Smith Family Wines discontinues wine production
After 30 years of making its own wine, Smith Family Wines will discontinue producing the Paraiso, Irie and Alexander-Smith labels and close the tasting room at the Paraiso Vineyards on Paraiso Springs Road in Soledad.
Monterey County crops decline in value after pandemic and fires
MONTEREY COUNTY ā Crop values fell in 2020 by a total of $499 million from 2019, with 2020ās total at $3.9 billion, according to the Monterey County Crop Report issued by Monterey County Agricultural Commissioner Henry Gonzales on July 20.
The 11.3% decrease in production...
From dry to drenched ā How local farmers deal with drastically changing conditions
After more than four years of devastating drought, 2017 saw California receive the wettest winter in more than 100 years.
King City High Schoolās new agriculture facility beginning to take shape
KING CITY ā Construction crews recently finished pouring the foundation for King City High Schoolās 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...
South County Ag Tour to visit Greenfield, San Ardo and PeachTree Farms
The 41st Annual South County Ag Tour is set for Aug. 25, hosted by Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum, and will visit several agricultural destinations in South Monterey County.
Salinas Valley Fair Board seeks new members to join
KING CITY ā Salinas Valley Fair has announced that there are currently two open Fair Board positions available, and it is looking for enthusiastic, hands-on individuals to join.
This is an opportunity for community members to get involved and help shape the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds...
From horses to Merrillās Thundering Herd: Rose Escobar shares love of rodeo and serving others
SALINAS VALLEY ā Ever since a young child, Rose Escobar dreamed of becoming a Rodeo Queen ā a best-in-class combination of horsemanship and athletic abilities paired with personal skills of public speaking and knowledge of the heritage of agriculture.
That dream came true this year...
UPDATE: Full SNAP/CalFresh benefits to be issued beginning Friday in Monterey County
UPDATE ā Nov. 7, 2025:
Full November SNAP/CalFresh benefits have begun posting to the EBT cards of Monterey County residents, according to the County of Monterey Department of Social Services on Friday.
āThe California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is telling us that California has initiated...
Miss Salinas Valley Fair competition opens for 2026 applicants
KING CITY ā Salinas Valley Fair is now accepting applications for the 2026 Miss Salinas Valley Fair Competition, offering young women the chance to serve as ambassadors for one of the regionās most recognized events.
Eligible contestants must be ages 16 to 20 and reside...
Mushroom compost supports Salinas Valley farmers
SALINAS VALLEY ā 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,...

















