As the Agriculture Department moves forward with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation regulations, the department must ensure its new Interim Rule balances the benefits for both farmland and wetland, …
Slight Broomrape Resurgence Over Last Decade
There has been an uptick in reports of the broomrape weed in California. Retired Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Gene Miyao reminded growers at the 2019 Northern San Joaquin Valley Processing Tomato meeting that Broomrape …
Two CA Congressmen Reintroduce 2019 Flood Insurance For Farmers Act
The Flood Insurance for Farmers Act was reintroduced this week by Congressmen John Garamendi and Doug LaMalfa. The act will provide farmers with discounted rates for flood insurance under the …
Sustainability Concerns More Than Just the Environment
The concept of sustainability in agricultural production goes beyond strictly environmental concerns. While sustainable ag practices often result in better overall conditions for the surrounding environment, those practices also help …
USDA Seeking Public Input on Wetland Determination Guidance
Public comment period for wetland conservation compliance rule open through February 5 Farmers are reminded that updated guidelines for wetland determinations are posted and available for public input. The U.S. …
Weed Identification Tools and Tips
Identifying what type of weeds are showing up on a farming operation is the most important step in formulating a management strategy. When a new type of weed begins to …
CA FFA Students Lived to Serve Their Community During the Camp Fire
Students from Gridley High School FFA worked to provide relief efforts during the Camp Fire that blazed through Butte County. The students helped with sorting donations, feeding livestock, creating new …
Identifying Source of Sickness is Hardest Step
Identifying what food caused an illness is a difficult task. Investigators rely on people’s memory when they start tracing back illnesses from contaminated food. “The process of trying to determine what …
Sustainability Still Ranking High on Consumer Want List
Consumers are continuing to show strong engagement with sustainability messages. Cone Marketing has been tracking consumer trends for decades, and Vice President of Marketing Whitney Dailey said sustainability messages continue to …
Genome Published of the Small Hive Beetle, a Major Honey Bee Parasite
Beekeepers and researchers will welcome the unveiling of the small hive beetle’s genome by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists and their colleagues. The small hive beetle (SHB) is a major …
The Western View: What We Don’t Know About Geo-Engineering
I don’t think anyone doubts that the climate is always changing; change is the only constant not just in weather, but in life. The cause of climate change may be disputed …
Indoor Heat Threshold Change and Note Keeping
The new indoor heat standard coming for California recently changed a key requirement. “Originally the standard had spoken to 80 degrees but has since been changed to 82,” AgSafe Assistant …
CDFA Updates Website to Assist Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by Wildfires
The most recent devastating wildfires are over, but those affected by fire damage still have a tough road ahead. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is providing a …
Holiday Fresh Decor Could House Invasive Pests
Whether you’ve picked up your fresh tree, wreaths or garland yet or if you plan to do so soon, officials say it’s best to keep an eye out for invasive …