AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 02-26-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss various topics, starting with a caution to listeners about a fraudulent GoFundMe campaign related to a tragic plane crash in DC.
The main focus of the episode then shifts to the unique programs in prisons across the United States where inmates are engaged in farming activities. These programs aim to reduce costs, provide inmates with valuable life skills, and prepare them for reintegration into society. The hosts discuss specific examples of prison farms in different states, highlighting the regional specialties and the types of farming operations being conducted.
They also consider the potential ethical concerns surrounding these programs, such as forced labor and lack of proper compensation for inmates.
The episode concludes with a discussion on the benefits of agricultural education, drawing parallels between prison farms and school gardens.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 02-25-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss pressing agricultural issues in California. They start with the significant problem of rat infestations in orchards, particularly in the Central Valley, which has led to costly damages to irrigation systems and other infrastructure. The episode details the economic impact, estimated between $100 and $300 million, and explores potential methods of rat control. The hosts also delve into water management challenges in Kern County, focusing on issues like overdrafted sub-basins, subsidence, and the complexities of developing effective groundwater management plans. They highlight the difficulties faced by local water managers and the necessity of including agricultural professionals in water conservation efforts. The discussion emphasizes the importance of institutional knowledge and the challenges posed by an aging workforce in the water management sector.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 02-24-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the latest updates on the Corporate Transparency Act and its impact on small businesses, including farms and ranches. The U.S. Treasury Department has set a new deadline of March 21st for companies to file their beneficial ownership information following a recent court decision. The discussion highlights the back-and-forth nature of the Act's enforcement, the ease of filing, the rationale behind corporate transparency, and the potential penalties for non-compliance.
We also have a segment sponsored by UPL, in which we talk with Cassandra Rieser, Technical Service Manager for UPL, about managing botrytis and hull rot, two challenging diseases for almond growers.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 02-21-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, we hear from the new U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Brook Rollins, at her first address, given at her welcome reception. We also have reports from CattleCon 2025, and hear from an expert on AI in agriculture.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 02-20-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the rising popularity of organic products among Millennials and Gen Z consumers. They explore findings from a survey by the Organic Trade Association, which highlight the health benefits and growing support for organic foods among younger generations. The conversation delves into defining 'organic,' the certification process, and the challenges faced by organic farmers. Sabrina and Laurie also touch upon related topics such as GMOs, gluten-free products, and future trends in agricultural marketing.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 02-19-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the increasing popularity of low and no alcohol wines. They share insights from an article in SevenFifty Daily, which reports on the advancements in the quality of these wines to meet growing consumer demand, particularly among younger generations who are reducing alcohol consumption for various reasons. The discussion then shifts to the current state of California's citrus industry, touching on factors like smaller fruit sizes due to a summer heat wave and the export market dynamics. They also delve into the ongoing challenges faced by Florida citrus growers, including hurricanes and citrus greening disease.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 02-18-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the recent firings within the USDA under the Trump administration, impacting hundreds of probationary federal employees. They explore the implications of these terminations on agricultural services and the far-reaching ripple effects, including delays in Farm Service Agency and NRCS operations. They delve into the firing of key USDA researchers investigating the effects of wildfire smoke on crops, highlighting the loss of critical ongoing research and the potential long-term negative impacts on the agricultural sector.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 02-17-25

In this episode of AgNet News Hour from AgNet West, Lorrie Boyer discusses the USDA's recent amendments to the federal milk marketing order with Roger Crayon, Chief Economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation. They delve into the detailed process and its significant impact on dairy farmers. The show also features a conversation with Julie Broadway, Executive Director of the American Horse Council, covering a wide range of current issues and trends in the equine industry, from tax matters to regulatory issues.
Additionally, Sabrina Halverson speaks with Katie Driver with UPL about a recent emergency exemption for a bactericide in almonds and interviews with various exhibitors from the World Ag Expo, highlighting technological innovations and efficiencies in agriculture.