California Ag Today
1,030 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsFocused on keeping local farmers, ranchers, agribusiness men, and women up to date on agriculture industry issues that affect California's rural economy.
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Episodes
California Cattle Herds Rebound Unknown for 2024
February 07, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MBLet’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 MBOn 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 MBToday, 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 MB2023’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 MBThe 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 MBThe 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 MBCalifornia’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 MBReGrow 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 MBThe 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 MBReGrow 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 MBReGrow 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 MBLet’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 MBCalifornia 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 MBDuring 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 MBDespite 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.
California Representative Fears Farmers Being Priced Out
January 18, 2024 08:00 - 2.06 MBSome farmers in the Golden State are worried about being priced out. James Gallagher, a California Representative calls the situation a theme of regulations and rules.
Precision Agriculture on the Advance
January 17, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MBPrecision agriculture has evolved significantly and is poised for rapid development. According to Matt Olson, Precision Ag Manager at John Deere, those outside the farming community may not fully grasp the extent of automation on American farms today.
With Stable U.S. Pork Supply Takes Hit from Prop 12
January 16, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MBCalifornia's Prop 12 went into effect in the New Year, adding to the uncertainty in the pork market. Bernt Nelson, Economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation, discusses the current conditions in the pork market.
2024 U.S. Red Meat Exports Forecasts a Varied Outlook
January 15, 2024 08:00 - 2.06 MBExamining the potential for U.S. red meat exports in 2024 yields a mixed forecast.
Foreign Farmland Ownership in America
January 12, 2024 08:00 - 2.07 MBForeign ownership of farmland is a concern, with some states taking an active role. Three-point one percent of privately held farmland has foreign ownership and there is a question of whether it's a national or state level issue. Director of the Ag Law Center, Harrison Pittman says it’s both.
CHS on the 2024 Farm Bill
January 11, 2024 08:00 - 2.08 MBCHS, a major agricultural cooperative, prioritizes renewable fuels and trade negotiations in the coming year, according to Will Stafford, Director of Federal Affairs.
Ag Law Center: Prop 12 is a Key Issue to Watch in 2024
January 10, 2024 08:00 - 2.05 MBThank you for joining us for part two. 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.
Market Forecast in the New Year
January 09, 2024 08:00 - 2.1 MBThe agricultural economy's outlook in 2024 is somewhat less positive than in 2023. Experts note the upcoming year isn't entirely gloomy and may see a return to a more typical state.
Ag Law Center: Key Issues to Watch for in 2024
January 08, 2024 08:00 - 2.1 MBThe 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.
Propane Reserves Attain a Five-Year Peak
January 05, 2024 08:00 - 2.07 MBAs California authorities intensify efforts to reduce natural gas consumption in the state, the demand for alternative energy sources is on the rise. Recent shifts in supply dynamics have brought about a significant alteration in the traditional relationship between crude oil prices and propane markets.
Forecast for 2024 U.S. Red Meat Exports Presents a Varied Outlook
January 04, 2024 08:00 - 2.06 MBExamining the potential for U.S. red meat exports in 2024 yields a mixed forecast. California ranking as the fourth-leading state in the nation for red meat production plays a significant role in this dynamic landscape. Erin Borror, Vice President of Economic Analysis at the U.S. Meat Export Federation, suggests that the outlook is more favorable for U.S. pork.
Prop 12 Going Live With Stacked U.S. Pork Supply
January 03, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MBCalifornia’s Prop 12 goes into effect with the new year on January 1. It becomes California state law during a time of already great uncertainty in the pork market. American Farm Bureau Federation Economist Bernt Nelson talks about the current pork market conditions.
2023 Was a Good Year for California Wine Grape Growers
January 02, 2024 08:00 - 2.09 MBDespite initial uncertainties due to stormy weather leading to a delayed harvest, California wine grape growers are celebrating the end to a successful year in 2023. Gino DiCaro from the Wine Institute provides an overview of the thriving wine grape growing industry in the Golden State.
Prop 12 is Nothing More than an Activist Power Grab
January 01, 2024 08:00 - 2.08 MBCalifornia’s Proposition 12 was already having a negative impact before the new year begins. Scott Hays, President of the National Pork Producers Council, says Prop 12 is not what it was marketed to be.
Precision Agriculture Advances Continue
December 29, 2023 08:00 - 2.08 MBPrecision 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.
How the New Year Full of Politics Could Impact 2024 Markets
December 28, 2023 08:00 - 2.08 MBThe year 2023 has been eventful in the financial markets. Economist Dan Basse from AgResource Company suggests the possibility of a market turnaround in early 2024.
Proposed FCC Regulations Could Kneecap Rural Broadband Expansion
December 27, 2023 08:00 - 2.08 MBIn the last few years federal, state, and local entities have deployed billions into broadband funding to help close the nation’s digital divide.
Introducing the USDA Direct Loans
December 26, 2023 08:00 - 2.07 MBThe USDA introduces an online application for Direct Loan customers, aiming to enhance convenience for U.S. producers, according to USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small.
How Will Prop 12 Shake Out?
