California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Deadline to Apply for National Jersey Youth Scholarships

    Monday, July 1 is the deadline to apply for scholarship and educational awards administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

    For the first time, the AJCA will award over $30,000 in the 2019-20 school year. The funds will provide financial support for young Jersey owners pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey™ cattle. Eligible applicants are Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).

    The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies of $5,000 will be awarded to a graduate student in dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production or manufacturing, or dairy product marketing.Students who will begin a program of study at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2019 may apply for the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($2,750).

    Students who have completed at least one year of study toward their degree are eligible for the V. L. Peterson Scholarship ($2,750). Also, the Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,750) will be awarded to an eligible nominee for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

    A Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($2,250) will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program to earn a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing, and who demonstrates through completed coursework and goal statement, significant progress toward this intended degree and a clear intention for a career in agriculture.

    The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($2,500) will be awarded based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($2,000) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.

    The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($3,250) will be awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing. The Lineweaver Scholarship ($3,500) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.

    Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award ($2,500) will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of January 1, 2019.

    For application forms and instructions, visit the “Scholarships and Internships” page on the USJersey website or use the link, tinyurl.com/JerseyScholarships. Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 9 at the annual Junior Banquet held during The All American Jersey Shows and Sales in Louisville, Ky.

    The American Jersey Cattle Association has made strategic investments in Jersey youth since 1958 when it created the National Heifer Sale to provide annual funding for educational programs and awards. Scholarships are paid from permanent endowments administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association. Contributions are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3) tax deductible charitable gifts and may be made at any time during the year.

    For more information, contact the American Jersey Cattle Association by writing 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362, or visit its web site at USJersey.com.

  • Fiddleneck on Rangelands

    Fiddleneck (Amsinckia spp.) is a native plant in California. It occurs in grasslands and open, disturbed areas (DiTomaso, Kyser et al. 2013) and is sold as a pollinator plant in native plant seed mixes. Its bright yellow flowers catch the eye of those looking for wildflowers. However, it is important to note that fiddleneck is toxic to livestock. Fiddleneck

    Fiddleneck seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can affect the liver of cattle, horses, and pigs (Fuller and McClintock 1986). Based on necropsies from livestock tested at the California Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS) Lab, plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids were the number three source of plant toxicity to livestock (Forero et al. 2011). Oleander is the number one cause of plant toxicity in California livestock, based on testing from the lab. Horses and cattle are most affected whereas sheep and goats are typically not as impacted as other livestock.

    Livestock are most likely be negatively affected by fiddleneck if they repeatedly consume contaminated hay or grain. Fuller and McClintock (1986) described one instance of poisoning in California:

    “During the winter of 1962-1963, in the central San Joaquin Valley of California, in a lot of thirty dairy calves 2 ½ to 3 months old, ten died after eating weedy hay for 2 ½ to 5 months. The hay was a first-cutting alfalfa and oat mixture; about 5% to 10% of the plants were Amsinckia intermedia. Adult cattle fed this hay at the same time were not affected. That fall, however, calves that had been carried by these cows died shortly after birth; the alkaloids had been transferred through the placenta.”

    You may not notice any problems in your animals for 2-8 months after they first begin consuming fiddleneck (Forero et al. 2011). A variety of symptoms can be seen, including eating less, losing weight, constipation, diarrhea, etc. Burrows and Tyrl (2013) summarized previous research indicating that cattle, horses, and pigs can be afflicted with walking disease (when animals walk around aimlessly) if they consume feed grain contaminated with 10-25% Amsinckia intermedia seed. If severe enough, livestock can die due to the liver disease caused by the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (Forero et al. 2011). Currently, there is no treatment available.

    Fiddleneck 2Because fiddleneck is a native plant and it is toxic to livestock, there are limited control options. If you have an infestation of fiddleneck, you may want to consider mowing, which can be effective when done before seeds are produced (DiTomaso, Kyser et al. 2013). California rangelands are often steep with rough terrain, so mowing may not be practical. Herbicides are also an option. Aminopyralid (Milestone) can be used in the early spring when plants are still in the rosette stage. Aminopyralid is a broadleaf herbicide and will not impact grasses. Chlorsulfuron (Telar) can be used as a preemergent or postemergent. For fiddleneck preemergence is the better option. Chlorsulfuron should not impact most grasses.

