Shows
AgNet News HourAgNet News Hour: Butte County Agriculture, Regulations & Almond OutlookIn this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer share post-Thanksgiving reflections before diving into key issues shaping California agriculture. The show features Part One of Nick’s interview with Colleen Cecil, Executive Director of the Butte County Farm Bureau, following the county’s 21st Annual Agribee™ for 4th and 5th graders.
Cecil highlights Butte County’s strong agricultural foundation—almonds, walnuts, rice, citrus, olives, cattle, and a major pollination sector—and emphasizes the region’s dependable water, quality soils, and active grower involvement in groundwater sustainability planning. She also discusses challenges facing farmers...
2025-12-0247 min
AgNet WestLand-Grant Universities: History & Native American CollegesExpanding America’s Land-Grant Tradition Most land-grant universities Americans know today—such as Iowa State University and Kansas State University—trace their origins to the landmark Morrill Act of 1862. This legislation established ...
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2025-12-0200 minAgNet WestKansas State: America’s First Land-Grant UniversityA Civil War–Era Beginning Kansas State University—initially named Kansas State Agricultural College—was founded on February 16, 1863, in Manhattan, Kansas. Remarkably, its establishment occurred during the American Civil War, a ...
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2025-12-0100 minAgNet News HourCalifornia Agriculture News: Labor, Automation, and Policy Updates – AgNet News HourThe AgNet News Hour opened with host Nick Papagni and co-host Lorrie Boyer, sharing the latest updates from California and nationwide agriculture. They discussed weekend highlights and emphasized the abundance of California-grown produce for consumers, even during holiday seasons.
Tyson Foods Cattle Packing Closure and Industry Impact
A major story covered was the closure of Tyson Foods’ cattle packing plant in Lexington, Nebraska, which is projected to reduce slaughter capacity by 7,000 to 8,000 head per day, a 7.5% to 9% decrease in total U.S. capacity. Tyson’s Amarillo, Texas plant is also reducing operations by eliminating a shif...
2025-12-0147 minAgNet News HourCalifornia Agave Farming: Stuart Woolf’s Vision for Sustainable AgricultureCalifornia agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges, from water scarcity to rising production costs. Yet innovators like Stuart Woolf of Woolf Farms and Processing are finding ways to adapt and thrive. In a recent AgNet News Hour interview with host Nick Papagni and Ag Meter Lorrie Boyer, Woolf shared insights into family farming, water management, policy advocacy, and his pioneering work with agave cultivation.
A Family Farming Legacy in Fresno County
Stuart Woolf’s family farming journey began in 1974 when his father purchased farmland on the west side of Fresno County at age 57. The family prioritized ve...
2025-11-2847 minAgNet WestThe Global Reach of America’s Land-Grant UniversitiesExploring an Often Overlooked Chapter of American Agriculture History Land-grant universities remain one of the most influential forces in American agricultural development, scientific advancement, and educational access. Their story begins ...
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2025-11-2800 minAgNet WestHow Iowa State University Began: A Farming LegacyThe Origins of Iowa State University: A Landmark in Agricultural Education In a recent American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold highlighted one of the most important milestones in U.S. agricultural ...
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2025-11-2700 minAgNet News HourJohn Duarte on California’s Future: Agriculture, Leadership & ChangeCalifornia’s Crossroads: John Duarte Talks Leadership, Agriculture, and the Future of the Golden State
On a special Thanksgiving edition of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” sat down with John Duarte—farmer, nursery leader, and former congressman—for a candid discussion about California’s political climate, agricultural innovation, and the future of farming families across the state. The conversation, replayed as a “best of” segment, highlighted Duarte’s belief that California is on the verge of a major shift—one driven by common sense, economic revitalization, and a renewed respect for the agricultural backbon...
2025-11-2747 minAgNet West“Marco Polo” BBQ TurkeyThe legendary explorer and worldwide traveler, Marco Polo, was responsible for contributing to my following recipe. History tells us that in the 1300’s during his travels to China, he was ...
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2025-11-2700 minAgNet WestInside California’s Organic Farming Boom: Technology, Labor, and the Fight for FarmlandFrom a Single Coastal Plot to a Multi-County Organic Powerhouse When Larry Jacobs began his farming career in 1980, he started small—one farm in the quiet coastal hamlet of Pescadero, ...
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2025-11-2600 minAgNet WestLand O’Lakes: Minnesota Creameries to Iconic Butter BrandThe Origins of Land O’Lakes: From Minnesota Creameries to an Iconic Brand A Historic Merger in Minnesota In July 1921, a major milestone in American dairy history took place in ...
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2025-11-2600 minAgNet News HourOrganic Farming, Regulation & Innovation in CaliforniaThanksgiving Week Opens with Weather Shifts and Industry Updates
The AgNet News Hour begins with hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer catching up on Thanksgiving plans, recent health challenges, and California’s quick-changing weather patterns. Nick offers a detailed look at the pistachio sector, noting the industry’s record-breaking 2025 harvest. He explains how growers are paid and how storage cycles work during heavy production years, all while acknowledging the ongoing strain of California’s consistently elevated fuel prices.
Inside the World of Larry Jacobs: Early Organic Leadership
The program shifts into a full interv...
