California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • FARM Program 2020 Year in Review

    The National Dairy FARM Program (FARM) has published its 2020 Year in Review. Serving as the annual summary of the achievements and program developments of the FARM Program, the Year in Review showcases successes and challenges during a year of change and uncertainty.

    “As the industry shifted with the pandemic, we adapted the program to fit farmer’s and program participant’s needs,” says Emily Yeiser Stepp, vice president for the FARM Program at the National Milk Producers Federation, which administers FARM. “We were still able to provide value, develop helpful resources and provide assurances of on-farm social responsibility for the dairy supply chain despite the rollercoaster of 2020.”

    The Year in Review details the resources and tools developed across all program areas to help farmers become more fully engaged with the program. It also shows how aspects of FARM were brought into a virtual environment. Events like the annual Evaluator Conference, monthly Evaluator Engagement Hours and the program’s Quick Convosseries gave FARM staff the ability to connect with stakeholders online as 2020 presented unrivaled challenges.

    The Review also summarizes changes made to the FARM Program Areas in 2020. FARM Animal Care Version 4 went into effect on January 1 with updates supporting closer farmer-veterinarian relationships, requiring continuing education for all employees and adding a new standard for pain management when disbudding animals. FARM also launched Version 2 of the Environmental Stewardship program which includes updated crop emissions factors, a breakdown of greenhouse gas emissions by gas type, a metric on the use of nutrient management plans, and the ability to capture the benefits of solid-liquid separation, and solar and wind energy. Additionally, Version 1 of the Workforce Development evaluation became available and focuses on human resources and safety best practices. It provides assurances to the supply chain and helps farmers identify what will be most useful to implement within their operation and track improvement over time.

    Download the 2020 Year in Review here. For a printed copy, please contact dairyfarm@nmpf.org

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce the majority of U.S. milk, making NMPF the voice of dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

    Created by the National Milk Producers Federation in partnership with Dairy Management Inc, the National Dairy FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) works with all U.S. dairy farmers, co-ops and processors, to demonstrate to dairy customers and consumers that the dairy industry is taking the very best care of cows and the environment, producing safe, wholesome milk and adhering to the highest standards of workforce development.

    View online

  • New Grapevine Rootstock Characteristics & Availability

    The University of California grapevine breeding program has recently come out with some exciting new rootstocks with great characteristics the better manage pests, diseases, and even drought conditions. Watch this brief interview with UCCE Viticulture Advisor Karl Lund, as he shares what what growers should know about some of the specific traits and availability of these rootstocks. Read more in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • How US Pistachio Shipments are Keeping Up After Record Crop

    After bringing in a record billion pound pistachio crop amidst a global pandemic and a continued international trade dispute, growers may be concerned about the global market for pistachios and whether shipments are keeping up with the increased supply.  Watch this brief interview with Richard Matoian, President of American Pistachio Growers, as he shares some optimism in that regard, and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • California Walnut Board Seeking Grower Candidates

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) will be conducting its biennial election of walnut growers and handlers statewide to serve as members and alternates for the next two-year term beginning on September 1, 2021 and ending on August 31, 2023. Walnut growers are eligible to petition the California Walnut Board to have the name of their candidate included on the 2021 nomination ballot.

    The California Walnut Board is the official body that administers the Federal Marketing Order for walnuts. The CWB encourages eligible candidates to consider serving as Board members or alternates. “The diversity of our growing and evolving membership brings valuable perspective to industry.  The CWB in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) welcomes participation of women, minorities and people with disabilities,” said Michelle McNeil Connelly, Executive Director of the California Walnut Board.

    Petitions are open for two members and alternates from each of the two districts in California, divided along the southern boundaries of San Mateo, Alameda, San Joaquin, Calaveras and Alpine counties and one member and alternate at-large to represent the entire state of California.

    It takes 10 or more walnut growers who marketed an aggregate of 500 tons or more of walnuts in the 2019/20 marketing year to petition for a grower’s name to be placed on the nomination ballot. Separate petitions are required for member and alternate positions. Petition forms will be mailed to all walnut growers in late February and are to be filed and received by the California Walnut Board no later than April 1, 2021.

