Category: West
The leadership gap in specialty crop farming: Meet the program working to close it
Find out about a program helping farm supervisors learn to lead people, not just manage harvests and operations.
Market report: California grape season ramps up, tomato supplies tighten
The report notes steady supplies of organic strawberries from California at promotable pricing. Meanwhile, Pacific Northwest organic blueberry production is expected to ramp up.
California avocado industry pushes seasonal tariff-rate quota proposal
The California Avocado Commission has launched an advocacy campaign supporting a seasonal tariff-rate quota on Mexican avocado imports during California’s peak harvest season as federal officials review the USMCA trade agreement.
How one Sacramento Delta pear orchard continues a century of farming legacy
Today the operation continues on through sustainable management, experienced leadership and a commitment to its pear-growing heritage.
California lawmakers seek $32M in emergency USDA funds to fight glassy-winged sharpshooter pest
Officials discovered GWSS-infested nursery stock had been distributed to Costco locations in 24 California counties.
It’s not just market growers: U.S. strawberry processing volumes limited, too
Meanwhile, tight supplies and higher production costs continue to support frozen strawberry prices.
Glass half full: Yakima cherry growers see opportunity in smaller harvest
The Northwest cherry industry is projecting lower volumes this season, with growers optimistic the tighter supply could stabilize pricing and improve profits.
Van Well to cease operations after delivering 2026 fruit tree crop
After nearly 80 years serving orchardists, Van Well is closing down, citing market challenges, rising costs and industry pressures.
New Reservoir program lowers barriers for ag robotics, AI startups
Reservoir Farms launches a free tier that gives startups, researchers and innovators access to on-farm testing and commercialization support.
California cherry growers face heavy crop losses after storms
California cherry growers are reporting major crop losses after spring heat and rainstorms damaged orchards and reduced fruit quality across key production regions.
Berry bounce back: Warm weather, new varieties boost California strawberry crops
California strawberry growers are seeing early, heavy harvest volumes in 2026 as warm temperatures and new berry varieties boost production.
USDA funds $9M orchard removal program amid California peach industry crisis
USDA will provide up to $9M to remove over 400K clingstone peach trees in California, helping growers after Del Monte’s cannery closure.
Organic cider orchard field day offered for growers
Join OSU Extension and the Oregon Organic Coalition on May 7 for an immersive orchard tour covering pest management, soil health and organic production practices.
New hire: Sym-Agro taps Adam Cholakian to lead Southern California sales
Learn how Sym-Agro is strengthening its sales team and advancing sustainable crop solutions in California.
Survey: U.S. fertilizer situation messy as low availability, high prices deliver big blow to farmer pockets
Nearly six in 10 farmers report worsening finances, reflecting rising fertilizer and fuel costs during spring planting. See the latest data.
Western water projects receive $889M boost under federal infrastructure funding
The investments target irrigation canals, storage and delivery systems. Read more on how the funding will impact agriculture and communities.
Central Valley test farm debuts, looks to accelerate AgTech adoption
Read more on how the site brings growers and AgTech companies together and how it could impact specialty crop production.
Middle East trade tensions freeze California farm exports
Find out how rising tensions in the Middle East are delaying fresh produce shipments and disrupting markets.