California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • Solving the Mysteries Behind the World’s Most Widespread Zoonotic Disease

    Leptospirosis is a serious zoonotic disease that affects both animals and humans. This bacterial disease is commonly spread through the urine of infected animals and rodents, including wildlife and livestock such as cattle and swine. Humans can contract leptospirosis by having contact with water (such as by swimming, rafting, or kayaking) or soil that has been contaminated by urine or body fluids of infected animals. Although this disease if often spread through urine, transmission can also occur in the genital tract of domestic animals.

    Humans who contract leptospirosis may suffer from a range of symptoms, from a mild fever to massive pulmonary hemorrhage. For livestock, the disease can result in poor milk yield, reproductive failure, and in some cases, severe acute disease, especially for dairy and beef herds.

    Scanning electron micrograph of a leptospire.

    “Leptospirosis is caused by a very unusual and unique bacteria,” said Jarlath Nally, research microbiologist at the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) in Ames, IA. “Very few people work on it, the diagnostics are limited, and research is challenging because the bacteria that causes the disease are very difficult to grow in the lab.”

    Leptospirosis is not a new disease; it was first described in 1886. Globally, the disease kills over 50,000 people a year and infects over one million. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described it as the most widespread zoonotic disease geographically.

    Human infections can be treated with antibiotics, but the condition is considered rare in humans and can be difficult to diagnose. Vaccines have been developed for livestock, including dairy and beef herds. However, the vaccine protects only against specific variants of Leptospira, the bacteria that causes leptospirosis, and protection dwindles after one year. There are more than 38 species and hundreds of serovars of pathogenic Leptospira.

    “It gets complicated because there are so many variants of this disease” said Nally. “And the vaccines being used today are based on variants isolated over 30 years ago.”

    Detection is also a problem. Infected animals often appear asymptomatic. Stakeholders may not be aware that their herd is infected until they notice an increase in abortions or reproductive failures. Further complicating matters are the diagnostic tests, which are not always accurate.

    ARS researchers Ellie Putz and Luis Fernandes working to elucidate pathogenic mechanism of leptospirosis.

    “We’ve done a lot of work to improve diagnostics,” said Nally, “but there are limitations, and stakeholders need to be aware of that.”

    Nally and his research partners are looking to improve diagnostics, testing, and current vaccine strategies to provide cross protection against multiple variants of Leptospira. To date, they have generated a large repository of isolates of Leptospira from a range of domestic (cows, bulls, horses and dogs), wildlife (rats, mice, mongoose, red panda), and environmental sources (soil, water), including new species and serovars detected for the first time in the U.S. They also created a new growth media that allows researchers to isolate the Leptospira bacteria directly from infected animal tissue at 37 degrees Celsius. This is an improvement over the old methods where Leptospira were previously restricted to isolation at 28-30 degrees Celsius.

    “That’s a temperature more in line with standard laboratory processes,” Nally said. “But more importantly, it’s an environmental condition that’s more similar to the host.”

    Researchers have also been able to genetically manipulate the bacteria, allowing them for the first time to identify, target, and silence certain genes.

    “Not only silence a single gene, but we can actually silence two genes at the same time,” said Nally. “We were able to apply our technology to silence two similar genes to actually identify a virulence factor, rendering the bacteria completely attenuated, which provides new avenues to generate vaccines and apply it to different variants.”

    Next steps for Nally and his research team are to map complete genotypes, complete serotypes, and identify virulence factors that facilitate the disease process. At the same time, they want to identify which variants are circulating in domestic and wildlife animal populations in the U.S.

    “We are also interested in understanding how the disease occurs,” he said. “We are looking to understand why these bacteria are colonizing in the genital tract and why they’re associated with reproductive failure versus strains that are associated with more severe acute disease. To understand the ‘how’ will help us develop vaccines that will cross protect against all the variants that are out there.” — By Todd Silver, USDA-ARS Office of Communications

  • Rangeland Trust Successfully Preserving California’s Ranching Legacy

    In 1998, as today, many California ranchers were facing serious headwinds, including high taxes, escalating land prices, ever-increasing regulations and the threat of urban development. Many ranchers were getting out of the business or leaving California altogether.

