California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • USDA Provides Update on Implementation of Forthcoming Disaster Assistance

    Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided an update at the Cattle Industry Convention on forthcoming assistance for agricultural producers impacted by weather-related disasters in calendar years 2020 and 2021.

    “Over the past two years, as agricultural producers have struggled with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, many have been hard-hit by more frequent and more intense natural disasters,” said Robert Bonnie, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation.  “With the help of Congress, USDA is working to deliver $10 billion in much-needed relief, including $750 million for livestock producers impacted by the severe drought.  As we work to administer this assistance, we remain guided by our goals to streamline the application process to reduce the burden on producers, proactively include underserved producers who have been left out of past relief efforts and encourage participation in existing risk management tools that can help producers weather future extreme weather events.”

    Background

    On September 30, 2021, President Biden signed into law the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 117-43). This Act includes $10 billion in assistance to agricultural producers impacted by wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, winter storms, and other eligible disasters experienced during calendar years 2020 and 2021. Additionally, the Act specifically targets $750 million to provide assistance to livestock producers for losses incurred due to drought or wildfires in calendar year 2021.

    According to Under Secretary Bonnie, USDA will follow a two-phased process to administer relief to eligible livestock and crop producers, with the first phase utilizing a streamlined process that relies on existing data that producers have already reported to USDA.

    Phase One for Livestock Producers

    For impacted ranchers, USDA will leverage Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) data to administer relief. LFP is an important tool that provides up to 60 percent of the estimated replacement feed cost when drought adversely impacts grazing lands. FSA continues to tally 2021 LFP applications filed by the January 31, 2022, deadline, but early estimates show 74,000 applications totaling more than $500 million in payments to livestock producers under LFP.

    While LFP has provided a critical infusion of assistance for ranchers, widespread and severe drought conditions, especially in the Western and Plain states, last year drove prices for feed 50 percent or more above the feed cost formula.

    Congress recognized requests for aid go beyond this existing program and provided specific funding for livestock producers in 2021.

    For the first phase of livestock assistance, USDA intends to:

    • Use existing LFP application data;
    • Streamline the application process to require no or minimal additional paperwork; and
    • Distribute at least half the $750 million through the first phase by the end of March 2022.

    Phase One for Crop Producers

    The broader program to provide assistance to crop producers will follow a two-phased process similar to that of the livestock assistance with implementation of first phase this spring.  Phase one of the crop assistance program delivery will use existing Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program data as the basis for calculating initial payments.

    Making the initial payments using existing safety net and risk management data will both speed implementation and further encourage participation in these permanent programs, including the Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Rainfall Index Crop Insurance Program, as Congress intended.

    Phase Two for Livestock and Crop Producers

    The second phase of both the livestock and crop programs will fill additional assistance gaps and cover eligible producers who did not participate in these existing programs.

    More Information 

    Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, and Farm Loan Discovery Tool. For FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs, producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. For assistance with a crop insurance claim, producers and landowners should contact their crop insurance agent.

  • Bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act Calls for Swift Passage to Give Dairy Companies New Tools to Address Supply Chain Bottlenecks

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the International Dairy Foods Association commended lawmakers for introducing bipartisan Senate legislation to address the shipping challenges the dairy industry and other U.S. agricultural sectors are facing. The legislation, should it become law, would help alleviate delays and disruptions at U.S. ports that have been a critical part of the export supply chain challenges plaguing U.S. exporters.

    Sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD), the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (S. 3580) is the Senate response to the House version (HR 4996) passed by a wide bipartisan vote (364 – 60) in December. Senators Baldwin (D-WI), Hoeven (R-ND), Stabenow (D-MI), Marshall (R-KS), Peters (D-MI), Moran (R-KS), Blumenthal (D-CT), Young (R-IN), Kelly (D-AZ), Blackburn (R-TN), Booker (D-NH), and Ernst (R-IA) also joined as original cosponsors of the bill.

    “The supply chain challenges that have beset American exporters pose significant difficulties for U.S. dairy producers, causing over $1.3 billion in export losses for our sector during the first three quarters of 2021,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF. “We greatly appreciate the leadership of Sens. Klobuchar and Thune to introduce legislation that will encourage many of the ocean carriers to stop unfair practices. We are committed to working with the Senators and their colleagues in Congress as legislation moves forward to ensure that a final law delivers the changes our exporters most urgently need to see.”

