Episode 117: 7/23/26 - Pistachios, Golden Mussels, Almonds, and Food Cost Inflation

Episode 117: 7/23/26 - Pistachios, Golden Mussels, Almonds, and Food Cost Inflation

How big is this year’s pistachio crop--and just how many pistachios does the average American eat each year?   The golden mussel, California's newest invasive pest, is already causing millions of dollars in damage.  Plus, the almond harvest is beginning --we’ll look at their challenges and market conditions.  Food prices continue to rise, but are farmers sharing in those higher prices? And where does California rank when it comes to grocery costs?

Episode 116: 7/16/2026 - Grizzly Bears, Wolf Funds, Pear Blight, & Good News for Pear Farmers

A bill to bring grizzly bears back to California moves forward.  Some help for livestock producers who lose animals to wolves.  One of the worst years in memory for fire blight in pears.  Finally, some promising news for pear farmers.

Episode 115: 7/9/2026 - Pear Crop Update, the Role of Crop Advisors, USDA Crackdown on SNAP

We’ll check on the pear crop and why you should look for California fresh pears.  Certified Crop Advisors helping farmers on and off the field.  The USDA is cracking down on state errors in their food assistance programs costing taxpayers billions.

Episode 114: 7/2/2026 - Pest Threats, Williamson Act, Watermelons, Cookout Costs, and Ice Cream

An industry leaders says California needs to allocate more money to thwart pest threats.  Legislation that could weaken a farmland protection law—known as the Williamson Act.  Changes in watermelons from a generation ago, plus the health benefits.  The cost of the 4th of July cookout.  For National Ice Cream months, learn how much George Washington spent on ice cream one summer, and the origin of the hot fudge sundae.

Episode 113: 6/25/2026 - Livestock Protection from Wolves, Pest Threats Increase, Watermelon Crop, and Agriculture Over 250 Years

A bill to help protect livestock from wolves.   Money not keeping up with pest threats in California.  Watermelon crop   Agriculture innovation over the last 250 years.