    To protect California’s cattle industry – which dates back to the first Spanish mission in 1769 – and allow families to continue ranching, leaders with the California Cattlemen’s Association began looking for solutions. The one they settled on was creating a land trust similar to one ranchers in Colorado had formed a few years previously.

    The plan worked. Today, the California Rangeland Trust is the state’s largest statewide land trust. The owners of 84 properties totaling 377,434 acres have voluntarily sold or donated their development rights – an area equivalent to the cities of Los Angeles and Sacramento combined. And the amount of acreage continues to grow. In fact, by the end of this year – the organization’s silver anniversary – the Rangeland Trust could have an even 100 conservation easements established, said Alyssa Rolen, the trust’s communications director.

    Rolen said there are many reasons why a ranching family would be interested in establishing a conservation easement.

    “There’s satisfaction in knowing that regardless of what happens in the future, their land will remain working open range land,” Rolen said. “There are also financial benefits when they sell the development rights, which many do.”

    While the bulk of the Rangeland Trust’s funding comes from state and federal conservation grants, the nonprofit also receives crucial private-sector funding, which Rolen said has been a big help in recent years. The group’s major fundraising event is its A Western Affair, which takes place every other year. This year’s event was held in May at Yolo Land and Cattle in Esparto. Farm Credit organizations with operations in California have come together annually to sponsor the gala since 2011.

    “As Farm Credit partners with farmers and ranchers to grow the future, we stay rooted in our mission-based, farmer-owned legacy, which focuses on serving our customers and communities,” said Regional Marketing Manager Jacob DeBoer with American AgCredit. “We are committed to helping preserve and protect California’s rich ranching and farming resources, both through customized financial solutions—and by partnering with nonprofit organizations like Rangeland Trust.”

    Nearly 400 people attended this year’s event, which raised $360,000. Rolen said a highlight was a resolution from Rep. John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, recognizing its contributions to the Golden State for the past 25 years. It was appropriate because in 1998, Garamendi and his family were the first ranchers in California to dedicate their development rights to the trust.

    In addition, the Trust debuted the film trailer for its upcoming documentary Just Can’t See Them From the Road, which attempts to connect people back to where their food comes from and show viewers why keeping ranchers ranching matters for everyone. The film screened at film festivals this summer with private screenings beginning this fall and through next year. (You can view the trailer and get more information here. https://rangelandtrust.org/fromtheroad/)

    Kevin Ralph, California State President at AgWest Farm Credit, said the Rangeland Trust’s work to preserve rangeland is vital.

    “The Rangeland Trust works with ranchers interested in preserving their land to enter into voluntary legal agreements that permanently limit uses of the land to protect its conservation values,” Ralph said. “The landowners retain many of their rights, including the right to own and use the land, sell it and pass it on to their heirs. As most ranches are family-owned, that is a major incentive because limiting estate taxes helps ensure that the property can be passed down to the next generation.”

    Farm Credit organizations supporting the Rangeland Trust are AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit and CoBank. These organizations are part of the nationwide Farm Credit System – the largest provider of credit to U.S. agriculture.

    Rolen stressed that the Rangeland Trust doesn’t actively seek properties.

    “We don’t contact landowners – they come to us,” Rolen said. “Easements may not be a solution for all ranching families, but we’re always open to having those discussions with ranchers who are interested. We work with the landowner to figure out what works best for them.”

    The benefits of preserving rangeland go far beyond the ranching community. Rolen said 62% of the state’s open space consists of rangeland, 67% of the state’s endangered species spend part of their lives on private rangeland and 85% of the state’s water runs over rangeland.

    “Rangeland is critical to air quality, water quality, wildlife habitats and local food supplies. We believe in protecting rangeland and the life it sustains,” she said.

    Protected parcels range from a 30-acre parcel in the Livermore area that protects the endangered California tiger salamander to the 80,000-acre Hearst Ranch in San Luis Obispo County that surrounds the famed Hearst Castle.

    “The owners of the 30-acre parcel were close to losing the ranch because of an estate tax burden and a huge debt. Because of the conservation easement, the owners were able to keep it in ranching,” Rolen said. “And the Hearst family has been quoted as saying that the coastline along Highway 1 could have looked like Malibu because of the opportunities for development, but now, with the conservation easement, it will never be developed and will remain beautiful open space forever.”

