Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the $500 million in grants, intended to spur competition in the fertilizer sector and combat price hikes on U.S. farmers. The Fertilizer Production Expansion Program is part of a government-wide effort to promote competition in agricultural markets. The Commodity Credit Corporation grants will support independent, innovative and sustainable American fertilizer…… MORE
47 Deputies Stripped of Guns After Failing Psych Tests
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in Northern California has stripped 47 deputies — 10% of the force — of their guns and arrest powers because they failed psychological exams, it was reported Monday. It was “horrible to have to relieve the deputies of their duties, sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Ray Kelly told KTVU-TV.…… MORE
KMJ-Central Cal Food Bank’s “Feeding Families Fund Drive 2022” Exceeds Goal!
Fresno, CA – GAR Bennett challenged the Central Valley on Friday to give hope to families and children struggling with hunger. They responded to the challenge with overwhelming support. The ninth annual Feeding Families Fund Drive raised over $656,000 to help fuel Central California Food Bank’s comprehensive feeding programs. “We are honored and grateful for…… MORE
St. Louis Encephalitis Confirmed in Fresno County
The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) has confirmed its first positive case and death from St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) in Fresno County in 2022. This is one of several human cases of SLE detected in California this season. “This positive case and unfortunate death is a strong reminder that everyone should take preventative…… MORE
Court Reinstates Modernized Endangered Species Rules
Modernized Endangered Species Act regulations will be reinstated after the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a district court improperly vacated 2019 revisions. The appeals court found that the district court erred by reversing the regulations without determining whether they were actually unlawful. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall says they appreciate the ruling…… MORE
Insurance Coverage Protected for Over 236,000 California Homeowners Following Wildfire Emergencies
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — As wildfires continue to threaten homeowners throughout California, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today ordered insurance companies to preserve residential insurance coverage following Governor Gavin Newsom’s latest emergency declarations. The Commissioner’s Bulletin shields those policyholders within the wildfire perimeter or in adjacent ZIP codes of the Mosquito and Fairview fires in Riverside, Placer,…… MORE
6.8 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Mexico, 2 Dead
MEXICO CITY (AP) — A powerful magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Mexico early Thursday, causing at least two deaths, damaging buildings, and setting off landslides. The earthquake struck at 1:19 a.m. near the epicenter of a magnitude 7.6 quake that hit three days earlier in the western state of Michoacan. It was also blamed for two…… MORE
Governor Gavin Newsom Continues Climate Week NYC Visit
NEW YORK – Governor Gavin Newsom continues his visit to New York’s Climate Week, providing remarks at two events on Wednesday. Governor Newsom will deliver closing remarks at Climate Week NYC, the biggest climate event of its kind with over 1,000 leaders from around the world pushing for climate action. The event is organized by…… MORE
Off-farm Income Increasingly Important
A new study shows increasing dependence on off-farm employment and income reveals the growing economic interconnection of rural communities and surrounding cities. According to a study by researchers at the University of Missouri, 82 percent of U.S. farm household income now comes from off-farm sources. The study was commissioned by CoBank and completed in partnership…… MORE
Bill Would Reduce Trucking Regulations
Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate would remove government regulations in the trucking industry, according to Senator Mike Rounds. The South Dakota Republican introduced the Trucking Regulations Unduly Constricting Known Service-providers, or TRUCKS Act. Rounds says the regulations are burdensome to agriculture, school districts and trucking companies. In 2012, then-President Obama signed into law legislation…… MORE