    “This Senate bill takes strong strides to address many of the challenges dairy exporters have faced, including securing export vessel bookings and combatting unfair detention and demurrage charges, vital issues to ensure our products reach their intended destinations,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “When we can’t export our products, we not only jeopardize our foreign customer relationships and markets, but we also lose value-added opportunities that create jobs and investment in the United States. We look forward to continuing to work with Senators Klobuchar and Thune, and others in Congress, to address outstanding concerns and provide for the strongest possible reforms.”

    Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) added, “The Ocean Shipping Reform Act will provide real, long-term solutions for the myriad issues congesting U.S. ports and slowing U.S. dairy exports. The bill places disciplines on ocean carriers’ ability to decline export cargo and when demurrage can be charged, helping to get U.S. dairy exports on the water in a timelier manner. It also strengthens the oversight authority of the Federal Maritime Commission over ocean carriers, the majority of which are foreign owned.”

    “IDFA recently announced a Dairy Exports Working Group with the Port of Los Angeles and shipping company CMA CGM to identify and address supply chain issues hindering U.S. dairy product exports. We are hopeful that the Senate will act with urgency to move the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, sending a signal across food and agriculture that a new group of ‘supply chain problem solvers’ has arrived to remove obstacles and invest in long-term solutions that help American agriculture to thrive.

    “Unlike 20 years ago when we exported very little, the U.S. dairy industry today is the third-largest dairy exporting nation in the world. Today, we need America’s transportation and export systems to function with a level of precision and efficiency that sets a global standard so U.S. dairy can achieve our goal of becoming the world’s leading dairy supplier within a decade.”

    These dairy organizations will continue to work with the Senate to strengthen the measure further as it advances through Congress. Beyond legislation, they will also continue to work with Congress and the administration to identify additional measures to ease the congestion – including calling for further expanding port hours of operation, increased data transparency, and investments in key supply chain infrastructure.

  • Jack Bobo to Explore at Stakeholders Summit if Animal Ag can Save the Planet

    Jack Bobo, food futurist, author and CEO of Futurity, is slated to speak at the Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2022 Stakeholders Summit. In his keynote presentation, Bobo will explore the forces that will shape the future of food. From growing populations and shifting demographics to consumer demands for healthy and sustainable food products, Bobo will examine the trends and attitudes that drive behavior and what organizations and producers can do to get ahead of them. Bobo joins many other noted experts on the Summit agenda, which is now available along with registration details at  bit.ly/AAA22Summit.

    “The topic of sustainable food systems has been huge over the last few years and especially in 2021 with the culmination of the inaugural United Nations Food Systems Summit,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Alliance vice president, strategic engagement. “We’re thrilled to have Jack Bobo provide an informative and energizing session that discusses emerging trends in the food space and how to create the future we want – for ourselves, our businesses, and our planet.”

    Jack Bobo is CEO of Futurity, a food foresight company that advises companies, foundations and governments on emerging food trends, consumer attitudes and behaviors related to the future of food. He is also the author of “Why Smart People Make Bad Food Choices.” Recognized by Scientific American in 2015 as one of the 100 most influential people in biotechnology, Bobo is a global thought leader who has delivered more than 500 speeches in 50 countries. He previously served as the chief communications officer and senior vice president for global policy and government affairs at Intrexon Corporation. Prior to joining Intrexon, Bobo worked at the U.S. Department of State for thirteen years as a senior advisor for global food policy. An attorney with a scientific background, Bobo received from Indiana University a J.D., M.S. in environmental science, B.S. in biology and B.A. in psychology and chemistry.

    The Alliance’s annual Summit brings together thought leaders in the agriculture and food communities to discuss hot-button issues and out-of-the-box ideas to connect everyone along the food chain, engage influencers and protect the future of animal agriculture. The 2022 event, themed “Come Together for Animal Ag: Be Informed, Be Ready, Be Here,” is scheduled for May 11-12 in Kansas City, Missouri. Preconference webinars will be held in the weeks leading up to the main event. In-person and virtual attendance options are both available.

    Farmers and ranchers interested in attending the 2022 Summit are invited to enter the Alliance’s Instagram photo and video contest for the chance to win free registration, a two-night hotel stay, and $300 travel stipend. Share a photo or video of you, your farm or ranch and a caption explaining why it’s important for you to “Be Informed, Be Ready, Be Here” in-person in Kansas City. Entries are due by February 7. Full contest details are available at animalagalliance.org/resource/2022-stakeholders-summit-photo-contest/.

