Based on a survey of dried plum growers conducted by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, the 2019 crop forecast is calling for a significant increase in tonnage from last…
Administration of Trade Relief Funding Criticized Over Sizable JBS Award
…Summit in Monterey. The Secretary highlighted the fact that while JBS is an international company, it has several plants here in the U.S. which purchase a substantial amount of beef…
Transform Registration for California Cotton on Hold Despite EPA Approval
Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the use of sulfoxaflor on a national level, Transform registration in California is going to require an additional regulatory process. The…
Perdue Observes Challenges Facing California Avocados First-Hand
…earlier in the day. The H-2A update is being touted as a means to streamline the program, improving access to reliable agricultural labor and addressing excessive burdens for farmers. “We…
DOL Moves to Make H-2A User-Friendly
…“it should streamline and simplify the H-2A application process, strengthen protections for U.S. and foreign workers, and ease unnecessary burdens on employers.” AgSafe’s Director of Business Services and Industry Relations…
Agricultural Co-Op Consolidation Continues
A new report from CoBank that was recently released shows that co-op consolidation has been increasing over the past decade, following the trend of consolidation in the overall agricultural industry….
Proposed Changes to Agricultural Visa Program Show Promise
…the current H-2A agricultural visa program could be one element of a solution, while Congress continues to work on broader legislation. The U.S. Department of Labor announced plans to modernize…
Funding to Support Socially Disadvantaged and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers
…30 years, the 2501 Program has helped reach socially disadvantaged agricultural producers – farmers and ranchers who have experienced barriers to service due to racial or ethnic prejudice. The 2014…
Pork Industry Battling Challenges From Trade to Labor Shortage
…ultimately consumers, National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President David Herring, a pork producer from Lillington, N.C., testified before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture. “One of the…
Pima Preference in California Cotton Acreage Increase
The latest numbers show an increase to overall planted acreage for California cotton this year, according to the 2019 planted acreage report from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Overall…
Perdue on the Department of Labor’s Proposed H2A Modernized Rule
…and improve access to a legal source of agricultural labor: “President Trump once again shows his commitment to helping America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers continue to be the most productive…
Last Minute Push to Revive COOL in USMCA
…Several groups that have been in opposition to the labeling requirement include the National Pork Producers Council, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the North American Meat Institute. Citing the…
Pushing for USMCA Ratification: ‘California Farmers, Let Your Voice Be Heard’
…Valley to highlight the benefits of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and urged the agricultural industry to encourage their representatives to ratify the agreement. Hundreds gathered at Doug and Julie…
Pesticide Drift Incidents Create Potential for More Regulation
Two pesticide drift incidents during the month of June resulted in dozens of farm workers being exposed in Fresno and Tulare Counties. The agricultural commissioners for both counties are continuing…