You may have heard of them in the comedy film Princess Bride as “Rodents of Unusual Size”, but this is the real thing — only not so large and formidable.  Nutria were originally introduced into the United States as part of the fur trade in the late 1800s, but were eradicated from California in the 1970s.  They made a sudden …

When it comes to Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter, it’s critical for growers to pay attention to both the disease and the vector.  Although collaborative efforts within the grape industry have kept disease levels down in recent years, population levels of the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter have been elevating in the San Joaquin Valley. Watch this brief interview with UC Cooperative Extension …

At Malcolm Media’s recent Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo, UCCE Viticulture Advisor Gabriel Torres provided an in-depth presentation on sour rot prevention and management. If you missed his presentation or would like a refresher, watch this brief interview as Gabriel provides of some key points growers should consider in season-long prevention/management of this crop spoiling complex. Please thank this …

The California raisin industry is evolving and the Raisin Bargaining Association with it, as RBA leadership looks to better meet the needs of its grower membership.  Watch this brief interview with RBA representative Dwayne Cardoza as he shares how the association is refocusing its mission to the core objectives it was founded on. Much more to be shared virtually in …

Sonoma County Winegrowers have reached nearly 100% certified sustainability in their growing practices, but they are not settling just at that.  They are currently working with the California Land Stewardship Institute to develop a Climate Adaption Certification program and launched a pilot program this year in preparation.  Watch this brief interview with Laurel Marcus as she explains and read more …

With smoke-filled skies and ongoing wildfires in forested areas, one may wonder just how the California raisin industry may be impacted by all this.  As harvest continues through the pandemic year, what should we expect from the 2020 crop?  Watch this brief interview with Rick Stark from Sun-Maid growers to find out and read more about it in American Vineyard …

Wildfires and smoke exposure aside, what is the 2020 wine grape crop looking like.  Jeff Bitter from Allied Grape Growers reports that the crop could be much smaller than expected with supply and demand returning to a more balanced state.  Watch his brief interview now and be sure to attend Jeff Bitter’s State of the wine grape industry address at …

Many of our wine grape industry friends and families have been impacted by the recent wildfires, and our hearts and prayers go out to them. Although vineyards tend to act as fire breaks helping to mitigate the spread of these wildfires, growers and winemakers are concerned about what the smoke exposure impact will have on the 2020 vintage.  Please watch …