California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Fresno County Leads Nation in Processing Tomato Production (May California Forecast)

    As of May 15, California’s tomato processors reported they have or will have contracts for 11.5 million tons of processing tomatoes for 2024. This production estimate is 1 percent below the January intentions forecast of 11.6 million tons and 10 percent below the final 2023 contracted production. The May contracted acreage of 228,000 is 2 percent below the January intentions forecast of 232,000 acres and 40,000 acres less than last year’s final contracted acreage.

    Fresno County remains the top California county and leading the national in contracted planted acreage for 2024 with 53,000 acres. Yolo, Kings, Merced, and San Joaquin make up the remaining top five counties, accounting for 65 percent of the 2024 total contracted planted acreage for California.

    Mild spring temperatures and adequate water have aided the development of the processing tomato crop. Planting began in late February in warmer areas of the state and has progressed with little to no weather delays. There were reports that the beet leafhopper has been detected in some areas, warranting close monitoring and increased pest control. At this point, yields are projected to be a little higher than last year. Harvest is expected to start in early July.

    Tomato supplies were replenished after growers in 2023 produced the largest crop in years. As a result, contracted acreage has decreased in most counties. Planted acres in Kings County increased significantly, as cropland that was previously under water has since been recovered. Processors anticipate that this year’s tomato harvest will be on schedule and will not extend beyond normal timelines, reducing the need for late- season deliveries.

    This early processing tomato estimate is funded by the California League of Food Producers.

  • California Dairy Families and Raley’s Food for Families Partner to Provide for Families Facing Food Insecurity

    In California, over 3 million households face food insecurity. In honor of June as National Dairy Month, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has announced a partnership with Raley’s Food For Families program to deliver milk and dairy foods to nourish families in need.

    Throughout the month of June, California dairy families, through the CMAB, will match customer in-store and online Food For Families donations, dollar-for-dollar (up to $30,000) to provide California dairy products to feeding programs. Prompts with the “Do Good with Dairy” message will be shared through in-store signage and digital communications to alert consumers to the initiative. Part of the Real California Milk CADAIRY4GOOD program and Raley’s well-known Food For Families charitable organization, the partnership is part of an ongoing commitment from both to providing resources to food banks and feeding programs to increase access to nutritious foods.

    California Agriculture Secretary, Karen Ross, shared: “Despite California’s leading position worldwide in food production, far too many people here are food insecure, and we must change that. I applaud the efforts of the California Milk Advisory Board and Raley’s to help feed hungry families.”

    “As a California dairy farmer, it’s important that all families have access to milk, one of the most nutritious foods available,” said Maureen Lemos who, with her husband, dairies in the Waterford area. “This partnership not only provides valuable resources where they are needed most, it also helps to raise awareness of the importance of dairy foods for nourishing families and communities.”

    Milk donations will be distributed to 12 Food For Family partner food banks – Alameda County Community Food Bank, Central California Food Bank, Food Bank for Monterey County, Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Placer Food Bank, Redwood Empire Food Bank, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest of the Greater Valley, and Yolo Food Bank.

    Christina Allen, Raley’s Foodservice Assistant Team Lead, kicks off the Real California Milk + Raley’s Food For Families Do Good with Dairy campaign.

    “Currently, folks experiencing hunger is at an all-time high. Milk donations our community will receive thanks to the charitable efforts of Raley’s and California’s dairy families are truly a blessing,” said Blake Young, President/CEO at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. “We are grateful for this wonderful support.”

    With help from customers, vendors, and Raley’s team members, Raley’s Food For Families has provided millions of meals to local families. Raley’s absorbs all administrative costs, maximizing the impact of every donation.

    “We are excited to partner with Real California Milk to bring dairy products to our food bank partners,” Zoe Edwards, Raley’s Food For Families Operations Specialist. “Year-around we accept donations to Food For Families to help alleviate hunger in our communities. Dairy is an important food group, providing nutrients and additional sources of protein to our food bank partners and their clients.”