    While the goal is to finish the year with 100 ranches with conservation easements, Rolen said there are more than 90 ranches representing over 200,000 acres on their waiting list, awaiting funding.

    “We know we won’t stop after we reach that milestone because there is still a lot more work to do. Our goal is to help as many families stay on the land as possible because their stewardship benefits all Californians,” she said.

    About Farm Credit: 

    AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit and CoBank are cooperatively owned lending institutions providing agriculture and rural communities with a dependable source of credit. For more than 100 years, the Farm Credit System has specialized in financing farmers, ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives, rural utilities and agribusinesses. Farm Credit offers a broad range of loan products and financial services, including long-term real estate loans, operating lines of credit, equipment and facility loans, cash management and appraisal and leasing services…everything a “growing” business needs. For more information, visit www.farmcreditalliance.com

    About the Rangeland Trust:

    Founded in 1998 by a group of ranchers determined to safeguard rangeland agriculture and the natural ecosystems stewarded, California Rangeland Trust is the only rancher-led land trust in California. Over the last 25 years, the organization has permanently protected more than 377,000 acres of open rangeland to provide clean air and water, carbon sequestration, vibrant habitat for wildlife and healthy foods that all Californians rely upon. California Rangeland Trust is a 501 (c)(3) organization headquartered in Sacramento, Calif., dedicated to serving the land, people and wildlife by conserving California’s working rangelands. For more information, visit www.rangelandtrust.org

  • Minimize Potential Sudden Autumn Freeze Damage in Walnut

    Damage from a sudden autumn freeze can occur when trees experience freezing temperatures prior to going into dormancy. With sudden autumn freeze damage occurring in three of the last five years, preparing for these freeze events needs to be a regular part of every walnut grower’s summer and fall orchard operations. The best approach to escape damage from a fall freeze is to have frost alarms ready and turned on by October 15, completely rehydrate trees after harvest, and actively irrigate during frost events.

    Left: Withhold irrigation until a terminal vegetative bud sets on the trunk. Right: After a severe freeze event cut into the southwest-facing trunk, looking for dark brown discoloration of the cambium. (Photos: Janine Hasey)

    Steps to prepare:

      1. Tender new growth is most vulnerable to freeze damage: prevent trees from pushing late-season growth by cutting off N applications by mid-August (young trees) or early September (mature trees).
      2. For young trees, withhold irrigation starting in early to mid-September, waiting to resume irrigation until after a terminal bud (left photo) is set on the trunk. After the terminal bud has set, resume irrigation to avoid tree stress and defoliation. For bearing trees, terminal buds usually set as a side effect of the water cutoff done ahead of harvest.
      3. Keep groundcovers cut to 2 inches or less starting in mid-October. This allows sunlight to reach the soil surface, storing heat for a warmer orchard through the night.
      4. Rehydrate trees immediately after harvest, and actively monitor soil moisture and freeze predictions (usually from mid-October through December) until trees are acclimated to frost (see note below). Trees with adequate soil moisture are better able to withstand low temperatures without damage than trees in dry soil. This is because water-filled spaces in the soil conduct and store more heat than empty airspaces. If a freeze is predicted and the soil is dry, it should ideally be wetted 2 to 3 days before a freeze event. Light irrigation to moisten a dry soil surface the morning before a frost will help obtain the greatest heat storage for re-radiation at night (if there is no ponding going into the freeze event).
      5. Some growers with the ability to actively irrigate during sudden autumn freeze events have reported great success in preventing damage. We know from work in almonds that active frost protection can achieve as much as 4 degrees of warming with solid set, 1-2 degrees with micro-sprinkler, and maybe even some benefit running a drip system.

    When do you no longer have to worry about preparing for the next freeze?

    Fully dormant mature healthy trees can tolerate temperatures to the low 20’s (°F) or below. We believe walnuts acclimate by having the first mild frost events in autumn with lows near or just below 32° F. However, we do not know how many mild freezes are required to acclimate trees in autumn. If the soil is dry ahead of the third, fourth, and maybe additional freeze events – it’s better to irrigate and be safe if you can do so. In addition, consider keeping up your freeze response program longer into fall or early winter for younger orchards with lots of current season’s growth.