    Multiple agency managers and ranchers have observed that cattle tend to avoid fiddleneck because of its prickly hairs. So, as long as there is plenty of other forage available for the livestock to eat, people usually aren’t too concerned. The biggest concern is when fiddleneck is a contaminant in hay or grain because the animals are not able to selectively avoid eating it.

    It’s too late in the season to control fiddleneck this year, but it’s a good time to consider whether or not you have so much of it that it warrants control in the future. If you decide to control your fiddleneck, come up with a plan early so you know you’ll be able to conduct your control efforts at the most effective time.

  • Judges Named For 2019 All American Jersey Shows!

    The judges have been selected for The 67th All American Jersey Shows, sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

    The largest exhibition of Registered Jersey™ cattle in the world, the three shows of The All American, will be held November 9, 10 and 11, 2019 in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.

    Keith Topp, Botkins, Ohio, will judge The All American Jersey Show on Monday, November 11. This is his second time officiating in Freedom Hall having placed the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 2017. Topp has judged multiple Jersey and colored breed shows across the U.S. including the 2017 World Dairy Expo Brown Swiss Show; the Big E Brown Swiss Show in 2015; and the Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota and New York State Fair shows that same year.

    Judging the 65th National Jersey Jug Futurity on November 10 will be Phillip Topp, Botkins, Ohio. This will be his first time to officiate one of the most prestigious Jersey shows in the world. Three years ago, he debuted in Freedom Hall judging the All American Milking Shorthorn Show. His other credentials include serving as associate judge of the 2018 World Dairy Expo Jersey Show; judging the Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin State Fairs that same year; and the 2015 Expo Melgar in Peru. He has also judged various district and county shows.

    The National Jersey Jug Futurity is the oldest and richest class for dairy cattle in the world. There are 259 cows currently eligible for the 2019 show. Last year, the show offered a grand total of $7,540 in premiums.

    Judge for The All American Junior Jersey Show on Saturday, November 9 will be Brady Core of Salvisa, Ky. He was the show’s associate judge in 2017. That year he also judged the Appalachian and Tennessee State Fairs as well as the Indiana State Fair Holstein Junior Show. Other shows he has judged include the Indiana and Ohio Junior Jersey shows, Dixie National Junior Roundup and the Tillamook County (Ore.) Fair, among others. This year he will also be officiating at the Dixie National Livestock Show.

    The first and second place winners in each class of these shows will become the 2019 All American and Reserve All American honorees of the American Jersey Cattle Association.For information on show entry fees and deadline, visit www.livestockexpo.org.

    For over 150 years, the American Jersey Cattle Association has maintained identification and performance records for dairy herd owners and delivered services that support genetic improvement and greater profitability through increasing the value of and demand for Registered Jersey™ cattle and genetics, and Jersey milk and milk products. For more information, contact the American Jersey Cattle Association by writing 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362, visit USJersey.com, or connect at Facebook.com/USJersey.

  • Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy Honors Farms, Businesses for Sustainable Practices

    The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, established under the leadership of dairy farmers and leading companies, announced its eighth annual U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award winners during a May 8 ceremony in Rosemont, Illinois.

    The program recognizes dairy farms, businesses and partnerships whose practices improve the well-being of people, animals and the planet.

    Award winners represent U.S. dairy’s commitment to sustainability, demonstrating how transparency and ingenuity lead to sustainable and scalable practices that benefit their businesses, communities and the environment.

    “This year’s winners show how innovation and creativity sparked by one farm, one person or one organization can have a ripple effect that goes well beyond their farmgate or front door,” said Barb O’Brien, president of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. “Each winner exemplifies our industry’s values. They demonstrate that caring for the environment, our cows and our communities is our heritage and what we stand for every day.”

    Through creative problem solving, this year’s winners addressed environmentally beneficial production practices, resource and energy reduction as well as the essential role of dairy in bringing quality nutrition to food insecure populations.

