California Ag Network

Tag: USDA

  • Census of Agriculture – Deadline Coming Fast

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 31, 2018) – The 2017 Census of Agriculture is underway in California and across the country, but the deadline for response–February 5, 2018–is closing fast.

    The USDA mailed questionnaires to over 3 million US producers in December 2017. So far, 21.75 percent of California producers have responded, close to the national return rate of 23.34 percent.

    The findings of the Census of Agriculture–conducted every five years–impact everything from production practices, farming technologies, and broadband expansion. The data are used by farmers, ranchers, trade associations, researchers, policymakers, and many others to help make decisions in community planning, farm assistance programs, technology development, farm advocacy, agribusiness setup, rural development, and more.

    Farm operations of all sizes which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural product in 2017 are included in the census. The census is the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every state and county in the nation.

    Producers can respond to the census online or by mail. For more information, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call 1-800-727-9540.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 23, 2018) – Northern California experienced intermittent rainfall, with snow accumulation occurring at higher elevations, until high pressure brought drier conditions at the end of the week. Central and Southern California experienced heavy precipitation earlier in the week as a strong Pacific storm system moved through the area and eventually gave way to drier conditions for the remainder of the week.

    Temperature highs ranged in the 50s to 60s in the mountains, 60s to 70s in the valley and the desert, and 60s to 80s along the coast. Temperature lows were between 20s and 30s in the mountains, 20s to 40s in the desert, 30s to 40s in the valley, and 30s to 50s along the coast.

    Winter forage crops, such as wheat, barley, other cereal grains and forage mixes continued to be planted and seed shipments received. Irrigation was still necessary to maintain growth of those plantings that have germinated. Alfalfa were growing well.

    Pruning continued in stone fruit orchards and vineyards. Persimmon harvest continued. Some older, poorly producing orchards and vineyards were removed and prepared for replanting.  Winter dormant sprays were applied to some orchards. Navel orange harvest continued.  Pomelos were harvested. Olive growers continued to prune groves.

    Pruning continued in nut orchards. Some older orchards were pushed out and the ground was prepped for planting. Herbicides were applied in somepistachio groves.

    Fields were being prepared and planted with winter vegetable crops. Lettuce benefitted from the recent rain and growth looks ideal. Land preparation was ongoing for tomatoes. The spring carrot crop has not emerged, while winter carrots were scheduled to be planted in two weeks. Weed control was done on organic onion while convention onions were continued to be irrigated. The garlic stand was established, but it could benefit greatly with some rain to continue growing.

    Rangeland and non-irrigated pasture were reported to be primarily in poor to very poor condition. Recent precipitation was beneficial to forage development, but conditions remain poor until more growth occurs. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Sheep grazed on idle crop land, stubble fields, and dormant alfalfa fields. Beehives overwintering in Fresno County were given supplemental feeding.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 16, 2018) – Northern California experienced intermittent rainfall, with snow accumulation occurring at higher elevations, until high pressure brought drier conditions at the end of the week. Central and Southern California experienced heavy precipitation earlier in the week as a strong Pacific storm system moved through the area and eventually gave way to drier conditions for the remainder of the week.

    Temperature highs ranged in the 50s to 60s in the mountains, 60s to 70s in the valley and the desert, and 60s to 80s along the coast. Temperature lows were between 20s and 30s in the mountains, 20s to 40s in the desert, 30s to 40s in the valley, and 30s to 50s along the coast.

    Rice looked good, both in terms of stand and in weed control. Fields that were planted earlier in the season had signs of good growth but most fields were irrigated due to the lack of rain to maintain growth. Winter forage crops, such as wheat, barley, other cereal grains and forage mixes continued to be planted and seed shipments received. Irrigation was still necessary to maintain growth of those plantings that have germinated. Alfalfa were growing well.

    Pruning continued in stone fruit orchards and vineyards. Persimmon harvest continued. Some older, poorly producing orchards and vineyards were removed and prepared for replanting.  Winter dormant sprays were applied to some orchards. Navel orange harvest continued.  Pomelos were harvested. Olive growers continued to prune groves.

