Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Submit a Letter to the Editor — We Want to Hear from You! 

The Valley Ag Voice is inviting its readers to submit a letter to the editor. Whether you have feedback on a recent article, insights...

KCFB: President’s Message 

By Jenny Holtermann, President, Kern County Farm Bureau  I know that it has been tough in the farming industry lately. Inputs are high and it...

KCFB: Young Farmers and Ranchers 

By Katelyn Filkins, Chair, Young Farmers and Ranchers  The Kern County Young Farmers and Ranchers group is gearing up for an exciting day of friendly...

Renewed Efforts Aim to Fix Farm Labor Challenges 

By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice  As the 119th Congress settles in, the Central Valley’s elected representatives are navigating the issues and policies affecting...
World Ag Expo

Save-the-Date for these Agricultural Events  

By Valley Ag Voice Staff  The most wonderful agricultural event of the year is coming up in February, and for once it’s not on Valentine’s...

Farm Bureau Hosts 19th Annual Spray Safe Event for Agricultural Safety 

By Lizzy Stevens and Natalie Willis, Valley Ag Voice   The Kern County Farm Bureau held its 19th Annual Spray Safe event on Jan. 17...

California Snowpack Looks Promising, but Challenges Remain Ahead 

Despite above-average snow levels in Northern California, the southern region lags behind.  By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice  The California Department of Water Resources conducted...
Chlorpyrifos pesticide sprayed by tractor

DPR Releases End-of-Year Update on Pesticide Reevaluations 

Public Comment Period on Paraquat Open Through February 13. By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice  On Dec. 30, the Department of Pesticide Regulation provided an...
A proposal to halt pending lawsuits that stem from the 2019 biological opinions issued by fisheries agencies, seeks a cease-fire to the litigation and allows the Biden administration to begin a new set of biological opinions.

Taxpayers to Foot Bill for California’s Legal Fight Against Trump 

By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice  Following the Nov. 5 presidential election, California Governor Gavin Newsom called a special session to safeguard certain state...
Groundwater recharge in an almond orchard

Essential Funds Approved for Recharge Facilities 

By Scott Hamilton, President, Hamilton Resource Economics  Proposition 4, authorizing $10 billion in bonds for safe drinking water, wildlife prevention, and protecting communities and natural...

Cultivating Connections: How Agritourism Enriches Farms, Families, and Communities 

By Lizzy Stevens, Copy Editor, Valley Ag Voice  Agritourism is increasing, blending the best of agriculture and tourism to give people a taste of farm...

KCFB: President’s Message 

By Jenny Holtermann, President, Kern County Farm Bureau  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a blessed holiday season with your...

KCFB: Young Farmers and Ranchers 

By Katelyn Filkins, Chair, Young Farmers and Ranchers  Happy New Year! Before I share a bit about myself, I want to take a moment to...

OPINION: If Cattle Were Combat Athletes 

By Austin Snedden, Ranching Contributor, Valley Ag Voice  Drawing parallels and seeing the world in analogies is not necessarily profound, but it can be useful...

New Fuel Standards Set to Cut Emissions Could Increase Gas Prices 

By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice  The California Air Resources Board voted to amend its Low Carbon Fuel Standard program on Nov. 8. The...

Soil Health a Key Topic at Climate Smart Field Day 

Experts discuss the importance of proper soil management during Arbuckle Field Day hosted by USDA.  By Brian Milne, Vice President, Director of Marketing & Communications,...

2025 Agricultural Grant Opportunities for Central Valley Farmers 

By Valley Ag Voice Staff  With the new year, opportunities to apply for 2025 agricultural grant cycles are available for Central Valley growers.   SUSTAINABLE AG  The UC...

Almond Industry Targets New Markets as Acreage Shrinks Again 

By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice  California almond acreage dropped again in 2024, marking the third consecutive year that acreage has decreased. According to...
winegrape harvest

Save-the-Date for these Agricultural Events  

By Valley Ag Voice Staff  Mark your calendars for a trio of essential agricultural events kicking off the new year. From innovative approaches to managing...

Sola Scriptura: Part One 

Joshua Stevens, Faith Contributor, Valley Ag Voice  “Scripture alone is the true lord and master of all writings and doctrine on earth. If that is...

Brown Armstrong Appoints 20-Year Veteran Ryan Nielsen as Managing Partner 

Press release provided by Brown Armstrong  Brown Armstrong, a leading full-service public accounting firm with offices in Bakersfield, Fresno, and Stockton, is pleased to announce...

Farm Bill Extended, Disaster Relief Secured in New Funding Bill 

By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice  On Dec. 20, Congress approved a Continuing Resolution — American Relief Act, 2025 — to avoid a government...

Kern Subbasin Finalizes 2024 GSP Ahead of Probationary Hearing

By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice In December, the Kern County Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies finalized and approved a coordinated, amended Groundwater Sustainability Plan...

World Ag Expo Announces Connie Conway as Chairman for 2025 Show

By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice The World Ag Expo named former Assemblymember and 22nd Congressional District Representative Connie Conway as the 2025 Show...

Agricultural Education Evolves to Meet Industry Demands 

By Natalie Willis, Reporter, Valley Ag Voice  As California's farming population ages — with the average farmer nearing 60-years-old, according to the 2022 Census of...

Reductions in SWP Deliveries Expected to Continue 

By Scott Hamilton, President, Hamilton Resource Economics  Roughly every two years, the California Department of Water Resources issues its “Delivery Capability Report” for the State...