    Judges evaluated nominations based on their economic, environmental and community impact. The independent judging panel – including leading dairy conservation and commercial experts – also considered innovation, scalability and replicability.

    “This program and these winners show there are no limitations to dairy ingenuity,” said Marilyn Hershey, Pennsylvania dairy farmer and chair of the Dairy Management Inc. board of directors. “Our commitment to sustainable practices shines through from the farm across the value chain. These are the stories that are important to today’s consumer and matter to the future of our industry.”

    One of this year’s judges, Suzy Friedman, senior director of agricultural sustainability at Environmental Defense Fund, added: “We had many high-quality entries and winners who make sustainable practices a priority in their own operations. Even better, their leadership can spark positive change across other parts of the dairy industry with practices that can be replicated.”

    The 2019 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards winners are:

    Outstanding Dairy Farm Sustainability

    Cinnamon Ridge Farms (Donahue, Iowa):

    Cinnamon Ridge Farms owner John Maxwell found an economic and environmentally sustainable solution to sourcing cow feed early in his career by planting a cover crop during the winter season. The crop, rye grass, survived harsh growing conditions while being great nutrition for his cows. The cover crop prevents nutrient runoff and erosion, building healthier soil for corn or soybean crops. The farm also became a destination for food waste, accepting 2,000 pounds of coffee creamer from a manufacturing company each week instead of ending up in a landfill. The creamer provides a carbohydrate source for the cows’ diet with added flavor.

    Majestic Crossing Dairy (Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin):

    The 2,000 cows at Majestic Crossing Dairy are the result of a unique strategic shift when co-owner Dean Strauss began building a herd of crossbreeds. The cows tend to be smaller in size, requiring less food and producing less manure. Strauss has adopted a GPS guidance system on his tractors and other machinery that helps identify efficiencies in seed distribution as well as reducing fuel, pesticide and fertilizer use on the 3,600 acres of crops grown to feed the cows. Majestic Crossing also invested in robotic milking machines that have reduced his farm’s water use by 30 percent, or about 20 gallons per cow each day.

    Philip Verwey Farms (Hanford, California):

    Philip Verwey had a notion to implement changes on his 9,000-cow Philip Verwey Farms to help improve air quality. His idea: Rather than blending feed ingredients for his cows in a mixing wagon powered by a diesel tractor, he would blend using an electric stationary mixer. He applied for funding through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s Technology Advancement Program to help convert his feed-mixing program. The changes cut his dairy’s tractor-related emissions substantially, the equivalent of taking 7,800 cars off the road. His success led to an expanded program and inspired other farms to apply for funding.

    Outstanding Dairy Supply Chain Collaboration

    General Mills and Foremost Farms (Reed City, Michigan):

    To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and add environmental benefits, General Mills and Foremost Farms USA convened a powerful network of 16 dairy farmers and other experts to assess and implement improvements using a science-based, on-farm assessment tool to provide a comprehensive estimate of a farm’s GHG emissions and energy use. Participating farms saw a combined 11 percent reduction in GHG over a three-year period, which outperformed the national and regional benchmark averages. The FARM Environmental Stewardship module is helping farmers across America improve efficiencies, reduce costs and track their performance against environmental goals.

    Outstanding Community Impact

    Gleaners Community Food Bank (Detroit):

    Gleaners Community Food Bank, which serves the emergency food network in southeastern Michigan, ensured more clients will have access to fresh, nutritious milk by partnering with the dairy community. Together, they established a fundraising campaign that’s built to last, and they mastered the logistical challenge of getting refrigerated milk to families in need – with the help of a mobile food pantry and an improved distribution model. In 2018, they successfully provided 229,000 gallons of milk to those in need.

    The U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards program is supported by generous sponsors. This year’s sponsors are: DeLaval,Phibro Animal Health, Syngenta, USDA and World Wildlife Fund.

  • USDA Announces March Income over Feed Cost Margin Triggers Third 2019 Dairy Safety Net Payment

    WASHINGTON, May 7, 2019 — USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced last week that the March 2019 income over feed cost margin was $8.85 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the third payment for dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

    DMC, which replaces the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy), offers protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.