2025-11-2648 minAgNet WestOrganic Growers Summit 2025 in Monterey: Technology, Education, and Sustainable Farming InnovationsBuffalo Bills Fandom Meets Agriculture In a lively discussion on the Ag Meter, Matt Jungman, Senior Director of Events for the upcoming Organic Growers Summit, shared insights not just about ...
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2025-11-2500 minAgNet WestAmerica’s Biggest Farm Boom: 1860–1910A Half-Century That Transformed American Agriculture From the Civil War era to the early 20th century, the United States experienced the most dramatic growth in agricultural development in its history. ...
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2025-11-2500 minAgNet News HourInside the AgNet News Hour: Meat Markets, Organic Innovation, and the Future of Farming
The latest AgNet News Hour delivers a wide-ranging look at the issues shaping American agriculture—from meat-industry shakeups to the rapid evolution of organic farming technology. Hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer blend personal updates with in-depth interviews and industry analysis, creating a vivid picture of the pressures and opportunities facing today’s producers.
Holiday Reflections and Shifting Trends in American Beef
The program opens with lighthearted Thanksgiving conversation, including cooking traditions and reflections on a recent interview about preparing the perfect turkey. But the tone quickly shifts as the hosts disc...
2025-11-2547 minAgNet WestWomen Farmers of the Civil WarWomen on the Homefront: How the Civil War Transformed American Agriculture A Nation at War and Farms in Transition In the 1860s, as the Civil War pulled countless men into ...
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2025-11-2400 minAgNet News HourChef Darren Hill Serves Up Turkey Tips and Holiday Food Safety on Thanksgiving Week EditionThe November 24 edition of the AgNet News Hour kicked off Thanksgiving week with a fun, flavorful conversation as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed one of their favorite guests — Darren Hill, five-star chef, longtime restaurateur, and sales manager at JD Foods. Hill, who’s been cooking turkeys professionally for decades, delivered a masterclass on choosing, thawing, seasoning, and safely preparing the perfect Thanksgiving bird.
Hill began by explaining why whole turkeys aren’t common in stores during summer months. Retailers avoid carrying slow-moving frozen inventory, he said, so most whole birds arrive in stores only during the ho...
2025-11-2448 minAgNet WestFourth-Generation Farming in the South Valley: An Interview with Jason GiannelliA Legacy Rooted in Bakersfield In the heart of California’s South Valley, farming is more than a livelihood—it’s a legacy. Jason Giannelli, a fourth-generation farmer from Bakersfield, carries forward a ...
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2025-11-2100 minAgNet WestEarly 19th Century Farming Shaped America’s EconomyIn the early decades of the 19th century, the United States was a nation built on agriculture. As Mark Oppold explains in this American Agriculture History Minute, no one at ...
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2025-11-2100 minAgNet News HourJason Gianelli: Water, Labor, and the Future of Farming in the South ValleyThe November 21 edition of the AgNet News Hour closed out the week with a powerful, wide-ranging interview featuring Jason Gianelli, fourth-generation Kern County farmer and Director of Farming for Old River Farming Company and RNG Finucchi.
Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill called it one of the most honest and energizing conversations of the month, as Gianelli broke down everything from water policy to automation to the future of dairy support crops in California.
Gianelli, whose family has farmed in Kern County for five generations, oversees roughly 30,000 acres of corn silage, wheat silage, and feed crops stre...
2025-11-2148 minAgNet WestCelebrating California Agriculture: Education, Advocacy, and Community with Anna GenasciIntroducing Anna Genasci and the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau In a recent conversation on Ag Meter, we spoke with Anna Genasci, the Communications and Education Director for the Stanislaus County ...
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2025-11-2000 minAgNet News HourAnna Genasci Champions Ag Education and Community Pride in Stanislaus CountyThe November 20 edition of the AgNet News Hour brought an energetic, heartfelt conversation as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with Anna Genasci, Communications and Education Director for the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau. Genasci, a longtime advocate for agriculture and community outreach, shared exciting updates about educational programs, Farm Bureau growth, and a brand-new agricultural mural being unveiled in Modesto.
Genasci began by highlighting the dual mission of Stanislaus County Farm Bureau: advocacy and education. While Farm Bureau itself handles policy and membership, Genasci spearheads the organization’s new 501(c)(3) Education Foundation, which focuses on yo...
2025-11-2048 minAgNet WestHow Supply and Demand Shaped Early U.S. AgricultureEarly Farmers and the Realities of Supply and Demand In this American Agriculture History Minute, Mark Oppold explains how early American farmers and ranchers quickly learned a fundamental economic principle: ...
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2025-11-2000 minAgNet WestSemios Advances Smart Farming with Automation & PrecisionSemios’ On-Farm Innovation: A Conversation with General Manager Stephen Pistoresi A Familiar Valley Name Returns to the Spotlight When Ag Meter host Nick welcomed his next guest, it felt like ...
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2025-11-1900 minAgNet News HourSteven Pistoresi Shares How Semios Is Transforming Pest Control, Irrigation, and the Future of FarmingThe November 19 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most insightful tech-focused interviews of the season as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Steven Pistoresi, General Manager of On-Farm Solutions for Semios. What followed was a deep dive into pest control, water management, automation, and how Semios’ suite of products is helping growers tackle today’s toughest challenges while preparing for tomorrow.