    The CADAIRY4GOOD platform focuses on increasing access to nourishing dairy foods for individuals and families throughout California through partnerships to pilot programs to deliver product and refrigeration resources to the state’s food banks and feeding programs.

    California is the number one dairy state. Its 1,100 family dairy farms are focused on delivering the wholesome goodness of California milk while creating a greener, more sustainable future for dairy in the state.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube,Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

    About Raley’s Food For Families

    Raley’s Food For Families is a registered 501(c)3 organization providing food to Feeding America food banks and their network of partner agencies. The year-round program serves the communities of Northern California and Western Nevada through Raley’s, Bel Air Market, Nob Hill Foods and Raley’s ONE Market locations. Raley’s Food For Families began as a holiday food drive in 1986 and was founded by Co-Chairman and Owner Joyce Raley Teel and CEO emeritus Charles Collings. In the past 33 years, the organization has raised over $59 million and 44 million pounds of fresh wholesome food. With a long commitment to local communities, Raley’s Food For Families continues to grow and thrive as an organization dedicated to health and happiness for those experiencing food insecurity. Raley’s covers one hundred percent of the administrative costs for the non-profit, meaning all donations go directly to the food bank partners.

  • ‘Add Milk!’ Program Launches in Mother’s Nutritional Center Stores Across Southern California

    A nutrition incentive program that helps low-income families purchase healthy fluid milk products is expanding to California. The Add Milk! program is being launched in grocery stores to provide a dollar-for-dollar match for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, when they purchase low-fat or non-fat milk. A community event held at Mother’s Nutritional Center in San Bernardino, Calif., marked the launch of the Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive (HFMI) project, Add Milk!, at 78 participating Mother’s Nutritional Center grocery stores across Southern California. Representative Pete Aguilar (CA-33) was in attendance.

    The Add Milk! program is made possible by a $3 million cooperative agreement between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Auburn University’s College of Human Sciences Hunger Solutions Institute (HSI) through a program named Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects. The HFMI pilot program was established as part of the 2018 Farm Bill to promote milk as part of a healthy, balanced diet consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Overall, Americans are consuming less milk. Low-fat milk is an important part of a healthy diet, and health researchers have warned these declines over time could have health impacts on future generations. Studies have shown that incentive programs, like Add Milk!, increase purchase and consumption of the incentivized food. HFMI pilot projects will be operating in more than 700 locations across 18 states by the end of 2024, and Congress recently appropriated an additional $3 million to expand the program to more stores and more locations in the coming years.

    How It Works

    The Add Milk! program provides an incentive to SNAP participants using CalFresh EBT to purchase healthy milk options. The participant receives a dollar-for-dollar match for every dollar spent on non-fat and low-fat (1%) milk products, including lactose-free options, to use for any CalFresh EBT eligible item. Participants can receive up to $10 in rewards per transaction.

    The program is operating in all Mother’s Nutritional Center stores across Southern California. Find more information about Add Milk! in California, as well as a list of locations here.

    “Our customers get more for their EBT dollars with this program, and any extra help goes a long way for these participants. It adds to their benefits to be rewarded for choosing to drink healthier milk and using those rewards to provide healthier foods for their families. We are honored to partner with Auburn University to make this incentive available for the CalFresh recipients in our communities,” shared Richard Flores, president of Mother’s Nutritional Center.

    “This new program will make milk more affordable for working families in the Inland Empire, bring down grocery bills, and encourage healthy food options in our community,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar. “I’m excited that the Inland Empire was chosen to be the first region to launch the Add Milk Program.”

    “Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive projects will allow more families to add nutritious milk to their meals. This is part of USDA’s broader efforts to support SNAP participants in healthy eating. Specifically, the goal of these projects is to promote milk as part of a healthy and balanced diet, consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” said USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service Administrator Cindy Long. “We are pleased that the Milk Incentive project will expand to hundreds of retailers and 17 states including Alabama, California, Georgia, and South Dakota under Auburn University’s management.”

