Strawberry Fields Forever?

California’s Iu Mien strawberry farms face a succession crisis

Dust kicks up in a cloud and the sound of gravel crunches as cars and trucks pull into what’s become a summer staple in the Capital Region — fresh strawberry roadside stands. The ramshackle wooden stands, with bright red hand-painted strawberry signs and makeshift awnings to shield workers from extreme summer heat, are typically open seven days a week in peak season.

Aug 14, 2023 Sen Saetern

From Stargazing to Star-Sipping

How a Lodi family winery bottles the entertainment industry

Some moments in pop culture deserve a toast, such as when Season 3 of “Star Trek: Picard” sent critics and “Trekkies” on a warp-speed ride of jubilation, most hailing it the franchise’s best story in decades. Thanks to a small winery in Lodi, enthusiasts who were on that galactic high could pour their pleasure right into a glass. 

Jul 27, 2023 Scott Thomas Anderson

Farming to Save Water

Water experts seek new ways to capture groundwater

During a typical year, aquifers provide around 40 percent of the water the state uses; in drought years, that percentage soars to 60 percent or more. The state’s aquifers can hold a lot of water, but that number isn’t infinite, and California’s current rate of overdraft isn’t sustainable.

Jun 21, 2023 Becki Robins