    “I encourage all dairy operations to sign up for DMC when we begin accepting applications in June,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “Under certain coverage levels, the amount to be paid to dairy farmers for the months of January, February and March already exceed the cost of the premium.”

    The signup period for DMC opens June 17, 2019. Dairy producers who elect a DMC coverage level between $9 and $9.50 would be eligible for a payment for January, February and March 2019.

    For example, a dairy operation that chooses to enroll an established production history of 3 million pounds (30,000 cwt.) and elects the $9.50 coverage level on 95 percent of production would receive $1,543.75 for March

    Sample calculation:

    $9.50 – $8.85 margin = $0.65 difference

    $0.65 x 95 percent of production x 2,500 cwt. (30,000 cwt./12) = $1,543.75

    DMC premiums are paid annually. The calculated annual premium for coverage at $9.50 on 95 percent of a 3-million-pound production history for this example would be $4,275.

    Sample calculation:

    3,000,000 x 95 percent = 2,850,000/100 = 28,500 cwt. x 0.150 premium fee = $4,275

    The dairy operation in the example calculation will pay $4,275 in total premium payments for all of 2019 and receive $8,170 in DMC payments for January, February and March combined. Additional payments will be made if calculated margins remain below the $9.50/cwt level.

    All participants are also required to pay an annual $100 administrative fee in addition to any premium, and payments will be subject to a 6.2 percent reduction to account for federal sequestration.

    Operations making a one-time election to participate in DMC through 2023 are eligible to receive a 25 percent discount on their premium for the existing margin coverage rates. For the example above, this would reduce the annual premium by $1,068.75.

    About DMC

    On December 20, 2018, President Trump signed into law the 2018 Farm Bill, which provides support, certainty and stability to our nation’s farmers, ranchers and land stewards by enhancing farm support programs, improving crop insurance, maintaining disaster programs and promoting and supporting voluntary conservation. FSA is committed to implementing these changes as quickly and effectively as possible, and today’s updates are part of meeting that goal.

    Recently, FSA announced the availability of the DMC decision support tool as well as repayment options for producers who were enrolled in MPP-Dairy.

    For DMC signup, eligibility and related dairy program information, visit the DMC webpage or contact your local USDA service center. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-locator.

    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

    …Dairy Margin Coverage Program Sign-Up Begins June 17…

  • DMI Names Harden to Lead Global Environmental Strategy

    Krysta Harden, former Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been named Executive Vice President of Global Environmental Strategy of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI). At a time when telling the story of U.S. dairy’s positive environmental contributions has never been more important, Harden will be tasked with driving the dairy checkoff’s environmental sustainability strategy.Krysta-Harden

     
    “Dairy farmers are the original environmental stewards and by creating this position we will continue to ensure that U.S. dairy is well-positioned to meet the heightened demands of the global marketplace,” said Barb O’Brien, president of DMI and the Innovation Center. “With her background and leadership, Krysta is the ideal person to not only share U.S. dairy’s positive environmental story and progress to date from farm to table but to also chart a path that reinforces the vital role dairy and farmers can and will play in global and sustainable food systems.”
     
    Harden will report to O’Brien and will collaborate with DMI and Innovation Center leadership to define an inspiring vision, strategy and plan forward for U.S. dairy’s environmental commitment. She will also provide executive leadership on the Innovation Center’s Environmental Stewardship Committee. The committee convenes the dairy value chain including farmers to identify priorities, goals and metrics, align on best practices, identify gaps in science and innovation, and develop resources and outreach to accelerate adoption and report progress.
     
    “Coming from a farm family, I’m excited to work on behalf of dairy farmers who have demonstrated for generations stewardship of land, animals and other natural resources,” Harden said. “This is an opportunity to share their story – the 24/7, 365-days-a-year commitment to leaving the land in a better place for future generations. Moreover, it’s an opportunity to work with farmers and the broader dairy community to identify new research, technologies and partnerships that will accelerate and build upon U.S. dairy’s long-standing commitments and positive impact.”
     
