California
Whether it’s 2,700 wolves in Minnesota or 70 in California, ranchers report similar challenges — predators targeting livestock, limited management authority, and compensation programs some say don’t solve the underlying problem.
DNA-based diet research from two Northern California wolf packs shows cattle rival mule deer as a primary prey source — adding hard data to what ranchers have been reporting for years.
Applying a keen sense of business and creating non-farm assets, Tim Nuss unlocks a flywheel effect to propel the Nuss Farms forward.
California farmers warn a proposed nitrogen bill could drastically limit fertilizer use, expand reporting requirements and make growing crops like citrus, lettuce and pistachios nearly impossible.
Fifth-generation farmer Justin Wylie is testing algae to rebuild soil health in orchards. By boosting soil microbes through irrigation, he hopes to improve water infiltration, reduce inputs and build resilience in high-cost Central Valley agriculture.
Whether it’s growing specialty crops, running a podcast or launching AgList, fifth-generation farmer Tim Nuss blends tradition with innovation, earning him the 2026 Top Producer Next Gen Award.
While the reintroduction of wolves has led to significant challenges for local ranchers, some say they are willing to deal with the animals if they will return to their natural habitat.
In addition to increasing carcass counts, wolves decrease reproduction rates, weaning weights, calf health and human well-being — costs often uncompensated or uncounted.