AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 12-27-24

On today’s show, Lorrie Boyer interviews Dr. Wayne Ayers (starts at 15:25), a veterinarian technical consultant, who discussed bovine respiratory disease (BRD) with Lorrie Boyer. BRD is a complex syndrome involving four viruses and four bacteria, costing the U.S. cattle industry $1 billion annually. Symptoms include lethargy, increased respiratory rates, and high fevers. The disease is highly contagious, especially in high-stress situations like weaning and transport. Prevention strategies include reducing stress, proper nutrition, and vaccination. Antibiotics are used for treatment, with metaphylaxis for high-risk cattle. A new third-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic is expected to be available soon, offering potential benefits according to Dr. Ayers.
Sabrina talks with Erin DeLong (starts at 31:20), Marketing Manager for Durango Boots, who discusses the significance of the National Day of the Cowgirl and the scholarship initiative launched by Durango Boots. The scholarship, introduced in 2022, aims to support young women pursuing Western-affiliated degrees. Erin highlights last year's inaugural scholarship winner, Caitlin Collins, and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and empowering women in the Western industry. The episode concludes with details on the application process for the upcoming scholarship and the impact it has had on the community.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 12-26-24

Sabrina Halvorson has this week's Almond Update from the Almond Board of California. Emily Fleshman, the Vice President for Global Market Development, discusses the board's global marketing efforts presented at the recent Almond Conference. Fleshman highlights key markets, such as India and the U.S., and describes collaborations with celebrities like Deon Sanders. She details the strategic process behind their campaigns and the importance of aligning with consumer trends, such as exercise recovery and beauty benefits. Additionally, she touches on the role of sustainability in their marketing approach.
Lorrie Boyer talks with Tracy Edgar, owner of the consulting firm Bright Changes. Today she talks about the importance of company culture within an ag operation. Of the key points today, Edgar discusses collaborating with leadership and employees to develop a plan to address the identified cultural issues.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 12-25-24

Hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer share some of their favorite recent interviews on this Christmas day. 

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 12-24-24

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer explore the intriguing topic of autonomous vehicles on farms and the regulatory role of Cal OSHA. The discussion encompasses the safety, liability, and oversight concerns associated with autonomous machinery, and the societal implications of such technology in agriculture. They also delve into the history and current issues surrounding the reemergence of Tulare Lake in California, addressing the significant impact of recent weather events and flooding on farmland and infrastructure, and raising questions around water management and future flood risks.
Lorrie interviews Carl McDermott, chief operating officer for Delta Trak, who talks about who they are and what they do as a company in the cold chain logistics space. He analyzes the potential impact of tariffs on the cost of food, particularly produce imports from countries like Mexico, and talks further about food industry issues affecting the US food Supply chain. 
Sabrina talks with Gino DiCaro, Director of Communications for Wine Institute, who discusses delightful wine pairing options for the holidays and highlights festive experiences in California wine country. The conversation covers various holiday events and unique winery experiences across California, such as ATV rides, wine and dim sum pairings, e-bike tours, and personalized wine blending sessions. Gino also shares insights on California's promising wine harvest and vintage for the year. Listeners are encouraged to visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.com for more information and access to a comprehensive wine pairing and recipe ebook.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 12-23-24

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss an intriguing development in California: squirrels turning carnivorous and preying on voles. They explore the implications of this behavior and its potential as an evolutionary adaptation. The show then transitions to Christmas-themed content, where Sabrina shares agricultural Christmas traditions from around the world, such as the Slavic tradition of placing straw under the tablecloth and the English practice of wassailing apple trees.
Lorrie talks with James Walker, CEO of Nano Nuclear Energy, who discusses his background in nuclear physics and engineering, leading to the establishment of Nano Nuclear Energy four years ago. The company focuses on microreactors for remote areas, which offer continuous power for 10-15 years, contrasting with the daily diesel needs of traditional generators. Nano Nuclear Energy aims to address the U.S. fuel supply chain issues by building a unique fuel fabrication facility and partnering with the DOE and other companies. They also partnered with Vert to Grow Energy Solutions to integrate vertical farming in remote areas, enhancing food security and reducing dependence on imports. He specifically talks about a new partnership with a vertical farming company and how they will grow more food for food insecure areas and how this can help expand humanity in areas that have not been accessible in the past in terms of farming.
Sabrina talks with Arthur Erickson, CEO and co-founder of Helio, a company that designs and provides autonomous crop treatment drones. They discuss the company's origin, the capabilities of their large agricultural drones, and the impact of legislative actions, such as the Countering CCP Drones Act, on the drone industry. Arthur explains the potential national security concerns surrounding Chinese drone manufacturers DJI and Autel, and how the proposed regulations could affect the industry and Helio. Additionally, the conversation touches on the various applications of drones in agriculture, including pesticide spraying, cover crop seeding, and crop scouting.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 12-20-24