    In mid-April, ballots will be mailed to all growers. Growers will nominate two members and alternates to represent their district as well as one member and alternate for the statewide position. The Secretary of Agriculture will select the nominees receiving the most votes in each district and at-large for representatives on the California Walnut Board.
    Petition forms are available at the California Walnut Board office at 101 Parkshore Drive, Suite 250, Folsom, CA  95630, telephone (916) 932-7070.

  • Shopper Research Data Shows Increased Purchase of Fresh Grapes

    Findings from a recent consumer research study that gathered insights on purchase, consumption, and shopping behaviors among U.S. primary shoppers ages 25 to 73 were released today by the California Table Grape Commission.

    Among the key findings:

    •   46% of primary shoppers consider fresh grapes to be a staple in their household, increased from 32% in 2019. Another 35% report that grapes are purchased often in their households.

    •   57% of primary shoppers always or usually decide to purchase fresh grapes before going into the store, up from 42% in 2019.

    •   56% of primary shoppers report purchasing fresh grapes about once per week or more often. This is an increase from 52% reported in 2019.

    •   36% of primary shoppers have purchased fresh grapes via online ordering. 70% of those

      shoppers report they are very likely to continue to purchase fresh grapes via online ordering in the next 12 months; another 28% are somewhat likely.

    •   Primary shoppers report that at $2.48 per pound, fresh grapes are priced reasonably; they are seen as a bargain at $1.59 and begin to seem too expensive at $3.74. Grapes are considered to be so inexpensive that product quality is a concern when priced at $0.84 per pound. 

      “Given the challenges of 2020, especially the challenges with grocery shopping during a pandemic, these research results are important,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission. “Primary shoppers are increasingly considering fresh grapes as a staple, confirmed by their increased planning tendencies and their increased purchasing frequency.”

      The study used quotas and weighting to assure accurate reflection of U.S. Census figures for age, gender, geographic region, and race/ethnicity. 

  • Nearly 70% of Essential Sonoma Co. Ag Workers Vaccinated

    As efforts to vaccinate essential agricultural and production workers struggle to proceed throughout California and the nation, Sonoma County’s farmers, vintners and health communities have been successfully partnering to get thousands of COVID-19 vaccination doses to these essential workers throughout the region.

    Now entering its 5th week of operation, the program has already vaccinated and scheduled vaccination appointments for more than 8,300 essential workers from Sonoma County’s agriculture, vineyard, food, and winery sectors.  The target for essential ag and production workers receiving vaccination in Sonoma County is 12,500.  The vaccination program and collaboration will continue for the foreseeable future.

    “This effort in Sonoma County should be the model for the nation in how to organize and vaccinate essential ag and production workers,” said Dr. Jason Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer at West County Health Centers.  He added, ”We have succeeded because of the tremendous collaboration throughout the community from people and organizations who share one focus to quickly and efficiently immunize our essential food and agricultural workers to reduce their risk of becoming ill.”

    The program is a cooperative effort involving the Sonoma County Winegrowers, the Sonoma County Vintners, the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, local community health centers including the West County Health Center, the Sonoma Valley Health Center, the Alliance Medical Center, the Alexander Valley Health Care, and the Sonoma County Medical Association.  Each agricultural group has a specific responsibility: the Winegrowers work with the local winegrape farmers; the Vintners work with local wineries; and the Sonoma County Farm Bureau works with non-wine related farmers and ag processors. Farmers, vintners, and processors have been receiving regular updates from their representative organization to provide the number of people they employ, where they reside or work in the county and their transportation needs.

    Each week, Community Health Centers throughout Sonoma County commit a certain number of vaccines to vaccinate essential ag and production workers against the Coronavirus pandemic.  Every day, it is up to the industry partners to coordinate with the ag and production employers to organize and schedule appointments for the workers and ensure that all the vaccines are being utilized.  Each of the ag partner organizations is contributing staff, providing translators, and donating additional resources to make this effort successful.  In addition, the Sonoma County Medical Association and its vast network of local volunteers dedicated two full days to vaccinating vineyard workers and wine production workers at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, successfully administering the first doses of the COVID-19 Moderna vaccine to over 1,200 people.

