The National Milk Producers Federation submitted to USDA its comprehensive proposal for modernizing the Federal Milk Marketing Order system. The proposal follows two years of examination and more than 150 meetings to build consensus behind updates to a program that last saw significant changes in 2000. The NMPF proposal calls for updating the so-called “make…… MORE
Category Archives: Agriculture News
Raw Milk Recall From Fresno County Dairy
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing the recall of raw whole cow milk produced and packaged by Raw Farm of Fresno County. State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones is also issuing a quarantine order. The quarantine order came following confirmation of the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni in the farm’s packaged raw whole milk sampled…… MORE
Almond Acreage Falls in California
The Almond Board of California is reporting that the state’s almond acreage decreased last year. That’s the first time in more than 25 years this has happened. And the announcement comes even though there is a slight increase in bearing acres. Industry leaders are projecting that thousands of additional almond acres are being taken out…… MORE
WATER For California Act Advances
The House Committee on Natural Resources advanced Congressman David Valadao’s bill HR 215, WATER for California Act. This bill, according to a news release from Valadao’s office will streamline operations, expanding water storage infrastructure, and increasing accountability. Valadao says “If we don’t take action to fix the complex and contradictory laws and regulations that control…… MORE
Meat And Dairy Production Lead Food Sector Sales
New data from USDA’s Economic Research Service shows meat processing and dairy product manufacturing are the largest components of food sector sales. Food and beverage manufacturing plants transform raw food commodities into products for intermediate or final consumption by using labor, machinery, energy, and scientific knowledge. These plants accounted for nearly $267 billion or 16.8%…… MORE
Number of Farms Continues to Decline
New data released by USDA’s Economic Research Service shows the number of farms in California and across the country continues to decline. After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms and ranches fell sharply through the early 1970s. Researchers say the rapidly falling farm numbers in the mid-20th century reflect…… MORE
Lawmakers Request Disaster Relief for Farmers
A coalition of California lawmakers is requesting a disaster recovery package to aid California farms and ranches devastated by historic storms earlier this year. The coalition, which includes Representatives Jim Costa, Jimmy Panetta and Zoe Lofgren, made the request in a letter to House leadership. The letter states, “We, therefore, request a disaster recovery package…… MORE
FDA Extends Comment Period On Plant Based “Milk” Labeling
The U.S. dairy industry is concerned about plant based milks in grocery stores carrying the label “milk.” The Food and Drug Administration announced it is reopening the public comment period on draft guidance for labeling plant-based products. “ The FDA is reopening the comment period in response to requests from industry stakeholders for more time…… MORE
Central Valley Desalination Project
Efforts to remove salt from valley water get a big boost. The Westlands Water District says it’s one step closer to improving the water supply for local communities and farmers. According to a district announcement, the California Department of Water Resources awarded a grant to build a desalination and on farm recycling project. That project…… MORE
WOTUS Veto Override Fails in Congress
The House of Representatives was unsuccessful in getting enough votes to override President Biden’s veto of legislation undoing a rule defining the Clean Water Act’s jurisdiction. The vote failed 227-196 and didn’t meet the two-thirds requirement for overriding a presidential veto. Successful Farming says Republicans persuaded ten Democrats to vote against the Biden EPA’s rule,…… MORE
