Most people associate pollination with bees and birds but often forget the work of their furry colleagues: bats. Bats take the night shift, playing a major role in pollinating crops…
USDA to Provide $4 Million for Honey Bee Habitat
…estimated $15 billion worth of crops is pollinated by honey bees, including more than 130 fruits and vegetables. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is focusing the effort on five…
Secretary Ross Joins Ag in the Classroom “Teach the Teachers’ Event
…Classroom Conference earlier this month to learn about agriculture and connecting Common Core to California crops. The conference, hosted by the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (CFAITC), was…
USDA to Launch New Farm Bill Program to Help Provide Relief to Farmers Affected by Severe Weather
2014 Farm Bill’s APH Yield Exclusion to be Implemented for 2015 Spring Crops Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the implementation of a new Farm Bill initiative that will provide…
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Announces New Farm Bill Provision for Farmers Affected by Severe Weather
Vilsack Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new Farm Bill provision that will provide direct relief to farmers affected by severe weather, including drought. Spring crops eligible for APH…
Early Walnut Harvesting
Like many other crops in California, harvest for walnuts started a little early this season. Early Walnut Harvesting Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Rachel Elkins says some growers in Lake and…
Schedule Set for 2015 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Workshops
…award SCBGP funds to projects that solely enhance the competitiveness of California specialty crops. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)….
Warmer Temperatures Equal Less Pears
…use to managing fire blight in pear crops. Temperatures in the north part of the state get cold enough to help fight the disease. There used to be more pears…
Almond Board Announces Bee Management Practices
…recommendations actually go far beyond the almond orchard, providing important insights for all crops when it comes to promoting honey bee health.” The BMPs emphasize the importance of communication among…
World Food Day a Reminder of Everyday Challenges With Food Access
…USDA Farm Bill funds through a competitive grant process for a number of projects benefiting specialty crops. In 2014, California received nearly $20 million for grant distribution. Examples of food-access…
Agri View: Drying Up
Everett Griner talks about the drought drying up more than just crops in today’s Agri View. Drying Up…
USDA Announces Measures to Help Farmers Diversify Weed Control Efforts
…practices (BMPs) in design protocols for regulated authorized releases of genetically engineered (GE) crops and will include recommendations for BMPs with the authorization of field trials of HR crops. USDA…
Beet Curly Top Virus Update
Curly Top Virus-pepper(Courtesy cdfa.gov) The Beet Curly Top Virus Control Program (BCTVCP) has been preparing for the fall treatment campaign which should start mid-October. Fallow fields continue to be monitored…
Tough Decision for Southern CA Alfalfa Growers
…decision for southern California growers. Hear more of the leafhopper series: Alfalfa Pests Killing Southern CA Crops -> Leafhopper Management has Little Options -> Alfalfa Breed Showing Promise Against Pest…