During 2020 and 2021, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency provided $31 billion in aid to more than 950,000 producers of agricultural commodities, including crops, dairy, and livestock. The goal was to help offset losses and costs associated with COVID-19. The Government Accountability Office found problems in the process the FSA used to review claims under…… MORE
Public Memorial Service Held for Fresno County’s Chief Forensic Pathologist
FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A memorial service was held on Friday for Fresno County’s Chief Forensic Pathologist. Dr. Venu Gopal died in a collision on Highway 168 on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The memorial service for Dr. Gopal was live streamed on the Fresno County Sheriff’s Facebook page. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer, and Fresno County…… MORE
Arrest Made In Deadly Porterville Stabbing
PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KMJ) — A man suspected of stabbing another man to death in Porterville is now in custody. Tulare County sheriff’s deputies were called to the 200 block of S. Legget in Porterville around 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was rushed to…… MORE
USDA Reviews Genetically-Modified Tomato
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reviewed a new tomato variety from Norfolk Plant Sciences. The tomato was modified to alter its color to purple and enhance the nutritional quality. The agency says it found the plant is unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to other cultivated tomatoes and is…… MORE
NCBA Supports Livestock Regulatory Protection Act
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association voiced support to the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee regarding the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act this week. During a committee hearing, NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart told lawmakers, “NCBA strongly supports the Livestock Regulatory Protection Act, which protects farmers and ranchers from onerous regulation.” The legislation aims to prevent…… MORE
Ag Economy Barometer Increases
Farmer sentiment improved in August as the Purdue-CME Group Ag Economy Barometer rose 14 points above its July reading to 117. Both the Index of Current Conditions and the Index of Future Expectations increased last month. Producers were less worried about their farm’s financial situation than in July, although they remain concerned about a possible…… MORE
California Hopes to Soon Join Opposition to Foreign Land Ownership
A bill that outlaws land sales to foreign countries to help protect the nation’s food supply is still awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature to become law. In the meantime, the Washington Examiner reports that the Central Valley is where two-thirds of the nation’s fruits and nuts are grown. “Food can, and is, being used as a…… MORE
Illegal Firearms And Fentanyl Pills Seized In Fresno County Bust
CLOVIS, Calif (KMJ) — Fentanyl pills and illegal firearms were seized after Clovis Police carried out three arrests as part of a narcotic investigation. Back on August 23, Clovis Police received a call of possible suspicious activity. When officers searched the home, they found 200 Fentanyl pills and an illegal firearm. They arrested 35-year-old Rigoberto…… MORE
First “Triple-Dip” La Nina in This Century
The World Meteorological Association says the La Nina weather pattern will last through the end of 2022. That’s the first time this century it will have lasted for three consecutive winters in the northern hemisphere. La Nina conditions in the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean strengthened as trade winds intensified between July and August.…… MORE
Fresno Mayor’s Veto Overruled in City’s Planned Parenthood Funding Issue
FRSNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno’s mayor had vetoed $1 million in funding for planned parenthood but city council overrode that veto on Thursday. Valley Democratic Assembly Member Dr. Joaquin Arambula had secured 9.5 million dollars from the state budget for local non-profits including a million for Planned Parenthood. The City of Fresno would serve as…… MORE
