California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Dairy Orgs Praise H-2A Guidance for Dairy Operations

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have released statements supporting the Trump Administration’s recent guidance clarifying how dairy operations my use the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program when they can demonstrate a qualifying temporary or seasonal labor need under existing laws.

    “IDFA appreciates President Trump’s commitment to advancing a workforce solution that recognizes the unique needs of America’s dairy industry,” IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes said on June 17. “Today’s announcement makes the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program a more viable tool for dairy producers, who have had no way to participate in a program designed primarily for seasonal agriculture.”

    “Dairy farmers appreciate the new clarification released by the Trump administration outlining how dairy operations may use the H-2A agricultural worker program. The dairy industry has long sought access to the H-2A program, and this guidance will help open the door for dairies to begin using this program,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “We applaud secretaries Rollins and Mullin and acting Secretary Sonderling for their proactive leadership on this issue and look forward to learning more about these important new changes.”

    In its guidance, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that the policy memorandum in no way imposes new obligations on employers submitting H-2A petitions, ensuring the USCIS will handle petitions on a case-by-case basis.

    “NMPF pledges to work with both Congress and the administration to secure long-term certainty for the dairy workforce, including solutions to transition to H-2A, which will ensure that dairies across the nation are set up to thrive, boosting rural communities and providing Americans and the world with high-quality, nutritious products,” Doud said.

  • Dairy heifer inventories to remain low before rebounding in 2027

    The U.S. dairy herd has reached its largest size in 30 years, but one critical subset of the herd — replacement heifers that represent the next generation of milk cows — remains historically low. The number of heifers available to enter the milking herd has fallen sharply, dropping to the lowest level since 1978. The decline comes as strong financial incentives are prompting dairy farmers to produce calves destined for the beef supply rather than milk production.

    According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, replacement heifer supplies are projected to shrink even further in 2026 before beginning to rebound in 2027. With replacements in short supply, producers are retaining adult dairy cows that would have typically been culled, contributing to the overall increase in the U.S. dairy herd. At the same time, producers are making more beef-on-dairy calves, further tightening dairy replacement heifer supplies. This has pushed heifer prices into record territory, well over $3,000 per head.

    “On most dairy farms, net margins are currently being driven by the beef check, not the milk check,” said Corey Geiger, lead dairy economist with CoBank. “Five years ago, calf and cull cow sales accounted for 5% of a dairy farm’s bottom line while milk sales represented 95% of their revenue. Today, beef sales account for 12% to 15% of revenue on many farms, with some operations approaching 20% when measured on a per hundredweight basis. That shift is reshaping the U.S. dairy herd, most notably through the decline in replacement heifers.”

    CoBank’s modeling indicates that dairy replacements entering the milking herd between last year and this year are shrinking by a combined 796,000 head, followed by a rebound of 360,200 head in 2027 and 2028. The projections are based on semen sales data from the National Association of Animal Breeders and assume average annual rates of conception, pregnancy loss and other key reproductive measures.

    Strong consumer demand for high‑quality protein has placed dairy farmers in a unique position to capture growing revenue streams from both beef and milk sales. However, the timing of those revenue streams differs significantly. Raising dairy replacements requires a two‑year investment, while selling beef‑on‑dairy cross calves provides immediate income.

    The economic incentive for dairy farmers to produce more calves destined for the beef supply is rooted in the historic contraction in the U.S. beef cattle herd, which currently stands at a 75-year low. Tight beef supplies and strong demand have driven beef cattle prices to record highs, prompting dairy farmers to dramatically increase their use of beef semen. In 2025, 82.7% of all U.S. beef semen units were purchased by dairy operations.

    Dairy farmers are increasingly using gender‑sorted semen, genomics and beef‑on‑dairy strategies to optimize breeding for both production and profitability. Semen purchases have consolidated into two primary categories: gender‑sorted dairy semen for producing replacement heifers and beef semen for producing beef‑on‑dairy calves. From 2020 to 2025, beef‑on‑dairy semen sales rose 62%, and gender‑sorted semen sales increased 53.6%. Meanwhile, conventional dairy semen sales fell 47.4%.

