Already facing sticker shock on materials and services they need to farm, California farmers are now bracing for further spikes to fuel and other energy costs as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pushes crude oil prices higher. Some economists predict the conflict and resulting sanctions aimed at hurting the Russian economy will affect all petroleum-based products, […]
The 2021 drought directly cost the California agriculture sector about $1.1 billion and nearly 8,750 full- and part-time jobs, according to estimates in a new analysis led by UC Merced researchers. Once the effects on other economic sectors are considered, total impacts are estimated at $1.7 billion and 14,634 full- and part-time jobs lost. The […]
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) released new satellite-based data that show subsidence – or the sinking of the land surface due to excessive groundwater pumping – continues in the state. DWR has intensified statewide subsidence monitoring to help identify impacts and address them collaboratively with local groundwater agencies, counties and landowners. The areas […]
It happens every year. As soon as pallets loaded with honeybee colonies hit the soil in California orchards to pollinate the almond crop, they are targeted by thieves. Authorities and others in the business say the culprits tend to be other beekeepers. Thieves are after the pollination rental income, which this year is $200 to […]
In partnership with Alianza Ecologista – a Tulare County environmental alliance – Circle J – Norris Ranch is holding its Community Biodiversity Festival Saturday, February 26. The public is invited to attend and participate in fun, hands-on activities suitable for the whole family. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., attendees can participate in the annual BioBlitz to document the biodiversity of Circle J utilizing the […]
The 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space at the World Ag Expo in Tulare last week brimmed with robotics, automated harvesters, artificial intelligence, plus low-emission vehicles, data management software and even some traditional implements to help farmers. “This place is like a candy store, just seeing all the new technologies, and (I can) dream […]
Kings County Farm Bureau (KCFB) has long been a proud supporter of agriculture education, and invests in the industry’s future leaders by awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors each year. This year, KCFB will be awarding their own scholarships to qualified seniors, while also managing two additional scholarships. Since the start of KCFB’s scholarship […]
California’s citrus groves look remarkably different than they did last year, when a record crop weighed down mandarin trees and navel oranges stayed on trees late into the summer months due to shipping issues at congested ports. This season, both mandarin and navel harvests are predicted to be much lighter and shorter in length due […]
Spaces are marked, pavilions are built, and World Ag Expo® is ready to be “Back in AgTion” February 8-10 in Tulare, CA. Tickets are on sale now at https://bit.ly/WAE22Tickets. Show officials note confidence in the event with 94% of spaces sold as of January 3 and domestic and international ticket sales trending at 2020 levels. […]
After two consecutive years of drought, the state Department of Water Resources conducted the season’s first manual survey of the snowpack Dec. 30 and found a promising result—deep snow totaling 160% of average for the time of year. State Climatologist Michael Anderson said storms in December that dumped several feet of snow in the Sierra […]