    If you suspect freeze damage occurred, cut into the branches shortly after the freeze event and check the tissue for drying or browning (right photo). Sunburn after freeze can further damage tissue on the southwest side of the tree. Paint the southwest side of damaged trees with 50% diluted (1:1 water to paint) white interior latex paint. Painting up to a week after the freeze event can reduce additional damage by half or more. You can learn more about freeze recovery in our article 2020 Walnut Freeze: Road to Recovery.

    — By Luke Milliron, UCCE Farm Advisor Butte, Glenn, and Tehama Counties; Jaime Ott, Orchard Systems Advisor, Tehama, Shasta, Glenn, and Butte Counties; Janine Hasey, UCCE Farm Advisor Emerita; and Joe Connell, UCCE Farm Advisor Emeritus

  • Managing Salty Soils and Water

    Almond Board of California — Salinity poses a significant challenge to almond growers in certain areas and can greatly impact the performance of an orchard over time, costing producers in lost income. According to Mae Culumber, nut crop advisor from the University of California Cooperative Extension, almond trees are salt-sensitive and understanding soil salt levels and water sources become crucial even before planting an orchard.

    Mae Culumber, UCCE Fresno County Nut Crops Advisor

    There are two types of salt stress that impact almond trees — osmotic stress and specific iron toxicity. “It’s important to know the type of problem that you’re dealing with, particularly when you have a change in water source, to know what the composition of salts is,” Culumber said.

    Osmotic stress arises from salt accumulation, hampering water and nutrient uptake, leading to reduced vigor and early yield loss. If salt accumulates over time, specific iron toxicity becomes evident, causing the tree to absorb salts and accumulate in the roots, resulting in necrotic leaves. This damages the tree’s ability to photosynthesize and nourish developing kernels.

    Culumber said maintaining a balance between salinity and amendments is essential and regular soil sampling helps decide between water or soil applied amendments. “Annual sampling is recommended for the soil, and we want to sample at both depth and the top zero to three inches,” Culumber said. “That will help us decide whether or not we’re going to use water applied or soil applied amendments.”

    A newly introduced management guide provides insight into different salt types, their impacts on almonds and sources of stress. The Salinity Management Guide for Almonds, written by Culumber and co-produced by the Almond Board of California and UC ANR, simplifies complex calculations, and helps growers develop customized strategies based on their soil and water analyses.

    “The guide tries to break it down into individual steps and tell you exactly what measurements that you need from those soil and water analysis to make those calculations. We tried to make a complicated subject of calculating these amendments into something that everyone can do based on looking at that information.”

    This comprehensive guide offers a solution-driven approach to tackling salinity issues, empowering almond growers to make informed decisions and implement effective strategies for successful yields. The resource is available in a physical copy that can be ordered through ABC’s Grower Resources order form, and as a downloadable PDF on Almonds.com.

  • New Technology to Quickly Assess Nitrogen Status of Grapevines

    Want to speed up the grapevine nitrogen sampling and testing process in your vineyard?  Watch this brief interview featuring Alireza Pourreza, an Associate Professor at UC Davis, who shares that it can now be done effectively using remote sensing from above the vineyard. Read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor the U.S Department of Agriculture for their industry support.

  • California FFA Foundation 5K Event Coming Oct. 8-14

    The California FFA Foundation (“FFA”) is thrilled to announce that Molina Healthcare of California (“Molina”) will serve as the presenting sponsor of the highly-anticipated 5K for FFA event. The event, aimed at promoting health and wellness among alumni, supporters, and more than 100,000 California FFA members, will take place October 8-14, 2023.

    Now in its third year, the 5K for FFA was initially conceived during the pandemic as a way to foster connection and community-building among FFA members, agricultural teachers, families, and alumni. While the event remains virtual and flexible to accommodate individual participants, it has grown to include 5Ks on school campuses, community-wide running events, and wellness fairs.

