AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 12-13-24

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the potential implications of President-elect Trump's proposed tariffs on California’s agricultural sector. With Sabrina reporting from the Almond Conference, they delve into insights from experts and an article highlighting research from UC Davis and North Dakota State University, which predicts significant economic losses for key California counties like Fresno and Tulare. Featuring commentary from California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross, the discussion covers the potential ripple effects on supply chains, labor markets, and local economies.
Lorrie interviews Tracy Edgar, owner of Bright Changes Consulting, where she specializes in agriculture consulting. Tracy talks about her passion for leadership development and her journey that combines her expertise in academics and the agriculture industry. She discusses the importance of company culture, shared beliefs, and values in creating a successful work environment. Tracy elaborates on the use and benefits of pulse surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and how she collaborates with companies to address issues and improve employee engagement. She emphasizes that prioritizing people over output leads to better business outcomes.
Sabrina reports that the US Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under Section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act, encouraging public input and voluntary conservation efforts. Mixed responses include support from the Western Landowners Alliance, which highlights conservation benefits, and criticism from Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller, who views it as federal overreach. Josette Lewis from the Almond Board of California sees this as an opportunity for growers to contribute positively. The Monarch Joint Venture emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that encourages sustainable conservation actions.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 12-12-24

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the International Longshoremen's Association's resistance to the introduction of AI and automation on docks. They explore the pros and cons of using AI to semi-automate port cranes, highlighting employment issues and potential national security risks. The conversation touches on the future of labor unions, contract negotiations, and the impact of strikes on agricultural shipments. The benefits of continuous operation and the concerns about cyber security are discussed, alongside a broader discussion on the future of automation in various industries.
Lorrie Boyer talks with Garrett Edmonds, Director of Government Affairs with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the Public Lands Council, discussing legislative priorities and congressional hearings on grazing and ranching measures. They delve into specific bills aimed at reducing wildfire risks and increasing operational flexibility for ranchers. She also talks to Tony Headrick from CHS Hedging, who explores how geopolitical events influence agriculture, particularly energy and fertilizer sectors, and their implications for U.S. farmers. The discussion covers supply, demand, and market dynamics, emphasizing the importance of managing margins between commodity inputs and outputs.
Sabrina has this week’s Almond Update from the Almond Board of California. In the update, Clarice Turner, President and CEO of the Almond Board of California, discusses the current state of the almond industry following her presentation at the Almond Conference. Key topics include the rise in demand for almonds in various markets, record-breaking shipment volumes, and sustainability efforts in carbon sequestration, water usage, and bee-friendly practices. Turner highlights the multifaceted value of almonds, from zero-waste production to significant health benefits. She concludes with an optimistic message about the industry's future.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 12-11-24

On today's episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer delve into the topic of using autonomous vehicles on farms. They discuss the ongoing conversations and concerns surrounding Cal OSHA's role in regulating these technologies, focusing on safety, liability, and operational protocols. They highlight the broader implications of autonomous machinery in agriculture, including societal concerns, the potential risks involved, and the need for effective oversight to ensure safe implementation. They also discuss the phenomenon of Tulare Lake, once dried up for 130 years, now reappearing due to extreme weather patterns. This reemergence has caused significant disruptions for California farmers, submerging tens of thousands of acres of farmland, destroying crops, and damaging infrastructure including homes, roads, and irrigation systems. The hosts address the broader implications for water management and insurance in the area, noting the challenges farmers face as they lose valuable agricultural land to this unexpected floodwater revival.
Lorrie talks with Chris Galen, the Senior Vice President of Member Services and Strategic Initiatives at the National Milk Producers Federation. They discuss the current lame duck session in Congress, focusing on temporary funding measures and delays in the new farm bill. The conversation explores the potential impacts of the upcoming Trump administration on dairy producers and personnel shifts in key agricultural positions. Galen provides an economic overview of the dairy industry, noting good harvests and steady margins. They also address the ongoing bird flu issue, emphasizing the risks associated with raw milk and advocating for pasteurization.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 12-10-24

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the resurgence of the screw worm in Mexico and its potential threat to the U.S. livestock industry. Laurie shares insights on the nature of the screw worm, the dangers it poses to livestock and pets, and measures to prevent its spread. The hosts also touch on the historical return of Tulare Lake and its implications for California farmers, along with an interesting discussion about the use and regulation of autonomous vehicles in farming. Additionally, Sabrina shares updates from the Almond Conference in Sacramento, covering topics from pollinator habitats to the economic aspects of almond production.
 
Lorrie interviews Dr. David Maganã, a senior horticulture analyst at Rabobank, about the latest North American Agribusiness Review. They discuss various sectors, starting with an overview of the fruit market, focusing on strawberries, blueberries, citrus, avocados, and fresh apples. Discussion reveals how weather conditions and other factors have impacted production and prices. Dr. Maganã also provides insights into the vegetable sector, mentioning the volatility of leafy greens and the market conditions for potatoes. The episode concludes with an in-depth analysis of the tree nuts industry, particularly walnuts and almonds, noting recent price trends and market challenges.
 
Sabrina talks with Erin Mittelstaedt, CEO of The FruitGuys, about the current state of the citrus industry in California and Florida. They discuss the impacts of temperature on citrus quality in California, the effects of hurricanes on Florida's citrus production, pest pressures, and water issues. Erin also highlights The FruitGuys' commitment to supporting small farms through their Community Fund, which offers micro-grants to promote sustainable farming practices.
 

