AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 10-08-24

USMCA Dispute: U.S. GMO Corn Exports to Mexico/Aquaculture in the US
On today’s show Congressman Dan Kildee joins us to talk about the dispute arising from Mexico's ban on genetically modified (GMO) corn from the US, which contradicts the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Former President Lopez Obrador's decree, intended to protect Mexican growers, uses non-scientific barriers, breaching the agreement's terms. The current dispute resolution aims to lift the restriction and reinforce US farmers' rights.
We also talk with Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager for Stronger America Through Seafood, who discusses the organization's goals to expand aquaculture in U.S. federal waters. Winters highlights NOAA's National Seafood Strategy Implementation Plan, focusing on improving U.S. aquaculture through regulatory and legislative support for offshore operations.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 10-07-24

Today’s show starts with a discussion with Peter Berthelson, President of Conservation Blueprint, about the integration of pollinator habitats with solar energy projects. They explore how solar farms can double as conservation areas, supporting pollinator populations while generating renewable energy. The discussion highlights the benefits of this synergy for agriculture, sustainability, and biodiversity. ​
Sabrina also interviews Mollie Van Lieu about the partnership between the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and Kids Eat in Color. They discuss the collaboration's progress in advancing commitments made during the White House Hunger, Health, and Nutrition Summit two years ago. The conversation highlights industry efforts to improve children's nutrition and address hunger through innovative initiatives.
Today’s third guest is Mark Milam, Senior Editor, Fertilizers, for ICIS. He gives his perspective on the suspended port strike and how could affect the fertilizer industry if workers go on strike again in January, as threatened.  

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 10-04-24

On today’s show, we discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene on agriculture. We hear from both the Tennessee state agriculture commissioner and USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Robert Bonnie. The USDA is responding to the devastation by streamlining processes to help farmers recover. Bonnie highlights the importance of crop insurance and conservation programs, including simplified loss documentation and flexible indemnity payment procedures. The USDA is also reducing requirements for programs like the Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forestry Restoration Program, aiming to ease debris removal and assist producers with orchards and groves.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 10-03-24

On today’s show Congressman Austin Scott of Georgia's 8th district addresses Hurricane Helene relief efforts in his state. He highlights the role of volunteers and organizations in providing aid. Significant agricultural losses, particularly in poultry and cotton, are a major focus, with efforts to secure disaster relief underway.
We also have this week’s Almond Update and reports from the World Dairy Expo.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 10-02-24

On today’s show Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff joins us to discuss the devastating impact Hurricane Helene has had on Georgia’s agricultural sector, affecting crops, pecan orchards, and livestock, with catastrophic losses to farmers and foresters across the Southeast. He emphasizes the urgent need for federal disaster relief, noting that many growers were already struggling with high costs and low prices before the storm.
 

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 10-01-24

In this episode, Doug McKalip, Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative, joins Sabrina Halvorson to discuss the Biden-Harris administration’s success in boosting U.S. agricultural market access by 28.5% over the past four years. He highlights strategies to capitalize on new export opportunities, with a focus on specialty crops, sustainability, and the role of international organizations. McKalip also emphasizes the importance of tariff reductions for American farmers and ranchers.
The episode also features Holly Freishtat from the Milken Institute, who delves into the institute's brief on transforming food systems to combat climate change. She addresses the need for investment, policy alignment, and collaboration across sectors to create a more sustainable food system.
In addition, Megan Lausten, Marketing Manager for the International Agri-Center, previews the World Ag Expo®, highlighting its Top-10 New Products Contest and educational seminar series, which promote agricultural innovation and industry collaboration.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 09-30-24

Today’s key topics: HPAI in California Dairy Herds and Iowa Pig Farmer in Favor of California’s Prop 12
On today’s show we're joined by Dr. Kay Russo, a veterinarian and founder of RSM Consulting. Dr. Russo recently participated in a webinar on the growing concerns of H5NX, particularly its spread into dairy herds. We'll explore how this avian influenza strain is affecting cattle, what researchers are discovering, and what dairy producers need to know to protect their herds.
We also hear from Ron Mardesen fifth-generation hog farmer from Elliott, Iowa. In today’s episode, we dive into Ron’s unique farming philosophy and the significance of Proposition 12, California’s animal welfare law. Unlike many in the pork industry who view Prop 12 as an obstacle, Ron sees it as a natural extension of how he’s been farming for decades. We’ll explore how his practices align with the law, the fears and misconceptions other farmers have about it, and why he believes Prop 12 is a positive step forward for animal welfare.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 09-27-24

On today’s show we hear from an American Olympic breakdancer who’s now promoting a popular food.