    “We are thrilled to have Molina join us as the presenting sponsor of the 5K for FFA,” stated California FFA Foundation Executive Director Matt Patton. “Their commitment to the health and well-being of individuals aligns perfectly with the goals of our event. We sincerely appreciate their support and enthusiasm, and we are excited to work together in making this year’s 5K for FFA a tremendous success.”

    “Molina shares California FFA Foundation’s dedication to improving the lives of individuals across the state,” said Abbie Totten, plan president of Molina Healthcare of California. “We’re proud to partner with an organization focused on developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture while supporting health and wellness in our local communities.”

    Leading up to the race, participants can expect a series of weekly challenges, engaging activities, and motivational content shared on social media platforms. The 5K for FFA is an incredible opportunity for individuals and communities across California to come together, prioritize their health, and support local FFA programs. Participants can choose their own 5K route and complete the race at their own pace and convenience, allowing for a flexible andinclusive experience.

    For more information about the 5K for FFA and to register, please visit https://5kforffa.itsyourrace.com/ or follow California FFA on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

    About Molina Healthcare of California
    Molina Healthcare of California has been providing government-funded care for over 40 years. The Company serves members through Medi-Cal, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals) and Covered California (Marketplace). Molina’s service areas include Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Orange County, and Imperial counties. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 5.3 million members as of March 31, 2023. For more information about Molina Healthcare of California, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.

    About the California FFA Foundation
    California FFA Foundation serves more than 100,000 California students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through educational education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

  • Fresno Madera Farm Credit and CoBank Announce $30,000 Donation to Central California Food Bank

    Fresno Madera Farm Credit and CoBank have jointly announced a $30,000 donation to Central California Food Bank’s Feeding Families Fund Drive. The donation will provide over 180,000 meals to rural residents of Central California, many of whom have limited access to full-service grocery stores and have been severely impacted by the rising cost of food.

    “With the challenge of rising food costs, we greatly appreciate the support from businesses like Fresno Madera Farm Credit as we work to feed more than 300,000 people per month,” said Kym Dildine, co-CEO for Central California Food Bank. “Thanks to this generous contribution, we can continue addressing the growing demand for food access in Central California.”

    The $30,000 donation was made possible by a matched donation from CoBank, Fresno Madera Farm Credit’s funding bank, which matched its $15,000 local contribution.

    “Fresno Madera Farm Credit’s partnership with the Central California Food Bank reflects our shared commitment to making a positive impact in Central Valley communities,” said Claire Trudo, senior relationship manager in CoBank’s Farm Credit Banking Group. “We are proud to support Fresno Madera’s unwavering commitment to Central California Food Banks’ mission.

    Fresno Madera Farm Credit timed its donation to coincide with the Feeding Families Fund Drive, which offered a 50% match from GAR Bennett for all contributions. The staff at Fresno Madera Farm Credit also volunteered Friday to help the food bank collect donations outside The Market grocery store on Herndon and West, resulting in a one-day total of over $614,000 with the GAR Bennett match.

    “There are many ways we can all support the communities in our area – we’ve always understood that addressing food insecurity is one of the best ways to fulfill this responsibility – so, we take great pride in our nine-year partnership with the Central California Food Bank,” said Fresno Madera Farm Credit CEO Keith Hesterberg. “Inflation and high interest rates have created challenges for everyone in our community and we appreciate the leadership role the food bank has played in creating visibility around food insecurity and how we can all have an impact.”

    About Fresno Madera Farm Credit:

    Founded in 1917, Fresno Madera Farm Credit is a farmer-owned cooperative and a proud member of the national Farm Credit System.  Located in one of the most productive agricultural areas in the world, FMFC provides credit and financial services to farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses that grow, process, and market over 350 commodities that are shipped all over the United States, and the world. For more information about FMFC please visit fmfarmcredit.com, and for more information about the Farm Credit System, visit www.farmcredit.com.

    About CoBank:

    CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 76,000 farmers, ranchers, and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure, and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S., and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

  • Over 70% of Farmers Report Large Impacts of Climate Change on their Farm, Global Study Reveals

    The “Farmer Voice” survey reveals the challenges facing farmers around the world as they try to mitigate the impacts of climate change and adapt for the future.

