AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour Friday, 04-18-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” discussed the challenges faced by citrus growers, particularly the management of citrus thrips. Sandipa Gautam, a Cooperative Extension Area Citrus IPM Advisor, highlighted the importance of monitoring fields for thrips and other pests, such as red mites and California red scale. She noted that thrips thrive in drought-stressed environments and have developed resistance to some insecticides. Gautam emphasized the need for effective and safe pest management strategies, especially during the bloom season. The segment also touched on the broader impact of labor issues on farmers and the importance of agriculture in providing food and clothing.
The discussion on Ag Net News Hour focused on a federal judge's ruling that the Trump administration cannot freeze funds allocated under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) by the Biden administration. Judge Mary S. McElroy, appointed by Trump, ruled that agencies cannot unilaterally alter funding granted by Congress. The ruling affects departments like USDA, EPA, and HUD, and orders them to release frozen funds. The conversation debated the legality of Trump's actions, with one speaker arguing for transparency and the other for adherence to legal processes. The impact on farmers and the farming industry was also discussed.
The Ag Net News Hour discussed California's lawsuit against President Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on Mexico, China, and Canada. Governor Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta argue that Trump lacks authority under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act to impose these tariffs, which they claim harm California's economy. They discussed the history of Newsom’s financial mismanagement, citing a $961 million budget overrun for homeless programs and the failure of the high-speed train project. Pagani predicted Newsom's lawsuit would fail, highlighting his lack of support and the vagueness of the 1977 law.

AgNet News Hour Thursday, 04-17-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” highlighted some news from China about a change in a trade leadership could be a turning point when it comes to negotiating tariffs between the U.S. and China.  Nick then had an interview with Kings River Packing regarding Georgia citrus growers coming to California and touring their operation. The California citrus market is thriving, with Kings River Packing handling over 22 million boxes. The company faces challenges from tariffs, particularly in Canada, but sees opportunities in domestic product demand. The lemon market is expected to improve, with increased demand in summer. The tour hosted just over 20 visitors.
​The USDA is considering significant changes to its Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation, and Risk Management Offices, including potential closures and staff consolidation. A proposal from the Office of Management and Budget aims to cut fiscal 2026 funding, reduce research and conservation efforts, and trim program budgets. The plan includes moving staff from Washington, D.C., to rural areas and forming state committees to oversee local operations. Concerns have been raised about the impact on county committees and the ability to accommodate farmers without internet access. The 2018 Farm Bill requires USA to notify Congress before closing any FSA office.
​This segment is brought to you by the highlighted some news from China about a change in a trade leadership could be a turning point when it comes to negotiating tariffs between the U.S. and China. Nick then had an interview with Kings River Packing regarding Georgia citrus growers coming to California and touring their operation. The California citrus market is thriving, with Kings River Packing handling over 22 million boxes. The company faces challenges from tariffs, particularly in Canada, but sees opportunities in domestic product demand. The lemon market is expected to improve, with increased demand in summer. The tour hosted just over 20 visitors.
The USDA is considering significant changes to its Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation, and Risk Management Offices, including potential closures and staff consolidation. A proposal from the Office of Management and Budget aims to cut fiscal 2026 funding, reduce research and conservation efforts, and trim program budgets. The plan includes moving staff from Washington, D.C., to rural areas and forming state committees to oversee local operations. Concerns have been raised about the impact on county committees and the ability to accommodate farmers without internet access. The 2018 Farm Bill requires USA to notify Congress before closing any FSA office.
This segment is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. In the latest episode of the Almond Journey podcast, Chuck Fleck of Sierra Gold Nurseries discusses the challenges and advancements in almond breeding. He explains the slow cycle of almond hybridization, which can take up to three years to test for self-fertility. Fleck highlights the importance of breeding for resistance to the navel orange worm, which caused significant industry issues in 2023. He also notes the introduction of new self-fertile varieties like Shasta and Pyrenees, which have improved crop management but can be demanding on rootstocks. The conversation underscores the need for resilient almond varieties as pesticide resistance and regulatory changes may impact future production.California. In the latest episode of the Almond Journey podcast, Chuck Fleck of Sierra Gold Nurseries discusses the challenges and advancements in almond breeding. He explains the slow cycle of almond hybridization, which can take up to three years to test for self-fertility. Fleck highlights the importance of breeding for resistance to the navel orange worm, which caused significant industry issues in 2023. He also notes the introduction of new self-fertile varieties like Shasta and Pyrenees, which have improved crop management but can be demanding on rootstocks. The conversation underscores the need for resilient almond varieties as pesticide resistance and regulatory changes may impact future production.

AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 04-16-25

The Ag Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “ The Ag Meter,”  discussed the current state of the agriculture market, focusing on central California's ideal weather and the upcoming planting season. Nick Foglio from Foglio Commodities provided insights on the hay and alfalfa market, noting minimal export activity due to tariffs, particularly from China. He highlighted the stagnant feed market, with dry cow alfalfa prices firming up slightly. The beef industry supports tariffs, with domestic beef prices strong due to a shortage of replacement heifers. The citrus industry was also mentioned, with a Citrus and Specialty Crop Expo planned for August in Tampa, Florida.
The USDA has repackaged the $3.1 billion Climate Smart Commodities Program into the "Advancing Markets for Producers" (AMP) program, aligning with Trump administration priorities. The new program requires 65% of funds to go directly to farmers, not administrative costs. Initially frozen by the Trump administration, the program aims to promote commodities with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary, supports the revised program, emphasizing transparency and farmer benefits. The program, launched in 2022, received 450 project applications, with only eligible projects receiving funding. The Trump administration is also addressing Mexico's failure to meet water treaty obligations, impacting farmers in South Texas.
Nick and Lorrie, in this segment, discussed the US Department of Commerce terminated the 2019 US-Mexico tomato suspension agreement, effective July 14, in response to a 2023 petition from the US tomato industry. The agreement aimed to prevent Mexican tomatoes from being dumped into the US market, which undercut American growers. The decision was backed by over 60 bipartisan members of Congress and major ag groups. Additionally, USDA is offering buyouts to 10% of its workforce, with 3,100 from the Forest Service and 1,200 from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service accepting. USDA is also considering relocating employees to farming regions.

AgNet News Hour Tuesday, 04-15-25

The Ag Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discussed the impact of Trump's tariffs on farmers, with Brooke Rollins emphasizing the need to realign the world economy to benefit American farmers. Rollins criticized previous tariff regimes and highlighted the Biden administration's misuse of funds. She assured that Congress is working on providing necessary support if needed. The conversation also touched on federal cuts to USDA programs, with Rollins clarifying that these were COVID-era funds, not intended for long-term use. Additionally, Rollins reiterated the administration's support for ethanol and efforts to secure the border, which has reduced egg prices by 60%.
 
The discussion on the Ag Net News Hour focused on the impact of the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on food bank and school lunch programs, noting that while the IRA provided temporary funding, sustainable funding is now being implemented. Brooke Rollins emphasized the need for efficient use of funds and transparency. The conversation also touched on egg prices, highlighting the discrepancy between wholesale and retail prices. Additionally, the hosts discussed trade tensions with China, noting the equal 125% tariffs and the potential for negotiations. They praised Brooke Rollins and Karoline Leavitt for their transparency and commitment to their roles.
 
Nick Papagni “The Ag Meter”and Lorrie Boyer discussed the ongoing water crisis in California, highlighting the mismanagement of water resources. They cited an SFGATE article, noting that 80% of California's water is wasted by flowing into the ocean. Southern California receives only 30% of its water supply from the north, which must be captured before it is lost. They emphasized the need for better water management to avoid annual droughts. Additionally, they discussed President Trump's proposal to legalize undocumented farm workers, aiming to stabilize the agricultural workforce and reduce the risk of mass deportations. The USDA's Farm Labor Survey indicated that 42% of US farm workers are undocumented, many of whom are settled and not migrant.

AgNet News Hour Monday, 04-14-25

The Ag Net News Hour  Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter,” discussed the state of the dairy industry, highlighting a 3% decrease in California's milk production due to HPAI pressure, contrasted with growth in the Near West states. Milk prices are hovering around $17 per hundredweight, with summer contracts approaching $18. The conversation emphasized the need to balance supply and demand, particularly with tariffs from Mexico and Canada affecting exports. Wisconsin's cheese production is booming, with 360 million pounds expected by year-end. California, the second-largest cheese maker in the US, uses 46% of its milk for cheese production, resulting in 2.4 billion pounds annually. The discussion also touched on the importance of marketing and the return of whole milk in schools.
In this segment, Nick and Lorrie wrap up their discussion on cheese and their personal  favorite cheese dishes. discuss the cattle industry and share some new report export numbers, which show exports are up. They also discuss whey this part of the ag industry is holding steady. Furthermore they share some statistics on tariffs with other countries. There is also some information for the pork sector, which is not so good when it comes to exports.
The discussion on the Ag Net News Hour in this segment, focused on the Trump administration's proposal to impose port fees on Chinese ships entering US ports, aiming to revitalize the US shipping industry. Initially met with opposition, the administration is considering changes, including delaying the plan and revising the fee structure. The conversation also touched on the broader economic impact, including tariff revenue shifts to the general fund and the role of taxes. Additionally, the hosts emphasized their commitment to fair and balanced reporting, highlighting the importance of networking and relationships in their work, and invited audience engagement through email for story ideas and celebrations within the agriculture industry.