Pistoresi, a familiar name to Valley sports fans from his standout baseball days at San Joaquin Memorial and Cal Berkeley, has taken his competitive drive straight into ag innovation. He told list...
2025-11-1948 minAgNet WestSouthern Agriculture: The Rise of Plantations and Cotton’s Global ImpactAgriculture in the American South Agriculture in the southern United States developed quite differently from that in the Midwest or New England. While northern regions focused on diversified farming, smaller ...
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2025-11-1900 minAgNet WestSOLIX Robotics: Solar-Powered Autonomy for Modern FarmersSolinftec’s SOLIX Platform: How Autonomous Robotics Are Transforming Crop Management A New Era of Autonomy in Agriculture Robotics is rapidly reshaping modern agriculture, and few companies are pushing innovation as ...
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2025-11-1800 minAgNet News HourSolinftec’s Taylor Whetley Talks Solar Robotics and the Future of Smart FarmingThe November 18 edition of the AgNet News Hour offered a fascinating look into the future of California agriculture as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill interviewed Taylor Wetli, U.S. Commercial Manager for Solinftec, the global ag-tech company behind the SOLIX autonomous sprayer. The discussion highlighted how robotics, AI, and solar power are transforming fieldwork and offering growers new tools to save money, time, and labor.
Wetli explained that the SOLIX platform is an autonomous scouting and spraying robot that uses solar energy and AI to identify and target weeds in real time. “It’s like a Roomba for t...
2025-11-1848 minAgNet WestHow Railroads Transformed American Agriculture in the 1860sRailroads: The Engine of Agricultural Expansion In the mid-1860s, railroads became one of the most powerful forces driving the expansion of American agriculture. As new lines crisscrossed the nation, they ...
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2025-11-1800 minAgNet WestInside the World of Agricultural Shipping: A Conversation with Jeff Cox of Best DrayageNavigating a Complex Year in Ports, Trucking, and Freight The agricultural export sector continues to evolve rapidly, and few understand the intricacies of ports, trucking, and container logistics better than ...
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2025-11-1700 minAgNet News HourJeff Cox Explains the Freight Factor Behind California’s Ag ExportsThe November 17 edition of the AgNet News Hour gave listeners a behind-the-scenes look at one of agriculture’s least visible but most vital sectors — freight and drayage. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed back Jeff Cox, President of Best Drayage in Madera, for an in-depth conversation about ports, pricing, and how California’s nuts, milk, and produce make their way to markets around the world.
Cox, who’s become the show’s go-to voice on export logistics, explained that business has remained strong in recent months despite inflation and tighter regulations. “It’s been an up-and-down year,” he said. “The tariffs create...
2025-11-1748 minAgNet WestEarly American Farmers and the Lost Art of Soil StewardshipA Myth of Responsible Farming Many Americans like to believe that early farmers and ranchers were responsible caretakers of the soil—working the land with the same respect and sustainability that ...
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2025-11-1700 minAgNet WestInside FIRA USA 2025: California’s AgTech FutureA Conversation with Hannah Johnson, Director of Industry for the California Ag Tech Alliance Bringing the Ag Tech Community Together At FIRA USA in Woodland, California, excitement and collaboration filled ...
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2025-11-1400 minAgNet WestCalifornia Table Grapes: A Strong, High-Quality SeasonCalifornia Table Grapes Shine in a Strong Season: Insights from President Ian LeMay A Promising Season for California Table Grapes The fall season has brought another strong showing for California’s ...
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2025-11-1400 minAgNet News HourIan LeMay Shares California Table Grape Success Story Amid Global CompetitionThe November 14 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured Ian LeMay, President of the California Table Grape Commission, in a wide-ranging discussion with hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill about California’s thriving table grape season, global trade challenges, and the pride of representing one of the state’s most iconic crops.
LeMay described this year as “a fair season” overall, with high-quality fruit, steady demand, and continued harvest stretching through Thanksgiving. “We had a really moderate spring and summer that allowed the fruit to mature beautifully on the vine,” he said. “Growers have done everything possible to deliver a h...
2025-11-1448 minAgNet WestHow Settlers Transformed the Heart of American AgricultureWhere Forest Meets Prairie: Iowa’s Agricultural Crossroads Iowa sits at one of North America’s most remarkable natural boundaries — the meeting point of the great eastern forests and the vast ...
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2025-11-1400 minAgNet WestKings County Farm Bureau Takes on State Water Board Over Groundwater RightsAn In-Depth Conversation with Executive Director Dusty Ference As California agriculture faces mounting regulatory pressure, few voices have stepped forward as boldly as Dusty Ference, Executive Director of the Kings ...
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2025-11-1300 minAgNet News HourKings County Farm Bureau Takes on Sacramento Over Groundwater RightsThe November 13 edition of the AgNet News Hour hit home for farmers across California as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with Dusty Ference, Executive Director of the Kings County Farm Bureau, to discuss his ongoing lawsuit against the California State Water Resources Control Board. Ference and his team are challenging what they call “unfair and inconsistent enforcement” of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) — a battle that could reshape how water is managed across the state.
Ference explained that the Kings County Farm Bureau filed the lawsuit last year after the Tulare Lake Subbasin was pl...
