Category Archives: Agriculture News

Congress Leaving Town with No Prop 12 Fix

The National Pork Producers Council is deeply disappointed in Congress’ decision not to produce a five-year farm bill and a federal solution to California’s Proposition 12. The organization says pork producers don’t have the luxury of waiting for Congress to pass a new five-year bill. “After years of losing money and forcing family farms out…MORE

Costa Edged Out of House Ag Leadership Position

House Democrats voted to make Minnesota Representative Angie Craig the new Ranking Member on the Republican-controlled House Ag Committee. The Hill points out that Democrats chose a younger member of the House over long-time valley legislator Jim Costa, who was also vying for the seat. Costa, the second-ranking member of the Ag Committee, has been…MORE

No Mexican Cattle Imports into U.S. Before Holidays

Last week, the USDA reversed course on comments that it may let cattle imports from Mexico into the U.S. resume before the year-end holidays. It suspended those imports in November due to discovery of the New World screwworm in Mexico. The agency says it’s approved a second round of emergency funding to block the flesh-eating…MORE

Nearly All U.S. Farms are Family-Owned

The USDA’s Economic Research Service’s 2024 edition of America’s Farms and Ranches at a Glance says most U.S. farms, 86% are small family farms. These farms operate on 41% of U.S. agricultural land and account for 17% of the total value of American production. Large-scale family farms accounted for 48% of the total value of…MORE

Farm Bureau Seeks Fix for H-2A Farm Labor Issues

Farm labor continues to be a huge issue for the ag industry. With Republicans in control of both the House and Senate beginning January 3rd and President Trump returning to the White House on January 20th, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says he’ll be pushing lawmakers on Capitol Hill next year to revise…MORE

California Farm Dog of the Year

A 9-year-old Australian Shepherd who guards her family’s Madera ranch animals from predators is the California Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year winner. Besides the title, the dog named Aussie earns a $1,000 grand prize. Open to Farm Bureau members, with support from Nationwide and FieldClock, the contest asked entrants to submit photos and answer a…MORE

Researchers Concerned About H5N1 Bird Flu Turning Into a Greater Threat

While there has been no sign of person-to-person spread of bird flu, researchers now say that a single mutation in the H5N1 avian influenza virus could enhance the virus’ ability to attach to human cells. That could potentially increase the possibility of transmission among humans, according to a study led by a team of scientists at the…MORE