Agriculture

The Conservation Fund purchased the Richmond Ranch on Jan. 22, a 3,653-acre property in southern Santa Clara County.  The Fund is a national organization that provides money to bridge the acquisition of conservation lands by private and public sources. In this case, they are buying...

Avian influenza, a “highly pathogenic” viral disease that infects poultry and birds—and is potentially transmissible to humans—has been detected in San Benito County, according to local public health officials.  The disease, also known as “bird flu,” was found recently in poultry flocks in a number...

Kawahara Nurseries, which is based in Morgan Hill, is looking to open a year-round wholesale agricultural facility on Anzar Road in San Benito County. The planning commission on June 16 approved Kawahara Nurseries’ application for an agricultural facility use permit on a 104-acre property that...

Hundreds of California native pigeons have died this winter due to a parasitic disease, announced state wildlife officials on Feb. 23.   California Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said they’ve noticed an increase of reported sick and dead band-tailed pigeons since early February, mostly around...

As the days become shorter, trees start to change their colors and the crisp of fall appears in the morning air, that means many San Benito County residents’ favorite seasonal pastimes are on the horizon. That includes the many events, activities and farmstand shopping...

The Hollister Agricultural and FFA (Future Farmers of America) program has been making waves with its outstanding achievements, student recognition and commitment to agricultural education and sustainability. The program’s success can be attributed to the dedication of its educators, the collaboration with the community...

Authorities arrested a man and woman this week who broke into the Hollister High School Ag Barn and killed two animals that students had fostered and raised for a local educational program.  The suspects allegedly killed a goat and a pig, and carried the pig...

Lifelong San Martin resident Kenneth Ludewig, a local “treasure” who brought joy to countless South Valley residents as the creator and operator of the former San Martin Country Park & Pumpkin Patch, died unexpectedly on Nov. 7, according to family members. He was 74...

Josh Jensen—famed founder of Hollister’s Calera Wine, visionary leader in the American wine community and an iconic pioneer of luxury California Pinot Noir—died peacefully at his San Francisco home June 11. He was 78 years old.  In the world of fine wine, and to generations...

The San Francisco Bay Area is likely to be warmer and wetter than normal for the next three months, forecasters said Nov. 18. A winter season outlook update shows a higher probability of above-normal temperature and precipitation for December, January and February, the National Weather...