West

Smoke in the vineyard: Oregon State studies wildfire smoke

Oregon State University (OSU) researchers have discovered a new class of compounds that contributes to the ashy or smoky flavors in wine made with grapes exposed to wildfire smoke. The development is significant for winemakers... more »

California water board weighs aquifer plans

Local agencies for six San Joaquin Valley subbasins, facing possible state intervention after their groundwater sustainability plans were deemed inadequate, learned more about next steps last week from California water officials. During a board meeting... more »

California pesticide report shows declining use

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has released its annual Pesticide Use Report for 2021 which confirmed preliminary data that showed a more than 10% statewide decline in pesticide use compared to the prior... more »

Conserving water: Group defines Farm Bill irrigation needs

Conservation programs have long been a key part of farm bills over the years, and the 2023 Farm Bill will be no different. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has established five core principles... more »

Salinas Biological Summit June 20-21

Among growers who rely on chemical inputs to ensure their crops aren’t lost to voracious insects or overgrown with weeds, it’s not a surprise that they’re not going to be able to rely on those... more »

Farmers show “unified voice” at California capitol

California Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer, D-Los Angeles, knows he might not have been voters’ first guess to introduce agricultural legislation. “I’m pretty sure they said, ‘Jones-Sawyer… Ag bill! What?’” the assemblyman joked with members of the... more »

Regenerative agriculture: a viable option for large-scale row crop farms?

Regenerative agriculture is one of the buzzwords of the moment and it seems like everyone from grassroot organizations to large corporations are now touting it as the holy grail of farming. But often, interesting concepts... more »

Drought impacts linger even after California storms boost water supply

Severe winter storms that caused widespread flooding and damage to California communities also contributed to improving the state’s water-supply picture, increasing reservoir levels and boosting the Sierra Nevada snowpack to 222% of average last week.... more »