The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that a total of $10 million in grant funding will be available for the 2021 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program. Grants are awarded …
Western House Members Ask for FEMA Disaster Declaration
Several members of Congress are asking President Biden to declare a drought disaster in the western United States as record temperatures and wildfires hit several states hard. Democrats Joe Neguse …
Groups Disappointed in Neonicotinoid Evaluation
Grower organizations representing a variety of crops are disappointed with the Environmental Protection Agency’s draft biological evaluation for several neonicotinoid products. The groups representing farmers across the country say that …
National Awareness Increases on Ag’s Role in Mitigating Effects of Climate Change
The damage caused by recent ecological disasters has helped highlight agriculture’s role in mitigating the effects of climate change. California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross pointed out …
Hopes That Dry Year Will Prompt Action on Water Management and Storage
There is hope that the unfortunate conditions of California’s water supply this year will prompt decisive action on water management and storage. President and CEO of Western Growers, Dave Puglia …
Grassley Wants Administration to Fill Ag Trade Positions
Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, called on President Biden to fill a couple of key USDA positions that deal with agricultural trade. He wants qualified officials appointed to the …
California Plums Gain Market Access to Japan
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that Japan has granted market access for California plums. The announcement comes after several rounds of negotiations between the U.S. and Japan, …
EPA Announces Resources to Better Address Nutrient Pollution Affecting Waters
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new resources to address adverse effects of nutrient pollution in waters, including algae blooms. The three new resources will help EPA’s co-regulators and partners …
Port Uncertainty Makes for Tough Decisions for Fresh Fruit Industry
The congestion at West Coast ports continues to be an ongoing struggle, which is becoming even more problematic for the fresh fruit industry. There have been various issues disrupting the …
Almond Update: New Cover Crop BMPs Available for Growers
A new resource has been made available for growers, focused on the use of cover crops in almond orchards. The new Best Management Practices (BMPs) guide provides a thorough look …
USDA Announces Proposed Framework for Advancing Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2
The Department of Agriculture is dedicating $300 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging and zoonotic diseases. The effort aimed at susceptible …
First Giant Hornet Nest of 2021 Found in Washington State
Agriculture officials found the first giant hornet nest of 2021 last week in Washington state. The nest, located near Blaine, Washington, is about a quarter-mile away from the first reported …
Overall Bankruptcy Rates Dropping
Despite challenges from COVID-19 and bad weather, higher commodity prices and government support have finally turned the tide around on year-over-year increases in Chapter 12 bankruptcies. The American Farm Bureau …
Propane Prices Heading Higher
Liquid Propane prices in the U.S. could be heading higher based on current supply/demand factors. A Successful Farming article says that could mean higher corn drying costs for farmers this …