Pests
Using Drones as a Bird Deterrent
Cecilia Parsons reports on UC research testing drones to deter birds in blueberries, including species responses, crop-protection potential and the questions researchers will study next.
Abraham Ahumada scouts a broccoli field. The CCA Organic Specialty covers practical production areas including pest management, fertility, irrigation and disease management in organic systems (All images courtesy of Grimm Family Center for Organic Production at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.)
In the Field · Crop Advising
A New Credential for Organic Crop Advisers
Organic agriculture is not simply conventional production with a shorter input list. It is a federally regulated production system in which agronomic decisions, documentation, product flow and risk management must work together.…
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September 22–23, 2027Visalia Convention Center Explore the Conference
News, Research & Field Perspectives
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Environmental
Soil NOx: Is it the next air pollution issue… or not?
In 1994, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) had initially identified “soil NOx” as a significant source of air pollution coming from agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. Soil NOx includes emissions…
Fertility Management
Microbial Biostimulants in Practice: A Field-Level Look at Nitrogen Dynamics in Bok Choy
Introduction As a leafy brassica, bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) needs reliable nitrogen during its short growth cycle to build healthy green tissues. However, this fast-cycling growth characteristic leaves growers, especially…
Field Guide · Fertility Management
Troubleshooting Poor Nodulation in Legumes: A Practical Guide
Legumes, plants from the bean family, are known for their ability to add nitrogen to the soil. This makes them a popular choice in cover cropping, supplying both nitrogen for the cash…
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The Current Issue
September / October 2026
Explore the research, field photography and practical advice inside this issue. Choose an article to read online, or settle into the complete magazine.
Browse Past Issues44 Pages · Complete Edition, Including Print Advertising
Ag Industry
A letter from the Publisher: 5 Technologies Crop Consultants Should Be Watching
Every year in agriculture, we’re introduced to another new technology that’s supposed to change everything. A new sensor. A new drone. A new software platform. A new piece of equipment. Some of…
Crop Consulting
The September PCA Checklist: Finish the Season Strong and Defensible
Late-season fieldwork is where strong consultants separate themselves by documenting sensitive sites, tightening application windows, evaluating outcomes and turning the season’s evidence into a better plan for the grower.
Fumigation
Improving Fumigation Performance Under Growing Scrutiny
“Fumigation is under the microscope.” That’s how Roger Isom, president and CEO of the Western Tree Nut Association (WTNA), describes the current regulatory environment surrounding fumigation in California agriculture.
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Practical Research.
Across the Field.
From soil health to pest pressure,
find the reporting behind your next recommendation.
Crop Advising
A New Credential for Organic Crop Advisers
Organic agriculture is not simply conventional production with a shorter input list. It is a federally regulated production system in which agronomic decisions, documentation, product flow and risk management must work together.…
Fumigation
Improving Fumigation Performance Under Growing Scrutiny
“Fumigation is under the microscope.” That’s how Roger Isom, president and CEO of the Western Tree Nut Association (WTNA), describes the current regulatory environment surrounding fumigation in California agriculture.
Fertility Management
Troubleshooting Poor Nodulation in Legumes: A Practical Guide
Legumes, plants from the bean family, are known for their ability to add nitrogen to the soil. This makes them a popular choice in cover cropping, supplying both nitrogen for the cash…
From the Page to the Conversation
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Two days to connect it all in Visalia.
September22–232027 · Visalia
Save the Date
Join fellow PCAs, CCAs, ag retailers and industry partners for education, exhibits and conversations that carry back to the field.
Registration details will be announced by JCS Marketing.
The People Behind the Recommendations
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Progressive Crop Consultant and Crop Consultant Conference serve the same community of PCAs, CCAs and agricultural professionals. Meet the people behind the research, exchange ideas and connect with industry partners.
See the 2026 Conference PhotosFilmed at CCC 2026
Hear It From Your Peers.
Conversations with crop consultants, filmed on the trade show floor in Visalia. Play the full interviews with sound and captions.
Nick Hastin
Crop Consultant · 1:55
Dewight Jones
PCA & CCA · Fresno · 2:36
Progressive Crop Consultant
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