    Refer a friend and you could both win $100! If you refer a friend to attend the 2022 Summit who has never attended a previous Summit and they list your name as the person who recommended them when they register for the event, you’ll both be entered in a drawing to win a $100 gift card! Each referral will count as one entry and there is no limit on the number of entries for referrers. All registrations for the in-person event with a referral listed made until online registration closes on May 6 will be entered. Both the referrer and the person referred must be registered to claim the gift card.

    Be sure to check the Summit website for the most up-to-date information. A preliminary agenda has now been posted. You can also follow the hashtag #AAA22 for periodic updates about the event. For general questions about the Summit, please contact summit@animalagalliance.org or call (703) 562-5160.

    Get involved:

    Show your support for the Alliance’s outreach efforts by becoming an official Summit sponsor today! For 2022 sponsorship opportunities, please visit animalagalliance.org/initiatives/stakeholders-summit/. For more information, contact Casey Kinler at ckinler@animalagalliance.org.

    About the Alliance:

    The Animal Agriculture Alliance safeguards the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

    Find the Alliance on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • New Online Course Provides Roadmap to Greener Pastures

    The regenerative agriculture consulting group, Understanding Ag, LLC, today announced its new, online course providing practical insights and techniques on adaptive grazing is now available. The course is specifically tailored for farmers and ranchers seeking to improve their pastures and profit margins.

    Regen Ag Adaptive Grazing is the second Regen Ag ONLINE virtual course developed by regenerative ag pioneers Gabe Brown, Shane New and Allen Williams, Ph.D., based on their decades-long, on-farm experience in applying soil health-centric, regenerative agricultural principles and practices. Both courses are designed to help farmers and ranchers successfully transition from conventional agricultural practices to more profitable and climate-friendly regenerative practices.

    “Regen Ag Adaptive Grazing is the only comprehensive online course that provides a step-by-step roadmap for farmers and ranchers to integrate key grazing principles into their operations, all of which combine to improve the quality, diversity and quality of grazing biomass,” Williams said. “The modules come complete with video instruction from SHA’s world-renowned cadre of instructors, with supplemental media for students to search, read, watch and interact with.”

    Through the course, Williams said subscribers will receive in-depth instruction on the Three Rules of Adaptive stewardship; observation as a key management tool; determining stock density; calculating forage biomass; the role of biology in improving grazing lands; building a grazing plan and more.

    “Like it’s companion course, Regen Ag 101, Regen Ag Adaptive Grazing contains video lectures, case studies and supporting research gleaned from the very best of Soil Health Academy live workshops across the U.S.,” Williams said. “Through this interactive platform, subscribers can learn and profit from UA’s grazing experts, 365/24/7, as they share their regenerative grazing secrets. Through our years of consulting, we’ve seen how applying these principles leads to more resilient and profitable farming, dairying and ranching operations.”

    According to Williams, a third Regen Ag ONLINE course focusing on regenerative cropping strategies is scheduled for release later this year. To register or to learn more about Regen Ag Adaptive Grazing or the other Regen Ag ONLINE courses, visit www.UnderstandingAg.com.

  • Weather Conditions Cause of Rind Breakdown in Satsuma Mandarin

    Although you never know about the weather, we do know that if heavy rain occurs after color break in mandarins there can be significant rind breakdown. This problem can destroy much of the crop and the problem is largely preventable.

    Pre-harvest rind decay of mandarins in California generally occurs shortly after rain falls and is most severe on Satsuma mandarins. Although some researchers have associated the problem with fungi such as Alernaria species, isolations from affected fret have been inconsistent. Inoculations with isolated fungi only sometimes reproduce disease symptoms and only on water-soaked fruit. Furthermore, in preliminary field trials there were conducted in Butte Co in the fall of 2002 and 2003, fungicide treatments that included Topsin-M, Pristine and Abound only reduced the incidence of disease from 99% in the control to approximately 90% .  These data suggested that mandarin rind breakdown is a physiological, abiotic disorder of fruit rather than a pathological problem and the fungi isolated are rather secondary causes of rind decay than primary pathogens.

    Rind breakdown of citrus was previously reported by Fawcett and others in the 1930s. Wet weather combined with a sudden decrease in temperature was shown to result in generation of rind oil and collapse of cells just under the cuticle. In laboratory and field trials in 2003, fruit treatments with water repellants reduced the incidence of rind breakdown to very low levels. Field trials were again conducted in the fall of 2004. Fungicide treatments were ineffective in these trials. In all trials, application so Vapor-Gard or Omni oil significantly reduced the disorder. In all programs with Vapor-Gard and Omni oil, a first application was made at the end of October and there was no significant difference in efficacy when additions applications were done. When tree were protected from rainfall using a tent, the disorder could not be detected, indicating the rind breakdown is correlated to rainfall.

