California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • UC Davis Entomology Doctoral Candidate Wins Major Leadership Award

    UC Davis doctoral candidate Mia Kanako Lippey, described as a “leader extraordinaire and an awe-inspiring entomologist who not only excels in leadership, but in research, academics, public service, science communication, computer programming, and scientific illustrations,” received the 2025 Student Leadership Award from the Pacific Branch, Entomological Society of America (PBESA).

    The award recognizes a Pacific Branch entomology student (undergraduate or graduate) “for outstanding leadership in his/her department, university, community, and professional societies, while still achieving academic excellence.” Lippey received award at the PBESA’s annual meeting, which ended April 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

    Lippey studies with  UC Davis distinguished professor emeritus Jay Rosenheim, an insect biologist, and assistant professor Emily Meineke, an urban landscape entomologist. In her research, Lippey explores plant-insect interactions in agricultural and urban environments and the impact that global change has on these relationships. She recently received a 2024 USDA AFRI NIFA Predoctoral Fellowship of $120,000. (NIFA is the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and AFRI is the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative.)

    At the 2024 ESA meeting in Phoenix, Lippey won a President’s Prize for her outstanding research presentation on “A Big Data Approach to Characterizing Impacts of Climate Warming on Agricultural Arthropod Populations” in the Plant-Ecosystems, Biocontrol Category.

    She holds a 4.0 GPA and anticipates receiving her doctorate in June 2025. She received her bachelor’s degree in entomology at UC Davis in 2019 with high honors.

    Lippey is a past president (2023-24) of the Entomology Graduate Student Association (EGSA). Since 2023, she has served as the student representative of the department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, creating systems to improve communication between students and faculty. She led a DEI teaching seminar focused on a holistic and inclusive approaches for mentoring underrepresented students.

    Her activities include leading an Ecological and Evolutionary Response to Rapid Environmental Changes Program; and co-leading a UC Davis STEM Squad outreach program for middle and high school students in the Yolo County area. She engaged the students by creating hands-on activities, focusing on entomological research through insect collection and curation.  Lippey has also led STEM projects, encouraging and guiding underrepresented students to seek careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and assisting them with career explorations, job searches, networking, resumes and cover letters.

    Lippey is active in both the Entomological Society of America and the Ecological Society of America. She organized an Ecological Society session on effectively communicating climate change and sustainable agriculture to policy makers. “This level of involvement is relatively unusual for a graduate student and is a testament to Mia’s leadership qualities outside of the lab as well,” said Sara Emery, formerly of the Emily Meineke lab and now an assistant professor at Cornell.

    In other leadership and mentoring activities, Lippey led a graduate student seminar on agricultural entomology and ecology, zeroing in on traditional ecological knowledge. She created a course syllabus and led weekly discussions. Her titles also include teaching assistant and research mentor: she mentored two undergraduate researchers in the UC Davis Research Scholars Program in Insect Biology, training mentees in GIS skills, R programming and statistical methods.

    As a volunteer at the California Academy of Sciences, Lippey identified and curated donated collections and built entomological displays for outreach and education. Her experience also includes work as a junior specialist and scientific illustrator for the USDA Animal and Plant Health Insect Service (APHIS); and a UX designer at Dolby Laboratories, where she developed professional audio software and designed icon libraries and high-fidelity graphics.

    Powerful Advocate for Other Graduate Students

    Her professors and colleagues describe her as:

    • “An exceptional and beloved peer within the entomology graduate students at UC Davis”
    • “An advocate for her fellow students, a constant supporter of their success, and is heavily involved with the Entomology community.”
    • “A careful and powerful advocate for other graduate students in the group.”
    • “An excellent entomologist” and “an excellent communicator”
    • “A thoughtful, creative, and intentional leader in our community. In serving with her on the DEI committee in the department, I have been deeply impressed with the creativity and intentionality she brings to her work.”
    • “An outstanding scientist whose non-traditional path in academia shape her inquisitiveness in ways that clarify the complex effects of climate change on insects. Her ability to reconceptualize accepted ideas and challenge old theories based on new evidence is inspirational.”
    • “Highly collaborative”
    • “Creative, curious and ambitious entomologist”
    • “A kind, caring and joyous person who is beloved by the Meineke lab and her Davis community.”
    • “Ambitious in a way that doesn’t knock others down, but rather allows them to thrive, too.”

    “Mia has vaulted off to an exceptional start to her career, having led research across diverse contexts, proven herself an outstanding mentor and teacher, and taken on far more service than would be expected for any student,” a faculty member said. “Indeed, Mia has already published 5 peer-reviewed papers and one book chapter, won prestigious fellowships (e.g., the USDA NIFA Predoctoral Fellowship), presented her work at multiple conferences, and attained important leadership positions. This is truly amazing for a PhD student!”

