California Water, Farming and Ag Technology in Focus

California agriculture takes center stage in the latest AgNet NewsHour, as Nick Papagni, the Ag Meter, talks with fourth-generation Bakersfield farmer Jason Giannelli and Patrick Williams of SkySense about some of the biggest issues facing farmers across the state.

Giannelli, director of farming for Old River Farming and R.& G. Fanucci and president of the California Water Alliance, gives listeners an inside look at the challenges facing Kern and Kings County agriculture. His operation farms roughly 10,000 acres, much of it dedicated to dairy feed crops including corn silage, milo, Sudan grass and triticale. He says the current dairy market remains difficult, while increasing water-quality regulations are adding additional challenges for farmers working with manure, nitrogen and irrigation water.

Water remains one of the central themes of the conversation. Giannelli discusses the difficulty of receiving reliable surface-water deliveries and explains that his operation received a maximum of about 40 percent of its allocation during the season. He also discusses the challenges surrounding on-farm water storage and the broader implications of leaving agricultural land fallow. The conversation connects water availability with agricultural production, rural employment, local economies and concerns about conditions such as Valley fever.

Fuel costs are another major concern. Giannelli explains how his operation purchased diesel early as part of an effort to hedge against anticipated market and refinery pressures. The interview also examines agricultural automation and the California Ag Tech Alliance, including efforts to evaluate emerging technologies and navigate workplace regulations affecting autonomous farm equipment. Giannelli also shares the personal side of farming, talking about raising his children around the family operation and documenting their lives on social media. He encourages people interested in California water issues to attend the California Water Alliance water forum on October 1 at Belmont Country Club.

The program then turns to agricultural technology with Patrick Williams of SkySense, who explains how remotely operated drones are being used to protect crops from birds and other wildlife. SkySense operates drones equipped with thermal cameras and powerful speakers, providing day-and-night protection for crops including lettuce, table grapes, rice, blueberries, cherries and peaches. The technology can also help identify and deter trespassers and agricultural theft.

Williams says SkySense handles installation, removal and operation, meaning growers do not have to provide additional labor for the wildlife-mitigation system. Individual drones can effectively cover as much as 150 acres, while changing deterrent sounds helps prevent birds from becoming accustomed to the system. Growers interested in learning more can visit SkySense.ag or call 888-759-1947.

There is much more in this episode, including California's harvest season, walnut marketing, agricultural labor, water infrastructure, fuel supplies, farm technology and the personal story of a fourth-generation farmer working to keep agriculture moving forward.

Listen to the full AgNet NewsHour podcast on your favorite podcast app or listen below for the complete conversation and all the latest California agriculture news.