The UC Cooperative Extension is pleased to introduce one of their newest Viticulture Farm Advisors, Joy Hollingsworth, who will be serving primarily table grape growers in Tulare and Kings Counties. Watch this video interview to get to know Joy, her history, and the research and extension she is currently focusing on.  Joy can be reached at 559-684-3313 or joyhollingsworth@ucanr.edu. Please thank this …

The arch nemesis pest of the California grape industry continues to spread to more grape growing areas. Vine mealybug damage not only leads to black sooty mold on grapevine leaves and clusters, but it can also transmit and spread grapevine leafroll associated viruses that have been devastating vineyards.  Watch this brief interview with UCCE Kern County Entomology Advisor David Haviland …

With grapevine red blotch disease widespread across the west, what’s a grower to do with a young or old vineyard that contracts this disease?  How does it impact grape yield and quality and are there ways to mitigate the detrimental effects of this disease?  Watch this brief interview with the new UCCE San Joaquin County Viticulture Advisor Justin Tanner to …

While the wine grape industry is a few steps ahead in vineyard mechanization, the table grape industry has made some recent advancements in options for mechanized pruning that can help growers save on labor costs and speed up what can be a tedious process of winter pruning.  Watch this brief interview with Kern County UCCE Viticulture Farm Advisor Tian Tian …

The rising generation of wine consumers are uniquely different from those that came before in so many ways.  As growers, wine makers and marketers seek to navigate changing trends and behaviors, watch this video featuring beverage alcohol consultant Danny Brager as he shares how to meet today’s wine consumers where they are. Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry …

As we’ve learned so painfully during the pandemic, one thing leads to another; and the actions of one politician in Australia have had a domino effect leading to severe challenges in the global red wine market.  Watch this brief interview with Mike Veseth, The Wine Economist and Professor Emeritus of International Political Economy at the University of Puget Sound, and …

Just as the previous Farm Bill has supported farmers with cost-share programs like EQIP to improve their sustainability, the specialty crop sector of ag is pushing for the coming Farm Bill to support on-farm ag tech innovations in a similar way.  Watch this brief interview with California Fresh Fruit Association President Ian LeMay to learn more. Please thank this video’s …

As inflation and fluctuating global economics raise concern for Americans and California farmers, watch this brief interview with world-renowned economic forecaster Marci Rossell.  Dr. Rossell recently addressed pistachio growers, processors and marketers at the annual Conference of American Pistachio Growers and shared some enlightening insights regarding the difference in today’s economic dynamics from the recessions of the past. Special Thanks …

The Governor of California recently issued an Executive Order allowing local water districts to utilize floodwater for groundwater recharge purposes, a record amount of which will take place on California farmland.  This is desperately needed and welcomed by farmers and other water users all over the state that have suffered decades of drought conditions.  Watch this brief interview with Adam …

While different sectors of the wine industry have embraced words describing their vineyard practices and wines such as “sustainable”, “Organic”, “Biodynamic” and “regenerative”, could “Climate Friendly” be the next buzz word and focus for wine grape growers? And would it interest consumers? Watch this brief interview with Liz Thach, Master of Wine, who recently addressed the industry at Unified Wine …