    “Nutrition incentive programs, like Add Milk, are important in helping SNAP households access healthy foods by not only providing financial incentives, but also by collaborating with local, independent retailers who already provide incredible customer service to SNAP households,” said Alicia Powers, managing director of Auburn’s Hunger Solutions Institute. “HSI is thrilled to collaborate with Mother’s Nutritional Center, a respected retailer in California known for their personalized shopping experience, locations in areas with limited food access, and appeal to a diverse customer base.”

    “Expanding the SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives Projects means greater access to affordable, nutritious dairy products for the most vulnerable Americans,” said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. “Consuming milk, along with its 13 essential nutrients, is linked to healthy immune function, hydration, cognition, mental health, bone health, and lower risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. During this time of high food costs and rising food insecurity, it’s critical we find ways to stretch the SNAP dollar further in support of the purchase of nutrient-dense foods.”

    “We are thrilled to partner with Mother’s Nutritional Centers to help bring the Add Milk! Program to families in Southern California,” said Victor Gastelum, General Manager, Alta Dena Dairy. “This program is really important to local communities in this area, as milk plays a critical role in childhood nutrition, and we’re helping to ensure access to dairy for children and families who need it.”

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

  • North Coast Dairies Reduce Methane, Produce Compost & Improve Soil Health

    Earlier this month, the California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) organized a tour of two organic dairies and a farm in Sonoma County. We invited several local experts and state Assemblymember Damon Connelly to learn from each other and discuss how to support family dairy farms and sustainable dairy management. The tour was incredibly inspiring and generated productive dialogue among dairy producers, technical assistance providers and sustainable agriculture advocates. Assemblymember Connelly was actively engaged throughout the afternoon, asking important questions and demonstrating his commitment to his agricultural constituents and community.

    Focus on AMMP: Reducing Methane Emissions

    The central focus of the conversation was on California’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP). California dairies produce a significant amount of agricultural methane, much of which comes from the anaerobic decomposition of liquid manure.  AMMP was designed to fund equipment which separates manure solids from liquids and produces valuable compost, thereby reducing potent methane emissions caused by anaerobic decomposition in manure ponds.

    The Calfiornia Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), which  administers AMMP, reports that as of January 2024, AMMP-funded projects throughout California have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents (MTCO2e) over five years, an amount equivalent to removing more than 300,000 cars from the road for one year. However, Governor Newsom’s proposed 2024-25 budget would stall this progress by dramatically cutting funding for the AMMP program and several other climate smart agriculture programs.s.

    Touring Sustainable Dairies in Sonoma County

    Renati Dairy: Innovative Manure Management

    At Renati Dairy, the first stop on the tour, we heard from Denny Renati and his nephew Ty about their third-generation farm which produces organic milk from cows pastured on beautiful rolling hills outside of Petaluma. Ty successfully applied for an AMMP grant a few years ago in order to upgrade their manure management system and reduce methane emissions.

    Rather than using water to flush their stalls, they now scrape the manure into collection pits where two aerators oxygenate the slurry and minimize methane off-gassing. They use a simple auger solid separator to remove manure from the liquid waste stream and reuse the water. The solids are dried and composted and usedas healthy bedding for their cows, reducing costs and greatly decreasing the truckloads of rice hulls coming from the Sacramento Valley that they used to import for bedding. The Renati’s plan to pursue a grant from the Healthy Soils Program to help pay for applying the compost to their grazing land.

    Auger solid separator used to remove manure from the liquid waste stream which allows the water to be reused.

    “We took advantage of the AMMP funding to become more economically efficient and sustainable. Without it, we never could have afforded the improvements.”  – Ty Renati

    Triple C Dairy: Year-Round Composting

    At Triple C Dairy, just off Highway 101 north of Petaluma, we were joined by a few other dairy producers and had a tour from Bob Camozzi and his nephew Blake. They have a similar solid separator as the Renati’s. Bob Camozzi used AMMP funding to build a covered barn to help compost the manure solids year round, something they couldn’t previously do during the rainy season because the compost would have been too wet. They are applying compost to their pastures where they’ve seen improvement in soil health and pasture fertility as well as the ability of the soil to absorb water during the winter rains. Composted manure also minimizes the leaching of nitrates into groundwater.