    Harden most recently served as senior vice president of External Affairs and chief sustainability officer for Corteva Agriscience, an agriculture division of DowDuPont. Before joining DuPont, Harden spent nearly three years as deputy secretary for Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, helping to shape food and agriculture policy.
     
    Visit www.dairy.org to learn more about the dairy checkoff and www.usdairy.com to learn more about the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

  • Organic stakeholders gather in D.C. to talk politics, trends, challenges, and more!

    From an insider’s look into the upcoming presidential race, to opportunities for organic with the legalization of industrial hemp, to how organic can be accessible and affordable for more of our changing population and still fetch a fair price for producers, the Organic Trade Association’s Bold Ideas + Critical Conversations conference later this month will challenge and energize participants during Organic Week May 20-23 in D.C.

    The organic industry gathers in Washington every year at Organic Week to meet, network, and advocate for organic with congressional and agency representatives. This year marks the Organic Trade Association’s first-ever Influencer Program at Organic Week. Eight widely followed social media influencers have been chosen to cover the conference and other activities to get a behind-the-scenes look at organic advocacy in action.

    To be held Wednesday, May 22, above the bustling Union Market in D.C., the Bold Ideas + Critical Conversations conference will be the centerpiece of the week of organic advocacy and collaboration. The list of speakers and leaders is impressive, from Naomi Starkman, founder and editor-in-chief of Civil Eats; to Rudy Arredondo, president and CEO of the National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association; to Jeff Huckaby, president and CEO of Cal-Organic/Grimmway Farms; Ambassador Darci Vetter and many more. Also participating will be government officials, including Bruce Summers, Administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

    Political landscape

    David Wasserman, one of the nation’s most influential political analysts who serves as U.S. House Editor and Senior Election Analyst for the non-partisan The Cook Political Report, will share his spot-on insights and deep knowledge of today’s political landscape as a keynote speaker.

    Mainstage events will take place on Dock 5, a creatively repurposed open layout warehouse space at Union Market. Breakout sessions, meanwhile, will be at the Autoshop and Lab 1270–two locations just a block from Dock 5–in addition to Dock 5.

    In afternoon breakout sessions, participants will take part in critical conversations centering around how the industry is delivering access and equity for increasingly diverse shoppers, what it looks like to scale up with integrity, how political activism aligns with brand strategy, and how to set the stage for an Organic Label that evolves, grows and meets the needs of consumers today and the future.

    Hemp legalization a hot topic

    One timely topic will center on opportunities for the organic sector with the legalization of industrialized hemp through the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. A three-track series will sort through the marketing and regulatory details of this new market, and take a deep dive at opportunities for the organic sector to take an early leadership position in this fast-growing sector.

    Sessions will help attendees understand the evolving regulatory framework, agronomic best practices, and infrastructure necessary to bring organic hemp to market.

    Moderators and speakers include Gwendolyn Wyard (Vice President of Regulatory and Technical Affairs for the Organic Trade Association), Rend Al-Mondhiry (Senior Counsel at Amin Talati Upadhye and an expert on ingredient and labeling issues for dietary supplements and the food industry), Steven Hoffman (Founder and Managing Director of Compass Nature), and organic hemp grower Chris Jagger of Oregon.

    Scaling with integrity and organic values

    How can organic scale up and maintain its integrity? This provocative question will be addressed in a keynote presentation and panel discussion around how the organic industry can earn and maintain shoppers’ trust even as it continues to flourish.

    Ambassador Darci Vetter, former Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative who now heads Edelman’s Washington, D.C., Public Affairs practice, will present the findings of Edelman’s Trust 2019 Barometer that measures the levels of trust of thousands of consumers in dozens of countries in government, businesses, NGOs, and the media. Organic industry leaders will learn which institutions garner high levels of public trust–and why.

    Civil Eats Founder and Editor-in-Chief Naomi Starkman will continue the discussion on how organic businesses can grow and expand without compromising values. She will talk with a panel of executives from the produce sector, the leading organic brand and a major food maker on the most challenging aspects of growing their organic businesses without sacrificing the core tents of the organic seal. The panel will include Jeff Huckaby (President and CEO, Cal-Organic/Grimmway Farms), Melissa Hughes (Chief Mission Officer and General Counsel of Organic Valley), and Carla Vernon (President of Natural of Organic for General Mills).

