Farm Operations and Industry Challenges – November 2025 Guest Blog Post

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By Jason Gianelli
R&G Fanucci, Inc./Old River Farming Co.
Bakersfield

Farm Activities and Preparation

As we prepare for another growing season, our farm is actively engaged in tilling the land for planting wheat silage. We are also preparing other ranches for new projects aimed at improving irrigation efficiency. We continually strive to optimize our water usage, recognizing its importance in both our daily operations and long-term sustainability.

Anticipated Challenges for the 2026 Season

The upcoming 2026 season is expected to be difficult for many growers and landowners. The year is starting off with unfavorable conditions, as most crop prices remain low. For example, many commodity crops are currently priced the same as they were in 1972, which is clearly not sustainable for farming. Meanwhile, input costs, regulatory burdens, and our water expenses continue to rise, placing additional strain on growers.

Regulatory and Market Pressures

As a fourth-generation farmer, I have witnessed periods of uncertainty, but the current environment is unique. Regulations, particularly those related to water, are now the primary stressors threatening growers’ livelihoods. Increasingly, government intervention is influencing outcomes, picking winners and losers rather than allowing market forces to operate. Even when consumers see rising prices in stores, it rarely, if ever, means those prices benefit the growers directly.

Broader Impact of Water Policy

Consumers need to understand that water policy and regulations have effects that extend beyond agriculture. These policies impact not only growers, but also the general public, including homeowners who are seeing their water bills increase. We are approaching a critical point in this state, as experts often suggest that simply allocating more money will solve problems. However, public funds for projects are rarely earmarked and are frequently diverted to other uses.

Call for Policy Reform

Economic stability is a real and increasing concern for agriculture and the rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley that depend on it. All California residents depend on a healthy, sustainable agriculturally based economy, especially in regions where food production jobs (field work, processing, transportation, etc) are dominant. Destructive political maneuvering versus common-sense and reality based policies related to water, energy and other farming policies is an increasing concern for agriculture and the rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley that depend on it. Without a sound agricultural economy, supported by reasonable policies, not only is a reliable food source at stake, but so is the financial ability for families to purchase food. The risk is real. Policies matter.