West

Newsom advisor warns of climate threats to farming

California forests are experiencing more tree mortality, the snowpack is being lost to the atmosphere, and groundwater aquifers are becoming depleted. more »

Management practices for improved water capture in almond

Groundwater recharge, organic matter, reduced or no tillage – in the middle of drought, management practices may help improve the retention of limited water resources. more »

State of California and farmers collaborate to conserve water, provide critical habitat for migratory birds

The program works with farmers to implement practices to conserve water, protect water quality, promote soil health, and mitigate potential drought impacts on fish and migratory birds. more »

New sensors could be ‘game changer’, says hydrology and irrigation professor

A variety of sensors have been on the market for years to measure soil moisture, but the holy grail of precision irrigation is measuring the tree’s stem water potential. more »

Newsom cuts deal and signs union card-check bill

AB 2183, a purported vote-by-mail union organizing measure by Assemblyman Mark Stone passed in the California Legislature despite a veto threat from Governor Newsom. more »

California Supreme Court rejects review of bumblebee status

Agricultural groups argued that bumblebee protections could affect growing crops, herbicide and pesticide applications, and use of commercial honeybees to pollinate crops. more »

California Pollinator Coalition secures grant to improve pollinator habitat, increase IPM

For almond growers, one of the important aspects of the new grant is that there will be no income restrictions on who can receive incentives. more »

After the rain: Maintaining almond nut quality

If nuts are not allowed to dry to delivery standards for moisture, mold can grow, and then nut quality and grower returns will suffer. more »