AgNet News Hour

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 10-11-24

On today’s show, we talk with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about USDA’s efforts to help those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. He discusses key measures such as SNAP program flexibility, opportunities for hot meals, and meals for schoolchildren. For farmers, a variety of aid programs are available, and USDA has deployed surge teams to affected areas to assist.
We’re also joined by Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He discusses the organization's disappointment with a recent White House event where NCBA and other commodity groups were not invited. We also get a response from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack about the NCBA’s statement on the issue.
In addition, we talk with Samantha Buchalter, Vice President at the Russell Group, who discusses the Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) and its 2020 launch aiming to bring diverse stakeholders together to support voluntary, market-based climate policies for agriculture and forestry.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 10-10-24

On today’s show Sidd Pal, assistant professor of geospatial science at Purdue University, explains digital soil maps utilizing technologies like AI, addressing spatial variability in soil health management through high-resolution data sets. He discusses the creation and advantages over traditional maps, enhanced by the Purdue Soil Explore, aiding farmers in site-specific management and carbon sequestration.
We also have this week’s Almond Update. Jenny Nicolaou, Associate Director at the Almond Board of California, discusses the annual process of recognizing distinguished members of the almond industry through the Almond Achievement Award and the Almond Technical Achievement Award.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 10-09-24

On today’s show Rebeckah Freeman Adcock, Vice President of U. S. Government Relations for the International Fresh Produce Association joins us to talk about the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance and the needs for Specialty Crops in the next farm bill. Some concerns include improving the economic sustainability of growers through enhanced research, mechanization, and better risk management tools like crop insurance.
We also talk with Matt Mulica Senior Project Director, Keystone Policy Center, and the Facilitator of the Honeybee Health Coalition. We discuss the synergy between pollinator health and large-scale solar projects. The conversation also touches upon the Honeybee Health Coalition's broader efforts to promote bee health by fostering collaboration between farmers and beekeepers, developing resources to control pests like the Varroa mite, and creating best practices around pesticide use and hive management.

AgNet News Hour, Tuesday, 10-08-24

USMCA Dispute: U.S. GMO Corn Exports to Mexico/Aquaculture in the US
On today’s show Congressman Dan Kildee joins us to talk about the dispute arising from Mexico's ban on genetically modified (GMO) corn from the US, which contradicts the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Former President Lopez Obrador's decree, intended to protect Mexican growers, uses non-scientific barriers, breaching the agreement's terms. The current dispute resolution aims to lift the restriction and reinforce US farmers' rights.
We also talk with Drue Banta Winters, campaign manager for Stronger America Through Seafood, who discusses the organization's goals to expand aquaculture in U.S. federal waters. Winters highlights NOAA's National Seafood Strategy Implementation Plan, focusing on improving U.S. aquaculture through regulatory and legislative support for offshore operations.

AgNet News Hour, Monday, 10-07-24

Today’s show starts with a discussion with Peter Berthelson, President of Conservation Blueprint, about the integration of pollinator habitats with solar energy projects. They explore how solar farms can double as conservation areas, supporting pollinator populations while generating renewable energy. The discussion highlights the benefits of this synergy for agriculture, sustainability, and biodiversity. ​
Sabrina also interviews Mollie Van Lieu about the partnership between the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and Kids Eat in Color. They discuss the collaboration's progress in advancing commitments made during the White House Hunger, Health, and Nutrition Summit two years ago. The conversation highlights industry efforts to improve children's nutrition and address hunger through innovative initiatives.
Today’s third guest is Mark Milam, Senior Editor, Fertilizers, for ICIS. He gives his perspective on the suspended port strike and how could affect the fertilizer industry if workers go on strike again in January, as threatened.  

AgNet News Hour, Friday, 10-04-24

On today’s show, we discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene on agriculture. We hear from both the Tennessee state agriculture commissioner and USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Robert Bonnie. The USDA is responding to the devastation by streamlining processes to help farmers recover. Bonnie highlights the importance of crop insurance and conservation programs, including simplified loss documentation and flexible indemnity payment procedures. The USDA is also reducing requirements for programs like the Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forestry Restoration Program, aiming to ease debris removal and assist producers with orchards and groves.

AgNet News Hour, Thursday, 10-03-24

On today’s show Congressman Austin Scott of Georgia's 8th district addresses Hurricane Helene relief efforts in his state. He highlights the role of volunteers and organizations in providing aid. Significant agricultural losses, particularly in poultry and cotton, are a major focus, with efforts to secure disaster relief underway.
We also have this week’s Almond Update and reports from the World Dairy Expo.

AgNet News Hour, Wednesday, 10-02-24

On today’s show Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff joins us to discuss the devastating impact Hurricane Helene has had on Georgia’s agricultural sector, affecting crops, pecan orchards, and livestock, with catastrophic losses to farmers and foresters across the Southeast. He emphasizes the urgent need for federal disaster relief, noting that many growers were already struggling with high costs and low prices before the storm.