AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 01-15-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the complex issue of carbon storage with guest Rusty Halvorson. The conversation centers around a proposed carbon storage project by Summit Carbon Solutions, which aims to connect 57 ethanol plants in the Midwest to a pipeline for CO2 capture and sequestration in North Dakota. The discussion highlights the controversy among landowners, legal challenges, property rights, and safety concerns associated with the project. Rusty provides insights into the background and current state of the debate, including the role of eminent domain and the potential impact on the corn-based ethanol industry's future.
 
Bill Bullard, CEO of R-CALF United Stock Growers of America, discussed the USDA's pending rule to protect producers from anti-competitive practices without requiring harm to the entire industry. He emphasized the need for the new administration to finalize this rule and address the shrinking cash market. Bullard also highlighted the New World Screw Worm threat, which led to the USDA closing the border to Mexican live cattle imports. He stressed the importance of maintaining domestic self-sufficiency. Bullard criticized the free trade ideology, noting the loss of 650,000 cattle producers over 40 years. He advocated for tariffs to level the playing field and mandatory Country of Origin Labeling to support domestic producers.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 01-14-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer explore critical topics at the intersection of immigration, agriculture, and policy. As President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration nears, they discuss the growing concerns around potential mass deportations, including the anxiety among Californians—both documented and undocumented. The conversation delves into the far-reaching implications for the agricultural sector, which depends heavily on immigrant labor, and the ripple effects of misinformation, community fears, and everyday profiling.
The episode also features Lorrie's interview with Michael Ming, President of the California Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Ming sheds light on the organization's mission to support agricultural professionals through education, accreditations, and advocacy. Key topics include water supply challenges, commodity pricing, and the impact of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) on land values. The chapter's scholarship and internship programs aim to nurture the next generation of agriculture leaders.
Additionally, Sabrina reports on USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack’s remarks on recent initiatives under the Biden administration. Topics include the reinforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect producers, enhanced transparency in poultry tournaments, efforts to combat discrimination, and the introduction of a cattle contract library. While some measures remain incomplete, the USDA's progress marks a significant step toward ensuring fairness and stability for farmers, ranchers, and producers nationwide.
Episode Highlights:
The fear of mass deportations and its impact on California’s agricultural workforce.
Challenges posed by false social media rumors and profiling.
Michael Ming’s insights on water analysis, land value shifts under SGMA, and support for emerging ag professionals.
USDA’s strengthened regulations to enhance market competitiveness and fairness under the Biden administration.
Links and Resources:
American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers – California Chapter
USDA Initiatives on the Packers and Stockyards Act: Learn More
Information on SGMA and Land Value: Read More
Stay informed on the latest agricultural news by subscribing to the AgNet News Hour.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 01-13-25

In today’s episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer cover a diverse range of agricultural topics impacting farmers, producers, and public health.
Key Highlights:
Bird Flu and Illegal Cockfighting Rings: Sabrina and Lorrie discuss the alarming spread of bird flu through illegal cockfighting activities. They explore the risks posed by inadequate biosecurity measures and the broader implications for small flocks, backyard poultry owners, and the agricultural industry. The hosts also examine how this outbreak has driven up egg prices and draw parallels to personal health precautions observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interview with Ashley Johnson (National Pork Producers Council): Lorrie speaks with Ashley Johnson about managing antibiotic use in swine production. Topics include:
The removal of a proposed 30% reduction in antimicrobial use from the UN General Assembly declaration due to its lack of scientific merit.
The importance of responsible antimicrobial use to ensure animal health and welfare.
Concerns about proposed reductions in red meat consumption in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and their potential impact on vulnerable populations.
Spotlight on Regev Fungicide: Sabrina interviews Dr. Eric Tedford of Summit Agro USA about Regev, a newly approved hybrid fungicide combining tea tree oil and synthetic chemistry. Tedford explains its benefits for California growers, including:
Broad-spectrum disease control.
Resistance management properties.
Its versatility across a range of crops and diseases.Tedford also shares insights into the historical and medicinal uses of tea tree oil and its innovative application in plant disease management.
Links and Resources Mentioned:
National Pork Producers Council: Website
Summit Agro USA – Regev Fungicide Information: Website
Tune in for expert insights and stay informed on the latest developments in agriculture.

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 01-10-25

In this episode, Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer explore the devastating Southern California wildfires and their ripple effects across the agricultural sector. They delve into differing perspectives on the fires’ causes, contrasting remarks from President-elect Donald Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom. The discussion highlights the agricultural challenges posed by wildfires, including damage to crops, livestock losses, and water resource strain. They advocate for improved wildfire management strategies and innovative agricultural practices, such as grazing livestock to reduce wildfire fuel.
Key Highlights:
Chris Galen Interview (at 13:00):Lorrie speaks with Chris Galen, Senior VP at the National Milk Producers Federation, about pressing agricultural and policy issues:
The Trump administration’s goals, including tax cuts, border control, and tariff strategies.
Concerns for the dairy industry due to the lack of a visa program for full-time foreign workers and the potential impacts of deportations.
2025 projections for stable milk prices and production growth, despite bird flu outbreaks.
The importance of the H-2A visa program for seasonal workers, with a 2% increase in certified positions for FY 2024.
Congressman Adam Gray Interview (at 25:35):Sabrina interviews Adam Gray, newly elected Congressman for California’s 13th district:
His role in founding the California Problem Solvers Caucus to promote bipartisan collaboration.
Key legislative priorities, including the farm bill, water supply improvements, and addressing healthcare shortages in the San Joaquin Valley.
Gray’s focus on bringing results for his district and reshaping Washington’s political climate.
Subscribe to AgNet News Hour for in-depth coverage of agricultural issues, policymaker insights, and actionable solutions for the farming community. 

