A weekly look at some of the events and activities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In this edition of USDA Week In Review, 2014 in review with Agriculture Secretary…
Almond Board: Almond Achievement Award
The Almond Board of California announced the 2014 Almond Achievement Award, which was presented to Dave Baker. Sabrina Hill has more. Almond Achievement Award…
Product Promotes Bee Activity
Products are emerging that will help pollinators and promote activity. The Almond Board of California recently released its best management practices guideline for honey bees, and at their 2014 annual…
Census of Horticulture Arriving in Mailboxes this Winter
…the producers of those cherished holiday traditions. NASS is conducting the 2014 Census of Horticultural Specialties to gather detailed information on horticultural production and sales across the United States. “The…
Research Changing Tissue Sampling Location
Recent research presented at a sustainability expo in San Luis Obispo suggests many have been tissue sampling incorrectly. Changing Tissue Sampling Location Attendees at the 2014 Sustainability Expo learned how…
More Protection for Specialty Crops
…were part of the 2014 farm bill. It will provide greater coverage for losses when natural disasters affect specialty crops such as vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, floriculture, ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turf…
AFBF President on Passage of Tax Extenders Bill
…one step closer to tax laws that will let them reinvest in their businesses. Farm Bureau now urges the President to sign these temporary provisions into law for 2014. “Thanks…
Falconry Tops for Bird Control
Falconry is an old form of pest control but is unrivaled when it comes to birds. Falconry Tops for Bird Control At the 2014 Sustainable Ag Expo in San Luis…
Profitable and Challenging Almond Industry
The almond industry is coming off one of its biggest years yet faces some even bigger issues. Profitable and Challenging Almond Industry AgNet West was at the 2014 Almond Conference…
USDA Improves Forest Health by Harvesting Biomass for Energy
2014 Farm Bill Program Generates Renewable Energy, Helps Reduce Forest Fire Threats Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that more than 200,000 tons of biomass were removed from federal lands…
State Wheat Production May Jump in 2015
Although California wheat acreage dropped significantly in 2014, farmers may be planting more of it this fall and winter, thanks in part to a record tomato crop. Much of the…
USDA Provides Greater Protection for Fruit, Vegetable and Other Specialty Crop Growers
…Crop Disaster Assistance Program for crops that traditionally have been ineligible for federal crop insurance. The new options, created by the 2014 Farm Bill, provide greater coverage for losses when…
USDA Seeks Public Comment on New Environmental Quality Incentives Program Rule
…rule includes program changes authorized by Congress in the 2014 Farm Bill. USDA has established a 60-day comment period for the rule. The rule is expected to be available in…
Brown Administration Opposes Federal Drought Legislation
…on January 17, 2014, California state agencies have worked very closely with their federal counterparts and impacted stakeholders to provide critically needed water supplies while protecting our water quality, imperiled…