    PBESA encompasses 11 Western states, plus parts of Canada and Mexico, and U.S. territories.

  • Groundbreaking Nutritional Approach to Malaria Relief with Hemp Seed Oil

    IND HEMP, the leading industrial hemp producer and processor in the United States, and the National Hemp Association (NHA) today announced a pioneering, nutrition-based strategy to combat malaria using hemp seed oil. Drawing on decades of scientific research, IND HEMP spotlights hemp seed oil’s remarkable promise to reduce malaria’s global burden. NHA’s relationships in Africa and ability to unite diverse stakeholders strengthen this initiative, ensuring hemp-based solutions can be effectively implemented in malaria-endemic communities.

    “Malaria is a global health crisis that demands a fresh perspective,” said Ken Elliott, President of IND HEMP. “We’ve reviewed a ton of scientific research showing Omega-3-rich foods like fish can help prevent malaria. More recent research has shown that a diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 can kill various blood borne parasites, which also promotes the idea that Omega rich foods, like Hemp Seed Oil, can prevent or reduce the risk of being infected with the malaria parasite” 

    Every year, over 250 million people contract malaria, resulting in approximately 600,000 deaths—many among young children in Sub-Saharan Africa.  In response, IND HEMP and NHA highlight the potential of hemp seed oil’s potent Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which can provide a two-fold advantage: directly suppressing parasite growth and mitigating inflammation that exacerbates severe malaria complications.

    Pilot Programs and Community Engagement
    The partnership is seeking to initiate pilot programs with partners in several African countries, aiming to advance the science so to rapidly supply hemp-based nutritional products—like hemp seed oil and protein-rich seed cake from the United States, while working to help establish farming and processing in Africa.

    “We have had friends in Ghana for more than 15 years” Shares Julie Elliott, Co-Founder, IND HEMP, “and we were fortunate to welcome two college graduate engineers from there to intern with us in Montana and learn about industrial hemp as a crop and processing, so that they may take this knowledge back to their home farms and communities. Learning about the severity of Malaria when we visited them in Africa this year was eye opening and to see a pathway for the crop and food we produce and work with every day to potentially be beneficial for this motivates us to do something about it”

    Building on Relationships in Africa
    Over the past years, IND HEMP and NHA have both worked in various ways in Africa, building upon personal and professional relationships and establishing trusted partnerships. This groundwork paves the way to immediately execute a path forward to bring American hemp seed oil into Africa and distribute to communities in need.  Additionally, it allows a pathway for shared knowledge and integration of hemp solutions into current agricultural frameworks, ensuring a sustainable, community-led path forward.

    Geoff Whaling, NHA Chair, will be returning to Africa April 17-24, with support from USDA, and will be discussing this approach with African leaders in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Ghana. “Industrial Hemp  – fiber and grain – is more than a cash crop.  It’s a catalyst for transformative change,” Whaling said. “By uniting with IND HEMP, we’re showcasing how hemp-based nutrition, including mechanically pressed hemp grain can improve health outcomes, stimulate local economies, and address an urgent global challenge. We’re excited to bring this conversation directly to leaders on the African continent.”

    For more details on IND HEMP’s approach or partnership opportunities, visit indhemp.com/malaria-and-hemp-seed-oil/

    About IND HEMP

    IND HEMP is a Montana family business, Certified B Corporation and leading agricultural producer, processor and supplier of industrial hemp food / feed ingredients and natural fiber raw materials for a variety of industries and sustainable product applications, from healthy foods to natural fiber non-wovens for building materials, auto industry, hygienics and personal care applications. Learn more at www.indhemp.com.

    About the National Hemp Association

    The National Hemp Association is the largest grassroots advocacy organization dedicated to promoting the use and acceptance of industrial hemp. With a mission to support farmers and advance the hemp industry through advocacy, policy engagement, and education, NHA is committed to fostering a sustainable future through hemp innovation. Learn more at www.nationalhempassociation.org.

  • Tariffs Compound Economic Anxiety Among US Consumers and Businesses Amid Fears of Economic Slowdown

    Consumer and business sentiment regarding the U.S. economic outlook continues to deteriorate after dropping sharply over the past few months. Rapidly worsening expectations about everything – from inflation and personal income to business and labor market conditions – are elevating concerns among business owners, investors and consumers alike.

    So far, the hard data on key economic indicators like unemployment, job creation, weekly payrolls and consumer expenditures suggest the U.S. economy remains fairly strong. Even the recent stock market pullback is a symptom of flagging confidence about the future rather than a reflection of current business performance. The question on the minds of investors, businesses and corporate boards is whether the declining expectations will soon translate into slower spending and tightening profit margins.