    Abbi Prins, agricultural commodities economist with CoBank, said the surge in beef semen sales to dairy farmers in 2023 will continue to suppress replacement heifer inventories this year due to the three-year biological cycle from conception to first calving.

    “Our modeling shows 438,800 fewer replacement heifers entering dairy herds this year. That trend will begin to reverse in 2027 with 285,400 dairy replacements projected to enter the milking herd. Over time, we expect dairy farmers will continue rebalancing their breeding programs to optimize production for both beef and dairy markets. But dairy will continue to play a significant role in the beef supply for the foreseeable future, as rebuilding the beef cattle herd will take several years.”

    Read the report, Dairy replacements should begin a slow rebuild in 2027 and 2028. — Story contributed by CoBank

  • Hillari Bynum Promoted to Senior Position at DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance

    DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance recently announced the promotion of Hillari Bynum to Senior Director, Growth and Innovation. In this newly expanded leadership role, Hillari will oversee the organization’s growth-focused functions, including business development, marketing, customer experience, technology enablement and innovation initiatives.

    “Hillari has consistently demonstrated the ability to look beyond traditional marketing and identify opportunities to strengthen our organization. From relaunching Safe Food California to leading technology initiatives, she has helped modernize how we serve our members and customers,” said Brendan O’Donnell, President and CEO of DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance.

    Reflecting on her new role, Hillari shared, “By combining three teams into one cohesive organization with two clear mandates, we’re creating a stronger, more aligned team that can move faster, innovate more effectively, and deliver greater value to our customers and
    members.”

    — Story contributed by the DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance

  • Plant California Alliance Rebrands as California Association of Nurseries

    The Board of Directors of the California nursery industry organization formerly known as Plant California Alliance (PCA) recently announced the organization has officially changed its name to the California Association of Nurseries (CAN).

    “California Association of Nurseries is instantly recognizable and clearly communicates who we are and what we do,” said John Keller, Chairman of CAN. “Over the years, we found ourselves continually explaining the Plant California Alliance name, and the acronym ‘PCA’ created confusion within the agricultural community due to its other industry meanings. Returning to California Association of Nurseries brings clarity, continuity, and renewed purpose.”

    Although CAN is a century-old organization, the issues have grown in number and complexity.

    “CAN is playing an active role in California’s multifaceted plastics regulation, working with the state and regional water boards to protect the interests of the nursery industry and has a leadership role in advocating in the State Capitol,” Emily Rooney, Executive Director of CAN said. “It is more important now than ever that the nursery sector is engaged in our statewide policy process.”

    CAN also hired a part-time contractor, Lydia Nattey, to assist with program and grant execution. With more than a decade of combined experience leading workforce development initiatives, grant programs and public affairs efforts, Nattey brings a background in managing initiatives that support industry growth and community impact.

    The California Association of Nurseries traces its roots back to June 1911, when the organization was founded to address pressing issues facing the nursery industry, including fruit tree nursery stock standards, nursery stock cleanliness, quarantines and inspections.  Today, the California nursery industry is the largest in the nation and together with floriculture accounts for 7.5 percent of the state’s farm sales.

    In 1919, CAN became a founding member of Agricultural Council of California (Ag Council) to strengthen the industry’s advocacy efforts and statewide influence. More than a century later, the organization’s transition to Ag Council management in 2025 represents a “full-circle moment” that further reinforces its mission and leadership within California agriculture.

    While the industry’s challenges continue to evolve, CAN’s mission remains unchanged: advocating for and supporting California nurseries and growers through industry leadership, representation, and member engagement.

    Keller said, “As in 1911, today’s nursery industry needs a strong and unified voice. That is exactly what CAN provides.”

  • Blue Diamond Releases Early June Crop Report

    California’s Central Valley experienced variable weather conditions during May, with wide temperature swings serving as the norm for the period, punctuated by a few days of rain.

