MyAgLife: Recent Episodes
MyAgLife
The MyAgLife Podcast is brought to you by JCS Marketing, Inc., the publisher of the industry-leading ag publications West Coast Nut and Progressive Crop Consultant. Our podcast will bring you exclusive interviews with industry professionals and more!
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Shaun Crook, first Vice President of the California Farm Bureau Federation, to explore the state of California's forestry industry, wildfires and the need for more logging.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Steve Vasquez, Western Region Certified Crop Advisers Association chair, and Jason Scott, publisher of Progressive Crop Consultant, to discuss the upcoming Crop Consultant Conference on September 25th and 26th in Visalia and what consultants can expect from this event.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Sandro Steinbach, director of the Center for Agricultural Policy and Trade Studies and professor of agribusiness and applied economics at North Dakota State University, to discuss potential trade conflicts brewing between the U.S. and China and how California agriculture would be affected.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Surendra Dara, entomologist with Oregon State University, to discuss RNAi, a new technology using targeted mechanisms against specific pests.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Rex Stults, vice president of industry relations at Napa Valley Vintners, to discuss the organization's recent lobbying trip to Washington D.C. on behalf of the Napa Valley wine industry.
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Shannon Douglass, California Farm Bureau's first-ever female president; Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's new President Kelly Fogarty-Tilma; and the organization's Executive Director Caitie Diemel to discuss how the three women leaders are addressing California ag issues.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE farm advisor in Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss almond orchard management considerations for the month of May, including navel orangeworm, nutrition and more.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Greg Montez, PCA and technical services and field development with Albaugh, to discuss copper applications in 2024 for walnut and grape growers dealing with blight or mildew as well as best practices for avoiding resistance.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Renee Pinel, president/CEO of Western Plant Health, to discuss U.S. EPA's rodenticide proposal and some of the far-reaching impacts this could have for growers in California.
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Governmental Affairs Director for Stanislaus County Farm Bureau and Oakdale Irrigation District Board President Tom Orvis and Oakdale Irrigation District General Manager Scot Moody for a conversation on 2024’s miracle March, recent investments the district has put into its water delivery system, the state of water storage in California and more.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Scott Warr, commercial manager of farming solutions at Yara North America and host of the Yara Crop Nutrition podcast, about important agronomic topics to be considered in today's agriculture industry.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Nutrien Financial's Jacquelyn Fernandes to discuss grower profit maximization, stretching dollars for input spending, creating more value with input purchases and more.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Matt Comrey, technical nutrition agronomist and sales manager with Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness, to discuss understanding and leveraging the nitrogen cycle for informed almond fertility decision-making.
Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Paty Lopez, a longtime employee of Duarte Nursery in Hughson, Calif., to discuss the recent outcomes of AB 1066, California’s overtime law for ag workers, and how it has actually impacted farmworkers’ financial livelihoods negatively.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Roger Isom, president/CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association, to discuss regulatory updates for California growers and processors.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE farm advisor in Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss almond management considerations in March as almond bloom winds down and spring is around the corner.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Devin Clarke, CCA/PCA and agronomy solutions manager with Yara, to discuss why the industry should care about almond production's carbon footprint and improving it.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Elia Scudiero, associate professional researcher in the Dept. of Environmental Sciences at UC Riverside, to discuss characterizing the various properties of soil using electrical conductivity for better precision irrigation management.
On the first installment of this new MyAgLife podcast series titled "Farm Bureau Friday" in collaboration with the Stanislaus County Farm Bureau, Stanislaus County Farm Bureau's Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing's Kristin Platts sit down with Farm Employers Labor Service's Bryan Little to discuss new and updated regulations hitting agriculture in 2024. Listen in as they discuss the challenges with the NEW Indoor Heat and Workplace Violence Standards and more paid sick days in 2024.
Episode notes/links:
Tune in every second Friday of each month for new Farm Bureau Friday episodes.
https://jcsmarketinginc.com
https://myaglife.com/
https://stanfarmbureau.org
https://www.fels.net/1/
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Rich Kreps, certified crop advisor and soil specialist, to discuss ways to adjust your nutrition plan early and mid-season if a fall nutrition program was abandoned.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Steve Vasquez, California Pistachio Research Board’s incoming manager, and Bob Klein, the Board’s outgoing manager, to discuss perspectives for pistachio industry research as leadership is being shaken up and a large crop has arrived.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with JW Lemons, CCA and CPAg, to discuss challenges and opportunities certified crop advisers should consider in 2024 to the tune of nutrition, pest management, water and everything in between.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brittney Goodrich, assistant professor of cooperative extension in the Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis, to discuss the 2024 almond pollination season outlook, how to cut pollination expenses and other considerations.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jim Zion, managing partner with Meridian Growers, to discuss robust pistachio exports in 2023 and what changed for the industry.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Ali Hill, cooperative extension specialist with UCCE and the department of agricultural and resource economics at UC Berkeley, to discuss California’s overtime law for ag workers and what happened to worker hours and pay.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Russell Taylor, CCA and vice president of Live Earth Products, to discuss conservation in agriculture in light of recently receiving the Certified Crop Adviser Conservationist of the Year Award for 2023.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Christi Falen, agronomist with ICL, to discuss nutrition-related challenges with growing more, high quality almonds, and the role of macro and micronutrients in a balanced program.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE farm advisor in Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss winter considerations for tree nut orchards, including irrigation, pests and nutrition.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with CCA and Nutrien’s Director of Agronomy Dr. Karl Wyant to discuss getting your soil tests in line for 2024 to help guide nutrient management decisions and other practices.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Mike Wade, executive director at California Farm Water Coalition, to discuss updates to the Sites Reservoir project and the importance of improving the state’s water management system.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with George Zhuang, UCCE viticulture farm advisor in Fresno County, to discuss improving fruit quality while maintaining yield using management practices like mechanical leaf removal or regulated deficit irrigation.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jhalendra Rijal, UCCE IPM advisor in the northern San Joaquin Valley, to discuss the carpophilus beetle, a pest presenting new challenges for almond and pistachio growers.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with CalCom Energy's John Volker and Jeff Lounsberry to discuss major changes to the Net Metering Aggregation program, or NEMA, and what these changes mean for the farming community.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jason Scott, CEO of JCS Marketing Inc., and Roger Isom, president/CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association, to discuss the importance of agriculture getting involved in politics and the upcoming My Ag Nite social/political event for the industry.
