AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour Thursday, 05-01-25

In today’s Ag Net News Hour, Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” and Lorrie Boyer started off talking about how the Bureau of Reclamation has increased water allocations for Central Valley Project contractors, with South of Delta irrigation, water service, and repayment contractors receiving an increase from 40% to 50%. However, concerns remain that this isn't sufficient to support farming needs, with frustration over water policy and environmental restrictions preventing farmers from receiving more.
They also updated listeners on the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) working to control Mediterranean fruit fly populations using the sterile insect technique, which involves releasing sterilized male flies to disrupt reproduction. This method has been used before, including in Los Angeles County in 2023. The presence of Mediterranean fruit flies in Alameda and Santa Clara counties poses a significant threat to specialty crop growers, with potential economic losses of up to $1.8 billion per year. CDFA has established quarantines and monitoring programs to address the issue.
Another topic on the show today was the Port of Los Angeles is facing a significant drop in shipping volume due to tariffs on Chinese goods. Shipments from China, which account for 45% of the port's business, are expected to decrease by 35% starting next week. Major American retailers have halted shipments from China, and transport companies are exploring alternatives in Southeast Asia to fill ships. This situation is part of a broader trade strategy aimed at addressing imbalances with China.
In today’s Almond Board of California Almond Update segment, the almond industry is focusing on sustainability, stewardship, and nutrition to highlight its role in addressing climate goals and supporting local communities. Efforts include improving water efficiency, carbon capture, and promoting almonds as a nutritious protein alternative. Communication with legislators is key, as many are unfamiliar with farming challenges. Advocacy efforts, such as lobby days, aim to educate policymakers on the industry's contributions and regulatory impacts.
Uncertainty around the 2025 almond crop due to weather and bloom challenges is being closely monitored, with potential impacts on supply and pricing. The almond industry continues to emphasize its importance in agriculture and the economy.
Additionally, specialty crop growers are receiving support through the USDA's Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program, addressing challenges like rising costs, labor shortages, and trade disruptions. An alliance of agricultural organizations is pushing for a bipartisan farm bill to enhance competitiveness.

AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 04-30-25

Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter” and Lorrie Boyer, the Ag Net News Hour hosts discussed recent updates on water issues between the U.S. and Mexico, including a water pact violation leading to crop and livestock losses in southern Texas and Mexico's refusal to allow U.S. aircraft to release sterile insects to control the screw worm. Secretary Rollins is working to resolve these issues. Additionally, the show featured an interview with Todd Burkdoll from Valent USA, who provided insights on almond farming, emphasizing disease control, fungicide application, and weed management. He highlighted the importance of timely interventions to prevent diseases like Salton and Paramount, and controlling pests like leaf-footed plant bugs.
Nick and Lorrie also shared an email from listener on a recent show topic where they talked about the impact of artificial food dyes on children's behavior. The listener shared a positive experience after removing red dyes from her child's diet. The show then shifted to vertical farming innovations, highlighting Nature's Miracle Holding Incorporated's plan to purchase up to 100 electric vehicles equipped with hydroponic systems to grow microgreens and herbs. These vehicles will operate in Los Angeles, aiming to reduce water usage by 90% and deliver fresh produce directly to consumers. The initiative is expected to start in Q2 2025 and may benefit from state and federal subsidies.
The University of California, Davis, has introduced a new Viticulture and Enology minor to attract students to the wine industry, offering a blend of science and business education. The program aims to increase the number of graduates in the field, which has seen a decline in student enrollment. The hosts discuss the importance of innovation and business acumen in the wine industry, highlighting the need for students to network and gain practical experience. They also touch on the growing popularity of non-alcoholic and low-sugar wines, suggesting potential for traditional wineries to adapt. The segment concludes with a light-hearted discussion on farming facts and personal preferences for different types of poultry and meat.

AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 04-29-25

The Ag Net News Hour hosts, Nick Papagni, the “Ag Meter” and Lorrie Boyer discussed the Yuba River Resilience Initiative, a joint project by NOAA, the state of California, and the Yuba Water Agency. This initiative fulfills a Presidential Memorandum by providing reliable irrigation water to central valley farmers while protecting fish habitat. The agreement guarantees 184,228 acre-feet of water across 43,000 acres, benefiting 16,000 acres of rice, 4,000 acres of walnuts, and 3,000 acres of prunes, with a total value of $417 million. Additionally, the hosts addressed the issue of Tijuana dumping sewage into the Pacific, affecting San Diego and causing environmental damage, with efforts led by Jim Desmond and Lee Zeldin to address this problem.
 