    Daily maximum temperatures ranged from the lower 60’s to nearly 100 degrees during the month, while minimum temperatures exhibited more stability, ranging from the lower 40’s on the chilliest mornings to mid-50’s under “balmier” conditions. Brisk winds also blew through the orchards on several days during the month, with sustained speeds at double digit levels and gusts reaching over 20 mph. While skies were clear and dry on the majority of days, late season storms in the opening and closing days of the period brought measurable rain to much of the Central Valley. Rainfall totals were generally limited to a few hundredths of an inch. However, the final storm of the month proved more vigorous. While most areas reported receiving from .25 to .60 inch of rain, a particularly strong cell passing over Yolo County dropped over an inch of rain near the community of Davis.

    May 2026 continued the pattern of late-spring storm systems that began in April. Grower activities were largely focused on vegetation management, fertilization, and irrigation, which was offset by adequate rainfall in some cases. While the wet conditions have increased concerns for fungal infections on the foliage and developing nuts, most growers feel that they have adequate protection provided by previous treatments. The rain events have limited the expansion of web-spinning mites and observers are reporting that the orchards are in generally good condition in all areas of the valley. Areas with the strongest winds experienced some blown-over trees, broken branches, and nut loss. However, losses have been minimal.

    Kernels in all varieties became fully solidified during the month, providing the first confirmation of the crop maturity since the completion of the bloom. There is now strong solidarity that the crop is running approximately 10 days ahead of “normal” in all areas. While June temperatures can influence exact timing, many believe the hull split will follow the current advanced timing, with the split in advanced examples of early maturing varieties expected during the week of June 21.

    As May concludes, many growers were winding down applications of fertilizer materials, and mowing vegetation in the orchard middles to manage the orchard floor in advance of the upcoming harvest. Growers whose orchards have high populations of almond feeding ants have begun the earliest treatments using bait formulations to target them. Some of these materials require several weeks to effectively reduce the ant populations and need to be applied as much as eight weeks prior to harvest.

    Growers and their pest control advisers, (PCAs), have been monitoring orchards for signs of leaffooted plant bugs and stink bugs. Brown spot, the damage resulting from the feeding of these insects on the developing nuts has been increasing for several years. Pheromones have been developed and are being tested in orchards to combat leaffooted plant bugs as PCAs work with university researchers to develop protocols for implementation. Growers have treated increasing populations of these insects where warranted.

    Growers have also begun preparations for hull split treatments to control navel orangeworm (NOW). In anticipation of the advanced timing this year, growers are shifting their attention to spotting the discoloration and splitting of blank nuts at the top of the orchard canopy and along the tree rows at the edge of the orchards. These blanks (nuts that formed a hull and shell but were not fertilized during the bloom and have no kernel) split approximately ten days ahead of the sound nuts that contain almond kernels. These serve as a signal of the approaching hull split. By monitoring the split of blank nuts, growers and their pest control advisers can fine tune treatment timing during the split to optimize control.

    Low and minimal care orchards, as well as abandoned plantings, are present in all areas. Pest management programs have grown complicated for many growers managing plantings near abandoned/low care orchards due to adult NOW moths moving into their orchards to lay eggs on the splitting hulls. Orchard sanitation (the reduction of NOW residing within the orchards) is the foundation of NOW management. NOW adults migrating from nearby sources have created significant financial hardship and mounting frustration for growers in recent years. — Story contributed by Blue Diamond Growers

  • CAWG Foundation Awards $39,000 in Scholarships to Children of California Vineyard Employees

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation is proud to announce the awarding of $39,000 in college scholarships to eight outstanding students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower.

    “These scholarships represent our commitment to supporting the families whose hard work is essential to the success of California’s winegrape industry,” said Craig Ledbetter of Vino Farms, chair of the CAWG Foundation Board of Directors. “We continue to be impressed by the determination, leadership, and academic achievements of our scholarship recipients. Their accomplishments reflect a bright future for their communities and our industry.”