Register for My Ag Nite at https://myaglife.com/product/my-ag-nite/.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Roger Isom, president/CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association, to discuss regulatory updates for California growers and processors in the realm of sustainable pest management and Endangered Species Act guidelines.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jason Haegele, North American agronomy lead with ICL Growing Solutions, to discuss the rising demand of water-soluble fertilizers and selecting the right product in a sea of options.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Rachelle Antinetti, founder of Antinetti Consulting, to discuss developing the next generation of the ag workforce and a multi-year grant helping ag employers and community colleges create internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE farm advisor in Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss almond management considerations for October, including nutrient sprays, soil analyses, cover crops and more.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Nutrien’s Director of Agronomy Dr. Karl Wyant to discuss the concept of outsmarting your fertilizer competition for improving nutrient uptake of crops.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Tim Bucher, CEO and co-founder of Agtonomy, to discuss new pathways to farm autonomy and bringing scale and autonomy to ag robotics.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Mike Ming, agricultural appraiser and broker out of Kern County and owner of Alliance Ag Services, to discuss changing property trends and what’s driving tree nut land values.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Dr. Karl Wyant, Western Region Certified Crop Advisers Association chair, and Jason Scott, publisher of Progressive Crop Consultant, to discuss the upcoming Crop Consultant Conference on September 27th and 28th in Visalia and what consultants can expect from this event.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Elif Ceylan, strategic advisor with the VINE Validation of Innovation Program and co-founder of Opengate Partners, to discuss supporting innovation in the agriculture technology sector and finding climate-resilient solutions for California food systems.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Louise Ferguson, UC Davis pomology specialist, to discuss salinity management in drip irrigated pistachio and potentially reducing dormant-season leaching.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Tian Tian, UCCE viticulture farm advisor in Kern County, to discuss tips for managing vineyard nutrition including understanding vine nutrient status and determining nutrient needs.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE orchard advisor for Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss almond management recommendations for August and how the crop is fairing.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with JW Lemons, CCA, certified professional agronomist and account manager with Verdesian Life Sciences, to discuss using plant nutrition and biostimulant products to continue production in citrus trees infested with huanglongbing.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Dr. Ellen Bruno, assistant cooperative extension specialist in the Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Berkeley, to discuss the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, or SGMA, in 2023 and how to best support its implementation moving forward.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Teleos' Brian Hegland to discuss implications of California Department of Pesticide Regulation's proposed restrictions on Telone/1,3-D set to come into effect January 2024.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brittney Goodrich, assistant professor of cooperative extension in UC Davis’ Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, to discuss the economics for navel orangeworm management in almond orchards taking costs and returns into consideration.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Dr. Karl Wyant, Western Region Certified Crop Advisers Association chair, and Jason Scott, publisher of Progressive Crop Consultant, to discuss the upcoming Crop Consultant Conference on September 27th and 28th in Visalia and what consultants can expect from this event.
Register today at Conference | Progressive Crop Consultant
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Steven Soares of HotSpot Ag to discuss simplifying irrigation management and other management tasks through automation and real-time data.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brad Higbee, research entomologist and field R&D manager at Trece Inc., to discuss field studies related to mummy sanitation practices in pistachio and their effect on navel orangeworm damage and egg trap counts.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Ali Cox, agriculture and food ingredient marketing specialist and Noble West founder, to discuss the importance of food and agriculture brands telling their stories.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Orchard Advisor for Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss pest and water considerations for almonds in the month of June, taking into account this year's wet winter and spring flooding.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Sarah Standiford, senior environmental scientist with California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Produce Safety Program, to discuss produce safety inspections and what growers should expect.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Western Agricultural Processors Association’s Roger Isom, Priscilla Rodriguez and Chris McGlothlin to discuss ag regulatory updates in the month of May.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Cameron Zuber, UCCE orchard crops farm advisor in Madera and Merced counties, to discuss identifying and mitigating replant challenges in almond orchards and preparing new orchards for issues they may face.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Sudan Gyawaly, UCCE area IPM advisor for Butte, Colusa, Yuba-Sutter, Glenn and Tehama counties, to discuss choosing pesticide sprays to prioritize when you can’t afford them all.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jhalendra Rijal, UCCE area IPM advisor for Stanislaus County, to discuss springtime and even late-season monitoring for and management of hemipteran ‘true bug’ pests in almond and pistachio.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Aztec Solar's Kevin Logue to discuss solar’s viability in agricultural settings and contributions to both resilience and sustainability.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Daniele Zaccaria, UC Davis agricultural water management specialist, to discuss irrigation scheduling methods and tools for winegrape vineyards.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Roger Isom, president/CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association, to discuss key tree nut regulatory updates spanning from pesticides, to machinery, to Cal/OSHA standards.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, orchard systems advisor for Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss important considerations for your almond orchard in the month of April and changes to consider given increased precipitation.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Russell Taylor, vice president of Live Earth Products, Inc., and David Beaudreau, director of the Fertilizer Institute’s Biostimulant Council, to discuss biostimulant trends and usage as well as the recently reintroduced Plant Biostimulant Act and what this legislation could mean for the ag industry.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Matt Comrey, technical nutrition agronomist and sales manager with Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness, to discuss understanding and leveraging the nitrogen cycle for informed almond fertility decision-making.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Axiom Ag's Jeff Merritt at the 2023 Citrus Showcase to discuss optimal nutrition at different fruit growth stages and strategies for upgrading the modern nutrition program.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Kirsten Pearsons, UCCE IPM advisor, and Yu-Chen Wang, UCCE plant pathology advisor, to discuss new perspectives on combatting the lettuce industry's most prevalent diseases, such as impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) and pythium wilt.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Certified Crop Advisor and Soil Specialist Rich Kreps to discuss fertilizing your orchard now that the rain California finally needs is here. Additional information on this topic can be found in Rich's article in the February 2023 edition of West Coast Nut.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Doreet Avni, Ph.D., head of bio-research at BeeHero, to discuss Pollinator Research Stations which provide public data to growers and beekeepers regarding pollinator activity during bloom.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, orchard systems advisor for Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss important considerations for your almond orchard in the month of February.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jesse Roseman, Almond Board of California principal analyst, to discuss connecting neighboring growers and PCAs interested in or currently using mating disruption to combat navel orangeworm.