    According to a new quarterly report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the answer to that question will likely come into view by the end of June, if not sooner. Historic data suggests that declines in consumer spending begin to become apparent three to five months after a sharp decline in economic sentiment. Consumer spending accounts for about 70% of all U.S. economic activity.

    “Not including the brief pandemic-related recession, which was overwhelmed by massive government stimulus, the previous three U.S. recessions in 1990, 2000 and 2007 were all forewarned by weakening sentiment that led to a steep decline in consumer spending,” said Rob Fox, director of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. “The next set of hard data from reports on retail sales and consumer spending should begin to provide some guidance as to which way the economy is heading.”

    Despite a 90-day partial reprieve, the new tariff regime remains likely to increase inflation and cut economic growth, Fox added. “While the severity of the near-term effects is up for debate, the longer-term impact of capricious U.S. trade policy is the likely loss of trust abroad in U.S. policymaking, something that will be very hard to regain.”

    Until recently, most observers viewed the administration’s tariff campaign as a short-term negotiating tactic. It now appears a primary objective is to bring more manufacturing capabilities back within U.S. borders, which will take time. But unpredictable tariff policy could stand in the way of achieving that goal, as businesses are unlikely to invest millions or billions of dollars based on expectations of a policy that’s subject to change at any moment.

    U.S. Government Affairs
    With the whole country watching the impact of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs, Congress has yet to act on this economic gambit. Currently equity and commodity markets are weakening, and the patience of the American people is being tested. Many individuals and businesses are hoping to see the tax law extended, several industries need meaningful immigration reform, and agriculture still demands a Farm Bill. The American public will ultimately demand a functioning Congress.

    Grains, Farm Supply & Biofuels
    Uncertainty over trade and biofuel policy pulled corn, soybean and wheat prices down last quarter, despite the tailwind of a weakening U.S. dollar. Trade concerns weighed most heavily on wheat prices as world buyers have multiple exporters at their disposal. U.S. grain stocks on March 1 revealed a strong usage pace for corn and soybeans, but wheat usage continued to fall. Farmers intend to plant the largest corn acreage in the U.S. since 2013 as corn offers the greatest margin opportunity.

    Crop production expenses are expected to continue trending downward, but they remain elevated in relation to lower commodity prices. While fertilizer prices have fallen, last year’s wet fall will require heavier spring applications and rising corn acreage signals more demand for nitrogen. Ag retailers and farm supply cooperatives head into the spring agronomy season facing labor challenges and obstacles sourcing crop chemicals from China. Growth in biologicals remains a bright spot for cooperatives.

    Renewable diesel and biodiesel production has scaled back to find stability in the absence of the blender’s tax credit, pushing prices above petroleum. Domestic production was down 41% year-over-year for January and February as margin pressure exceeded projections. Establishment of the renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard and decisions on the Clean Fuel Production Credit will largely determine the trajectory of biofuels demand and production.

    Animal Protein & Dairy
    Record high prices across the beef cattle sector remain amid continuing herd liquidation and delayed rebuilding. Despite volatility in the U.S. cattle herd, the beef sector has been able to maintain production to meet strong consumer demand. Through the third week of March, U.S. beef production was up slightly compared to 2024. Weekly dressed cattle weights have pushed 3% to 6% higher than a year ago, hitting a record 882 lbs. per head in late January. Packer margins remain squeezed as feeder cattle prices are continuing their upward trajectory.

    The U.S. pork sector is positioned for moderate growth this year, which should support hog prices and keep pork an affordable protein alternative to beef. Growing export opportunities and strengthening domestic interest in pork are moving U.S. hog prices higher. Lean hog and cutout prices were up to start 2025 and early signs of an upward turn in the production cycle are emerging. Pork producer margins have been positive for 11 consecutive months through February 2025.

    Strong broiler prices and low inventory levels are fueling optimism in the poultry sector. Production metrics have yielded a moderately favorable outlook for 2025. Chick placements are up 2.5% year-to-date. Breast meat prices have been on the rise. But with beef prices chasing record highs, food service outlets have ample incentive to center feature activity on white meat chicken. That bodes well for broiler integrators and consumers as the chicken segment tends to attract shoppers seeking value.

    The potential for prolonged trade disputes with Mexico, Canada and China threatens the outlook for U.S. dairy demand. Combined, the three countries account for one-half of all U.S. dairy exports. Market uncertainty has sent futures contracts tumbling. From early January to early April, April-to-June Class III milk futures fell by $2.57 per cwt. Class IV dropped even further, losing $2.73 over 100 days. Despite the headwinds, dairy continues to have some bright spots, most notably lower feed costs.

