AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour Friday, 04-11-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing the significant impact of tariffs on agriculture, particularly the 10% blanket tariffs and the 90-day delay on reciprocal tariffs for countries willing to negotiate. China's tariffs have risen to 125% on US imports. The US exports were valued at $176 billion last year, supporting over 1 million jobs. The trade deficit has increased to nearly $50 billion from $0 in four years. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized the need for fair trade deals and highlighted the President's efforts to ensure farmers are treated fairly in international negotiations.
The discussion on Ag Net News Hour focused on Brooke Rollins' speech on trade, highlighting the high tariffs on US products, such as a 700% tariff on rice. They reviewed the Trump administration's efforts to support farmers and criticized other countries' tariffs. They also discussed the Food Security and Farm Protection Act, which aims to combat California's Proposition 12, a law setting minimum space requirements for animal raising. The bill, introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), aims to prevent states from interfering with interstate commerce. Additionally, research on bird flu led by California scientists was mentioned, emphasizing its impact on the state's dairy industry.
The University of California Davis, in collaboration with international researchers, has created the first detailed map of gene regulation in chickens, which could help breed birds resistant to diseases like avian influenza. The study, published in Nature Genetics, analyzed over 100 chicken breeds and 28 tissues. This research is crucial amidst the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has affected over a million birds and spread to dairy cows, particularly in California. The conversation also touched on the importance of supporting local agriculture, the upcoming citrus event in Florida, and the seasonal shifts in agricultural production, emphasizing the need to promote local growers and the resilience of the agricultural sector.

AgNet News Hour Thursday, 04-10-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing  the impact of tariffs on US trade relations, highlighting that 70 countries are negotiating with the US to increase imports, aiming to reduce the trade deficit. The US and China have both imposed additional 50% tariffs, resulting in a combined 104% tariff on US imports. The Trump administration's stance on China was praised for its firmness. Concerns were raised about the economic impact on agriculture, with potential relief payments similar to those during the Trump administration. Additionally, the discussion covered the role of world central banks, the impact of port fees on wheat exports, and the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the US shipping industry.
In the second segment, Nick and Lorrie discussed the decline in California farmland values, with almond orchards dropping from $60,000 to $44,000 per acre due to water shortages. High costs of inputs like fuel and labor, coupled with poor commodity prices and environmental regulations, are straining farmers. The California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and high water prices, which should be $15,000-$20,000 per acre but are $32,000-$42,000, are significant factors. The highest agricultural land values remain in Kern County due to effective groundwater management. The hosts emphasized the need for farmers to fight for better policies and support.
In the weekly, Almond Board of California segment. The Almond Board of California's Head of Global Communications, Natalie Henderson, discussed the recent Bloom Tour, which targeted social media influencers and dietitians interested in health, nutrition, and sustainability. The tour, held in late February, aimed to showcase almond farming practices, environmental stewardship, and humanize the industry. Influencers shared their experiences, leading to 14 Instagram stories with an organic reach of 277,000. The event highlighted the importance of influencers in modern media and the need to build long-term relationships with them. The segment also promoted the upcoming Florida Citrus Expo, encouraging cross-industry collaboration and support for local farmers.

AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 04-09-25

On today's Ag Net News Hour, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter,” discuss the impact of recent trade announcements by the Trump administration on the agriculture sector. Central California's weather is ideal for farming, and markets have improved, with oil prices and interest rates declining. Japan and Indonesia are negotiating to increase US imports, including ethanol and soybeans. The US collected $77 billion in tariffs in 2023, a mere 1.5% of federal revenue, compared to $2.6 trillion from individual income taxes. Farmers absorb initial tariff costs, affecting their profitability. The discussion emphasized the historical significance of tariffs and their current role in protecting domestic industries, despite potential higher consumer prices.
The Ag Net News Hour continued with Nick and Lorrie covering Senator Adam Schiff's call for non-dairy alternatives in school meals, emphasizing the need for diverse options due to lactose intolerance and dietary preferences. The conversation shifted to the impact of labor costs on the fast food industry, noting the rise of automation and robotics. Finally, they promoted an upcoming citrus and specialty crop expo in Tampa, Florida, encouraging California farmers to attend and share insights.
With the final segment of the Ag Net News Hour, Hosts Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter”, and Lorrie Boyer discussed the evolution of agriculture, highlighting the transition from traditional farming to innovative practices like irrigation monitoring and packaging. They also covered (D-CA) Senator Adam Schiff's call for non-dairy alternatives in school meal. The lawmaker is emphasizing the need for diverse options due to lactose intolerance and dietary preferences to be included in school lunches via the Whole Milk bill that has been introduced in Congress.  The conversation shifted to the impact of labor costs on the fast-food industry, noting the rise of automation and robotics. Finally, they promoted an upcoming citrus and specialty crop expo in Tampa, Florida, encouraging California farmers to attend and share insights.

AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 04-08-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” discuss tariffs on global markets. Southern California faces a significant drought, despite recent rainfall. Tariffs have led to market downturns, but some see it as an opportunity for strategic investment. Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines and Vietnam, are negotiating tariff reductions. Japan and South Korea are preparing offers to the U.S. India, with its protectionist trade policies, is open to negotiations. The European Union is divided on its response, with some members like France and Germany advocating for retaliation, while others like Italy and Ireland prefer a measured approach. China is expediting stimulus plans to mitigate consumer uncertainty.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has appealed to the USDA to reverse the termination of $47 million in funding for California's Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, which supports farmers and food banks. Nick criticized Newsom's appeal, citing California's $76 billion debt and mismanagement of funds.  Nick also highlighted pointed to the inefficiency of government-funded programs, citing examples of misallocated funds and the reliance on local donations for food banks. The discussion emphasized the need for self-reliance and accountability in government spending.
The Ag Net News Hour’s Nick and Lorrie then discussed the impact of bird flu on various species, including dairy cattle and poultry. The conversation shifted to California Assembly Bill 928, which limits rooster ownership to three per acre or 25 total to combat cockfighting. Nick expressed concern about the bill's potential negative impact on family farmers. The bill includes exemptions for food production, schools, shelters, and non-profit organizations. The hosts also highlighted the importance of prunes, noting that 99% come from California and contribute $160 million annually. They encouraged listeners to attend the Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida, and shared contact information for further engagement.

AgNet News Hour Monday, 04-07-25

Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, The AgMeter,” hosts of the Ag Net News Hour , discussed recent severe weather in the Midwest and South, including tornadoes and flooding, and its impact on agriculture. The USDA announced new agricultural trade promotion programs for 2025, including the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and the Emerging Markets Program (EMP). These programs aim to open new markets and support exports. The conversation also touched on the loss of 2614 gigatons of soil moisture between 2020 and 2016, affecting global temperatures and sea levels, and the potential impact on agriculture in various regions.
 
In this segment, Lorrie and Nick focused on the impact of Mexican gray wolves in New Mexico and California. New Mexico is declaring a state of emergency due to wolves attacking livestock and pets, with 99 confirmed livestock kills in 2024. California's gray wolf population is growing, with five of seven packs meeting breeding criteria. The conversation highlighted the challenges of wolf reintroduction, including the need for better management and the potential conflict between environmentalists and local communities. Both states are grappling with the balance between conservation and the safety of livestock and residents.
In the last segment of the Ag Net News Hour, Lorrie and Nick discussed Project Nexus, California's first solar covered canal, which generates electricity while conserving water. The initiative, funded by a public-private academic partnership, includes solar panels over Turlock Irrigation District canals. The project reduces evaporation, improves water quality, and cuts maintenance costs. It could supply enough electricity to power 2 million homes annually. The hosts also touched on the benefits of agrivoltaics, the challenges of solar panels on farmland, and the upcoming Citrus Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida, aimed at fostering collaboration among citrus growers. Listeners are encouraged to email comments, topic suggestions and feedback to nick@agnetmedia.com.
 

