California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • American Pistachio Growers Announces 2026-27 LeadOn Class

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) recently announced its 16th LeadOn pistachio industry leadership class.  Training motivated individuals with vested interest in the success and future of the U.S. pistachio industry, APG has developed this program to prepare the next generation of pistachio industry leaders.

    Jeff Anderson of Meridian Growers serves as the Chair of the LeadOn Committee and shared his enthusiasm for the program. “I believe that this course is going to play a more important role for APG moving forward,” he shared.  “Our purpose is to develop the next generation of APG leaders and introduce them to the inner workings of our brand.  Also, the support team is second to none, and I look forward to the future of the program.  I think we have an excellent class this year.”

    And the plan is working. A number of young LeadOn graduates are now serving as directors on the APG Board.

    Interest in this leadership program has grown tremendously over the years, with the largest class ever having graduated in February 2025.  In order to refine the course and experience, the LeadOn committee determined to make some changes to the program effective last year. “We capped the class at 18 and will remain that size going forward,” Anderson explained.  “We like the smaller and more intimate class size.  Another change is a grading system for each application to make it a little more competitive.  I’m very excited for what’s to come!”

    This year’s LeadOn cohort includes:

    DJ Ellsworth, Meridian Growers

    Jeremy Nugent, Oro Vista Farms, LLC

    Madeline Bollengier, Sharon Naraghi Farms

    Michael Brady, Setton Farms

    Matthew Mattos, Terra West Group/Mattos & Sons

    Lindsey Herman, Primex Farms

    Anthony Jacobo, L&P Pistachio LLC

    Todd Azevedo, Stone Land Company

    Matthew Cardoso, Horizon Nut Company

    Adam Collins, Peacock Nut Co.

    Henry Woolf, Mike Woolf Farming, LLC

    Richard Searle, Cochise Groves

    Mando Perez, Semios

    Krista Tavares, Syngenta

    Valentin Medina, Fuerza Harvesting

    April Taffera, Vestaron Crop Protection

    Joseph Brewer, G3 Enterprises

    Expected to graduate at APG’s 2027 annual Pistachio Industry Conference, this 2026-27 class will meet each month covering topics ranging from pistachio production and processing to marketing, food safety to government relations and advocacy, etc… Learn more about this year’s cohort in the coming issues of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.  The monthly “LeadOn Spotlight” column will highlight each of the class members and their commitment to the future of the pistachio industry, as directed by Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm, an alumni of the program who serves on the LeadOn Committee. Subscribe to receive the monthly publication HERE.

  • California Pear Farmers Call on Retailers to Shift from Imports

    California pear growers are optimistic about the upcoming 2026 season, with an early and abundant harvest expected following a warm spring that accelerated bloom across key growing regions.

    “California pears are always the first to harvest in North America and our season is even earlier this year than normal with harvest anticipated in late June and promotable volume available in early July,” said Chris Zanobini, Executive Director of the California Pear Advisory Board (CPAB).

    “When California comes into the market, they offer consumers the only fresh, locally grown Bartlett pear in the U.S.,” said Zanobini. “California pears are produced by multi-generational family farms who operate under the most stringent regulations in the world to protect people and the environment. We’re looking for support from retailers to kick-start this year’s pear season with early promotions.”

    Zanobini noted that Bartlett pears are the favorite of consumers.  In recent years, Argentina has been exporting increasingly more pears to U.S. retailers in the late Spring.  Since 2016, Argentine exports of fresh pears to the U.S. have increased by 125 percent, directly competing with California Bartlett pears at the start of their season.

    “Last year was especially challenging, with roughly 70 percent of imports arriving in April and May, creating a backlog of inventory as California began harvesting its first pears of the season, said Zanobini. “We are urging retailers to stop importing pears well before California pear harvest begins in July.

    “Retailers should also understand that Argentine exporters sometimes treat pears with the anti-ripening agent, 1-MCP, at post-harvest to prolong shelf life,” explained Zanobini. “This treatment results in pears that don’t ripen, slowing consumer purchases and reducing retail profitability. So, when buying imported pears – or even those from domestic producers — make sure they are not treated with 1-MCP.”

    California growers are committed to delivering a consistently high-quality product.

    “California pear growers have pledged never to use 1-MCP,” Zanobini said. “Instead, we allow Bartlett pears to ripen naturally, ensuring an optimum eating experience for consumers.”

