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Arizona agriculture depends on energy to power irrigation systems, equipment, cooling, processing and other essential operations. As alternative energy technologies continue to develop, Arizona producers have more options to consider for generating and managing power. From solar and agrivoltaics to wind, biomass, hydropower and geothermal energy, each technology offers different opportunities and challenges. Understanding how these options work, and how they fit Arizona's uni

In Arizona, water management has always been an important part of agriculture. Today, new irrigation technologies are helping producers look beneath the surface and make more informed decisions about when and how much water their crops need. Through research at the University of Arizona, soil moisture sensors and other precision irrigation tools are being tested in Arizona fields, demonstrating how data can help producers make every drop count. Written by Holly Anderson, Agri

Agricultural technology continues to provide farmers and ranchers with new tools to improve efficiency, precision and safety. From aerial applications to crop monitoring and mapping, agricultural drones are changing how producers approach work in the field. In Arizona, local company Luumar is putting this technology to work, offering a look at how innovation from above can make an impact on the ground. Written by Holly Anderson, Agricultural Communications Intern Agriculture

From dairy farms in Buckeye to urban agriculture operations in the Valley, Arizona agriculture is as adaptable as it is bountiful.

Every meal tells a story, and that story begins long before food reaches the dinner table. While farmers and ranchers are at the heart of agriculture, they are supported by a diverse community of professionals whose work helps bring food from the farm to families across Arizona and beyond. From scientists and mechanics to truck drivers and educators, discover the many people whose dedication keeps agriculture moving and why every plate represents far more than what meets the

When you choose Arizona-grown products, you're doing more than filling your shopping cart. You're investing in local families, supporting rural communities, and helping preserve the farms and ranches that have shaped Maricopa County for generations. Written by Holly Anderson, Agricultural Communications Intern Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of Arizona's economy and heritage. Despite continued urban growth, local farmers and ranchers continue to produce fresh vegetabl

As students across Arizona head back to school, the connection between agriculture and education extends far beyond the cafeteria. From the clothes they wear and the supplies they carry to the lunches that fuel learning, farmers and ranchers help make every school day possible. Written by Holly Anderson, Agricultural Communications Intern As another school year begins, families across Arizona are shopping for school supplies, packing backpacks, and preparing lunches as studen

When it comes to Arizona women in agriculture, leadership is the name of the game. There's still time to register for the Summer Agricultural Conference in Flagstaff!

A new USDA initiative is bringing attention to independent beef processors, but it also serves as a reminder of the important role family-owned farms and ranches play in strengthening local communities, preserving agricultural traditions, and feeding families across Arizona. Written by Holly Anderson, Agricultural Communications Intern When most people purchase beef at the grocery store, they rarely think about the journey it took to reach their table. Behind every package of

In celebration of National Dairy Month, explore how Arizona dairy families are preserving generations of agricultural tradition while embracing innovation to nourish communities across Maricopa County and beyond. Written by Holly Anderson, Agricultural Communications Intern Long before Maricopa County became known for its rapidly growing suburbs and bustling communities, dairy farms were a foundation of the region’s agricultural economy. For generations, families helped trans

As Maricopa County continues to grow, how can communities preserve the agricultural heritage and property rights that helped build the Valley? Written by Holly Anderson (Agricultural Communications Intern) For generations, agriculture has helped shape the identity, economy, and landscape of Maricopa County. From dairy farms and livestock operations to fields of cotton and alfalfa, farming communities create a foundation for many of the valley towns that residents call home to

Upon the adjournment of the 57th legislature sine die these key points have impacts on our agricultural and rural communities.

Hear the story of Sherry Saylor; school counselor, agriculture leader, wife, mother, and inspiration to those around her. She builds her community one connection at a time!

Written by Gabriel Flores (Government Relations Intern) The rapid growth of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital services has fueled a surge in data center development across the United States. While these facilities power much of the modern economy, their expansion is beginning to influence something less visible, but just as important: agriculture. As demand for digital infrastructure increases, so does the need for land, water, and energy. Many of these sa

Written by Gabriel Flores (Government Relations Intern) First established in 1992, Arizona Grown® was created to promote and support the state’s agricultural community by helping consumers identify locally produced goods. Over time, however, the program became less visible, and its impact diminished. Now, after nearly a decade of dormancy, the Arizona Department of Agriculture is working to bring Arizona Grown back, this time with a renewed purpose and a modern approach. The

Written by Gabriel Flores, Government Relations Intern Farming doesn’t just depend on weather; it depends on inputs. And right now, one of the most important inputs, fertilizer, is becoming more expensive due to global pressures. While fertilizer may not always be visible to consumers, it plays a critical role in agricultural production. It supports crop growth, improves soil productivity, and helps farmers achieve the yields needed to sustain their operations. Without it, ma

Written by Gabriel Flores, Government Relations Intern When most people think about agriculture, they usually think about food, crops in the field, cattle on ranches, and products on grocery store shelves. While food production is at the heart of agriculture, its impact goes far beyond what ends up on our plates. Agriculture is a powerful economic engine that supports millions of jobs, drives industries, and plays a critical role in the stability of the U.S. economy. From per

Written by Gabriel Flores, Government Relations Intern What SRP is, and Why You Should Care The company that keeps the water running and the lights on in the Valley is not your average utility company. It all started with farmers combining their resources to create irrigation systems. Today, it still delivers both water and electricity across much of the valley. The Salt River Project was created as two separate entities: the Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association (a priv

Written by Gabriel Flores (Government Relations Intern) Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the Rooted in Resilience Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Conference in Portland, Oregon, hosted by the American Farm Bureau. The duration of this conference lasted 4 days, with more than 800 young agricultural leaders from across the country coming to learn, connect, and grow together. A testament and insight to the next generation of agricultural advocates, industr

Written by Gabriel Flores (Government Relations Intern) The central foundation of farmers and ranchers extends well beyond equipment, products, and income; it's their land, something seen more as "just" property. Arizona law allows land actively used for farming or ranching to receive an agricultural classification, recognizing the economic realities of agriculture and ensuring land is taxed correctly rather than taxed on potential development value. This week's topic will be