California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Getting the Right Chill and Soil Acidity for California Blueberries

    Blueberries are surging in global demand and Central Valley growers are getting in on the action. However, the unique conditions that make the region ideal for growing many crops can pose challenges for blueberry production.

    Blueberries have a winter chill requirement.  The primary type of blueberry grown in California is southern highbush, which is better adapted to the state’s warmer conditions. But even some southern highbush cultivars used in California require 400 – 550 hours below 45ºF for optimal budbreak and fruit production.

    The months-long tule fog in the Central Valley this past winter helped ensure that the full number of chill hours was reached. “The fog acted . . . like an umbrella over the plant,” says Raymond Mireles, Fruit and Almond Advisor for UCCE Fresno and Tulare Counties.

    However, fog alone does not guarantee that blueberry bushes will get enough chill — especially as winters continue to get warmer. Moreover, even if the weather is cold, a sunny day can still interfere with chill accumulation.

    As Mireles explains, even if the air is cold around a bush on a sunny day, the plants — “just sitting out there in the sun — will start to accumulate heat portions and ultimately counteract . . . the accumulation of chill hours.”

    Mireles recommends a few methods to ensure that blueberries get the full chill requirement:

    Cover Crops

    Laying down a cover crop can stabilize soil temperatures. It’s best to plant these when the bushes are dormant. Good cover crops to use with blueberries include:

    ·      Legumes

    ·      Grasses

    ·      Barley

    ·      Oats

    ·      Mixed blends

    It is important to remove these crops before they start seeding. If not, the seeds will sprout and compete with the blueberries for nutrients.

    Years with Lower Chill

    In the event of a winter with less chill accumulation, there are ways growers can compensate and help with budbreak:

    ·      Use hydrogen cyanamide (such as Dormex) on blueberries when less-than-optimal chill is accumulated. This is best applied 30 – 40 days before bloom.

    ·      Mulch with white plastic, woodchips or sawdust to keep temperatures down and help the bushes retain moisture.

    ·      Apply shade cloth to keep the bushes cool.

    ·      Irrigate consistently.

    Kaolin clay can reflect sunlight and reduce surface temperature, but the effect it has on chill accumulation on blueberry is minimal, since chill is driven primarily by ambient air temperatures and will not be significantly affected by clay particles on the bare branches.

    Soil Acidity

    While the alkaline-rich soils of the Central Valley are excellent for growing, blueberries are another story. They require a more acidic soil (a pH of around 4-5.5 is ideal), so steps must be taken to lower the pH levels for blueberry orchards.

    Application of sulfuric acid via irrigation is effective for rapidly reducing pH levels in soil. It is best to begin this process in mid to late March.

    In Summary:

    ·      Plant blueberry varieties with an appropriate number of chill hours for your area.

    ·      Deepen the chill by laying down cover crops, but be sure to remove them before they go to seed.

    ·      In the event of warmer weather preventing chill, use hydrogen cyanamide as a growth regulator.

    ·      Apply mulch, shade cloth and regular irrigation to the crop.

    ·      Apply sulfuric acid to rapidly lower pH to the desired level.

    While blueberry cultivation in California poses unique challenges, it is proving to be an increasingly profitable crop, making it worth the time and effort.

    — By Donald Promnitz, Editor

  • CA GROWN Launches ‘California Kids Cook’ Program

    Healthy eating is more fun for kids when they get involved in the selection and preparation of foods that promote good health.

    That’s the idea behind California Kids Cook, a new pilot program from CA GROWN and Gelson’s, designed to bring the “farm-to-store-to-fork-to-school” journey to life for local students.

    “It is immensely important to educate — and engage with — our future shoppers,” said Cherie Watte, executive director of CA GROWN. “CA GROWN is thrilled to partner with Gelson’s and the Ojai Pixie growers — and Franklin Elementary and the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast — to offer this unique experience connecting Santa Barbara youth with the people who produce, sell and prepare California agricultural products.”