    Cotton, Rice & Sugar
    U.S. cotton farmers are struggling with the lowest cotton prices in five years. Slowing consumer demand, ample world supplies and trade policy concerns have driven prices lower. Total U.S. cotton export commitments at the end of the first quarter were down 4.6% year-over-year. Purchases from China – the world’s top cotton buyer – were down 82.6%. China harvested its biggest cotton crop in 11 years. Brazil, the world’s top cotton exporter, is also set to harvest a record crop.

    The flood of Indian rice onto the world market following the country’s lift on export restrictions has pulled U.S. long-grain prices to four-year lows. U.S. rough rice stocks on March 1 were down 3.6% year-over-year due to strong export demand from Mexico. But the durability of last quarter’s swift export pace is under scrutiny. Uncertainty over trade policy is showing signs of curbing demand for U.S. rice abroad.

    Despite tightness in world sugar supplies, the large U.S. sugarbeet harvest last fall has capped price rallies. Sugar imports from Mexico are expected to be the lowest since 2007/2008 as Mexico struggles with drought and lower cane sugar production. U.S. sugarbeet farmers are expected to expand planted acreage this spring with USDA forecasting acreage to climb to 1.132 million, the highest in three years.

    Food & Beverage
    Food and beverage manufacturers are revising their sales and earnings expectations downward as consumer sentiment has soured. Prices remain a top concern for consumers, who continue to pull back on grocery spending. More than 80% of U.S. consumers anticipate tariffs will raise prices, with groceries expected to see the highest increases. Recognizing that more price increases could lead to volume attrition, food and beverage manufacturers are aiming to improve efficiencies and demonstrate value. Growth in private label grocery sales, which reached record levels in 2024, is expected to continue.

    Power & Digital Infrastructure
    Surging power demand and a faster replacement cycle for aging infrastructure is causing electricity prices to outpace inflation for consumers. Even greater cost escalation could lie ahead, as critical elements of the electricity supply chain face new import tariffs and accelerating trade headwinds. Spending on delivering electricity has been increasing at the fastest clip in decades, with a growth rate of 50% over the past five years. The U.S. power grid needs substantial investment, but with much of the supply chain imported, the price tag is rising.

    The Trump administration is expected to loosen requirements for the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. Changes will likely include a more technology-agnostic approach to how the money is allocated, which will benefit wireless technologies. Under the previous administration, the BEAD program took a fiber-first approach to “future proof” networks built in rural America. Reduced emphasis on fiber means fixed wireless access and low earth orbiting satellites could play a larger role in rural America’s broadband access and accelerate connectivity.

    Read The Quarterly. Each CoBank Quarterly provides updates and an outlook for the Macro Economy and U.S. Agricultural Markets; Grains, Biofuels and Farm Supply; Animal Protein; Dairy; Cotton and Rice; Specialty Crops; Food & Beverage industries and Rural Infrastructure.

    About CoBank

    CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 78,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.

    CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

  • Summit to Showcase California Agritourism Best Practices, May 14-15

    Given market fluctuations and climate volatility, many agricultural producers are seeking additional sources of farm-related revenue to pay their bills. Agritourism is one avenue, and it could take the form of offering event venue space, on-farm educational tours and classes, or experiences to work on a farm or ranch.

    On May 14-15, 2025, the California Agritourism Summit will provide farmers, ranchers and other key stakeholders a unique opportunity to explore agritourism ventures and develop productive partnerships. Interested parties are encouraged to register by April 30 for this gathering in San Diego County.

    The event will feature practical tools to start or expand an agritourism business, expert panels, roundtable discussions, presentations, networking opportunities and tours of successful agritourism operations. The summit is organized by the University of California Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP) and UC Cooperative Extension in San Diego County.

    “This is an exciting time for agritourism in California – in 2025, California Jobs First and Visit California both released plans in which the majority of regions across the state specifically identified agritourism as a priority area for economic and tourism development,” said Rachael Callahan, statewide agritourism coordinator for UC Agriculture and Natural Resources and SAREP.

    Agritourism has been identified as a priority area of growth for many areas of California, from San Diego County in the south to Modoc County in the far north, where this farm-to-table dinner was set up at a family farm. Photo by Rachael Callahan

    “With a legacy of on-the-ground agritourism efforts and this recent recognition of agritourism’s importance at the state level, the summit is an important opportunity to bring everyone together to begin shaping a collective future of agritourism in California,” Callahan added.

    She noted that representatives from producer and community-based organizations, state and local governments, and destination marketing organizations are all encouraged to attend – as well as tourism and economic development professionals.