    In summary, results from the trials support previous findings by Fawcett that mandarin rind disorder is an abiotic, weather-related problem of mature fruit that has undergone a green to orange color change. Using a water repellant helps protect the fruit. — By Ben Faber, UCCE Ventura County Advisor

  • Research Indicates Paint Not Effective At Protecting Young Avocados From Herbicide Drift

    California Avocado Commission — While it is often common practice for fruit growers to apply white latex paint to the bottom 2 to 3 feet of young, newly planted trees in order to provide some protection from herbicide drift, researchers note there is little evidence to prove this practice is effective.

    A recent blog post by Dr. Ben Faber summarized the findings of a California field experiment conducted in 2017 that measured the impact of latex paint in preventing herbicide injury on young almond trees. The block of trees consisted of greenhouse-grown trees in cartons. Nine weeks prior to the herbicide applications, the cartons were removed for trees in the “no paint” and “old paint” sections so their bark could harden off. Two days prior to applying the herbicide, the cartons were removed for the “new paint” trees and then the trees were painted.

    According to the researchers:

    • The paint did not provide significant protection from glyphosate or glufosinate.
    • Tree stress caused by trunk-applied herbicides was lowest in trees with no paint, suggesting that allowing the bark to harden on young trees is an important means of protecting them from herbicide drift.
    • In most treatment combinations, old and new paint applications did not reduce tree stress as effectively as allowing the bark to harden on trees nine weeks prior to application.
    • The most effective means of protecting trunks was installing a carton. However, it is important to remember that once the carton is removed (as the tree matures), there may be green bark present which would be vulnerable to herbicides.

  • CA Avocado Disease Management Webinar, FEB. 16

    The California Avocado Society, California Avocado Commission and UC Cooperative Extension are hosting a free online Grower Webinar: Avocado Disease Management session on Wednesday, February 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

    The webinar is designed to provide growers and grove managers with information concerning management strategies for diseases that California avocado trees are prone to. The online seminar will cover:

    • Approaches to combating avocado root rot, including pesticide management
    • The availability of a new chemical to manage Phytophthora
    • Other chemical and horticultural practices related to disease management in California avocado groves

    The presenters include Dr. Ben Faber, Crops Advisor for the UC Cooperative Extension, and Dakota Camino, PCA with Syngenta.

    Online registration for the webinar is now available.

  • North American Raspberry & Blackberry Conference Goes Virtual

    The North American Raspberry & Blackberry Association (NARBA) has reached the decision that its annual conference in February 2022, will move to a virtual conference format due to the ongoing disruption of the Covid 19 pandemic.

    The conference was previously formatted as a hybrid meeting, both in-person in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and virtual. All sessions will now be live-streamed for virtual participation and will be available to registrants for on-demand viewing for an extended period post-conference.

    “Last year’s virtual conference gave us the ability to share all the information of our conference with people all over the country and all over the world,” comments NARBA president Jim Jedele. “We are pleased to build on that experience for this meeting.”

    A pre-conference virtual short course for novice growers, “Getting Started in Raspberries & Blackberries”, runs bi-weekly January 31 – February 21st. This course will be led by some of the leading caneberry educators from around the country.  Sign up today and catch up on the recorded sessions!

    Conference sessions feature top experts and experienced growers. Topics include caneberry breeding, pest and disease control, high tunnel and long-cane production, food safety and farm management, ag and labor policy, and marketing.  Over 50 speakers from around the world are included in the two-track format. The virtual format includes opportunities for live Q&A and online networking.

    To see a detailed program for the virtual conference, view a full list of speakers and find event registration information, please visit www.raspberryblackberry.com/2022-north-american-raspberry-blackberry-conference/

    The North American Raspberry & Blackberry Association is a membership association of growers large and small, researchers, suppliers, and others in the caneberry industry.

    For further information and updates about the 2022 NARBA annual conference please contact Darcy Kochis at darcy@foodfirstmarketing.com.

  • FDA Resources for Supply Chain Disruption Assistance in Food & Ag

    The FDA has been working closely with the food industry and other government partners throughout the pandemic to continuously monitor the impact of COVID-19. We understand the severe impact the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic is having on the food and agriculture industry, including the health and safety of workers and their families. Labor shortages, transportation challenges, packaging shortages, international import delays and severe weather continue to contribute to disruptions in U.S. food supply chains that ultimately impact consumers.