The Ag Net News Hour hosts then discussed Mexico's dumping of raw sewage and toxic chemicals into the Pacific Ocean, affecting Navy SEALs, locals, and the environment, including fish and marine life. Toxic algae is causing the death of dolphins and seals. Jim Desmond and Zeldin are addressing the issue. The Tijuana sewage treatment plant malfunctions, leading to pollution. The New World screw worm, a significant threat to livestock, is spreading despite US-funded efforts. Mexico is restricting US flights to control the worm, risking a trade ban on cattle imports. The USDA and NCBA are urging Mexico to comply with the agreement to prevent the worm's spread.
 
On the last segment, Nick and Lorrie covered the citrus and cherry markets, noting a strong demand for navels and lemons, with prices expected to rise. Rain in California could impact cherry yields, potentially leading to higher prices. The Trump administration's USDA reorganization plan is expected in mid-May. Finally, the hosts promoted the Citrus Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida, scheduled for August 20-21, aimed at uniting citrus growers from Florida, Georgia, and California to share best practices and address pest control challenges.

AgNet News Hour Monday, 04-28-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing  the closure of a sugar beet plant in the Imperial Valley, California, expected by late July, affecting 300-1000 jobs. The plant, owned by a Minnesota company, lost $100 million over 10 years despite investments. External factors, including inflation and health concerns, contributed to the closure. Additionally, the show highlighted the US's plan to phase out artificial food dyes by 2026, citing health risks. California was the first state to ban six artificial dyes in school cafeterias. The FDA maintains the dyes are safe, but health advocates argue otherwise, citing behavioral issues in children.
The Food and Drug Administration's announcement to eliminate artificial dyes from US food by 2027, including red number three, was discussed. The FDA's contradictory findings on the dye's safety were highlighted. The conversation also touched on the historical use of dyes for aesthetic and preservation purposes. The shift to natural dyes from beets, algae, and other sources was noted. Additionally, the potential impact of solar panels on agriculture, known as agrivoltaics, was debated. Concerns included reduced crop yields and the disposal of end-of-life solar panels. The discussion emphasized the need for further research and public input on these issues.
The Ag Net News Hour hosts discussed the upcoming California Citrus and Specialty Crop Conference in Tampa, Florida, on August 20-21, focusing on research, precision agriculture, and pest control. The hosts highlighted the significant differences in rainfall between California (50-60 inches) and Georgia (6-12 inches), emphasizing the need for innovative water management solutions. They also touched on the Trump administration's plan to reorganize and downsize the USDA, including consolidating programs and relocating employees to hubs around the country. Finally, they noted that California leads the U.S. in garlic production, with 365 million pounds valued at $214 million.

AgNet News Hour Friday, 04-25-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing the Clovis Rodeo, highlighting its significance and potential impact on local businesses. They also delved into trade tensions, noting China's denial of softening tariffs and the Trump administration's conflicting statements. The conversation shifted to geopolitical issues, including Ukraine's resistance to ceding territory. Additionally, they explored cross-breeding dairy and beef cattle to improve efficiency and market value, citing USDA research and efforts at UC Davis. This innovative approach aims to address the constrained cattle market by creating hybrid cattle that combine the best traits of both breeds.
The discussion on Ag Net News Hour focused on cross-breeding beef and dairy cattle to enhance sustainability and profitability. The University of California, Davis, is conducting research to combine the best traits from both breeds. The U.S. beef industry relies on 30 million cows, aiming for one calf per year. Innovations like retrieving unfertilized eggs and sexed semen are being explored. The H-2A program, crucial for temporary agricultural workers, was also discussed. It involves complex processes, including labor certification and visa applications, to ensure a reliable workforce for growers.
The Ag Net News Hour discussed the H-2A program, emphasizing the need for legal immigration processes for agricultural workers. Nick highlighted three categories: those seeking legal work, long-term residents, and undocumented workers. Lorrie noted the program's relevance across various agricultural sectors, including specialty crops, dairy, forestry and nurseries. They also discussed California's third-largest avocado crop in a decade, with a 44% increase from the previous year. The Haas variety will dominate, making up 95% of the crop. The last segment also touched on the economic impact of avocado imports, particularly from Mexico, and the health benefits of avocados.

