Erik Wilson is a spray applicator out of Merced, California. He’s well known and respected for his work helping to create the ‘My Job Depends On Ag’ movement. He recently wrote an …
Hopes to Curb Agribusiness Consolidation as New Congress Takes Office
As the new Congress takes office there is hope that something will be done to address the frequency and scope of agribusiness mergers the industry has seen over the past …
Producers Getting Onboard with H-2A Labor Before the Rush
Jackson Family Wines has been using H-2A labor to supplement their needs over the last few years, and Vineyard Manager Bart Haycraft said the merging of the two labor pools …
USDA Extends Deadline for Market Facilitation Program Applications
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an extension to the original deadline for Market Facilitation Program applications. Agricultural producers who are seeking payments through the program, which is …
New Overtime Requirements Need Attention
Several regulatory changes will be affecting the cost of labor this year, including new labor laws that pertain to minimum wage, workday and overtime requirements, as well as paid leave …
USMCA Will Bring Gains for California Dairies
Lawmakers have returned to Congress for the first time in 2019 and officials will have several significant issues that will need to be addressed. Along with the 2018 Farm Bill, …
U.S. Trade Officials to Meet in China Next Week
The tension between the top two economies of the world seems to be dwindling– tariffs have been reduced, goods have been purchased and talk of a trade war resolution is …
Farm Bill Strengthens Efforts of Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research
The 2018 Farm Bill continues financial support of multiple programs and initiatives including the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR). The new farm bill includes $185 million in funding …
First Snow Survey of the Year Reveals a Strong Start
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) performed the first snow survey for 2019 today, about 90 miles east of Sacramento at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The readings found …
AFBF Hopes to Maintain Advertising Requirements for Farm Labor Positions
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently proposed changes to the advertising requirements for farm labor positions. The current rule requires employers to advertise available positions in local print newspapers …
Court Agrees with USDA in GIPSA Ruling
About a year after a petition was filed, the GIPSA ruling was finally issued by a U.S. District Court on December 21. The ruling stated that the U.S. Department of …
Table Grape Industry Feeling Secondary Impacts of Tariffs
Some unexpected, secondary impacts of the chaotic trade relationship between the U.S. and China are appearing in the international table grape market. Increased tariffs placed on American agricultural goods, combined …
Salinity Yield Trials in Alfalfa Show Interesting Results
After multiple years of production trials, researchers with the University of California Cooperative Extension have found that alfalfa can still be produced effectively using irrigation water with high salinity. The …
China Accepts U.S. Rice Imports, a Sign of a Warming Relationship
In what seems to be a sign of a warming relationship between the two top economies in the world, China has officially welcomed rice imports from American farmers. While it’s …