AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 03-18-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni discuss recent weather patterns in California, noting significant storms and the subsequent lack of rain for the next 10 days. They plan to interview experts on managing fungus after rains. They also express concern for those affected by severe storms in the Midwest and Northeast. Upcoming interviews include a discussion on citrus farming with Mondo Perez and a Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida. They highlight the impact of tariffs on European wine, noting a proposed 200% tariff and the challenge of bulk wine imports on domestic wineries. They also discuss the potential benefits of promoting American-grown products.
In the second segment, Lorrie and Nick discuss the impact of tariffs on the agricultural industry, particularly the machinery sector, and the proposed fees on Chinese ships by the U.S. Trade Representative. They express concerns about the potential catastrophic effects on the U.S. maritime industry, including increased costs and potential job losses. The proposal aims to level the playing field by promoting U.S. ship use and preventing China's market power over global supply chains. They also discuss the broader implications for trade, labor costs, and the potential for increased inflation and food prices. The conversation highlights the complexities and uncertainties surrounding these trade policies.
In this segment, information and discussion regarding an Ohio school districts pilot program that aims to get milk to all kids by offering lactose free milk. The initiative aimed to address the nutritional needs of the 81% of students qualifying for free or reduced meals, particularly those with lactose intolerance. The pilot showed increased milk consumption and overall meal participation, which covered the additional cost of lactose-free milk. The program highlights the importance of adapting school meals to diverse dietary needs and effective marketing to boost participation.

AgNet News Hour Monday, 03-17-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni discuss the impact of tariffs and trade agreements on agriculture, particularly the USMCA. David Samuelson, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation, explains the importance of the auto industry in the USMCA and the concerns about Chinese investment in Mexico's auto sector. He highlights the benefits of tariff-free treatment for agriculture, noting that US-Mexico-Canada trade has grown from $9-10 billion in the 90s to over $50 billion today.
The Ag Net News Hour discussed a federal judge's order to rehire thousands of probationary workers fired by the Trump administration, criticizing the administration's tactics. The order affects multiple agencies, including Veteran Affairs, Agriculture, and Defense. Nick Papagni argued that Trump's actions aim to clean up government waste, predicting Trump will win the lawsuit. The conversation also touched on the impact of the H5N1 avian influenza on California dairies, leading to a ban on dairy exhibitions.
The conversation also touched on the potential impact of vaccinations on organic dairy and poultry and the importance of transparency in food production. The segment concluded with a call for reducing regulations to allow common sense in farming practices.

AgNet News Hour Friday, 03-14-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni discuss the impact of heavy rainfall on Central Valley agriculture, emphasizing the need for fungicide treatment and the challenges farmers face in accessing fields. Betty Resnick, an economist from the American Farm Bureau Federation, highlighted the US export deficit, noting a projected $49 billion deficit in 2025, with soybean and corn exports showing stagnation. She also discussed the potential of biofuels, particularly ethanol, which saw a 36% increase in exports in 2024. The conversation also touched on the difficulty of switching crops and the importance of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable energy in California's agricultural market.
In segment two, Nick and Lorrie talk about Trump administration's changes to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), particularly the Waters of the US rule. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced a new rule to align with the Supreme Court's Sackett decision, aiming to clarify jurisdiction over waterways and wetlands. The rule aims to reduce regulatory burden on farmers and property owners. The conversation also touched on the Trump administration's plans to rescind vehicle fuel efficiency standards.
The show rounded out with a discussion of the potential deregulation of 31 environmental regulations, including climate-smart agriculture and electric vehicle mandates affecting California by 2031. A genetic mutation of bird flu was identified in four dairy cow herds in San Bernardino, California, raising concerns about mammal-to-mammal transmission and disease severity. Cooking meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit inactivates viruses. The discussion also touched on the high cost of eggs and the recent decline in gas prices. Additionally, the show highlighted an upcoming citrus expo in Tampa, Florida, and the expansion of the citrus greening quarantine area in Orange County.

AgNet News Hour Thursday, 03-13-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni discussed the raisin industry with Caleb Barcarian, dubbed "Mr. Raisin." Barcarian shared his 56-year career, noting the industry's decline from 280,000 acres to 90,000 acres due to high land costs and shifts to almonds and pistachios. He predicted five major processors remaining, with 200 growers. Turkey is the top raisin producer, followed by Iran and China. Barcarian highlighted the industry's consolidation and the need for vertical integration. He also mentioned the raisin industry's shift from traditional drying methods to more efficient, automated systems. The segment concluded with a discussion on the raisin industry's future and its efforts to innovate and stay competitive.
This segment features an interview brought to you by the Almond Board of California. The segment discussed the impact of recent storms on California almond orchards, highlighting various types of damage, such as wind, rain, hail, and frost. Michael Roots emphasized the importance of growers reporting damage to their local Ag Commissioner within 30 days for potential disaster relief funds. Despite growers being vigilant about crop insurance, they often overlook reporting to the Ag Commissioner. The conversation also touched on the broader implications of tariffs on US exports, particularly almonds, and the strategy behind current economic policies.
 
The segment concluded with optimism about the almond crop and a brief mention of geopolitical developments involving Ukraine.
 
