Lawmakers have recently reintroduced legislation to provide producers with more pricing information and ensure appropriate regionally negotiated cash trade. U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Ron Wyden have introduced the Cattle …
Port Congestion Being Addressed by Federal Officials
Federal Maritime Commissioner officials are moving forward with an investigation into port congestion in California. The focus of the investigation is related to detention and demurrage practices of ocean carriers …
Report Highlights Impact of Weak U.S. Dollar on Ag Exports
A recent report shows that the weaker U.S. dollar will benefit some ag commodities but could create issues for others. In general, American ag products are more competitive in the …
Budget Hearings to Consider UC Funding Restoration
Conversations are continuing regarding the potential for a full UC funding restoration. For UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), it would mean the nearly 13 percent funding reduction for …
American Rescue Plan Act Moving Forward with Senate Approval
The U.S. Senate passed the American Rescue Plan Act over the weekend. The $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill will head back to the U.S. House of Representatives for another vote. …
Farm Workforce Modernization Act Reintroduced with Ag Support
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act has been reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Dan Newhouse introduced the legislation that is designed to reform the H-2A …
Agricultural Burning in the San Joaquin Valley Officially Set to End in 2025
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted to approve the plan to end agricultural burning in the San Joaquin Valley. CARB established January 1, 2025, as the absolute end date …
Speedier COVID Assistance Expected with New USDA Leadership in Place
With the U.S. Department of Agriculture finalizing leadership positions, assistance for producers affected by COVID should be on the way soon. Vice President of Washington Operations for the National Cotton …
Supreme Court Asked to Review Case Against California’s Prop 12
The legal challenges to the animal housing requirements established in California’s Proposition 12 are continuing. The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) recently filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court for …
California Snow Levels Low, Matching Water Storage Levels
The latest snow survey highlighted the disparity in California snow levels between regions. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) performed the third manual snow survey at Phillips Station. Readings indicated …
FACA Expands Membership and Narrows Its Focus
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) is working to narrow its focus on specific policy recommendations. Initially, the group established more than 40 policy recommendations back in November. As …
Partnership Looks to Enhance Organic Conservation Practices
A new three-year partnership is aimed at helping expand the implementation of organic conservation practices. An agreement was recently made between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service …
USDA Leadership Continues Taking Shape with Recent Appointments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been announcing new personnel to key positions within the department. Notable USDA leadership appointments include Gloria Montaño Greene as Deputy Under Secretary for …
Lawmakers Ask Biden for Rural Broadband Infrastructure Improvements
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is encouraging President Joe Biden to make rural broadband infrastructure a priority moving forward. Members of the Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus sent a letter detailing …