    Access and equity issues

    Meanwhile, there will be three sessions dedicated to examining accessibility and equity issues. How can organic be accessible and affordable for more of our changing population and still fetch a fair price for its producers? A distinguished group of national farm activists, organic producers, community leaders and advocates in the health and wellness sectors will address these and other questions and related issues.

    The Changing Demographics of Organic
    Featured  speakers will be Carlotta Mast (Senior Vice President of Content and Market Leader at New Hope Network), blogger Ari Adams (Executive Director of ShiftCon), Allie Mentzer, (Advocacy Specialist for National Co+op), and Maryellen Molyneaux (Managing Partner, NMI).

    Urban Agriculture: Where does (and doesn’t) organic fit in? 
    Discussion participants will be Stephanie Jerger (Community Outreach Director of the Baltimore Urban League), Rudy Arredondo (President and CEO of the National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association), Xavier Brown (Director of Urban Agriculture, Soilful City), Katie Naessens, Professional Staff, U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee), and Cordelia June (Founder, Yon Vilaj).

    Protecting Farmer Prices
    Making up this panel led by Max Goldberg (founder of LivingMaxwell.com) will be Doug Crabtree (owner/operator of Vilicus Farms), and Ariane Lotti (owner/grower of Tenuta San Carlo).

    More breakout sessions

    Additional breakout sessions include:

    • Finding your brand’s activism strategy–how to create an action plan in line with your company’s core values for catalyzing meaningful social and environmental change, and deeper engagement with employees and consumers.
    • Strategies to Reward Farmers for Ecosystems Services and Climate Change Mitigation
    • Investing in Organic Leadership: The role of capital in endowing organic’s future.

    This dynamic program will offer attendees an inspiring day for learning and networking, while taking on challenging conversations. For more information or to register to participate, go to the conference website.

  • Economic Analysis: Grain Exports Offer Billions in Benefits Beyond the Farm

    A new study shows access to international export markets for U.S. grains supported nearly $38 billion in business sales in the U.S. economy during 2016 beyond the value of the products themselves.

    The analysis commissioned by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) found a total economic impact of U.S. grains exports of $55 billion that year, supporting 271,000 jobs directly or indirectly. These sales supported U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) by $19 billion over what would have occurred without such exports.

    The analysis dives deep into the benefits to farmers, rural communities and the nation as a whole derived from overseas sales driven by strong trade policy and robust in-country market development for grains and grains products.

    “Every sale counts for farmers, especially in this market, and this analysis shows just how much the grain sector is supported by regular and growing purchases from our overseas customers,” said Jim Stitzlein, the Council’s chairman. “These numbers out today take the analysis one step further to look at the whole economy, in our rural and farm communities but also in cities where people have jobs transporting, processing and shipping ag products.”

    Informa Agribusiness Consulting conducted the study, which examined the economic contributions to each state and 52 congressional districts from exports of corn, barley, sorghum, ethanol, distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn gluten feed and meal as well as the corn equivalent of meat on the U.S. economy. The new study is an update to similar research done with 2014 and 2015 data, showing similar results.

    Breaking down the numbers, these results showed every $1 of grain exports supported an additional $2.20 in business sales. Every job directly created by the export of grain and grain products supported an additional 3.9 jobs in the United States.

    These indirect and induced business activities extend well beyond the agricultural industry, including the wholesale trade, real estate, oil and natural gas and service sectors.

    “While corn growers can see first-hand the value our product provides to our local communities, this study demonstrates the positive economic impact we provide beyond our fields. Breaking the data down into individual states and Congressional districts will help us better inform legislators as we advocate for new market opportunities for U.S. corn,” said NCGA President Lynn Chrisp

    View an interactive map of the study results and the full report.

    About the U.S. Grains Council

    The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 13 key markets and representatives in an additional 15 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. Detailed information about the Council and its programs is online at www.grains.org.

    About the National Corn Growers Association
    Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state associations and checkoff organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for their members and their industry.

