Balanced Reporting. Trusted Insights. Friday, June 05, 2026

News

Opinions

Read More Opinions

DriveTime

Hear More Drive Time

Newsmakers

View More Videos

Agri-Pulse Newsmakers: Karen Ross on California agriculture, water, MAHA, Prop 12

California agriculture operates at a scale and under conditions unlike anywhere else in the country, yet the policy decisions extend far beyond state lines. We spent the week in Sacramento for the annual Agri-Pulse Food and Ag Issues Summit West and caught up with California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross to discuss the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping California agriculture, and why the rest of the country should be paying attention to the Golden State.

Plus, Ag Council of California President Emily Rooney outlines concerning plastic and packaging regulations and Chris Zanobini, president and CEO of Ag Association Management Services Inc., describes the "regulatory jenga" plaguing California agriculture.

Want to receive Newsmakers in your inbox every week? Sign up! http://eepurl.com/hTgSAD

Calendar of Events

View All Events

Ag By The Numbers

On-highway diesel fuel prices

Fuel prices continue to climb due to the war with Iran.

This chart shows the average cost of a gallon of diesel fuel in the U-S. 


The Energy Information Administration says diesel fuel is currently averaging $5.64 per gallon which is up by nearly two dollars per gallon since the start of the war when prices were only $3.89.

Regular gas prices currently sit at $4.50 per gallon.

The restrictions on ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have driven oil prices up and gas prices are climbing in response.. Those higher prices are rippling through the supply chain to raise rail, barge and shipping expenses for agriculturalproducts.

As gas prices rise, Washington’s attention on biofuels has intensified, putting year-round E15 legislation firmly in the spotlight and making it a key factor in farm bill negotiations.

To learn more about "Map it Out" and "Ag By the Numbers," check out our Newsmakers show.