AgNet News Hour Friday, 04-11-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing the significant impact of tariffs on agriculture, particularly the 10% blanket tariffs and the 90-day delay on reciprocal tariffs for countries willing to negotiate. China's tariffs have risen to 125% on US imports. The US exports were valued at $176 billion last year, supporting over 1 million jobs. The trade deficit has increased to nearly $50 billion from $0 in four years. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized the need for fair trade deals and highlighted the President's efforts to ensure farmers are treated fairly in international negotiations.
The discussion on Ag Net News Hour focused on Brooke Rollins' speech on trade, highlighting the high tariffs on US products, such as a 700% tariff on rice. They reviewed the Trump administration's efforts to support farmers and criticized other countries' tariffs. They also discussed the Food Security and Farm Protection Act, which aims to combat California's Proposition 12, a law setting minimum space requirements for animal raising. The bill, introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), aims to prevent states from interfering with interstate commerce. Additionally, research on bird flu led by California scientists was mentioned, emphasizing its impact on the state's dairy industry.
The University of California Davis, in collaboration with international researchers, has created the first detailed map of gene regulation in chickens, which could help breed birds resistant to diseases like avian influenza. The study, published in Nature Genetics, analyzed over 100 chicken breeds and 28 tissues. This research is crucial amidst the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has affected over a million birds and spread to dairy cows, particularly in California. The conversation also touched on the importance of supporting local agriculture, the upcoming citrus event in Florida, and the seasonal shifts in agricultural production, emphasizing the need to promote local growers and the resilience of the agricultural sector.

AgNet News Hour Thursday, 04-10-25

The Ag Net News Hour’s Lorre Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter” started out the show by discussing  the impact of tariffs on US trade relations, highlighting that 70 countries are negotiating with the US to increase imports, aiming to reduce the trade deficit. The US and China have both imposed additional 50% tariffs, resulting in a combined 104% tariff on US imports. The Trump administration's stance on China was praised for its firmness. Concerns were raised about the economic impact on agriculture, with potential relief payments similar to those during the Trump administration. Additionally, the discussion covered the role of world central banks, the impact of port fees on wheat exports, and the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate the US shipping industry.
In the second segment, Nick and Lorrie discussed the decline in California farmland values, with almond orchards dropping from $60,000 to $44,000 per acre due to water shortages. High costs of inputs like fuel and labor, coupled with poor commodity prices and environmental regulations, are straining farmers. The California Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and high water prices, which should be $15,000-$20,000 per acre but are $32,000-$42,000, are significant factors. The highest agricultural land values remain in Kern County due to effective groundwater management. The hosts emphasized the need for farmers to fight for better policies and support.
In the weekly, Almond Board of California segment. The Almond Board of California's Head of Global Communications, Natalie Henderson, discussed the recent Bloom Tour, which targeted social media influencers and dietitians interested in health, nutrition, and sustainability. The tour, held in late February, aimed to showcase almond farming practices, environmental stewardship, and humanize the industry. Influencers shared their experiences, leading to 14 Instagram stories with an organic reach of 277,000. The event highlighted the importance of influencers in modern media and the need to build long-term relationships with them. The segment also promoted the upcoming Florida Citrus Expo, encouraging cross-industry collaboration and support for local farmers.

AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 04-09-25

On today's Ag Net News Hour, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter,” discuss the impact of recent trade announcements by the Trump administration on the agriculture sector. Central California's weather is ideal for farming, and markets have improved, with oil prices and interest rates declining. Japan and Indonesia are negotiating to increase US imports, including ethanol and soybeans. The US collected $77 billion in tariffs in 2023, a mere 1.5% of federal revenue, compared to $2.6 trillion from individual income taxes. Farmers absorb initial tariff costs, affecting their profitability. The discussion emphasized the historical significance of tariffs and their current role in protecting domestic industries, despite potential higher consumer prices.
The Ag Net News Hour continued with Nick and Lorrie covering Senator Adam Schiff's call for non-dairy alternatives in school meals, emphasizing the need for diverse options due to lactose intolerance and dietary preferences. The conversation shifted to the impact of labor costs on the fast food industry, noting the rise of automation and robotics. Finally, they promoted an upcoming citrus and specialty crop expo in Tampa, Florida, encouraging California farmers to attend and share insights.
With the final segment of the Ag Net News Hour, Hosts Nick Papagni, “The AgMeter”, and Lorrie Boyer discussed the evolution of agriculture, highlighting the transition from traditional farming to innovative practices like irrigation monitoring and packaging. They also covered (D-CA) Senator Adam Schiff's call for non-dairy alternatives in school meal. The lawmaker is emphasizing the need for diverse options due to lactose intolerance and dietary preferences to be included in school lunches via the Whole Milk bill that has been introduced in Congress.  The conversation shifted to the impact of labor costs on the fast-food industry, noting the rise of automation and robotics. Finally, they promoted an upcoming citrus and specialty crop expo in Tampa, Florida, encouraging California farmers to attend and share insights.