New Book Celebrates California Agriculture

A self-proclaimed book nerd, I’m in three book clubs and play a lead role in two of them. Right, book nerd. That’s why I’m so excited about a just-released publication making its way to my bookshelf: a brand-new book on the history of California agriculture!

This read covers how California grew from humble beginnings with the Spanish padres in 1769 to becoming a global agricultural powerhouse by the 1950s. The story is packed with pivotal moments: the Gold Rush brought waves of settlers, and while some chased gold in the hills, others found riches in the fertile soil. Early grain crops gave way to a booming fresh produce industry, thanks to advancements in irrigation, transportation, and mechanization.

Today, California supplies over two-thirds of the nation’s fruits and nuts and more than a third of its vegetables. Each crop has a tale of innovation, risk, and determination, highlighting pioneers and entrepreneurs who made California’s agriculture thrive.

I promise this is not sponsored content, just something I found interesting. If you’re like me, head to AgInfo.NET for more on the publication.