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 12-09-24

This episode of AgNet NewsHour focuses on recent developments regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). Hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss a recent Texas court ruling that issued an injunction, pausing the enforcement of the CTA, which requires businesses to disclose beneficial ownership information. Statements from key agricultural organizations, such as the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, are shared, expressing concerns over the constitutionality and implications of the Act. The discussion also delves into broader questions around business privacy versus public right-to-know, and the potential complexities if court rulings on the Act conflict. 
Sabrina interviews Dr. Meg Schaeffer, an epidemiologist and the National Public Health Advisor for the SAS Institute. They discuss the recent USDA federal order regarding raw milk and its connection to avian influenza. With the emergence of H5N1 in California's raw milk samples, the USDA mandates nationwide raw milk testing to ensure food safety. Dr. Schaefer explains the significance and risks of the avian influenza virus, its impact on agriculture and public health, and the importance of pasteurization. Dr. Schaeffer addresses misconceptions about raw milk, its safety concerns, and calls for a temporary pause in raw milk consumption. The conversation emphasizes the collaborative effort needed among producers and government agencies to control the outbreak and prevent potential pandemic scenarios.
Lorrie talks with Isaiah Kisica from the University of California Davis to discuss his research on groundwater nitrates in California. Isaiah, a professor specializing in land, air, and water resources, elaborates on his work focused on optimizing water management in agricultural systems to minimize environmental impacts. The conversation delves into his study, part of the USDA SEAP project, monitoring water quality in critical watersheds, specifically the Central Valley aquifer system. The study employs cutting-edge technology, including a VEDOS zone monitoring system, to track nitrate migration, revealing that nitrates can reach groundwater in as few as 10 days under specific climatic conditions. Isaiah discusses the implications of his findings for growers and water managers, highlighting advanced techniques, like high-frequency fertigation, and sensor development for real-time soil nitrate measurement. He also addresses the role of agricultural fertilizers in nitrate presence and the validation of regulatory models for groundwater protection.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 12-06-24

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the narrow election victory of Democrat Adam Gray over Republican incumbent John Duarte in California’s 13th Congressional District, flipping the seat from Republican to Democrat. They delve into Gray's background and potential impact on agricultural issues. Additionally, they highlight an important industry lawsuit where Bloomfresh International Limited won a court case in Italy against a grower infringing on their proprietary grape variety, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property in agriculture.
Geophysics professor Rosemary Knight from Stanford University and research associate Matthew Lees from the University of Manchester discuss their study on land subsidence in California's San Joaquin Valley. The study, initiated during Lees' PhD work at Stanford, investigates the significant issue of sinking lands due to groundwater overdraft, primarily caused by agricultural irrigation. Key findings highlight the historical and current patterns of subsidence, the role of managed aquifer recharge, and the importance of strategic water management to mitigate subsidence impacts.
We also feature an excerpt from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Beltway Beef podcast. Hunter Ihrman is joined by NCBA Chief Veterinarian Dr. Kathy Simmons for an update on the New World screwworm. A dangerous pest that is currently making its way through South America, the New World screwworm could cause devastating impacts to the cattle industry if it enters the United States. Dr. Simmons shares critical information about how to safeguard your operation plus she explains how NCBA is advocating for additional resources to combat the screwworm. 

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 12-05-2024

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the implications of California lawmakers preparing a $25 million legal fund to counter potential lawsuits against President-elect Trump's administration. The conversation highlights the contentious changes expected in pollution regulations and immigration policies, focusing on the significant reliance on immigrant labor in California's agriculture. The dialogue explores the financial and social implications of mass deportations, including the impact on farming, local economies, and community resources. The hosts emphasize the complexity and human aspect of these potential changes, while also noting the support systems and protections currently in place for undocumented immigrants in California.
Lorrie Boyer interviews Mollie Van Lieu, VP of Nutrition and Health at the International Fresh Produce Association, about their aims for a workable H2A federal workforce program and the challenges faced due to reliance on foreign workers in agriculture. Van Lieu discusses the importance of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption as part of nutrition policies and the role of 'food as medicine' in clinical care. The conversation also touches on the implications of political changes with the appointment of RFK Jr. to HHS under the Trump administration. Additionally, the episode addresses practical challenges such as ensuring adequate supply and supporting growers through policy advocacy. Later, Greg Jones from Firestone AG provides insights into tractor tire management to prevent overloading and save fuel, emphasizing the importance of proper air pressure and equipment weighing.
We also have this week’s Almond Update.  California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross discusses the significance of Healthy Soils Week in California, emphasizing the critical role of soil biodiversity and its impact on climate solutions through practices like whole orchard recycling. The conversation highlights the importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices to both consumers and regulators, and the efforts made by groups like the California Almond Board to support these initiatives. Karen Ross also talks about the role of farmers in maintaining soil health, the necessity of storytelling in agriculture, and the ongoing efforts to educate the public and regulatory bodies about the complexities and benefits of modern farming.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 12-04-24

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the growing trend of consuming raw milk and the associated dangers, particularly regarding a recent case of bird flu contamination at a California farm. The conversation also covers broader issues of public safety, regulatory actions, and the ongoing concerns about the bird flu virus mutating across species. Additionally, they touch on the shift in consumer preferences toward biodegradable packaging for produce and the importance of sustainability in the food industry.
The episode also features an interview with Roland Fumasi, head of Rabo Research Food and Agribusiness North America for Rabo AgriFinance and Rabo Bank. He discusses the potential impacts on the agricultural industry with President-elect Trump returning to office. The conversation covers anticipated trade tensions with China, Mexico, and Canada, the effects of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs, inflation in the food system, and pressures on farm inputs. Fumasi also examines the resilience of U.S. consumers, potential inflationary policies, and how farmers can prepare for uncertain times. Positive aspects such as regulatory and energy policy adjustments are also highlighted.