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
Category Archives: Agriculture News
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
Sheep Industry Center Requests Proposals
The National Sheep Industry Improvement Center Board of Directors is accepting grant proposals designed to help improve the American sheep industry. At the request of the American Sheep Industry Association, the Center was established as part of the 2008 Farm Bill. As part of the 2019 Farm Bill, the Center was awarded funding by USDA’s…… MORE
Fewer Farmers Responding to Government Surveys
The number of farmers responding to surveys from the National Agricultural Statistics Service has dropped in recent years. Ag Web Dot Com looked into response rates after a new study from the American Statistical Association warned the reliability of U.S. economic data is at risk for several reasons. In the early 1990s, response rates for…… MORE
Ag Trade Deficit Jumps
The agricultural trade deficit, or the value of exports from the U.S. versus imports into the country, increased in the first eight months of the fiscal year. USDA data says the deficit was at $15.2 billion so far in the 2023-2024 marketing year that runs through September 30. That compares with a deficit of $3.89…… MORE
Reaction to Proposed Milk Pricing Changes
USDA proposed amendments to all 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders, and national ag groups shared their reaction, including the American Farm Bureau. President Zippy Duvall says they’ve called for FMMO reform since 2021 and convened a successful first-of-its-kind industry-wide forum in 2022. “We’re pleased with the intent to return the Class 1 skim milk prices…… MORE
