2021 starts with low rain totals and cold scare
By Vicky Boyd Recent storms may have added a bit to the Sierra snowpack, but they did little to make a dent in the prolonged drought. At the same time, […]
More vaccines for ag community, but supply is an issue
By Vicky Boyd The number of COVID vaccination clinics held for food and agricultural workers in San Joaquin County continued to increase in March, thanks in part to a significant […]
Cherry growers cautiously optimistic
By Craig W. Anderson After a pandemic, economic malaise, mandated masking, social distancing all driven by a virus, the 2021 cherry crop could provide a much needed emotional and financial […]
Congressional action brings new discussion on immigration reform
By Vicky Boyd A bipartisan bill that would offer farmworkers in the country illegally a path to legal status and streamline the H-2A guest worker program recently passed the House, […]
SJ County behind on ag COVID vaccinations workers
By Vicky Boyd Although San Joaquin County held its first vaccination clinic for essential agricultural workers recently at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, industry leaders say they remain frustrated at […]
ARB approves faster burning phase-out
By Vicky Boyd The California Air Resources Board unanimously approved an aggressive proposal recently that would end open-air burning of nearly all agricultural material in eight San Joaquin Valley counties […]
PG&E changes time-of-use rates
By Craig W. Anderson PG&E’s changes to time-of-use (TOU) periods for electric rates and new customers will face new rate schedules. The plans will change and how farmers use energy […]
Winegrape growers endured many challenges in 2020
By Vicky Boyd San Joaquin County winegrape growers endured a wild ride during the 2020 season, marked by low yields, low prices, high expenses, smoky skies and a pandemic. But […]
Warm winters bring challenges for walnuts and other crops
By Craig W. Anderson Farmers planning to plant new walnut orchards – and working in their current orchards – will probably need to consider ways to cope with an expected […]
On-farm wells must be tested for nitrates and nitrites
By Vicky Boyd Beginning this year, landowners with on-farm domestic wells on agricultural land will have to test them for nitrates and nitrites and report the results to the state […]