Almond Board's online tool for connecting orchards using mating disruption can be found at agneighbors.com. The passcode for access is nowmd.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Dr. Karl Wyant, director of agronomy at Nutrien, to discuss the agronomy of water. In the January/February 2023 edition of Progressive Crop Consultant magazine, Karl provided an in-depth look on the importance of water quality to nitrogen management plans, fertilizer performance, salinity issues and other areas of farm management.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Paul Schreiner, research plant physiologist with USDA-ARS, to discuss what we know and don’t know regarding foliar fertilization in the vineyard.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brittney Goodrich, assistant UCCE specialist with the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, to discuss the economic outlook for the 2023 almond pollination season as well as other considerations.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Steven Springhorn, Department of Water Resources' SGMA technical assistance manager, and Tara Moran, president/CEO of California Water Data Consortium, to discuss a new platform designed to help groundwater agencies address SGMA requirements in ways that are mutually beneficial for both agencies and growers.
Helpful links:
- DWR’s statewide groundwater management webpage https://water.ca.gov/programs/groundwater-management
- To sign up for DWR’s Sustainable Groundwater Management email list: sgmps@water.ca.gov
- California Water Data Consortium project webpage: https://cawaterdata.org/projects/groundwater-accounting-data-reporting-pilot-project/
- Environmental Defense Fund project webpage: https://waterplatform.edf.org/
- DWR News release: California Water Agencies Collaborate on Groundwater Digital Platform to Help Address Dry Wells and Water Supply Shortages
- Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District story map - Online interactive guide to accounting platform
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with UCCE Orchard Systems Advisor Luke Milliron to discuss the benefits of delayed irrigation and what current research shows in both walnuts and almonds.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission, and Jason Scott, CEO and publisher of JCS Marketing Inc. and West Coast Nut magazine, to discuss about the upcoming 2-day California Walnut Conference on January 5th and 6th. The conference will provide 5 hours of DPR CEUs and 7.5 hours of CCA CEUs.
Register at the West Coast Nut site today.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Aubrey Bettencourt, Almond Alliance president and CEO, to discuss new opportunities for almond growers, including a pollinator initiative and the state's LandFlex water program.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Roger Isom, president and CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association, to discuss ongoing pesticide activism that is once again threatening the California agriculture industry and how WAPA is working to fight the opposition.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Sierra Gold Nursery's Reid Robinson to discuss the rise in popularity of self-fertile almond varieties and their associated benefits.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with UCCE Farm Advisor Franz Niederholzer and West Coast Nut Publisher Jason Scott about the Nickels Soil Lab fundraiser and why the research facility is truly vital to the tree nut industry.
Donate HERE today.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor Tian Tian to discuss the long-term effects of rootstocks on performance of mature grapevines.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Nutrien’s Director of Agronomy Dr. Karl Wyant to discuss the concept of outsmarting your fertilizer competition for improving nutrient uptake of crops.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm Advisor for Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss November almond orchard considerations, such as collecting spur samples, checking potassium and evaluating harvest samples.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jeff Carr of Deerpoint Group to discuss the need for consistency and precision when it comes to fertigation.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jason Scott, JCS Marketing CEO and West Coast Nut publisher, to discuss the upcoming California Tree Nut Conference and Grape and Wine meeting both taking place in Tulare, Calif. on November 3. The California Tree Nut Conference will feature the first-ever 'Industry Titan' award for tree nut research.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Louise Ferguson, UCCE Pomology Specialist, to discuss a new tool pistachio growers are evaluating due to concerns over less chill accumulation.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety’s Teresa Andrews to discuss the Center’s invaluable resources for ag workers in the western region.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Rachelle Antinetti, vice president of operations at Dave Wilson Nursery, to discuss where today's tree nut and fruit nurseries are heading and challenges they're facing.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Dr. Karl Wyant, Western Region Certified Crop Advisers Association chair, and Jason Scott, publisher of Progressive Crop Consultant and West Coast Nut magazines, to discuss the upcoming Crop Consultant Conference on September 28th and 29th in Visalia and what consultants can expect from this event.
Register here today.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with California Farm Water Coalition's Mike Wade to discuss regulatory supply cuts being made to growers on the Colorado River, how this can affect food supply and what can be done to provide relief.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Agromillora California Nursery’s Cliff Beumel to discuss orchard diversification with olive trees to protect the bottom line.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Ryan Jacobsen, CEO of Fresno County Farm Bureau, to discuss the Bureau’s recent Farm Bill session hosting and what ag industry members want to see in the Bill’s next iteration.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Synagro's Thomas Fantozzi to discuss the benefits of compost in orchards and fields as well as best management practices.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with California ag’s very own John Duarte of Duarte Nursery to discuss his campaign for the U.S. House this November to represent California's 13th Congressional District.
***Disclaimer: Political stances taken during this podcast do not necessarily represent the views of the MyAgLife/JCS Marketing team.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with John Knutson and Alyssa DeVincentis, co-founders at Vitidore, to discuss a unique cover crop mix that allows orchard and vineyard growers to increase permanent soil carbon sequestration and an accompanying monitoring and reporting verification technology.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Barry Goodell, a fungal biologist and biochemist at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, to discuss a previously unknown fungal mechanism that has the potential to solve one of the most serious issues affecting wine grapes: grapevine trunk disease.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Synagro’s Bob Ford to discuss the technical side of compost and how the composting process works into soil health.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Orchard Systems Advisor for Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss important pre-harvest considerations for almonds, including equipment, rodent control and deficit irrigation.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Rich Kreps, Certified Crop Advisor and Soil Specialist, to discuss making a postharvest plan now to ensure crop health for next season and increase the bottom line.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Dr. Karl Wyant, Western Region Certified Crop Advisers Association chair, and Jason Scott, publisher of Progressive Crop Consultant and West Coast Nut magazines, to discuss the upcoming Crop Consultant Conference on September 28th and 29th in Visalia and what consultants can expect from this event.
