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California Ag Today

1,015 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratings

Focused on keeping local farmers, ranchers, agribusiness men, and women up to date on agriculture industry issues that affect each state's rural economy. Corryn La Rue is an agriculture reporter and 6th generation California farmer. Corryn is a former White House correspondent where she reported live during events like the U.S.-China phase one trade deal signing. Before she took over as a Bureau Chief in Washington D.C., Corryn graduated from Utah State University with two Bachelors’ of Science degrees: Agriculture Communications, and Journalism with a broadcast emphasis. Corryn completed ten internships in college, kickstarting her career in farm broadcasting. Her passion for journalism and rural mental health fuels her involvement in farm and ranch news. 

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Episodes

Avian Influenza….for Cows

March 28, 2024 07:00 - 2.06 MB

For the first time, HPAI has been identified as affecting dairy cattle. Get the details as well as an update for our domestic bird population.

A Prop 12 Pork Price Assessment

March 27, 2024 07:00 - 2.06 MB

Now fully implemented, monetary assessments are coming in as to pork prices and Proposition 12 here in the state of California.

Paying Green for Orange in the Golden State

March 26, 2024 07:00 - 2.06 MB

As of March 25th, citrus growers here in the state of California are able to enroll in a program that could award up to $200,000.

Soybean-based Firefighting Foam Could be an Option for California

March 25, 2024 07:00 - 2.07 MB

A new invention in the Midwest could be a big hit in the dry, drought-stricken wildfire capital… our lovely state of California. Cross Plains Solutions made a soybean-based firefighting foam that could replace existing products made with harmful forever chemicals.

NCBA Talks Beef Nutrition in Consumers

March 22, 2024 07:00 - 2.06 MB

Misinformation surrounding beef nutrition has clouded consumer choices for years. Executive Director of Nutrition Research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Dr. Shalene McNeill joins us to talk about Beef Checkoff research that was conducted through Baylor College of Medicine.

Anheuser-Busch is the First Company to Certify Products as “U.S. Farmed”

March 21, 2024 07:00 - 2.06 MB

Beer Giant Anheuser-Busch becomes the first company to certify as “U.S. Farmed,” even adding the distinctive seal to its packaging this spring. This certification indicates the product derives at least 95 percent of its agricultural ingredients from American farms.

American Farmland Trust Launches “U.S. Farmed” Certification to Encourage Consumers to Buy Domestically Sourced Products

March 20, 2024 07:00 - 2.07 MB

American Farmland Trust is introducing The U.S. Farmed™ certification. This certification includes a distinctive U.S. Farmed packaging seal for farm products that derive at least 95 percent of their agricultural ingredients from farms in the United States.

Consumers Still Eating Meat, Mixed February Report

March 19, 2024 07:00 - 2.06 MB

The latest Meat Demand Monitor released on February 29, 2024, offered a mixed result, according to Kansas State University Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Glynn Tonsor.

Dairy Optimism for the Second Half of 2024

March 18, 2024 07:00 - 2.08 MB

Dairy prices have been low for some time, giving producers several reasons to lack optimism for the second half of 2024. Lucas Fuess, the senior dairy analyst for Rabo AgriFinance, says the industry needs to get through the next few months first.

Farm Labor and H-2A Visas

March 15, 2024 07:00 - 2.06 MB

Many in the ag industry are concerned about the guestworker visa program. Washington Policy Center’s Ag Director Pam Lewison says many believe H-2A workers take jobs that would otherwise be filled by locals, but that’s now how H-2A works.

National Farmers Union on AM Radio: “We will continue this fight”

March 14, 2024 07:00 - 2.06 MB

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says AM radio is a critical to rural America, and he says automakers shouldn’t limit access to information.

USDA’s Voluntary USA Label Aimed at “Fairness and Honesty” in the Marketplace

March 13, 2024 07:00 - 2.06 MB

The USDA announced its “Product of the USA Label” rule. According to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, the finalized rule is designed with consumer understanding in mind. Vilsack made the announcement during an address at the National Farmers Union’s annual convention. He says the rulemaking process began a year ago.

Dairy Margin Coverage Risk Program Sign Ups Open Now

March 12, 2024 07:00 - 2.09 MB

The Dairy Margin Coverage risk management program sign-ups are open until the end of April. John Berge, the acting deputy administrator of farm programs for the Farm Service Agency, says its open to any dairy operation in the country.