    Year-round compost barn.

    Throughout the tour, it was emphasized that dairy producers need the support of technical assistance providers to help them design the methane-reducing projects and apply for the grants. We were lucky to have with us several important partners who do just that: Randi Black from the UC Cooperative Extension in Sonoma, Patricia Hickey from Gold Ridge Resource Conservation District and Anya Starovoytov from Sonoma Resource Conservation District.

    Jeff Creque from the Carbon Cycle Institute, a CalCAN coalition member, also reinforced the importance of technical assistance and taking a carbon farm approach to optimize greenhouse gas emissions reductions and carbon sequestration in soils. Representatives from Clover Sonoma and Organic Valley also participated and talked about how important government funding is to keep the dairies that produce milk for their brands in business and thriving while also providing climate solutions.

    Camozzi Farm: Research and Innovation in Composting

    Our third stop on the tour was in the middle of a field of hay on the Camozzi farm where we gathered to hear from UC Berkeley researchers Dr. Whendee Silver and Dr. Tibisay Pérez. They are conducting studies on the effect of incorporating basalt rock dust and biochar into manure compost. Biochar is produced through a process called pyrolysis (burning organic waste at high temperatures in an oxygen-free vacuum) and can be a way to convert agricultural waste such as almond shells and hull waste, removed trees, and other woody plant material into a valuable product.

    Assemblymember Connelly and Dr. Tibisay Pérez walking through the waist-high hay.

    With sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment that is nearly invisible amid the tall hay, the researchers are measuring which combinations of compost, basalt and biochar have the greatest benefit on a number of outcomes including soil nitrogen retention, soil structure and health, plant productivity and greenhouse gas emissions. Their findings will build upon a 2022 studythat found that adding biochar to composted manure can reduce methane emissions by 60 to 84 percent compared to composting alone.  The Camozzi’s see their collaboration as another way to contribute to dairy sustainability and the health of their communities.

    The Need for Consistent Funding

    California’s projected budget deficit of $44.9 billion has resulted in a mix of funding delays, clawbacks, and no new proposed funding for CDFA’s suite of climate smart agriculture programs. This interruption in funding will set back efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon on agricultural land, and slow efforts to reach the state’s climate goals.

    As we heard loud and clear during these tours, farmers want to be part of the solutions to climate change and they understand how doing so can also lead to greater financial stability.

    CalCAN is part of a coalition of food and farming organizations calling for the legislature to include funding for climate smart agriculture in a climate bond measure., We see a climate bond that includes funding for these programs as one answer to ensuring continued progress toward curbing climate change. — By Renata Brillinger, California Climate & Agriculture Network

  • Nationwide Partnership Advances Regenerative Agriculture in Cotton

    Opportunities to advance sustainable cotton farming in the United States are growing thanks to a nationwide partnership led by the Soil Health Institute’s United States Regenerative Cotton Fund (USRCF).

    The fund’s holistic approach to advance economic insights, soil health measurement, and education has made significant progress in the U.S. Cotton Belt since its establishment, engaging more than 1,000 cotton farmers and their advisors. Its efforts support adoption of management systems to improve soil health, the foundation for regenerative agriculture.

    “The soil health benchmarks SHI is providing are a great way to help farmers set realistic soil health goals and measure their success,” said fifth-generation cotton farmer Zeb Winslow, who hosted a recent USRCF field demonstration at his farm in North Carolina. “Reaching farmers where they’re at is important if we’re going to continue the soil health movement.”

    Launched in 2021, USRCF is a farmer-facing, science-based initiative to support long-term, sustainable U.S. cotton production, with the goal of eliminating one million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from the atmosphere by 2026. Active in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas, the fund’s work is made possible by boots-on-the ground partnerships with U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, Cotton Incorporated, agricultural extension, local technical specialists, advisors, and cotton farmers.