    Pruning continued in nut orchards. Some older orchards were pushed out and the ground was prepped for planting. Herbicides were applied in some pistachio groves.

    Fields were being prepared and planted with winter vegetable crops. Lettuce benefitted from the recent rain and growth looks ideal. Land preparation was ongoing for tomatoes. The spring carrot crop has not emerged, while winter carrots were scheduled to be planted in two weeks. Weed control was done on organic onion while convention onions were continued to be irrigated. The garlic stand was established, but it could benefit greatly with some rain to continue growing.

    Rangeland and non-irrigated pasture were reported to be primarily in poor to very poor condition. Recent precipitation was beneficial to forage development, but conditions remain poor until more growth occurs. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Sheep grazed on idle crop land, stubble fields, and dormant alfalfa fields. Beehives overwintering in Fresno County were given supplemental feeding.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 9, 2018) – At the beginning of last week, most of the State experienced mild temperatures and mostly dry conditions. At midweek a frontal system brought periodic rainfall and thunderstorms to the northern and central regions of the state, higher elevations received some snow. As the frontal system steadily pushed inland, precipitation slowly tapered off and slightly cooler, drier conditions arrived. Southern California experienced dry conditions last week with above normal temperatures.

    Temperature highs ranged in the 50s to 60s in the mountains, 60s to 70s in the valley, and 60s to 80s along the coast and in the desert. Temperature lows were between 10s and 40s in the mountains, and 20s to 40s in the desert, and 30s to 40s in the valley and along the coast.

    Fields that were planted earlier in the season had signs of good growth but most fields were irrigated due to the lack of rain to maintain growth. Winter forage crops, such as wheat, barley, other cereal grains and forage mixes continued to be planted and seed shipments received. Irrigation was still necessary to maintain growth of those plantings that have germinated. Alfalfa went dormant, and fields were treated with herbicides or grazed by sheep.

    Pruning dormant stone fruit started to reach completion. Persimmons continued to be harvested. Some older, poorly producing orchards and vineyards were removed and prepared for replanting.  Wine grapes were pruned and tied, along with having herbicides applied. Some growers prepared to apply winter dormant sprays.  The Navel orange harvest continued.  Pomelos were harvested.  Olive growers continued to prune groves.  Strawberry fields continued to thrive.

    Winter shake for almonds finished. Pruning continued in nut orchards.  Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and pecans continued to be packed and shipped primarily to foreign markets.  Some older orchards were pushed out and the ground was prepped for planting.

    Winter vegetables were being harvested. Some fields were being prepared and planted with addition winter vegetable crops.  Lettuce continued to grow.  Garlic and onion planting continued.  Harvested for winter greens such as cabbage, chard, collard greens, kale, parsley, and daikon continued.  Head and leaf lettuce has been planted for the spring 2018 crop.  Broccoli, celery, and spinach continued to grow nicely.  Asparagus fields were shredded in preparation for spring growth.  Lettuce and arugula seed were exported to foreign marketplaces. Tomato beds were prepared. The carrot planting was ongoing, while the fall carrots have not been harvested yet.

    In San Joaquin County, sheep continued to graze on idle crop land, stubble fields, and dormant alfalfa fields.  Supplemental feeding of livestock continued as grasslands and rangeland lacked moisture.  In Fresno County, the lack of rainfall has left rangeland forage conditions poor.  Supplemental feeding continued.  Bare-root roses were being received and processed for reshipment out-of-state, mostly to Texas.  Bare-root berries were being received at wholesale nurseries.  Nursery shipments have slowed due to the winter weather and time of year.  Beehives were reported overwintering around Fresno County and were being given supplemental feedings.  Most feedlots were reported at full capacity.

  • USDA California Crop Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 3, 2018) – As the end of the year approached, much of the State was subjected to warmer than average afternoon temperatures, while evening temperatures were seasonal. Along the northern coast, occasional light rain appeared towards the start of the week before giving way to high pressure aloft. High pressure dominated the central interior region throughout the week. Hazy conditions still existed most nights. Towards the south, the beginning of the week brought high clouds and mist/haze over the region. Conditions then began to dry out as high pressure strengthened aloft, followed by a warming trend over the region. As the end of the week arrived, this high broke down and moved northward, allowing the regional temperatures to cool off.

