Joe Del Bosque on Farming the West Side: Water, Labor and Resilience

The latest AgNet News Hour takes listeners to California’s West Side for an in-depth conversation with Joe Del Bosque of Del Bosque Farms, as “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni and Sir Josh McGill explore the realities facing farmers trying to keep nearly 2,000 acres productive.

Del Bosque’s story is one of perseverance. His family came to the San Joaquin Valley from the Imperial Valley in the 1930s and 1940s to work seasonal melon harvests. His father eventually accepted a permanent position growing and harvesting melons, and Joe grew up learning the business and developing the work ethic that would eventually lead him to start his own farm in 1985.

Today, Del Bosque Farms produces organic cantaloupes, honeydews, watermelons and specialty melons, along with organic processing tomatoes and almonds. But farming those crops has become increasingly difficult. Early warm weather pushed the melon harvest into June, but later production caught up, creating a supply buildup that pressured prices. Extreme heat has also created challenges, including sunburn damage to some melon varieties.

Water remains one of the biggest concerns. Del Bosque says his West Side operation received only a 25% water allocation this year, forcing the farm to purchase additional water from other districts at significant expense. The farm cannot simply stop watering almond trees for a year, while its melon program also requires reliable water to remain viable.

Labor is another critical issue. Del Bosque understands the physical demands firsthand, having picked cantaloupes himself beginning at about age 10. Today, his crews work early to avoid the worst afternoon heat, with cold water, shade and breaks provided to help protect workers. He also argues that agriculture needs a reliable legal workforce and a faster, practical process for workers seeking legal status.

The conversation also turns to California politics and the importance of farmers working with whoever holds elected office. Del Bosque says he prefers bringing policymakers directly to the farm so they can see firsthand how crops are grown, harvested and marketed. He emphasizes that agriculture needs solutions on water, labor, immigration and regulation regardless of which political party is in power.

The interview offers a candid look at the pressures facing California farmers—and the determination that keeps them farming despite those challenges. Listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast for more from Joe Del Bosque, Nick Papagni and Sir Josh McGill, including the discussion about water, markets, farm labor, California politics and the future of farming on the West Side.

Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.