AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour Friday, 05-23-25

On today’s Memorial Day edition of the Ag Net News Hour, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” begin with an overview on trade deal activity. There is an UK deal out there. The US is holding trade talks with Japan today.
USDA Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins recently announced a suite of new policies that are in their Small Farms Plan. She went into details of each of the programs and parts of the plan. She then mentioned their efforts to support rural mental health.
In this segment, Nick and Lorrie discuss the high suicide rate among farmers, comparing it to veterans, and emphasized the importance of mental health awareness in the agriculture industry. Brooke Rollins highlighted USDA's efforts to support rural mental health, noting the innovative state-level initiatives. Statistics showed suicide rates in rural areas are 80% higher than urban areas, particularly affecting older adults. The conversation also touched on the challenges of accessing mental health services in rural areas, the impact of isolation, and the need for better support systems. The segment concluded with a reminder of the 988-suicide hotline and the importance of addressing both physical and mental health issues in farming communities.
Nick and Lorrie continued the important discussion on mental health awareness in agriculture, highlighting the historical reluctance of farmers to seek medical help due to distance, cost, and cultural attitudes. Chronic pain and depression are linked, and volunteer peer counselors and school counselors are noted as resources. The segment also touches on the trust in American farmers, with a new survey showing high public confidence in pesticide use for affordable food. Additionally, California walnut growers produce 603,000 tons annually, valued at $1.04 billion, and are expected to have a bountiful year. The show concludes with a farm fact about walnuts.

AgNet News Hour Thursday, 05-22-25

The Ag Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discuss the U.S.-Vietnam trade negotiations, with Vietnam seeking to avoid a 46% tariff to maintain its $123 billion trade surplus. The United States postponed the 46% tariff to July, keeping the 10% tariff in place. Japan trade talks continue, and China negotiations are ongoing. Weather conditions in the US, Brazil, and China are impacting agricultural markets. The Make America Healthy Again Commission's potential ban on pesticides like glyphosate-based Roundup is causing concern among agricultural groups. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified that the US is the sickest country and emphasized the need for healthier farming practices
Nick gives an avocado industry production update, predicting a bountiful year for California avocados despite a slowdown in Mexican imports. Cherry production in California is expected to be only 4 million boxes, down from 9 million, leading to more domestic consumption. Strawberries are also performing well. The Trump administration's plan to increase logging in national forests by 25% over five years aims to boost timber production and reduce wildfire risks, despite environmental concerns. In California, wolves are causing significant damage to livestock, leading to a state of emergency in Shasta County. A new GPS tracking system for collared wolves was introduced to help mitigate conflicts.
The Almond Board of California (ABC) discusses the impact of new tariffs and trade agreements on almond exports in their weekly Almond Update feature segment. The US paused tariffs on China for 90 days, while the EU delayed new regulations. The U.S.-UK trade deal, announced on May 8, includes reduced tariffs on auto and steel imports. Almond imports in Turkey increased from 77 million pounds in 2020 to 151 million pounds in 2025. U.S. almond exports to Morocco rose from 13 million pounds in 2019 to 84 million pounds in 2024. The ABC also conducted workshops in Turkey and Morocco to enhance trade and production.

AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 05-21-25

Ag Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discuss the current state of agriculture, highlighting optimism among farmers due to recent trade agreements, particularly with China. They note a poll showing 75% of farmers feeling more positive. The conversation shifts to the impact of severe weather, particularly tornadoes in Kentucky, and the bird flu outbreak in Brazil. They also cover the House Budget Committee's passage of a budget reconciliation bill that increases farm program spending by $60 billion over 10 years while cutting SNAP by $300 billion. The bill includes tax policy changes and program enhancements, with implications for California farmers.
In the second segment, Nick and Lorrie have a discussion about USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins' visit to Nebraska. Hey highlight the announcement Rollins made about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) changes, including banning sugary drinks purchases with SNAP funds. Nebraska is the first state to receive such a waiver. The USDA has reduced staff by 15,000 to 97,000 employees, aiming to cut costs. The conversation also covered the ongoing efforts to legalize undocumented farmworkers, involving multiple cabinet leaders. The discussion emphasized the need for healthy food choices to reduce obesity and healthcare costs, drawing parallels to smoking and healthcare. The segment concluded with a brief on securing the border and the impact on labor policies.
The Ag-Net News Hour hosts, then discussed the Trump administration's policy on restricting solar farms on quality farmland, citing concerns about devaluation and environmental impact. The USDA's new "Farmers First" initiative aims to support small family farms, which make up 86% of U.S. farms, operating on 41% of farmland and generating 24% of farm production. The program, funded by USDA, provides grants rather than federal money, and does not require congressional approval. The hosts emphasized the need for recycling solar panels and the importance of supporting small farmers, highlighting the USDA's definition of a farm based on gross cash farm income rather than acreage.

AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 05-20-25

AgNet News Hour Monday, 05-19-25

The Ag Net News Hour hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” open today’s show talking about key agricultural issues. A major focus was Governor Gavin Newsom’s push to accelerate the Delta Conveyance Project, which aims to improve California’s water management. The proposal aims to tackle climate change, water storage, and ensure future water supply for farming, according to Newsom. The discussion stresses the Governor’s urgency of streamlining permitting, securing funding, and preventing litigation delays. Some questioned Newsom’s political motives and prior inaction, while others emphasized the potential consequences—California could lose up to 10% of its water supply if efforts stall. The hosts referenced a topic that they discussed during last Friday’s show regarding a recent UC study that was released on how inaction on water issues will lead to significant water challenges within the state of California.
Another contentious topic for Nick and Lorrie involved Marin County, where environmentalists and ranchers clashed over federal land grazing management. With 12 of 14 ranches facing possible shutdown within 15 months, tensions mounted. The Center for Biological Diversity sued the National Park Service, arguing grazing leases harm the environment. Meanwhile, the Public Lands Council defended ranchers, advocating for multi-use land management. The discussion also touched on California’s mis-allocation of funds intended for homelessness and high-speed rail.
Labor trafficking in agriculture was the main discussion point in the final segment, spotlighting its warning signs: unpaid wages, isolation, inadequate housing, and restricted access to personal documents. An interview stressed the need for employers to safeguard worker rights and ensure legal employment, even when hiring through third-party recruiters. The discussion underscored the critical role of migrant workers in agriculture and the need for improved working conditions. The segment concluded with a call to action urging agricultural employers to prioritize worker welfare.
Listener feedback and ideas are always welcome. Email Nick@agnetmedia.com.

AgNet News Hour Friday, 05-16-25

The Ag-Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discuss ongoing trade negotiations, noting limited progress and the cyclical nature of trade deals. President Trump's potential tariff reduction with India and optimistic outlook with China were highlighted. The U.S. closed its border to Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm, with a bill introduced to establish a facility in Texas to produce sterile flies for eradication. The disease, which causes significant damage to livestock, is a major concern, and efforts are underway to prevent its spread. The hosts emphasize the urgency of controlling the disease to protect the U.S. cattle industry and prevent its spread to pets.
In the second segment, Nick and Lorrie talk about the New World Screwworm issue, highlighting the closure of borders to Mexican imports and a bill in Texas to fund a facility for sterile flies. The strategy involves sterilized males mating with females once. The conversation shifts to California almond growers' new advantage in securing conservation funding through a streamlined tool by the Almond Board of California. This tool helps translate on-farm practices into recognized conservation codes, simplifying the application process. The segment concluded with a teaser for a future discussion on long-term water security in California.
The University of California has released a study that they did highlighting the severe economic and environmental impacts of California's water insecurity.  Nick and Lorrie review the study that estimates an annual economic loss of $3.4 to $14.5 billion due to inadequate water management, potentially affecting 9 million households. By 2050, California's water supply could shrink by 12-25%, equivalent to 9 million acre-feet. The report warns of 3 million acres of fallowed farmland and 67,000 lost jobs without state action. Key challenges include groundwater management, climate change, environmental flows, and Colorado River reductions. Solutions proposed include stormwater capture, desalination, and improved conveyance infrastructure.