    Notable successes include:

    • Economic Insights: By assessing 19 farms representing 108,000 acres in Texas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina, researchers found farms implementing soil health management systems reduced production costs by an average of $53 per acre, increasing net farm income by an average of $150 per acre in their cotton rotations.
    • Soil Health Measurements: Benchmarks established on more than 2 million acres in Texas and Arkansas provide personalized soil health reports to farmers, describing the health of their soils, opportunities for improvement, and implications for carbon and water storage. These benchmarks can empower farmers and advisors to set science- and place-based soil health goals for their farms.
    • Experiential Learning for a Resilient Future: Eleven interns from Historically Black Colleges and Universities received first-hand experience translating science into action.
    • Farmer Education: USRCF organized over 25 field demonstrations and workshops led by SHI educators, farmer mentors, and technical specialists, tapping into trusted networks of local peers to help more than 1,300 farmers and advisors across seven states to improve soil health.

    The USRCF was initiated through a founding grant from The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation. Walmart Foundation, The VF Foundation, Levi Strauss & Co., Hearst Foundations, and Cotton Incorporated are also supporters of the fund.

    For more information about the U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund, please visit https://soilhealthinstitute.org/our-work/initiatives/us-regenerative-cotton-fund.

    About the Soil Health Institute 

    The Soil Health Institute is a global non-profit with a mission of safeguarding and enhancing the vitality and productivity of soils through scientific research and advancement. Our vision is a world where farmers and ranchers grow quality food, fiber, and fuel using soil health systems that sustain farms and rural communities, promote a stable climate and clean environment, and improve human health and well-being. By bringing together leaders in science and industry, SHI conducts research and empowers farmers and landowners to adopt soil health systems that contribute economic and environmental benefits to agriculture and society. Find out more at www.soilhealthinstitute.org or on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

    About The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation 

    The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation works to make the dream of a better life reality by championing equity and empowering underserved communities around the world. Established in 2001, The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation is committed to making a difference across its core areas of focus: supporting cancer care and prevention, protecting the environment, fostering advocacy & access and strengthening community resilience. It hopes to deliver meaningful change in its communities through its nonprofit collaborations, grant funding and volunteering programs. For more information, please visit: https://corporate.ralphlauren.com/Foundation.

    About Philanthropy at Walmart 

    Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By focusing where the business has unique strengths, Walmart.orgworks to tackle key social and environmental issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. Walmart has stores in 24 countries, employs more than 2 million associates and does business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Walmart.org is helping people live better by supporting programs to accelerate upward job mobility for frontline workers, advance equity, address hunger, build inclusive economic opportunity for people in supply chains, protect and restore nature, reduce waste and emissions, and build strong communities where Walmart operates. To learn more, visit www.walmart.org or connect on Twitter @Walmartorg.

    About The VF Foundation 

    The VF Foundation, the philanthropic grantmaking arm of VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest active-lifestyle companies with a portfolio of iconic brands including Vans®, The North Face®, Timberland® and Dickies®, strives to innovate and problem solve to create a more active, equitable and sustainable world. Since its inception, The VF Foundation has granted more than $70 million globally to improve the communities where VF operates. For more information, please visit vfc.com.

    About Levi Strauss & Co. 

    Levi Strauss & Co. is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies and a global leader in jeanswear. The company designs and markets jeans, casual wear and related accessories for men, women and children under the Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™, Denizen® and Beyond Yoga® brands. Its products are sold in more than 110 countries worldwide through a combination of chain retailers, department stores, online sites, and a global footprint of approximately 3,200 brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops. Levi Strauss & Co.’s reported 2023 net revenues were $6.2 billion. For more information, go to http://levistrauss.com, and for financial news and announcements go to http://investors.levistrauss.com.

    About Hearst Foundations 

    The Hearst Foundations are national philanthropic resources supporting the fields of culture, education, health and social services. The Hearst Foundations endeavor to ensure that people of all backgrounds in the United States have the opportunity to build healthy, productive and inspiring lives.

