…to the brink of going under and created turbulence for producers trying to make ends meet. Unpredictable tariffs, immigration overhauls, federal program cuts, and frozen Agriculture Department funding are now…
2025 West California Almond Crop Expected to Grow Slightly
Wind rowing almonds at an orchard in California. Photo courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, via Wikimedia Commons The 2025 almond crop in West California is expected to grow…
California Wine Grape Growers Voting
…of the Pierce’s Disease Control Program (PDCP), which is overseen by a board of wine grape growers and wine makers. The program, funded by assessments, supports research and outreach to…
90 Years of NRCS – Over a Century of Soil Conservation Awareness
Michael McElhiney with soil sample in Stanislaus County, CA. By Lynn Betts / Photo courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service / Wikimedia Commons Even with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation…
AgNet News Hour Friday, 04-25-25
…H-2A program, emphasizing the need for legal immigration processes for agricultural workers. Nick highlighted three categories: those seeking legal work, long-term residents, and undocumented workers. Lorrie noted the program’s relevance…
CDFA to Host a Series of Quarterly Virtual Training Workshops
Courtesy of CDFA The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will host a series of quarterly virtual training workshops on the Produce Safety Program (PSP) portal through fall 2025….
American Agriculture History Minute: Crop Insurance, Conservation Techniques Revive Great Plains Agriculture
…American Agriculture History Minute. American Agriculture History Minute: Crop Insurance, Conservation Techniques Revive Great Plains Agriculture Early settlers discovered that the Great Plains were not all that great. They found…
Voices of the Valley: The 411 on H-2A
…into the H-2A program, a vital but often misunderstood part of our agricultural workforce, with Western Growers Senior Vice President and Legal Counsel, Jason Resnick. Whether you’re new to the…
White House Budget Proposal Targets Local FSA, NRCS Offices for Closure
…USDA programs and staff, including plans to shut down or consolidate many local Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices, according to internal budget documents from…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 04-17-25
…Management and Budget aims to cut fiscal 2026 funding, reduce research and conservation efforts, and trim program budgets. The plan includes moving staff from Washington, D.C., to rural areas and…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 04-16-25
…USDA has repackaged the $3.1 billion Climate Smart Commodities Program into the “Advancing Markets for Producers” (AMP) program, aligning with Trump administration priorities. The new program requires 65% of funds…
Thousands Accept Trump Buyouts at USDA
…An employee at the Natural Resources Conservation Service who took the buyout offer said the numbers are subject to change if workers clicked on the offer but don’t sign the…
CDFA/OARS Allocates Grants Aimed at Reducing Methane Emissions
…$24.82 million in grants to 30 projects aimed at reducing methane emissions. These projects, part of the Alternative Manure Management Program and the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program, are…
Bipartisan Bill Aims to Boost Dairy Access and Support Farmers
Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) have introduced the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act, a bipartisan effort to expand access to dairy products for SNAP recipients while strengthening…