    The FDA would like to share information about access to assistance if you are experiencing supply chain disruptions:

    Report Supply Chain Problems/Request Assistance from the FDA

    Food facilities and farms can continue to report a closure or a reduction in operations and/or request assistance for a human food establishment regulated by the FDA, excluding restaurant, retail food establishments, and animal food operations. Read the full guidance for additional information.

    Report Closure/Reduction and/or Request Assistance

    Food and Agriculture Sector

    The Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council (SCC) serves as the primary private industry-led policy coordination and planning entity to collaborate with the FDA, the US Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Homeland Security and the Food and Agriculture Government Coordinating Council (GCC), among others, to address the entire range of critical infrastructure security and resilience activities and sector-specific issues.

    If you wish to become involved with, or are a member of the Food and Agriculture SCC, or if your food firm/business is experiencing supply chain disruptions, you may contact the chairman of the SCC, Clay Detlefsen, Esq., Senior Vice President, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs & Staff Counsel; National Milk Producers Federation at cdetlefsen@nmpf.org.

    Temporary Policies

    The FDA has issued temporary guidance to provide regulatory flexibility, where appropriate, to help minimize the impact of supply chain disruptions on product availability associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic.  These temporary policies remain in effect. Details about each appear at the  following links:

    Links to Key Resources

  • USDA Announces Inaugural Federal Advisory Committee on Urban Ag

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack selected 12 members to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) inaugural Secretary’s Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to provide input on policy development and to help identify barriers to urban agriculture as USDA works to promote urban farming and the economic opportunities it provides in cities across the country.

    The new Secretary’s Advisory Committee is part of USDA’s efforts to support urban agriculture, creating a network for feedback. Urban agriculture plays an important role in producing fresh, healthy food in areas where grocery stores are scarce, and also provides jobs and beautifies neighborhoods.  

    “Urban agriculture has been growing in impact and importance, and we are taking bold actions to build a support structure,” said Vilsack.

    “I look forward to learning how we can better serve urban agricultural producers, which will complement our efforts focusing on equity, local food systems, access to safe and nutritional food and new ways to address climate change,” said Blong Xiong California State Executive Director.   

    Secretary’s Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture

    The Committee is made up of agricultural producers, and representatives from the areas of higher education or extension programs, non-profits, business and economic development, supply chains and financing.  
     
    Members include:

    • Jerry Ann Hebron, Mich., Urban Producer
    • Bobby Wilson, Ga., Urban Producer
    • Viraj Puri, N.Y., Innovative Producer
    • Kaben Smallwood, Okla., Innovative Producer
    • Sally Brown, Wash., Higher Education
    • John Erwin, Md., Higher Education
    • Carl Wallace, Ohio, Non-Profit Representative
    • John Lebeaux, Mass., Business and Economic Development Representative
    • Zachari Curtis, D.C., Supply Chain Experience
    • Allison Paap, Calif., Financing Entity Representative
    • Tara Chadwick, Fla., Related Experience
    • Angela Mason, Ill., Related Experience

    USDA and the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production peer reviewed more than 300 nominees, and Vilsack made the final selections. Selections ensured geographic, racial and gender diversity and a broad range of agricultural experience. The new members will serve terms of one to three years.

    The first meeting of this inaugural committee, which will be open to the public, will take place in late February. More details will be available in the Federal Register and at farmers.gov/urban and the new Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture website.

    USDA and Urban Agriculture

    The advisory committee and county committees are part of a broad USDA investment in urban agriculture. Other efforts include:

    • Grants that target areas of food access, education, business and start-up costs for new farmers, and development of policies related to zoning and other needs of urban production.
    • Cooperative agreements that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans.
    • Investing $260,000 for risk management training and crop insurance education for historically underserved and urban producers through partnerships between USDA’s Risk Management Agency(RMA) and the University of Maryland, University of Connecticut, and Michigan State University Center for Regional Food Systems.
    • Providing technical and financial assistance through conservation programs offered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS).
    • Organizing 11 Farm Service Agency (FSA) urban and suburban county committees. FSA will organize additional committees.

    The Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production was established through the 2018 Farm Bill. It is led by NRCS and works in partnership with numerous USDA agencies that support urban agriculture. Its mission is to encourage and promote urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural practices, including community composting and food waste reduction. More information is available at farmers.gov/urban and the new Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture website.

    Additional resources that may be of interest to urban agriculture entities include grants from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and National Institute of Food and Agriculture  as well as FSA loans.