U.S. consumers are increasingly recognizing the health benefits of milk in their daily lives, and enjoying a greater variety of dairy products in the grocery store — thanks in part to the dedicated efforts of the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). Watch this brief interview as CMAB’s Jennifer Giambroni shares some exciting insights on their work with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network. Read more in California Dairy Magazine.
Tag: World Ag Expo
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Strong Demand and Prices Expected for California Blueberries This Season
California blueberry growers are gearing up for harvest, and market trends appear to be in their favor this season with strong demand and lower global competition, according to David Magaña, Raboresearch Senior Analyst of Horticulture at Rabobank. David met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to highlight opportunities for the California blueberry market heading into the season. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
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Opportunities for U.S. Dairy Exports Despite Trade and Tariff Uncertainty
Our California and U.S. dairy industry as a whole has come to rely heavily on exports, and continues hitting record sales with key trade partners and growing commodities, such as cheese. Despite the uncertainty accompanying the Trump administration and looming retaliatory tariff threats, the US Dairy Export Council remains committed to growing export market opportunities for the U.S. dairy industry. Rebecca Nyman, current Chair of the US Dairy Export Council, met on California Ag Network with Matthew Malcolm to share the council’s recent work optimism for current and future prospects for increasing oversea dairy shipments. Read more in California Dairy Magazine.
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Almond Market Concerns Loom, and Not Just Retaliatory Tariffs
Just as the market for California almonds was beginning to look brighter, concerns for the impact of retaliatory tariffs under President Trump 2.0 have brought a lot of uncertainty to growers that rely so heavily on a healthy export market. Roland Fumasi, the North American Head of RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share Rabobank’s almond market forecast and an additional concern just as threatening to the near-term success of the industry as the looming retaliatory tariffs. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
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Bird Flu Causes Massive Impact on California & National Milk Production
To date, H5N1 avian influenza virus type A (bird flu) has been confirmed in dairy cattle across 17 states, and has infiltrated the epicenter of the nation’s milk production — the Central Valley of California. As of April 7, it has been detected on 758 California herds. While new cases and the spread of the virus has slowed with the onset of springtime (and conditions have improved since the time of the interview), the virus’ impact on lower milk production in the Central Valley was felt by the nation. California Dairy Editor Matthew Malcolm met with Senior Dairy Analyst at Rabobank Lucas Fuess at the World Ag Expo to discuss the impact the virus has had on cows, national production and prices. Watch this brief interview and read more about the economic impact of H5N1 in the latest issue of California Dairy Magazine.
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Propane Council To Unveil Innovative Soil Steam Weeding at World Ag Expo
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is excited to introduce the first propane-powered soil steam unit for commercial use at the 2025 World Ag Expo February 11-13 in Tulare, CA. At the Western Propane Gas Association Booth (West Street WS20 and WS22), attendees can learn about propane’s pivitol role as a clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy source in agriculture production.
In addition to viewing a variety of propane-powered equipment, including irrigation engines, a mower, generator, and more, PERC will be hosting a press conference at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11 to present the new propane-powered soil steamer. This groundbreaking new technology is designed to eliminate weeds and nematodes without the need for pesticides or herbicides—offering growers an eco-friendly solution to critical farming challenges.
“Propane is already an excellent choice for modern agriculture—naturally reducing emissions without compromising efficiency—but this new technology is really a game-changer when it comes to organic and more sustainable food production,” said Michael Newland, director of agriculture business development at PERC. “With this soil steam unit, growers can maintain the optimal crop production necessary to have a successful operation, while also satisfying consumer and regulatory demands for lower emissions and reduced chemical reliance. It’s a win-win situation for both farmers and consumers.”
This innovation is ideal for California’s high-value crops, including strawberries, carrots, lettuce, and cabbage. Using shallow steaming, the soil steamer applies steam to the top 1-2 inches of soil—the critical zone for weed seed germination—to ensure energy efficiency while achieving optimal results. Studies show that steam treatment can increase lettuce yields by 25% in areas affected by lettuce drop.
The use of propane for soil steaming also offers growers a more reliable, low-emission energy source that is critical in California’s continuous growing season, without the risk of sudden power interruptions. Increasing demand on the electric grid system and system failures are no issue when it comes to the anytime, anywhere energy access available with propane.