    The second day of the summit begins with a panel featuring Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California; Paul Towers, executive director of Community Alliance with Family Farmers; and leadership of the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz).

    “The summit will not only highlight the diversity and creativity of local agritourism but also spark conversations about how tourism organizations can better support and showcase these experiences across California,” said Darlene Ruiz, one of the summit organizers at the UC Cooperative Extension office in San Diego County. “It’s an opportunity to foster partnerships that strengthen both local economies and community pride.”

    The first day of the summit comprises tours of exemplary agritourism businesses in the area, and culminates in a special evening reception, hosted by California Grown, at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

    “UC Cooperative Extension values the partnerships developed over the years with agritourism businesses throughout the region,” said Jan Gonzales, community education supervisor with UCCE in San Diego County. “We’re excited to coordinate with several of them and share with summit participants some of the diverse agritourism industry in our county.”

    A showcase of agritourism success in San Diego County, The Flower Fields will be the site of an evening reception hosted by California Grown. Photo by Marcie Gonzalez

    Register for the California Agritourism Summit at https://bit.ly/2025CAAgTourismSummit.

    Businesses interested in supporting the summit can learn more here: https://na.eventscloud.com/website/83086/becomeasupporter/.

    Funding for the California Agritourism Summit was made possible, in part, by a grant agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Services and supported by USDA/National Institute of Food and Agriculture under Award number 2023-70027-40445.

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

  • California FFA Announces State Star Award Winners at 97th State FFA Leadership Conference

    California FFA is proud to announce the 2025 winners of the prestigious State Star Awards. Winners were announced at the closing session of the 97th State FFA Leadership Conference on April 6 in Sacramento.

    The State Star Awards are designed to recognize exceptional FFA members who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs). SAEs, which have been a part of agricultural education since 1917, offer students an individualized application of the career and life skills taught in agricultural education courses beyond scheduled class time.

    After an extensive application process, finalists demonstrating outstanding management abilities in production, agribusiness, agricultural placement, and agriscience were selected in each of the six regions. These FFA members represent the best of the best, exhibiting excellence in all aspects of their agricultural endeavors, demonstrating strong leadership skills, and participating in their local FFA chapter. California FFA is proud to announce this year’s winners:

    Star Farmer: The Star Farmer Award recognizes an FFA member who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in an entrepreneurial production agriculture SAE. This award celebrates those who have exhibited excellence in agricultural production, finance, and management while maintaining active involvement in FFA. This year’s Star Farmer is Peyton Wood from Yreka FFA. Wood owns and operates a registered cow/calf operation as well as numerous market projects in beef, sheep, and poultry in Siskiyou County. Wood has developed production techniques to maximize livestock quality and efficiency through breeding, nutrition, pasture management, maintenance of breed association records, and marketing her registered breeding animals and finished market projects.

    Star Agribusiness, Adrian Sanchez, Madera FFA

    Star in Agribusiness: The Star in Agribusiness Award honors a student for exceptional achievement in an entrepreneurial agribusiness SAE. This award is presented to individuals who focus on agricultural sales, services, or other entrepreneurial endeavors. Whether through sales, service, or innovation, the recipient must demonstrate outstanding business acumen and leadership. The 2025 Star in Agribusiness Award goes to Adrian Sanchez from Madera FFA, who has excelled in his fabrication business, where he designs and builds custom orders for customers all over the state. Through his SAE, Sanchez has successfully developed and managed all aspects of his business, including working with customers, financial record-keeping, ordering supplies, and designing and building projects.

    Star Placement, Alden Hansard, Atwater

    Star in Agricultural Placement: The Star in Agricultural Placement Award celebrates a student who has excelled in an employment-based SAE, including work-based learning opportunities. The awardee should gain real-world experience throughout his or her SAE, all while contributing to the greater agricultural workforce. The 2025 recipient of the Star in Agricultural Placement Award is Alden Hansard from Atwater FFA. Hansard started working at Cal Farm in 2020 as a part-time mechanic and salesman, where he was responsible for inspecting equipment and ordering parts. In 2022, he joined Diamond J Custom Farming as a repair mechanic, servicing and restoring farm equipment. Through his employment, Hansard has gained invaluable skills and work ethic through his daily duties of maintaining tractors and trucks, troubleshooting issues, and ordering parts.

    Star Agriscience, Salyn Meas, El Capitan FFA

    Star in Agriscience Award: The Star in Agriscience Award recognizes an FFA member whose SAE is focused on advancing agricultural science, research, and innovation. This award is designed for students who apply their curiosity to solve problems and answer questions within the agricultural industry. The 2025 Star in Agriscience Award goes to Salyn Meas from Lakeside-El Capitan FFA. Throughout her FFA career, Meas has successfully completed four agriscience projects, each contributing to groundbreaking research. Through each experiment, she has demonstrated a passion for scientific exploration in agriculture, furthering the impact of innovation and student research.

