West

UC study breaks down costs of growing organic strawberries

Thinking about commercially growing organic strawberries on California’s Central Coast? To help prospective and current growers evaluate financial feasibility, the University of California has estimated costs to produce and harvest organic strawberries for fresh market... more »

Grafting watermelons could boost yields for California growers

As growers across California navigate severe drought, supply-chain challenges and rising inflation, reducing inputs has become an existential necessity. And for watermelon growers, a new twist on a thousands-year-old practice is showing real promise. In... more »

Biome Makers expanding client base, moving to larger HQ

Biome Makers, a global leader in soil microbiology, will be moving into a new 4,200-square-foot headquarters in Davis, California, early next year to accommodate growth at the company. Construction and redesigning the space has already... more »

Robot weeding demonstrations, expo, offered at field day

The Midwest Mechanical Weed Control Field Day, the nation’s largest field day focused on mechanical weed control, is returning to an in-person event. The field day, which includes an expo and demonstrations, is Sept. 14,... more »

California awards grants promoting IPM systems

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is funding five projects through $1.78 million in Alliance Grants, with the goal of increasing the speed and the scale at which safer, more sustainable pest management practices... more »

Western Growers supports California water plans

Dave Puglia, Western Growers president and CEO, praised California Gov. Gavin Newsom's water supply strategy. Responding to Newsom’s Aug. 11 announcement, Puglia said the plan is “bold and comprehensive.” “Our... more »

Gov. Newsom unveils water strategy for hotter, drier California

Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced California’s latest actions to increase water supply and adapt to more extreme weather patterns caused by climate change. Hotter and drier weather conditions spurred by climate change could reduce California’s water... more »

AgSharks Competition organizers call for ag-tech entries

Western Growers and S2G Ventures are accepting applications for the 2022 AgSharks Competition. At the event, startup companies pitch their innovations in front of a live audience of the world’s largest specialty crop producers to... more »