The discussion on Ag Net News Hour covered the introduction of Accu-Label, a biodegradable paper label for produce, highlighting sustainability. The label used by Windset Farms features a ladybug, symbolizing sustainable growing. The segment then shifted to the Salton Sea's accelerated shoreline retreat due to water management changes, posing health risks from polluted dust. Between 2002 and 2017, the retreat rate increased from 12.5 to 38.5 meters annually. By 2030, the north shore could recede by 150 meters, and by 2041, by 172 meters. The conversation also touched on the potential use of drones in agriculture for security and monitoring.

AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 03-12-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni discuss various agricultural topics, including citrus updates, weather events, the California hay sector, and a new GMO strawberry consortium. The Almond Board of California reminded growers to report crop damage to local county Ag Commissioners for disaster assistance. Nick Folio from Folio Commodities noted potential stagnation in the hay market due to delayed first cuttings. The conversation also touched on the impact of wildfires on hay supply, which was minimal. Additionally, the show highlighted the importance of timely updates on hay and alfalfa market conditions, including weather, pest pressure, and quality.
Nick discussed the current state of the California citrus industry, noting a decline in lemon and clementine markets due to smaller fruit sizes attributed to weather conditions. The segment then shifted to the formation of the OHalo Strawberry Consortium, a collaboration aiming to revolutionize strawberry breeding with uniform, true seeds. This initiative, led by Dr. Phil Stewart, promises non-GMO strawberry varieties that will improve flavor, shelf life, and yield. The new hybrid breeding system is expected to accelerate breeding and reduce production costs, benefiting farmers and the entire value chain. The conversation also touched on the potential competition among consortium members and the need for further testing and consumer acceptance.
Discussion turned to the upcoming Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida, on August 20-21, featuring experts and innovations in farming.
A federal court awarded over $10 million to three Missouri farmers for damages caused by the US Army Corps of Engineers' flood management changes, but payments have been delayed. The farmers face significant losses, including infrastructure damage and lost crops, and have incurred substantial litigation costs since 2014. The discussion highlighted the impact of flooding on farmland, the potential for future land usage issues, and the broader implications of environmental regulations on agricultural operations.

AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 03-11-25

Lorrie Boyer and Nick "The Pagmeter" discussed the challenges faced by young farmers and ranchers, highlighting the American Farm Bureau Federation's FUSION Conference in Denver. Key issues include high costs of farmland, machinery, and cattle, financial barriers, and the impact of taxes and regulations. They noted the enthusiasm and innovation among young farmers, such as diversifying into cheese making. Infrastructure challenges.
Lorrie and Nick also discuss the hay market, noting that 2023 was tough for dairies and predicting a slow start to 2025 due to rain in California. They highlight the importance of hay and alfalfa for dairies and mention the impact of rain on tree fruit blooming. Avocado and strawberry seasons are off to a good start, with steady demand and quality. They also address government restructuring, potential closures or consolidations of USDA and NRCS offices, and the impact on farmers. Water allocation is at 35%, with concerns about land sinking and alkalinization affecting farming in California.
Lorrie has an interview with the National Milk Producers Federation, who reported strong dairy margins due to low feed grain prices and stable milk prices. The conversation also touched on water management, with farmers in the western U.S. receiving 35% of their water allocation, up from 15% last year. The importance of specialized knowledge in water management and the challenges of aging infrastructure were highlighted. The segment concluded with a discussion on the future direction of the Export Assistance Program.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 03-10-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni discuss why the USDA was ordered to return 5,700, approximately 5,700 probationary jobs back to USDA employees who were fired as a result of the restructuring of the government. It was ruled by the Merit Systems Protection Board, that these employees be reinstated while the board continues its investigation. 
The court of appeals for the District of Columbia has ruled this cannot happen. The Justice ruled the Trump administration was not allowed, doesn’t have the authority, to fire these people.
Additionally, they delve into tariffs and the concerns about tariffs. While at the Commodity Classic in Denver, Colorado, recently, Lorrie had the opportunity to speak with the farmers about the imposed tariffs, and the impact they expected to feel.
There were many farmers that were actually fairly optimistic about the proposed tariffs. She reflects how they are concerned, and they don't want to go through the discomfort, but they also had faith in the Trump administration and what they're doing as far as tariffs. What the larger picture looks like in getting more markets and getting more fair and open trade, and thought that this could end up being a good thing for them.
Weather in California looks like it's supposed to be a big rainy week coming up Tuesday, maybe through Friday in California, at least in the Central Valley.
Drought will be the number one concern for 2025 when it comes to natural disasters, which obviously is a huge spark factor for wildfires.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 03-07-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson, Lorrie Boyer, and newcomer Nick Papagni discuss recent significant developments affecting the agricultural industry. They cover the challenges posed by California's erratic weather on crop production, specifically almonds and raisins, and the rebranding of the Western Agricultural Processors Association to the Western Tree Nut Association.
Additionally, they delve into the reinstatement of nearly 5,700 USDA employees by the Merit Systems Protection Board due to disputed firings over restructuring and performance concerns.
The episode is marked by Sabrina's departure as she transitions to a new role in a non-profit organization and passes the show's hosting duties to Lorrie Boyer. The segment also includes reflections on farm broadcasting, highlighting the importance of providing accurate, in-depth agricultural news while staying connected to the realities faced by farmers.