AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 01-22-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer break down the first executive actions taken by President Donald Trump after his inauguration. They analyze the potential implications for agriculture, trade, and energy, covering key topics such as:
The impact of proposed trade tariffs on U.S. agriculture
Establishment of the External Revenue Service for tariff collection
Investigative approach toward trade policy
Immigration policies, including the national emergency declaration and military presence at the Mexico border
Potential changes to birthright citizenship laws
The renaming of the Gulf of Mexico and discussions on control of the Panama Canal
National energy emergency declaration and plans to maximize oil and gas production
The discontinuation of certain environmental justice grants and its effect on DEI policies
Year-round sales of E15 ethanol and the future of electric vehicles
Join Sabrina and Lorrie as they unpack these policy shifts and their potential long-term effects on the agriculture industry.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 01-21-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss Governor Newsom's recent executive order targeting ultra processed foods and food dyes. The conversation highlights how this order will affect school meals, aiming to promote healthier eating habits among students. They explore the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in high-income countries, their contribution to health issues, and the convenience that drives their consumption. The hosts debate the balance between personal freedom and government regulation in dietary choices, touching on the economic disparities in accessing healthy foods. They also emphasize the importance of educational programs and initiatives to foster healthier eating habits from a young age.
Lisa Ellis, Executive Director of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance, discussed the growth of the Illinois wine industry, which has expanded from seven wineries in 1992 to over 132 tasting rooms today. Despite this progress, the industry faces challenges such as a decline in vineyard acres and stringent self-distribution limits. The industry's economic impact includes over $9 billion and 60,000 jobs, with Chicago's tourism playing a significant role. Ellis emphasized the need for policy changes to support growth, including raising production and self-distribution caps and modernizing liquor laws. The organization also promotes lesser-known grape varietals and innovations like single-serve beverages to attract new consumers.
We also have an excerpt from the latest Voices of the Valley podcast.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 01-20-25

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the USDA's new interim rule for technical guidelines on climate-smart agriculture crops used as biofuel feedstocks. The discussion covers the 45Z clean fuel production credit, its implications, and its aim to promote sustainable farming practices such as no-till, strip-till, and cover crops to reduce carbon emissions. They also explore the introduction of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and the required infrastructure. Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's comments on the rule and the newly introduced USDA calculator for feedstock producers are also featured.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 01-17-25

In this episode of The AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer reflect on the legacy of outgoing Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. They share personal experiences of working with him and compare his leadership to that of former Secretary Sonny Perdue. The discussion highlights Vilsack’s key achievements, including rural development, poverty reduction, job growth, and record farm exports. The hosts also share their insights on working with other agriculture secretaries and discuss the expectations for the incoming leader.
Also in this episode:
The Growth of the Blueberry Industry – Kasey Cronquist, President of both the North American Blueberry Council and the US Highbush Blueberry Council, joins the show to discuss the expanding blueberry market. He highlights efforts to boost demand and consumption, the role of H2A workers in harvesting, and strategies for increasing export markets.
Honoring Veteran Farmers – The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is recognizing the dedication and resilience of veteran farmers with its first-ever Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence. Retired Army Col. Joe Ricker of Indiana is the inaugural recipient and will be honored at AFBF’s 2025 Convention in San Antonio. Listen to an exclusive interview with Ricker as he shares his journey in agriculture and his passion for farming.
Links & Resources:🔗 Learn more about the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence🔗 Visit the North American Blueberry Council🔗 Get the latest ag news from AgNet West
Listen & Subscribe:🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. Subscribe now and stay informed on the latest in agriculture!

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 01-16-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer dive into significant updates impacting agriculture:
USDA's New Rule for Poultry Industry:Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack sheds light on a newly finalized rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act. The discussion explores the revamped poultry tournament system aimed at fostering fairness, tackling payment variability, mandatory capital improvements, and enhancing transparency for growers.
Bird Flu with Dr. Jim Keen:Dr. Jim Keen, veterinarian and Director of Veterinary Services at the Center for a Humane Economy, discusses the ongoing H5N1 outbreak. With its origins in China and global spread, this deadly virus persists despite the USDA's $2 billion effort and euthanization of 130 million birds. Dr. Keen examines potential policy shifts, illegal cockfighting's role in spreading the disease, and the looming risk of a human-transmissible strain.
Almond Update – Focus on Pollinators:Josette Lewis of the Almond Board of California discusses pollinator health and sustainability. Topics include the benefits of blooming cover crops, support for native pollinators like monarch butterflies, and available grower programs such as Project Apis M's Seeds for Bees and Monarch Joint Venture.
Key Links & Resources:
USDA Packers and Stockyards Act Updates: Learn More
Center for a Humane Economy: Website
Almond Board of California: Environmental Stewardship