    Indeed, California Kids Cook links farmers, grocers, schools/youth organizations and families through immersive experiences that show kids exactly where their food comes from — and what to do with it once they get home. Students learn how California fruits and vegetables grow, strategies to shop thoughtfully for seasonality and budgets and how to confidently prepare simple, fresh dishes featuring local produce.

    “Supporting our California growers, communities and healthy eating have always been cornerstones of Gelson’s, so we are thrilled to see these pillars come to life, through the California Kids Cook program,” said Rich Almanza, director of produce for Gelson’s, a leading Southern California retailer.

    Participating students from the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Franklin Elementary School will step into the shoes of an Ojai Pixie grower — a program managed by Melissa’s Produce — before heading into the store for culinary demonstrations, tastings and a scavenger hunt–style shopping challenge. Armed with a Pixie-inspired recipe — and a Gelson’s gift card — they’ll select their own ingredients, learning firsthand how to navigate the grocery aisles with purpose.

    “We are delighted CA GROWN and Gelson’s are giving our Girl Scouts a unique and fun opportunity to earn the Power of Produce badges with the farm tour and store activities,” said Erin Mayo, director of mission delivery for Girls Scouts of California’s Central Coast. “We want our young girls to form positive memories —and lifelong skills and habits — and opportunities like CA Kids Cook are critical for that development.”

    Back in the kitchen, Gelson’s in-house chef, Tony Dang, will bring the ingredients to life, preparing the featured recipe plus two additional Ojai Pixie dishes. Along the way, he’ll share practical tips on kitchen safety and ways to make fresh, locally grown ingredients more delicious and exciting.

    Students will then take their ingredients and recipe home to recreate the dish with their families, extending the lesson beyond the store. CA GROWN will continue collaborating with Franklin Elementary and the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast to build on the program’s momentum.

    “Experiences like this are incredibly important for our students because many children don’t get the opportunity to see where their food comes from or interact with fresh ingredients in a meaningful way,” said Elizabeth Vazquez, culinary program lead at Franklin Elementary. “When students can touch the soil, see fruits and vegetables growing — and then learn how to cook with them — it creates a powerful connection to their food. Our goal at Franklin is to build on that experience through our school garden and future culinary program, teaching students to ‘eat the rainbow,’ understand sustainable growing practices and develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime for them and their families.”

    — By CA GROWN

  • 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

  • UC ANR Helps Urban Farmers with Agritourism

    UC ANR scientists, advisors and growers bring agritourism down to earth at workshop held at Alma Backyard Farms in Compton

    Before opening a farmstand or turning your ranch into a glamping getaway, Rachael Callahan recommends asking hard questions to determine whether agritourism is right for you. Such as: do you enjoy being around people?

    “Start by inviting an afterschool group to come onto your farm…see if they’re trampling on things and if that really freaks you out. See if you like chitchatting with folks,” said Callahan, statewide agritourism coordinator for the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program.

    As part of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, Callahan helps people navigate the “wild west” of this burgeoning industry. Over the last decade, she’s watched on-farm experiences, such as tractor rides and pick-your-own strawberries, surge in popularity.

    Given all the interest, the UC ANR Climate and Land Equity (CALE) Project hosted a free workshop on the topic at Alma Backyard Farms, an urban farm in Compton, in February.

    The mission of the CALE network is to increase land equity and climate-smart management practices by supporting smaller-scale and emerging farms. That’s why the workshop, organized alongside the LA Food Policy Council’s Cultivating Farmers program, focused on facilitating agritourism in urban areas.

    In any business, rural or urban, long-term profitability isn’t guaranteed. But expert advice can always help. In her introductory presentation, Callahan cut to the chase with the audience.

    “Agritourism is not something you should feel compelled to do because it’s trending right now or because someone down the street is doing it,” she said. “Take a hard look at how it fits into your business goals or your mission or values.”