    Temperature highs ranged in the 40s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s in the valley, 50s to 80s along the coast, and 60s to 70s in the desert. Temperature lows were in the 10s and 30s in the mountains, 20s to 30s in the desert, 20s to 40s along the coast, and 30s to 40s in the valley.

    Fields that were planted earlier in the season had signs of good growth. Most fields were irrigated due to the lack of rain to maintain growth. Planting was ongoing for wheat, other cereal grains, and forage. Black-eyed beans were being exported to Malaysia.

    Pruning continued in stone fruit orchards and vineyards.  Persimmon harvest continued.  Table grapes from cold storage continued to be exported.  Some older, poorly producing orchards and vineyards were removed and prepared for replanting.  Some growers prepared to apply winter dormant sprays.  The Navel orange harvest continued.  Pomelos were harvested.  Cold overnight temperatures continued to be a concern for citrus growers. Olive growers continued to prune groves.  Strawberry fields continued to thrive.

    Pruning continued in nut orchards.  Pistachios, almonds, walnuts, and pecans continued to be packed and shipped primarily to foreign markets.  Some older orchards were pushed out and the ground was prepped for planting.

    Fields were being prepared and planted with winter vegetable crops. Lettuce continued to grow well. In the already planted winter vegetable fields, the crops continued to develop.  Work continued preparing tomato beds and planting onions. Carrot harvest was two weeks away. Brussel sprouts were harvested in San Mateo County.

    In Tulare County, the lack of rainfall has left rangeland forage conditions poor.  More rain was needed for germination and growth of rangeland forage.  Supplemental feeding has been ongoing. Coral cleaning in dairies continued.  Sheep were grazing on idle cropland, stubble fields, and dormant alfalfa fields. Bees were moved into almond orchards in preparation for bloom.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (December 12, 2017) – Dry conditions prevailed throughout the state for the past week as a strong ridge of high pressure slowly moved eastward toward the Great Basin. Mild afternoons and chilly nights were experienced for most of northern California due to the persistent ridge. Elsewhere, the area of high pressure led to the development of strong Santa Ana winds which brought very dry conditions and contributed to the development of the fires across parts of southwestern California.

    Temperature highs were in the 50s to 60s in the mountains, 60s to 70s in the valley and along the coast, and 70s to 80s in the desert. Temperature lows were in the 20s to 30s in the mountains, 20s to 40s in the desert, and 30s to 40s in the valley, and along the coast.

    Cotton harvest neared completion. Growers continued to prepare fields for fall planting of wheat, barley, and oats. Silage corn grew well and harvesting was ongoing. Black-eyed beans were being harvested and processed. Recent rain helped germinate planted forage.

    The apple harvest was nearly complete. Pruning continued in some stone fruit orchards and old orchards were removed and prepared for replanting. Table grape harvest was almost finished.  Some vineyards were sprayed for weeds. Pomegranates, kiwifruit, and persimmons were harvested. Navel orange harvest was ongoing. Lemon, grapefruit, mandarin and pomelo harvests continued. Young citrus trees were bagged to protect them from frost. The extent of the impact of the southern California wild fires and Santa Ana winds on avocado and citrus orchards has yet to be quantified.

    Almond and pistachio harvests were complete. Walnut harvest was nearly complete. Soil amendments were applied in orchards.

    Brussel sprouts were being harvested. Broccoli, carrots, and lettuce all have excellent stands for the winter season.  Fall and winter vegetables were being harvested and available at roadside stands. Continued cultivating of organic garlic was ongoing.  Fresh onions fields and tomato beds were being prepared for planting. Organic cantaloupe harvest ended. Organic broccoli, celery and spinach fields were growing nicely.  Head, leaf, and romaine lettuce for the fall season grew nicely with many fields starting to be harvested.

    Non-irrigated and foothill rangeland forage quality continued to improve with north and central state locations reporting fair to poor conditions. Earlier rains and warm weather stimulated germination and foothill range and non-irrigated fields were showing green. Dairy workers were cleaning out corrals in preparation for winter.  Supplemental feeding of cattle was ongoing.   Sheep grazed idle cropland, stubble fields and dormant alfalfa.

