration would work closely with the federal government on agriculture, transportation, and water projects rather than maintaining ongoing political conflict with Washington. “I know Brooke Rollins very well,” Hilton said, referencing the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. “We’re going to be working together well.” Transportation infrastructure and taxes also became part of the discussion. Hilton criticized California’s gas tax, vehicle registration fees, and the state’s ongoing high-speed rail project, arguing taxpayers are not seeing results from the money being spent. “We put in the highest taxes in the country and get the worst results,” Hilton said. Throughout the conversation, Hilton framed the election as a choice between continuing current policies or pursuing major reforms focused on affordability, water reliability, lower energy costs, and regulatory relief. “We’ve got everything we need in California,” Hilton said. “We just need common sense leadership.” The broadcast also featured a Growing Edge segment with Valent USA discussing organic pest management tools, including PyGanic and the Debug product line, along with challenges facing organic growers dealing with thrips, aphids, navel orangeworm, and spotted wing drosophila. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

    48 min

  7. May 28

    Chad Bianco Says California Must End Forced Policies, Expand Water Storage, and Support Agriculture

    Riverside County Sheriff and California governor candidate Chad Bianco returned to the AgNet News Hour for part two of his conversation about California agriculture, water policy, regulations, energy, immigration, and the future of the state. The interview opened with discussion surrounding California’s latest water allocation announcement, which increased allocations to Westlands Water District growers from 20% to 25%. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill criticized the state’s inability to store water despite multiple wet years and full northern reservoirs. “We don’t know how to store it when we do have it,” McGill said during the broadcast. Bianco said California’s problems are driven by government mandates and policies that force ideas onto residents and businesses instead of allowing innovation and practical solutions. “There is no way on earth that wind and solar provide us the electricity that we need,” Bianco said. “It just can’t happen. So why are we forcing it to happen?” Bianco argued California should focus on reliable energy, domestic oil production, water storage, and reducing regulations that hurt farmers and businesses. “We have way more water than we need in California,” he said. “It’s just purposely wasted and sent out to the ocean every single year.” The conversation also focused heavily on agriculture. Bianco said California farmers are being crushed by regulation, rising costs, and water shortages despite producing food for the nation and much of the world. “There is help on the horizon,” Bianco told listeners. “This is somebody that’s been working hand in hand with our ag community for 33 years.” Bianco said he wants California to once again become a national leader in agriculture by removing barriers and supporting local food production. “California school systems will be supplied with California food and ag,” he said. “Ag, meat, poultry — everything will be California grown, California made.” Energy policy was another major topic. Bianco said California has the ability to reduce fuel costs significantly by utilizing its own oil resources instead of relying on imports. “We will stop buying from other countries,” he said. “California can be oil independent.” The interview also touched on sanctuary state policies, immigration, public safety, homelessness, and the relationship between California and the federal government. Bianco emphasized the importance of cooperation with Washington and said California cannot succeed while isolating itself politically. “We have to have someone willing to work with anyone and everyone,” he said. Bianco also addressed criticism related to protests and unrest during the BLM demonstrations several years ago, explaining that a widely circulated video showing him kneeling was part of a public prayer before law enforcement later dispersed rioters. “The truth never changes,” Bianco said. “That was simply prayer.” The broadcast concluded with Bianco encouraging Californians to vote and become more involved in shaping the state’s future. “California is already great,” he said. “We’re just not doing what we should be doing.” The program also featured an almond industry update with Almond Board of California spokesperson Bryce Spycher, who discussed the USDA’s 2.7 billion-pound subjective almond estimate for the upcoming season and described the market as stable and balanced heading into harvest.

    48 min

  8. May 27

    Chad Bianco Says California Agriculture Needs Deregulation, Water Solutions, and Common Sense Leadership

    The AgNet News Hour featured part one of a two-part conversation with Riverside County Sheriff and California governor candidate Chad Bianco, focusing on agriculture, water, regulation, public safety, and the upcoming jungle primary. Bianco said recent governor debates failed to address one of California’s most important industries: farming and agriculture. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill also expressed frustration that candidates were asked about climate policy while agriculture, water, and food production received little attention. “Ag is one of the main drivers of the success of California,” Bianco said. “Our current policies are causing it to dwindle away.” Bianco argued that California’s challenges are not caused by farmers, ranchers, small businesses, or residents, but by state policy coming out of Sacramento. “It’s a bad Sacramento policy,” he said. “It’s bad, broken policy that’s creating an environment where it’s not sustainable.” Water was a major focus of the conversation. Bianco said California has the ability to grow and produce more, but current regulations and water policies are limiting agriculture’s potential. “We have water, it’s disappearing, causing our farming and ag community to just dwindle away,” he said. Bianco also said California should be expanding food production, not reducing it. “We have to increase it, not shrink it,” he said. “We’re supposed to be prosperous. We’re supposed to be growing.” The conversation also covered regulation, rising costs, generational farming, and the difficulty many family operations face when trying to pass farms down to the next generation. Bianco said government has made it harder for farm families to maintain ownership and continue operating. “The California dream is being able to own your own home, own your own business, own your own farm,” he said. Bianco said one of his first priorities as governor would be removing regulations that make California less competitive than other states. “We are going to sign away the regulations,” Bianco said. “Not to make us a third-world country, but to make us have an equal playing field with the rest of the country.” The interview also touched on polling, public safety, homelessness, the Palisades fires, COVID-era frustration, and growing concerns over state leadership. Bianco said many Californians—Republicans, independents, and moderate Democrats—are looking for practical solutions, not more political talking points. “Democrats are willing to cross party lines because they want to be safe,” he said. “They want their businesses back open.” As the primary approaches, Bianco encouraged voters to look past party labels and focus on who can actually fix California’s problems. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    AgNet West Radio Network
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2017 . All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    AgNet News Hour

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