Prop 12's National Impact and China and U.S. Soybeans

The Agribusiness Update
Every American pig farmer stands to lose when faced with a patchwork of ever-changing state housing laws spurred by California’s Prop 12, and spokesman from the Chinese commerce ministry was asked when China might resume buying American soybeans.

Lack Rain Hits Georgia Peanuts and China and U.S. Soybeans

The Agribusiness Update
At the beginning of August, Georgia’s peanut crop looked good, but then it stopped raining across most of South Georgia’s peanut belt, and spokesman from the Chinese commerce ministry was asked when China might resume buying American soybeans.

California Table Olive Crop Smaller and Senate Confirms Three USDA Nominees

The Agribusiness Update
California table olive growers are expected to harvest a smaller crop this year, and the Senate confirms three nominees for critical USDA positions.

International Paper Closing Plants and Senate Confirms Three USDA Nominees

The Agribusiness Update
International Paper will be closing its plants in Savannah and Riceboro by the end of the month, and the Senate confirms three nominees for critical USDA positions.

H2A Reform Needed

Fruit Grower Report
Enrique Gastelum, CEO at WAFLA, the Worker and Farmer Labor Association, says there are three big challenges that need addressed, and the first is the skyrocketing Adverse Effect Wage Rate.

Farm Bankruptcy Higher and USDA Combats Foodborne Illness

The Agribusiness Update
More U.S. farms filed for bankruptcy in the first three months of 2025 than during the entire 2024 calendar year, and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans to boost USDA’s efforts combatting foodborne illness.

CCA Exemption Update Pt 2

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Governor signs update bill that secures agriculture's exempt status from the CCA fuel tax.

CCA Exemption Update Pt 1

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Governor signs update bill that secures agriculture's exempt status from the CCA fuel tax.

Ransomware Attacks on Ag and Over 15,000 USDA Employees Leave

The Agribusiness Update
There were 84 ransomware attacks against the food and agriculture industry in the first three months of 2025, and over 15,000 USDA employees have taken one of the

Trump administration's two financial incentive offers to leave the agency.

WAEF Gets Witherbee Back Pt 2

Fruit Grower Report
If you haven’t heard the news yet, the Washington Apple Education Foundation has a familiar face back in the Executive Director’s chair.

WAEF Gets Witherbee Back Pt 1

Fruit Grower Report
If you haven’t heard the news yet, the Washington Apple Education Foundation has a familiar face back in the Executive Director’s chair.

AHA Moment in Agriculture Pt 2

Fruit Grower Report
Are farmers ready for the future? Are they going to be able to keep up technologically with all of the changes in the way things are done.

AHA Moment in Agriculture Pt 1

Fruit Grower Report
Are farmers ready for the future? Are they going to be able to keep up technologically with all of the changes in the way things are done.

Northern Giant Hornet Gone and McDonalds Ends DEI

The Agribusiness Update
After three years without confirmed detections, the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the USDA have declared the Northern Giant Hornet eradicated from Washington and the U.S., and McDonald’s is ending its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within its supply chain.

Northern Giant Hornet Gone and McDonalds Ends DEI

The Agribusiness Update
After three years without confirmed detections, the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the USDA have declared the Northern Giant Hornet eradicated from Washington and the U.S., and McDonald’s is ending its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within its supply chain.

Northern Giant Hornet Eradicated and Rural Economy Still Uncertain

The Agribusiness Update
The Washington State Department of Agriculture and USDA have declared the northern giant hornet eradicated from Washington and the U.S., and while U.S. continues benefiting from solid economic growth, the rural economic outlook remains uncertain.

EPA Challenges for Dicamba and New Supply Chain Creation

The Agribusiness Update
The EPA is facing renewed pressure to deny re-registration of the controversial weedkiller dicamba, and facing the threat of more tariffs on Chinese goods, companies could create supply chains just to export to America.

Wine Demand Drop Hits Grapes and Trump Threatens Deere with Tariffs

The Agribusiness Update
A downturn in wine sales worldwide has shaken California’s winegrape sector, and Donald Trump is threatening to slap a 200% tariff on John Deere products sold in the U.S. IF the company moves production to Mexico as planned.

California Dairies Confirm HPAI and Commodity Groups Farm Bill Pressure

The Agribusiness Update
Three dairy herds in California’s Central Valley remain under quarantine after cows tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza, and commodity groups join forces in Washington, DC in an effort to get a new Farm Bill passed.

California Dairies Report HPIA and USDA Trade Mission to Vietnam

The Agribusiness Update
Three of California’s dairy farms report cattle infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, and USDA Undersecretary Alexis Taylor leads a large trade mission to Vietnam this week.