Christina Yergat

Much of the United States’ winter produce is grown in one economically depressed desert county in California with a century-long agricultural history, where a multi-billion dollar lithium mining industry looms on the horizon. Will Imperial Valley agriculture survive?

Your Land, My Land

Dungeness crab season was a beloved Bay Area holiday tradition, an annual $40 million boon for crabbers and restaurants alike. But with Humpback whales getting entangled in crabbing lines, the tides have shifted.

Crabs v. Whales

After years of devastating wildfires, many producers are wondering if prescribed burns might improve their acreage. Here’s how to keep land, livestock, buildings, and selves safe. 

To Burn or Not to Burn

In California, grassroots groups of researchers, growers, and volunteers are using mushrooms to clean up after wildfires. 

Healing with Mycelium

California 4-H launched a series of drone camps this summer, preparing teens for farming’s future.

Drone Camp

California producers are reporting up to 70% crop loss from grasshoppers. Where is the federal management agency that’s designed to assist with this very problem?

Grasshoppers Wreaking Havoc

As EVs climb in popularity, electric tractors lag behind. But so do the incentives to purchase them. 

Do Farmers Dream of Electric Tractors? 

Multigenerational winemakers want to continue the legacy of old Zinfandel vineyards, but economic pressure poses significant challenges. 

What Does It Take to Save American Heritage Wine?

California just released a statewide draft definition for regenerative ag. Stakeholder reactions are mixed on whether this is the best way forward.

Everyone Loves Regenerative Agriculture — But No One Agrees on What It Is

California just got its first new farm bureau in 40 years, in its smallest and most population-dense county. It’s not totally clear why.

California’s Most Urban County Lands a Farm Bureau

A new initiative aims to shift some crop production from increasingly water-scarce, heat- and fire-scorched California to the Mid-Delta. Rice is key to the plan. 

The California-to-Arkansas Farmer Pipeline

Many stakeholders see California as kelp farming’s next frontier, but they say the permitting process is slow, expensive, and confusing. 

The Seaweed Industry Is Booming. Why Is it so Hard to Start a Farm in California? 

With low incomes and poor access to healthcare, farmworkers suffer an outsized economic impact from a disease many people have never heard of and doctors still misdiagnose. 

Valley Fever Can Devastate Farmworkers and Their Families

Could a warming climate prove a boon for California orchards?

In Defense of Frost

As climate change intensifies, contamination from floods can pose hazards long after the waters recede.

Rising Waters, Sinking Prospects

Advocates say the Farm Bill can help address the racial water gap.

Wells Are Running Dry in Rural Communities of Color. Is a Fix in Sight?

The state will now pay livestock producers for their animals‘ indirect, wolf-related stress.

California Is Spending Millions to Compensate Ranchers for Living Near Wolves

New research investigates how nitrogen in farmland soils responds to recharge floodwaters.

Farmland flooding could help with both extreme weather and depleted aquifers. But will it contaminate drinking water?

With water resources becoming ever scarcer, Golden State rice farmers look for ways to cut back on their usage.

After a crippling drought, California has enough water to grow rice this year. Its troubles aren’t over.

As wine regions grapple with labor shortages, rising temperatures, wildfires, and drought, some winemakers are betting on a future that’s dependent on smart technology. Others are less convinced.

Tech Companies Are Pushing Precision Agriculture Into American Vineyards

State agriculture groups are wary of costly equipment upgrades, lack of rural charging stations, and an aggressive implementation timeline.

California Wants to Transition All Truck Fleets to Zero Emissions. Farmers Aren’t So Sure.

Agriculture workers could greatly benefit from proposed legislation mandating PTO during hurricanes, wildfires, and more. But who gets to take it? And who will foot the bill?

A Safety Net for Farmworkers During Climate Disasters

California’s Proposition 12, mandating 24 feet of space for pigs, has ramifications for pig farmers — and commerce — everywhere.

Should California’s Animal Welfare Laws Affect National Pork Production? The Supreme Court Is About to Decide.

Oregon, Washington, and California are phasing in overtime pay for farmworkers. In response, some employers are simply cutting hours and hiring more workers.

All “California” Posts