Category: West
Almond Conference returns to in-person for 2021
After a year of the world’s conferences being cancelled or going virtual, the Almond Board of California’s annual Almond Conference will be held in person this December.
Nut thief nabbed by Tulare County (California) Sheriff’s deputies
A routine audit revealed about 42,000 pounds of missing pistachios, which were stolen and being moved from 2,000-pound sacks into smaller bags and sold.
Court: Third parties can’t enter private property without compensating owners
The court struck down the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board rule that gave union organizers the right to physically access farm property to solicit support for unionization.
Strain on California water system target of ARS research
USDA researchers are developing strategies and approaches to adapt California crop production to climate stressors, including extreme heat and drought.
San Diego County providing free COVID-19 vaccines to H-2A workers
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be available to farmworkers crossing into California from Tijuana, Mexico, and other vaccine brands by request depending on availability.
California Walnut Board to launch its first-ever Snacking Retail Campaign
More than 7,400 retailers will feature displays and promotions as part of the campaign that highlights the nut’s nutritional benefits as a tasty snack.
California grants awarded for innovative projects reducing pesticide overreliance
The grants will fund four scientists and their teams who are furthering integrated pest management strategies to control urban and farm pests.
Drought exposes need to upgrade water facilities
The drought is shining a spotlight on California’s aging water infrastructure, with dry canals more prone to cracking and other damage, large repair projects already needed and a plan to invest $5 billion to address the issue.
Historic drought year limits agricultural water deliveries
With the third lowest snowmelt and precipitation runoff in recorded history, Fresno Irrigation District will end most agricultural water deliveries on June 30.
COVID-19 vaccinations made more accessible to California ag workers
Growers can request help with setting up a mobile vaccine clinic on their farm or team up with others to host a nearby vaccination event.
Almond shipments set new record
With two months still left in crop year, increased demand has helped almonds overcome port issues, tariffs and COVID-19 limitations.
First reviews of local sustainable groundwater plans released in California
California Department of Water Resources has released reviews of four local plans, approving two and returning the others to the respective agencies for improvement in order to meet the requirements of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
Growers sought for research to address aflatoxins
After nearly a decade of research on the product, the Almond Board of California is looking for growers to participate in a large-scale application project for AF36 Prevail.
National coalition pushes for water management portfolio through legislation
A coalition representing nearly one-third of the all agricultural production in the U.S. warns that changing hydrological conditions and increased populations may jeopardize the future of water infrastructure in the West.
Almond growers manage hull rot in a number of ways
Even with little disease activity in almonds during a dry and windy California year, hull rot remains a concern, and possibly in a different way than growers are used to.