    Multiple vaccination sites are utilized through this collaboration in the county.  The agricultural organizations coordinate weekly and, sometimes, daily with the community health centers to determine how many vaccines will be available that week and at what location.  With that information, the agricultural organizations work with their ag and production partners to schedule appointments to ensure the greatest number of essential workers are vaccinated each day.

    However, for any vaccination program to succeed, there is one essential element: a person’s trust in the vaccine and the institutions that administer it. This model specifically relies on the partnerships among the ag and production associations and the healthcare community and the trust that employees have with their agricultural employers.  In addition, agricultural organizations have conducted outreach and education to essential workers.  All communication and education are offered in both Spanish and English so everyone can make informed decisions about getting vaccinated.

    “We are succeeding in reaching our vaccination goal because of the outstanding coordination and trust that exist amongst all parties involved.  There is a unique relationship the county trade associations have with each other, local businesses and farms and, in turn, the trust that exists between the ag employer and their employees,” said Karissa Kruse, President of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “While there has been a lot of news about problems throughout the country in vaccinating essential workers, here in Sonoma County, we created a broad coalition to develop a plan that would work to ensure that our ag and production workers get vaccinated as soon as possible.   This model of bringing healthcare providers together with local businesses and farms should not be used just here for this pandemic, but as a model for supporting the health of our local communities moving forward. ”

    As witnessed throughout the United States, the logistical challenges to distributing the vaccines are enormous and complex. Adding to that in California are the continued revisions to the state’s rollout plan, confusing messaging to millions of workers regarding priority vaccination groups and an undersupply of doses statewide. The result has been a mixed effort to inoculate high-risk workers employed at farms, restaurants, and grocery stores.

    “From the beginning, our focus has been on creating accessible clinics at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds to support the vaccination efforts of the current eligible tier of community members and mobilizing our volunteer network of local doctors and nurses,” said Wendy Young, Executive Director, Sonoma County Medical Association.  She added, “The Sonoma County Medical Association is pleased to have been able to have an active role in vaccinating our community and partnering with the local agricultural and wine communities to vaccinate Sonoma County’s essential ag and production workers in this phase. This level of collaboration is special, and we look forward to continuing this innovative partnership until all who want the vaccine have it and our community can open its doors again!”

    A new study out of the University of California, San Francisco found that Latinx Californians experienced a 36% increase in mortality during the pandemic as compared to historical periods, with a 59% increase among Latinx food/agriculture workers. The state’s current vaccination Phase 1B includes people 65 and older and essential workers in education, emergency services, food, and agriculture workers as eligible for shots. In Los Angeles County and other counties in California, essential ag workers will not be eligible to get vaccinated until March 1.

    “As an employer, it is my responsibility to do everything I can to protect the health and safety of my employees.  I was really worried after reading and hearing the news from throughout the country of the many  delays and problems in vaccinating essential workers,” said Bret Munselle, of Munselle Vineyards.  He  added, “But, witnessing how efficient the local collaboration has made securing appointments and providing on-site education for our employees was really impressive and a great relief to me.  Everyone in Sonoma County should be proud of this partnership and its success.”

    In addition to organizing the vaccine rollout for essential ag workers, the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation donated iPads and funding to each of the participating Community Health Centers to provide much needed technology for coordinating the logistics of vaccine program. The Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation also donated funding to each of the healthcare community organizations involved to help cover day-to-day expenses related to the program.  The collaboration will continue and is accessible for all ag and production workers who live in Sonoma County.

    To learn more about the vaccine program, contact your respective partner at:

    Sonoma County Winegrowers:                                 https://sonomawinegrape.org/

    Sonoma County Vintners:                                          https://sonomawine.com/

    Sonoma County Farm Bureau:                                   https://sonomafb.org/

    West County Health Centers:                                    https://www.wchealth.org/

    Alliance Medical Center:                                            https://alliancemed.org/

    Sonoma Valley Community Health Center:               https://svchc.org/

    Alexander Valley Healthcare:                                    https://alexandervalleyhealthcare.org/

    Sonoma County Medical Association:                      http://www.nbcms.org/home.aspx

  • USDA Seeks Nominees for American Pecan Promotion Board

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking nominations for the American Pecan Promotion Board under the newly established Pecan Promotion, Research, and Information Order. Nominations are due by March 26, 2021.

