The USDA is providing additional assistance for U.S. dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program. The agency also announced a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program. The moves will help USDA better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations that weathered COVID and now face other challenges. “USDA…… MORE
California Dept. of Water Resources Launches Drought Collaborative, Invites Public Water Users to Apply
SACRAMENTO, Calif. –While California’s drought outlook is improving, the State is continuing to proactively prepare for a return to dry conditions amid climate-driven extremes in weather. On Friday, Department of Water Resources (DWR) officially launched a standing Drought Resilience Interagency and Partners (DRIP) Collaborative, which will include members of the public. Community members and water users…… MORE
Groups File Legal Challenges to New WOTUS Rule
Groups representing agriculture, infrastructure, housing, and petroleum filed a legal challenge to the new Waters of the U.S. Rule. “The Biden Administration’s WOTUS definition is an attack on farmers and ranchers, and we’ll be fighting back in court,” says Mary-Thomas Hart, chief counsel for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. She also says “The rule removes…… MORE
President Biden Visits Devastated Areas of California
SANTA CLARA, CA (KMJ) – President Joe Biden flew into California on Thursday, to tour communities damaged by recent storms. They were joined by FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell on Marine One to visit Santa Cruz County, and tour storm damage along the California Cast. President Biden’s plane arrived just before noon and ahead of schedule,…… MORE
Warming To Make California Downpours Even Wetter, Study Says
As damaging as it was for more than 32 trillion gallons of rain and snow to fall on California since Christmas, a worst-case global warming scenario could juice up similar future downpours by one-third by the middle of this century, a new study says. The strongest of California’s storms from atmospheric rivers, long and wide…… MORE
California Oil Regulator Leaves Job Amid Drilling Fight
Amid a statewide battle over the future of fossil fuels, Uduak-Joe Ntuk stepped down last week as California’s top oil and gas regulator after three years in the job, state officials confirmed Wednesday. Ntuk, a former Chevron engineer and petroleum czar for Los Angeles, was appointed as head of the California Geologic Energy Management Division…… MORE
FEMA Assistance Available For Merced County Residents Impacted By Storms
MERCED COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ) — Merced County residents that have been impacted by the recent winter storms can now receive some help with their FEMA applications. A Disaster Recovery Center has opened with the goal to help residents learn about the various programs available as they confront the damage left to their homes or property.…… MORE
New USDA Organic Enforcement Regs
USDA is strengthening the department’s Organic Enforcement final rule. The update to USDA organic regulations strengthens oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sale of organic products. The final rule implements 2018 Farm Bill mandates, responds to industry requests for updates to the USDA organic regulations, and addresses National Organic Standards Board recommendations. USDA…… MORE
1 Dead After Plane Crashes by Modesto Airport
MODESTO, CA (KMJ) – One person is killed after small plane crashes into field near Modesto Airport on Wednesday. The Cessna has crashed near the Modesto Airport east of Mitchell Rd. Firefighters have confirmed the single occupant is deceased. The cause of crash is unknown at this time. Traffic on the Mitchell Rd. Bridge is…… MORE
Shooter Stood Over California Mom Holding Baby, Killed Both
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A shooter stood over a 16-year-old mother clutching her 10-month-old baby and shot and killed them in a brazen attack in a central California farming community that left six dead, a sheriff said Tuesday. Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux said the teenager was fleeing the violence early Monday when the killers…… MORE
