America’s trade deficit reached $68.9 billion in February, the highest disparity in almost a year. The Hill says import values exceeded exports by more than analysts were expecting. The total value of imports hit $331.9 billion, while exports were $263 billion, and the overall deficit rose 1.9% during the month. Republicans on Capitol Hill have…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Covering Up Valley Irrigation Canals Has Added Benefits
Congressman Jim Costa and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are announcing 15 million dollars in funding to install solar panels over the Delta Mendota Canal. This is part of an effort to study how much water can be saved by shielding it from the sun and the amount of energy produced. Congressman Costa says it’s…… MORE
$1.5 Billion Available for Conservation and Climate-Smart Ag
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that $1.5 billion is available in fiscal year 2024 to invest in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The USDA is accepting project proposals now through July 2 that will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources…… MORE
Skills Needed in the Agricultural Workforce
AgCareers.com surveyed employers to gain deeper insights into the skills they seek and identify as the most significant skill gaps in the workforce. Employers rank “problem solving and decision making” as the most necessary skills for all employees, followed by “organization and planning skills,” and “teamwork.” Problem solving and decision making are also identified as…… MORE
Celebrating National Farmworker Awareness Week
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is highlighting the essential role farmworkers play in our food system. CDFA is posting on its website how the department supports initiatives to help farmworkers at every stage of their careers, from entry-level positions to leadership roles within the agricultural sector. A key initiative is the Beginning Farmer…… MORE
Cal Pork Prices Higher After Prop 12 Implementation
Prop 12 is already raising the price of pork in California. In effect for just over six months, pork sales have dropped across the state. That’s from data compiled by the USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist. The OCE found prices for pork products affected by Prop 12, including loins, ribs, and bellies, have averaged…… MORE
Federal Water Allocation Water Increase
The Bureau of Reclamation is increasing water allocations for Central Valley Project water users. For irrigation water service and repayment contractors south-of-delta, including cross valley contractors, the water allocation is increased to 35% up from 15%. The Bureau of Reclamation says late February storms improved conditions. According to a news release, bureau is also reserving…… MORE
Bill Would Ease Farmland Ownership Transitions
A new U.S. Senate bipartisan bill would break down barriers to farming and agricultural land ownership. The goal is to help more Americans pursue farming careers. The bipartisan Farm Transition Act of 2024 would, for the first time, create a Commission on Farm Transitions to study the issues impacting the transition of agricultural operations to…… MORE
Food and Ag Industries Have $9.63 Trillion Impact
More than thirty agriculture groups released the eighth annual “Feeding the Economy” report. The study helps estimate the direct and indirect economic contributions of the food and agriculture industries on jobs, wages, economic output, and business taxes. The 2024 report’s findings show the total economic impact for the food and agriculturally-related industries grew almost 12%…… MORE
El Niño’s impact on U.S. Farmers
The 2024 growing season is expected to bring a unique combination of El Niño this spring through early summer before switching to La Niña in late summer through early fall. Farmers Business Network says the opposing climate patterns have the potential to trigger significant weather events that could have problematic impacts on crop production. 2023…… MORE