Paul Crout a Central Coast PCA

March 08, 2024 08:00 - 2.06 MB

Ignoring the Non Scientific Dirty Dozen List

March 07, 2024 08:00 - 2.06 MB

Apple Producers Facing Challenges

March 04, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MB

The recent apple harvest across the nation has been remarkable both in terms of quantity and quality. However, the current challenge lies in securing sufficient consumers to purchase them. Chris Gerlach, the Director of Industry Analytics at the U.S. Apple Association, emphasizes the abundance of apples awaiting market distribution.

U.S. Herd Numbers “Historical Lows”

March 01, 2024 08:00 - 2.06 MB

The U.S. cattle herd numbers are still at record-lows. Kevin Good, vice president of industry relations for CattleFax, says the U.S. herd is still at levels not seen for decades. As far as feeder cattle and calves go, America is down a million head, and that’s not including the reduction in cows.

Sign Up for USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage Program

February 29, 2024 08:00 - 2.07 MB

This one’s for our Golden State dairy farmers; if you’re looking to protect your financial margin between milk prices and feed costs, you should check out the USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage Program.

A “Breath of Fresh Air” Coming for Pork Industry

February 28, 2024 08:00 - 2.05 MB

The pork industry has experienced some turbulence lately, as changing legislation paired with supply and demand raises questions about hog profitability. However, Steve Meyer with Ever.ag forecasts break-even market prices despite higher input costs.

International Trade Arena is Becoming More Competitive

February 27, 2024 08:00 - 2.07 MB

USDA Chief Economist Seth Meyer talked about the state of the ag economy and the headwinds it faces in 2024. During his speech at the 100th Annual Ag Outlook Meeting, he said there are challenges ahead.

AFBF: The Farm Bill Can’t Wait

February 26, 2024 08:00 - 2.06 MB

With the Farm Bill being a top priority for many in agriculture, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says it’s critical that Congress finishes a farm bill this year.

U.S. Farm Trade Goals

February 23, 2024 08:00 - 2.08 MB

Doug McKalip, the Chief Agricultural Negotiator, says recent years in U.S. trade have been positive, with room for advancement.

USDA Investing $500 Million to Prevent Wildfires

February 22, 2024 08:00 - 2.06 MB

The USDA is investing $500 million to expand work on the Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack says the goal is to reduce the risk of wildfires for communities, critical infrastructure, and natural resources.

U.S. Milk Production Expecting Slower Growth Rate this Year

February 21, 2024 08:00 - 2.1 MB

While U.S. milk production is expected to grow this year, according to Michael McConnel of the USDA’s Chief Economist Office. He adds the third and fourth quarters of 2023 showed some contraction, indicating a slower growth rate in 2024.

International Trade and the Farm Bill

February 20, 2024 08:00 - 2.06 MB

There’s been a lot of discussion during this farm bill cycle about the need to update Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program spending levels for commodity programs, including for the U.S. Meat Export Federation efforts to promote beef and pork exports. USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said additional funding would be put to work right away.

Propane Energy Talks Renew

February 19, 2024 08:00 - 2.05 MB

Welcome back to our Propane talks this week. Joining us again, Propane Education Research Council’s Michael Newland says the industry continues to invent new ways to use the clean-burning fuel.

American Farming Automation Continues to Advance

February 16, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MB

Precision agriculture has come a long way in recent years and will continue to develop quickly. Matt Olson, Precision Ag Manager for John Deere, says off-farm folks might not know how much automation there is on American farms today.

Farm Worker Program Changes Could Handicap the Program

February 15, 2024 08:00 - 2.05 MB

The proposed alterations to the H-2A Visa program by the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security may present significant hurdles for growers nationwide.

Leading Legislative Issues to Keep in Mind this Year

February 14, 2024 08:00 - 2.1 MB

The National Agricultural Law Center, based in Arkansas, called 2023 a year for significant developments and changes on the legal front in the ag industry. Harrison Pittman, director of the Ag Law Center, walks us through a few issues to watch for in 2024.

Extended-Release Cattle Deworming

February 13, 2024 08:00 - 2.07 MB

Sunny weather for California reminds producers spring is around the corner, with promises of flower blooms and with that, worms. Join us to hear what options producers have for herd health.

Chief Ag Negotiator Says Farm Trade Setting Records

February 12, 2024 08:00 - 2.08 MB

Chief Agricultural Negotiator Doug McKalip says the last couple years in U.S trade have gone well, but there’s room for improvement. Here’s him addressing the Winter Policy Conference of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

Apples Galore! Trade Challenges for Producers

February 09, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MB

The recent apple harvest across the nation has been remarkable both in terms of quantity and quality. However, the current challenge lies in securing sufficient consumers to purchase them. Chris Gerlach, the Director of Industry Analytics at the U.S. Apple Association, emphasizes the abundance of apples awaiting market distribution.