    To support a successful transition to domestic fruit, CPAB recommends retailers phase out offshore pears by late April or early May. The California pear industry is ready to support retailers with promotion and consumer advertising to bring California Pears to light as a great summer fruit. — By the California Pear Advisory Board

  • U.S. Dairy Comments USTR Trade Estimate Report

    The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Consortium for Common Food Names commended USTR for spotlighting persistent trade barriers facing U.S. dairy exporters in the 2026 National Trade Estimate report:

    “Nearly one in every six pounds of milk produced in America is shipped to a customer overseas,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said. “When foreign markets are closed off by bogus restrictions, the pain is felt directly on farms across this country. The administration’s work through reciprocal trade negotiations to knock down these barriers is exactly the kind of advocacy American dairy farmers need, and we are grateful to see it reflected in this report.”

    “The inclusion of dairy trade barriers in this report and the administration’s concrete action to address them through reciprocal trade negotiations sends a clear signal that the United States is serious about opening markets for American dairy exporters,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, said. “Every unnecessary certification requirement dismantled, every unjustified facility registration eliminated, and every market access commitment secured through these agreements is a win for U.S. dairy. We thank the administration for confronting the barriers directly and we look forward to building on that progress.”

    “The EU’s common name confiscation campaign is one of the most cynical trade tactics in the world today, and we are grateful that this administration has made confronting it a priority,” Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN, said. “By documenting the EU’s geographical indications agenda prominently in the NTE Report and pushing back against it in reciprocal trade negotiations, USTR is standing up for American producers of cheeses, wines, meats, and beers. We strongly encourage the administration to keep up the great work.”

    The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more, visit www.nmpf.org.

    The U.S. Dairy Export Council is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. For more, visit www.usdec.org.

    The Consortium for Common Food Names is an independent, international alliance whose goal is to work with leaders in agriculture, trade, and intellectual property rights to foster the adoption of high standards and model geographical indication guidelines throughout the world. Learn more at www.commonfoodnames.com.

  • World Dairy Expo Welcomes Brokish as Sponsorship Manager

    World Dairy Expo® is pleased to welcome Michelle Brokish, Spring Green, Wis., as the organization’s new Sponsorship Manager. In this role, Brokish will cultivate and strengthen relationships with the hundreds of corporate, farm and individual sponsors who support the world’s premier dairy event, while working closely with the Commercial Exhibitor Committee.

    Brokish brings a unique blend of relationship management, organizational expertise and a passion for agriculture to the position. Her professional background as a Quality Engineer and current role in remodeling design have equipped her with strong skills in coordinating complex deliverables, maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring commitments are fulfilled—critical components of successful sponsorship management.

    In addition to her professional experience, Brokish has hands-on involvement in sponsorship coordination through her work with the Badger State Outboard Association, where she helps build partnerships and deliver value to event sponsors. Her ability to communicate effectively, manage multiple priorities and build trust-based relationships will support World Dairy Expo’s continued commitment to sponsor success.

    “I am honored to join World Dairy Expo and contribute to an event that represents so much of what I value—community, agriculture and excellence,” shares Brokish. “I look forward to working with Expo’s dedicated sponsors and building meaningful relationships that support the continued growth and success of this iconic event.”

    “We are excited to welcome Michelle to the World Dairy Expo team,” says Laura Herschleb, WDE General Manager. “Her strong attention to detail, relationship-focused mindset and genuine connection to the dairy industry make her an excellent fit for this role. We look forward to the impact she will have in strengthening our sponsor partnerships.”

    Brokish holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology Management from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and has been actively involved in agricultural organizations and community events, including the Iowa County Dairy Breakfast Committee. Her personal connection to dairy farming further fuels her enthusiasm for the industry and the mission of World Dairy Expo.

    About World Dairy Expo

    Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo is the premier forum for the dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition. The annual event will return to Madison, Wis. September 29 – October 2, 2026. Dairy producers can experience the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, a world-class dairy cattle show, attend seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest and greatest in the industry and connect with other producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook,Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.

  • 10 Tips for Marketing in India

    Sumit Saran of SS Associates — American Pistachio Growers’ liaison in India — shared insights on how to market successfully in India at APG’s recent annual conference.  He pointed out that “India is not easy – it’s very diverse economically and culturally.”

    For instance, on the left side of a money bill, the amount is written in 14 languages.  Most Indians cannot read more than two of them.

    Besides cultural diversity, India has economic and marketing diversity — from traditional street markets to upscale, modern grocery stores. The rich and poor co-exist. Saran described that “India has no artificial corridors of existence. Both poverty and wealth are everywhere.”

    What unites India is a common aspiration for better health, nutrition and education, to create a better tomorrow. To achieve that, Indians are open to change, as shown in their recent transition to smaller family sizes.

    So far, though, India still has a young population.  About 60% of its people are under age 35, compared to only 34% in that range in the U.S.  The total population is 1.4 billion. Together, Indians have a strong economy that is resilient to global turmoil. People are highly connected and willing to spend, so new products can gain popularity due to a ripple effect even without promotions. In spite of some anti-import voices, imported foods have gone from niche to mainstream.

    Retail is also changing rapidly, especially the addition of “quick commerce” in which products arrive by motorcycle within 10 minutes of ordering.  Already underway in 300 cities, this year 55,000 metric tons were sold this way.  Saran was pleased to see that when he ordered coffee and pistachios by quick commerce, the pistachios arrived first.   

    Saran provided 10 simple mantras for discovering the pot of gold in India:

    • Troubles will not go away, so accept them.
    • India is on the move.  A new product may be slow to start but become unstoppable.
    • There is always room in India.
    • Indians are not necessarily price conscious, but they are value conscious — perfect for pistachios.
    • Define your niche in India and then target it.
    • Establish partnerships.
    • Don’t let one bad experience ruin the whole bunch.
    • It’s not just about the investment — it’s about involvement.
    • Have a long-term plan.  Remember that bamboo stays at four inches in height for four years, but in its fifth year it grows six feet per day.
    • Myths and realities are different.  “Indians are bad payers” — false.  “The cold chain is lacking” — false.  “Retail is lacking” — false.  “It’s too far away” — false; it is just an overnight plane ride.  “It’s too hot and the traffic is bad” — this is true.

    Pistachio marketing has a big boost from India’s top cricket player, Jasprit Bumrah, who is promoting pistachios to his 20 million social media followers as well as on signs and on TV.  He exemplifies the India that is young and interested in premium nutrition.

    Saran surmised, “The demand is rising — we can create something lasting.”   — By Nancy Power, Assistant Editor

    Star cricket player Jasprit Bumrah is promoting pistachios in India. Photo contributed by SS Associates

  • Growers Experience ‘Early and Fast’ Almond Bloom

    The 2026 post-bloom period has been typified by a lack of precipitation and summer-like temperatures throughout California’s central valley. Readings have run 10 to 20 degrees above seasonal norms, making the final days of winter feel more like summer. Daily maximum temperatures rose dramatically from the upper 70’s at the start of the period, reaching into the upper 80‘s and mid 90’s, setting new records on several days. Morning lows followed the trend set by the daily maximum values, rising from the low 40’s to upper 50’s and lower 60’s before settling back into mid-50’s by the end of the month.

    The 2026 bloom presented growers with several challenges and several contradictions. The bloom is best characterized as “early and fast.” While the winter months provided just enough hours below 45 degrees to support dormancy, the chilling was by no means “deep chilling”. This is best demonstrated by the fact that there were no frosty mornings until the first week of January in nearly all areas of the central valley. Elevated temperatures during the bloom pushed flower development at a very high pace and inclement weather eliminated bee activity within the orchards for five days during the peak of bloom. Considering the bloom by itself, it is hard to imagine a crop larger than what was produced in 2025, and growers are reporting quite a bit of variation in their apparent crop loads.

    While the bloom had its share of issues, post-bloom conditions have been very supportive of the developing crop. In fact, some would say too supportive. Bright sunshine provides excellent support for photosynthesis and carbohydrate production. But temperatures running 10 to 20 degrees above seasonal norms also increases respiration, consuming carbohydrates and increasing the potential for stress. Some have noted that many orchards transitioned from the white of bloom to green foliage without passing through the “dirty” stage that describes the period when petals have fallen, prior to the leaves emerging. Taken by itself, this would normally be interpreted as having a poor crop set, as nutrients flow to push leaves, rather being consumed by the developing crop.

    While all of this is “fun” to talk about, the final determination of each of these impacts remains to be seen. What we know today is that the “first shed,” those flowers that failed to be fertilized have been already been cast to the ground or are about to fall in the case of the late blooming Butte and Padre. And the processes that precede the “second shed,” where nuts that the trees are unable to carry to maturity are sequestered from the flow of nutrients is well underway, with advanced examples already shedding nuts to the ground. Both of these normal processes are running approximately two weeks ahead of normal, driven by the elevated temperatures.