    71% of farmers say that climate change already has a large impact on their farm, and even more are worried about the impact this will have in the future. 73% have experienced increasing pest and disease pressure. On average farmers estimate that their incomes had reduced by 15.7% due to climate change in the past two years. One in six farmers even identifies income losses of over 25% during this period.

    These are some of the key findings from the “Farmer Voice” survey, published today, which reveals the challenges facing farmers around the world as they try to mitigate the impacts of climate change and adapt for the future. To conduct the “Farmer Voice”, life science company Bayer commissioned an agency to independently interview 800 farmers globally, representing farms large and small from Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine, and the United States in equal numbers.

    Farmers expect the repercussions of climate change to continue. Three-quarters of them globally (76%) are worried about the impact that climate change will have on their farm, with farmers in Kenya and India most concerned.

    Rodrigo Santos, Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG and President of the Crop Science Division, commented: “Farmers are already experiencing the adverse effects of climate change on their fields and at the same time they play a key role in tackling this huge challenge. This is why it is so important to put their voice front and center. The losses reported in this survey make the direct threat climate change poses to global food security crystal clear. In the face of a growing world population, the results must be a catalyst for efforts to make agriculture regenerative.”

    Economic challenges are compounding farmer pressures

    While climate change is a dominant overarching theme, economic challenges are the biggest priority over the next three years. Over half (55%) of farmers placed fertilizer costs among the top three challenges, followed by energy costs (47%), price and income volatility (37%), and the cost of crop protection (36%). The importance of fertilizer costs becomes most apparent in Kenya, India, and Ukraine.

    In Ukraine, 70% of farmers named fertilizer costs as one of the top three challenges, showing that the concrete materialized consequences of the war pose big pressures on farmers in the country. In addition, 40% named general disruption due to the war as a top challenge. Apart from that Ukrainian farmers share many of the same characteristics of their global peers, for example more than three-quarters (77%) state that climate change has already largely impacted their farm.

    Farmers are taking steps to mitigate climate change and value innovation

    More than 80% of surveyed farmers are already taking or planning to take steps to apply measures that contribute to reducing greenhouse gases. The top focus areas are using cover crops (43% do so already or intend to do so), using renewable energy or biofuels (37%) and using innovative seeds to reduce fertilizer or crop protection use (33%). Alongside this, every single farmer surveyed claims to already apply or plans to apply measures to help biodiversity. Over half (54%) say they already apply measures to protect insects, such as insect hotels, or plan to do so in the next three years.

    To be ready for the future, farmers value innovation. Over half (53%) of them say access to seeds and traits designed to better cope with extreme weather would most benefit their farm. A similar number (50%) called for better crop protection technology. 42% said that better access to irrigation technology would benefit their farm. Looking at their practices, improving efficient land use, diversifying crops, and better soil health were ranked as the most important routes to success.

    Spotlight: Indian smallholder farmers are focused on mitigating risk

    In addition to the global survey where farmers were interviewed independently, Bayer interviewed 2,056 Indian smallholder farmers from its customer base. It is a unique glimpse into the perspectives of smallholders who are key to securing the world’s food supply. Currently, their biggest challenges are high labor and fertilizer costs. Yet they are also impacted by climate change: Many of them expect reduced crop yields (42%) and higher pest pressures because of changing weather (31%). Unlike large-scale growers, the smallholders interviewed in India are focused on mitigating risks, prioritizing financial security through insurance (26%) and infrastructure (21%).

    When asked about the future, 60% said they would benefit most from access to digital technologies and modern crop protection. Despite all the challenges, Indian smallholders remain optimistic: 8 in every 10 farmers feel positive about the future of farming.

    The survey results are a valuable indicator of smallholder priorities and needs in India, contributing to Bayer’s smallholder farming strategy with the goal to support 100 million smallholders by 2030. In 2022, the company reached 52 million with its products and services.

    Farmers agree on global challenges

    Overall, the “Farmer Voice” survey shows that farmers around the world largely share a common view about the challenges of today and the prospects for the future. While there are slight differences between countries, the overarching issues of climate change and economic pressures are of similar concern to all.

