California Ag Network

Tag: USDA

  • Trump Administration Appoints Aubrey Bettencourt to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in California

    Davis, Calif., (November 21, 2017) – The Trump Administration recently appointed Aubrey Bettencourt as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA California Farm Service Agency (FSA). Bettencourt joined the California FSA team on Monday, Nov. 13.

    Bettencourt most recently held the position of executive director of the California Water Alliance, a position she assumed in 2009. In this role, she worked to protect California’s water for health & security needs of families, farms and the environment. Additionally, she manages Bettencourt Farms and oversees the business operation including water and land management. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history, with a minor in business and economics, from Westmont College.

    The Farm Service Agency serves farmers, ranchers and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs. The agency offers farmers a strong safety net through the administration of farm commodity and disaster programs. FSA continues to conserve natural resources and also provides credit to agricultural producers who are unable to receive private, commercial credit, including special emphasis on beginning, underserved and women farmers and ranchers.

    Under the direction of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and data-driven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. Secretary Perdue leads the USDA with four guiding principles: to maximize the ability of American agriculture to create jobs, sell foods and fiber, and feed and clothe the world; to prioritize customer service for the taxpayers; to ensure that our food supply is safe and secure; and to maintain good stewardship of the natural resources that provide us with our miraculous bounty. And understanding that we live in a global economy where trade is of top importance, Secretary Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture.

    As SED, Bettencourt will use her leadership experience to oversee FSA programs in a customer-focused manner to ensure a safe, affordable, abundant and nutritious food supply for consumers.

     

  • Attend the Sonoma Grape Expo on Nov. 10

    American Vineyard Magazine is pleased to invite grape growers and vineyard consultants to attend the Sonoma Grape Expo coming on November 10th.  This FREE bi-ennial Expo will feature an industry trade show, educational grower seminars, and state of wine grape industry addresses by Jeff Bitter from Allied Grape Growers and Todd Azevedo from the Ciatti Company.  The USDA-Farm Service Agency and NRCS will also be onsite to answer questions and accept applications for Wildfire Disaster A complimentary breakfast and Tri-Tip lunch will be served.  3 hours of Continuing Education Credits for Private Applicators & PCAs, and 4.5 hours for CCAs have been approved.  The Sonoma Grape Expo will be held at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.   Learn more about the Sonoma Grape Expo and pre-register here.

  • USDA Offers Opportunities to Help California Producers Rebuild and Recover; Assessments Underway

    Davis, Calif., (October 26, 2017) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is targeting $4 million to help farmers, ranchers, and forest land owners in California recover from the recent wildfires. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will issue waivers for those interested in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to enable recovery work to begin immediately. This is one of several disaster assistance program available through USDA to support recovery efforts for individuals and communities.

    NRCS will immediately begin accepting applications for its EQIP Catastrophic Fire Recovery fund pool to assist producers in covering the cost of certain rehabilitation practices, such as creating check dams in drainages, using damaged trees to slow runoff, repairing culvert systems, and planting tree seedlings.  NRCS is waiving the standard 30-day application ranking period and is accepting applications for this initial fund pool through November 6, 2017.

    “NRCS is committed to getting assistance out as soon as possible, and we are cutting some red tape to allow people to get to work immediately,” said Curtis Tarver, NRCS California acting state conservationist. “We encourage producers to visit their local USDA service center to submit an application and work with staff to begin recovery.”

    NRCS is also offering technical and educational assistance to fire-impacted landowners faced with erosion and flooding in a damaged watershed. NRCS conservationists have expertise in erosion, hydrophobic soils, and the use of measures (such as sand bags, mulching, etc.) to mitigate damage to the landscape.

    Additional USDA Assistance Available: NRCS, Farm Service Agency (FSA), and Risk Management Agency (RMA) in California are planning to meet with landowners, partners and other agencies to assess damages and discuss technical and financial assistance. Public workshops will be scheduled once the fires are contained.

    FSA can help farmers and ranchers with a range of disaster assistance including compensation for livestock death and feed losses, risk coverage for specialty crops, and repair of damage to agricultural and private forest land.  For example, the FSA Emergency Conservation Program provides funding and technical assistance to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters.  One of the most helpful practices under this program after a wildfire is fence restoration.

    “FSA has a number of programs to help wildfire-impacted producers get back on their feet,” said Jacque Johnson, Acting California FSA Executive Director.  “I want to encourage farmers and ranchers to contact their local FSA office to find out about resources available to them.”

    FSA’s suite of safety-net programs to help producers recover from eligible losses, includes:

    Additionally, producers located in counties that receive a primary or contiguous disaster designation are eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help them recover from production and physical losses.

