Voice of California Agriculture

The California Farm Bureau is excited to bring you the Voice of California Agriculture Podcast! Hosted by Gary Sack, the podcast will bring general farm and food news, plus legislative updates affecting California family farmers and ranchers. To learn more about the work that California Farm Bureau is doing, visit: https://www.cfbf.com/

Episode 77: 10/2/2025 - Hear about the Positive News in the Walnut Industry and Market

A walnut industry leader discusses the exceptional quality of this year’s crop and a brighter marketing outlook, plus their work to increase demand for California walnuts.

10-02
26:24

Episode 76: 9/25/2028 - Building a Better Almond Tree to Benefit Farmers and Consumers

Developing an almond tree that would rely less on honeybees and other benefits for farmers. A conversation with the head of Burchell Nursery–a leading independent tree nursery that has an in-house breeding program. 

09-25
22:13

Episode 75: 9/18/2025 - Why Farmers are Saying No to Prop 50

The state’s largest farm group says Proposition 50 is bad for rural California, communities and counties.

09-18
17:19

Episode 74: 9/11/2025 - Staying Safe on the Farm and Ranch

Farming is a dangerous occupation. Today we look at staying safe and getting workers back to work.

09-11
15:52

Episode 73: 9/4/2025 - Get to Know Gary Sack, the Voice of California Agriculture

Turning the tables on host Gary Sack to learn more about his passion for agriculture.

09-04
26:18

Episode 72: 8/28/2025 - Livestock Losses to Lions in Lake County

Apex predators—mainly lions cause huge losses in Lake County. 

08-28
20:18

Episode 71: 8/21/2025 - Wolves-Part 2—Looking for Solutions, Tomato Processing, and USDA Meat and Dairy Forecast

Part 2 of the impact of the grey wolf on a community, a great crop of tomatoes for processing and their amazing story, also, find out what the USDA is forecasting for meat and dairy supplies.

08-21
26:40

Episode 70: 8/14/2025 - Wolves, Abandoned Farmland pt 2, and Young Farmer Contests

Part 1- Gray wolves are proving to be brutal killing machines against livestock in the Northeastern part of the state, causing economic and mental stress for ranchers. Part 2 - Problems caused by abandoned farmland could get worse. Young Farmers awards and contests applications are now open, be sure to check them out!

08-14
22:54

Episode 69: 8/7/2025 - Neglected Farmland, Trade Deals, Farming’s Economic Contributions, and Cherry Update

Neglected farmland causing pest problems, trade deals effect on farmers, Marin--a tiny farm county has a big economic contribution, and a rough year for cherry growers.

08-07
25:11

Episode 68: 7/31/2025 - Pesticide Regulators Collaborate to Reduce Use, Farm Legislation Updates, and Watermelon and Pear Crop Projections

Pesticide regulator collaborates to reduce useFarm industry supported legislation moves forward.A check on this season’s watermelon and pear crops.

07-31
25:39

Episode 67: 7/24/2025 - Fresh Fruit Season, Legislative Briefs, Screwworm Update, Farm Security Action Plan

A check on California’s summer fruit season. Legislative briefs, The U.S. border closed again to Mexican livestock, and details on the National Farm Security Action Plan.

07-24
21:32

Episode 66: 7/17/2025 - Regulatory Costs, Organic Production Decrease, Labor Contractors in Farming Operations, and How the Big Beautiful Bill Helps Farm Families

The cost of regulations hurts California farm competitivenessOrganic production turns downwardFarm Labor Contractors helping on more farms todayAmerican Farm Bureau says the Big Beautiful Bill benefits farm families.

07-17
27:20

Episode 65: 7/10/2025 - Roadless Rule Rescinded, Pork Prices, Changing Food Trends, and Certified Crop Adviser Program

Roadless Rule rescinded to help with firefighting and timber harvesting. High hog numbers should mean continued low pork prices for consumers. Changing food consumption trends.  What’s it take to be a Certified Crop Adviser?  USDA is reopening some livestock imports from Mexico.

07-10
23:24

Episode 64: 7/3/2025 - Sugar Beet Facility Closing, New World Screwworm, Sites Reservoir Progress, Dairy Product Consumption Benefits, and Summer Cookout Cost

California’s last sugar beet facility is closing this year. It will be a major hit to the Imperial County economy. USDA takes steps to keep a feared livestock pest out of the United States. A progress report on Sites Reservoir.A dairy industry nutritionist answers common reasons why some people limit their consumption of dairy products.And a look at the cost of that 4th of July summer cookout.

07-03
23:40

Episode 63: 6/26/2025 - Estate Tax Planning Tips, EV Mandates Struck Down, Dairy Animal Care, and Labor Supply Concerns

The need for estate tax planning, now. President Trump strikes down California electric vehicle mandates. Dairy producer discusses cow care, nutrition and environmental improvements. Long-term farm labor supply concerns.

06-26
26:46

Episode 62: 6/19/25 - California Farm Leaders Voice Concerns, Day in the Life of a Dairy Farmer, Livestock Pest, and Average Age of Farmers Discussion

Chief agricultural concerns of California’s biggest farm leaders.An aging farm populations draws concernsOn June Dairy Month, we look at the life of a dairy farmer The U.S. Southern border is closed to livestock because of the threat of a livestock pest.

06-19
18:11

Episode 61: 6/12/25 - Market Demand for Almonds, Health Benefits of Dairy, Rural Crime, Tax Act, and MAHA

Current market demand for California Almonds. If Congress fails to act, tax increases could be costly. Some health benefits of dairy consumption that you may not have heard. Crime on the farm. Farm Bureau reacts to the MAHA Commission report.

06-12
21:21

Episode 60: 6/5/25 - Almond Forecast, Decreased Cherry Crop, Help for Small Farmers, Food Safety Reminders for Summer Cookouts

Almond forecast, extremely small cherry crop, USDA plans to helps small-scaled farmers, food safety reminders for those summer cookouts.

06-05
23:38

Episode 59: 5/29/25 - Farmer Capitol Visits, Coyotes, Mental Health Awareness, Legislative and Regulatory Update

Farm Bureau members make Capitol visits, Coyote controls stay in place, Mental Health Awareness, Legislative and Regulatory update.

05-29
23:13

Episode 58: 5/22/25 - Farm Trade Deficit, Unsolicited Seed Packets, Farmers Under Stress, Important Tax Laws Expiring

U.S. farm trade deficit—foods we are importing.Those mysterious seed packets from China that occurred in 2020 have again showed up in U.S. mailboxes in 2025. What to do if you should receive unsolicited seeds. Startling numbers on mental health issues, down on the farm. U.S. tax laws expiring that are important to pass the farm down to the next generatio

05-22
24:12

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