    “Farmers are facing multiple and related challenges. But despite this, we found that they are hopeful – almost three-quarters say they feel positive about the future of farming in their country,” said Rodrigo Santos. “This is impressive and encouraging. The views expressed by farmers in the report need to be widely seen and understood. They are a call to action for the entire food system to innovate, collaborate, and deliver the solutions farmers need – and we as Bayer are eager to play a leading role in these efforts. There is little time to waste.”

    The Farmer Voice is a survey among 800 farmers equally split between Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, Kenya, Ukraine, and the United States. The survey was conducted independently by Kekst CNC. Farmers were selected randomly from each market. The respondents did not know that the survey was being conducted on behalf of Bayer until it was complete, and Bayer had no input on the sample selection. Interviews took place between April and July 2023. Additionally, 2,056 smallholder farmers in India were surveyed with a shortened questionnaire. These farmers were associated with the Better Life Farming ecosystem, farmers of Bayer-supported Farmer Producer Organizations, and farmers enrolled in Bayer’s Sustainable Rice Program. These interviews were conducted between May and June 2023.

    The Farmer Voice report is available at: www.bayer.com/en/agriculture/farmer-voice

    About Bayer

    Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

  • Valadao Introduces Bill to Expand Access to Fresh Produce

    On September 21, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to introduce H.R. 5589, the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill establishes a new mechanism for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase a wide variety of U.S.-grown fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to those in need.

    “We need to ensure our food insecure residents in the Central Valley have access to the fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables we grow right in our own backyard,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill not only helps our neighbors in need, but it also helps our domestic agriculture sector by ensuring the produce they grow is being put to good use. I’m proud to join my colleagues to introduce this bipartisan bill that will strengthen our agriculture economy and make fresh produce more widely available to those in need.”

    “Far too many families across the United States do not have readily available access to high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “The USDA’s Commodity Procurement program buys more than $3 billion in domestically produced foods annually and helps drive important reforms across our food system. That is why I am introducing the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act with Senator Sherrod Brown and Congressman David Valadao. This will allow our diverse local and regional supply chains the opportunity to distribute U.S.-grown fresh produce to those in need.”

    “Improving access to local fruits and vegetables is a win-win for Ohio farmers and residents,” said Senator Brown. “Not only does this bill make it easier for Ohio residents to access local produce, but it will also help create shorter American supply chains, ensuring Ohio small family farmers and businesses keep more of their money in their community.”

    Background:

    On average, USDA directly purchases more than $2 billion annually of domestic commodities to redistribute to feeding sites around the country. Today, only five fresh produce commodities are available within the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) catalog, accounting for just under $6.5 million of purchases. While USDA added a fresh produce box in 2021, it has had limited uptake due to constraints to the current program that limit the variety of fresh produce that can be included. The Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act seeks to address the shortcomings of the current program to make a wider variety of produce available to organizations serving food insecure populations.

    The Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act would:

    • Provide USDA with an additional tool to partner with existing growers and fresh produce distributors to procure a greater amount of fresh fruits and vegetables
    • Distribute U.S.-grown fresh fruits and vegetables to local food banks, schools, youth-serving organizations, tribal governments, and other nonprofit community members serving nutrition insecure populations.
    • Strengthen access to a wide variety of U.S.-grown fresh fruits and vegetables to recipients in need by including at least seven types of U.S.-grown fresh fruits in vegetables to vulnerable communities living in poverty.
    • Provide opportunities for a wider variety of high-quality produce sourced, packed, and distributed from growers and distributors of all sizes, including veteran, women-owned, and socially disadvantaged members of the agriculture community.

  • Farmher Announces Impact Summit Event For Women In Ag

    FarmHer, Inc. is pleased to announce The Impact Summit by FarmHer, a one-day conference this November focused on empowering and impacting women in agriculture for the purpose of connection, collaboration, and personal development. From the field to the boardroom, to the classroom, senate floor, and more, this event is for any woman passionate about self-development and shining a light on women in agriculture.  Attendees will be able to connect with some of the most influential individuals and brands in agriculture and learn tangible takeaways needed to succeed, no matter what type of FarmHer they may be.  The event will be held in Ankeny, Iowa, just outside Des Moines, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 8am-4pm CT at the FFA Enrichment Center.

