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.
USDA Reverses Course on California Office Closures
California Ag Today
Eight USDA offices in California once slated for closure will now remain open, according to a press release from Senator Adam Schiff’s office. The update affects locations critical to farmers and ranchers across the state.
Farm Costs & Packaging Laws
California Ag Today
California ag leaders will tackle the future of single-use packaging at the June 3rd State Board of Food and Agriculture meeting. From cost concerns to compostable innovations, it’s a discussion producers won’t want to miss.
Will Consumers Pull Back On Beef Purchases
California Ag Today
According to a recent American Farm Bureau Market Intel report, U.S. consumer sentiment is on shaky ground.
Protecting Almonds During Hull Split
California Ag Today
Almonds here in the state of California are entering into the hull split crop stage. On the grower anxiety risk list, that means cue up navel orangeworm and hull rot.
Cotton Industry Challenges Health Report’s Claims
California Ag Today
A new federal report on childhood disease draws fire from cotton producers, who argue their natural fiber and farming practices promote health—not harm.
Ranchers Help Shape National Ag Policy in D.C.
California Ag Today
Cattle producers took their voices to the Capitol earlier this month during the USCA Fly-In, advocating for transparent markets, science-based livestock ID, and stronger labeling standards.
Keeping California Family Farms Competitive
California Ag Today
With small farms making up the majority of U.S. agriculture, the American Farm Bureau Federation is pushing for policies that protect family-run operations. As California farmers face mounting challenges, new USDA attention could bring much-needed support.
Speak Up for Beef: Advocacy Webinar Empowers Producers
California Ag Today
Join a free virtual workshop May 28 to gain practical tools for telling your story and advocating for the beef industry. Learn from NCBA’s Chandler Mulvaney in this one-hour, producer-focused session.
Making the Most of a Down Alfalfa Market
California Ag Today
"With the price being depressed, you can't make mistakes," says George Morris of Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC.
Farming Strong Starts with a Healthy Heart
California Ag Today
Stress and lifestyle put farmers and rural women at risk for heart disease. Taking charge of your heart health is key to staying strong on and off the farm.
Proposed Overtime Tax Credit for CA Farms Fails in Committee
California Ag Today
Senate Bill 628 aimed to support farm employers and workers affected by California’s overtime law. The bill was rejected along party lines despite support from farm groups and labor advocates.
Deadline Nears for Almond Board Ballots as 2025 Crop Forecast Rises
California Ag Today
Growers have until May 22 to return their Almond Board election ballots. Meanwhile, USDA forecasts a strong 2025 crop—up 3% from last year.
California’s Water Crisis: The High Cost of Inaction
California Ag Today
A new study warns that without coordinated efforts, California risks losing billions in agricultural output and millions of acre-feet of water. Senate Bill 72 aims to secure the state’s water future by 2040.
Growing the Next Generation: Free Ag Training Videos Now Streaming
California Ag Today
With an aging ag workforce and growing labor shortages, California educators are stepping up with free, hands-on video training to help prepare the farm workforce of tomorrow—available to anyone, anywhere.
Dust on the Rise: A Growing Threat to California Agriculture
California Ag Today
A new University of California report warns that dust storms—intensified by climate change—are threatening crops, livestock, and labor productivity. The study outlines both the causes and the consequences for the nation's top agricultural producer.
California Farm Bureau Takes Top Honors for Ag Communications
California Ag Today
California’s ag communicators are in the national spotlight. From print to digital, the California Farm Bureau communications team is being celebrated for telling the stories that matter to farmers and ranchers.
Despite Money for HPAI Vaccines, Implementation Struggles Remain
California Ag Today
The USDA is putting serious muscle behind the fight against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, with a hefty $100 million earmarked for vaccine research and development.
California Leads Nation in Rising Farm Bankruptcies
California Ag Today
U.S. farm bankruptcies surged 55% in 2024 after years of decline, with California at the forefront. Lower commodity prices, high input costs, and mounting debt are pushing family farmers to the brink.
Ranchers Rally Ahead of May 15 Coyote Hearing
California Ag Today
A proposed rule could restrict year-round coyote management in California—a move ranchers say threatens livestock and livelihoods.
Defending a Spotty Almond Crop from Plant Bugs
California Ag Today
James Schaeffer of Helena Agri-Enterprises gives an update on this year's almond crop and the challenges its facing.
Group Launches Campaign Against California's Prop 12
California Ag Today
A new campaign by the Center for Environment and Welfare is calling on Congress to address rising grocery costs they attribute to California’s Proposition 12. The group says nationwide prices are increasing due to costly compliance burdens on food producers.
Wolves and the Bottom Line: UC Davis Tracks Costly Cattle Conflicts
California Ag Today
UC Davis researchers are digging into the economic and welfare impacts of gray wolves on California cattle ranches. Using trail cameras, GPS collars, and lab analysis, they’re finding that wolf presence leads to millions in livestock-related losses.
CDI Opens Doors to the Future of Milk in Bakersfield
California Ag Today
California Dairies, Inc. has unveiled its cutting-edge Valley Natural Beverages plant—a 200,000 square-foot facility in Bakersfield focused on shelf-stable dairy products.
Winegrape Outlook: Uncertainty in the Vines
California Ag Today
Growers in San Joaquin County are navigating a season of mixed signals—adequate moisture, but a stagnant market. According to the California Farm Bureau, concerns over vineyard removals, shifting consumer habits, and tariff impacts are creating plenty of unknowns in the months ahead.