What Was Heard from Farmers, Ranchers, and Technical Assistance Providers
Climate change is no longer a future concern for agriculture in San Diego County. Farmers and ranchers are already experiencing its effects through extreme heat, wildfire, shifting precipitation patterns, and increasing pest pressures. Understanding how these challenges are affecting agricultural operations is critical for developing practical solutions that help growers remain productive and resilient. To better understand local experiences and needs, researchers from University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Davis, UC Merced, and the USDA California Climate Hub conducted a listening session with farmers, ranchers, and extension professionals in San Diego County. The project sought to document participant's experiences with climate-related challenges, identify adaptation practices currently being used, and better understand educational and resource needs within the region.
This listening session included four farmers, two ranchers, and four extension service providers who share their firsthand experiences navigating climate-related challenges in San Diego agriculture. Participants consistently identified climate stressors such as wildfire, drought, high temperatures, extreme heat, reduced water availability, flooding, declining forage production, weeds, and pests as major concerns affecting agricultural operations. One grower described the impacts of extreme heat on grape productions, explaining that temperatures exceeded 100 degrees early in the morning and cause fruit to dry up before harvest. Experiences like these highlight how climate variability is directly affecting crop productivity and farm profitability throughout the region.
Despite these challenges, participants also shared examples of adaptation strategies already being implemented on farms and ranches. Common practices included cover cropping, compost application, prescribed grazing, changing labor schedules during extreme heat, adjusting grazing times, seeking government assistance programs, crop diversification, and transitioning to more climate-resilient crops. One farmer discussed experimenting with agave and cactus production as a way to adapt to increasingly dry conditions. After finding that one agave variety was not well-suited to local conditions, the operation began exploring alternative varieties and expanding cactus production because of its lower water and input requirements. Ranchers also highlighted how adaptation often involves planning for wildfire and drought. One participant described using funding assistance to restore critical infrastructure following a wildfire and implementing prescribed grazing to reduce fuel loads and wildfire risk. Strategic grazing, mowing, and vegetation management were identified as important tools for protecting both agricultural operations and surrounding communities.
The discussion revealed that not all challenges facing agriculture are climate related. Participants identified water availability, labor costs, regulations, equipment expenses, and rising land prices are significant barriers to the long-term viability of agriculture in the region. Several participants emphasized that these economic and policy challenges often interact with climate stressors, making adaptation more difficult for producers. The findings from this listening session provide valuable insight into the realities facing San Diego agriculture today, and demonstrate the innovation, adaptability, and resilience of local farmers and ranchers. By continuing to listen to stakeholders and develop educational programs that address their priorities, we can help support climate-smart agriculture practices that strengthen the long-term sustainability of agriculture in San Diego County.
If you would like to read through findings from the listening session, use the following link:
Reference: