AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 02-28-25

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the recent legislation introduced by State Senator Shannon Grove aimed at creating a tax credit for agricultural employers to help cover the cost of providing overtime wages for farm workers. They clarify the nuances of overtime wages and its implications for both employers and employees. The discussion includes viewpoints from farm workers and the overall impact of overtime regulations on agricultural operations.
Additionally, they cover a new $75 million USDA initiative for wildfire mitigation in California and Oregon. This includes the creation of fuel breaks and the potential role of livestock grazing in reducing wildfire risks. The show underscores ongoing efforts and challenges in both farm labor and wildfire management.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 02-27-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss a significant legal battle as a group of farmers files a lawsuit against the USDA. The lawsuit addresses the Trump administration’s deletion of decades-worth of climate change data, a crucial source of information for agricultural decision-making. The episode examines the implications of this action on farmers, including the potential impact on agricultural programs, organic certifications, and financial plans. Additionally, the discussion touches on new fees being imposed on Chinese-built ships entering U.S. ports. The hosts consider the broader ramifications for consumers and related industries.
We also have this week’s Almond Update, which discusses upcoming workshops for almond growers.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 02-26-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss various topics, starting with a caution to listeners about a fraudulent GoFundMe campaign related to a tragic plane crash in DC.
The main focus of the episode then shifts to the unique programs in prisons across the United States where inmates are engaged in farming activities. These programs aim to reduce costs, provide inmates with valuable life skills, and prepare them for reintegration into society. The hosts discuss specific examples of prison farms in different states, highlighting the regional specialties and the types of farming operations being conducted.
They also consider the potential ethical concerns surrounding these programs, such as forced labor and lack of proper compensation for inmates.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the benefits of agricultural education, drawing parallels between prison farms and school gardens.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 02-25-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss pressing agricultural issues in California. They start with the significant problem of rat infestations in orchards, particularly in the Central Valley, which has led to costly damages to irrigation systems and other infrastructure. The episode details the economic impact, estimated between $100 and $300 million, and explores potential methods of rat control. The hosts also delve into water management challenges in Kern County, focusing on issues like overdrafted sub-basins, subsidence, and the complexities of developing effective groundwater management plans. They highlight the difficulties faced by local water managers and the necessity of including agricultural professionals in water conservation efforts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of institutional knowledge and the challenges posed by an aging workforce in the water management sector.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 02-24-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the latest updates on the Corporate Transparency Act and its impact on small businesses, including farms and ranches. The U.S. Treasury Department has set a new deadline of March 21st for companies to file their beneficial ownership information following a recent court decision. The discussion highlights the back-and-forth nature of the Act's enforcement, the ease of filing, the rationale behind corporate transparency, and the potential penalties for non-compliance.
We also have a segment sponsored by UPL, in which we talk with Cassandra Rieser, Technical Service Manager for UPL, about managing botrytis and hull rot, two challenging diseases for almond growers.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 02-21-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, we hear from the new U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Brook Rollins, at her first address, given at her welcome reception. We also have reports from CattleCon 2025, and hear from an expert on AI in agriculture.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 02-20-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the rising popularity of organic products among Millennials and Gen Z consumers. They explore findings from a survey by the Organic Trade Association, which highlight the health benefits and growing support for organic foods among younger generations. The conversation delves into defining 'organic,' the certification process, and the challenges faced by organic farmers. Sabrina and Laurie also touch upon related topics such as GMOs, gluten-free products, and future trends in agricultural marketing.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 02-19-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the increasing popularity of low and no alcohol wines. They share insights from an article in SevenFifty Daily, which reports on the advancements in the quality of these wines to meet growing consumer demand, particularly among younger generations who are reducing alcohol consumption for various reasons. The discussion then shifts to the current state of California's citrus industry, touching on factors like smaller fruit sizes due to a summer heat wave and the export market dynamics. They also delve into the ongoing challenges faced by Florida citrus growers, including hurricanes and citrus greening disease.