California has allocated money to help growers improve practices in their orchards. Almond Board of California’s Spencer Cooper said the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) has been helping …
Farm Bureau to USDA: New Regulations Must Protect Both Farmland and Wetland
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, …
Storms Pile On Snowpack, Big Boost for Southern Sierras
Snowpack totals jumped considerably after two storms rolled through California. Last Friday, February 1, snowpack sensors estimated the snow water equivalent for the state at 98 percent of the historical average and …
Recent U.S., China Talks Provide Hope for Trade Resolution
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said last week’s trade talks between President Trump and Chinese officials were in, “good spirit.” Progress can still be made but a letter delivered by China’s Vice-Premier …
Further Confusion Surrounding Sick Leave Time
The amount of sick-leave time that needs to be provided by employers with 26 or more employees has been reduced to 28.5 hours, coinciding with the updated workday requirements being …
Groups Comment on State of the Union Address
Source: USDA U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement regarding President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address: “President Trump provided a unifying, hopeful vision for …
China Makes Another Significant Soybean Purchase
China made a pledge to make another significant soybean purchase at a recent meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials. China’s Vice Premier and lead trade negotiator Liu He made the …
California to Receive Significant Amount of Trade Promotion Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be awarding $200 million to 57 different organizations through the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP). The program is intended to enhance further expansion …
Lawmakers Get Updated on Organic Industry Needs
Lawmakers in Congress are getting a thorough update on the needs and concerns of the organic industry this week. More than 20 farmer-members from the Organic Trade Association’s Farmers Advisory …
USDA looks to “Everybody That Eats” for Market Opportunities
While making a visit to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention in New Orleans, United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Purdue talked about trade. He mentioned there is work …
Legislative Work Continues on Disaster Relief Package
With the government temporarily back up and running, lawmakers are continuing their work on a disaster relief package. A particular focus of the efforts are the 2018 agricultural losses that …
Snow Depth Nearly Doubles in Second Snow Survey of 2019
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the second snow survey of the year on January 31 and it demonstrated close to a doubling of snow levels in only four …
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 …
Helping Producers Aid Monarch Butterfly
USDA Helps Producers Manage for Habitat, Improve Ag Operations California agricultural producers can voluntarily help the monarch butterfly on their farms and ranches through a variety of conservation practices offered …