    The 17-member board will consist of 10 producers and seven importers. The 10 producer members will be allocated between three regions within the United States as follows: three from the Eastern Region; three from the Central Region; and four from the Western Region.  Seven members will be importers. Initial board members’ terms of office of two, three and four years will be assigned by USDA to stagger future terms of office. Each member’s term will begin when USDA approves the nominations.

    To serve on the board, producers and importers must have produced or imported more than 50,000 pounds of inshell pecans (25,000 pounds of shelled pecans) on average for four fiscal periods. Producers who produce pecans in more than one region may seek nomination only in the region in which they produce the majority of their pecans.

    The order specifies that nominations for producer member seats will be submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture by the American Pecan Council, the 17-member federal marketing order governing body. If you are interested in serving as a producer member please submit your nominations to info@americanpecan.com. You may also contact Jeff Smutny at (817) 916-0020.

    USDA is conducting nominations for importer members. Please submit nominations to Patricia Petrella at Patricia.Petrella@usda.gov.

    For more information about the program, visit the AMS American Pecan Promotion Boardwebpage or contact USDA Promotion and Economics Division Deputy Director, Patricia Petrella, at (301) 337-5295 or Patricia.Petrella@usda.gov.

    AMS policy is that the diversity of the board should reflect the diversity of their industries in experience of members, methods of production and distribution, marketing strategies, and other distinguishing factors that will bring different perspectives and ideas to the table. When submitting nominations, the industry must consider the diversity of the population served and the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the members to serve a diverse population.

    Since 1966, Congress has authorized industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight to 22 boards. The oversight ensures fiscal accountability and program integrity and is paid for by industry assessments.

  • How do Radishes Work as a Cover Crop?

    Farmers love tools. The prospect of a fully stocked tool shed ranges from badge of honor to true obsession.  Plants, too, can be used as tools. Integrating cover crops into a farmer’s toolbox can offer many benefits – and it’s a tool given to us by nature!

    Getting farmers to adopt cover crops as various tools can be hard. To do that, we need to better understand these different tools and their uses. Cover crops like clover add nitrogen to the soil, while reducing erosion and runoff. And, radishes, a tasty ingredient in salad, can be used to break up soil and other hard jobs.

    Breaking up soil with radishes

    Millennia ago, Greek philosophers presented the Doctrine of Signatures, stating that a plant’s appearance may resemble its practical use. For example, walnuts were linked to brain health and beans to kidneys. In thinking about the radish as a tool, the plant root could be similarly equated to the drill, a type of natural tilling.

    Thick radish roots are an ideal choice for natural drilling into the soil to reduce compaction. When the radish crops are terminated, the radish and roots leave large, open pores in the soil. This increases soil aeration and water infiltration. Along with this comes more earthworm and microbial activity. It’s clear that a tillage radish cover crop certainly lives up to that name. As it turns out, the simple radish can be quite the complex tool when properly utilized.

    Scavenging and cleanup

    There are many varieties of radish. From ‘Daikon’ to ‘Icicle’, knowing the specific cultivar is an important part of deciding if a radish belongs in your field or on your plate! When an agronomist recommends a radish variety for use as a cover crop, they have a job in mind to make use of these unique plant features.

    Farmers turn to “scavenging” to optimize chemical inputs and yield outputs by using cover crops. The cylindrical roots of the radish grow deep and capture soil nutrients that were intended for the preceding cash crop.

    Many varieties are uniquely suited for this task, having been bred specifically for deep taproots that extend several inches or even feet deeper than their thick quintessential core. By scavenging nutrients from soil layers that are the hardest for most crop roots to access, radishes can be used to target critical areas to keep nutrients from the groundwater table. Though picky eaters may leave behind a harvested radish on their plate, the radish itself helps ensure that as little as possible goes to waste in terms of subsoil nutrients.

