West

Drought spreads water shortages throughout California

The 2020-21 California drought has led to significant water cutbacks, compelling farmers to fallow ground and public officials to respond with legislation intended to address the state's chronic water shortages. Farmers in more parts of... more »

Global Harvest Automation Initiative launched by Western Growers

Western Growers is spearheading a Global Harvest Automation Initiative to accelerate harvest automation across the fresh produce industry, with a goal of automating 50% of harvest within 10 years. “For well over a decade, our... more »

California registration OK’d for Craze Herbicide from Nichino America

Craze Herbicide from Nichino America Inc. is now registered in California for use on grapes and nut crops as well as nonbearing stone fruit, the company announced April 15. The active ingredient in Craze, orthosulfamuron, is... more »

Course offered on May 20 by UCCE for water measurement and reporting

Learning from the University of California Cooperative Extension how to correctly install and maintain a water volume measurement system on his ranch has saved Modoc County rancher Glenn Nader a significant amount of money. Nader,... more »

California program awards grants for sustainable food-systems research efforts

The University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program – a statewide program of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources — announced the recipients of its 2021 Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Small Grants Program... more »

Pinpointing farmers’ coverage gaps is aim of California insurance commissioner

With California farmers and ranchers finding increasing difficulty in purchasing wildfire insurance for their businesses and properties, the California Farm Bureau welcomed a call by the state insurance commissioner on April 13 for data on... more »

Website spotlights certified California sustainable wines, vineyards and wineries

The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) has launched a new website, the start of Down to Earth month, dedicated to the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing program. According to a news release, Californiasutainablewine.com was developed for... more »

Klamath River Basin water woes bring $10M to producers impacted by drought

The USDA announced April 14 the availability of up to $10 million in assistance from USDA’s Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus to assist agricultural producers impacted by the worsening drought conditions in the Klamath... more »