AgNet News Hour Thursday, 05-15-25

The Ag-Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer along with Guest Host, Josh McGill discuss the current state of trade and tariff updates, noting a potential lull due to the 90-day China pause. Japan is re-engaging in trade agreements. Weather conditions vary, with California facing a dry season and fire risks. The 405Z tax credits for renewable energies, including sustainable aviation fuel, were extended to 2031, benefiting ethanol producers and corn growers. The reconciliation bill, which includes farm bill provisions, faces pushback, particularly on SNAP benefits, which could be cut by $290 billion over 10 years. The bill also includes safety net provisions for farmers, such as better reference prices and insurance programs.
 
In the second segment of the Ag Net News Hour, Lorrie and Josh talk about the recent House-passed reconciliation bill, highlighting its impact on the ag industry, particularly specialty crop growers in California, who contribute more than half of the state's agricultural gross product. The bill improves crop insurance premium support levels, raises protection levels to 95%, and increases the federal premium cost share from 65% to 80%. It also includes provisions for trade promotion programs and conservation funding. Additionally, CAL/OSHA issued its first citation under the new indoor heat illness prevention regulation, emphasizing the importance of safety training and compliance for ag businesses.
 
The 2025 California almond objective forecast by the USDA is out and is the feature in this week’s Almond Board of California report. The USDA estimates a crop of 2.8 billion pounds, a 3% increase from 2024. The forecasted yield per acre is 2,010 pounds, up 30 pounds from the previous year. The almond bloom began in February and peaked mid-month, with weather variations affecting crop development. The subjective forecast is based on opinions from 500 growers, with a more accurate report expected on July 10. Additionally, a strategic partnership between CeresAI and Bear aims to bridge data gaps in agriculture, enhancing risk management and decision-making. Beekeepers face significant annual losses, often around 50%, due to various factors including pesticide exposure and shipping stress.

AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 05-14-25

Ag-Net News Hour hosts Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” examine rapid economic shifts in the U.S., focusing on trade agreements with China. Optimism remains high, with California’s agricultural exports reaching $23.6 billion in 2022, led by almonds, dairy, and pistachios. However, Governor Gavin Newsom’s assertion that California is the world’s fourth-largest economy sparked debate over its implications for farmers, particularly concerning water allocation. The hosts also discuss the farm bill’s passage, with forecasts ranging from 2023 to 2026. The segment features an interview with Todd Bergdoll from Valent USA on managing almond diseases, emphasizing the effectiveness of Quash fungicide. The conversation also touched on the potential delay of the farm bill until 2026, with 59% of economists predicting this, but 18% anticipating passage by the end of 2022.
The top 10 agricultural commodities in California, as per the 2023, crop year based on cash receipts; number one is dairy products. Number two, grapes, followed by cattle and calves, lettuce, almonds, pistachios, strawberries, tomatoes, carrots and broilers
In the second segment of today’s Ag-Net News Hour discuss the urgency of reauthorizing the U.S. surface transportation programs, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding and first and last mile connectivity for farms. Key points included the necessity of truck weight modernization, such as allowing six-axle trucks up to 91,000 pounds and a 10% axle weight variance for dry bulk haulers. The conversation also highlighted the importance of supporting truck drivers, addressing the shortage of truck drivers, and expanding hours of service exemptions for agricultural haulers. Additionally, the discussion touches on the almond harvest projection of 2.8 billion pounds, up from last year's 2.73 billion, due to favorable weather conditions.
The final segment tackles wolf-related challenges in Tehama County, California, where ranchers face increasing cattle losses. Safety concerns are rising as the Parks and Wildlife Service explores mitigation strategies. Meanwhile, California maintains its leadership in strawberry production, with strong supplies from Santa Maria and Northern Baja driving seasonal price surges. The quality of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios is expected to be excellent. Additionally, the discussion also touches on the digestive benefits of ginger, yogurt, and papaya.