    About California FFA: California FFA serves more than 105,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

  • Cornell to Help Pinpoint Cause of Massive Honeybee Die-Offs

    Cornell University bee experts are analyzing samples of bees and related material to help identify the cause of unprecedented managed honeybee losses this winter. The colony die-offs became apparent as U.S. commercial beekeepers geared up to transport colonies to California, where approximately 70% of the nation’s managed honeybees are trucked to pollinate almonds each year.

    Average recent losses have been upward of 60% of honeybee colonies, leading to combined financial losses of at least $139 million, according to an ongoing survey of 234 beekeepers from across the country. The survey is being conducted by Project Apis m., the American Beekeeping Federation, the American Honey Producers Association and extension programs and beekeepers.

    “Based on early numbers that are coming in, it’s suggestive that this will be the biggest loss of honeybee colonies in U.S. history,” said Scott McArt, Ph.D. ’12, associate professor of entomology and program director for the Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies, in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

    These devastating numbers only add to loss rates of 70% to 100% for many beekeepers over the last 12 months.

    Pollen samples ready for analysis in the McArt Lab in Comstock Hall. Photo by Jason Koski/Cornell University.

    The Bee Research Laboratory at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in Beltsville, Maryland, has collected samples of honeybees, wax, pollen and honey from dead and living hives. The government facility is now testing samples for parasites (such as varroa mites) and viruses. But due to government staffing cuts and the high expense involved with testing samples for pesticides, USDA staff and commercial beekeepers approached McArt to see if the Cornell Chemical Ecology Core Facility (of which McArt is director) could handle pesticide analyses.

    “The USDA lab has had cuts, so they simply can’t do a quick turnaround for these pesticide results. And at the same time, it’s very expensive for them,” McArt said.

    McArt and colleagues are using mass spectrometry techniques to analyze 500 samples and identify chemical residues. The Cornell lab can process up to 50 samples a week. Each sample costs about $120 to test; an anonymous private donor came forward to fund the project. The lab currently has samples in queue to be processed for other clients, but McArt put those on hold and requested that clients wait a few extra months for their results.

    Findings from the USDA samples won’t be available for at least another month, McArt said.

    Two years ago, Florida beekeepers experienced similar losses of up to 90% of their colonies, and $4.28 million in revenue, though the damage was limited to a few very large commercial honeybee operations in Florida. At the time, the USDA bee lab had the capacity to run the samples, and their results will soon be published. Early indications are that neonicotinoid pesticides, possibly used to control Asian citrus psyllid pests on oranges, were to blame. — By Krishna Ramanujan, Cornell University

  • The California State Fair proudly announces the winners of the 2025 Commercial Cheese Competition, recognizing excellence in cheesemaking from across the state. This year’s competition showcased the finest cheeses crafted by both small artisan producers and large-scale cheese production companies. A distinguished panel of 12 judges, led by Head Judge Phillip Tong, evaluated 113 entries based on appearance, aroma, texture, and taste.

    Best of Show Winners

    Best of Show – Cow’s Milk:

    Marin French Cheese Co. – Golden Gate

    Marin French Cheese Co. took home the prestigious Best of Show award for cow’s milk cheese with their Golden Gate washed rind cheese. This triple crème cheese is a part of their new California Originals line, developed for the evolved tastes of the modern cheese lover. Inspired by the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, this cheese undergoes a 14-day aging process where it is hand-washed with brine, allowing coastal cultures to flourish.

    “We know how many wonderful cheeses are made here in California, so this is an accomplishment that makes us especially proud,” said Bonnie Kaufman, Brand Manager. “Golden Gate is a true taste of terroir, inspired by the iconic bridge that leads you to Marin County and reliant on our salty coastal air for its color and flavor. Winning this award for a cheese that celebrates California is a fitting and rewarding honor.”

    With a deep, savory flavor, pungent aroma, and gooey texture, Golden Gate is an ideal choice for cheese boards and pairing with bold flavors.

    Best of Show – Other Milk Type:

    Pennyroyal Farm – Boont Corners Reserve

    Pennyroyal Farm secured the Best of Show award for other milk types with Boont Corners Reserve, made from fresh, raw goat’s milk. Inspired by traditional French mountain cheeses, this cheese is crafted during the summer months when the milk is lower in fat, allowing it to age beautifully for up to 12 months. The result is a firm-textured cheese with a complex, sweet, and nutty flavor, ideal for grating. The cheese is named after “The Corners,” the historic site of Boonville, near Pennyroyal Farm. This is the third Best in Show win for Boont Corners Reserve at the CA State Fair over the last 10 years.