     

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (December 5, 2017) – A frontal system brought light rains to areas of Northern California early last week. Drier conditions developed mid-week as high pressure built after the passing of the frontal system over most of California. Over the weekend a cold front boundary brought northerly winds as well as light rain and mountain snow and colder conditions from the northwest to central areas of California. The coldest temperatures were recorded along the Northeastern part of the State. The warmest temperatures were recorded along the southeastern interior of the State, where temperatures were reported to be more above normal in comparison to the rest of state.

    Temperature highs were in the 50s to 60s in the mountains, 60s to 80s in the valley and along the coast, and 70s to 80s in the desert. Temperature lows were in the 20s to 30s in the mountains, 20s to 40s in the desert, 30s to 40s in the valley, and 30s to 50s along the coast.

    Cotton harvest neared completion. The warmer temperatures accelerated emergence of previously planted winter wheat. Growers continued to prepare fields for fall planting of wheat, barley, and oats. Silage corn grew well and harvesting was ongoing. Black-eyed beans were being harvested and processed. Recent rain helped germinate planted forage.

    Apple harvest was winding down. Pruning continued in some stone fruit orchards and old orchards were removed and prepared for replanting. Table grape harvest was nearing completion.  Some vineyards were sprayed for weeds. Pears, pomegranates, kiwifruit, and persimmons were harvested. Olive groves were pruned. Navel orange harvest was ongoing. Lemon, grapefruit, mandarin and pomelo harvests continued. Young citrus trees were bagged to protect them from frost.

    Almond and pistachio harvests were complete. Walnut harvest was nearly complete. Soil amendments were applied in orchards.

    Broccoli, carrots, and lettuce all have excellent stands for the winter season.  Fall and winter vegetables were being harvested and available at roadside stands. Strawberries continued to grow at roadside stands. Continued cultivating of organic garlic was ongoing.  Fresh onions fields and tomato beds were being prepared for planting. Organic cantaloupe harvest ended. Organic broccoli, celery and spinach fields were growing nicely.  Head, leaf, and romaine lettuce for the fall season grew nicely with many fields starting to be harvested.

    Non-irrigated and foothill rangeland forage quality was improving with some north and central state locations reporting fair to poor conditions.  Earlier rains and warm weather stimulated germination and foothill range and non-irrigated fields were showing green. Dairy workers were cleaning out corrals in preparation for winter.  Supplemental feeding of cattle was ongoing.

  • 2017 Census of Agriculture Gets Underway

    Washington, D. C., (December 1, 2017) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) starts mailing the 2017 Census of Agriculture to the nation’s producers this week. Conducted once every five years, the census aims to get a complete and accurate picture of American agriculture. The resulting data are used by farmers, ranchers, trade associations, researchers, policymakers, and many others to help make decisions in community planning, farm assistance programs, technology development, farm advocacy, agribusiness setup, rural development, and more.

    “The Census of Agriculture is USDA’s largest data collection endeavor, providing some of the most widely used statistics in the industry,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “Collected in service to American agriculture since 1840, the census gives every producer the opportunity to be represented so that informed decisions can support their efforts to provide the world with food, fuel, feed, and fiber. Every response matters.”

    The census will be mailed in several phases through December. Farm operations of all sizes which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural product in 2017 are included in the census. The census is the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every state and county in the nation.

    NASS revised the census forms in an attempt to document changes and emerging trends in the industry. Changes include a new question about military veteran status, expanded questions about food marketing practices, and questions about on-farm decision-making to help better capture the roles and contributions of beginning farmers, women farmers, and others involved in running a farm enterprise.

    “Producers can respond to the census online or by mail. We highly recommend the updated online questionnaire. We heard what people wanted and we made responding to the census easier than ever,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “The online questionnaire now has timesaving features, such as automatic calculations, and the convenience of being accessible on mobile and desktop devices.”

    The census response deadline is February 5, 2018. Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required by law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113. The same law requires NASS to keep all information confidential, to use the data only for statistical purposes, and only publish in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation. NASS will release the results of the census in February 2019.

    For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.