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 01-09-25

In This Episode:
National Monuments and Agricultural Concerns
President Biden's designation of two new national monuments in California under the Antiquities Act.
A discussion on the act’s history and purpose, concerns from agricultural groups like the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), and the potential impacts on grazing lands and rural communities.
EPA Herbicide Strategy for Endangered Species
Lorrie Boyer interviews Aaron Hager, Weed Science Extension Specialist at the University of Illinois.
Details on the Environmental Protection Agency's new herbicide strategy, including changes influenced by agricultural feedback, runoff mitigation, and its extension to insecticides and fungicides.
Resources for growers, such as the Weed Science Society of America and EPA's runoff mitigation calculator.
2024 Almond Conference Highlights
Sabrina Halvorson speaks with Rebecca Bailey of the Almond Board of California.
Insights into the recent Almond Conference in Sacramento, with 3,600 attendees, 230 exhibitors, and over 20 sessions.
Session videos are available online, and the 2025 conference will feature a new Wednesday-Friday schedule.
Links and Resources:
Learn more about the Antiquities Act and its implications: National Park Service - Antiquities Act of 1906 and National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
EPA resources on pesticide runoff mitigation: Weed Science Society of America.
Details on the Almond Conference: almonds.com/conference.
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AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 01-08-25

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss the legal battle between the state of Montana and Yellowstone National Park regarding the park's bison management plan. They delve into the implications of increasing bison populations, such as the spread of brucellosis to cattle, ecological impacts, property damage, and government overreach. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes and the complexity of balancing wildlife management with human safety and property rights.
Lorrie Boyer is joined by TJ Bingham, a technical agronomist for Koch Agronomic Services, who discusses targeting organic phosphorus in the soil, enhancing plant availability. Lorrie also talks with Robert Shaffer, co-chair of the 2025 Commodity Classic, who highlighted the event's growth, noting 30,000 attendees last year and the need for 6,500-7,000 hotel rooms in Denver. The event features educational sessions and a trade show floor with a 95% return rate for exhibitors and will take place March 2-4 at the Colorado Convention Center.
Sabrina interviews Jenny Lester Moffitt, Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs at the USDA. They discuss USDA's initiatives to build a stronger and more resilient food system, including programs supported by the American Rescue Plan. Moffitt elaborates on investments in regional food business centers, meat and poultry processing facilities, and infrastructure developments aimed at supporting small to mid-sized farms. They also touch on the importance of ensuring food security as national security, the impact of these programs on local communities, and the benefits to consumers, such as better access to fresh and healthy food.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 01-07-25

In this episode of AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss agricultural burning in the San Joaquin Valley, and the need to balance public health and agricultural practices. They discuss the history of agricultural burning regulations, alternative methods like chipping, and the ongoing challenges of managing agricultural waste responsibly.
Lorrie talks with Dave Booher, senior vice president of sales at My Land, who discussed the company's unique soil health approach using live, native microalgae to improve soil and crop health. My Land isolates algae from soil samples, cultivates it in fermentation vessels, and applies it through irrigation systems. This process enhances microbial diversity, water-holding capacity, and nutrient availability, benefiting a broad range of crops including corn, cotton, citrus, and specialty crops. The service is currently available in specific geographies like Texas, Arizona, and California, with plans to expand. My Land also supports organic farming practices, having secured certifications for their service.
Sabrina talks with Nicole Gault of the Almond Alliance who discusses their Pollinator Alliance grant program. This initiative helps growers plant habitats for pollinators, providing technical assistance, seeds, and materials at no cost to the growers. Gault explains the program’s aims, the ease of participation, and the reimbursement process. The three-year commitment involves quarterly photo monitoring, and the program is open to various commodities beyond almonds. For more information, listeners can visit PollinatorAlliance.farm.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 01-06-25

In this episode, Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer discuss key agricultural issues anticipated for 2025. The conversation explores rising input costs exacerbated by geopolitical events, ongoing supply chain pressures, and the impact of climate change. They also touch upon shifting consumer preferences towards plant-based proteins, vertical farming, and the impacts of inflation on the agriculture sector. The hosts emphasize the resilience of the agricultural industry in finding solutions to these challenges.
Lorrie talks with Ray Miller, a meteorologist with Meteorology, who discussed the impacts of climate change on weather patterns. He explained that increased CO2 levels lead to more extreme weather conditions, including severe droughts, heavy rainfall, and intense storms. He noted that the central U.S. saw above-average precipitation this year, but parts of the South remain in drought. Miller emphasized the critical need for water management in agriculture due to these extremes. He also highlighted the rise in hurricane intensity and size, and the increase in wildfires in unexpected regions. Despite other factors like urban heat islands and solar cycles, Miller stressed that human-induced CO2 and methane are significant contributors to climate change.
Sabrina interviews Mitch Hunter, Co-Director of the Forever Green Initiative at the University of Minnesota. They discuss the challenges and innovations in growing crops during winter in regions like North Dakota and Minnesota. Key topics include the development of winter-hardy cash cover crops such as winter camelina and domesticated pennycress, which can be harvested for biofuel. Hunter also highlights other exciting agricultural developments, including Kernza, a perennial grain crop. The Forever Green Initiative aims to promote soil health and provide farmers with diverse income streams.