Register here today.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Chris Simmons in the Department of Food Science and Technology at UC Davis and Rory Crowley with Project Apis m. to discuss biosolarization in almond orchards and how returning hulls and shells to the orchard can improve soil and tree health.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Greg Palumbo, director of agriculture at Rain Bird, to discuss precision irrigation for agriculture and things growers should consider for their irrigation systems.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Western Agricultural Processors Association's Roger Isom at this year's WAPA Annual Conference to review the last year of regulations and legislation affecting the processing industry and what is on the horizon.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Cliff Beumel, president of Agromillora California Nursery, to discuss opportunities and challenges in using the latest tree nut industry breeding technology.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Vern Johnson, CCA/PCA and president of Arizona Ag Solutions, to discuss balanced vineyard soil health and a few key items to look at on your vineyard soil report.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Cultiva’s Brian Tipton to discuss plant cuticle care and its role in mitigating agriculture’s environmental challenges.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Nitin Nitin, professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology and the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at UC Davis, to discuss new research looking at food-grade bio-based coatings for reducing cross-contamination of pathogens in produce.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Daniele Zaccaria, UCCE agricultural water management specialist, to discuss new research into benefits and efficacy of winter cover crops in pistachio.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brad Higbee, research entomologist and field R&D manager at Trece Inc., to discuss field studies related to mummy sanitation practices in pistachio and their effect on navel orangeworm damage and egg trap counts.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down Amrith Gunasekara, California Bountiful Foundation's new research director, to discuss his new position and what it means for furthering agricultural and environmental research in the state.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Gabriele Ludwig, Almond Board of California’s director of sustainability and environmental affairs, to discuss increasing inconsistency of rules governing acceptable Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for pesticide residues.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Dr. Karl Wyant, vice president of ag science at Heliae Ag, to discuss maximizing soil quality by maximizing soil health.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Mike Kelley, president and CEO of Central California Almond Growers Association, to discuss drivers for higher almond hull prices and how processors and growers can capitalize.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Shannah Whithaus, senior editor for pesticide safety education with UC ANR, and Lisa Blecker, pesticide safety educator at Colorado State University, to discuss the newly expanded and updated Pesticide Safety Manual for Private Applicators.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Amber Vinchesi-Vahl, UCCE vegetable crops advisor for Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss control of in-row weeds for processing tomatoes using automated and mechanical cultivators.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Matt Comrey, Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness technical nutrition agronomist, to discuss soil mapping for fine-tuned nutrient management and the value that variable rate application methods can have.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jhalendra Rijal, UCCE area IPM advisor for Stanislaus County, to discuss springtime and even late-season monitoring for and management of hemipteran ‘true bug’ pests in almond and pistachio.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Almond Alliance President and CEO Aubrey Bettencourt to discuss new port updates and projects as well as the Alliance's efforts.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Emily Symmes, senior manager of technical field services for Suterra, to discuss the growing problem of scale pests in walnut and possible treatment options.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brent Holtz, UCCE county director and farm advisor for San Joaquin County, to discuss the origins of whole orchard recycling and how an idea turned into a best management practice.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Louise Ferguson, extension specialist in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, and Andy Lyons, Informatics and GIS Statewide Program with UC ANR and UC Berkeley, to discuss a new web-based tool for predicting pistachio growth and how the industry has evolved to require a tool like this.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and Undersecretary Christine Birdsong to discuss port congestion and what is being done to counter current issues.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brad Higbee, Field R&D Manager with Trece, Inc., to discuss the 2008-12 areawide IPM project for navel orangeworm and development of mating disruption for NOW.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Karl Wyant, Vice President of Ag Science at Heliae Agriculture and chair of Western Region CCA, to discuss the role of soil microbes in drought management.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down for this 100th-episode special of the MyAgLife podcast with JCS Marketing Publisher and CEO Jason Scott to discuss the evolution of the MyAgLife digital platform and what’s in store for the future.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with UCCE Orchard Systems Advisor Luke Milliron to discuss the benefits of delayed irrigation and what current research shows in both walnuts and almonds.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with UC Davis Graduate Student Researcher Faye Duan to discuss integrating chicken and vegetable production in organic farming and best practices to be recognized thus far.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with UCCE Orchard Advisor Luke Milliron and West Coast Nut publisher Jason Scott to discuss important updates regarding the 2022 North Valley Nut Conference and what to expect from this event.
This episode sponsored by Valent® Chateau® EZ Herbicide
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Ali Montazar, UCCE Irrigation and Water Management Advisor for Imperial County, to discuss new knowledge-based information for enhancing water and nitrogen use efficiency in desert fresh market carrots.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with California Farm Water Coalition’s Mike Wade to discuss what it could mean for Californians if we have another dry year.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brittney Goodrich, Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension in the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, to discuss the economic outlook for the 2022 almond pollination season.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Gabriele Ludwig, director of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs at Almond Board of California, to discuss the importance of climate-smart agriculture practices in almond orchards.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jhalendra Rijal, UCCE IPM Advisor, to discuss Pacific flathead borer’s emergence as a significant pest in walnut and management tools for this pest.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Ellen Bruno, assistant cooperative extension specialist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Berkeley, to discuss the outlook for California’s almond market and expected growth moving forward.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Kat Jarvis-Shean, UCCE orchard systems advisor, to discuss dormancy in tree nut orchards and what trees do during the winter.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Margo Hale, regional director with the National Center for Appropriate Technology, to discuss Armed to Farm, a sustainable agriculture training program for military veterans.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Rich Kreps, CCA, SSp. and contributing writer, to discuss keeping trees thirsty by manipulating soil salt content.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Sean Jacobs, technical sales and marketing representative with Agro-K, and Chris Underwood, head of Product Development at Custom Agronomics, to discuss leaf sap analysis and proper tank mixing.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Timmy Jacobs, USDA Risk Management Specialist, to discuss biosolarization and cover crop impact on weeds and soilborne pathogens in marginal climates.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jason Scott, CEO and publisher of West Coast Nut magazine and JCS Marketing, Inc., to discuss the upcoming California Tree Nut Conference on November 3rd. This conference will bring growers together with industry leaders from across all the nut commodities and also provide valuable continuing education credits on important production practices.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Kent Daane, UCCE IPM specialist, at this year’s Crop Consultant Conference to discuss biology of and management strategies for vine mealybug in grapevines.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE farm advisor for Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss activator spray adjuvant selection in trees and vines and matching the proper material to the job.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Davin Norene, walnut grower and manager with Norene Ranches, to discuss the new UC Davis walnut variety Wolfskill’s potential as an early-season variety.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Priscilla Rodriguez, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Food Safety at Western Agricultural Processors Association, to discuss a new proposal to mandate electric forklifts for the ag industry.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brian Wahlbrink, co-owner of Sperry Farms Inc. and new chairman of the Almond Board of California, to discuss making the transition to off-ground almond harvest.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Sarah Light, UCCE agronomy advisor in Sutter, Yuba and Colusa counties, to discuss recent research trials to improve understanding of herbicide drift symptoms on hemp.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Daniele Zaccaria, UCCE agricultural water management specialist, to discuss water budgeting for pistachio in a drought year and options that growers have for management
