Monterey County agriculture pumps more than $11B into local economy, study finds
MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County agriculture pumped more than $11 billion into the local economy in 2023 and supported 81,315 jobs, according to a new economic report.
Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Rich Ordonez released the latest comprehensive analysis of the county’s largest industry on Nov. 18,...
California family secures 140-year ranching legacy by conserving their ranch near Gabilan Range
SALINAS VALLEY — California Rangeland Trust has announced the conservation of the 9,400-acre Silacci Ranch in San Benito and Monterey counties.
The project was completed by the Rangeland Trust with funding from the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB), the California Strategic Growth Council’s Sustainable Agricultural...
Salinas Valley Fair once again brings thrills to King City
KING CITY — The 78th annual Salinas Valley Fair returned after two years of Covid-19 pandemic closures with crowds packing the fairgrounds in King City, living up to the theme of “Back in the Saddle.”
While total attendance numbers weren’t available yet, the four days...
Mushroom compost supports Salinas Valley farmers
SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey Mushrooms, a mushroom grower based in Morgan Hill, has announced the release of its Certified Organic Spent Mushroom Compost (COSMC) to row crop and leafy green farmers throughout the Salinas Valley.
A finely balanced mixture of straw, peat moss, cottonseed meal,...
King City High School’s new agriculture facility beginning to take shape
KING CITY — Construction crews recently finished pouring the foundation for King City High School’s new Future Farmers of America facility, which is taking shape at the former Mildred Street parking lot on the east end of the campus.
The facility will feature new areas...
Third-graders get hands-on learning at 2025 South County Farm Day in King City
KING CITY — Hundreds of third graders from South Monterey County schools attended the 2025 South County Farm Day last month to learn all about agriculture.
The annual enrichment program, sponsored by Monterey County Agricultural Education, gives an opportunity for youth to become familiar with...
Thousands of farmworkers are prioritized for the coronavirus vaccine
COACHELLA, Calif. — The sun-baked desert valley tucked behind the San Jacinto Mountains is best known for an annual music festival that draws 100,000 fans a day and a series of lush, oasis resort towns where well-heeled snowbirds go to golf, sunbathe and party....
Hartnell hosts conference on agriculture industry’s changing workforce needs
SALINAS VALLEY — Hartnell College hosted a special version of the annual Ag Tech Summit — a half-day, in-person program called AgTechX Ed — last month on the Main Campus in Salinas.
The Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology has joined with the California...
Mass vaccination clinics launch throughout Salinas Valley
SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County companies, organizations and agencies have partnered to host mass vaccination sites weekly, with the latest having taken place at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City last Saturday.
Two mass clinics had already taken place earlier this month in Salinas,...
Retiree reflects on half-century of agricultural work in Salinas Valley
SALINAS VALLEY — Jesse Holguin retired from Gonzales Irrigation Systems on Dec. 31, wrapping up a career of 40 years with the company and more than 50 years in total with agricultural work.
Holguin began working for Mel Fowler of King City 51 years ago,...