     

  • The National Young Farmer Survey – Big Opportunities And Profound Challenges Ahead

    Washington, D. C., (November 30, 2017) – Excerpted from  executive summary: Farmers over the age of 65 now outnumber farmers under 35 by a margin of six to one, and U.S. farmland is overwhelmingly concentrated in the hands of older farmers. Nearly two-thirds of farmland is currently managed by someone over 55. The National Agricultural Statistics Service estimates that over the next five years—the lifespan of the next farm bill—nearly 100 million acres of U.S. farmland are expected to change ownership and will need a new farmer.

    Fortunately, many young Americans are stepping up and launching new farm businesses. For only the second time in the last century, the 2012 Census of Agriculture registered an increase over the previous census in the number of farmers under 35 years old. These young farmers are entrepreneurial and tough, but they are finding that talent and hard work alone may not equate to farm success. There are many structural barriers standing in their way—and the stakes have never been higher.

    Young farmers face serious obstacles to launching and growing their farm businesses: they can’t afford farmland; student debt is compromising their ability to capitalize their businesses; adequate labor and support staff are difficult to recruit; and health insurance is unaffordable. Federal and state policies are underserving these needs, and many young farmers are not accessing the programs designed to help.

    The survey illustrated a challenging economic picture for young farmers. Sixty-one  percent of individual respondents reported needing another job to make ends meet, and fewer than half own all the acres they’re farming. Indicators tracked by USDA also suggest trends in the agricultural economy are hitting young farmers especially hard. According to Dr. Robert Johansson, USDA’s Chief Economist, young farmers and those who rent more of their land tend to be far more in debt relative to their assets.

    The top challenges faced by young farmers are as follows:

    • Access to land
    • Student loan debt
    • Access to labor
    • Health insurance

    Link to full survey

     

  • USDA Provides More Than $10 Million to Help Caribbean Area Farmers Recover Following Hurricanes

    San Juan, Puerto Rico, (November 28, 2017) – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is providing $10.9 million in technical and financial assistance to help farmers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands repair damage and rebuild following hurricanes Irma and María. This investment through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, is one more option available through USDA to aid with recovery.

    “USDA remains committed to helping the people of Puerto Rican agriculture with every means at our disposal.   With this funding, we can assist local farmers in repairing damages to their land and existing conservation practices caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria,” said Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.  “Through EQIP, we co-invest with farmers to repair and prevent soil erosion, address flooding and other water quality issues, as well as any other resource concerns resulting from high rainfall events and flooding.”

    EQIP Funding for Emergency Assistance – To expedite disaster recovery, NRCS is issuing waivers allowing farmers to receive payment and begin implementing key conservation practices prior to contract approval. Practices can include the disposal of dead livestock, the construction of animal mortality facilities, replacement of roofs and covers on agricultural buildings and debris removal. Participants are asked to file an EQIP application and a waiver to start implementing a practice.

    Meanwhile, farmers who have worked with NRCS previously are also eligible to get assistance to implement new conservation practices or repair failed practices.

    NRCS accepts EQIP applications year-round in a continuous signup. But landowners must submit their applications by Jan. 19 to be considered for this disaster recovery funding.  Farmers and ranchers should visit with their local USDA service center to apply. Caribbean NRCS office listings and phone numbers can be found at www.pr.nrcs.usda.gov. Farmers may also call the Caribbean Area Disaster Recovery Bi-Lingual Hotline at 787-303-0341.

    Disaster Recovery Assistance for Caribbean Communities – In addition to assistance to agricultural producers, NRCS is helping local communities repair dams and infrastructure impacted by the hurricanes. NRCS is providing $1.75 million to local governments and entities through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program to restore damaged and destroyed infrastructure. While EWP generally can pay up to 75 percent of the cost of emergency measures, in both Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, President Trump authorized 100 percent Federal cost for debris removal and emergency protective measures until March 2018.

    Four NRCS teams spent the last five weeks in the Caribbean region conducting damage survey assessments to determine potential sites and sponsors for EWP projects. Through the program, NRCS works with local government entities in impacted areas to remove debris, stabilize stream banks and fix water control structures, among other practices.

    Requests for assistance must be made within 60 days of the storm event.