Advice for the Adviser

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Latest episode

Jan 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to CAPCA's new bi-monthly podcast - Advice for the Adviser! Agriculture is a complex industry, and busy Pest Control Advisers don’t always have the time or patience to find the information pertinent to them. Join CAPCA staff, Alexis and Patrick, as they cut through the noise to help California PCAs find reliable information. Each episode contains powerful information to help PCAs navigate regulatory changes, find and understand information that impacts you, and learn about new opportunities to build your knowledge and business.

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15 recent

January 6, 2026Episode 445 min

Steward Stories: California PCAs in Their Own Words

Send a text Step into the vibrant world of California agriculture with our final episode, and hear directly from the experts — the state’s Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) — as they share candid stories of stewardship, innovation, and everyday triumphs that shape our landscapes. This episode isn’t just a conclusion; it’s a celebration of the voices and commitment that have defined Advice for the Adviser . Listen to the honest reflections, heartfelt lessons, and inspiring connections that have made this journey unforgettable. Thank you for being a part of our story. The conversation continues to evolve — Here’s to new beginnings and ongoing stewardship!

August 8, 2025Episode 339 min

When Beetles Go Rogue - The Curious Case of Pear-Feeding Borers

Send a text Have you ever come across a pest in pears that defies all expectations? In August 2023, a seasoned PCA with more than five decades in the orchards encountered a remarkable discovery: a flatheaded borer—typically a menace to wood—now turning its attention to pear fruit. This unprecedented find could signal a new era in pest behaviors and fruit crop challenges. The implications are still unfolding, and the full story is just beginning. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Cindy Kron, UC Cooperative Extension IPM Advisor for Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and Lake Counties, unpacks what we know so far and what the future may hold. For more, pair this podcast with Dr. Kron’s insightful article previously featured in the June issue of The Adviser magazine.

May 15, 2025Episode 230 min

Biocontrol of Spotted Lanternfly

Send a text A planthopper from Asia is marching across the U.S. — and California’s vineyards and citrus groves are squarely in its sights. The spotted lanternfly (SLF) has already devastated crops in the East, and its arrival in California is only a matter of time. But there’s hope. In this episode, Dr. Marco Molfini talks about scientific discoveries of previously undescribed species! We explore groundbreaking research from UC Riverside where scientists are racing against the clock to identify native egg parasitoids - tiny natural enemies - that could stop SLF before it gains a foothold in California. These findings have the potential to make a significant impact on California agriculture! Listen to this episode as a companion piece to Dr. Mofini’s article in The Adviser. Dr. Molfini's Article in the March 2025 issue of The Adviser magazine. YouTube video: How to Make A Spotted Lanternfly Trap PCAs go to www.salinas-summit.com for the 2025 Salinas Biological Summit, click on ‘Buy Tickets’, select ‘Get Tickets’ and then enter access code SBSPCA25. This enables PCAs to register at the discounted ticket rate.

April 17, 2025Episode 11 hr 14 min

CAPCA’s CDFA Grant-Funded Study and Update

Send a text We’re talking all things CDFA SPM grant study! In this episode we provide news and updates to the CDFA grant-funded study for 2025; we chat with Jonathan Battig about his involvement in the 2024 study and what he’s excited about for 2025; we have a conversation with FMC's Issa Qandah about almonds (a newly added crop to the grant study in 2025!) and disease control solutions; and finally, we discuss the details the 2025 Grant Interns. Learn how to participate in the study and earn $2,000 for doing so! CAPCA's CDFA Grant-Funded Study Information (Grant Intern emails can be found here) 2025 Grant Commercial View a digital copy of the March 2025 issue of The Adviser magazine FMC website Additional music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

December 12, 2024Episode 1139 min

Walmart Makes Public IPM Commitment and This Means IPM Plans Are Required - A Deep Dive into Auditable IPM

Send a text In this episode, we’re joined by Eric Peterson, a Compliance Specialist at Azzule Systems, a division of Primus GFS, to discuss his recent article in The Adviser magazine titled A PCA’s Introduction to Auditable Integrated Pest Management Plans . Eric breaks down what makes an IPM program auditable, why it's critical today, and how PCAs can guide growers in implementing effective plans. Azzule Systems website: https://azzule.com/ PrimusGFS website: https://primusgfs.com/ Crop Steward website: https://cropsteward.com/ CAPCA Grant Information: https://capca.com/grants/

October 8, 2024Episode 101 hr 3 min

Voices of CAPCA's 50th Annual Conference - A Sneak Peek

Send a text Join us in this special episode of Advice for the Adviser , where we dive into what to expect at CAPCA’s upcoming Annual Conference, commemorating its 50th Anniversary! Tune in for engaging conversations with a stellar lineup of guests: Dan Wickham, Co-Chair of the Conference Committee and passionate CAPCA advocate; Scott Downey, Director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business and professor of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University; and Dennis Donohue, Director of the Western Growers Center for Innovation & Technology. Whether you’re a seasoned conference attendee or planning to join us for the first time, this episode is packed with valuable insights and information on what to expect from this landmark event. Don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate 50 years of progress and collaboration in the CAPCA community! Additional music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com

July 15, 2024Episode 946 min

Rachel from CLA Updates CAPCA on the ESA Workplan

Send a text In this episode of Advice for the Adviser we talk to Rachel Lattimore, the General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Legal at CropLife America, and dive into some of the nuances of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Endangered Species Act (ESA) updates, regulations, and mitigations. CropLife America website: https://www.croplifeamerica.org/ EPA ESA webpage: https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-endangered-species-act

June 25, 2024Episode 847 min

2024 Seasonal Outlook with California Citrus Mutual

Send a text In our fourth full-length episode of Advice for the Adviser, we talk with Casey Creamer, President and CEO of California Citrus Mutual (CCM) about the 2024 seasonal outlook for citrus in California. Our discussions include the challenges and innovations within the citrus industry, sustainable pest management strategies, and water insights. Whether you're a citrus PCA or eager to learn more about the crop, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge. CCM website: https://www.cacitrusmutual.com/

June 18, 2024Episode 739 min

2024 Seasonal Outlook with California Association of Winegrape Growers

Send a text In our third full-length episode of Advice for the Adviser, we talk with Natalie Collins, President of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) about the 2024 seasonal outlook for winegrapes in California. Natalie shares her insights on navigating the dynamic world of winegrape marketing, sustainability practices, and leadership in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable advice. CAWG website: https://www.cawg.org/ Takeaways for PCAs: Communicate frequently and often with your grower(s) about their particular situation. Be an extra set of eyes for the grower with field scouting to help with early detection. Be a resource for the grower by offering solutions. CAWG 50th Anniversary celebration: November 21, 2024, in downtown Sacramento.

June 7, 2024Episode 641 min

2024 Seasonal Outlook with California Fresh Fruit Association and Syngenta

Send a text In our second full-length episode of Advice for the Adviser, we talk with Daniel Hartwig, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) about the 2024 seasonal outlook for fruit in California. This episode brings you insightful discussions on advisory strategies tailored to the dynamic world of fresh produce. In addition, we talk to Rodger Belisle, Syngenta's Agronomic Service Representative for Northern California, about crop protection and the upcoming season. CFFA website: https://cafreshfruit.com/ Syngenta website: https://www.syngenta-us.com/ Additional music and sound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com