Voices of the Valley

Western Growers
  • 4.9 (11)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Voices of the Valley

Do you want to go behind the scenes and learn about how the food gets on your table? Hear about the complex world of agricultural policy, food safety, crop protection, disease control and more from the most influential people working in farming. Be sure to tune in each week as we delve deeper into the inner workings of our food system.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Connecting Community to Farms and Fields

    In this episode, we talk to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and explore how the organization inspires a deeper connection to the agricultural industry by promoting a greater understanding of how food gets from farm to table. SEEAG is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between farmers and the community by educating students and the public about the origins of their food. Through interactive programs, farm tours and hands-on activities, SEEAG connects participants with local agriculture, fostering an appreciation for the farmers who grow and harvest the fresh produce that nourishes us.

    24 min

  2. JAN 2

    The Connection Between Farming, Food and Wellness

    In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between the food we eat, provided by the farmers who grow our food, and our overall health and wellness. From fueling our bodies and preventing disease to supporting a balanced lifestyle, we discuss how nutrient-rich crops play a crucial role in our well-being with insights from our health and wellness expert, Beth Sims.

    21 min

  3. 10/14/2024

    The Next Generation of Ag Leaders

    The next generation of ag leaders are playing an important role in shaping the future of farming. California is one of the most vital agricultural regions in the world, and these emerging voices are navigating an industry influenced by climate change and the need for sustainability, water and labor shortages and advancements in agtech. We explore the California Agricultural Leadership Program and discussing the challenges and opportunities our future leaders are facing in the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture. Featuring: Abby-Taylor Silva, Executive VP of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation; Bryan Nickerson, Commodity and Supply Chain Services Director for Western Growers; and Cory Lunde, VP of External Affairs for Western Growers.

    26 min

  4. 10/03/2024

    Sniffing Out Pests with Agriculture Detector Dogs

    You may have never given today’s topic much consideration, but this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. In this episode, Western Growers' Kara Timmins and Jeana Cadby talk with CDFA entomologist Dr. Jason Leathers and canine handler Michelle King to explore the exciting world of agricultural pest detection. They’ll share why it’s so important travelers don’t pack a pest and how we can all participate in protecting agriculture. We’ll even get to meet agriculture detector K9 Kernul, an eight-year-old chocolate lab who helps protect California agriculture by using his nose to sniff out unwanted pests in unmarked packages.

    22 min

  5. 09/06/2024

    Peeling Back the Farmer's Curtain with Chelsea Ketelsen

    Did you know that California produces more than 80% of the nation’s stone fruits? For those of you unfamiliar with the term, stone fruits are named after the large stone in their centers, or what we know as the seed or pit. These types of fruits include peaches, nectarines, plums, cherries and mangos. In this week’s episode, Western Growers’ Julia Nellis and Michelle Rivera talk to special guest Chelsea Ketelsen, Vice President of Marketing from HMC Farms. Based out of Kingsburg, California, HMC Farms is a leading grower, packer and shipper of stone fruit and table grapes. Tune in this week as we peel back the farmer’s curtain. We uncover surprising facts and stories about your favorite fruits, tracing their fascinating journey from farm to table—and explaining why your nectarine might taste a little different each week.

    26 min

  6. 08/26/2024

    Olive Oil Unfiltered with Vincent Ricchiuti from Enzo Olive Oil Company

    When you think of olive oil, you may think of places like Spain, Italy and Greece. But did you know that California produces some of the finest olive oil? In this week’s episode of Voices of the Valley, we pour over everything you wanted to know about olives and olive oil with Western Growers’ Michelle Rivera and Julia Nellis and special guest Vincent Ricchiuti from Enzo Olive Oil Company. Based out of Central San Joaquin Valley, Enzo Olive Oil Company’s mill is home to the award-winning, 100 percent estate-grown organic extra virgin olive oil. Join us as we uncover the difference between virgin and extra virgin olive oil, proper packaging and storage and an olive’s journey from farm to table. You’ll also find out what things you should consider before purchasing olive oil at the store.

    34 min

  7. 08/08/2024

    Cantaloupe 411 with Westside Produce's Garrett Patricio

    Did you know that California farmers produce nearly 75% of all cantaloupes grown in the US? That makes for a total of $300 million in nationwide market sales. In this episode, we slice into everything you wanted to know about melons with Western Growers’ Michelle Rivera and Julia Nellis and special guest Garrett Patricio, President of Westside Produce and melon grower based in Firebaugh, California. Learn about what goes on behind the scenes on the melon farm and the practices and strategies farmers are putting in place to ensure the safety of your cantaloupes as they go from farm to table. You’ll also learn some pro tips on how to tell when a melon is ripe for picking. If you’re someone who knocks or taps on melons in the grocery store, we have a surprising revelation for you.

    30 min

  8. 06/25/2024

    Farm to Fork for Real with San Miguel Produce’s Garrett Nishimori

    In this episode, Western Growers Director of Communications, Ann Donahue, talks with Garrett Nishimori, Business Manager at San Miguel Produce. Garrett grew up in a farming family in Oxnard, Calif. He left to attend culinary school, after which he became a chef in a two-star Michelin restaurant in San Francisco. He returned to the family farm 15 years ago. His unique perspective on the “Farm to Fork” movement provides a first-hand account on food waste prevention, the intricacies of the supply chain – and why consumers should all get to know where our food comes from. Tune in to listen to Garrett talk about his family’s legacy, the July 2024 acquisition of San Miguel Produce by Grimmway Farms and how realistic FX’s “The Bear” is.

    18 min
See All (160)

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Do you want to go behind the scenes and learn about how the food gets on your table? Hear about the complex world of agricultural policy, food safety, crop protection, disease control and more from the most influential people working in farming. Be sure to tune in each week as we delve deeper into the inner workings of our food system.

Information

  • Creator
    Western Growers
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    160
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Western Growers
  • Show Website
    Voices of the Valley

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