COVID-19 was the most prominent topic this week as smaller farmers struggle with marketing their produce and industrywide concern focuses on supplies of necessary safety equipment such as sanitizer and …
Direct Marketing Farmers Hit Hardest During Pandemic
Farmers who depend on direct marketing their produce appear to be having a tough time during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the demand for fresh produce has been strong in the …
Shifting Focus: Avocados Rethink Promoting Industry Amidst COVID-19
The current restrictions surrounding the ongoing pandemic is changing how associations promote their industries. The COVID-19 social distancing and shelter at home recommendations are impacting everyday life around the state, …
N95 Masks: ‘Perfect Storm’ Brewing for Agriculture
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an increased demand for N95 masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) throughout the country. Some companies have announced they will be retooling their operations …
Assessing the Potential of Harvesting Elderberry Hedgerows
Elderberry hedgerows can provide several benefits for growers who plant them along a farm’s edges, such as improving agricultural runoff, providing habitat for beneficial insects, and assisting with carbon storage. …
Study Shows Strict Air Quality Regulations Benefit California Agriculture
A recent study that was published by researchers from the University of California, Irvine among other institutions, found that California’s strict air quality regulations have provided benefits for the state’s …
Citrus Bloom Starting Up in the Central Valley
Citrus bloom is officially underway in several areas of the Central Valley, with weather forecasts projecting fairly warm conditions. Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner Tom Tucker noted that District 1 in …
Week in Review: Stimulus Bill Helps Ag, New Coronavirus Sick Leave Requirements
This week’s most important headlines feature information about the coronavirus stimulus package that was recently passed, along with other impacts the pandemic is having on the agricultural industry. California strawberry …
HLB Spreads North to San Bernardino, Expands Quarantine
CDFA, March 24, 2020 – A citrus quarantine expansion has been declared following the detection of the citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB) in one residential citrus tree in the City of …
Farmers’ Markets Remain Open in Most Areas
Amidst efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19, many farmers’ markets remain open for consumers. Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a shelter in place order to California, resulting in the …
California Strawberry Production Stays on Track
California strawberry production continues to progress despite many areas of the community slowing down in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Agriculture has been deemed an essential industry, allowing workers to …
Foodservice Down, But ‘Brisk’ Fresh Avocado Market Helping
A ‘brisk’ fresh avocado market is making up for some issues due to COVID-19. The order for Americans to stay at home to help slow down the spread of the …
Livestock Haulers Included in Hours of Service Waiver
The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently extended the hours of service waiver to include livestock haulers. A few weeks ago, FMCSA initially suspended the hours …
How to Catch a Swarm of Bees Safely
Cathy Isom lets you know what is needed, as well as a simple trick for how to catch a swarm of bees. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. …