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Eryn Wingate, agronomist with Tri-Tech Ag Products, Inc., to discuss humic acids and their potential benefits to organic planting systems.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jason Scott, CEO of JCS Marketing Inc. and publisher of progressive Crop Consultant magazine, and Jerome Pier and Karl Wyant, current and incoming board chairs of Western Region Certified Crop Advisers Association, to discuss the upcoming Crop ConsultantConference on Sept. 16 and 17. This in-person two-day event will feature educational seminars with continuing education credits, an industry trade show, and live industry presentations.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Matt Comrey, technical nutrition agronomist with Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness, to discuss irrigation scheduling and maintenance in tree nut orchards.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Tim Birmingham, director of quality assurance and industry services at Almond Board of California, and Guangwei Huang, associate director of food research and technology, to discuss almond stockpile management for processors and growers.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jim Zion, managing partner at Meridian Growers, to discuss congestion at West Coast ports and how tree nut shipments are being affected.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Shulamit Shroder, UCCE community education specialist in Kern County, and Jessie Kanter with the UCCE Small Farms and Specialty Crops Program in Fresno County to discuss cover cropping to achieve management goals and lessons learned from recent cover crop trials in the San Joaquin Valley.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jhalendra Rijal, UCCE IPM advisor for North San Joaquin Valley, to discuss stink bug management in almond, including monitoring for true bugs as well as predatory stink bugs.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Franz Niederholzer, UCCE orchard systems farm advisor for Colusa, Sutter and Yuba counties, to discuss proper timing and other considerations for orchard mowing to reduce dust and potential disease.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Mark Bolda, UCCE strawberry and caneberry farm advisor in Santa Cruz County, to discuss the challenges of managing Fusarium in strawberries and methods organic and conventional growers can use to control this pathogen.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Kevin Long, general manager at Superior Almond Hulling, to discuss how almond facilities are coping with harvest congestion and preparing for bigger crops to come.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Houston Wilson, UCCE assistant specialist in the Department of Entomology at UC Riverside, to discuss navel orangeworm as a candidate for area-wide integrated pest management in California.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Doug Amaral, UCCE farm advisor for Kings and Tulare counties, to discuss implementing best management practices for nitrogen fertilization in almonds.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Janie Gatzman, a fourth-generation tree nut farmer and owner of Gatzman Appraisal, to discuss trends in California tree nut property values.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Karl Wyant, Vice President of Ag Science at Heliae Agriculture and vice chair of Western Region CCA, to discuss biological management practices to maximize soil quality.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Sandro Steinbach, assistant professor at the University of Connecticut, to discuss how the California tree nut industry was impacted by the trade war and the difficulties that still remain.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Roger Isom, President and CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association, to discuss a new state proposal on pesticide mill taxes and the impacts this may have on the agriculture industry.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Kristi Sanchez, nematologist with TriCal Diagnostics and TriCal, to discuss root lesion nematode in walnut.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with James Knox, owner of KLR farms, to discuss the fundamentals of hemp nutrition and how growers can meet nutrient needs for this crop.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Rich Kreps, CCA, SSp. and contributing writer, to discuss nutrition plans for pistachio orchards and how growers can make better orchard nutrition decisions.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Karl Wyant, Vice President of Ag Science at Heliae Agriculture and vice chair of Western Region CCA, to talk about making sense of biostimulants for improving your soil.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by UCCE Entomology and Biologicals Advisor Surendra K. Dara.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jhalendra Rijal, UCCE area integrated pest management advisor in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties, to discuss spring season pest monitoring activities in almond orchards.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by UCCE’s Themis J. Michailides, David Morgan and Giorgio Gusella.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by contributing writer Hazelnut Marketing Board.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by TriCal Diagnostics’ Steven Koike.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Eryn Wingate, agronomist with Tri-Tech Ag Products Inc., to discuss tightening the nitrogen cycle in organic agriculture and how to meet crop nitrogen needs without impacting the environment.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Heping Zhu, Agricultural Engineer and Lead Scientist, USDA-ARS Application Technology Research Unit and Steve Booher, Founder & CEO, Smart Guided® Systems, LLC.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Emily Symmes, a former UCCE Farm Advisor and now Senior Manager of Technical Field Services for Suterra, to discuss the importance of preserving beneficial insects in an orchard and making them part of your pest management plan.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by editorial assistant intern Taylor Chalstrom.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Joe Vassios, Technical Service Lead for Specialty Crops at UPL, and UC Riverside Plant Pathologist Jim Adaskaveg to discuss bacterial blast in almond and how the recent Section 18 renewal for the bactericide Kasumin will be key to disease mitigation.
Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by editorial assistant intern Taylor Chalstrom.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Steve Vasquez, Technical Viticulturist for Sun-Maid Growers, to discuss weather station use in vineyards and how newly developed weather technologies provide beneficial insights to growers.
Listen to this article from West Cost Nut by Jhalendra Rijal, Area IPM Advisor, UCCE &Statewide IPM Program, and Sudan Gyawaly, Associate Research Specialist, UCCE.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Louise Ferguson, an Extension Specialist with the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, to discuss canopy management in pistachios and how mechanical and hand pruning can be used to produce good-quality annual crops.
Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Eryn Wingate, Agronomist, Tri-Tech Ag Products Inc.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Drew Wolter, Almond Board of California’s new Senior Specialist in Pest Management, to talk about what opportunities his new position will provide for advancement in Integrated Pest Management techniques.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by UCCE Area Viticulture Advisor Karl T. Lund.
Taylor Chalstrom talks with Sarah Light, UCCE Agronomy Advisor in Sutter, Yuba and Colusa counties, about pests in hemp and the crop and yield loss currently being assessed in this newer commodity.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Vice President of Musco Family Olive Company, Dennis Burreson, to talk about diversifying your operation with olive trees, advancements in the olive industry, and Musco’s Million Tree initiative.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Emily J. Symmes, Ph.D., Senior Manager of Technical Field Services, Suterra.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Craig Macmillan, Ph.D., Macmillan Ag Consulting and Kris Beal, The Vineyard Team.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Alireza Pourreza, director of the Digital Agriculture Lab at UC Davis, to talk about almond yield forecasting by drone and how Virtual Orchard Technology can capture light interception for improved crop forecasting.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jason Scott, CEO and publisher of JCS Marketing Inc. and West Coast Nut magazine, to talk about the upcoming 2-day California Walnut Conference on January 21st and 22nd. The conference will provide 4.5 hours of DPR CEUs and 5 hours of CCA CEUs (pending approval).