    Compensation is also available to producers who purchased coverage through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, which protects non-insurable crops (including native grass for grazing) against natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses or prevented planting.

    Federal crop insurance protects producers against losses due to natural perils, such as wildfires. The program, administered by RMA, offers several plans for crops and livestock in California. Those who purchased Federal crop insurance will be paid for covered losses. Federal crop insurance benefits not just our rural economy, but the financial strength of the nation, by helping America’s farmers and ranchers overcome unexpected events and catastrophes. Producers with coverage should contact their insurance agent for questions regarding claims.

    Watershed Assistance: USDA assists communities with rebuilding efforts following imminent hazards to life and property caused by natural disasters. Through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, NRCS works with local government entities and Tribes in impacted counties to remove debris, stabilize streambanks, fix water control structures, among other practices.

    “EWP allows us to provide immediate assistance to communities to mitigate potential hazards to life and property resulting from the fires,” said Tarver with NRCS. “It is work we can do with a local sponsor to help a damaged watershed channel water and mitigate erosion so that lives and property are protected and additional hardships are not heaped upon the devastated community.”

    With the high potential for winter rains, burned areas are at greater risk for erosion and mudflows and EWP-type services are key to preventing further damage.  The program requires local government bodies or other sponsor to assist with on-the-ground work including concrete barriers and debris basins, mulching, straw wattles, and other damage control measures.

    More Information: For more information on available NRCS, FSA or RMA assistance, contact a local field office, or visit www.usda.gov.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 24, 2017) – Parts of the State saw rainfall for the first time in a couple of weeks, with reports of almost two inches of rain near the California/Oregon border. The south coast had reports of little to no rain.

    Temperature highs were in the 60s to 70s in the mountains, 70s to 100s along the coast, 80s to 90s in the valley, and 80s to 100s in the desert. Temperature lows were in the 20s to 30s in the mountains, 30s to the 50s in the desert, 30s to 60s along the coast, and 40s to 50s in the valley.

    Alfalfa fields continued to be cut and baled. Sorghum fields were being harvested. Cotton was being harvested for lint and seed, and farmers were expecting a decent yield. Most summer crops have been harvested, and fields were being worked and fertilized for winter planting.

    Stone fruit season was essentially finished. A few old orchards were pushed out. Soil amendments were applied to some stone fruit orchards. Pear, kiwifruit and pomegranate harvest continued. Table grape harvest was winding down. Thompson seedless grapes were rolled and picked up for raisins. Persimmon harvest began, with the cooler weather helping with external color. Early navel oranges were being picked and tested for maturity. Citrus orchards were being skirted and trimmed for the coming season. Some orange groves were being pushed out to make way for new plantings.Lemons were being picked. The heavy olive crop continued to be harvested.

    The almond harvest is all but finished for the season. A few groves still had nuts on the ground. Walnut and pistachio harvests continued.

    Broccoli and Brussel sprout harvests continued. Certified producers were picking tomatoes, sweet corn, okra, cucumbers, squash, and peppers. Commercial plantings of Yellow squash, eggplant, Bell peppers, chili peppers, and cucumbers were being harvested and shipped domestically. Fall vegetables were developing well and some early varieties are almost ready for harvest. Pumpkin patches looked very mature and are ready for picking.

    Non-irrigated and foothill rangeland forage was reported to be in poor to very poor condition. Supplemental feeding of cattle was ongoing. Cattle continued to be moved down from high elevation range. Sheep grazed harvested grain fields in Tulare County.

  • California Agriculture Leads Nation In Specialty Crop Funding

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 12, 2017) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced funding for the 2017 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). California received $19.2 million out of approximately $60.6 million awarded nationwide.

    The SCBGP provides grants to state departments of agriculture to fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

    “This is an essential program for California in meeting a state priority – helping our specialty crop growers remain competitive,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.“The success of this grant program has generated widespread support for continued robust funding in the Farm Bill.”

    The program will fund 54 projects, awarding grants ranging from $50,000 to $450,000 to non-profit and for-profit organizations, government entities, and colleges and universities. Selected through a competitive process, these projects focus on increasing sales of specialty crops by leveraging the California Grown identity; increasing consumption by expanding the specialty crop consumer market, improving product availability, and providing nutritional education for consumers; training growers to equip them for current and future challenges; and conducting research on conservation and environmental outcomes, pest control and disease, and organic and sustainable production practices.

    Additionally, there are fixed-amount awards to fund projects that address workforce concerns throughout the specialty crop supply chain, including conforming to labor regulations, securing skilled and unskilled workers, and training the existing workforce to effectively utilize new technologies.