AgNet News Hour Friday, 04-04-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing the recent tariff announcements by the Trump administration, highlighting the complexities and reactions from various countries. Trump imposed a minimum 10% tariff on at least 60 countries, with specific rates including 34% on China, 24% on Japan, and 20% on the EU. Ford Motor Company is moving four factories back to the U.S., creating 25,000 jobs. The EU is considering a response to steel and aluminum tariffs. Senator Alex Padilla criticized Trump's tariffs, claiming they will harm U.S. families, while Nick argued they support farmers. The conversation also touched on the impact on the dairy industry, particularly with Canada.
In the second segment of the Ag Net News Hour, Nick and Lorrie talk about the impact of severe weather in the Midwest and South, including tornadoes and flooding, and its potential effects on agriculture. The USDA announced new agricultural trade promotion programs for 2025, including the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASK), and Emerging Markets Program (EMP). These programs aim to open new markets and promote exports. Brooke Rollins will lead trade missions to Vietnam, Japan, India, Peru, Brazil, and the UK. Additionally, a study by Australian and South Korean researchers found a significant loss of soil moisture between 2020 and 2016, affecting global climate patterns and sea levels.
The USDA has designated April as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, emphasizing citizen-driven strategies to protect crops from diseases and invasive pests. The campaign highlights three key points: staying informed about local quarantines, inspecting and cleaning outdoor gear, and sourcing domestically. Additionally, the USDA encourages reporting any unusual pest activity. The discussion also touched on the importance of local hardware stores for agricultural advice and the impact of tariffs on markets. The segment concluded with a mention of Josh F.W. Cook's appointment as EPA Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest.

AgNet News Hour Thursday, 04-03-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing the latest agriculture news, focusing on weather and drought concerns. California is experiencing better rainfall and snowpack levels, but faces water storage issues. The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer fell 12 points to 140, with 43% of farmers citing trade policy as their top concern, surpassing interest rates. The farm capital investment index dropped to 54, while farmland value expectations remained cautiously optimistic. The survey revealed a shift in priorities post-election, with trade policy becoming more important. The hosts debated the impact of tariffs on agriculture, emphasizing the need for a level playing field and the potential long-term benefits despite current uncertainties.
In this segment of the show, Nick and Lorrie focused on the Trump administration's federal layoffs and a lawsuit by California's Attorney General Bonta, joined by 20 attorneys, challenging the mass terminations of federal probationary employees. The lawsuit, supported by a temporary restraining order, aims to reinstate employees from 18 federal agencies, including the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The conversation also touched on a proposed bill in Congress, the Honor Farmers Contracts Act, which seeks to unfreeze USDA funding and ensure farmers are reimbursed for contracts. The bill addresses the impact of frozen funding on farmers' investments, particularly in specialty crops.
In today’s Almond Board of California feature, ABC’s Taylor Hillman had an interview on the California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP) and its new incentive- linking to the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Michael Roots, Manager of Field Outreach and Education at the Almond Board of California, explained that CSP offers per-acre payments for soil health practices like cover crops and dust protection. The new CASP report simplifies the application process by translating farm practices into NRCS codes. CASP also benefits growers with tools like irrigation and nitrogen calculators, and data sharing with handlers. The segment also touched on the importance of prunes in California, noting that nearly 100% of U.S. prunes are grown there.

AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 04-02-25

On the first part of the show,  Nick Papagni, "The AgMeter" discuss the impact of tariffs on the shipping industry with Jeff Cox from Best Drayage Ocean Shipping. Cox explains that his company specializes in moving containers in and out of ports, particularly in Oakland and Long Beach. He highlights the challenges posed by tariffs, including potential spikes in import volumes and increased costs, which could affect freight demand. Cox also notes the significant difference in costs between U.S.-built ships and foreign-built ships, with U.S. ships costing up to eight times more. The conversation touches on the broader implications of tariffs and the Trump administration's efforts to level the playing field in international trade.
The Ag Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick "The AgMeter" discuss the rise of female farmers in the U.S., citing a USDA survey analyzed by Trace One. The survey revealed that 36.3% of U.S. farmers are women, managing 407 million acres and contributing $222 billion in ag sales. Arizona leads with 47.9% female farm operators, while Illinois is at the bottom. The conversation also highlighted the impact of new technologies and changing societal norms on the agricultural industry, emphasizing the growing influence of women in farm management and leadership roles. The discussion concluded with a mention of the top five states with the highest percentage of female farm operators.
In line with recent discussions on the show about new technology and electric vehicles, Nick and Lorrie talk about the discovery of 18 million tons of lithium in California's Salton Sea, valued at $540 billion, which could power batteries for 382 million electric vehicles. The lithium is extracted using geothermal production wells. The conversation also touched on the outdated 2018 Farm Bill and the impact of fluctuating commodity prices on farmers. Doug Yoder, a crop insurance agency manager, highlighted the increased interest in eco-enhanced coverage options and the American Relief Act's economic assistance program, which offers payments per acre for corn, soybeans, and wheat, with initial payments capped at 85% of the stated rates.