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 01-15-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the complex issue of carbon storage with guest Rusty Halvorson. The conversation centers around a proposed carbon storage project by Summit Carbon Solutions, which aims to connect 57 ethanol plants in the Midwest to a pipeline for CO2 capture and sequestration in North Dakota. The discussion highlights the controversy among landowners, legal challenges, property rights, and safety concerns associated with the project. Rusty provides insights into the background and current state of the debate, including the role of eminent domain and the potential impact on the corn-based ethanol industry's future.
 
Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF United Stock Growers of America, discussed the USDA's pending rule to protect producers from anti-competitive practices without requiring harm to the entire industry. He emphasized the need for the new administration to finalize this rule and address the shrinking cash market. Bullard also highlighted the New World Screw Worm threat, which led to the USDA closing the border to Mexican live cattle imports. He stressed the importance of maintaining domestic self-sufficiency. Bullard criticized the free trade ideology, noting the loss of 650,000 cattle producers over 40 years. He advocated for tariffs to level the playing field and mandatory Country of Origin Labeling to support domestic producers.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 01-14-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer explore critical topics at the intersection of immigration, agriculture, and policy. As President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration nears, they discuss the growing concerns around potential mass deportations, including the anxiety among Californians—both documented and undocumented. The conversation delves into the far-reaching implications for the agricultural sector, which depends heavily on immigrant labor, and the ripple effects of misinformation, community fears, and everyday profiling.
The episode also features Lorrie's interview with Michael Ming, President of the California Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Ming sheds light on the organization's mission to support agricultural professionals through education, accreditations, and advocacy. Key topics include water supply challenges, commodity pricing, and the impact of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) on land values. The chapter's scholarship and internship programs aim to nurture the next generation of agriculture leaders.
Additionally, Sabrina reports on USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack’s remarks on recent initiatives under the Biden administration. Topics include the reinforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect producers, enhanced transparency in poultry tournaments, efforts to combat discrimination, and the introduction of a cattle contract library. While some measures remain incomplete, the USDA's progress marks a significant step toward ensuring fairness and stability for farmers, ranchers, and producers nationwide.
Episode Highlights:
The fear of mass deportations and its impact on California’s agricultural workforce.
Challenges posed by false social media rumors and profiling.
Michael Ming’s insights on water analysis, land value shifts under SGMA, and support for emerging ag professionals.
USDA’s strengthened regulations to enhance market competitiveness and fairness under the Biden administration.
Links and Resources:
American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers – California Chapter
USDA Initiatives on the Packers and Stockyards Act: Learn More
Information on SGMA and Land Value: Read More
Stay informed on the latest agricultural news by subscribing to the AgNet News Hour.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 01-13-25

In today’s episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer cover a diverse range of agricultural topics impacting farmers, producers, and public health.
Key Highlights:
Bird Flu and Illegal Cockfighting Rings: Sabrina and Lorrie discuss the alarming spread of bird flu through illegal cockfighting activities. They explore the risks posed by inadequate biosecurity measures and the broader implications for small flocks, backyard poultry owners, and the agricultural industry. The hosts also examine how this outbreak has driven up egg prices and draw parallels to personal health precautions observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interview with Ashley Johnson (National Pork Producers Council): Lorrie speaks with Ashley Johnson about managing antibiotic use in swine production. Topics include:
The removal of a proposed 30% reduction in antimicrobial use from the UN General Assembly declaration due to its lack of scientific merit.
The importance of responsible antimicrobial use to ensure animal health and welfare.
Concerns about proposed reductions in red meat consumption in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and their potential impact on vulnerable populations.
Spotlight on Regev Fungicide: Sabrina interviews Dr. Eric Tedford of Summit Agro USA about Regev, a newly approved hybrid fungicide combining tea tree oil and synthetic chemistry. Tedford explains its benefits for California growers, including:
Broad-spectrum disease control.
Resistance management properties.
Its versatility across a range of crops and diseases.Tedford also shares insights into the historical and medicinal uses of tea tree oil and its innovative application in plant disease management.
Links and Resources Mentioned:
National Pork Producers Council: Website
Summit Agro USA – Regev Fungicide Information: Website
Tune in for expert insights and stay informed on the latest developments in agriculture.