…next generation of agricultural producers through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). “USDA is committed to the next generation of America’s farmers and ranchers because they represent the…
McNamara Named Agriculturalist of the Year
Farmer and president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, Craig McNamara is named Agriculturalist of the Year by the California State Fair. Agriculturalist of the Year For…
USDA Officially Announces Sign-Up Date for Farmer and Rancher Disaster Assistance Programs
Sign-Up Begins April 15 for Livestock, Honeybee, Fruit Grower Programs WASHINGTON, April 7, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that farmers and ranchers can sign-up for…
Trent Loos Speaks on Agriculture Issues in California
…Loos is a sixth generation farmer and often called an “agriculture activist.” He speaks to groups around the nation and in 2008 was named the “Voice of Rural America.” To…
Leopold Conservation Award Nominations Now Accepted
Karen Sweet If you know a farmer or rancher who should be honored for their efforts in land conservation, now is your chance to nominate him or her for the…
Change in Policy on Fumigant Puts Farmers in Bind
…longer granting the exemptions will present challenges for farmers. But DPR Director Brian Leahy said the department “believes in being very protective when it comes to fumigants.” “We continuously evaluate…
Americans Eating More Foreign Produce Than Ever Before
…area farmer and President of San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Carlos Castaneda says the need for ag labor is a major factor in why U.S. farmers are not able…
USDA Expanding Support for Small, Mid-Sized Farmers and Ranchers
…addition, USDA field staff will be boosting their outreach efforts to small and mid-sized farmers and ranchers. More information about tools and resources available to small and mid-sized farmers will…
Price Trends Could Sway Choice of PLC vs. ARC Programs
Many factors will go into a farmer’s decision on which of the two new risk management programs to choose, but there may be one overriding factor. Gary Crawford reports. Price…
Ag Secretary Vilsack Outlines Just a Few Beginning Farmer Actions
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack outlines a few of the many initiatives to help beginning farmers. Vilsack Outlines Just a Few Beginning Farmer Actions…
Why Young Farmers Get Into Farming
The average age of farmers is 50-years or older, but the USDA Radio team caught up with a new and beginning farmer who is only 36 and a part of…
Drought Leads to Early Removal of Almonds
…irrigation to keep their trees alive, or taking their chances with growing a crop. An almond farmer in the Westlands Water District who expects no surface water, Barry Baker, said…
USDA Releases a First Look at 2012 Census of Agriculture Results
…to 2012. The report included information on farm numbers, land in farms and farmer demographics. At the national level: · The United States had 2.1 million farms, down 4.3 percent…
Drought influences dairy farmers’ feed plans
…dimmed the outlook for California dairy farmers. As the drought worsens, competition for hay and other feed crops has depleted inventories and driven up prices for dairy farmers such as…