2025-11-1348 minAgNet WestHomestead Act and America’s Westward ExpansionReaching the Mississippi: The Edge of the Frontier By 1813, America’s western frontier stretched to the Mississippi River, marking a major milestone in the nation’s expansion. At its heart stood ...
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2025-11-1300 minAgNet WestCalifornia Walnut Harvest 2025: Quality, Volume & Market OutlookA Strong Finish to the Season As the 2025 walnut harvest wraps up, growers and industry leaders are taking stock of an exceptional year for California walnuts. Michael Jameson, Director ...
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2025-11-1200 minAgNet News HourMichael Jameson Reports a Rebound for California WalnutsThe November 12 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered a bright spot for California farmers as Michael Jameson, Director of Sales for Morada Nut Company, joined hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill to share some long-awaited good news about the California walnut industry. After years of tough markets and tight margins, Jameson said this year marks a genuine turnaround for walnut growers.
Jameson, who also handles cherry sales for Morada, confirmed that harvest is wrapping up statewide, with volume way up from last year and some of the best internal quality the company has ever seen. “We ha...
2025-11-1248 minAgNet WestThe Rise of Plantation Agriculture in Early AmericaHow Plantation Agriculture Shaped America’s Farming Roots Plantation agriculture stands as one of the most significant chapters in the history of American farming. Emerging during the 1600s and 1700s, this ...
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2025-11-1200 minAgNet WestCalifornia Agriculture at a Crossroads: Insights from Fresno County Farm Bureau President Ryan JacobsenA Conversation on Weather, Harvest Challenges, Industry Complexity, and the Future of Farming California agriculture is built on a foundation of resilience, innovation, and deep generational knowledge. Few people understand ...
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2025-11-1100 minAgNet WestHow Radio Transformed American Agriculture HistoryThe Power of Radio in Rural America Radio is one of the most influential innovations in the history of American agriculture. In the early 20th century, long before the rise ...
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2025-11-1100 minAgNet News HourRyan Jacobsen on Farming Through Storms, Labor, and the Future of California AgricultureThe November 11 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured an in-depth conversation with Ryan Jacobsen, President and CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, who joined hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill to reflect on the past year in agriculture and look ahead to 2026.
Jacobsen, a fourth-generation Central Valley farmer, described 2025 as “one of the most unique and challenging years in decades.” He noted that while the weather was remarkably mild for most of the year, the harvest season tested farmers’ patience and endurance. “We had about seven different storms roll through during harvest,” he said. “Farmers were working...
2025-11-1148 minAgNet WestFrom Barley to Cotton: How America’s Early Crops Shaped AgricultureThe Roots of American Farming In the early days of American settlement, the first colonists arriving in Plymouth Colony faced unfamiliar soil, weather, and challenges unlike anything they had known ...
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2025-11-1000 minAgNet News HourEdward Ring Wraps Up: California’s Path to Prosperity Lies in Facts, Not FearThe November 10 edition of the AgNet News Hour wrapped up a powerful two-part series with Edward Ring, Director of Energy and Water Policy at the California Policy Center, whose insights on water, energy, and climate policy have sparked one of the most talked-about weeks in the show’s history. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill revisited key points from Friday’s show before airing the conclusion of Ring’s interview, calling it “one of the most fact-filled hours we’ve ever had.”
Papagni opened with a reflection on the overwhelming listener response to Friday’s segment, where Ring challenge...
2025-11-1048 minAgNet News HourEdward Ring’s Bold Blueprint: Fixing California’s Water and Energy CrisisThe November 7 edition of the AgNet News Hour was one of the most powerful yet, featuring an extended interview with Edward Ring, Director of the Energy and Water Policy Center of California, who offered bold, practical solutions to fix the state’s water crisis — and its failing approach to energy. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill called the interview “must-listen radio for anyone who cares about the future of California agriculture.”
Ring, often referred to by listeners as the “Water Master,” began by discussing the fallout from Proposition 50, warning that it could further weaken rural representation in Sacramento...
2025-11-0748 minAgNet WestEthnic Roots of Early American AgricultureHow Immigrant Traditions Shaped Farming in the New World Early American agriculture was built on the diverse cultural foundations of immigrants who brought their own skills, traditions, and values to ...
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2025-11-0700 minAgNet WestEdward Ring on California’s Water Crisis: Fixing a Broken SystemA Voice for Water Policy Reform California’s ongoing water crisis remains one of the state’s most critical and divisive issues — a struggle that affects farmers, cities, and the environment ...
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2025-11-0700 minAgNet WestNanette Simonian: Championing California Agriculture & Women in AgA Busy Leader in California Agriculture Nanette Simonian is a force in California agriculture. As the Marketing Development Manager at EarthSol and President-elect of California Women for Agriculture (CWA), she ...
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2025-11-0600 minAgNet News HourNanette Simonian and California Women for Agriculture Take a Stand on Prop 50The November 6 edition of the AgNet News Hour packed plenty of passion and perspective as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill discussed everything from the FFA Golden Owl Awards to the fallout of Proposition 50, and featured an insightful interview with Nanette Simonian, President-Elect of the California Women for Agriculture (CWA).
