Growing Coachella Valley

10/13/2026

Much of California’s medjool date crop was picked during the past several weeks after a spring heat wave sped fruit development, bringing harvest forward by as many as four weeks. ☀️

Growers reported below-average yields, though they said production is markedly better than last year, when ill-timed rains in the Coachella Valley caused significant crop losses and left handlers with little to no carryover heading into this year’s harvest. With high demand for the fruit, date handlers said they are working to get the new crop shipped to retailers across the country.

💬 “There’s a lot of pent-up demand,” Coachella Valley grower and shipper Albert Keck said. “We’re scrambling to fill orders.”

The fruit has recently gained traction among U.S. consumers, with sales increasing more than a third during the past two years, according to the market research firm SPINS.

💬 “Everybody is really excited about the trajectory of dates,” said Kristy Kneiding, executive director of the California Date Commission.

Read more in Ag Alert at agalert.com/california-ag-news/archives/october-7-2026/new-date-crop-hits-market-as-fruit-goes-mainstream/

📸: Faith Granger

10/13/2026

While it is National Farmer's Day, and we are celebrating and thanking them for their hard work feeding us, farmers in the Southwest are faced with the devastation from tropical storm Rachael. Seems like Coachella and Imperial Valley got hit the hardest. Crops are planted, some will recover, some won't, delays will occur, and headaches are certain. Keep our farmers in your thoughts today while they scramble to adjust to this major set back. Farming is not easy!!

10/12/2026

Happy National Farmer's Day!!

Originally celebrated in the 19th century as "Old Farmer’s Day" to mark the end of the harvest season, today remains a time to honor the hard work and resilience of American agriculture.

Happy National Farmers Day! Take a moment to thank a farmer today. 🌾🚜

10/08/2026

Heard that some fruits and vegetables can contain cadmium?

It may sound concerning, but there’s more to the story. Cadmium occurs naturally in soil, and finding small amounts in food doesn’t necessarily mean the food is unsafe. For parents, the goal is to keep exposure low over time while still giving kids the nutrients they need. That’s one reason offering a variety of fruits and vegetables is so important.

We put together a simple guide to help parents better understand cadmium in fresh produce and what they really need to know: https://na2.hubs.ly/H08dXC10.

09/30/2026

09/27/2026

Happy World Rivers Day! We may be biased, but our favorite river is the mighty Colorado.

Often called the hardest working river in the West, the Colorado River is the sixth-largest river in the United States, stretching 1,450 miles from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado all the way to Mexico. It provides water to 40 million people across the West, generates clean hydropower for major cities, irrigates millions of acres of farmland, and supports world-class recreation opportunities. From powering communities to growing nearly 90% of the winter vegetables enjoyed across the country, the Colorado River is the backbone of America.

The mighty Colorado River supports our lives in countless ways and shapes some of the most iconic landscapes in the West, offering life-changing experiences found nowhere else in the world.

📸: The Colorado River flows below steep red rock canyon walls outside Canyonlands National Park.

09/22/2026

During National Farm Safety and Health Week, we want to recognize the hard work of our farmers while keeping safety front and center.

Quick reminders to stay safe:

🚜 Regularly inspect equipment
🥽 Have the right protective gear
🧑‍🌾 Take breaks to avoid over-exhaustion

09/22/2026

Happy Fall, y'all! 🍂 We're celebrating the harvest season and the hard work of America's farmers and ranchers who provide us with a bounty of food.