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.
Beef Exports Up in Value, Down in Volume
California Ag Today
Where’s the beef? While less of it went overseas in May, what did go was worth more.
The Ever-Unfolding Story of California's Prop 12
California Ag Today
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has decided not to reconsider its earlier ruling that deemed Proposition 12 as constitutional.
5,000 More Dairy Cows and a Decline in Cheese Stocks
California Ag Today
We’re talking milk stocks on today’s program following up on recent data from the U.S. milk production report which indicates a slight year-over-year decrease.
A Harry Potter Farm Bill
California Ag Today
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says maybe Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is right when he claims the House committee-passed farm bill uses “Harry Potter” style ‘invisible cloaking’ to hide its true costs.
USDA Proposes Changes to Federal Milk Marketing Order
California Ag Today
Roger Cryan, chief economist with the American Farm Bureau, says the changes are a mixed bag.
USDA Proposals After 49-Day FMMO Hearing
California Ag Today
Late last year and into the start of 2024, the USDA held a 49-day Federal Milk Marketing Order hearing and listened to hundreds of hours of testimony, which resulted in reform proposals released this week.
California, a Leader in Organic Sales
California Ag Today
In 2022, U.S. organic sales reached $9.6 billion. California accounted for nearly 40% of those sales.
MEX Stands Firm in GM Corn Ban
California Ag Today
Officials from the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office are now hammering arguments made by Mexican representatives during a recent dispute hearing about Mexico’s ban on imports of genetically modified corn used in some food products.
ELAP Opens Up to Dairy Producers Harmed by H5N1
California Ag Today
The Farm Service Agency expanded ELAP through the rule-making process to assist with a portion of financial losses resulting from reduced milk production when cattle are removed from commercial milking in dairy herds having a confirmed positive H5N1 test.
USDA Preference to Women and Minorities Questioned
California Ag Today
A Texas federal judge has temporarily blocked a USDA disaster relief program from giving preferential funding to women and minority farmers.
Wolf Compensation Program Receives Renewed Funding
California Ag Today
Governor Newsom confirmed the agreement on June 22, with the revised State Budget allocating $600,000 for the program.
Electric Vehicle Debate Combusts in Senate Panel Hearing
California Ag Today
With the Biden Administration finalizing new mileage standards, a recent Senate Energy panel hearing served as a flashpoint for the EV versus combustion engine debate.
Dairy as a Health and Wellness Product
California Ag Today
The California Milk Advisory Board has announced the return of the Real California Milk Excelerator competition with an emphasis on Health & Wellness startups.
How Do You Do Conservation?
California Ag Today
The USDA wants to know, especially as it pertains to crop, confined livestock, grazing, and forestry practices.
A Labor Plague on U.S. Ag
California Ag Today
The American Farm Bureau recently sent a letter to USDA and the Department of Labor on the issue.
CA Ag Operations Awarded Big Dollars for Labor Stabilization
California Ag Today
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is awarding some $50 million to support farmworkers and agricultural employers
Carbon Myopia in the Beef Industry
California Ag Today
Defining sustainability in the beef industry, NCBA's Samantha Werth states that discussions have to start with a producer's ability to survive financially.
One Problem, Different Issues
California Ag Today
From poultry to dairy, the H5N1 virus has very different impacts.
A China Ag Trade Challenge
California Ag Today
Regardless of who prevails in the upcoming presidential election, ag tariffs and trade wars will be waiting.
China Bans Meat Exports from California Facility
California Ag Today
China has banned meat exports from a California cold storage facility near the Port of Oakland after traces of the feed additive ractopamine were found in beef shipments
Positive Aspirations for Mexico's New President
California Ag Today
Mexico elected Claudia Sheinbaum as their new president, and many ag leaders are hopeful that she and her administration will make decisions that benefit their ag trade relationship with the U.S.
Success in the Apricot Balancing Act
California Ag Today
After years of removing trees, California’s remaining apricot growers say they have found a balance between supply and demand, allowing the crop to be profitable.
Improving the Management of Grazing on Federal Lands
California Ag Today
Two U.S. senators have now introduced bipartisan legislation that they say will support ranchers who rely upon federal lands to graze their livestock.
Water Rights 101
California Ag Today
New documents from State Water Resources Control Board aim to improve understanding of water rights holders as to their rights and reporting requirements.