Focus on Agriculture

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County’s agricultural production value declined 3% in 2025 from the previous year’s record, totaling $4.82 billion as growers navigated fluctuating tariffs, rising production costs and shifting market conditions, according to the county’s annual Crop and Livestock Report released last week. The...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Fair and Event Center is accepting nominations for a new recognition program honoring women who have made significant contributions to agriculture in Monterey County and the Salinas Valley. The program coincides with the designation of 2026 as the International Year...

SALINAS VALLEY — CRU Winery is building upon the success of its annual Chowder Cook-Off and expanding its hunt for the best chowder recipe nationwide. Now through July 14, U.S. residents can submit their recipe for a chance to win. The CRU Winery Chowder Cook-Off is...

MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit arrested a Patterson man in connection with a series of copper wire thefts totaling more than $50,000, authorities said. Detectives investigated ongoing thefts of copper wire throughout Monterey County and identified a suspect using surveillance...

KING CITY — Salinas Valley Fair is recognizing the retirement of longtime employee Rick Grogan after more than 42 years of service to the fairgrounds and the community. According to the fair, Grogan spent more than four decades helping maintain and improve the Salinas Valley...

SALINAS VALLEY — California Rodeo Salinas has recognized seven students as recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, honoring their academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. The scholarship program was established with Hartnell College in 1986 and recently transitioned to the Community Foundation for Monterey County....

KING CITY — Carnival lights glowed over the midway, children clutched sweet treats and livestock exhibitors proudly guided animals through crowded barns as thousands of visitors gathered for the 82nd annual Salinas Valley Fair from May 14-17 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King...

Here’s a look at some of the animals and projects you’ll see at the 82nd annual Salinas Valley Fair, May 14-17, held at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City. Visit salinasvalleyfair.com for more details about the 2026 Salinas Valley Fair. See you at the...

KING CITY — King City High School’s FFA chapter continues to demonstrate excellence, with students earning top honors at recent state and regional competitions while also celebrating a valued community supporter. Three King City FFA members — Javier Ibarra Rojas, Jocelin Deniz and Maria Sario...

KING CITY — This year’s Salinas Valley Fair Kick-Off delivered a standout evening of community support, raising $121,800 — the highest profit since 2018 — and building strong momentum for the 82nd annual Salinas Valley Fair, set for May 14-17. More than 500 guests gathered...