California is among 12 western states sharing $400 million to address drought through investments at the irrigation district level. “Family farmers, water users, and communities across the American West are facing the effects of a historic 1,200-year drought and a changing climate,” says Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO).”With the investment, they answered our call to bring…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
West Nile Virus Found In California Horses
The California Department of Food and Agriculture says so far, two horses in Placer and Yuba Counties tested positive for West Nile virus. As a result, one of the horses was euthanized. Horse owners are urged to have their animals vaccinated to make sure they are protected as much as possible against the disease. To help prevent…… MORE
Enhanced Coverage Option Insurance Program
The USDA is making changes to the Enhanced Coverage Option Policy Program beginning with the 2025 crop year. The Risk Management Agency is expanding coverage options to additional crops and increasing premium support to make the policy more affordable for U.S. producers. “RMA is continually responding to needs and adapting our insurance coverage options to…… MORE
USDA Trade Mission to Colombia
Alexis Taylor, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs will lead 24 agribusinesses and organizations, including several from California, on a trade mission to Bogota, Colombia, August 13-15. The mission’s goal is to boost American agricultural exports and build upon the successes of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. “Colombia is a significant growth…… MORE
House Bill Targets Serious Threat to Dairy Industry
Valley Congressman David Valadao co-authors a bill that addresses detection of the avian influenza virus also known as H5N1 in dairy cattle. So far the virus has infected dairy cattle in more than a dozen state, but none in California. Valadao says it’s important to stay proactive to ensure dairy cattle and the workers who…… MORE
Deere Confirms More Layoffs
John Deere, faced with lower customer demand for equipment, declining sales, and a difficult ag economy, confirmed cuts in its global salaried workforce. Corridor Business says Deere didn’t release details on the number of salaried employees affected. In a statement, the company says it’s been forced to make tough decisions, including layoffs at John Deere…… MORE
Defense Department Backs Off Lab-Grown Meat
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association confirms that the effort to prevent ultra-processed, lab-grown protein in the diet of the American armed forces was successful. The announcement follows news that the U.S. Department of Defense is not pursuing lab-grown protein products for human consumption. “NCBA was the first and only group to fight back against lab-grown…… MORE
Over 500 Groups Call for a New Farm Bill
The American Farm Bureau and more than 500 other groups sent a letter to Congressional leaders calling for the passage of a new, modernized farm bill. The groups signing onto the letter represent agriculture, nutrition, conservation, the environment, rural development, and several other economic sectors. The groups say in the letter, “Millions of Americans rely…… MORE
Global Poultry Markets Rebounding
The global poultry market outlook is further improving, driven by accelerated growth in poultry meat consumption and supply growth in many markets. After four years of highly disruptive conditions, global poultry markets are moving toward more “normal” market conditions. Rabobank says most of the global growth was driven by strong local market conditions rather than…… MORE
Valley FFA Student in Running for National Award
The National FFA organization is announcing 16 finalists for its top achievement awards. One of the finalists for the American Star in Agricultural Placement category is Arturo Madriz from the Madera FFA Chapter. The American Star Awards recognize FFA members who have developed outstanding agricultural skills by completing a Supervised Agricultural Experience program. One winner…… MORE