The show began with a look at the FFA’s Golden Owl Award, which recognizes exceptional agricultural educators across California. Nominations are now open for the 2025–26 awards, a joint effort between Nationwide Insurance and the California Farm Bureau. “Without great ag teachers, there’s no FFA,” McGill said. “The...
2025-11-0648 minAgNet WestWestward Expansion: The Harsh Beginnings of America’s Frontier FarmersThe Struggle to Move West Westward expansion in the United States did not happen quickly or easily. The journey beyond the original colonies demanded courage, endurance, and determination. Settlers faced ...
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2025-11-0600 minAgNet WestHow Early Farmers Learned to Protect Their SoilThe Dawn of Soil Conservation in Early American Farming In the early years of American settlement, the nation’s farmers often took the vastness of the land for granted. As Mark ...
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2025-11-0500 minAgNet News HourDon Wagner Calls for Common Sense in Sacramento: Ag, Water, and the Future of CaliforniaThe November 5 edition of the AgNet News Hour struck a chord with California farmers and voters alike as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Don Wagner, candidate for Secretary of State of California, to discuss the state’s leadership crisis, water mismanagement, and the fight to restore common sense to Sacramento.
Wagner, currently serving in Orange County and endorsed by former Secretary of State Bill Jones and former Governor Pete Wilson, said the same thing many Californians are feeling: “The problems in this state are entirely man-made.” He pointed to decades of political gridlock and poor decisi...
2025-11-0548 minAgNet WestLet’s Talk Livestock Risk Protection For Those Beef On Dairy Animals – Matt RamseyThere’s a new group of trusted advisors that’s been established to help dairy operators find and utilize some risk management tools for both milk, and the beef on dairy element ...
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2025-11-0400 minAgNet WestFarming the Frontier: How Early Settlers Built AmericaLife Beyond the Mississippi As settlers moved west across the Mississippi River in the 19th century, they carried with them not only their hopes for a new beginning but also ...
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2025-11-0400 minAgNet News HourCalifornia Citrus Season Off to a Strong Start, Kings River Packing Leads the ChargeThe November 4 edition of the AgNet News Hour was a celebration of California citrus, featuring Jesse Silva, Vice President of Kings River Packing, who joined hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill to share an upbeat outlook on the 2024–25 season. The longtime Central Valley leader, now in its eighth generation of family farming, is off to what Silva called “a high-quality, high-demand year” for California citrus.
Silva explained that Kings River Packing and its affiliated companies, including Cobblestone Fruit and Gyra Packing, are operating at full capacity across their four facilities in Sanger, Reedley, and Orosi. “We’re running 24...
2025-11-0448 minAgNet WestPioneering the Midwest: How Settlers Turned Iowa’s Prairies into FarmlandThe Great Migration West By the 1850s, America’s westward expansion had surged into a defining movement. Families from the eastern states packed their wagons and made the long journey toward ...
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2025-11-0300 minAgNet News HourAlmond Market Outlook and Ag Education Lead the Conversation on AgNet News HourThe November 3 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered a mix of optimism and realism as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill recapped the week’s biggest ag stories and welcomed back Sonny Toor, owner of Valley Pride Ag Company, for a deep dive into the state of California’s almond industry.
Toor, known for his steady outlook even in tough markets, joined the show to discuss crop forecasts, pricing trends, and how trade and weather are shaping grower returns. He confirmed that this year’s almond crop is trending slightly below 2.7 billion pounds, down from last year...
2025-11-0347 minAgNet WestInside the 2025 Almond Market: Supply, Pricing, Tariffs, and Global DemandA Conversation with Valley Pride Ag Owner Sunny Toor Early Uncertainty and a Shifting Crop Estimate As the 2025 almond season approached, uncertainty hung over the industry. Speaking with Nick ...
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2025-11-0300 minAgNet WestWestward Expansion Transforms 1850s American FarmingThe Great Migration Across the Mississippi In the 1850s, the United States witnessed a remarkable westward migration as settlers crossed the Mississippi River in search of new land and opportunity. ...
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2025-10-3100 minAgNet News HourKevin Kester on Cattle, Trade, and Prop 50: Halloween Highlights from the AgNet News HourThe October 31 edition of the AgNet News Hour brought a spirited mix of Halloween humor and serious ag talk as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Kevin Kester, former National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) president, to discuss Argentina trade tensions, beef pricing, and the high stakes of Proposition 50.
Kester joined from his family ranch in Parkfield, California, where recent early rains have sparked some optimism. “We’ve got green grass already — that hasn’t happened this early since about 1995,” he said. But much of the discussion turned to national issues after comments by former President Donald Trump...
2025-10-3148 minAgNet News HourMerced College Dean Cody Jacobson Champions the Future of California Ag EducationThe October 30 edition of the AgNet News Hour spotlighted one of the most promising voices in California’s agricultural education — Cody Jacobson, Dean of Agriculture and Industrial Technology at Merced College. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill described Jacobson as a “boots-on-the-ground” leader who bridges the gap between traditional farming and the future of ag technology.
Jacobson, who still farms more than 100 acres of almonds in La Grande, told listeners that real-world experience shapes everything he does as an educator. “I’m a farmer first,” he said. “That’s why when we teach, it’s not just theory — it’s what’s...
