AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 12-09-24

This episode of AgNet NewsHour focuses on recent developments regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss a recent Texas court ruling that issued an injunction, pausing the enforcement of the CTA, which requires businesses to disclose beneficial ownership information. Statements from key agricultural organizations, such as the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, are shared, expressing concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the Act. The discussion also delves into broader questions around business privacy versus public right-to-know, and the potential complexities if court rulings on the Act conflict. 
Sabrina interviews Dr. Meg Schaeffer, an epidemiologist and the National Public Health Advisor for the SAS Institute. They discuss the recent USDA federal order regarding raw milk and its connection to avian influenza. With the emergence of H5N1 in California's raw milk samples, the USDA mandates nationwide raw milk testing to ensure food safety. Dr. Schaefer explains the significance and risks of the avian influenza virus, its impact on agriculture and public health, and the importance of pasteurization. Dr. Schaeffer addresses misconceptions about raw milk, its safety concerns, and calls for a temporary pause in raw milk consumption. The conversation emphasizes the collaborative effort needed among producers and government agencies to control the outbreak and prevent potential pandemic scenarios.
Lorrie talks with Isaiah Kisica from the University of California Davis to discuss his research on groundwater nitrates in California. Isaiah, a professor specializing in land, air, and water resources, elaborates on his work focused on optimizing water management in agricultural systems to minimize environmental impacts. The conversation delves into his study, part of the USDA SEAP project, monitoring water quality in critical watersheds, specifically the Central Valley aquifer system. The study employs cutting-edge technology, including a VEDOS zone monitoring system, to track nitrate migration, revealing that nitrates can reach groundwater in as few as 10 days under specific climatic conditions. Isaiah discusses the implications of his findings for growers and water managers, highlighting advanced techniques, like high-frequency fertigation, and sensor development for real-time soil nitrate measurement. He also addresses the role of agricultural fertilizers in nitrate presence and the validation of regulatory models for groundwater protection.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 12-06-24

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the narrow election victory of Democrat Adam Gray over Republican incumbent John Duarte in California’s 13th Congressional District, flipping the seat from Republican to Democrat. They delve into Gray's background and potential impact on agricultural issues. Additionally, they highlight an important industry lawsuit where Bloomfresh International Limited won a court case in Italy against a grower infringing on their proprietary grape variety, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property in agriculture.
Geophysics professor Rosemary Knight from Stanford University and research associate Matthew Lees from the University of Manchester discuss their study on land subsidence in California's San Joaquin Valley. The study, initiated during Lees' PhD work at Stanford, investigates the significant issue of sinking lands due to groundwater overdraft, primarily caused by agricultural irrigation. Key findings highlight the historical and current patterns of subsidence, the role of managed aquifer recharge, and the importance of strategic water management to mitigate subsidence impacts.
We also feature an excerpt from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Beltway Beef podcast. Hunter Ihrman is joined by NCBA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Simmons for an update on the New World screwworm. A dangerous pest that is currently making its way through South America, the New World screwworm could cause devastating impacts to the cattle industry if it enters the United States. Dr. Simmons shares critical information about how to safeguard your operation plus she explains how NCBA is advocating for additional resources to combat the screwworm. 

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 12-05-2024

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the implications of California lawmakers preparing a $25 million legal fund to counter potential lawsuits against President-elect Trump's administration. The conversation highlights the contentious changes expected in pollution regulations and immigration policies, focusing on the significant reliance on immigrant labor in California's agriculture. The dialogue explores the financial and social implications of mass deportations, including the impact on farming, local economies, and community resources. The hosts emphasize the complexity and human aspect of these potential changes, while also noting the support systems and protections currently in place for undocumented immigrants in California.
Lorrie Boyer interviews Mollie Van Lieu, VP of Nutrition and Health at the International Fresh Produce Association, about their aims for a workable H2A federal workforce program and the challenges faced due to reliance on foreign workers in agriculture. Van Lieu discusses the importance of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption as part of nutrition policies and the role of 'food as medicine' in clinical care. The conversation also touches on the implications of political changes with the appointment of RFK Jr. to HHS under the Trump administration. Additionally, the episode addresses practical challenges such as ensuring adequate supply and supporting growers through policy advocacy. Later, Greg Jones from Firestone AG provides insights into tractor tire management to prevent overloading and save fuel, emphasizing the importance of proper air pressure and equipment weighing.
We also have this week’s Almond Update.  California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross discusses the significance of Healthy Soils Week in California, emphasizing the critical role of soil biodiversity and its impact on climate solutions through practices like whole orchard recycling. The conversation highlights the importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices to both consumers and regulators, and the efforts made by groups like the California Almond Board to support these initiatives. Karen Ross also talks about the role of farmers in maintaining soil health, the necessity of storytelling in agriculture, and the ongoing efforts to educate the public and regulatory bodies about the complexities and benefits of modern farming.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 12-04-24

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the growing trend of consuming raw milk and the associated dangers, particularly regarding a recent case of bird flu contamination at a California farm. The conversation also covers broader issues of public safety, regulatory actions, and the ongoing concerns about the bird flu virus mutating across species. Additionally, they touch on the shift in consumer preferences toward biodegradable packaging for produce and the importance of sustainability in the food industry.
The episode also features an interview with Roland Fumasi, head of Rabo Research Food and Agribusiness North America for Rabo AgriFinance and Rabo Bank. He discusses the potential impacts on the agricultural industry with President-elect Trump returning to office. The conversation covers anticipated trade tensions with China, Mexico, and Canada, the effects of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, inflation in the food system, and pressures on farm inputs. Fumasi also examines the resilience of U.S. consumers, potential inflationary policies, and how farmers can prepare for uncertain times. Positive aspects such as regulatory and energy policy adjustments are also highlighted.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 12-03-24

On today’s show Sabrina and Lorrie discuss President-elect Trump’s pick for Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins. Rollins is a Texas native and former Trump administration official. She holds a degree in agricultural development and previously led the Office of American Innovation and the Domestic Policy Council during Trump's first term.
Lorrie talks with Karl McDermott, Chief SaaS Officer of DeltaTrack. DeltaTrak, Inc. is a leader in cold chain management and temperature monitoring solutions, offering an extensive range of data loggers, cloud-based monitoring systems, and software tailored for industries like agriculture, food safety, and pharmaceuticals.
Sabrina focuses on Healthy Soils Week with a conversation with Paul Lum, the California Senior Agricultural Manager for American Farmland Trust. American Farmland Trust (AFT) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting farmland, promoting sustainable farming practices, and supporting farmers in securing their agricultural heritage. Healthy Soils Week is an annual initiative that highlights the vital role of soil health in fostering sustainable agriculture, supporting biodiversity, and combating climate change. Through a series of events like workshops, webinars, and field days, participants explore topics such as composting, regenerative farming practices, and nutrient management, emphasizing community education and environmental stewardship​

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 12-02-24

Today we welcome our new co-host Lorrie Boyer. We also get updates on California milk and the California wine industry.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 11-29-24

On today’s show, we hear about a decline in almond acreage, but excitement about almonds around the world. Today’ featured guest is Clarice Turner, President and CEO of the Almond Board of California.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 11-28-24

For this Thanksgiving show Sabrina is joined by someone she’s most thankful for, fellow farm broadcaster, and her husband, Rusty Halvorson.