Do you want to go behind the scenes and learn about how the food gets on your table? Hear about the complex world of agricultural policy, food safety, crop protection, disease control and more from the most influential people working in farming. Be sure to tune in each week as we delve deeper into the inner workings of our food system.
In this episode of Voices of the Valley , Western Growers' Taylor Lauson sits down with Michelle Paul, Executive Director of the California Farm Water Coalition, to break down one of the most important and misunderstood topics in agriculture: water. From where California's water comes from and how it reaches farms to the technologies helping growers use it more efficiently, Michelle explains the…
In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers' Jeana Cadby sits down with USDA research entomologist Dr. Daniel Hasegawa to explore the surprising role insects play in agriculture. From beneficial pollinators and parasitoid wasps to destructive pests and insect-borne crop diseases, Dr. Hasegawa breaks down how insects shape the food we grow and eat every day, and the cutting-edge…
In this episode of Voices of the Valley, we explore the future of regenerative agriculture through the lens of stewardship, conservation and long-term resilience. Hosted by Western Growers’ Jeana Cadby, the conversation features Craig McNamara, founder of Sierra Orchards, who shares his decades-long journey in farming and his vision for farming for the next 100 years. From integrating sheep into…
This episode of Voices of the Valley highlights the voices and experiences of women shaping the future of agriculture. Hosted by Western Growers’ Michelle Rivera and Cierra Allen, the conversation features Briana Giampaoli of Live Oak Farms and Kristen Camarena of Bonipak, who share their career journeys, challenges and perspectives on leadership in the industry. In recognition of 2026 as the…
In this episode of Voices of the Valley, we sit down with Jacie Johnston and Zac Green of Johnston Farms and WN Citrus, afourth-generation family operation nestled at the base of the Tehachapi Mountains. What began nearly 80 years ago with a single potato crop has grown into a diverse farm producing citrus, potatoes, peppers, carrots and more across thousands of acres. Jacie and Zac share their…
On the latest episode of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers hangs out with Cannon Michael, President and CEO of Bowles Farming Company, and the sixth generation to run his family’s farm. Cannon takes us behind the scenes of a truly unique operation that grows everything from tomatoes and melons to pistachios and cotton, while also caring for thousands of acres of wildlife habitat. Cannon also…
In this episode, we sit down with Grant and Elizabeth Talley — fourth-generation farmers from one of California’s most respected agricultural families. From vineyards to vegetable fields to grass-fed beef, the Talley's are carrying forward a legacy that began in 1948 in the Arroyo Grande Valley. Hear how they’re honoring family traditions, embracing innovation and educating the next generation —…
Nestled in the heart of Irvine, Calif., Tanaka Farms is morethan just a working farm—it’s a living story of resilience, tradition and community. In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Western Growers’ Cory Lunde talks to fourth-generation farmer Kenny Tanaka. Join us as we dig into thefarm’s rich history, the vibrant “you-pick” experiences that let visitors harvest their own strawberries,…
In this Voices of the Valley episode, Western Growers Senior Vice President, Innovation, Walt Duflock and The Reservoir CEO Danny Bernstein introduce Reservoir Farms, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Salinas, Calif., where agtech startups can work with growers to do field trials of their technologies. In tandem with endeavors from the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology,…
Curious to know how America’s farms fill the jobs that are essential for our food supply? In this episode of Voices of the Valley, we dive into the H-2A program, a vital but often misunderstood part of our agricultural workforce, with Western Growers Senior Vice President and Legal Counsel, Jason Resnick. Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to better understand the legal and operational ins…