AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 02-04-25

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the new tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canada, Mexico (now delayed until March), and China, and their potential impact on the agricultural sector. Featuring expert analysis from Fertilizer Market expert Josh Linville of StoneX, and reactions from various agricultural organizations, including the National Farmers Union, American Farm Bureau, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association, the discussion covers concerns around rising input costs, potential retaliatory tariffs, and the timeline challenges posed by the new tariffs. Additionally, an update on a new trade agreement between the USDA and Mexico regarding cattle imports is provided, offering a glimmer of hope for future negotiations.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 02-03-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the recent confirmation hearings for significant cabinet positions in President Trump's administration, focusing on former representative Lee Zeldin as the head of the EPA. They delve into Zeldin's stance on oil, gas, and biofuels, and his anticipated regulatory rollbacks and their potential effects on agriculture. The episode also covers Howard Lutnick, the confirmed Commerce Secretary, and his comments on China's new AI technology, DeepSeek. The hosts explore DeepSeek's potential impact on agricultural markets and the pervasive concerns about data privacy and intellectual property theft. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the interconnectedness of AI, commodity markets, and the agricultural sector's economic stability.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 01-31-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the confirmation hearings for Brooke Rollins as the new Agriculture Secretary. The session includes a review of her stance on trade policies, particularly regarding the agricultural trade deficit and food inflation, her responses to concerns about immigration and the impact of mass deportations on the agricultural workforce, and her non-committal but thoughtful approach to handling the SNAP program. Additionally, the episode touches on the imbalance in trade aid distribution during previous administrations, especially concerning California's specialty crops, and briefly delves into the contentious Proposition 12 in California regarding humane hog production standards. The discussions highlight the complexities and challenges in U.S. agriculture policy and the priorities of the coming administration.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 01-30-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss a new case of the H5N9 bird flu found in a commercial duck farm in Merced County, California. They explore how this strain differs from the more common H5N1 strain and the implications of these mutations on poultry and egg prices. The discussion includes insights from veterinary experts on the virus's mutation patterns, the economic impact on the poultry industry, and how biosecurity measures play a crucial role in managing outbreaks. The hosts also touch on broader issues affecting agricultural supply chains, such as trucking shortages and regulatory challenges.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 01-29-2025

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss President Trump's recent order to pause federal grants and loans. They explore how this decision affects various agricultural programs, including USDA grants, rural development loans, and farmer's market promotions. They highlight the potential consequences for small farmers who rely on these programs. Additionally, they mention the elimination of DEI programs and its impact on underserved farming communities. Towards the end, the hosts touch on the appointment of former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack as the CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, a position focusing on global food security and sustainable agriculture.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 01-28-25

On today’s show Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss President Trump's recent executive order on California water, aimed at aiding the Central Valley agriculture despite its initial intent to address LA wildfires. The discussion reveals the complexities of old infrastructure, environmental regulations, and potential conflicts over federal vs. state control. Additionally, they explore the challenges of using ocean water for firefighting and evaluate the long-term effects on endangered species. The conversation touches on legal actions, FEMA's role in disaster relief, and the mixed reactions from different stakeholders. Later, the hosts address environmental and animal rights criticisms highlighted during the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting, emphasizing the importance of educated discourse and industry accountability.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 01-27-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss Cargill's $32.5 million settlement in a class action lawsuit over turkey price fixing. The discussion covers the implications of price fixing in the turkey and broader poultry industries, including the involvement of multiple major companies such as Butterball, Hillshire Brands, Hormel, Kraft Foods, Jenny O Turkey, Purdue Farms, and Prestage Farms. The hosts delve into the intricacies of market transparency, the impact on independent growers, and the behind-the-scenes challenges faced by the poultry industry. The case, which started in 2019, underlines the complexity and length of litigation processes in agricultural sectors.
Katie Driver, the Technical Services Manager for UPL in Northern California, discusses the increasing issue of fungicide resistance in almonds. She outlines best practices for managing resistance, such as rotating fungicide groups and using multi-site fungicides. Katie highlights the importance of product stewardship and good cultural practices like proper irrigation, pruning, and sanitation. She introduces Axios 20SC, a new fungicide with a novel mode of action (group 52) that helps combat and prevent resistance in almonds. 

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 01-24-25

In today's episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the reintroduction of the Foreign Adversary Risk Management Act (FARMS Act) by Senators Tommy Tuberville and John Fetterman. This bipartisan bill aims to scrutinize and manage foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land, processing, packaging, and shipping chains to ensure food security and national security. Key points highlighted include past issues in North Dakota involving Chinese companies purchasing land near military bases and the role of the Secretary of Agriculture in the Committee on Foreign Investments. The conversation also touches on potential conflicts with private property rights and the broader implications of the bill on U.S. sovereignty and individual freedoms.
Dr. David Magana, a Senior Analyst at Rabobank, discussed the US potato market, noting that the 2022 crop was historically low due to drought and high input costs, leading to high prices. Production rebounded in 2023, causing prices to drop, and remained similar in 2024. Mexico surpassed Canada as the largest export market for US fresh potatoes, but potential tariffs could impact this. Jello potatoes and specialty varieties are growing, while the food service share declined to 53% in 2024. Imports, mainly from Canada, account for 10-15% of US consumption. Sustainability and efficiency are key for growers due to low spot prices. For 2025, steady supplies and similar prices are expected, despite potential macroeconomic challenges.
Cassie Reeser, Technical Service Manager for UPL, discusses early season diseases in almonds that growers should be vigilant about, including anthracnose, bacterial spot, brown rot, jacket rot, leaf blight, scab, and shot hole. 
We also report on the confirmation hearing for Brooke Rollins, President Trump’s pick for Agriculture Secretary.