    As previously noted, growers have been working diligently to keep up with their orchard’s needs, irrigating, fertilizing, and managing vegetation within the orchards. Growers have been injecting liquid fertilizer materials into the irrigation water, the most efficient means of providing nutrients for the developing crop. Growers have also been terminating cover crops or native vegetation within the “middles,” the area between the tree rows to reduce water consumption.

    As for pest management, the elevated temperatures have also pushed insect development, and the typical complement of insect pests are running approximately two weeks ahead of normal. Growers and Pest Control Advisors, PCA’s, have noted finding several important plant bug species, Leaf-Footed Plant Bugs and Stink Bugs species in orchards in all growing regions. Box Elder Bugs have also been reported in San Joaquin County. Early season feeding by plant bugs kills the nuts, causing them to drop from the tree, while feeding after kernel hardening results in “Brown Spot,” rendering the nut inedible. Within the past week, Navel Orangeworm adult moths have also been caught in pheromone traps placed in the orchards to monitor their presence. Now that Navel Orangeworm has begun emerging from their over-wintering sites in the mummy nuts remaining in the trees, growers have begun hanging devices for designed to disrupt mating and reduce the population of insects remaining in the orchards.

    Most growers have made at least one post-bloom treatment to prevent infection by Red Leaf Blotch. This is a new invasive fungal organism that has spread from a single orchard in Merced County in 2024 to most of the central valley by 2025. Treatments must be made prior to infection, and the organism takes approximately 40 days for symptoms to express following infection. Many orchards experienced severe infections in 2025 which caused significant levels of defoliation. University researchers have noted that two post-bloom treatments are required for adequate protection. Weather forecasters are predicting cooler conditions and a chance of rainfall over the first week of April, which researchers have shown will increase the risk of infection.

    Over the coming weeks, irrigation and fertility will be focal points of grower activity. Growers and their PCA’s will also be monitoring plant bug populations as they work to protect the crop ahead of the harvest. — By Mel Machado, Chief Agricultural Officer, Blue Diamond Growers

  • U.S. Dairy Welcomes Argentina Trade Agreement

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) celebrated the signing of a U.S.–Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment that includes tariff and nontariff barrier concessions for U.S. dairy exports.

    Argentina commits in the trade deal to eliminate tariffs that currently range up to 28 percent on select dairy products, including milk powders, dairy proteins, lactose, and other dairy ingredients. The agreement also establishes a 1,000 metric ton quota for certain U.S. cheeses. In addition to tariff reductions, Argentina agrees to prevent several nontariff barriers, including refraining from imposing processing facility registration requirements on U.S. dairy exports and providing explicit protections for 39 common cheese names like “parmesan”.

    “The commitments secured in the U.S.-Argentina reciprocal trade deal bring new, real opportunities for our dairy exports to South America,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “USDEC appreciates USTR’s hard work in securing agreements that lower tariffs and meaningfully address nontariff barriers, particularly those to protect common cheese names. We look forward to building our market presence in Argentina as the agreement is implemented.”

    “Trade deals like this one bring dairy farmers promise for the future,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “Dairy farms operate 365 days a year, and the U.S. negotiating team is keeping pace to secure new market access. NMPF will continue to work with the Administration as all the reciprocal trade agreements are translated into real results on the ground for our farmers.”

    “Argentina’s commitment to protect 39 common cheese names and 10 generic meat terms could not have come at a more important time,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “As the European Union is advancing toward implementation of its trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of countries, our ability to use common names is increasingly at risk. We cannot thank Ambassador Greer and the USTR negotiating team enough for the foresight and leadership in protecting U.S. exporters’ rights.”

    The trade deal follows reciprocal trade agreements that the United States signedr ecently with El Salvador and Guatemala last week that included commitments to prevent barriers to U.S. dairy exports. USDEC and NMPF will continue to work with the U.S. government as the reciprocal trade negotiations progress to identify and address impediments to dairy trade and grow U.S. export opportunities.

    —By the National Milk Producers Federation

  • U.S. Participants for Philippines Trade Mission Selected

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a trade mission to Manila, Philippines, from April 13–16, 2026, to expand market access for American farmers, ranchers, and producers.

    This mission follows a landmark trade agreement negotiated by President Trump in July of last year, which opened new opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports to the Philippines. Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering will lead the mission, heading a delegation of 58 U.S. agribusinesses, trade associations, and representatives from four State departments of agriculture.