AgNet News Hour Thursday, 04-24-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing the impact of tariffs on the beef industry, focusing on the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's (NCBA) perspective. Kent Bacus highlighted issues with Australia, Brazil, and China. Australia's protectionist barriers create a $29 billion imbalance. Brazil's poor animal health record and restricted exports to the U.S. were also discussed. China's non-tariff barriers, including delisting U.S. processing plants, were noted. The segment emphasized the need for fair trade and the importance of supporting American cattle and beef producers. The discussion underscored historical unfair trade practices and the need for accountability from international partners.
The discussion in this segment on the Ag Net News Hour focused on trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, with a potential softening of Trump's stance and a push for de-escalation. Key figures, including CEOs from major retailers, are urging a resolution to avoid product shortages. Kent Bacus from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association highlighted the Trump administration's proactive approach to trade issues, contrasting it with the inaction of previous administrations. Additionally, the closure of the Holly Sugar Plant in Imperial Valley, California, was discussed, impacting 400-1000 jobs and the local economy, due to high production costs and water issues.
In the featured Almond Board of California segment, they have partnered with Smoothie King to promote almonds for exercise recovery, leveraging food service to influence consumer habits. Smoothie King, with over 1,300 U.S. outlets, aims to highlight almonds' health benefits in smoothies. The campaign, running from March to May, aims to increase almond sales and gather consumer feedback. The partnership is ABC's first limited-time offer with a food service chain. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $360 million in aid for those affected by severe weather. The Citrus Specialty Crop Expo in Tampa, Florida, on August 20-21, will bring together citrus growers from California, Florida, and Georgia to discuss industry advancements.

AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 04-23-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing the latest in agriculture news, focusing on sun safety and the importance of vitamin D. They highlight a recent trip by Georgia citrus growers to California to learn about citrus farming. Lindy Savelle, executive director of the Georgia Citrus Association, shared insights on growing varieties like Clementines, Page Mandarins, and Tangos, and the challenges of pest control and weather conditions. They emphasized the need and talked about effective marketing strategies, including social media, to boost citrus sales. The conversation also touched on the significant differences in rainfall between Georgia and California.
The discussion on Ag Net News Hour in this segment focused on marketing and advertising, particularly social media usage. Lorrie shared insights on balancing personal and professional social media presence. Nick highlighted an interview with the"lipstick farmer" who got a ticket during their conversation. They also discussed the impact of Australia's wettest year on California's 2026 weather predictions, suggesting potential benefits for farming. The conversation shifted to personal experiences and stories with natural disasters, including earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes, and the challenges of live radio broadcasting.
Nick and Lorrie then discussed the impact of expanding wolf populations on cattle ranchers, citing a UC Davis study. The study used motion-activated cameras, GPS collars, and wolf scat analysis, finding that one wolf can cause serious financial direct and indirect losses. The research revealed that 72% of wolf scat contained cattle DNA, and elevated cortisol levels in cattle hair indicated stress. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has compensated ranchers $3.1 million and is considering non-lethal deterrents. The discussion also touched on the broader implications for other livestock and the financial burden on ranchers. The segment ended with a fun egg fact. Did you know that the average American consumes 270 eggs per year? Well now you do! Visit us at agnetwest.com for more agriculture news and information.

AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 04-22-25

The Ag Net News Hour discussed updates on the U.S. Trade Representative's (USTR) port fee proposal for Chinese ships. Initially, the USTR proposed a $1.5 million flat fee per port call, but revised it to a per-ton basis. Fees will start at $50 per ton, increasing incrementally to $140 per ton over time. China controls nearly 20% of global shipping containers. The USTR aims to restore American shipbuilding and address China's dominance in maritime logistics. Exemptions for agricultural industries have not been granted. The discussion also touched on restrictions on U.S. liquefied natural gas transport to incentivize domestic shipbuilding.
 
The discussion on Ag Net News with Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” focused on recent trade developments, including the US Trade Representative's proposal to change port fees to tonnage fees and the impact on Chinese shipping. Japan and Vietnam's trade negotiations with the US were mentioned, with Vietnam aiming to curb Chinese trade. The segment also included an excerpt from a recent Senate Hearing on tariffs and the ag industry. The conversation highlighted the need for an even playing field with China and the potential benefits of a trade deal.  The segment concluded with details about an upcoming citrus expo in Tampa, Florida.
 
 
The third Ag Net News Hour segment began with Nick “The Ag Meter” and Lorrie discussing the recent passing of Pope Francis, noting his significance around Easter and the upcoming selection of a new Pope. They also covered the ongoing process of cabinet appointments in the Trump administration, highlighting Brooke Rollins' role and her dedication to Trump's agenda. The conversation shifted to economic topics, including President Trump's consideration of firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over interest rates, and the potential legal implications. They concluded with light-hearted agriculture facts, such as the misconception that brown cows produce chocolate milk and the longest recorded flight by a chicken, which was 301.5 feet.