Bird Flu Hits 1.3 Million California Laying Hens
The USDA confirmed the California outbreak on October 28, following a separate outbreak in Illinois that affected 934,600 birds.
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California Agriculture News
Agriculture in California — farming, agribusiness, commodity markets and the food production supply chain — is a defining part of the state's economy, and coverage here follows the industry as it moves through markets, weather and water constraints. Reporting reaches Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose.
Recent news
November 6, 2026
Pacheco Wins Assembly Seat, Brings Farm VoiceThe Fresno County supervisor and fourth-generation dairy farmer won California's 27th Assembly District over Republican Mike Murphy.
November 5, 2026
Desalinated Water Costs Exceed Farm RevenueCalifornia leaders estimate new desalination projects would cost $3,400 to $3,700 per acre-foot, more than twice the average farm revenue from the same irrigation water.
November 4, 2026
Fresno County Agriculture Hits Record $9.6 BillionThe county's 2025 crop and livestock report shows gross value up 6.8% from 2024, with almonds again leading all commodities.
November 3, 2026
Lygus Damage Cuts California Pima Cotton YieldsA lengthy rainy season and lygus infestation are squeezing California's already drought-reduced Pima cotton crop this year.
October 27, 2026
Bureau of Reclamation Increases California Water AllocationFederal officials raised the water supply for south-of-Delta contractors to 31 percent following favorable reservoir conditions.
October 22, 2026
Argentine Ants Hinder California Citrus Pest ControlInvasive ants are protecting agricultural pests from natural predators, complicating efforts to curb citrus disease.
October 21, 2026
California Dairy Industry Files Suit Over Nitrate RulesThe dairy sector is challenging a new state order regarding nitrate pollution limits for expanding farms.
October 15, 2026
California Sets Farm Worker Pay at $19.75Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation in September 2026 to boost wages for over 800,000 agricultural laborers.
October 15, 2026
California Apple Harvest Faces Significant Yield DeclineThe 2026 crop volume is down up to 30 percent as farmers navigate record fuel costs and abnormal spring weather.
October 14, 2026
USDA Will Expand Olive Crop Insurance in CaliforniaThe Risk Management Agency is adding coverage for growers in four California counties for the 2027 crop year.
More in Agriculture
The beat runs across crop production and commodity data, agribusiness consolidation, labor practices, technology adoption and the supply chain decisions that connect California fields to domestic and export markets. Water access is the structural constraint that shapes more California agricultural stories than any other single factor — allocation disputes, drought conditions and infrastructure investment each generate sustained coverage that runs across seasons and years. Federal and state agricultural policy, including crop insurance and trade agreements, add a policy layer to the production and market news that recurs every time a major program comes up for renewal. Specialty crop production — nuts, fruits and vegetables — gives California an agricultural profile that diverges significantly from the grain-dominated Midwest, and the business stories here reflect that.