The October 20 edition of the AgNet News Hour celebrated two sides of California agriculture — tradition and technology — with guests Brian Van Groningen of Van Groningen & Sons and Gabe Sibley, CEO of Verdant Robotics. Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill blended the warmth of fall harvest with the excitement of ag innovation, reminding listeners why California remains the heart of American farming.
Van Groningen, dubbed the “Pumpkin King of California,” joined the show from Manteca, where his family farm grows over 60 varieties of pumpkins ranging from small gourds to 200-pound giants. “San Joaquin County produces about 80% of the pumpkins shipped and sold in California,” he said. “We’re proud to grow pumpkins that make families smile every fall.”
He explained how the farm’s operations run from April through October, with harvest peaking in late fall. Most of their pumpkins are grown for ornamental and decorative use, though a few specialty varieties are dual-purpose — fit for both pie and display. Van Groningen also spoke about the importance of ag education, sharing how his family partners with local schools and the San Joaquin Farm Bureau’s Ag in the Classroom program to teach kids where their food comes from. “We need to reconnect people to agriculture,” he said. “California-grown food is the safest in the world, and it’s important people know that.”…