Growing Coachella Valley

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

Today on Memorial Day, we pause to honor the extraordinary courage and selfless sacrifice of our nation’s fallen heroes — the brave men and women who answered the call of duty and laid down their lives so that America could remain free. 🇺🇸

From the battlefields of the past to the fight for liberty today, their devotion to our country reminds us what true patriotism looks like. These American heroes didn’t just defend our land… they defended our way of life, our Constitution, and the God-given rights that make this the greatest nation on earth.

May God bless our military heroes, their loved ones, and the United States of America.

05/25/2026

Our Agri-Art contest is back! This year's theme is Agriculture-America's Strength for 250 Years. Check out the amazing artwork from Coachella Valley Unified School District and Desert Sands Unified School District students. They captured the theme perfectly and honored those that have toiled the soil to feed, clothe, and fuel our nation for 250 years. The students are amazing, and so are the teachers that guide and encourage them. This year, Grapes From California is awarding the teachers of the winning students money to purchase art supplies. This contest is getting better every year! Now is your chance to choose the People's Choice award. Enjoy these American Agriculture masterpieces and like your favorites!

U.S. Department of Agriculture California Department of Food and Agriculture

05/20/2026

The turnout for the continuation of the Indio High School Ag Program and Indio FFA was huge at the Desert Sands Unified School District board meeting. FFA alumni, IHS Alumni, students, parents, and industry all showed up to support the program. This program is necessary to educate the next generation of food producers. They will take farming in California to the next level and will feed the world! Thank you for your support! Prime Time International Ocean Mist Farms West Coast Turf/Western Sod Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival Wilbur-Ellis
Photos courtesy of Manuel Gaitan Photography

05/20/2026

Today is 🐝🌼

California is truly buzzing with biodiversity! Through our Pollinator Habitat Program, we’re helping create habitats for pollinators across the state.

Here’s the impact so far:
1,622+ acres of cover crops planted
273+ acres of conservation cover established
194,000+ feet of hedgerows installed (single and double rows combined)
2,965 trees and shrubs planted
20+ acres of wildlife habitat supported
527 windbreak plants established

Because when pollinators thrive, California agriculture does too — and that’s something to bee proud of. 💛

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

Calling all FFA alumni, IHS alumni and those concerned about the future of domestic food production, attend the DSUSD board meeting on Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 pm to express your concerns about the closing of the IHS Ag Program and the FFA. Rather than close the program, it should be ramped up to a state-of-the-art ag program educating students how to farm smart, and grow food with less land, water, and people. They are the next generation of agriculturists to meet the challenges of feeding the world. If you cannot attend the board meeting, use the link (before 5-19 @ 2:00) to tell your story, your concerns, and your reasons to save this important program. Thank you!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdrBAQd922NwAkxzegXf2hRdgJFRM-3SO0RQMFipBFX6hAlgg/viewform

05/11/2026

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day! 💐💛

Today we celebrate all the moms, stepmoms, step-in moms, and future moms whose love and encouragement support farmers, ranchers, and farm employees across California.

Your care strengthens communities and inspires the next generation of agricultural leaders.

05/10/2026

Today we celebrate all the incredible women whose dedication, strength, and love shape not only families but entire communities. Your influence on each new generation brightens our future. Happy Mother's Day from USDA! 💐