Focus on Agriculture

SALINAS — Hartnell College has been awarded a $9.5 million grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s inaugural NEXTGEN program.  The official announcement was made during a presentation by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in Washington, D.C., on June 20. “This...

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 — Braga Fresh is promoting Colby Pereira to chief operating officer, making her the first person to hold that title as the company enters its 95th year in business. “Colby’s family farming background and reasoned, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving are an asset for this new...

National Agriculture Week 2026 will be observed March 15-21, with National Ag Day falling on March 24. The annual week highlights the vital role agriculture plays in the United States — providing food, jobs and economic stability — and encourages Americans to recognize the industry’s contributions...

SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County Home Charter School senior Carli Hammond was crowned 2022 Miss Salinas Valley Fair after competing against one other girl in such areas as personality, scholastic ability, poise and horsemanship. The annual contest took place at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in...

Future Farmers of America members from King City to Watsonville gathered at Soledad High School for the annual interview contest on Jan. 31.

SALINAS VALLEY — Salinas Valley Ag Tech Summit returns March 18-19 for its eighth annual event, recognizing the increasingly international scope of the produce industry, with a number of presenters from Latin America and a diversity of experience and expertise from California. There is...

SOLEDAD — This summer, CRU Winery is on the hunt for the best chowder recipe with their Chowder Cook-Off Contest. Now through Aug. 6, California residents can submit their best chowder recipe for a chance to win. The Chowder Cook-Off is a tribute to the...

GREENFIELD — A certificate of recognition was recently awarded to Scheid Vineyards in Greenfield by Southern Monterey County Republican Women Federated (SMCRWF) for the winery’s patriotism demonstrated by flying the American flag at its place of business. SMCRWF President Jeane Errea-Mills and SMCRWF Caring for...