Category Archives: Agriculture News

Statewide Pesticide Notification Regulation is One Step Closer To a Reality

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation just released modifications to its proposed pesticide application notification. This will be a first of its kind system to provide advanced information on the planned applications of pesticides used in agriculture. Referred to as restricted materials, the department say those materials are a highly regulated category of pesticides that…MORE

Consumers Battle Fatigue Over Food Prices

Rabobank’s 2024 July 4th Barbecue Index reached an unprecedented level this year. Hosting a ten-person barbecue on the Fourth of July will cost $99, the highest total on record. This year, beef, beer, soda, and lettuce comprise 64% of the total cost. With food prices unlikely to reverse course, Rabobank says this may be the…MORE

Farming Robotics Event Set

The future of farming in California will be display later this year. It’s being called the premier event for ag robotics and automation. FIRA USA will be held this fall at the Yolo County Fairgrounds in Woodland near Sacramento. Dozens of ag robots will be in action to show what they can do for farmers.…MORE

USDA Funds to Support Farmworkers

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says the USDA is awarding $50 million to 141 awardees in 40 states including California. The funds come through the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program and will reach 177 unique agricultural operations and more than 11,000 workers. The awards are intended to improve the resiliency of the U.S. food…MORE

China Bans Meat Exports from U.S. West Coast Facility

China has banned meat exports from a West Coast cold storage facility near the Port of Oakland after traces of the feed additive ractopamine were found in beef shipments. The Food Safety and Inspection Service said that Chinese customs workers detected the feed additive that’s banned by more than 150 countries. Agriculture Dive says the…MORE

More Reaction to Senate Farm Bill Framework

Reaction continues to be mixed to the farm bill framework released by Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR). Farm Credit Council applauded Senate Ag leaders for putting out ideas to move the farm bill forward. “Economic conditions in agriculture are tightening, and America’s farmers and ranchers need the certainty of a five-year farm…MORE

Senate Ag Republicans Unveil Farm Bill Framework

Senator John Boozman (R-AR), ranking member of the Senate Ag Committee, released details about the Senate Republican-drafted framework answering the call for a “farmer-focused” farm bill. “From the onset of this process, we have sought to draft a farm bill that reflects the needs of stakeholders,” Boozman says. He goes on to say “The world…MORE

Feeding U.S. Military Lab-Grown Meat

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association condemned a recently announced U.S. Department of Defense-sponsored research grant that will fund the development of lab-grown meat products by a biotechnology manufacturing company called BioMADE. NCBA says it’s outraged that the Department of Defense is spending millions of taxpayer dollars to feed America’s heroes like lab rats. “U.S. cattle…MORE

Ag Retailers Report Their Outlook

The nation’s top ag retailers responded to a CropLife Survey on their 2024 outlook. The survey asked retailers about their overall outlook on the 2024 growing season based on market performance through spring fieldwork and planting time. On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being “better than expected,” the retailers seem pleased with…MORE

The World’s First Seedless Blackberry

Pairwise, a company specializing in genetics-based innovations for food and agriculture, has developed the world’s first seedless blackberry. Interested Engineering Dot Com says blackberries are helpful with regards to boosting bodily functions and improving digestion and sugar levels. They also significantly reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Despite the benefits, studies…MORE