Sacramento, CA (April 22, 2026) – Yesterday, Assemblywoman Hadwick (R-Alturas) celebrated Ag Day at the Capitol, honoring the critical role agriculture plays in California’s economy.
Ag Day has been a longstanding tradition at the Capitol for more than 30 years. To begin the festivities, Assemblywoman Hadwick distributed handmade crates to her colleagues. They were filled with agricultural products from across California with each item representing the hard work, innovation, and resilience of the farmers and ranchers who help feed Californians, the nation, and the world.
“Agriculture is a cornerstone of California’s economy and identity,” said Assemblywoman Hadwick, “Our state produces more than 400 different commodities and leads the nation in agricultural output, generating more than $50 billion annually in farm gate value alone. From hay and almonds to cattle, timber, fruits, and vegetables, California agriculture touches every community and every one of our lives—whether we realize it or not.”
Assembly District 1 spans 11 rural counties where agriculture isn’t just an industry, it’s a way of life. Communities throughout the District depend on it every single day. Agriculture supports local economies, sustains families, and preserves the working landscapes that define Northern California.
“As a farmer myself, this isn’t just policy—it’s our life,” said Assemblywoman Hadwick. “My family and I own and operate a farm where we grow pumpkins, vegetables, and hay, and raise Highland cows. Like many family farms across our state, we are navigating increasing challenges: rising inflation, burdensome regulations, labor shortages, and the uncertainty that comes with it all. These pressures are not unique to us—they are shared by producers up and down California who are working tirelessly to keep their operations going.”
Ag Day at the Capitol celebrates this vital industry and helps connect lawmakers to the hard-working people involved in it. There were a wide range of booths—from producers and commodity groups to equipment and innovation showcases—highlighting the many facets of agriculture. For the second year, Assemblywoman Hadwick brought her highland cows from her farm, including a three-week-old baby. “The cows are always a hit with all ages. We have always been passionate about educating people about Agriculture. I love that we get to bring a little bit of District 1 to Sacramento and talk to legislators, staff and visitors about what the industry is facing. It gives me an opportunity to discuss our wolf crisis- highlighting the emotional stress, costs to the industry and the lack of urgency from the state on what’s happening on the ground. We have to do better – our communities deserve better.”
