The sun has always been necessary to grow crops, but now many farmers are using the sun’s energy for other parts of their businesses. More farmers in the Central Valley are turning to solar power because technology has made it increasingly affordable.

The worldwide popularity of Central Valley walnuts has spurred large plantings by growers who want to take advantage of excellent prices and demand even though they’ll have to wait for the payoff.

Dairy is the number one agricultural product in the Central Valley, leading the top 10 commodities list in San Joaquin County with an agriculture value of $452.8 million and in Stanislaus County with a value of $766.1 million.

The new California Health Care Facility built by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is nearing completion. Jobs and information about training programs have been posted on the state’s CDCR’s website. They include jobs for correctional officers and training for psychiatric technicians and other health care jobs.

Diversification is proving to be the key helping nurseries survive the challenging economy.

The colorfully painted Ag In Motion tractor-trailer brings with it agriculture, science, and an exciting learning program for Central Valley students and teachers.

Civil and environmental engineers play an important in building the Valley’s economy.

Civil and environmental engineers play an important in building the Valley’s economy.

Central Valley tax experts at the end of December were watching with great interest as uncertainty hung over the 2013 tax season. That uncertainty stems from the so-called “fiscal cliff,” the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, speculation about tax rates, changes in the inheritance tax, and the alternative minimum tax that could affect millions of Americans.