    Jessica Handy, a grower from San Bernardino County, listened intently and reflected on her own endeavor. Recently, Handy founded Sandalwood Farm and Sanctuary, a three-quarters of an acre community garden in Rialto. Already, her space has hosted film screenings, natural-dye workshops and yoga classes, and she hopes to continue that momentum.

    “I’m building this for community and longevity. I want it to live on beyond me,” Handy said. “ I’m committed to just slowing down and doing strategic planning to make sure this land is truly community-sustained for generations to come.”

    At the workshop, local growers and UC experts shared structured guidance to help Handy and other attendees get set up for success.

    What Skills Do You and Your Team Have?

    According to Callahan, anyone considering an agritourism business should start by taking stock of their team’s capabilities, from people skills to technical know-how. Welcoming the public onto farm property is not for everyone, she cautioned.

    For Handy, though, it’s an obvious choice – Sandalwood Farm revolves around her passion for people. She created the space as a source of “food sovereignty, healing and radical joy.”

    One of her top priorities is to host farm-to-table dinners using their hand-built, earthen “cob” pizza oven, which was funded through the LA Food Policy Council’s Cultivating Farmers Grant. For Handy, these gatherings are more than a meal. They’re a connection to the earth through shared local and seasonal foods.

    “I love being able to break bread with folks on the land and have local artists and musicians incorporate art and ecology together,” Handy said.

    But what about technical skills? Workshop panelist Alexys Romo, founder of Black Thumb Farm in Panorama City, recommends investing in personal relationships to build a diverse network of support.

    “Cash in on favors. Like, remember when in 2015 I babysat your child for six hours? I now need legal advice,” Romo said. “Take a minute to assess your resources and the people within your inner web who might be able to assist.”

    Hearing from Romo was a workshop highlight for Handy, who looks up to the fellow urban farmer and follows her on social media. As it turns out, Handy has already been following her role model’s advice.

    “I  don’t know how to woodwork, but there’s a neighbor who’s a woodworker. He’s taught us how to use some power tools and a circular saw,” Handy said. “So we’re building skills together and we’re building the farm as a collective.”

    What Makes Your Farm Unique?

    With a team assembled, it’s time to think about the features of your farm or operation. What makes it special? Are there any snags to anticipate?

    Handy’s garden is relatively small, but her team has already successfully grown culinary and medicinal herbs, tree collards and several full seasons of annual vegetables, including okra, tomatoes, lettuce and arugula. The harvests are communal, so most produce goes home with volunteers and neighbors. As the farm grows, any food left over could present new opportunities.

    UC Cooperative Extension urban agriculture advisor Amrita Mukherjee recommends finding ways to add value to raw crops.

    “When growers have a surplus, they can produce shelf-stable products, like jam or jelly,” Mukherjee said. She recommends business owners connect with the UC Master Food Preserver program for support, like preservation demonstrations.

    Besides cooking up preserves, Mukherjee encourages growers to research their community’s needs and connect with grocery stores that might stock locally-grown specialty produce.

    Handy’s farm already knows what to do with their surplus harvests: this spring they’re launching a farmstand that lets people pay what they can according to a sliding scale of prices.

    Do You Have Community Support?

    Before moving forward with the logistics of starting an agritourism business, securing community buy-in is a necessity, according to Callahan. How will the neighbors feel about a public attraction setting up shop next door?

    Since establishing Sandalwood Farm last year, Handy has worked hard to introduce herself to the community.

    “I’m the new kid on the block. I didn’t grow up in Rialto,” Handy said. “I don’t want to go into a community like, ‘This is how it should be done,’ when that may not be what the community wants or needs.”

    The listening process is ongoing, but Handy has already set some goals based on conversations with her neighbors. She wants Sandalwood Farm to create job pathways for the local community, just like the workshop host site Alma Backyard Farms has done for surrounding Compton.

    “It’s beautiful to see successful models,” Handy said. “I’m reminded that we can support people and give people living wages to do this work.”

    Agritourism Expertise On-Tap

    By the end of the workshop, Handy was confident that agritourism could be a good fit for Sandalwood Farm. Even better, Handy’s intentions closely aligned with the other mission-driven guest speakers, opening the door to mentorship and collaboration.