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor Gabriel Torres and Technical Viticulturist Stephen Vasquez, Sun-Maid Growers.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Alireza Pourreza, Director, and Xin Zhang, Postdoctoral Scholar, Digital Agriculture Lab, UC Davis.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by UCCE Entomology and Biologicals Advisor Surendra Dara.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with George Zhuang, UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor in Fresno County, to talk about winter pruning and disease management in vineyards and how dormant season practices impact yield.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Surendra Dara, UCCE Entomology and Biologicals Advisor, to talk about the use of biostimulants in strawberries to promote plant growth and to help plants withstand various pests, diseases or environmental stressors.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Dr. Karl Wyant, Board of Directors, Western Region Certified Crop Advisers.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by contributing writer Rich Kreps, CCA, SSp.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by James McBride, Ph.D., Head of Science, Ceres Imaging.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Mike Wade, California Farm Water Coalition.
Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Editorial Assistant Intern Taylor Chalstrom.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Andre Biscaro, UCCE Irrigation and Water Resources Advisor for Ventura County, to talk about soil chemical analysis and the accuracy and precision of commercial ag laboratories as it relates to these tests.
Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Sarah Light, UCCE Agronomy Advisor, Sutter, Yuba and Colusa counties.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Katherine Jarvis-Shean, UCCE orchard systems advisor for Sacramento, Solano and Yolo counties, to discuss boron-resistant rootstock research in almonds. Almonds are especially susceptible to effects of high-boron soil, and trees can be damaged by excessive amounts in the soil and water.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jhalendra Rijal, UCCE area integrated pest management advisor in San Joaquin, Stanislaus and Merced counties, to discuss planning for spring pest management in walnuts. Growers and managers need to be prepared with a plan for monitoring and suppressing populations before they cause economic damage to the crop.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with independent PCA Carla Youngblood and tree nut grower Chris Wylie to get a unique perspective on best management practices for navel orangeworm.
Jason Scott talks with TriCal Diagnostics' Kristi Sanchez, Ph.D., Senior Researcher and nematologist, about nematode research and preventative steps growers can take to identify and minimize nematode infestation and other soil pathogens.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Houston Wilson et. al., Asst. UCCE Specialist, Dept. of Entomology, UC Riverside.
Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Brittney Goodrich, Asst. UCCE Specialist with the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, to discuss the economic outlook for the 2021 almond pollination season.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Brent Holtz et al., UCCE County Director and Farm Advisor, San Joaquin county.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Theresa Kiehn, acting President and CEO, AgSafe.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by contributing writer Eryn Wingate, CCA, Tri-Tech Ag Products.
Jason Scott sits down with Roger Isom, President and CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association, to discuss new air legislation that can have big impacts on the California tree nut industry.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Assistant UCCE Specialist Brittney K. Goodrich, UC Davis, and USDA-NIFA Postdoctoral Fellow Jennie L. Durant, UC Davis and University of Oregon.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Assistant UCCE Specialist Florent P. Trouillas, UC Davis.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by contributing writer Rich Kreps, CCA, SSp.
Listen to this article by Research Horticulturist/Lead Scientist Fumiomi Takeda, Ph.D., USDA-ARS, et al.
Jason Scott sits down with AgSafe’s new acting CEO and President Theresa Kiehn to discuss work place regulations on the horizon and how the nonprofit provides training and education to the industry.
On this episode, Taylor Chalstrom sits down with Jason Scott, CEO and publisher of JCS Marketing Inc. and West Coast Nut magazine, to discuss the upcoming 2020 United We Stand California Tree Nut Conference on Nov. 20.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Allan Fulton, UCCE Irrigation and Water Resources, Emeritus Advisor.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Kelley Paugh and Cassandra Swett, Vegetable Crop Pathology, Department of Plant Pathology, UC Davis.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Contributing Writer Rich Kreps, CCA, SSp.
Listen to this article from our Mid-Month Newsletter by Associate Editor Cecilia Parsons.
Jason Scott sits down with TriCal Diagnostics' Kristi Sanchez, PhD., Senior Researcher and nematologist, and Steve Koike, Director and plant pathologist, to discuss nematode research and preventative steps growers can take to identify and minimize nematode infestation.
Jason Scott discusses UCCE’s short course on Upcoming Advances in Pistachio Production with Phoebe Gordon, UCCE farm advisor for Madera and Merced counties. The courses will take place in November over six half-days and will cover topics including field preparation and planting, pest management and nutrition. For more information or registration go to https://ucanr.edu/sites/PistachioShortCourse/.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by AgSafe President and CEO Emerita Amy Wolfe.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by John Bolling, Orchard Vegetation Program Manager, PG&E.
Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Eryn Wingate, CCA, Tri-Tech Ag Products Inc.
Houston Wilson, newly appointed director of UC’s Organic Agricultural Institute (OAI), joins Editorial Assistant Intern Taylor Chalstrom to talk about what the OAI means for the future of organic agriculture.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Diamond Foods Chief Marketing Officer Craig Tokusato.
Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Editorial Assistant Intern Taylor Chalstrom.
Taylor Chalstrom, Editorial Assistant Intern, sits down with Reid Robinson, vice president at Sierra Gold Nurseries, to discuss the drivers for variety choice and the importance of choosing the correct rootstock.
Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by editorial assistant intern Taylor Chalstrom.
Sebastian Saa, Associate Director of Agricultural Research for Almond Board of California, joins Editorial Assistant Intern Taylor Chalstrom to discuss the future of smart irrigation in almond orchards. Saa explains the need for improvement to water use efficiency in the almond industry as well as the use of current and future irrigation technologies.
Jason Scott sits down with Katherine Jarvis-Shean, UCCE orchard systems advisor for Sacramento, Solano and Yolo counties, to discuss a new tool for predicting nitrogen needs in walnuts using early-season leaf sampling. Jarvis-Shean discusses how this new method differs from previous recommendations in walnuts as well as what growers should know before utilizing it.
Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Michael Newland, Propane Education and Research Council.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist Rex Dufour.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Beth Grafton-Cardwell, Ph.D., UC Riverside.