  • California Fresh Fruit Association Names Ian Lemay New President

    (May 13, 2019 Fresno, CA) – Today, Randy Giumarra, the Chairman of the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) Board of Directors announced that Ian LeMay will serve as the new president of CFFA. LeMay will succeed GeorgeRadanovich, who has held the position since 2016 and will be leaving CFFA to promote sound ag labor policy inWashington, DC.

    Chairman Giumarra stated “Ian’s appointment is a reflection of our Board’s commitment to establishing long-term leadership for our industry.” Giumarra continued, “Our Board and I have worked closely with Ian over the past four years. We are confident in his abilities and look forward to his leadership. I’d also like to take thisopportunity to thank George for his time, leadership and impact that he has made over the last three years. George’sservice is greatly appreciated by our entire membership.”

    Ian LeMay

    LeMay has dedicated his career to supporting and advocating for the continued success of California agriculture. Since 2015, LeMay has served as CFFA’s Director of Member Relations and Communications. From 2011 to 2015, LeMay served as the District Director for Congressman Jim Costa who represents California’s 16th. Congressional District. As District Director, LeMay managed the Congressman’s district staff and advised theCongressman on a number of issues including agriculture, water and transportation. Prior to working for Congressman Costa, LeMay worked as a California Market Specialist for the Lindsay Corporation. LeMay is arecent graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (Class 48).

    “I am humbled and appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the members of the California Fresh Fruit Association in a new capacity,” said LeMay. “I came to the Association four years ago because I believe in its mission, deeply respect its history and see infinite potential in advocating for the permanent fresh fruit growers and shippers of California. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to observe two great Association leaders in Barry Bedwell and George Radanovich, and thank them for their commitment to bettering our industry. The challenges that face us are many. These have not been easy years for our industry, but I remainconfident in the future of California agriculture and our opportunity to advocate for meaningful policy with aunified voice.”

    LeMay will begin his tenure as CFFA President on June 1st. Ian and his wife Molly reside in Fresno with their two children, Emery Rose and Ellison James, and will welcome their third child this August.

    ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION

    For more than eighty (80) years the California Fresh Fruit Association has been the primary government relations organization serving the fresh fruit industry. It is a voluntary public policy organization that works on behalf of our members – growers, shippers, marketers and associates – on issues that specifically affect member commodities: fresh grapes, kiwis, pomegranates, cherries, blueberries, peaches, pears, apricots, nectarines, interspecific varieties, plums, apples and persimmons. It is the Association’s responsibility to serve as a liaison between regulatory and legislative authorities by acting as the unified voice of our members. The challenges are. countless for growers, shippers and marketers as they strive to remain viable in an ever-changing market. Increasing regulatory requirements make it difficult to flourish, regardless of the size of the operation.

    The Association’s dedicated staff advocates daily in the best interest of our members to ensure that regulators and legislators are using sound science and accurate information when considering laws or rules that will be imposedon industry members. However, aside from the variety of issues the Association works on, there is an important networking component. As each company has its own business interest, the membership as a whole shares acommon, vested interest in the long-term health of tree fruit, fresh grape and berry communities in California.

  • Polyploidy – or how do we get seedless fruit?

    Having an odd number of chromosomes can produce sterile – and seedless fruit.

    Spitting out watermelon seeds can be a summertime rite of passage for some folks. Others like their watermelons seedless. How did those seedless watermelons (and other plants) come about? The May 7th Sustainable, Secure Food blog explains the topic of polyploidy.

    “Plants can have multiple sets of chromosomes, which is called polyploidy. Many of your favorite fruits and vegetables are polyploids,” says blogger and plant scientist, Christine Bradish, Ashland, Inc. “Polyploidy can occur naturally, where wild species ‘add together’ their DNA.  Two good examples of this are wheat and strawberries.”

    But, plant breeders can also develop work to develop crops without seeds – like seedless watermelons. Even bananas are seedless.

    “Polyploidy is one more tool that scientists can use to learn about the genetics of crop plants,” says Bradish. To read the complete blog, visit Sustainable, Secure Food at https://sustainable-secure-food-blog.com/2019/05/07/polyploidy-or-how-do-we-get-seedless-fruit