    “USDA is committed to getting American farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses better access to strong markets and fair opportunities abroad,” said Deputy Undersecretary Bekkering. “Since the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia, this mission will connect U.S. exporters directly with reliable buyers, strengthen our trade relationship, and help keep American agriculture globally competitive.”

    The Philippines is the tenth‑largest market for U.S. agricultural and food products, averaging $3.4 billion in annual exports over the past five years. With a population of 118 million, a rapidly expanding middle class, and strong consumer preference for U.S. products, the Philippines offers enormous growth potential for American exporters.

    During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff and regional experts will host market briefings, site visits, and business-to-business meetings with buyers from the Philippines.

    State departments of agriculture from Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska and Wisconsin will join the mission alongside the 58 agribusinesses and trade associations, which include:

    1. 7th Sky Ventures LLC – Tampa, Fla.
    2. Aerocos International Ltd – Marlboro, N.J.
    3. American Egg Board – Chicago, Ill.
    4. American Peanut Council – Alexandria, Va.
    5. Best Buy Grocers, Inc. – Sherman Oaks, Calif.
    6. BNutty, Peanut Butter – Portage, Ind.
    7. California Milk Advisory Board – Tracy, Calif.   
    8. California Table Grape Commission – Fresno, Calif.
    9. CAS InterGlobal – Pleasanton, Calif.
    10. Commercial Creamery Company – Spokane, Wash.
    11. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin – Madison, Wis.
    12. Dragonfly Cakes – Tacoma, Wash.
    13. East-West International Group, Inc –   Moreland Hills, Ohio.
    14. Foodlinx – Brentwood, Calif.
    15. Fort McCoy Meat, LLC – Fort McCoy, Fla.
    16. Galdisa USA – Conroe, Texas
    17. Global Export Marketing Co. Ltd. (GEMCO) – New York, N.Y.
    18. Globex International – New York, N.Y.
    19. Groceries USA – New York, N.Y.
    20. Grove Services – Atlanta, Ga.
    21. Indiana Corn Marketing Council – Indianapolis, Ind.
    22. International Market Brands – Issaquah, Wash.
    23. Intervision Foods – Atlanta, Ga.
    24. Jack’s Alimentary Supply, Inc. (JASI) – Lowell, Mass.
    25. Kizable, LLC – Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
    26. MacDonald Meat – Seattle, Wash.
    27. MEM Fairway Inc. – Irvine, Calif.
    28. Nebraska Corn Board – Lincoln, Neb.
    29. North American Export Grain Association – Washington, D.C.
    30. Ocean Gold Seafoods – Westport, Wash.
    31. Pacific Cheese Co., Inc. – Hayward, Calif.
    32. PacRim Wines & Spirits – San Rafael, Calif.
    33. Potatoes USA – Denver, Colo.
    34. Prime Pecan, LLC – Ocean Springs, Miss.
    35. Raisin Administrative Committee – Fresno, Calif.
    36. Scout & Zoe’s – Anderson, Ind.
    37. Sollarom Foods – Lakewood, Calif.
    38. Southern Forest Products Association – Metairie, La.
    39. Space Enterprises LLC – The Woodlands, Texas
    40. TAG Enterprise Ltd. – Beverly Hills, Calif.
    41. Tomex Foods Group – Lombard, Ill.
    42. Tranect LLC – Boston, Mass.
    43. Trinity Foods, Inc – San Diego, Calif.
    44. U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va.
    45. U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council – Washington, D.C.
    46. U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council – Folson, Calif.
    47. U.S. International Foods LLC – St. Louis, Mo.
    48. U.S. Livestock Genetics Export – Mount Horeb, Wis.
    49. U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.
    50. U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.
    51. U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.
    52. United Dairy Ingredients Group LLC – Monterey Park, Calif.
    53. US Rice Producers Association – Katy, Texas   
    54. USA Poultry and Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.
    55. USA Pulses – Moscow, Idaho
    56. Valley Pride Ag Co. – Fresno, Calif.
    57. Virginia Distillery Co. – Lovingston, Va.
    58. Wonderful Citrus – Delano, Calif.

    In 2025, USDA trade missions connected more than 200 U.S. companies with buyers in Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan and Mexico, generating projected 12‑month sales of $125 million. USDA will continue expanding export opportunities in 2026 with upcoming missions planned for Australia and Vietnam.

    For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. — By USDA Foreign Ag Service

  • USDA, DOI Move to Boost Support for Ranchers

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum today announced new actions aimed at boosting the  supply of American born, raised, and harvested beef by supporting American ranchers with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will strengthen coordination, cut bureaucratic red tape, and deliver immediate, tangible support for America’s farmers and ranchers who rely on public lands.