December 25, 2023 08:00 - 2.06 MBExperts say Prop 12 violates USMCA, will the impending animal confinement legislation impact international trade? Executive Director of the Canadian Pork Council Stephen Heckbert says the language of the new legislation isn’t clear, and producers, legislators, and the federal government seem to be confused on how enacting Prop 12 will even be possible.
Tracking the Allocation of Acreage and Agricultural Debt in 2024
December 22, 2023 08:00 - 2.07 MBThe ag economy faced challenges in 2023. What lies ahead in 2024? Dave Widmar from Agricultural Economic Insights discusses key factors they'll monitor in the coming year.
Drought Bottlenecks Panama Canal, Impacting Grain Trade
December 21, 2023 08:00 - 2.06 MBSignificant drought is impacting water levels in the Panama Canal, forcing bulk grain shippers to take alternative trade routes to avoid delays. Vessels coming from the U.S. Golf Coast to Asia are opting for longer routes and increased fright expenses to steer clear of congestions and record-breaking transit fees in the Panama Canal.
Ag Outlook for 2024: Good Not Great
December 20, 2023 08:00 - 2.08 MBThe outlook for the agricultural economy in 2024 is slightly less optimistic compared to the outlook for 2023. According to Chad Hart, a professor at Iowa State University, the prospects for the upcoming year are not entirely bleak. He suggests that it could be a situation of things reverting to a more typical or normal state.
How Will the Biofuels Industry Expand?
December 19, 2023 08:00 - 2.08 MBThe ethanol sector is expanding and evolving, presenting new prospects. According to Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, sustainable aviation fuel is identified as a major emerging opportunity for the bioeconomy within the ethanol industry.
USDA Now Accepting Online Loan Applications
December 18, 2023 08:00 - 2.07 MBThe USDA announced a new online application for Direct Loan customers. USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small says the agency is trying to make things more convenient for U.S. producers.
Proposed FCC Regulations Could Kneecap Rural Broadband Expansion
December 15, 2023 08:00 - 2.07 MBIn recent years, significant funding has been allocated by federal, state, and local authorities to bridge the digital divide. Rick Cimerman, VP of State Affairs at NCTA, warns that new FCC regulations will hinder broadband expansion in rural areas.
Producers Scramble to Decode Prop 12’s Muddy Language Ahead of Implementation
December 14, 2023 08:00 - 2.07 MBWelcome back to our miniseries on California’s upcoming Prop 12 implementation. Folks in nearly all 50 states work to prepare to meet the new animal confinement regulations, but confusing language and unprecedented obstacles for foreign trade partners muddy the water.
Canada Gears Up for Prop 12 Uncertainty
December 13, 2023 08:00 - 2.06 MBWith California’s Prop 12 implementation just weeks away, producers on both sides of the northern border brace for impact. Although the strict law mandating rigid animal confinement regulations is for in-state product sales, the implications extend beyond U.S. borders.
2023 Brought Good News to California Wine Grape Growers
December 12, 2023 08:00 - 2.09 MBDespite initial uncertainties due to stormy weather leading to a delayed harvest, California wine grape growers are celebrating the end to a successful year in 2023. Gino DiCaro from the Wine Institute provides an overview of the thriving wine grape growing industry in the Golden State.
Unforeseen Challenges Forecasted to Influence 2024
December 11, 2023 08:00 - 2.06 MBAmidst geopolitical conflicts and unpredictable weather affecting commodity prices, agriculture economists remain hopeful in foreseeing a positive outlook for the industry, particularly in terms of protein.
New Opportunities for American Ethanol and Biofuels
December 08, 2023 08:00 - 2.08 MBThe ethanol industry is growing and innovating, with new opportunities ahead. Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, says the ethanol industry is looking at sustainable aviation fuel as one of the biggest new opportunities for the bioeconomy.
AM For Every Vehicle Act Fails to Achieve Senate Unanimous Consent
December 07, 2023 08:00 - 2.09 MBThis week Senator Ted Cruz took to the Senate Floor to pass the AM for Every Vehicle Act by unanimous consent. However, Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, objected, blocking the effort to circumvent a full Senate vote.
Experts Say Propane Will “Always Have a Place in the Energy Conversation”
December 06, 2023 08:00 - 2.05 MBWelcome 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.
Propane Inventories Reach Five-Year High, Stabilizes Prices
December 05, 2023 08:00 - 2.07 MBWith California leadership waging war against natural gas usage in the golden state, demand for alternative sources of energy soar.
Monitoring Acreage Distribution and Agricultural Debt in 2024
December 04, 2023 08:00 - 2.07 MBThe agricultural economy hit some bumps in the road during 2023. What does 2024 potentially look like? Dave Widmar of Agricultural Economic Insights talks about some of the things they’ll be watching next year.
Anticipated Water Struggles Forecast Extending Into 2024
December 01, 2023 08:00 - 2.06 MBThe dramatic shift between drought and floods was notable for western producers this year. Drew Lerner, Senior Agricultural Meteorologist at World Weather Inc., indicates that the narrative for 2023 traces back three years.