    The CAWG Foundation Board of Directors selects scholarship recipients based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, financial need, and a personal essay outlining each student’s educational goals and aspirations.

    Since launching the scholarship program in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $719,500 to help students

    pursue higher education. The program is funded through the generous support of CAWG members and the

    broader California wine community.

    This year, the Foundation awarded four scholarships to students attending University of California and California State University campuses, three scholarships to students enrolled at California community colleges, and one $1,000 Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship. Established by the Miller family, the Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship supports Central Coast students studying Viticulture or Enology at either Allan Hancock College or California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

    Four-Year University Scholarship Recipients ($2,000)

    Alejandro Jarquin, Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa High School

    Tania Navarrete Rios, Napa, Napa High School

    Hector Rendon, San Miguel, Paso Robles High School

    Luis Ruelas Ramirez, Placerville, El Dorado High School

    Two-Year Community College Scholarship Recipients ($2,000)

    Jimena Espinoza Ceja, Santa Rosa, Elsie Allen High School

    Cristal Gonzalez Abundis, Riverdale, Riverdale High School

    Giselle Torres Gonzalez, Lakeport, Clear Lake High School

    Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship Recipient ($1,000)

    Logan Rose, Lodi, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

    — Story contributed by the California Association of Winegrape Growers

  • New Study to Support Water Quality Protection in the Smith River Plain

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is announcing a new, multi‑year scientific study to better understand how copper concentrations in tributaries of the Smith River Plain may be affecting local fish species and the broader aquatic ecosystem. The study will provide new data to support the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board’s (North Coast Water Board’s) ongoing oversight and water quality protection efforts in the Smith River watershed.

    Beginning this year, DPR will fund a two-year toxicity study led by researchers at Cal Poly Humboldt, using field collected water and laboratory testing to assess potential effects on fish health and behavior, and on sensitive invertebrate species.

    This study responds to questions raised by community members, Tribal representatives and other interested groups about pesticide runoff in the Smith River Plain, where copper fungicides are widely used in lily bulb production. The work will generate additional data needed to better understand copper bioavailability, or how much copper organisms can absorb and how quickly it may have an effect.

    The results of this study will support the North Coast Water Board’s ongoing water quality protection efforts in the Smith River Plain, including development and implementation of waste discharge requirements for lily bulb farming operations (a.k.a. Lily Bulb Order

    (external link)

    ). The study represents a collaboration between the Water Boards and DPR on continued work across both departments to protect the environment and engage with local communities and Tribes.

    The study will initiate in 2026 and is anticipated to conclude in 2028.

    More information on the Smith River Watershed is available on the North Coast Water Board’s website

    (external link)

    . — Story contributed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

  • UC ANR Hosting Berry Production Workshop in SD County

    UC Ag and Natural Resources is hosting a berry production workshop in Escondido. Whether it’s backyard and container-grown production, or commercial, field-grown operations, growers can learn the essentials of cultivating, managing and the economics of growing strawberries, blackberries and blueberries in San Diego County.

    The workshop will cover site selection, planting, irrigation, pest management, harvesting and market considerations for berry production at any scale. Practices, strategies, and challenges for production of strawberries and cane berries

    Issues and strategies for container-grown blueberries in San Diego County. Challenges for commercial, field-grown production of blueberries in San Diego County Economic consideration for berry production, tasting and value-added product development with berries will also be discussed.

    Registration is $40 per person. The deadline is 5 p.m. June 15, or earlier if capacity is reached.

    Day of walk-ups will not be admitted. Registration includes educational materials, continental breakfast and tasting of berries and berry products.