2025-10-3048 minAgNet WestHow Draft Horses Powered American FarmingBefore the mid-1800s, American farms depended on horses and oxen to provide the muscle for plowing, hauling, and powering early equipment. These animals were essential to agricultural productivity, but as ...
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2025-10-3000 minAgNet News HourEcorobotix, AgTech Grants, and Hannah Johnson’s Push for California’s Future
The October 29 edition of the AgNet News Hour focused on the future of California agriculture, featuring two dynamic guests — Dominique Mégret, CEO of Ecorobotix, and Hannah Johnson, Director of Industry for the California Ag Tech Alliance. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill explored how automation, artificial intelligence, and state-supported innovation are reshaping the landscape of farming from Switzerland to the Central Valley.
Papagni opened the show with a call to “take care of today’s farming before tomorrow’s farming,” stressing that growers must survive regulatory and water challenges before they can embrace full aut...
2025-10-2948 minAgNet WestPost–Civil War Wheat Crash: How Farmers Turned to Corn and LivestockThe Civil War’s Wheat Boom During the Civil War, wheat became one of the most valuable crops in the United States. With soldiers and civilians alike needing bread and other ...
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2025-10-2900 minAgNet News HourCalifornia Farmers Confront Global Competition and Retail Pressure on AgNet News HourThe October 28 edition of the AgNet News Hour tackled the global marketplace head-on, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill examined how trade policy, retail pricing, and foreign imports continue to shape the future of California farming. From beef and blueberries to almonds and freight logistics, the hour underscored that California’s agriculture industry is both resilient and under siege.
The program opened with updates on the Argentine beef dispute. The hosts replayed comments from Ethan Lane of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, who discussed concerns that Argentine imports could drive down U.S. cattle prices just as pro...
2025-10-2848 minAgNet WestAg Hall of Fame: Honoring U.S. Agricultural PioneersA Tribute to America’s Agricultural Legacy Across the nation, countless halls of fame celebrate excellence — from sports and music to science and education. Agriculture, the backbone of America’s growth ...
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2025-10-2800 minAgNet WestBuilding the Future of Farming: Insights from UC ANR’s Gabe Youtsey at FIRA USA 2025California agriculture sits at the center of both national food security and global innovation. At FIRA USA 2025, Ag Meter sat down with Gabe Youtsey of UC Agriculture and Natural ...
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2025-10-2700 minAgNet WestFirst American Silo: How Fred Hatch Revolutionized Grain Storage in 1873A Pioneering Moment in American Agriculture In 1873, Illinois farmer Fred Hatch built what is believed to be America’s first version of the modern silo. During this period, grain storage ...
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2025-10-2700 minAgNet News HourFrom Citrus Greening to Ag Robotics: California Faces the Future of FarmingThe October 27 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered a mix of urgency and innovation, as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill discussed California’s expanding HLB citrus quarantine, the latest autonomous robotics technology, and the insights of UC Agriculture & Natural Resources (UC ANR) and The Reservoir founder Danny Bernstein on the state’s farming future.
The show opened with breaking news that California’s HLB (Huanglongbing) quarantine boundaries have expanded significantly. McGill, who witnessed the disease’s devastation in Florida, warned that California must learn from that experience before it’s too late. “In Florida, they thought they...
2025-10-2748 minAgNet WestHow the Cargill Brothers Built an Agricultural Empire in IowaThe Birth of Cargill: From Iowa Grain Storage to Global Agribusiness Surplus Grain Sparks Innovation In the mid-1800s, America’s agricultural landscape was changing rapidly. As grain production soared, farmers across ...
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2025-10-2400 minAgNet News HourBeef Plan, Spray Tech, and AI: California Ag Eyes Relief and ReinventionThe October 24 edition of the AgNet News Hour blended policy, technology, and on-the-ground perspective to close out a packed week for California agriculture. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened with encouraging news for cattle producers: USDA released a multifaceted plan aimed at stabilizing the beef sector and easing price pressure on consumers. The framework focuses on three pillars—strengthening ranching’s business fundamentals through disaster relief, grazing access, and risk tools; expanding processing and market transparency; and building demand while growing the domestic herd. The hosts applauded the rapid response and promised follow-up conversations with industry leaders to gaug...
2025-10-2448 minAgNet WestGUSS: Transforming Orchard Spraying Through Autonomy and InnovationFrom Dairy Roots to Ag-Tech Leadership At the FIRA USA event in Woodland, California, AgMeter sat down with Gary Thompson, co-founder of GUSS (Global Unmanned Spray System)—a company that’s rapidly ...
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2025-10-2300 minAgNet WestThe Birth of the FFA Blue Jacket: A Proud Tradition Since 1933The Beginning of a National Legacy I’m Mark Oppold with an American Agriculture History Minute. The history of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) is filled with traditions that have ...
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2025-10-2300 minAgNet News HourCalifornia Ag Tech on Display: TK, Bayer Crop Science, and John Deere’s GUSS Steal the ShowThe October 23 edition of the AgNet News Hour was packed with innovation, insight, and a deep look at the future of farming — from fertilizer and fungicides to fully autonomous sprayers. Broadcasting from the FIRA USA Ag Automation Show in Woodland and the CAPCA Conference in Reno, hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill spotlighted some of the biggest players in ag technology, including TK, Bayer Crop Science, and GUSS, now part of John Deere.