    CDFA is continuing its partnership with the Center for Produce Safety in the evaluation and recommendation of food safety related projects. These projects represent an ongoing effort to address food safety practices and minimize outbreaks of foodborne illness with proactive research.

    The 2017 SCBGP project abstracts are available online at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants.

  • USDA Invests in 48 Projects in Local Watersheds to Protect Communities and Vital Infrastructure

    Washington, D. C., (October 11, 2017) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to invest in 48 new, multi-year projects that aim to build vital infrastructure while conserving natural resources in 20 states or territories through the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works with local groups to help prevent floods, protect watersheds, improve agricultural water management and enhance wildlife habitat through this program.

    “Protecting lives and property and improving natural resources within our nation’s watersheds are critical,” NRCS Acting Chief Leonard Jordan said. “Watersheds are nature’s natural boundaries. NRCS has made much progress in reducing damages caused by flooding, sedimentation and erosion in watersheds nationwide because of our proactive approach to program implementation once we obtain Congressional funding.”

    NRCS will invest $150 million in these 48 new projects, through which NRCS works with project sponsors, such as conservation districts, local governments and American Indian tribes. The projects take place in smaller watersheds that cover 250,000 acres or less. Additionally, this investment also includes funding for 41 existing projects in 11 states.

    The projects are owned by the local sponsors. NRCS serves as the primary technical adviser to project sponsors because of its engineering and environmental expertise and ability to deliver science-base technology and knowledge about the watershed’s natural resources and ecosystem.

    The new, multi-year projects include:

    California – Beardsley Watershed Project – The Ferro Ditch Channel Improvement Project consists of the design and construction of an improved 1,700-foot long channel. This will be the final structure to complete the Beardsley Watershed Project in Ventura County. This project purpose is to restore degraded salt marsh areas, restore failing fish passages to enhance spawning habitat, and to improve water quality in shellfish-growing areas. The project also will improve safety of the Ferro Debris Basin Dam.

    Massachusetts – Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project – This project consists of 16 individual projects that include fish passages, stormwater remediation and salt marsh restoration.

    West Virginia – Upper Deckers Creek Watershed – This project proposes to treat acid mine drainage along nearly 24 miles of Deckers Creek in Monongalia County to improve water quality. Improved water quality will support aquatic life and restore aquatic habitat in that stretch of the creek. Deckers Creek flows through populated areas of Morgantown.

    A full list of projects is available here. 

    Since 1947, the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program has helped communities address critical needs on flood control, water management, watershed protection and development. This strong federal, state and local partnership has resulted in the construction of more than 2,000 watershed projects that help communities in every state in the nation and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. These watershed projects reflect a federal investment of about $6.2 billion and deliver an estimated $2.2 billion in average annual benefits nationwide.

    “History has shown us that smart, proactive investment in small watershed and flood prevention projects yield immense benefits for landowners, communities and taxpayers,” Jordan said. “These dams have reduced flooding of businesses, homes, roads and agricultural lands. They have provided dependable water supplies for agricultural, residential and industrial use. They have also increased opportunities for fishing, hiking, birdwatching and the enjoyment of open space.”

    More information on this program is available here.

  • Medfly Infestation Triggers Quarantine In Portion Of Solano County

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 9, 2017) – A quarantine has been declared due to a Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) infestation n Solano County. A total of four adult males and one unmated female have been detected. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Solano County Agricultural Commissioner, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are working collaboratively on this project.

    The 85-square mile quarantine is in and around the City of Fairfield. It is bordered on the north by Alamo Drive; on the south by Montezuma Slough; on the west by Suisun Valley Road; and on the east by Travis Air Force Base. Additional information and a link to the quarantine map may be found here: www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/medfly/regulation.html.

    Sterile male Medflies are being released in the area as part of the eradication effort. The release rate will be 500,000 males per square mile per week in a 50 -square mile area around the infestation. In addition, properties within 200 meters of detection sites are being treated with an organic formulation of Spinosad, which originates from naturally-occurring bacteria, in order to remove any mated female Medflies and reduce the density of the population.  Finally, fruit removal will occur within 100 meters of properties with larval detections and/or multiple-adult detections.

    The quarantine will affect growers, wholesalers, and retailers of susceptible fruit in the area as well as local residents – home gardeners are urged to consume homegrown produce on site and not move it from their property. These actions protect against the artificial spread of the infestation to nearby regions where it could affect California’s food supply and backyard gardens.

    The sterile fly release program has a proven track record of success in California. Sterile male flies mate with fertile female flies in the natural environment but produce no offspring. The fly population decreases as the wild flies reach the end of their natural life span with no offspring to replace them, ultimately resulting in eradication of the pest. Sterile male Medflies are provided by the joint CDFA/USDA sterile insect rearing facility in Los Alamitos, which prepares sterile flies for release everyday over the Los Angeles Basin.