    About Cotton Incorporated 

    Cotton Incorporated is a research and promotion company for upland cotton. Funded by U.S. cotton growers and importers of Upland cotton-containing products, the not-for-profit organization’s mission is to increase the demand for and profitability of cotton. As a resource for the cotton industry, Cotton Incorporated conducts or oversees more than 450 research and educational projects in an average year. To learn more about cotton and sustainability, visit CottonToday.com and follow along on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

  • Mike VanMaanen Elected President of Livestock Marketing Association

    Mike VanMaanen married into a family of Livestock Marketing Association members in the 1980s, but never dreamed he’d one day lead the organization. Even though he immediately recognized the benefits of membership, he thought he was too busy to get involved or since his niche market wasn’t nationally known, he didn’t have a place. Soon enough, VanMaanen learned he was wrong on both accounts, and May 17, he was elected president.

    VanMaanen, who grew up on a corn, soybean and hog farm in Iowa, attended Missouri Western State University, where he graduated with degrees in agricultural economics and agronomy. It was there he met Lori Angell, a third-generation livestock marketer. The two married soon after graduation and joined her family’s auction market business in Columbia, Missouri, and bought into it in 1990. In 2000, the couple, along with two of her cousins, took over Eastern Missouri Commission Co., in Bowling Green. Last year, they became sole owners.

    The World Livestock Auctioneer Championship was VanMaanen’s gateway to Livestock Marketing Association leadership, first serving as a judge in the Parsons, Kansas, qualifier in the fall of 2009 and at the finals in Oklahoma City the following summer. He joined the association’s government and industry affairs committee in 2014 and the board of directors in 2016. During his tenure on the board, he also chaired the membership services committee for two years. He said his time on the board has had many highlights, and he looks forward to what’s to come.

    “I’ve had the opportunity to testify in front of the House Committee on Transportation, I worked alongside many others to get Dealer Statutory Trust signed into law and was a part of the producer profitability initiative we launched last fall,” VanMaanen said. “I’m extremely proud of the work LMA has done and look forward to continuing it.”

    VanMaanen will take over the reins from Mark Barnett during the association’s annual convention in June. First up on his agenda? Having deep discussions with members and staff about how to protect the livestock auction market sector.

    “We’re going to take a look at what it takes not only for the larger markets to survive, but what it takes for those small markets that are so important in their rural communities, to keep them alive and going,” VanMaanen said.

    But the conversation won’t just be about markets. He said Livestock Marketing Association members will continue to push their producer profitability initiative, aimed at bringing the entire industry together for a common goal.

    “By supporting America’s farmers and ranchers, we are supporting the future of livestock marketing, too,” VanMaanen said. “We know producer profitability is industry sustainability.”

    The incoming president said he hopes all members will take the opportunity to get more involved this year, whether that means attending the convention, participating in the D.C. Fly-In, joining a committee — or even just staying in touch with their region executive officer.

    “I think when people start getting involved, they find it really rewarding,” he said. “And you don’t have to be a big operator — I’m a good example of that. You just have to want to pitch in and do some work to improve your livelihood. If you can stay active and participate in conversations, we’d love to have you.”

    About the Livestock Marketing Association

    The Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, is North America’s leading, national trade association dedicated to serving its members in the open and competitive auction method of marketing livestock. Founded in 1947, LMA has more than 800 member businesses across the U.S. and Canada and remains invested in both the livestock and livestock marketing industries through member support, education programs, policy representation and communication efforts.

  • Valadao Calls on Newsom to Suspend Gas Tax Increase

    Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) led the entire California Republican congressional delegation in urging Governor Gavin Newsom to suspend the state’s upcoming gas tax increase on July 1, 2024. According to Triple A, the national average price for a gallon of gas is $3.60, but in California, the average price is $5.13 per gallon.

