West

Biome Makers updates biological soil analysis BeCrop

Biome Makers Inc. announced Jan. 27 updates to its advanced biological soil analysis: BeCrop. Growers used to have to wait until after the growing season to determine the success of their crops, but now BeCrop... more »

Improving fertilization and irrigation practices targeted by project

The California Department of Food And Agriculture (CDFA) has received $2 million from the USDA for a research consortium to implement a demonstration and outreach approach to help farmers improve nitrogen fertilization and irrigation practices.... more »

Several issues impacting California processing-tomato growers

The supply chain's weak links and California's fickle winter weather are clouding the forecast for the state's processing-tomato growers. Aaron Barcellos, a diversified grower in Los Banos, already cut his tomato acreage by more than... more »

California water project deliveries get modest increase from storms

The California Department of Water Resources, or DWR, announced Jan. 20 it is increasing the State Water Project allocation to 15% of requested supplies for 2022. Last month, due to low water levels, the Department... more »

Plenty to sell complete farms directly to partners

South San Francisco, California-based Plenty Unlimited Inc., an indoor, vertical farming technology company that can grow clean produce year-round, anywhere in the world, announced Jan. 25 it has secured $400 million in a Series E... more »

David Lobell awarded 2022 NAS Prize in Food & Agriculture Sciences

Climate change requires major adjustments in agricultural techniques that allow traditional crops to grow under extreme conditions. However, developing new techniques requires an intricate understanding of how shifts in climate affect crop growth. David Lobell of Stanford... more »

Cover crops in Sacramento Valley topic of tour on March 3

Farmers and ranchers are invited on a tour to learn how to use cover crops to build soil health. A full-day tour of several cover crop sites in orchards and annual crop fields in the... more »

California growers offered free weekly organic agriculture seminars

Growers are invited to attend free organic agriculture seminars hosted by University of California Cooperative Extension. Lunchtime seminars will be offered on Tuesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. through March 8. The 30-minute presentations will... more »