    A Daikon radish cover crop emerges after being seeded into standing corn. Radishes help break up soil compaction and use up extra nutrients to reduce runoff. Credit: Ivan Dozier

    Biofumigation – natural chemical combatants

    In March 1990, Former President George HW Bush personified picky eaters everywhere when he issued the proclamation: “I’m not going to eat any more broccoli!” The president succeeded in banning the brassica from Air Force One and the White House.

    The same pungent flavor that the former President didn’t like is loved by many. And its special compounds called gluconsinolates that give them their flavor. These compounds contain sulfur (like some medicines) and can also act as natural pesticides in the soil, a method known as “biofumigation.” These compounds can be a powerful deterrent to insects and even some species of fungi.

    The choice depends on the job

    When choosing a radish and/or any other cover crop, the most important consideration is to select the right tool for the job! For example, planting a radish in a poorly drained clay soil can drastically restrict the root growth necessary for several of the benefits. Selecting the wrong cover crop is like trying to tighten a bolt with a hammer instead of a wrench, which may explain why some don’t see convincing results.

    When choosing a radish for cover cropping, agronomists recommend that farmers select the right tool (specie) for the right job. Shown, a selection of cover crop radishes with roots. Credit: T&T Seeds

    Successful cover croppers often strengthen their polyculture by adding the radish into a multi-species mix. For those looking for a natural multi-tool to alleviate compaction, scavenge subsoil nutrients, and ward away pests, I can assure you that radishes will not leave you with a bitter taste! — By Ivan A. Dozier, CCA, Product Manager for Agronomy & Analytics at IntelinAir (American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America)

  • New Gov’t Relations Director at American Pistachio Growers

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) is pleased to announce the hiring of Cadee Condit as their new Director of Government Relations. Cadee has two decades of experience in governmental public affairs, an extensive vision in achieving strategic objectives in complex political landscapes, and broad collaboration across a spectrum of business, trade associations and community organizations.

    APG President Richard Matoian noted, “Cadee comes to APG with a wealth of knowledge at both the Federal and State levels. Her expertise in the legislative and regulatory process will serve the needs of APG’s membership well.”  Cadee will coordinate her efforts on behalf of APG’s membership with our existing outstanding State and Federal lobbyists and their staff.

    APG’s Government Policies and Partnership’s Committee Chair, Jamie Bledsoe, who was involved in the interview process added, “Cadee was far and away the right person and best fit for our ongoing, excellent government relations program.” Cadee officially began her duties on February 1.

    “The American Pistachio Growers is a dynamic and exciting organization,” Cadee shared.  “The San Joaquin Valley is the most productive and diverse agricultural region in the world, and I couldn’t be more excited to be working with APG to protect the future of agriculture.”

    Some of the top priorities and issues Cadee will be working on will include: water, tariffs, international market access and additional COVID relief programs.  Seeking out more federal funding to keep the Navel Orangeworm Sterile Insect Technology program going will also be a priority.  Cadee can be reached at ccondit@americanpistachios.org.

     

  • Almond Board of CA Announces 2021 Election

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors election for the 2021-2022 crop year has begun.

    There are two independent grower member positions and two independent grower alternate positions available on the ABC Board of Directors. To be considered for these positions, each candidate must be a grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers (verified by ABC). The petition should state the position for which the candidate is being nominated and be filed with Almond Board of California at 1150 9thStreet, Suite 1500, Modesto, California 95354. The filing deadline is April 1, 2021.

    Additionally, two independent handler member positions and two independent handler alternate positions are available. Handlers must declare their candidacy, in writing, to ABC no later than April 1, 2021 to be considered for these positions.  

    A cooperative grower member and alternate nominee will be selected through their cooperative association.                   

    The Almond Board was established in 1950 to administer the Federal Marketing Order for almonds. ABC assures industry compliance with marketing order regulations and is responsible for administering all aspects of the marketing order. It also serves the almond industry in other major areas, including production research, global advertising and public relations, and accumulation, compilation and dissemination of statistical information.  

    The ABC encourages eligible women, minorities, and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors as it believes this committee should reflect the diversity of the industry it serves. 

    For further information, call Bunnie Ibrahim, senior analyst in Government Affairs, at (209) 343-3228.