    Registration Link: https://surveys.ucanr.edu/survey.cfm?surveynumber=49412

              

    For questions about registration, contact Lupe Ibarra at (858)822-7711 or llibarra@ucanr.edu. For questions about the program, contact Ramiro Lobo at (858)243-4608 or relobo@ucanr.edu. — Story contributed by UC Ag and Natural Resources

  • CDFA Expands Sweet Orange Scab Quarantine in Southern California

    Effective June, the CDFA is expanding the sweet orange scab (SOS) quarantine boundary in the Artesia area of Los Angeles County and Buena Park area of Orange County (grids 470 and 471). A map of the new boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/sos/regulation.html.

    Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3443. Pursuant to 3 CCR § 3443, any interested party or local entity may appeal a quarantine area designation.

    Process to Appeal the Expanded Boundary

    The appeal must be submitted to the Department in writing and supported by clear and convincing evidence. The appeal must be filed no later than 10 working days from the date of this notification. During the pending of the appeal, the designated quarantine boundary under appeal shall remain in effect.

    Mail Appeals to: CDFA – Citrus Division 1220 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814

    Electronic Notification of Boundary Changes

    California Code of Regulation allows interested parties to be notified of quarantine area boundary changes, as well as the opportunity to submit quarantine boundary appeals. If interested in receiving notifications, please sign up for regulatory updates through the email notification at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new

    For questions regarding the regulations or map, email Raymond Niem (Raymond.Niem@cdfa.ca.gov) or call 916.274.6300. — Story contributed by the California Department of Food and Ag

  • CV-Salts Process Takes an Important Step

    The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board held a hearing on June 3 to consider approval of the Modesto Management Zone Implementation Plan (MZIP) and amendments to water quality permits for operations in the Modesto groundwater subbasin. This action applied to irrigated agriculture, food processors, municipal wastewater treatment plants, bovine feedlots, as well as dairy operations. At the end of the day, the Board approved the resolution as presented by staff without making any changes.

    This was an important step in the CV-Salts process that started almost two decades ago. With this action, the Regional Board officially provided a 35-year exception to meeting the nitrate drinking water standard in groundwater. This was in exchange for permit holders funding replacement drinking water for those whose wells are impacted by nitrates, something that has already been happening in the Modesto Management Zone for about five years. This hearing now sets the stage for the remaining Priority 1 management zones (Turlock, Chowchilla, Kings, Kaweah, and Tule) to move through this same process.

    The 35-year timeline does not mean that permit holders can sit on their hands. There are interim targets that must be met along the way, including those listed below. A new annual reporting tool is being developed to augment the current field-scale nitrogen accounting by adding a whole-farm nitrogen accounting component. It will also be able to show aggregated trends within the individual management zones. These are requirements of the newly adopted MZIP. The Central Valley Dairy Representative Monitoring Program (CVDRMP) is currently working on this tool.

    At 10 years, there is a milestone requiring dairies to achieve a whole-farm nitrogen balance, meaning the nitrogen available in the manure and imported as fertilizer is balanced with what is used by crops and exported off the dairy. A component of this will include a comparison of the amount of nitrogen in lagoon water to the land available to receive lagoon water. This is going to be a heavy lift for many dairies. Continued monitoring along the way will also be required to show that we are actually making progress.

    Overall, this was a positive step for dairies and other permit holders in providing additional time, but the process will also bring new urgency to addressing nitrate issues as local stakeholders work together to identify and address local nitrate sources. The dairy industry has already started this process, with changes rolling out over the next couple of years.

    This should not be confused with a separate process that will soon restart. The State Water Resources Control Board recently sent an email stating that its Remand Order on the Central Valley Water Board’s dairy permit is expected to be released on or around June 15th. The State Board anticipates holding a workshop on July 8th and a hearing to adopt the order on September 15th. Once I have reviewed the Remand Order, I will update our members on its contents and keep you informed as we move through this process.

    These are two separate actions, but there is a common message. Dairy water quality regulations in the Central Valley will be changing, and dairies need to be aware of the changes. Knowing what is coming can help dairies prepare. As always, if you have any questions on these or other environmental issues, please contact me. — By Paul Sousa, Western United Dairies Director of Regulatory & Environmental Affairs