This episode of Making Sense of Biologicals looks at biocontrol agents. Although the category falls outside of the three general subcategories of biologicals, it’s an important tool for growers an …
NIFA Grant Helps UCR Develop Agricultural Technology
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $90 million in grant funding to nine projects, to support investment in research to improve sustainability in the agricultural industry. …
Meat Industry Undergoing Significant Antitrust Scrutiny
The meat industry has been under increased scrutiny in recent weeks as federal officials investigate multiple antitrust concerns. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is looking into several of America’s …
Report Shows 2020 as Being ‘A Great Time for Organics’
The most recent report from the Organic Produce Network (OPN) and Category Partners shows that 2020 is shaping up to be a good year for organics. The May 2020 Organic …
Complex Process to Determine Fate of California Dairy Quota Continues
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) recently held a virtual hearing related to one of several initiatives looking to make changes to the California dairy quota program. Several …
Growing Better Broccoli May Involve Trial and Error
Cathy Isom fills you in during today’s This Land of Ours program how to grow better broccoli. Learning how to grow broccoli usually involves some trial and error. Most gardeners …
Developing A Waiver of Liability for On-Farm Tours and Other Activities
Farmers are being encouraged to develop liability waivers for on-farm tours and other activities. Executive Director of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Tawny Tesconi recommends that growers meet with legal …
Avocado Marketing in China a Massive Undertaking
The California Avocado Commission was, of course, happy to hear that part of the ‘phase-one’ agreement between the U.S. and China included Hass avocados. But now the commission has to …
New Pest Control Material Becomes Available for California Growers
California producers have added another pest control material to the toolbox with the recent registration of a new insecticide from BASF. The new product, Sefina, has been shown to be …
Agricultural Statistics Review Shows Mild Improvement
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) recently released the latest agricultural statistics review which shows a modest improvement from the year prior. The report shows that the state’s …
Week in Review: Nighttime Lighting Rule Effective July 1, Preparing for Wildfire Smoke Requirements
Farmers will want to be prepared for the regulatory requirements that are going to be in effect this summer. New nighttime lighting rules will begin to be enforced beginning July …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Microbials Attack the Health of Pests
This episode of Making Sense of Biologicals begins to break down the biopesticide category. The Environmental Protection Agency breaks biopesticides into three areas: biochemical, microbial, and plant-incorporated-protectants. In this episode, …
Resilience 2020 Expands to Highlight Sustainability of Cattle Industry
The Resilience 2020 campaign has been expanded to also highlight other areas of the cattle industry. Launched by the California Cattle Council and the California Cattlemen’s Association, the Resilience 2020 …
June 22 Deadline to Encourage More Cotton Eligibility for CFAP
Industry groups are encouraging more cotton eligibility under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Under the guidelines for the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) determined that extra-long staple …