    “Being here – I feel full and fed. I’m ready to get back in the game,” Handy said.

    The workshop provided a solid introduction to agritourism, but Callahan acknowledged that her presentation only scratched the surface. Inviting the public onto a working farm is tricky business requiring thorough research.

    Operators will need to study all applicable laws, zoning and safety regulations, which can vary by region. They may need to make changes to their site to ensure accessibility and safety, and to protect themselves from liability, they’ll need the proper insurance.

    UC Cooperative Extension can help business owners navigate these details, and resources are available on the UC ANR California Agritourism webpage.

    Prior to the event, Handy wasn’t very familiar with UC ANR, but will now consider the institution among the suite of resources available to support emerging farms, like her own.

    “We are still very scrappy…but I feel like it doesn’t have to be scrappy forever,” Handy said.

    UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at     ucanr.edu and support our work at donate.ucanr.edu.

  • Water Right Petitions for Temporary Urgency Changes in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties

    Sonoma County Water Agency has filed petitions for temporary urgency changes for water right Permits 12947A, 12949, 12950, and 16596 (Applications 12919A, 15736, 15737, and 19351). Pursuant to the existing water rights, water is diverted from the Russian River watershed in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties. To view the Notice and project information, please visit the Division of Water Rights website at:

    https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/petitions/temporary_urgency.html

    Objections filed in response to this notice should be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on April 27, 2026.

    If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact Ken Emanuel by email at kenneth.emanuel@waterboards.ca.gov.

  • Vine Mealybug Control in California Vineyards

    Vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) has become one of the most economically damaging pests in California vineyards. Left unmanaged, infestations can reduce yield, weaken vines, lower sugar content and spread viruses like leafroll, which contribute to sudden grapevine collapse.

    The good news is effective control is possible with the right timing and integrated approach.

    In this guide, we break down proven strategies used by California growers to control vine mealybug based on field insights and expert interviews featured on the California Ag Network channel.

    What is Vine Mealybug?

    Vine mealybug is a small, sap-feeding insect that:

    ·      Hides under bark, in clusters and on roots

    ·      Produces sticky honeydew that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold

    ·      Reproduces rapidly in warm climates like California’s Central Valley

    Why it’s so dangerous?

    ·      Multiple generations per year.

    ·      Protected hiding spots make detection more difficult and contact sprays less effective.

    ·      Can vector or spread various vineyard diseases like grapevine leafroll disease and others.

    Signs of Vine Mealybug infestation

    ·      White, cottony masses under bark or on clusters

    ·      Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves and fruit

    ·      Black sooty mold developing on vines

    ·      Increased ant activity (ants protect mealybugs)

    Ant presence is often your first indicator of vine mealybug. If you have ants in your vineyard, you probably have vine mealybug.

    So, you’ve scouted your vineyard and found vine mealybug: what next?

    Integrated Vine Mealybug Control Strategy

    The most effective approach combines timing, chemistry, biology and monitoring.

    ·      Dormant and early season control

    ·      Growth stage foliar sprays

    ·      Biological control (natural enemies)

    ·      Ant control

    ·      Monitoring and timing

    Dormant & Early Season Control

    Prevention is the best medicine. An insecticide spray during late dormancy or at bloom is usually enough to control their population all season long for milder infestations. There is a lot that goes into determining which chemistries to use such as soil conditions and specific regional climates. The UC Cooperative extension also recommends considering other pests in your treatment in strictly preventative situations. Broad spectrum pesticides can take care of more problems than just vine mealybug and reduce the number of passes through the vineyard. Be aware, however, that broad spectrum insecticides can also reduce beneficial insect populations so be sure to consult your Pest Control Advisor for the best dormancy and bloom treatments.

