Jamie Johansson Calls for Stronger Water Infrastructure and Agricultural Representation in Sacramento
On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Jamie Johansson, former president of the California Farm Bureau and candidate for California's 3rd Assembly District, joined Nick Papagni to discuss the challenges facing California agriculture and why he believes farmers need a stronger voice in Sacramento.
Johansson, an olive and citrus grower from the Oroville area, is seeking to represent a largely rural district covering portions of Butte, Glenn, Tehama, Sutter, Yuba and Placer counties. Drawing on his experience leading the California Farm Bureau, Johansson said agricultural communities need lawmakers who understand the financial and regulatory pressures facing producers.
Water infrastructure emerged as a central topic. Johansson expressed frustration over delays in developing additional water storage, pointing to Sites Reservoir and the state's ongoing challenges with drought preparedness. He argued that California must do more to capture water during wet years and expand opportunities for groundwater recharge.
Johansson also discussed the importance of holding state regulatory agencies accountable, including the State Water Resources Control Board and California Air Resources Board. He believes lawmakers should take a more active role in reviewing decisions that directly affect farmers and rural communities.
The conversation also addressed the growing cost of agricultural production. Johansson described recently taking gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton to a Northern California rice harvest, where he demonstrated how fuel expenses can quickly add up for producers operating large equipment.
Despite California's political divisions, Johansson emphasized that his experience working with lawmakers from both parties could help him advocate for agriculture if elected.
He also raised concerns about California's state budget, energy costs and the increasing competition domestic growers face from imported agricultural products.
The interview is the first part of a two-part conversation examining the future of California agriculture, state leadership and the policies shaping the industry's competitiveness.
Hear Part 1 of the full conversation with Jamie Johansson in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.
12 Oct 2026
Christian Farming Organization Challenges National FFA Convention Exclusion
On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Dan Janzen, Executive Director of Fellowship of Christian Farmers International (FCFI), joined Nick Papagni to discuss a growing dispute with the National FFA Organization over the group's exclusion from its upcoming national convention in Indianapolis.
FCFI, founded in 1985, works with agricultural communities through disaster relief, youth outreach, farm shows and faith-based programs. The organization has participated in numerous state FFA conventions, connecting with students interested in agriculture, volunteer service and international agricultural development.
According to Janzen, the organization was previously informed that it did not meet National FFA's diversity, equity and inclusion objectives. He said FCFI continued participating at the state level, but several state associations have since declined to allow the organization to exhibit.
The dispute gained additional attention after Janzen said National FFA rejected FCFI's application to participate in this year's national convention because of its religious affiliation.
Janzen questioned that decision, arguing that his organization's programs complement FFA's agricultural education and leadership mission. He also pointed to FCFI's work helping farmers recover from natural disasters and providing support to producers experiencing financial hardship.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has also drawn attention to the controversy, according to Janzen, who discussed efforts to resolve the disagreement before the convention.
FCFI has submitted a demand letter requesting that National FFA reconsider its decision, with the organization seeking a response by October 14. Janzen said the group is receiving legal assistance as it evaluates its options.
Despite the disagreement, Janzen emphasized that FCFI does not want to undermine FFA or discourage support for its programs. Instead, he hopes the controversy leads to a resolution that allows the organizations to work alongside one another.
The interview explores the organization's concerns, its work with agricultural youth and what Janzen believes should happen next.
Hear the full conversation with Dan Janzen in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.
9 Oct 2026
California Trucking Costs Mount as Fuel, Insurance and Regulations Squeeze Agriculture
On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Mark Woods, owner of Wildwood Trucking in Kingsburg, California, and energy expert Ellington Smith returned for Part 2 of their conversation about California’s rising transportation costs. The discussion explored how insurance, regulations and changing trucking technology could affect the state’s agricultural supply chain.
For Woods, the financial pressure has reached a point where trucking companies can no longer absorb every increase. He revealed that Wildwood Trucking raised its transportation rates by 15 percent beginning October 1, following months of higher operating expenses.
Even with that adjustment, Woods said the increase may not be enough. His company has been working directly with customers to determine what they can reasonably afford, highlighting the difficult balance between keeping transportation businesses operating and protecting the growers and businesses that depend on them.
Insurance is another growing concern. Woods described rising deductibles, additional coverage requirements and the financial exposure trucking companies face from major liability claims.
But technology could also change the industry’s future. Woods discussed how artificial intelligence is already entering commercial trucking through driver-monitoring cameras, collision-avoidance systems and automatic braking. He believes these technologies could play an increasingly important role in improving safety and efficiency, even without fully autonomous trucks.
The conversation also turned to electric commercial vehicles. Woods questioned whether charging infrastructure, vehicle range and operating conditions are ready to support the demands of agricultural freight transportation, particularly on longer routes.
Smith offered his perspective on California’s energy policies, regulatory costs and how the state’s next governor could influence the business environment for agriculture and transportation.
Throughout the discussion, both guests emphasized the importance of keeping goods moving affordably. As Woods explained, trucking expenses do not stop with transportation companies. They can eventually affect farmers, food businesses and consumers.
Hear Part 2 of the full conversation with Mark Woods and Ellington Smith in the player below or on your favorite podcast app.
Who has been a guest on AgNet News Hour
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Michael Jameson
David Tangipa
Devin Norene
Andrew Leimgruber
Mike Jameson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
10 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
88
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
85
Contact AgNet News Hour
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
