The Department of Water Resources says its initial State Water Project allocation is zero percent. Given the unprecedented drought conditions according to DWR, the initial allocation will focus on the health and safety needs for 2022 of the 29 water agencies that contract to receive SWP supplies. And the DWR says it will not plan…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Inquiry into Supply Chain Disruptions
The Federal Trade Commission is ordering nine large retailers, wholesalers, and consumer good suppliers to provide detailed information on supply chain disruptions. The information will also show how disruptions are causing hardships for consumers and harming competition in the U.S. economy. The orders are being sent to Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Associated Wholesale…… MORE
Natural Products May improve Honeybee Health
USDA Agricultural Research Service researchers from the Bee Research Laboratory found some natural products’ medicinal properties reduced virus levels and improved gut health in honeybees. Among the study’s results, researchers found a significant reduction in virus levels in bees fed raw cacao and hesperidin, a plant chemical commonly found in citrus fruits and other fruits…… MORE
Rural Broadband Applications
The USDA is now accepting applications for up to $1.15 billion in loans and grants to help rural residents get access to high-speed internet. The announcement comes shortly after the recently approved Bipartisan Infrastructure Law earmarked another $2 billion in additional funding for the ReConnect Program. “High-speed internet is the new electricity,” says Ag Secretary…… MORE
Lasers Possible Future of Weed Control
Carbon Robotics based in the state of Washington, is working on what may be the future of weed control in agriculture. They’re building a rectangular vehicle a little smaller than a compact sedan, which rolls across farmland. While it’s moving, the vehicle shoots concentrated bursts of infrared light into the rows. Observers hear audible crackles…… MORE
Dairy Industry to Meet
Dairy Industry groups will meet next week in Las Vegas for their annual joint meeting. The National Milk Producers Federation, National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, and United Dairy Industry Association will meet November 14-17. Attendees will hear how the dairy industry groups are working to “Make Every Drop Count” for U.S. dairy farmers. Key…… MORE
Farm Families Receive Economic Impact Payments
In 2020, U.S. family farm households received $4.3 billion in federal assistance during the Coronavirus pandemic from Economic Impact Payments. Researchers at USDA’s Economic Research Service say the estimated average was $924, $2,408, and $2,466 for single, head of household, and joint filers, respectively. The disparity partly reflects the lower income thresholds for single households,…… MORE
USDA Funds Cal Conservation Innovation Projects
The USDA announced its awarding $25 million to conservation partners across the country for 18 new projects under the Conservation Innovation Grants On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program. This year’s awarded projects accomplish goals like increasing the adoption of new approaches and technologies to help agricultural producers mitigate the effects of climate change, increasing the resilience…… MORE
USDA Hemp Survey
It is not too late to respond to the 2021 Hemp Acreage and Production Survey, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The survey collects information on the acreage, yield, production, price and value of hemp in the United States. USDA NASS says, “Every response matters to ensure we have accurate data needed to inform…… MORE
Supply Chain Fix Will Take Time
Supply chain issues are challenging the agricultural sector, and farmers and ranchers hoping for quick solutions may be out of luck. The Associated Press reports a significant backlog of ships entering U.S. waters out west and fewer ships making a voyage back across the ocean as a big reason that U.S. exports have slowed down.…… MORE