    Other helpful strategies include:

    ·      Remove loose bark to expose hiding populations

    ·      Apply delayed dormant insecticides if the pressure is high

    This stage is critical because you’re targeting populations before they explode

    In-Season Chemical Control

    While the vine mealybugs are developing, it’s essential to use systemic insecticides applied through drip irrigation where possible for the deepest control. Contact insecticides and foliar systemic sprays can contribute to control as well. The crawler stage is when they are most vulnerable so be sure to target early season.

    Biological Control

    Beneficial insects play a critical role in long -term suppression

    ·      Parasitic wasps

    ·      Mealybug destroyer

    It’s important to avoid broad spectrum sprays that kill beneficials, so be sure to consult your pest control adviser for the best in-season treatments.

    Ant Control

    Ant control is critical in managing growing vine mealybug infestations as ants will protect them in exchange for their honeydew. Without controlling ants, your biological control strategy becomes less effective, and infestations can spread more quickly. To control ants, you can:

    ·      Setup bait stations

    ·      Apply sticky trunk barriers

    ·      Apply targeted insecticides

    Monitoring and Timing

    Monitoring populations is essential as it allows you to time sprays effectively and reduce unnecessary applications thus improving ROI on inputs. Understanding the movements and stages of the infestation is essential for effective control. Growers often use a combination of pheromone traps and visual scouting under the bark to detect and track vine-mealybugs.

    Key Takeaways for Growers

    ·      Vine mealybug requires year-round management.

    ·      Timing of control methods is everything.

    ·      Combine chemical control, biological control, and ant management strategies.

    ·      Monitoring tools dramatically improve effectiveness.

    Vine mealybug is not a one-time fix; it’s a management system. Growers seeing the best results stay proactive, use integrated strategies and adjust based on monitoring data.

    Check out this video on control of Vine Mealybug HERE

    Check out our webcast on scouting for Vine Mealybug HERE

    —   By Hyrum Malcolm, Publisher

  • Changes Proposed to National Organic Crops and Livestock List

    On March 23, 2026, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). The National List is a section of the USDA organic regulations that identifies synthetic substances that are allowed, and natural substances that are prohibited, in organic production and handling.

    The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) prohibits synthetic substances in organic production unless they meet specified criteria, are recommended by the National Organic Standards Board and are added to the National List. This rule would implement several recommendations from the Board from their public meetings, held in October 2021, October 2022, and October 2024:

    • Allow carbon dioxide in organic crop production.
    • Allow meloxicam as a pain treatment in organic livestock.
    • Remove restrictions on the use of methionine in organic poultry feed.
    • Affirm that natural sodium nitrate is allowed in organic crop production, with certain conditions to protect soil quality.

    A complete description of the proposed amendments to the National List is available in the Federal Register proposed rule.

    More information on the National List, including how and why substances are added, modified, or removed, is available on the National List webpage.

    Submit an Effective Public Comment

    USDA welcomes comments on the proposed changes published in the
    Federal Register. The public comment period will close 60 days after publication.

    See NOP’s Organic Integrity Learning Center microlearning module
    Writing an Effective Public Comment to learn how to submit an effective public comment. This module helps members of the organic community more effectively participate in the process of developing organic standards. Effective commenting lets us hear your voice and helps USDA better balance the needs of everyone impacted in the organic market. — By the United States Department of Agriculture

  • USDA Launches TRUMP Mission to Vietnam to Expand Market Access for American Farmer

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers (TRUMP) Mission to Vietnam this week to open new markets, strengthen export opportunities, and secure fair, reciprocal trade for American farmers, ranchers and producers.

    Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg is leading a delegation representing a cross-section of American agriculture that stands to benefit from expanded access to one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets.

    “American farmers, ranchers and producers thrive when they have strong, reliable markets for their high-quality products,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “By strengthening our trade relationship with Vietnam, we’re opening doors for U.S. agriculture, ensuring they have a fair chance to compete and succeed, and that they can bring the benefits of that success to communities here at home.”