    “Governor Newsom has failed to provide relief at the pump for hard-working Californians struggling with rising costs,” said Congressman Valadao. “My constituents are already paying the highest gas prices in the country, and the fact that our prices are about to go up even more because of the state’s policies is unacceptable. I am once again urging the Governor to suspend the gas tax to lower prices for Central Valley families.”

    For the last two years, Rep. Valadao has led efforts to suspend the annual July 1st gas tax increase to provide much-needed relief to middle class California families struggling with inflation. The lawmakers also raised their concerns over a recent report from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that signals gas prices are expected to rise by 47 cents per gallon in 2025 due to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard reforms.

    Congressman Valadao was joined in the letter by Reps. Ken Calvert (CA-41), Kevin Kiley (CA-03), Young Kim (CA-40), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Jay Obernolte (CA-23), Michelle Steel (CA-45), John Duarte (CA-13), Mike Garcia (CA- 27), and Darrell Issa (CA-48).

    Read the full text of the letter here or below:

    Dear Governor Newsom,

    We are extremely concerned with two upcoming gas price increases that will impact all Californians. In September 2023, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) reported that gas prices are expected to rise by 47 cents per gallon next year due to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard reforms. This increase does not include the existing gas tax, which is expected to increase gas prices by nearly 60 cents on July 1st. Together, this more than one dollar increase will come at a time when the people of California are already grappling with the high cost of living in our state.

    For the past two years, we have urged you to suspend the gas tax, given the ongoing challenges faced by Californians that are forced to choose between filling their gas tanks and putting food on the table. Our concerns have continued to be ignored while Californians suffer the consequences. According to AAA’s state gas price averages, California leads the nation in gas prices at $5.26 per gallon for regular gas, which is already 45 cents higher than the next closest state. Adding another dollar to these already exorbitant prices will be disastrous for California residents.

    With the cost of goods continuing to rise across the board, we must act now to pursue all avenues of relief for California families. We urge you to immediately suspend increases to California’s excise tax on gasoline and to work with CARB to ensure that Californians do not suffer unnecessarily.

  • CA Walnut Commission Celebrates USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) Awards

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC), representing more than 4,600 California walnut growers, mostly multi-generational family farms, and nearly 70 handlers, is pleased to announce it has been awarded $7 million in funding as part of the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP) to expand distribution and sales of California Walnuts in international markets.

    The CWC thanks Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Foreign Agricultural Service for enactingthe Regional Agricultural Promotion Program and recent award announcements to help support the expansion of California Walnuts and other US commodity exports into emerging markets. This additional funding will allow the industry to expand programs into new markets as well as boost activities in existing strategic export markets, with the goal of increasing distribution and driving sales of high-quality California walnuts globally.

    RAPP funding will enhance the Commission’s work by expanding market access in new opportunity markets, in conjunction with driving sales of California walnuts in international markets currently funded through the Market Access Program (MAP). The CWC plans to attain success by leveraging the combined funding to conduct similar programs and activities as it was able to achieve in the United Kingdom (UK) utilizing the one-time Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP) funds. In the UK, the industry was able to build programs that drove additional displays and distribution, resulting in increased retail sales and growing California walnut shipments +65% since 2018. The UK is now a top ten export market.

    “Funding from the Market Access Program has been essential to our success over the years, and the introduction of RAPP funds will provide additional opportunities to drive new distribution and grow sales for California walnuts in even more new and exciting ways” said Robert Verloop, CEO for California Walnut Commission. “We’re eager for the opportunity of RAPP to expand sales of and expand market access for California walnuts.”

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 4,600 California walnut growers and nearly 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWC, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts.

    To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org

  • New UC Study Estimates Costs for Growing Coastal Organic Strawberries

    A new study that can help growers and other readers estimate costs and potential returns for Central Coast organic strawberries was recently released by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Cooperative Extension and the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

    Organic strawberries represent approximately 13% of all strawberries produced along the Central Coast.

    “This study provides growers with a baseline to estimate their own costs, which can help when applying for production loans, projecting labor costs, securing market arrangements, or understanding costs associated with water and nutrient management and regulatory programs,” said Brittney Goodrich, UC Cooperative Extension specialist and study co-author.