The show opened with Alex Avila, Central California representative for TK (Tessenderlo Kerley), who shared updates from the crop protection side of the business. “Cali...
2025-10-2348 minAgNet WestGeorge Washington and Slavery: A Complex LegacyGeorge Washington’s Complicated Relationship with Slavery George Washington, the first President of the United States, had a deeply complicated relationship with slavery. Over his lifetime, he controlled more than 577 ...
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2025-10-2200 minAgNet News HourCAPCA 2025: PCAs, Innovation, and Leadership Take Center Stage
The October 22 edition of the AgNet News Hour captured the energy and innovation coming out of this year’s CAPCA Conference in Reno, Nevada, with hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sharing highlights from interviews with some of California agriculture’s most influential voices — including Ruthann Anderson, Dr. Lauren Fann, and Raquel Gomez.
Papagni broadcasted live from the FIRA USA Automation Show in Woodland and the CAPCA Conference, describing it as “two worlds blending in one — the PCA world and the automation world.” The event showcased the synergy between technology and crop advising, with innovat...
2025-10-2248 minAgNet News HourTodd Snider Takes the Helm at Kern County Farm Bureau, Calls for Smarter Water Policy and Farm AdvocacyThe October 21 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured Todd Snider, the newly elected president of the Kern County Farm Bureau, in a wide-ranging interview that captured the passion, perspective, and urgency driving California agriculture today.
Snider, a lifelong Bakersfield resident and former national champion mountain biker, brings competitive energy to his new role. A crop insurance professional with deep roots in the community, he said his goal is to protect and promote the future of farming in one of the most productive regions in the world. “It’s an honor to lead the Kern County Farm Bure...
2025-10-2148 minAgNet WestHow Ralston Purina Revolutionized American AgricultureAgricultural Expansion and Innovation As America moved into the late 19th century, farming continued to evolve beyond the grain fields that once defined early agriculture. By the 1880s and 1890s, ...
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2025-10-2100 minAgNet WestHow Wheat Transformed Mid-Atlantic Farming Before the American RevolutionEarly Colonial Agriculture and Trade Before 1720, most colonists in the mid-Atlantic region lived through small-scale farming operations that provided both sustenance and a modest income. These family farms were ...
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2025-10-2000 minAgNet News HourPumpkin Power and Precision Tech: California Agriculture Shines on AgNet News HourThe October 20 edition of the AgNet News Hour celebrated two sides of California agriculture — tradition and technology — with guests Brian Van Groningen of Van Groningen & Sons and Gabe Sibley, CEO of Verdant Robotics. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill blended the warmth of fall harvest with the excitement of ag innovation, reminding listeners why California remains the heart of American farming.
Van Groningen, dubbed the “Pumpkin King of California,” joined the show from Manteca, where his family farm grows over 60 varieties of pumpkins ranging from small gourds to 200-pound giants. “San Joaquin County produces about 80% of the pumpkins s...
2025-10-2048 minAgNet WestEarly 19th-Century American Farming and Westward ExpansionAmerica’s Agricultural Roots In the early 1800s, American agriculture was the backbone of the national economy. As Mark Oppold explains in An American Agriculture History Minute, most citizens relied on ...
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2025-10-1700 minAgNet News HourVerdant Robotics and Van Groningen & Sons Showcase Innovation and Tradition on AgNet News HourThe October 17 edition of the AgNet News Hour celebrated both the future and heritage of California agriculture, featuring Gabe Sibley, CEO of Verdant Robotics, and Brian Van Groningen of Van Groningen & Sons, one of the most respected multi-generational farming families in the Central Valley. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill called it a “perfect Friday show,” blending cutting-edge ag technology with a century of family farming wisdom.
Sibley introduced listeners to the Sharpshooter, Verdant Robotics’ groundbreaking precision application system that can reduce chemical use by up to 99% and cut labor costs by 85%. The machine, designed to attach direct...
2025-10-1748 minAgNet WestHow Immigrant Farmers Shaped Early American AgricultureEthnic Traditions and the Roots of American Farming In the early days of the United States, immigrant farmers played a defining role in shaping American agriculture. As Mark Oppold explains ...
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2025-10-1600 minAgNet News HourBill Jones: “California Will Come Back Stronger Than Ever”The October 16 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a powerhouse guest, Bill Jones, former California Secretary of State, lifelong West Side farmer, and one of the most respected political figures in Central Valley history. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill continued their “Hall of Fame Week” series with Jones, who offered rare perspective on the intersection of agriculture, politics, and hope for California’s future.
Jones, who still farms almonds, pistachios, pomegranates, and tomatoes near Firebaugh, shared insight into the challenges and cycles of California farming. “We need the water for irrigation, but it has to come at...
2025-10-1648 minAgNet News HourNat DiBuduo, the “Godfather of Grapes,” on the Future of California Wine and FarmingThe October 15 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured one of California agriculture’s most respected voices: Nat DiBuduo, former Allied Grape Growers president and lifelong champion of California’s wine industry. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed DiBuduo for an honest discussion about the past, present, and uncertain future of the state’s vineyards and farms.
