…As the interview continued, Kester discussed the ongoing threat of the New World Screwworm near the Texas–Mexico border, saying that USDA teams are “doing heroic work” to contain outbreaks. He…
Beef Plan, Spray Tech, and AI: California Ag Eyes Relief and Reinvention
…opened with encouraging news for cattle producers: USDA released a multifaceted plan aimed at stabilizing the beef sector and easing price pressure on consumers. The framework focuses on three pillars—strengthening…
California Raisin Leaders on Trade, Water & Future
…under the USDA, offering growers protection in difficult years. Barsarian emphasized that USDA officials have consistently been receptive to industry concerns, regardless of the political administration in power. However, international…
Raisin Industry Legends Warn of Challenges and Chart a Path Forward
…the world. Despite the challenges, all three guests emphasized opportunities. USDA programs, including crop insurance, market access funds, and school lunch purchases, remain crucial. They also highlighted the need for…
Freight Crisis, Regulations, and the Future of Trucking in California
…an update on the screw worm case detected in Mexico, just 70 miles from the U.S. border. USDA officials are treating it as a top national security issue, with a…
Beef Supply Shortages and Meat Prices: Darren Hill of JD Food
…USDA-approved facilities, such as grinding, dicing, or full cooking. This creates a viable market while ensuring compliance with California’s standards. Turkey Season Outlook As the holidays approach, turkey demand increases….
Edward Ring Brings Water Solutions to the AgNet News Hour
…the weekend ahead and then touched on national food issues, including McDonald’s pledge of $200 million toward regenerative agriculture practices. Partnering with Cargill, Coca-Cola, and USDA, the company is funding…
California Dairy Relief, Ag Policy Battles, and a Turning Point for Farmers
…across the Golden State. From much-needed dairy relief to hard-hitting political battles in Sacramento, this episode delivers insight every producer should hear. The show opened with news that USDA has…
Big News for Dairy and Almond Growers: USDA Announces $1 Billion Relief Program, Almond Yields Down
…the abundance of heavier hulls that are a valuable feed source. Major USDA Announcement for Dairy Producers The biggest news of the day came directly from USDA Deputy Secretary of…
The Roots of U.S. Forest Management
…Federal Oversight In 1876, Congress created an office within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) specifically tasked with assessing the quality and condition of America’s forests. This marked the country’s…
USDA Extension Service: A Legacy of Education and Support
…formed a partnership between the USDA and land-grant universities to provide hands-on education, practical research, and direct outreach to farm families across the country. USDA Extension Service: A Legacy of…
Freight Safety and Dairy Market Pressures: Nick Folio
…counter what they described as California’s regulatory “twilight zone.” The EPA has moved to block the state from imposing trucking rules on out-of-state carriers, while the USDA has announced efficiency…
The Birth of the USDA and Land-Grant Universities
The Establishment of the U.S. Department of Agriculture In 1862, a pivotal year for American farming and education, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was officially established. This came 42…
Florida Citrus and Specialty Crops: Frank Giles on Challenges, Optimism, and Innovation
…forward. Giles noted that citrus greening disease, or HLB, has plagued Florida growers for nearly 20 years, but recent USDA crop estimates show signs of stability. “There’s some optimism that…
















