Category Archives: Agriculture News

Ag Retailers Report Their Outlook

The nation’s top ag retailers responded to a CropLife Survey on their 2024 outlook. The survey asked retailers about their overall outlook on the 2024 growing season based on market performance through spring fieldwork and planting time. On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being “better than expected,” the retailers seem pleased with…MORE

The World’s First Seedless Blackberry

Pairwise, a company specializing in genetics-based innovations for food and agriculture, has developed the world’s first seedless blackberry. Interested Engineering Dot Com says blackberries are helpful with regards to boosting bodily functions and improving digestion and sugar levels. They also significantly reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Despite the benefits, studies…MORE

Congress is Focused on Phosphate and Potash

Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of The Fertilizer Institute, gave testimony in the House of Representatives in support of phosphate and potash, two of three essential nutrients for ag productivity. The hearing before the House Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources focused on several bills related to critical minerals, including the Phosphate and Potash Protection…MORE

Hurdle Cleared For Building New California Reservoir

The push to build Sites Reservoir north of Sacramento got a big boost after being challenged in court. A news release from Governor Gavin Newsom says this comes after the governor had streamlined the project late last year, overcoming an environmental law challenge and gaining full approval from the Yolo County Superior Court. Sites Reservoir is…MORE

Sign-Up Open for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program

The USDA announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can now sign up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program. The sign-up runs until June 28th. Grassland CRP, offered by the Farm Service Agency, is a voluntary working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grassland and provide important conservation benefits for wildlife, soil health,…MORE

The House Ag Committee Approves New Farm Bill

The GOP Farm Bill with help from some Democrats on the committee, pass HR 8467, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the Farm Bill. The bill is expected to go to the house floor later this year.MORE

California Benefits from USDA Fertilizer Investments

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says USDA is investing in domestic fertilizer projects to strengthen competition for U.S. agriculture. The funding comes via the Fertilizer Production and Expansion Program. USDA is awarding $83 million in 12 states for projects through the program that provides grants to independent business owners to help them modernize equipment, adopt new…MORE

Coalition Urges Congressional Action on Prop 12

The National Pork Producers Council and the American Farm Bureau led a coalition of over 900 ag stakeholders in supporting what they feel is a needed “fix” to California’s Prop 12 in the next farm bill. In a letter to House Ag Committee leadership, the coalition highlighted they believe are several problematic parts of the…MORE

California Benefits From New USDA Export Market Program

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says USDA is allocating $300 million to 66 organizations under the new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program. The funds will be used to build demand for American food and farm exports in high-potential markets around the world. California organizations receiving funding include: Blue Diamond Growers, Almond Board of California, California Cherry Marketing…MORE

Funds to Help Specialty Crop Exports

Alexis Taylor, USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, announced funding for the first five projects under the new Assisting Specialty Crop Export initiative. The ASCE initiative is designed to create more, new, and better markets at home and abroad for U.S. producers and agribusinesses. The partnership between USDA and the specialty crops sector…MORE