    Vietnam has become a top destination for U.S. agricultural products. In 2025 alone, agriculture, fishery and forest products exports surged by 45% to a record $5.6 billion, making Vietnam the United States’ eighth-largest market. This mission will build on that momentum by expanding market access, connecting suppliers with new buyers, and advancing negotiations under President Trump’s strategy to deliver fair, enforceable trade for American farmers and ranchers.

    During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will lead industry tours, host business meetings, and engage with Vietnamese officials to advance U.S. trade priorities and support U.S. producers. The delegation includes:

    1. California Fresh Fruit Association – Fresno, Calif.
    2. California Prune Board – Roseville, Calif.
    3. Potatoes USA – Denver, Colo.
    4. USA Poultry & Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.
    5. U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va.
    6. U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council – Washington, D.C.
    7. U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.
    8. U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.
    9. U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.
    10. Washington Apple Commission – Wenatchee, Wash.

    This is USDA’s third TRUMP mission of 2026. Later this year, USDA will return to Vietnam with a broader agribusiness trade mission to continue expanding opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural exports.

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

  • U.S. Dairy Testifies on State of Maritime Supply Chain

    Tony Rice, Senior Director of Trade Policy at the National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council, testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust on the maritime supply chain challenges faced by the U.S. dairy industry.

    The U.S. dairy industry exported $9.6 billion and three million metric tons of cheeses, milk powders, whey proteins, and other dairy products last year, making reliable transportation vital to its economic wellbeing. Yet American dairy exporters have little choice but to rely on a small number of ocean carrier options, almost all of which are foreign owned.

    “Dairy farmers milk their cows 365 days a year,” Rice said. “When export shipments are delayed, cancelled, or become more expensive to move, the disruptions ripple back through the supply chain and ultimately affect farm income.”

    Rice drew on lessons from the pandemic-induced supply chain crisis, when severe delays, routinely cancelled bookings and unprecedented port congestion disrupted cargo movements and cost U.S. dairy producers billions in unexpected costs and lost sales opportunities. While the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 addressed several issues related to unfair fees, Rice highlighted that dairy exporters in the U.S. continue to face operational uncertainty when bookings are rejected, port calls are skipped or receiving windows shift without explanation.

    To address these challenges, the U.S. dairy industry called for greater investment in the domestic maritime sector to expand American shipbuilding capacity, robust Federal Maritime Commission oversight of the global maritime carrier marketplace and increased transparency from ocean carriers on booking decisions.

    “We recognize the importance of efficient global shipping networks,” Rice said. “Our concern is ensuring that those networks work for American dairy exporters as well as they work for global carriers.”

    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.

  • Scholarship Luncheon Honors 28 FFA High School Seniors

    A record 28 senior high school students each received an award of $1,000 – $3,500 out of a total $59,000 — the most the Chamber has ever distributed in one year. Over the years, they have given out a cumulative $547,000.

    “This represents not just financial support, but a vote of confidence from your community,” remarked past recipient Gianna Gonzalez to the awardees at the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ag Scholarship Committee’s 26th Annual Scholarship Luncheon on March 17.

    The recipients stepped to the microphone, smiled and shared the college they plan to attend and their career goal. The career areas included equine dentistry, ag law, ag education, farming, cooperative extension, ag engineering, viticulture and enology, rangeland resource management, ag business, veterinary service, ag communication and policy, pest control advising and soil science.

    The Hughson Future Farmers of America (FFA) decorated the tables at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Hall with custom wood planter boxes filled with miniature pansies. Silver Hershey kisses and snack packs of Blue Diamond almonds dotted the tables as well. Farm Truck Catering served a grilled chicken lunch.

    The event was possible due to support by Garton Tractor and Lander Veterinary Clinic, along with Platinum Sponsors Manulife Investment Management and Stanislaus Food Products and Gold Sponsors InsureCAL and Yosemite Farm Credit.

    A total of 30 silver and bronze sponsors and five in-kind donors filled out the sponsor list, and many volunteers — including the students — pitched in to set up and clean up.    — By Nancy Power, Assistant Editor