The following statement can be attributed to American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Farmers need the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and the sooner the better. U.S. agriculture needs strong …
Leave Time Clarification for Ag Employers
The recent changes in overtime rules created a bit of a discrepancy in paid sick-leave requirements, leaving many ag employers confused about what is expected from them. AgSafe President and …
Study Shows Trade Agreements by Competitors will Threaten U.S. Dairy Exports to Japan
A study released by the U.S. Dairy Export Council projects that new trade agreements between Japan and other countries will put U.S. dairy exports at a competitive disadvantage, resulting in …
Participation Encouraged for the 2019 Labor Survey
California farmers and ranchers are being asked to participate in the 2019 labor survey to establish an accurate baseline of the state’s labor needs. The Farm Employers Labor Service and …
January Storms Bolster California Water Supplies
Several storms throughout January have helped improve conditions for California water supplies. So far, nearly 600 billion gallons of water have been added to California reservoirs and over five feet …
WTO Sides with the U.S. on Chinese Agriculture Subsidies
The World Trade Organization (WTO) will be announcing its decision regarding Chinese agriculture subsidies in the coming weeks and is expected to rule in favor of U.S. For many years …
Federal Government Reopens for Now
After a month-long shutdown, the federal government reopens officially for three weeks following an announcement from President Donald Trump. The 800,000 federal workers who have been on furlough will be …
Shutdown Hinders Implementation of Farm Bill Benefits to California Producers
Ratifying a new Farm Bill takes the efforts of many different people over a long period of time. Once it’s signed into law, the states begin to implement the programs …
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. …
Groups Urge Administration To Lift Metals Tariffs
A diverse, ad hoc coalition of more than 45 groups representing many sectors of the U.S. economy joined the National Pork Producers Council in calling for an end to U.S. tariffs on …
Almond Update: Irrigation Evaluations Available for Growers
Several Resource Conservation Districts (RCD) are offering free or low-cost irrigation tests to let a grower know how or where they can improve their system. Almond Board of California’s Senior …
Disaster Recovery Bill on Hold Until Government Shutdown Is Resolved
Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to continue funding for the Wildfires and Hurricanes Indemnity Program (WHIP) to assist with disaster recovery. While analysts anticipate the …
USDA to Reopen All FSA Offices – Extends MFP Payment Deadline to Feb. 14
USDA announced it will reopen all of its Farm Service Agencies despite the ongoing government shutdown. Last week, USDA announced it would only reopen selected FSA offices, for three days …
FSA Services Expanded During Ongoing Government Shutdown
Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices will be providing additional administrative services beginning January 24. The announcement made on January 22 indicates that FSA services for farmers and ranchers will be …