    “I take it as a sign that we have been able to maintain a consistently high-quality cheese over the years, which is a reflection of and validation of not only of the recipe, but our staff, our animals, and our practices both on the dairy and in the creamery,” said Erika McKenzie-Chapter, Cheesemaker.  “My 7-year-old is going to ask if she can ‘keep this one’. She adores the two previous Golden Bears we have earned with this cheese. She even tells me she wants to create her own recipe so she can enter and win, so this award is already encouraging a future generation of cheesemakers.”

    2025 Best of California Award Winners

    Cow’s Milk Cheese

    •Cultured Cheese: Stepladder Creamery – Spicy Fromage Blanc

    •Soft Cheese: Sierra Nevada Cheese – Gina Marie Fresh Farmer Cheese

    •Semi-Soft Cheese: Marin French Cheese Co. – Golden Gate

    •Semi-Hard Cheese: Joseph Farms – Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar

    •Hard Cheese: Point Reyes Farmstead – Point Reyes Gouda

    Other Milk Type Cheese

    •Cultured Cheese: Stepladder Creamery – Chevre

    •Soft Cheese: Sierra Nevada Cheese – Bella Capra Goat Chevre

    •Semi-Soft Cheese: Pennyroyal Farms – Fratty Corners

    •Semi-Hard Cheese: Pennyroyal Farms – Boont Corners 2 Month

    •Hard Cheese: Pennyroyal Farms – Boont Corners Reserve

    The competition’s judges, composed of cheese merchants, writers, promoters, and educators, assessed entries across multiple divisions and classes, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation process.

    For a complete list of the award-winning cheeses, visit Calexpostatefair.com.

    The California State Fair will recognize Marin French Cheese Co. and Pennyroyal Farm at a special award presentation on Monday, July 21, 2025, during the California State Fair. Additionally, all Best of Show and Best of California winning cheeses will be displayed in the California Kitchen Exhibit Building B throughout the fair’s duration, July 11 through July 27, 2025. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

    About the California State Fair

    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.

  • CA Beef Council’s Registered Dietitian Recognized for Leadership in Nutrition Ed

    The California Beef Council is proud to celebrate registered dietitian Kori Dover, director of food and nutrition outreach, for receiving the Let’s Eat Healthy Leadership Award from Dairy Council of California. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who are making a significant impact in nutrition education and increasing access to nutritious foods, including dairy, to support healthier communities.

    Dover has been a driving force in educating health professionals, school nutrition leaders and chefs about the importance of healthy eating patterns that include beef and dairy. Through her role at California Beef Council, she has fostered collaboration between the beef and dairy industries, working to ensure evidence-based nutrition education reaches key decision-makers in school foodservice and dietetics.

    A Champion for Nutrition Education

    Since joining the California Beef Council, Dover has spearheaded professional education initiatives designed to bridge the gap between nutrition science and practical application. She has worked alongside Dairy Council of California to provide training sessions for dietetic interns, bringing together experts from both the beef and dairy industries to discuss sustainability, nutrition and the role of animal-sourced foods in healthy eating patterns.

    Outreach efforts extend to school nutrition professionals, helping them integrate science-backed nutrition strategies into school meal programs. In collaboration with Dairy Council of California, Dover helped co-create educational events, reinforcing the connection between dairy and beef in sustainable food systems.

    “Kori’s dedication to nutrition education has expanded access to science-based resources for health professionals and educators,” said Bill Dale, executive director at the California Beef Council. “Her collaboration with the Dairy Council of California has helped elevate the conversation around beef and dairy’s nutritional value. We are thrilled to see her recognized with this well-deserved award.”

    Strengthening the Connection Between Beef and Dairy

    Dover’s work highlights the natural synergy between beef and dairy production. Dairy cattle contribute significantly to the beef supply, and her approach to nutrition education reflects this connection. She has helped develop training programs that promote healthy eating patterns, incorporating beef, dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. By championing science-based nutrition education, Dover has reinforced the role of beef and dairy in balanced diets, reaching key decision-makers in schools, hospitals and foodservice programs.

    A Well-Deserved Honor

    The Let’s Eat Healthy Leadership Award recognizes leaders who empower children, families and communities with the knowledge and resources to build lifelong healthy eating patterns.

    Dover’s recognition emphasizes the value of collaboration in advancing sustainable nutrition education.

    Her leadership at the California Beef Council ensures that beef remains central to conversations around nutrition, while also strengthening the connection between beef and dairy industries in California. Through her work, she continues to educate the next generation of nutrition professionals and industry stakeholders.

