AgNet News Hour

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.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 12-17-24

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss a significant lawsuit in Arizona involving a Saudi-owned company, Fondamonte Arizona LLC, accused of over-pumping groundwater for their alfalfa farm. The water-intensive crop is grown for export to Saudi Arabia, raising issues about the sustainability and ethics of using American water resources for foreign benefit. The conversation delves into the broader implications for local communities, U.S. agriculture policies, and potential changes in water regulation in Arizona.
California Farm Bureau President, Shannon Douglas talks with Lorrie Boyer about her background, why she is passionate about being a CFB leader and issues discussed at their recent annual meeting. 
Sabrina Halvorson interviews Justin Whitehill about the United States Christmas tree industry. They discuss the year-round efforts and dedication required by growers to produce Christmas trees, explaining the lengthy process from planting seeds to reaching the final harvest. Whitehill emphasizes the challenges faced by growers, including unpredictable events like hurricanes and pests, and underscores the environmental benefits of choosing real Christmas trees over artificial ones. He encourages consumers to appreciate and support local Christmas tree growers and to recycle their trees responsibly.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 12-16-24

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the ongoing consideration of listing the monarch butterfly as an endangered species. They delve into the implications of such a designation for agriculture, including the challenges faced by farmers in balancing conservation efforts with their agricultural practices. The episode highlights the complex process of the Endangered Species Act and features insights from various agricultural and conservation groups, including commentary from Josette Lewis of the Almond Board of California. The hosts emphasize the importance of public participation in the comment period and explore the potential economic impact on both taxpayers and farmers.
Lorrie interviews Jeff Cardinale, the Director of Communications for the California Strawberry Commission. Jeff shares his background in agriculture communications, his family's history in farming, and his career transition from TV sports anchoring to public relations. They delve into the highlights of the latest '2024 State of the Strawberry Category Report,' discussing the vital role strawberries play in retail, their remarkable double-digit growth, and the surge in organic strawberry demand. Jeff also touches on the significant export markets for California strawberries and the industry's year-round farming practices. The conversation wraps up with insights on sustainability initiatives undertaken by the California Strawberry Commission.
We also have an excerpt from this week’s NCBA Beltway Beef followed by an update on national ag news with Sabrina.