    “The goal of the Impact Summit by FarmHer is to inspire women, provide insight, and build authentic relationships with other FarmHers,” said Raquel Gottsch Koehler, Owner + CEO of FarmHer, Inc.  “I am looking forward to discussing challenges, ideas, and opportunities on ways we can all work together to broaden our impact on women in agriculture.  I love a great day surrounded by inspirational ladies, and I hope everyone who attends leaves with a little more pep in their boots as we head into the end of the year.”

    Through a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists, the Impact Summit by FarmHer allows attendees to connect and learn ways to help them succeed in today’s world of ag. Tara Vander Dussen, podcaster and environmental consultant, will be the keynote speaker of the Impact Summit by FarmHer followed by several afternoon breakout sessions around topics ranging from finance to diversity, marketing, and branding.

    “I am so looking forward to attending the Impact Summit by FarmHer this fall and connecting with other ag women across the country! said Tara Vander Dussen. “And I am honored to have been selected as the keynote speaker for the Summit. My hope is to leave the FarmHer attendees inspired by how agriculture is uniquely positioned to be a key player in the discussions around sustainability.”

    TICKETS: Tickets for the Impact Summit by FarmHer are on sale now.  Tickets are $85 and may be purchased by visiting https://summit.farmher.com/.  Only a limited number of tickets are available, so attendees are encouraged to purchase early. A discount is available for companies or individuals who purchase 10 tickets or more.

    For more information about The Impact Summit by FarmHer, please visit: https://summit.farmher.com/

    The Impact Summit by FarmHer is presented by Nationwide.

    Additional sponsors include Bayer, Osmundson Manufacturing, Midwest Dairy, United Soybean Board, Iowa Pork Producers, Association, RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, The Cowgirl Channel and Rural Radio on Sirius XM.

    AGENDA

     
    8:00am  Breakfast & Registration

     

    9:00am Welcome & Opening Remarks
    “Celebrating 10 Years of Impacting Women in Agriculture”
      Raquel Gottsch Koehler, Owner + CEO of FarmHer, Inc.

     

     

    9:15am Keynote Speaker
    “Agriculture and Sustainability: The Future of Our Food System”
      Tara Vander Dussen, Podcaster and Environmental Consultant

     

    10:30am Breakout Sessions

     

    11:30am Branding Session Speaker
    “Branding and Digital Strategy”
      Jodi Oleen, Digital Strategist

     

    12:00pm Lunch (sponsored by Osmundson Manufacturing)

     

    12:45pm Breakout Sessions

     

    1:45pm Panel Discussion
      “Your Path to Becoming a FarmHer”
      Moderator:  Kirbe Schnoor, new FarmHer TV host
      Dr. Olga Bolden Tiller, Dean & Research Director at Tuskegee University
      Crystal Blinn, Entrepreneur and blogger
      United Soybean Board representative

     

    2:45pm Final Speaker
      Lexi Marek Beeler, Entrepreneur and Consultant

     

    3:15pm Networking (presented by Bayer)
      Followed by a happy hour and the FarmHer Market.

     

    Breakout Sessions
    • “How to Grow Your Business with Local Influencer Marketing”
    Emily Steele, CEO and Cofounder of The Hummingbirds
    • “Handling Finance in Your Business”
    Janey Stahl, Fractional CFO and Business Coach
    • “Improving Diversity Within Your Company”
    Rhonda Burns, Nationwide’s AVP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    About FarmHer, Inc:

    FarmHer, Inc. is the parent company to FarmHer and RanchHer, two lifestyle brands focused on shining a light on women in agriculture. Women who love the land, care for their community, and feed the people.   Since its beginning in 2013, FarmHer, Inc. has featured over 350 FarmHers and RanchHers, and operates a diverse portfolio including television, photography, events, social media, blogs, and merchandise.  FarmHer, Inc. is part of the Rural Media Group family, which includes television networks RFD-TV, The Cowboy Channel, and The Cowgirl Channel, along with radio network Rural Radio on Sirius XM 147.

    For more information, please visit www.farmher.com and www.ranchher.com.

    Follow FarmHer on social media platforms @farmher1

    Follow RanchHer on social media platforms @ranchherTV