    For more information on the California Beef Council’s education and outreach efforts, visit www.calbeef.org.

    About the California Beef Council

    The California Beef Council (CBC) was established in 1954 to serve as the promotion, research, and education arm of the California beef industry, and is mandated by the California Food and Agricultural Code. The CBC’s mission is to position the California beef industry for sustained beef demand growth through promotion, research and education. For more information, visit www.calbeef.org.

    About the Beef Checkoff

    The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

  • USDA Announces Four Ag Trade Promotion Programs for 2025

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching agricultural trade promotion programs for 2025 and accepting applications for four export market development programs. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service has opened funding opportunities for the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and Emerging Markets Program (EMP) that will help U.S. agricultural producers promote and sell their goods internationally. This action follows U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins’ Friday announcement detailing six international trade trips in the next six months to promote U.S. agricultural exports. The Secretary will visit Vietnam, Japan, India, Peru, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.

    “Our job at USDA is to open new markets for our farmers, ranchers, and producers. The previous administration left agriculture with a $50 billion trade deficit. President Trump and I will not sit idly by – we are actively working to open new markets and remove existing barriers,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are putting farmers first. These programs are a crucial step in sustaining long lasting economic growth in rural America.”

    Background:

    The application deadline for the four programs is June 6, 2025.

    The Market Access Program (MAP), at $200 million annually, allocates funds to ag industry organizations across the United States to promote U.S. fruits, vegetables, nuts, processed products, and bulk and intermediate commodities to global consumers. The average MAP participant provides more than $2.50 in contributions for every $1 in federal funding it receives through the program. More information about the program and the FY 2026 funding opportunity.

    The Foreign Market Development (FMD) program awards $34.5 million annually to benefit U.S. farmers, processors, and exporters by addressing long–term foreign market import constraints and by identifying new markets or new uses for U.S. agricultural commodities. FMD recipients, which contribute on average more than $2.50 for every $1 in federal funding they receive through the program, will conduct activities that help maintain or increase demand for U.S. agricultural commodities overseas. More information about the program and the FY 2026 funding opportunity.

    The Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops program (TASC) makes available $9 million annually to fund projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops. More information about the program and the FY 2026 funding opportunity.

    The Emerging Markets Program (EMP) uses $8 million annually to support assessment and technical assistance activities intended to develop, maintain, or expand opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports in emerging markets. More information about the program and the FY 2026 funding opportunity.

    Through MAP, FMD, TASC, and EMP, FAS establishes public-private partnerships with non-profit U.S. agricultural trade associations, farmer cooperatives, non-profit state-regional trade groups, state agencies, and small businesses to open markets and conduct overseas marketing and promotional activities on behalf of U.S. agricultural producers and processors.

    These programs are funded by mandatory statutory funding per the direction of Congress. USDA takes seriously the disbursement of taxpayer dollars and will closely follow the program to ensure good return on investment.

  • California FFA Elects 2025-2026 State FFA Officer Team

    Students from Oroville, Temecula, Kelseyville, Hanford, Minarets, and Bakersfield were elected by delegates at the 97th Annual State FFA Leadership Conference to serve as 2025-26 California State FFA Officers.

    • President: Lily Vaughan, Oroville-Las Plumas FFA
    • Vice President: Noah Stanisai, Temecula-St. Jeanne Catholic FFA
    • Secretary: Ryan Taylor, Kelseyville FFA
    • Treasurer: Daren Deftereos, Hanford FFA
    • Reporter: Tessa Camacho, O’neals Minarets FFA
    • Sentinel: Sophia Camou, Bakersfield-Garces Memorial FFA

    Each year, candidates vying for State FFA Office take part in an extensive online and in-person interview process with the State FFA Nominating Committee leading up to the election. The new team was announced during the closing session of the conference on Sunday, April 6 in Sacramento.

    After reviewing applications and conducting initial virtual interviews, the Nominating Committee selected 34 individuals to advance to in-person interviews in Sacramento. Candidates underwent several rounds of interviews with the State Nominating Committee before being slated and elected by the California Association, FFA delegation.

    California state officers take a gap year from their post-secondary plans to serve over 105,000 members of the California Association, FFA. Throughout their year of service, the officers will interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of middle and high school students, agricultural educators, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, local FFA leaders, and the general public.

    The team will lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the state and help set policies that will guide the future of FFA in California and lead the next generation of leaders.

    To obtain additional information about the new state officer team, contact Charles Parker, State FFA Advisor and program manager for agricultural education for the California Department of Education, at cparker@cde.ca.gov.

    About California FFA: California FFA serves more than 105,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.