    The Medfly is known to target more than 250 types of fruits and vegetables. Damage occurs when the female lays eggs inside the fruit. The eggs hatch into maggots and tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption. Residents who believe their fruits and vegetables are infested with fruit fly larvae are encouraged to call the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.

    While fruit flies and other invasive species that threaten California’s crops and natural environment are sometimes detected in agricultural areas, the vast majority are found in urban and suburban communities.  The most common pathway for these invasive species to enter our state is by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back illegally by travelers as they return from infested regions of the world.  To help protect California’s agriculture and natural resources, CDFA urges travelers to follow the Don’t Pack a Pest program guidelines (www.dontpackapest.com).

     

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 3, 2017) – A warmer and drier pattern returned last week. A dry week prevailed across the State with no sites reporting widespread measurable precipitation.  A few isolated sprinkles were associated with localized marine stratus events between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Warm afternoon highs resulted in near total snowmelt at elevations below 10,000 feet. Local snowfields, both a remnant from last winter’s snowpack as well as the snows that fell during the previous week, still exist at elevations above 10,000 feet, most notably in the Stanislaus National Forest, the Lassen Volcanoes National Park, and the peak of Mount Shasta.  Deepest snow cover is estimated to be near one foot.

    Temperature highs were in the 50s to 70s in the mountains, 60s to 70s along the coast, and 80s to 90s in the valley and the desert. Temperature lows were in the 20s to 40s in the mountains, 50s to 60s along the coast, and 50s to 60s in the valley and the desert.

    Alfalfa fields continued to be cut and baled. Sorghum fields were being harvested. Corn silage continued to be harvested. Cotton bolls continued to develop; fields were being defoliated and having borders knocked down in preparation for harvest. Black-eyed beans continued to be harvested.

    Stone fruit harvest was slowing down as the season draws to a close. Gypsum and potash were applied to harvested stone fruit orchards. Some wine, table and raisin grapes were harvested. Finished raisin trays were rolled up for pickup. Asian Pears, pears, figs, and pomegranates were harvested. Kiwifruitharvest began. Persimmons continued to gain size and coloring. Citrus packing houses were getting ready for the new navel orange season.  Lemons were harvested and packed. Some orange groves were pushed out to make way for new plantings. Apples were harvested. Olive harvest was underway.

    The almond harvest was winding down across the state. Walnut harvest was underway. Pistachioharvest continued.

    In Colusa County, the tomato harvest wound down while the honeydew harvest continued.  In Sacramento County, the tomato harvest was in full swing.  In San Joaquin County, Farmers’ Market vegetables were harvested and offered for sale.   Fall field work and ground preparation were done.  In Monterey County, the Salinas Valley season wound down with typical fluctuations of cooler and warmer cycles.  Production and cultivation were still going strong and late season crops were planted.  In Fresno County, jalapenos were harvested.  Carrots were recovering from heat damage.  Soil was prepared for planting organic garlic and onions.  In Tulare County, tomatoes, sweet corn, okra, cucumbers, squash, and peppers were picked by certified producers.  Commercial plantings of yellow squash,eggplant, Bell peppers, green chili peppers, and cucumbers were harvested and shipped domestically.  Fall vegetables were planted and developing well.  Pumpkins were prepared for harvest.

    Non-irrigated and foothill rangeland were reported to be in poor to very poor condition. Supplemental feeding of cattle continued. Some cattle were moved down from high elevation range.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 19, 2017) – A changing pattern marked the week’s weather across the State as a trough over the western United States brought cooler temperatures and a taste of fall to most areas. The week started off with temperatures similar to what we have seen the last several weeks, but by mid-week through the weekend temperatures decreased.

    Scattered showers were seen throughout most of the State on Monday. Brief heavy downpours resulted in precipitation spikes exceeding one inch in isolated areas, particularly around Tahoe. Most areas in the Sierras received up to half an inch of rain for the week, with most other areas receiving up to a quarter inch last week. A few sprinkles lingered on Thursday before the weekend brought dry weather to the State. A few light showers fell on the northwestern parts of the State on Sunday, dropping up to a quarter inch there. Additional light sprinkles were seen just south of the San Francisco area on Sunday. Despite frost in parts of the mountains, no measurable snow has fallen in the mountains. Patchy snow fields were still coating the peak of Shasta as well as sheltered, high-elevation areas in the Lassen Volcanoes area, with maximum depth around one foot.

