West

USDA sets California Almond Continuance Referendum dates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has scheduled dates for growers to vote on continuing the Almond Board of California. In a Nov. 8 notice to trade, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that... more »

USDA releases $2 billion for specialty crops growers disaster recovery

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has introduced programs designed to help specialty crop growers recover from natural disasters, including a trio of hurricanes that this fall struck the Southeast. The new programs are also developed... more »

IFTA members gain grove insights, view Central Valley tech and orchard practices

During the California’s Central Valley tour, participants in the International Fruit Tree Association’s 2024 event viewed a variety of fruit tree training, pruning and harvesting methods. The orchard bus tour showed how growers are more... more »

USDA to open Davis, California, ag research center

The USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) broke ground on the Agricultural Research and Technology Center (ARTC) in Davis, California, marking a new phase in agricultural innovation. The modern facility will centralize ARS labs currently at... more »

‘Brutal’ wine market leaves farms in peril

Steve Perrin and his family have grown winegrapes on the land around their Lodi farmhouse for four generations. Behind the house stand a towering oak, a workshop and 150 acres of grapevines, mostly zinfandel, some... more »

Heat produces uneven California fall organic fruit supply

An inconsistent supply of fall organic fruit is expected this year. Stephen Paul of Homegrown Organic Farms (HGO) in Porterville, California, said the record heat that scorched the valley from spring to fall took its... more »

Growers asked to participate in Washington winegrape acreage survey

Washington’s winegrape and winery industries are requesting grower help to conduct a survey of the state’s winegrape acreage. The Washington Winegrowers Association, Washington State Wine Commission and the Washington Wine Institute are working together on... more »

Gallo adopts laser bird deterrent tech for vineyards

To improve sustainability, E & J Gallo Winery is implementing a laser bird deterrent technology in its vineyards. Gallo, which markets itself as a leader in sustainable practices in viticulture, has taken another step toward... more »