Focus on Agriculture

CENTRAL COAST — Broccoli and other brassica growers along California’s Central Coast are bracing for another devastating season of infestations of the diamondback moth, but state regulators appear in no hurry to approve a new federally registered insecticide that could alleviate the damage. The moth’s...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County’s agricultural production value declined 3% in 2025 from the previous year’s record, totaling $4.82 billion as growers navigated fluctuating tariffs, rising production costs and shifting market conditions, according to the county’s annual Crop and Livestock Report released last week. The...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Fair and Event Center is accepting nominations for a new recognition program honoring women who have made significant contributions to agriculture in Monterey County and the Salinas Valley. The program coincides with the designation of 2026 as the International Year...

SOLEDAD — CRU Winery is building upon the success of its annual Chowder Cook-Off and expanding its hunt for the best chowder recipe nationwide. Now through July 14, U.S. residents can submit their recipe for a chance to win. The CRU Winery Chowder Cook-Off is a...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit arrested a Patterson man in connection with a series of copper wire thefts totaling more than $50,000, authorities said. Detectives investigated ongoing thefts of copper wire throughout Monterey County and identified a suspect using surveillance...

GONZALES — Gonzales resident Liz Silva received a huge surprise last month when she was awarded the Ag Woman of the Year from the Grower-Shipper Foundation. “When it was announced that I had received the Ag Woman of the Year, I was so happy and...

SALINAS VALLEY — Carnival lights glowed over the midway, children clutched sweet treats and livestock exhibitors proudly guided animals through crowded barns as thousands of visitors gathered for the 82nd annual Salinas Valley Fair from May 14-17 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King...

SALINAS VALLEY — This year’s Salinas Valley Fair Kick-Off delivered a standout evening of community support, raising $121,800 — the highest profit since 2018 — and building strong momentum for the 82nd annual Salinas Valley Fair, set for May 14-17. More than 500 guests gathered...

SALINAS VALLEY — Landowners, growers and community members are invited to attend upcoming workshops focused on river management in the Salinas Valley. The workshops will provide information and gather public feedback on new analyses related to flooding and flood impacts, allowable river management activities under...

GREENFIELD — Greenfield native Jennifer Trujillo still remembers a back-to-school night from her elementary school days. Her parents arrived quite late, still in their work clothes, and stepped into her classroom, the cool air conditioning washing over their skin. This is why you need to...