    Temperature highs were in the 50s to 70s in the mountains, 60s to 70s along the coast, 70s to 80s in the valley, and 80s to 90s in the desert. Temperature lows were in the 30s to 40s in the mountains, 50s to 60s along the coast and the valley, and 50s to 70s the desert.

    Cotton bolls were starting to open. Alfalfa fields continued to be irrigated and baled. Sorghum for silage was in various stages. Corn silage continued to be harvested.

    Stone fruit harvest was drawing to a close. Wine, table, and raisin grape harvest was ongoing. Raisin grapes continued to be placed on trays for drying. Asian Pears, pears, figs, and pomegranates were harvested. Kiwifruit in Tulare County were nearing maturity. Cherry orchards were pruned. Persimmons continued to gain size and coloring. Valencia oranges andlemons were harvested and packed. Some orange groves were pushed out to make way for new plantings. Early applevarieties were harvested.

    The almond harvest continued. Walnut orchards were being prepared for harvest and sprayed for husk fly and Navel orangeworm. A few walnuts were harvested. Growth regulator sprays were applied to some walnut groves to promote development. Pistachio harvest continued.

    In San Joaquin County, the onion harvest was nearly complete.  Harvest continued for honeydew melons, watermelons, cantaloupes and pumpkins.  Farmers’ Market vegetables continued to be harvested.   In Fresno County, tomato harvest was almost done with diminished yields reported.  Bell pepper harvest was ongoing.  Soil was prepared for planting carrotsand lettuce for seed.  These efforts were complicated by recent rains and wind.  In Tulare County, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers were picked by certified producers and sold at the local Farmers’ Markets.  Yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, Bell peppers, green chili peppers, and cucumbers were harvested and shipped domestically.  Fall vegetables were planted and developing well.  Pumpkins were prepared for harvest.

    Non-irrigated and foothill rangeland was essentially all dry after months of high heat. Supplemental feeding of cattle continued. Fire season continued and some rangeland in Santa Barbara County was burned. Bees were being moved out of state as pollination needs were wrapping up for the year.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (September 12, 2017) – Hot weather continued, but enough moisture moved into the state to drive scattered showers across the mountains and northern valley. Additional monsoon showers were seen in the deserts.  Most areas that saw rain saw less than half an inch, although a few heavier downpours led to nearly an inch of rainfall in isolated locations. Patchy snow continued at elevated, sheltered areas in the Lassen Volcanic Park, with a maximum depth of up to a foot. In addition, there was still one to three feet of snow on the peak of Shasta.

    Temperature highs were in the 60s to 80s along the coast, 70s to 90s in the mountains, and 90s to 100s in the valley and desert.  Temperature lows were in the 30s to 50s in the mountains, 50s to 60s along the coast, 60s to 70s in the valley, and 60s to 80s in the desert.

    Rice was nearly completely headed. Alfalfa fields continued to be irrigated, cut and baled. Sorghum for silage was in various stages of development. Cotton was being irrigated and bolls continued to develop. Black-eyed beans were drying and nearing harvest.

    Stone fruit harvest was nearly complete.  Harvest of some late variety stone fruit orchards continued.  Wine, table, and raisingrape harvest was ongoing.  Harvest of some early wine grape varieties was complete.  Raisin grapes continued to be placed on trays for drying.  Pomegranate harvest continued.  Persimmons continued to gain size and change color.  Valencia oranges and lemons were harvested and packed.  Early apple varieties were harvested.

    The almond harvest continued.  Walnut orchards were being prepared for harvest and sprayed for husk fly and orangeworm.  Ethephon sprays were applied to some walnut groves.  Pistachio harvest continued.

    In Colusa County, the processing tomato harvest continued.  Reported issues included both mold and excessive quantities of green tomatoes.  In San Joaquin County, harvest continued for honeydew melons, watermelons, cantaloupes, pumpkin, squash, and processing tomatoes.  Farmers Market vegetables continue to be harvested and offered for sale.   In Monterey County, the weather was hot, which affected lettuce growth.  Seedstem showed up in romaine and iceberg lettuce.  Continued heat and cloudy conditions expected next week may continue to impact the harvest.  In San Mateo County, beans were harvested.  Pumpkins started reaching maturity.  In Tulare County, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers were picked by certified producers and sold at the local Farmers Markets.  Yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant, Bell peppers, green chili peppers, and cucumbers were harvested and shipped domestically.  Fall vegetables were planted and developing well.

    Rangeland and dryland pastures continued to decrease in nutritive value necessitating supplemental feeding of livestock. Sheep continued to graze retired cropland as well as harvested melon and vegetable fields.  Bees were still active in squash fields.