    Building on the USDA’s recently released Grazing Action Plan, the agreement formalizes collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to ensure more efficient, transparent and responsive grazing management across federal lands.

    “Today’s signing sends a clear message: the Trump Administration is putting America’s farmers and ranchers first,” said Secretary Rollins. “Building on our action plan for American ranchers announced in the fall, the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are already delivering. This is another example of President Trump eliminating costly bureaucracy in order to lower consumer prices. Our public lands are there for the people, and this action demonstrates the commitment at USDA and the Department of the Interior to improve our services so farmers and ranchers who use public lands can run more efficient operations.”

    “The Grazing Action Plan is built on a collaborative partnership dedicated to strengthening ranching operations while safeguarding our public lands,” said Secretary Burgum. “By working closely with American ranchers, we are enhancing communication, investing in innovation, and modernizing our approach to land management practices to deliver real results for the people who feed and sustain this country. In coordination with the Department of Agriculture, the Trump administration is advancing actions designed to support farmers and ranchers – securing a more resilient future for grazing on public lands and protecting America’s ranching heritage for generations to come.”

    For generations, ranchers have played a vital role in feeding the nation, supporting rural economies, and stewarding public lands. The MOU recognizes permittees as essential partners and directs federal agencies to engage directly with those who live and work on the land.

    Key actions under the agreement

    • Cutting red tape and improving efficiency – The MOU streamlines permitting and processes and encourages agencies to use existing authorities more effectively – reducing delays for grazing permits, infrastructure improvements, and emergency response actions.
    • Strengthening rancher partnerships – Agencies will expand collaboration with permittees through structured engagement, including learning roundtables and enhanced communication channels.
    • Ranch immersion programs for federal employees – New initiatives will place agency staff on working ranches to build firsthand understanding of operational challenges and realities on the ground.
    • Enhancing transparency and data access – Improved data systems will make grazing allotment information more accessible and predictable, giving producers greater certainty to plan and invest.
    • Expanding practical land management tools – The agreement promotes targeted grazing to reduce wildfire risk, supports reopening vacant allotments, and encourages adoption of innovative technologies such as virtual fencing.
    • Wildfire coordination and response – The creation of Grazing Permittee Wildfire Liaisons will ensure ranchers have clear points of contact and a voice during wildfire response and recovery efforts.
    • Maintaining grazing capacity – The MOU affirms a goal of maintaining grazing capacity wherever possible, including no net loss of Animal Unit Months within allotments, consistent with applicable law.

    Officials emphasized the agreement supports not only producers, but also American families by strengthening the domestic food supply chain. By lowering costs and improving efficiency for ranchers, the initiative helps keep food affordable and reduces reliance on foreign imports.

    Today’s signing marks an important step forward in modernizing federal grazing management and reflects a broader commitment to rural prosperity by fortifying the American beef industry as directed by President Trump’s order Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer.

    Additional background

    More than 20,000 ranchers and farmers across 28 states graze on federal lands. The FS and the BLM are responsible for a total of 240 million acres of federal rangelands. The two agencies together administer more than 23,000 permits and leases held by ranchers who graze their livestock on approximately 29,000 allotments. About 10% of grazing allotments, or roughly 24 million acres, are not under permit but are targeted as opportunities to allow more grazing on federal lands. The FS collects an average of $6 million annually in grazing fees.

    Livestock grazing on national forests and grasslands contributes about 14,200 jobs and $645 million to the nation’s gross domestic product annually, supporting agriculture-related sectors and private operations. Across Western rangelands, livestock grazing on BLM lands generate $2.7 billion in total economic output, supporting 35,000 jobs and $700 million in total labor income. — By U.S. Department of Agriculture

  • APHIS Posts Updated Quarantine Map

    APHIS updated the Federal Domestic Soil Quarantines Map to include the following changes:

    • Added the Mexican Fruit Fly Quarantine in San Diego County, CA
    • Added the Sapote Fruit Fly Quarantine in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties, TX

    APHIS restricts the movement of domestic soil from areas within the continental United States that are under quarantine for specific plant pests. The Federal Domestic Soil Quarantines Map provides an overview of the plant pest quarantines that affect the movement of soil.

    This map is a general guidance tool only. For specific quarantine information, including quarantine boundaries and the requirements for moving domestic soil, contact your local APHIS State plant health director.