The MyAgLife Podcast

Stacey Givens, owner, farmer and chef of Side Yard Farm and Kitchen, sits down with Editorial Assistant Intern Taylor Chalstrom to discuss urban farming and the impact COVID-19 has had on her operation. Givens offers insightful information on the day-to-day life of an urban farmer as well as some of the things she misses the most from pre-COVID times.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by contributing writer Danita Cahill.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Amélie Gaudin, UC Davis Dept. of Plant Sciences.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by contributing writer Vicky Boyd.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by UCCE Nutrient Management and Soil Quality Farm Advisor Joy Hollingsworth.

Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Richard Smith.

Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Kathy Coatney.

Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Stacie Clary.

Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Danita Cahill.

Jason Scott sits down with Roger Isom, President and CEO of Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA), to discuss the recent comeback of tree nut theft in the ag industry. Roger explains the intricate yet simple theft process as well as guidelines that growers and sellers can follow to protect themselves from future thefts.

Joel Siegel, USDA ARS Research Entomologist, sits down with Jason Scott to discuss navel orangeworm (NOW), its prevalence in the tree nut industry and control methods. There is a strong correlation between timely harvest and higher NOW populations, making it pertinent to harvest earlier if there is an abundance of NOW.

Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by William M. Wintermantel, USDA-ARS, Salinas.

Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by TriCal Diagnostics Director Steven Koike.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by the American Pecan Council.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by contributing writer Kathy Coatney.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Contributing Writer Mitch Lies.

Listen to this article in West Coast Nut from Mike Wade, California Farm Water Coalition.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Associate Editor Cecilia Parsons.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Amy Wolfe of AgSafe.

Shulamit Shroder, UCCE Education Specialist, joins Editorial Assistant Intern Taylor Chalstrom to discuss current applications and research of cover crops in California ag. Shulamit explains some of the creative ways that growers are utilizing cover cropping systems in their fields or orchards, even citing one that involves juicing the cover crop after its use to obtain maximum utility.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Jenny Holtermann

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Julie R. Johnson

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by The Hazelnut Marketing Board

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Rich Kreps

Jason Scott talks with Jhalendra Rijal, Area IPM Advisor for the North San Joaquin Valley, about UC Cooperative Extension research involving the walnut husk fly. The walnut husk fly is a small, colorful fly that lays its eggs in the husk of a walnut where its larvae soon hatch. Jhalendra explains how these hatching larvae create issues for the processing and marketing of walnuts. He theorizes how populations of walnut husk flies may be on the rise due to increased walnut acreages throughout the valley. Additionally, Jhalendra cites insufficient winter chill due to rising temperatures as a cause for increased issues, causing walnut husk flies to emerge over a longer period of time. He encourages growers to visit www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/walnut/ for more information about walnut husk flies and other walnut pests.

Roger Isom, President and CEO of the Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA), and Jason Scott talk shop about current issues in the ag industry regarding trainings and regulations. Roger explains some of the new guidelines issued by Cal/OSHA as a result of COVID-19, and what WAPA is also doing to help members create better solutions for their businesses. Two critical measures mentioned by Roger include keeping a safe distance between employees and creating physical barriers to aid this. Roger also went into depth with some new regulations put out by the CA government that may pose problems in the future. Roger and Jason talked as well about key trainings WAPA is currently involved with, including but not limited to hazard training, fumigation training and worker background checks. Information about trainings offered can be found at www.agprocessors.org.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Roger A. Isom

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Roger A. Baldwin

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by C.A. Pierce

Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Steven A. Fennimore and David C. Slaughter

Jenna Rodriguez, Director of Strategic Accounts at Ceres Imaging, joins Jason Scott to talk about the uses and benefits of aerial imaging for growers. Jenna explains how Ceres conducts aerial imaging with drones, airplanes and satellites to capture specific light wavelengths and thermal data. These wavelengths and data are used to provide specific visualizations to the grower about things like water uptake, transpiration uniformity and dry-down patterns. Jenna explains the importance Ceres finds in promoting image literacy to give growers an easy understanding of otherwise-complicated data. Ceres is using innovative technologies to create timely and more-efficient harvests for growers as well as recognize patterns or issues in water use. Jenna encourages any growers interested in learning more about imaging to visit www.ceresimaging.net.

Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Shulamit Shroder

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Cecelia Parsons

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Vicky Boyd

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Mitch Lies

Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Franz Neiderholzer and Rhonda Smith

Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Dr. Karl A. Wyant

Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by Richard Smith

Listen to this article from Progressive Crop Consultant by William M. Wintermantel

Dr. Sasha Heath from the Living Earth Collaborative talks with Jason Scott about her recent research involving bird-pest relationships. They go in-depth about the codling moth larvae and how certain birds have the ability to control these larvae populations. The larvae of this moth species takes a liking towards walnut trees, typically making its cocoon in the trees’ bark. Dr. Heath also explains landscape improvements made to create sustained habitats for birds to continuously feed in walnut orchards. She makes it a point to say that not all birds can be harmful to crops and there are beneficial places for certain birds within pest management.

We also hear from Jeannine Lowrimore, a Technical Sales Rep. with Pacific Biocontrol. She discusses the quick and effective power behind their recent NOW management approach. PBC’s successful data shows their strong economic value for the grower. To learn more visit pacificbiocontrol.com

APG president, Richard Matoian, and VP of APG, Judy Hirigoyen join Jason to discuss the 2020 “on year” pistachio crop. They discuss their approach to informing the public about new pistachio research, proving the pistachio is a complete protein. This sustainable plant-based protein now enters the same arena as meat, fish, dairy and eggs. They explain their marketing strategy and how they have communicated the healthy benefits of the pistachio. Richard also talks about the new federal assistance program for pistachio growers and the recent NOW concerns.

Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Kathy Coatney.

Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Danita Cahill.

Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Danita Cahill.

Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Danita Cahill.

Listen to this article from Organic Farmer by Kelpie Wilson.

Jason Scott discusses a record breaking almond crop with Richard Waycott, President and CEO of the Almond Board of CA. Richard record-breakingdigs into the increasing bearing trend and how those numbers are determined. He talks about how the Almond Board determines acreage production and supply. Roger shares current challenges and opportunities in international and domestic trading. This inside look at the almond, a leader in the California specialty market, will leave you wanting a handful of your own.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Jenny Holtermann.

Listen to this article from West Coast Nut by Julie R Johnson