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the case of Cory Garrett, a fifth-generation farmer in Virginia facing the seizure of his land through eminent domain for a water intake plant project. They highlight the lack of fair compensation, inadequate communication from local officials, and the broader implications for farmers. They also touch upon similar issues in Colorado, emphasizing the need to protect multi-generational farms from being taken for commercial interests. The hosts encourage listeners to voice their concerns to the relevant authorities to help safeguard farmland.
Lorrie talks with National Sunflower Association Executive Director, John Sandbakken talks about 2024 harvest and they seed varieties that are developed in California.
Sabrina interviews James Walker, CEO of Nanonuclear Energy, about the emerging role of nuclear energy in agriculture. Walker discusses how micro nuclear reactors are being implemented to provide consistent and efficient power for vertical farming, particularly in remote and underserved communities around the world. These reactors offer a transformative solution for areas with limited access to traditional farming conditions and resources. The potential to decentralize populations and foster economic growth in isolated regions is also explored. The episode touches on the benefits of micro reactors over traditional diesel generators and their broader applications for military bases, disaster relief, and industrial projects.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 12-19-24

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the recent mysterious drone sightings primarily on the East Coast and their potential implications for privacy and the agriculture industry. They delve into the unrest these sightings are causing among residents, the inquiries being made by the FBI, and the calls for stricter regulations. The discussion also touches on the impact drones have on airports, Air Force bases, and air traffic. Despite these concerns, the hosts acknowledge the beneficial applications of drones in agriculture, such as crop monitoring and livestock management. They consider the potential future need for airspace rights above private properties and the risks associated with unregulated drone usage.
 
Lorrie talks with Renata Brillinger, Executive Director of the California Climate and Agriculture Network (CalCAN), who discussed the Cows Act, a marker bill aimed at replicating a successful California program that reduces methane emissions from dairy farms by converting manure into compost. The program, which provides grants for equipment like augers and compost turners, has seen three times more demand than funding. Brillinger emphasized the economic benefits, including water and labor savings, but noted the high capital costs (up to $700,000) that hinder smaller producers. She also highlighted other underfunded programs like the Healthy Soils Program and On-Farm Water Conservation Program, which reduce greenhouse gases and water use, respectively.
Sabrina has this week’s Almond Update.  Gabriele Ludwig, Director for Environmental Affairs with the Almond Board of California, discusses insights from a session on post-harvest pest control for almonds. Key highlights include integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, monitoring tools for pest detection in stockpiles, and the importance of fumigation. Experts such as Eric Myers, Dr. Zhongli Pan, and Dr. Spencer Walse contribute their knowledge on minimizing pests in storage facilities and ensuring phytosanitary requirements are met. The discussion also emphasizes the role of growers in managing pests in the field to reduce infestations in post-harvest scenarios.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 12-18-24

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the proposed updates to the USDA Dietary Guidelines for 2025-2030. The guidelines, still in the proposal stage, recommend a shift towards more plant-based proteins like beans and lentils, while suggesting a reduction in red meat consumption. This has sparked controversy, particularly within the cattle industry. The episode also touches on the implications of these changes for consumer buying trends, school meal plans, and institutions, as well as the debate over the removal of flavored milk options from the dairy category. The discussion highlights the balance between scientific evidence and industry concerns, as well as the broader impact on national health and dietary habits.
Lorrie Boyer talks with Bryan Little, chief operating officer with Farm Employers Labor Services, a California Farm Bureau Affiliated Company, about creating Bird Flu Management plans for agriculture operations.
Sabrina Halvorson speaks with Mark Cady, Senior Environmental Scientist at the California Department of Food and Agriculture and President of the California Chapter of the American Society of Agronomy. They discuss the upcoming 2025 California Plant and Soil Health Conference scheduled for early February in Visalia. The conference will focus on delivering agronomic agricultural science information to a diverse audience including professionals, academics, and students. Key topics include water quality and quantity, regenerative agriculture, soil health, data usage on farms, and sustainable pest management. The event also features educational sessions, student programs, and networking opportunities.