The USDA is making changes to the Farm Service Agency’s Farm Loan Programs that take effect on September 25th. The changes are intended to increase opportunities for farmers and ranchers to be financially viable. These improvements are part of the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule. “USDA recognizes that Farm Service Agency’s…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
New Help For Farmland Transfer
American Farmland Trust released a new resource that’s available in English and Spanish to build the skills and knowledge of beginning farmers and ranchers participating in a transfer. The “Transitioning Land to a New Generation: Land Transfer Training” curriculum helps to face a pressing need as millions of acres of American agricultural lands are expected…… MORE
CBO Says House Farm Bill Cost Will Raise Deficit
The Congressional Budget Office released an official cost estimate of the House Ag Committee’s farm bill and says it’s $33 billion over budget and fails to pay for a large increase in crop subsidies. House Ag Chair GT Thompson says if the CBO doesn’t change its mind, he’ll rely instead on the House Budget Committee…… MORE
FTC to Study High Food Prices
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission will look into why grocery prices are still high despite falling costs for retailers. FTC Chair Lina Khan made the announcement during a public meeting with officials from the Justice Department on pricing practices. When the FTC votes to authorize the study, major U.S. grocery chains would be required to…… MORE
USDA Helping to Combat Western Drought
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
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
