California Ag Today
Focused on keeping local farmers, ranchers, agribusiness men, and women up to date on agriculture industry issues that affect California's rural economy.
Focused on keeping local farmers, ranchers, agribusiness men, and women up to date on agriculture industry issues that affect California's rural economy.
California Ag Today
Beer Giant Anheuser-Busch becomes the first company to certify as “U.S. Farmed,” even adding the distinctive seal to its packaging this spring. This certification indicates the product derives at least 95 percent of its agricultural ingredients from American farms.
California Ag Today
American Farmland Trust is introducing The U.S. Farmed™ certification. This certification includes a distinctive U.S. Farmed packaging seal for farm products that derive at least 95 percent of their agricultural ingredients from farms in the United States.
California Ag Today
The latest Meat Demand Monitor released on February 29, 2024, offered a mixed result, according to Kansas State University Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Glynn Tonsor.
California Ag Today
Dairy prices have been low for some time, giving producers several reasons to lack optimism for the second half of 2024. Lucas Fuess, the senior dairy analyst for Rabo AgriFinance, says the industry needs to get through the next few months first.
California Ag Today
Many in the ag industry are concerned about the guestworker visa program. Washington Policy Center’s Ag Director Pam Lewison says many believe H-2A workers take jobs that would otherwise be filled by locals, but that’s now how H-2A works.
California Ag Today
National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says AM radio is a critical to rural America, and he says automakers shouldn’t limit access to information.
California Ag Today
The USDA announced its “Product of the USA Label” rule. According to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, the finalized rule is designed with consumer understanding in mind. Vilsack made the announcement during an address at the National Farmers Union’s annual convention. He says the rulemaking process began a year ago.
California Ag Today
The Dairy Margin Coverage risk management program sign-ups are open until the end of April. John Berge, the acting deputy administrator of farm programs for the Farm Service Agency, says its open to any dairy operation in the country.
California Ag Today
With the Farm Bill being a top priority for many in agriculture, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says it’s critical that Congress finishes a farm bill this year.
California Ag Today
The recent apple harvest across the nation has been remarkable both in terms of quantity and quality. However, the current challenge lies in securing sufficient consumers to purchase them. Chris Gerlach, the Director of Industry Analytics at the U.S. Apple Association, emphasizes the abundance of apples awaiting market distribution.
California Ag Today
The U.S. cattle herd numbers are still at record-lows. Kevin Good, vice president of industry relations for CattleFax, says the U.S. herd is still at levels not seen for decades. As far as feeder cattle and calves go, America is down a million head, and that’s not including the reduction in cows.
California Ag Today
This one’s for our Golden State dairy farmers; if you’re looking to protect your financial margin between milk prices and feed costs, you should check out the USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage Program.
California Ag Today
The pork industry has experienced some turbulence lately, as changing legislation paired with supply and demand raises questions about hog profitability. However, Steve Meyer with Ever.ag forecasts break-even market prices despite higher input costs.
California Ag Today
USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer talked about the state of the ag economy and the headwinds it faces in 2024. During his speech at the 100th Annual Ag Outlook Meeting, he said there are challenges ahead.
California Ag Today
With the Farm Bill being a top priority for many in agriculture, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says it’s critical that Congress finishes a farm bill this year.
California Ag Today
Doug McKalip, the Chief Agricultural Negotiator, says recent years in U.S. trade have been positive, with room for advancement.
California Ag Today
The USDA is investing $500 million to expand work on the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the goal is to reduce the risk of wildfires for communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources.
California Ag Today
While U.S. milk production is expected to grow this year, according to Michael McConnel of the USDA’s Chief Economist Office. He adds the third and fourth quarters of 2023 showed some contraction, indicating a slower growth rate in 2024.
California Ag Today
There’s been a lot of discussion during this farm bill cycle about the need to update Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program spending levels for commodity programs, including for the U.S. Meat Export Federation efforts to promote beef and pork exports. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said additional funding would be put to work right away.
California Ag Today
Welcome back to our Propane talks this week. Joining us again, Propane Education Research Council’s Michael Newland says the industry continues to invent new ways to use the clean-burning fuel.