Extended-Release Cattle Deworming

February 08, 2024 08:00 - 2.07 MB

The well-known benefits of deworming cattle include improved reproduction, higher daily gains, and heavier calves at weaning. However, using an extended-release dewormer could be a game changer.

California Cattle Herds Rebound Unknown for 2024

February 07, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MB

Let’s hear from CattleFax’s Patrick Linnell, here’s a snippet from a California Cattlemen’s Podcast episode.

ReGrow Israel’s “Giving Week” is Feb 5-9

February 06, 2024 08:00 - 2.05 MB

On October 7th, 2023, Hamas targeted Israel in an attack, with the specific focus of the assault being the communities responsible for supplying 70 percent of Israel’s fresh produce and dairy. These attacks resulted in significant loss of life, disruptions in food security, and labor challenges.

Whiplash from California’s Water Year

February 05, 2024 08:00 - 2.07 MB

Today, we look back on the aftermath of one of the wettest years in California history. Nine atmospheric rivers hammered the fertile soil of America’s breadbasket in January 2023, dumping about 32 trillion gallons of water on the drought-stricken ground over a three-week period.

Tulare Farm Bureau: One Year Later

February 02, 2024 08:00 - 2.06 MB

2023’s severe weather left west coast producers reeling, with some still standing ankle-deep in last year’s flood waters. Tulare County Farm Bureau’s Executive Director joins us, here’s Tricia Stever Blattler.

Severe Weather on the Horizon, Are Your Risks Covered?

February 01, 2024 08:00 - 2.11 MB

The recent farm bill extension means producers have a March 15th deadline to make a decision between the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs known as ARC and PLC.

The Pineapple Express Threatens Extreme Storms for all of California

January 31, 2024 08:00 - 2.08 MB

The Pineapple Express, an atmospheric river originating near Hawaii, acts like a fire hose, delivering substantial precipitation to the West Coast.

Prop 12 Will Be Difficult to Overturn, Not Impossible

January 30, 2024 08:00 - 2.07 MB

California’s Proposition 12 has ignited a flurry of controversy with national and international impacts, will take a lot of work to overturn. California Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher explains how that would take place, with the right support from consumers.

ReGrow Israel: Raising Funds for Israel’s Farming Communities Targeted in Hamas Attacks

January 29, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MB

ReGrow Israel's Giving Week is February 5-9. It's going to be a week full of fundraising events while hearing from Israeli farming communities impacted by the war.

ReGrow Israel's “Giving Week” is Feb 5-9

January 26, 2024 08:00 - 2.05 MB

The October attacks resulted in the loss of over $500 million in farmer income, damage to nearly 100,000 acres of farm land, destruction or theft of tractors and planters, and a severe labor crisis with the killing and kidnapping of foreign workers, leading to a shortage of over 10,000 experienced farmworkers.

ReGrow Israel: Raising Funds for Israel’s Farming Communities Targeted in Hamas Attacks

January 25, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MB

ReGrow Israel's Giving Week is February 5-9. It's going to be a week full of fundraising events while hearing from Israeli farming communities impacted by the war.

ReGrow Israel: Raising Funds for Israel’s Farming Communities Targeted in Hamas Attacks

January 25, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MB

ReGrow Israel's Giving Week is February 5-9. It's going to be a week full of fundraising events while hearing from Israeli farming communities impacted by the war.

California Cattlemen’s Association Outlook on 2024

January 24, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MB

Let’s hear from CattleFax’s Patrick Linnell, here’s a snippet from a California Cattlemen’s Podcast episode.

Law Simplifies Drone Operator Licensing for Pesticide Spraying

January 23, 2024 08:00 - 1.96 MB

California Governor Newsom recently signed AB 1016 into law, which will streamline the process of getting a license to fly a drone for pesticide application.

Senators on Using Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture… “It’s already here.”

January 22, 2024 08:00 - 2.07 MB

During the Senate Agriculture Committee's hearing on Artificial Intelligence and innovation into American agriculture, Senator and Chair Debbie Stabenow pointed to agriculture's role in technology.

El Nino Icing Out the Lower 48?

January 19, 2024 08:00 - 2.08 MB

Despite the recent snowfall and chilly temperatures, the possibility of persistent dry conditions remains. This insight comes from Shane Hubbard, a research scientist at the Space Science and Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He sheds light on the influence of the ongoing El Niño event on weather patterns in the lower 48.