Known as the “godfather of the grape industry,” DiBuduo reflected on growing up among vineyards where Copper River now stands — a reminder of how quickly farmland has disappeared under urban expansion. “Back in the day, it was all tree fruit and grap...
2025-10-1548 minAgNet News HourAg Innovation and PCA Leadership: Priscilla Koepke and Mando Perez on AgNet News HourThe October 14 edition of the AgNet News Hour showcased two powerful voices shaping the future of California agriculture — Priscilla Koepke, CEO of F3 Innovate, and Mando Perez, Southern California PCA with Semios and this year’s CAPCA Member of the Year. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill led conversations that connected the past, present, and future of farming — from technology and education to leadership in the field.
Koepke began the program by outlining F3 Innovate’s mission: to transform the Central Valley into a world-class hub for agricultural technology and innovation. The organization, funded through federal, state, and loca...
2025-10-1448 minAgNet News HourKaren Ross Talks Water, Regulation, and Prop 50 Silence on AgNet News HourThe October 13 edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered one of the most important interviews of the season as hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill sat down with California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. The discussion, recorded at Reedley College, covered water storage, regulation, labor, and the growing tension between Sacramento and Central Valley agriculture.
Ross acknowledged that California farmers are facing unprecedented “headwinds,” citing low prices, labor shortages, immigration struggles, and rising regulatory costs. She compared current conditions to the hardships of the 1980s farm crisis, adding that today’s mix of climate uncertainty and government regulation has ma...
2025-10-1348 minAgNet News HourElaine Culotti, the “Lipstick Farmer,” Warns Farmers on Prop 50 and California’s MismanagementThe October 10 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured a fiery interview with Elaine Culotti, known to many as the “Lipstick Farmer” and star of Undercover Billionaire. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed her back for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, farming, and California’s future.
Culotti, who farms in Fallbrook, has become a national voice on agricultural and political issues, recently appearing on Fox’s Gutfeld! show. She told listeners that Prop 50 poses a direct threat to California’s rural communities by stripping farmers and small towns of their representation. “This takes away the voice of our farme...
2025-10-1048 minAgNet News HourDavid Tangipa Slams Insurance Commissioner and Prop 50 on AgNet News HourThe October 9 edition of the AgNet News Hour brought another fiery interview with Assemblyman David Tangipa, who joined hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill to expose corruption in Sacramento and rally California farmers against Proposition 50.
Tangipa revealed shocking details about Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, accusing him of billing taxpayers for luxury travel, safaris, five-star hotels, and even VIP trips to follow a European DJ tour. “This isn’t just an insurance crisis, it’s an insurance catastrophe,” Tangipa said. “While wildfire victims and farmers can’t get affordable coverage, our commissioner is partying on taxpayer dollars.” He called for Lar...
2025-10-0948 minAgNet News HourShannon Douglass Doubles Down on Prop 50 OppositionThe October 8 edition of the AgNet News Hour featured another powerful conversation with Shannon Douglass, president of the California Farm Bureau, who returned to the show to sound the alarm about Proposition 50 and its potential consequences for rural California .
Douglass explained that Prop 50 would suspend California’s Independent Redistricting Commission, a system created to ensure fair representation by keeping communities intact. “This commission takes in tens of thousands of public comments and really listens to communities of interest,” Douglass said. Under Prop 50, however, politicians would regain control of the process and could redraw districts behind closed doors, leavin...
2025-10-0848 min
Japan Tariff News and TrackerUS and Japan Forge Landmark Trade Deal with 15 Percent Tariff on Imports, Promising Massive Investment and Market ShiftsListeners, today’s top story is a development shaking the foundation of trade between the United States and Japan. On July 23, the Trump administration revealed the framework of a sweeping new trade and investment agreement with Japan. This deal sets a baseline 15 percent tariff for all U.S. imports from Japan, covering modern automobiles, auto parts, electronics, and other goods—down from the 25 percent Trump had previously threatened to impose as soon as August 1. However, even this reduced rate represents a major jump from the pre-2025 auto import tariff of just 2.5 percent, a shift directly impacting both carmakers and American cons...
2025-07-2503 min
AgNet Weekly with Sabrina HalvorsonOctober 21, 2023: Farmer in Favor of OFF ActIn a recent story for Southeast AgNet and AgNet West, Sabrina Halvorson talked with a representative of the National Cattlemens Beef Association on why they’re against the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act. The OFF Act would make some changes to checkoff organizations. After that aired, Sabrina heard from a farmer and organization leader who is in favor of the OFF Act and invited her to share her thoughts. In this episode, Sabrina is chatting with Angela Huffman, Vice President of Farm Action Fund. To keep everything clear on what the act actually says, Sabrina put a link to...
2023-10-2109 minAgNet Weekly with Sabrina HalvorsonOctober 21, 2023: Farmer in Favor of OFF ActIn a recent story for Southeast AgNet and AgNet West, Sabrina Halvorson talked with a representative of the National Cattlemens Beef Association on why they’re against the Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act. The OFF Act would make some changes to checkoff organizations. After that aired, Sabrina heard from a farmer and organization leader who is in favor of the OFF Act and invited her to share her thoughts. In this episode, Sabrina is chatting with Angela Huffman, Vice President of Farm Action Fund. To keep everything clear on what the act actually says, Sabrina put a link to...
2023-10-2109 min