Jason Scott and John Bolling, Orchard Vegetation Program Manager at PG&E, discuss PG&E’s new “Plan Before You Plant” program that provides tree nut growers the opportunity to safely plant trees near or under power lines. Bolling stresses the importance of taking these precautions as it eliminates the risk of tree removal by a utility crew and ensures public safety.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor George Zhuang, Fresno County.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Roger Isom, President and CEO, and Christopher McGlothlin, Director of Technical Services, Western Agricultural Processors Association.
Jason Scott and Stephen Vasquez, Sun-Maid Growers Technical Viticulturist, discuss the importance of managing powdery mildew early to avoid outbreaks like the ones growers saw in 2019. Powdery mildew is one of the most important fungal diseases impacting grape production in California, infecting green tissues such as leaves, shoots, rachises and berries.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by AgSafe President and CEO Emerita Amy Wolfe.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Mike Wade, California Farm Water Coalition.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Luca Brillante, Department of Viticulture and Enology, CSU Fresno.
Jason Scott and Rich Kreps, CCA and SSp, discuss the importance of postharvest nutrition during a time of vast uncertainties in the tree nut world. Kreps makes it a point to explain that trees need nutrition during every stage of harvest in order to produce a good crop again for the next year.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by UCCE Junior Specialist Drew Wolter, UC Davis.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Biological Control Extension Specialist Mark S. Hoddle, UC Riverside.
Jason Scott and Steven Koike, Director at TriCal Diagnostics, discuss viruses in vegetable crops. Koike goes into detail about the diseases caused by these viruses and the steps growers can take to detect and manage them.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Amy Wolfe, President and CEO Emerita, AgSafe.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Joel P. Siegel, USDA-ARS Research Entomologist and Robert Van Steenwyk, UCCE Entomology Specialist Emeritus.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by contributing writer Rich Kreps, CCA, SSp.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Dr. Karl A. Wyant, PCA and CCA, Vice Chair of Western Region CCA and Director of Ag Science, Heliae Agriculture.
Ellie Symes, co-founder and CEO of The Bee Corp, sits down with Jason Scott to discuss her introduction into beekeeping, the industry around it and what The Bee Corp is doing to improve hive inspection and pollination. Symes gives in-depth explanations of its Verifli hive grading system and how it can support growers’ pollination investment.
Joy Hollingsworth, UCCE Nutrient Management and Soil Quality Farm Advisor, joins Jason Scott to discuss biostimulants in permanent crops. Hollingsworth goes in-depth to explain the difficulty of defining biostimulants as well as their general benefits and functions.
Taylor Chalstrom, editorial assistant intern, sits down with Jason Scott, CEO of JCS Marketing Inc. and Publisher of Progressive Crop Consultant magazine, and Jerome Pier, board chair of Western Region CCA, to discuss the upcoming Crop Consultant Conference on Sept. 17 and 18. Jason and Jerome discuss the new virtual format of the conference and the opportunities it will afford attendees including live seminars with DPR and hard-to-get CCA continuing education credits, a virtual trade show and live industry presentations.
Stacey Givens, owner, farmer and chef of Side Yard Farm and Kitchen, sits down with Editorial Assistant Intern Taylor Chalstrom to discuss urban farming and the impact COVID-19 has had on her operation. Givens offers insightful information on the day-to-day life of an urban farmer as well as some of the things she misses the most from pre-COVID times.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Amélie Gaudin, UC Davis Dept. of Plant Sciences.
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by UCCE Nutrient Management and Soil Quality Farm Advisor Joy Hollingsworth.
Jason Scott sits down with Roger Isom, President and CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA), to discuss the recent comeback of tree nut theft in the ag industry. Roger explains the intricate yet simple theft process as well as guidelines that growers and sellers can follow to protect themselves from future thefts.
Joel Siegel, USDA ARS Research Entomologist, sits down with Jason Scott to discuss navel orangeworm (NOW), its prevalence in the tree nut industry and control methods. There is a strong correlation between timely harvest and higher NOW populations, making it pertinent to harvest earlier if there is an abundance of NOW.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by William M. Wintermantel, USDA-ARS, Salinas.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by TriCal Diagnostics Director Steven Koike.
Listen to this article in West Coast Nut from Mike Wade, California Farm Water Coalition.
Shulamit Shroder, UCCE Education Specialist, joins Editorial Assistant Intern Taylor Chalstrom to discuss current applications and research of cover crops in California ag. Shulamit explains some of the creative ways that growers are utilizing cover cropping systems in their fields or orchards, even citing one that involves juicing the cover crop after its use to obtain maximum utility.
Jason Scott talks with Jhalendra Rijal, Area IPM Advisor for the North San Joaquin Valley, about UC Cooperative Extension research involving the walnut husk fly. The walnut husk fly is a small, colorful fly that lays its eggs in the husk of a walnut where its larvae soon hatch. Jhalendra explains how these hatching larvae create issues for the processing and marketing of walnuts. He theorizes how populations of walnut husk flies may be on the rise due to increased walnut acreages throughout the valley. Additionally, Jhalendra cites insufficient winter chill due to rising temperatures as a cause for increased issues, causing walnut husk flies to emerge over a longer period of time. He encourages growers to visit www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/walnut/ for more information about walnut husk flies and other walnut pests.
Roger Isom, President and CEO of the Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA), and Jason Scott talk shop about current issues in the ag industry regarding trainings and regulations. Roger explains some of the new guidelines issued by Cal/OSHA as a result of COVID-19, and what WAPA is also doing to help members create better solutions for their businesses. Two critical measures mentioned by Roger include keeping a safe distance between employees and creating physical barriers to aid this. Roger also went into depth with some new regulations put out by the CA government that may pose problems in the future. Roger and Jason talked as well about key trainings WAPA is currently involved with, including but not limited to hazard training, fumigation training and worker background checks. Information about trainings offered can be found at www.agprocessors.org.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Steven A. Fennimore and David C. Slaughter
Jenna Rodriguez, Director of Strategic Accounts at Ceres Imaging, joins Jason Scott to talk about the uses and benefits of aerial imaging for growers. Jenna explains how Ceres conducts aerial imaging with drones, airplanes and satellites to capture specific light wavelengths and thermal data. These wavelengths and data are used to provide specific visualizations to the grower about things like water uptake, transpiration uniformity and dry-down patterns. Jenna explains the importance Ceres finds in promoting image literacy to give growers an easy understanding of otherwise-complicated data. Ceres is using innovative technologies to create timely and more-efficient harvests for growers as well as recognize patterns or issues in water use. Jenna encourages any growers interested in learning more about imaging to visit www.ceresimaging.net.
Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Franz Neiderholzer and Rhonda Smith
Dr. Sasha Heath from the Living Earth Collaborative talks with Jason Scott about her recent research involving bird-pest relationships. They go in-depth about the codling moth larvae and how certain birds have the ability to control these larvae populations. The larvae of this moth species takes a liking towards walnut trees, typically making its cocoon in the trees’ bark. Dr. Heath also explains landscape improvements made to create sustained habitats for birds to continuously feed in walnut orchards. She makes it a point to say that not all birds can be harmful to crops and there are beneficial places for certain birds within pest management.
We also hear from Jeannine Lowrimore, a Technical Sales Rep. with Pacific Biocontrol. She discusses the quick and effective power behind their recent NOW management approach. PBC’s successful data shows their strong economic value for the grower. To learn more visit pacificbiocontrol.com
APG president, Richard Matoian, and VP of APG, Judy Hirigoyen join Jason to discuss the 2020 “on year” pistachio crop. They discuss their approach to informing the public about new pistachio research, proving the pistachio is a complete protein. This sustainable plant-based protein now enters the same arena as meat, fish, dairy and eggs. They explain their marketing strategy and how they have communicated the healthy benefits of the pistachio. Richard also talks about the new federal assistance program for pistachio growers and the recent NOW concerns.
Jason Scott discusses a record breaking almond crop with Richard Waycott, President and CEO of the Almond Board of CA. Richard record-breakingdigs into the increasing bearing trend and how those numbers are determined. He talks about how the Almond Board determines acreage production and supply. Roger shares current challenges and opportunities in international and domestic trading. This inside look at the almond, a leader in the California specialty market, will leave you wanting a handful of your own.
Jason Scott talks with Jennifer Williams, California Walnut Board, about the growing walnut trend. She discusses the increased use of baking with walnuts during the pandemic and where to find all-time favorite walnut recipes. Jennifer highlights marketing trends and how their approach has proven to be effective. Listen to the interview and take a crack at the walnut, at walnuts.org
Mike Wade, Executive Director California Farm Water Coalition, discusses the new Water Blueprint for San Joaquin Valley with Jason Scott. Mike addresses the efforts made by stake holders to secure a safe and reliable water supply for CA agriculture. They talk about the impact of minimizing the water supply to over 300 thousand acres of tree nuts. Mike explains The Blueprint, and those who are working to move it forward and bring sustainable water to the San Juaquin valley.
Jason Scott talks with Andreas Westphal, UC Riverside, about the economic benefits of using improved walnut rootstocks. Andreas discusses some of the work done by a team of research scientists from the University of California, USDA-ARS, and California State University at Fresno. He talks about how they have come together to further improve rootstocks available for commercial production. The research group, with the aid of federal funding, aims to make improvements that can sustain soilborne pathogens.
To participate in the survey, see the May issue of West Coast Nut, Click Here to take Walnut Rootstock Grower Survey
Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Mohammad Yaghmour, Greg Browne and Brent Holtz.
Jason Scott talks with Jennifer Williams, marketing director for the California Walnut Board, about their approach to marketing in this “new normal.” Jennifer discusses how the board is monitoring legislature and mandates. They are focusing on providing routine updates to board members, alternates, handlers, and growers. They will continue to advocate by adapting their marketing programs and communicating effectively. Jennifer offers their established webpage for easy reference: https://walnuts.org/walnut-industry/covid19-resources/
Jason Scott talks with Louise Ferguson, UC Davis Extension Specialist, about her recent research of the pistachio tree physiology. Louise is dedicated to understanding the physiology of the pistachio tree, dormancy, bloom, set, yield, potential response to crop stress, temperature, salinity, and drought. Louise discusses the integrated approach to determining a long-term productivity assessment tool for the tree’s potential performance. She discusses the benefits of carbohydrates to tree productivity potential and the ability to access the collection of data. Louise discusses analyzing wood and bark samples, and how it relates to yield prediction and other benefits for growers. Louise’s expertise of tree physiology will help growers better manage the stressors of salinity and drought. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about pistachio tree physiology.
Jennifer Williams, marketing director for the Ca. Walnut board, joins Jason Scott for a conversation about the walnut market. Recognizing the rapid changes in media marketing, panic buying, and an increase in online shopping, Jennifer talks about their approach to successfully managing the situation. She confirms the Ca Walnut Board is staying abreast of the current situation, while continuing to meet the demands for growers and handlers.
Kat Jarvis Sheane, orchard system farm advisor in Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo Counties, talks with Jason Scott about winter chill. She discusses the potential problems within the bloom window and how it influences harvest. She addresses pistachio pollination in warmer winters as well as the difference between Chill Hours Model and Chill Portions Model. Learn why understanding winter chill will make a grower more successful.
Seth Hansen, CCA and PCA, talks with Jason Scott about how and why to adopt digital tools into everyday farm life. This major shift in the ag industry improves crop efficiency and long-term sustainability. Don’t miss Seth’s expertise in understanding how your needs will fit into this digital puzzle.
JW Lemons talks with Jason Scott about his work experience as a CCA and PCA in the US and Canada. JW discusses the benefits and process of becoming a pre-certified CCA, and how it’s helping young students get ahead in the field. He shares the advantages of PCA’s becoming a CCA and why this advances careers. JW’s expertise will help you best utilize CCA’s and PCA’s in your ag life.
In this episode of My Ag Life, Jason Scott interviews Rich Kreps on The Ins and Outs of Tissue Testing.
Roger Isom talks with Jason Scott and shares his experience in the ag world. Roger is President/CEO of California Cotton Ginners and Growers Assoc. and Western Ag Processors Assoc. His robust experience offers insights on current regulations and solutions such as the tractor rule, nighttime lighting standards and Sterile Insect Technology. From Fresno State to an agriculture leader, you won’t want to miss out on Rogers expertise.
BONUS interview with Jennifer Williams, CA Walnut Board. She shares an update on Covid-19 and how it is impacting the walnut industry.
Listen to the article highlighting Farm Advisor David Haviland by our contributing writer, Crystal Nay.
Something big is coming to the world of agriculture. The My Ag Life Podcast brought to you by JCS Marketing, Inc. the publisher of the industry-leading ag publications, West Coast Nut, Progressive Crop Consultant, and Organic Farmer. Our podcast will bring you exclusive interviews with industry professionals, readings of special articles from our publications, and even more!