Stop by the Western Propane Gas Association booths (WS20, WS22) at World Ag Expo or visit www.Propane.com/SoilSteamer/. To explore propane’s benefits for agriculture and see how this innovative technology is shaping the future of sustainable farming overall, visit www.Propane.com/Agriculture.
About PERC: The Propane Education & Research Council is a nonprofit that provides leading propane safety and training programs and invests in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.
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California Ag Leadership Foundation Farm Show Breakfast Fundraisers
Tickets are available for the Colusa Farm Show Breakfast on Feb. 5 and the Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast on Feb. 13. Over the past three decades, the annual events – which draw several hundred attendees at each venue – have raised more than $2.6 million collectively to help support California Agricultural Leadership Foundation’s (CALF) mission of growing leaders who make a difference, plus other educational efforts.
23rd Annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast
Dr. Joel Kimmelshue, owner and principal soil and agricultural scientist of Land IQ, is the keynote speaker at the 23rd annual Colusa Farm Show Breakfast on Feb. 5. The event begins at 7 a.m. at Saint Bernadette’s Hall at 745 Ware St. in Colusa.
Kimmelshue has more than 27 years of consulting experience focusing on practical and applied solutions for development and management of agricultural-based systems, especially irrigated systems. Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and remote sensing firm, has worked extensively with numerous agricultural, urban and environmental partners. Kimmelshue was raised and worked on a diversified tree and row crop farming operation in Durham and still maintains an ownership and management interest in the family farming operation. He is a member of Class 37 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program.
Hosted by alumni of the Chico State College of Agriculture, CALF and Alpha Gamma Rho, the breakfast has raised more than $600,000 for scholarships and leadership programs in its history. Sponsorships are available. Tickets can be purchased for $75 by contacting the College of Agriculture at 530-898-3737 or via the event page. All proceeds go to the Chico State College of Agriculture and CALF.
- Contact: Mackenzie Bressler / 530-898-3737 / mbbressler@csuchico.edu
31st Annual Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast
Hans Kabat, president of Cargill’s North American protein business, is the keynote speaker at the 31st annual Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast on Feb. 13. The event begins at 6:30 a.m. at the International Agri-Center (VIP Tent South) at 4500 S. Laspina St. in Tulare.
Kabat leads a team of over 30,000 individuals who produce enough protein to feed 90 million people every single day. Having led protein teams in Thailand and China before his current role, Kabat delivers strategic leadership, a bold vision and a global perspective. He navigates through complex challenges to lead the protein industry to new, better and more efficient solutions. Kabat also has deep roots in agriculture having grown up on his family’s farm. He gained firsthand experience and a profound understanding of farming life that sparked his passion for the industry. Those values continue to shape his vision and leadership today.
The breakfast is hosted by CALF alumni, with support from Gallagher and sponsored by insurance company partners, including diamond sponsor The Zenith. It has raised more than $2 million for CALF since 1995. Tables of eight for $900 and individual tickets for $125 can be purchased via the event page.
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Almond Prices Expected to Rise in 2024, Setting Stage for a Positive 5-Year Forecast
The next five years appear to be much brighter for the California almond industry than the last couple years of depressed market conditions, according to a recent RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness report. Prices are expected to rise this season, but how much, and how soon will they climb to profitable levels? Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm spoke with Roland Fumasi from Rabobank to find out. Watch this brief interview and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
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U.S. Dairy Replacement Heifer Numbers Fall to a 20-Year Low
The increasing cost of raising heifer calves has prompted a steep decline in dairy replacements. California Dairy Editor Matthew Malcolm recently met with Corey Geiger, Lead Dairy Economist from CoBank, to discuss the impact of these trends and opportunities for dairy producers. Watch this brief interview, and read more in California Dairy Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor afimilk for their industry support.
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Milk Sustainability Center to Launch this Summer, Supporting Dairy Producers Across the Nation
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. In farming, it encompasses responsible stewardship of land and resources, while maintaining economic viability, so that farmers can continue feeding the world for generations to come. John Deere and DeLaval have joined forces to create a new (free) tool to help dairy farmers measure the efficiency and sustainability of their operations. California Dairy Editor Matthew Malcolm met with James Peterson from John Deere at the World Ag Expo to gain some insights on how the launch of the Milk Sustainability Center will serve the dairy industry. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Dairy Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor afimilk for their industry support.