    The cost study models a management scenario for a 30-acre farm, 27 acres of which are planted to organic strawberries.  The remaining acres are for the irrigation system, roads, and buildings.  The study describes the cultural practices used in organic strawberry production and harvest, including land preparation, soil fertility and pest management, irrigation and labor needs.

    The 20-page study shows costs for each operation, material inputs and costs, and cash and non-cash overhead costs in a variety of formats for one production and harvest cycle.  A ranging analysis is also included and shows potential profits or losses over a range of prices and yields.

    The new study, “2024 Sample Costs to Produce and Harvest Organic Strawberries,” can be downloaded from the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics website at https://coststudies.ucdavis.edu.

    For a detailed explanation of the assumptions and calculations used to estimate the costs and potential returns for each crop, readers can refer to the narrative portion of each study.

    Sample cost of production studies for many other commodities grown in California are also available at https://coststudies.ucdavis.edu.

    For more information about the organic strawberry cost study, contact Mark Bolda, University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisor, at mpbolda@ucanr.edu or Jeremy Murdock in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at jmmurdock@ucdavis.edu.

    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.

  • UC Davis Ends Strawberry Licensing Agreements with Eurosemillas

    The University of California, Davis, a leader in the development of world-class strawberry varieties for the California and global markets, is terminating all strawberry licensing agreements with Eurosemillas S.A., which has been a master licensee for older UC Davis strawberry varieties in countries outside of the United States.

    The decision to terminate the UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program licensing agreements with Eurosemillas does not come lightly. The University of California provided due notice to Eurosemillas of the university’s position that Eurosemillas had defaulted on its agreements, and the university’s concerns were not addressed.

    The university is taking steps to provide stability for nurseries and fruit growers during this transition period, and ensure continued access to older UC Davis strawberry varieties. Newer UC Davis strawberry varieties continue to be available throughout the world per licensing agreements with other partners, Fresa Fortaleza and Global Plant Genetics.

    “The UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program has been a huge success for consumers, growers, California’s agricultural economy and the global strawberry market,” said Helene Dillard, dean of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “The step the university is taking today is necessary to support our growers and our program, and to ensure the scientific breakthroughs at UC Davis and resources provided by the state of California are cared for, managed and marketed properly.”

    UC Davis holds active patents on 20 strawberry varieties, all of which have been licensed to nurseries to sell to strawberry growers.

    The university directly licenses strawberry varieties to California nurseries, offering state strawberry growers exclusive access to new varieties for two years and reduced royalty rates to give them a competitive advantage. The university also directly licenses varieties elsewhere in the United States and Canada.

    In markets outside North America, the university contracts with master licensees to work with nurseries, farmers and growers. International markets where UC Davis strawberry varieties are grown include the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland; Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay; China; Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Turkey; South Africa; Canada; New Zealand and Australia.

    UC has been and will continue to be vigilant about supporting the UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program and honoring its obligations to farmers and growers to ensure access to high-quality, affordable varieties in California and elsewhere. As a public research institution, UC diligently protects and promotes its intellectual property to maximize public value, support thriving agricultural economies and ensure reinvestment in university research and education.

    About the UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program

    Strawberry varieties developed at UC Davis produce about 60% of all strawberries consumed worldwide. Varieties developed at UC Davis have made California a leading producer, with the state growing more than 87% of North American strawberries. The UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program is funded primarily by revenue from licensing strawberry varieties. Licensing funds also support patent expenses, campus inventors, the UC Office of the President and UC Davis. Annually, the University of California generally receives between $8 million and $9 million in licensing revenue from the strawberry breeding program.

    UC Davis develops strawberry varieties for greater yield, disease resistance, flavor, adaptation to different growing conditions and other positive characteristics. UC Davis breeders work collaboratively with industry leaders to produce fruit that meets the market demand and address the needs of growers. The program also trains students and postdoctoral researchers to be leaders in this vital industry. — By Bill Kisliuk, UC Davis