Farm Bureau Friday

As California's wolf population grows, so do concerns from ranchers facing livestock losses and rising costs. Kristin and Anna sit down for a conversation with Steven Fenaroli of California Farm Bureau, as he explains the latest developments, current management options and what could come next for producers impacted by wolves. 

In this episode of Farm Bureau Friday, Bill Penney of the Turlock Irrigation District breaks down Project Nexus, a first-of-its-kind effort to install solar panels over irrigation canals.

Developed with UC Merced and state partners, the project aims to conserve water while generating renewable energy without taking farmland out of production. Early results point to reduced evaporation, minimal operational impact and fewer issues with aquatic vegetation. 

The conversation also looks at what’s next and whether solar canals could scale across California.

Omer Davidi, CEO and co-founder of BeeHero, joins Kristin Platts and Anna Genasci to discuss how AI and in-hive sensor technology are transforming pollination management. The conversation explores almond pollination trends, bee health, logistics challenges and how real-time data is helping growers and beekeepers improve decision-making and sustainability across agriculture.

Kristin Platts and Anna Genasci talk with Renee Pinel, president and CEO of Western Plant Health Association, about Sustainable Pest Management (SPM), common misconceptions about pesticide recommendations and the importance of maintaining a full toolbox of crop protection tools. Pinnell also discusses how research is challenging assumptions about PCAs and what policy developments growers should watch in 2026.

On this episode of Farm Bureau Friday, Kristin Platts and Anna Genasci sit down with Bryan Little, Chief Operating Officer of Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS), to discuss the key regulatory issues ag employers should watch in 2026.nFrom H-2A changes and rising labor costs to ag overtime, indoor heat rules and autonomous equipment, Little outlines what’s ahead and how employers can prepare, while highlighting how FELS supports compliance and workforce management across California agriculture.

In this episode of Farm Bureau Friday, Kristin Platts and Anna Genasci talk with Dr. Eliza Lockwood, Medical Affairs Lead at Bayer's Crop Science Division, about the role pesticides play in public health and modern food security. Lockwood shares how her path from emergency medicine to toxicology shaped her perspective and breaks down the scientific rigor behind today’s crop protection tools. The conversation explores misinformation, glyphosate safety, and why sound agricultural policy matters for both growers and consumers.

Stanislaus County Farm Bureau’s Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing’s Kristin Platts sit down with California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass to discuss the organization’s key challenges and achievements in 2025 and what they mean for California agriculture. Douglass highlights how Farm Bureau is addressing regulatory pressures, strengthening advocacy for growers and expanding its support for growers and ranchers statewide. 

Stanislaus County Farm Bureau’s Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing’s Kristin Platts sit down with Troy Gravatt, dean of agriculture, environmental sciences and technical education at Modesto Junior College, to discuss how the college's agriculture program continues to build a strong pipeline of skilled, career-ready students entering California’s ag workforce. The conversation also looks ahead to future plans for the School of Agriculture and how the college is adapting to meet the industry’s evolving needs.

Stanislaus County Farm Bureau’s Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing’s Kristin Platts sit down with Linda Pinfold, Stanislaus County agricultural commissioner, to discuss the 2024 Crop Report. They cover the top 10 commodities, resilience of the dairy industry, impact of avian influenza and importance of public awareness around local agriculture.

Stanislaus County Farm Bureau’s Anna Genasci and JCS Marketing’s Kristin Platts sit down with California Farm Bureau Director of Policy Advocacy Steven Fenaroli to discuss the recent win that protected ranchers’ ability to manage coyotes in California. Fenaroli explains the proposed restrictions, how grassroots efforts turned the tide and why vigilance will be key as predator management debates continue.