California Ag Today

A new federal report on childhood disease draws fire from cotton producers, who argue their natural fiber and farming practices promote health—not harm.

Cattle producers took their voices to the Capitol earlier this month during the USCA Fly-In, advocating for transparent markets, science-based livestock ID, and stronger labeling standards.

With small farms making up the majority of U.S. agriculture, the American Farm Bureau Federation is pushing for policies that protect family-run operations. As California farmers face mounting challenges, new USDA attention could bring much-needed support.

Join a free virtual workshop May 28 to gain practical tools for telling your story and advocating for the beef industry. Learn from NCBA's Chandler Mulvaney in this one-hour, producer-focused session.

"With the price being depressed, you can't make mistakes," says George Morris of Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC.

Stress and lifestyle put farmers and rural women at risk for heart disease. Taking charge of your heart health is key to staying strong on and off the farm.

Senate Bill 628 aimed to support farm employers and workers affected by California's overtime law. The bill was rejected along party lines despite support from farm groups and labor advocates.

Growers have until May 22 to return their Almond Board election ballots. Meanwhile, USDA forecasts a strong 2025 crop—up 3% from last year.

A new study warns that without coordinated efforts, California risks losing billions in agricultural output and millions of acre-feet of water. Senate Bill 72 aims to secure the state's water future by 2040.

With an aging ag workforce and growing labor shortages, California educators are stepping up with free, hands-on video training to help prepare the farm workforce of tomorrow—available to anyone, anywhere.

A new University of California report warns that dust storms—intensified by climate change—are threatening crops, livestock, and labor productivity. The study outlines both the causes and the consequences for the nation's top agricultural producer.

California's ag communicators are in the national spotlight. From print to digital, the California Farm Bureau communications team is being celebrated for telling the stories that matter to farmers and ranchers.

The USDA is putting serious muscle behind the fight against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, with a hefty $100 million earmarked for vaccine research and development.

U.S. farm bankruptcies surged 55% in 2024 after years of decline, with California at the forefront. Lower commodity prices, high input costs, and mounting debt are pushing family farmers to the brink.

A proposed rule could restrict year-round coyote management in California—a move ranchers say threatens livestock and livelihoods.

James Schaeffer of Helena Agri-Enterprises gives an update on this year's almond crop and the challenges its facing.

A new campaign by the Center for Environment and Welfare is calling on Congress to address rising grocery costs they attribute to California's Proposition 12. The group says nationwide prices are increasing due to costly compliance burdens on food producers.

UC Davis researchers are digging into the economic and welfare impacts of gray wolves on California cattle ranches. Using trail cameras, GPS collars, and lab analysis, they're finding that wolf presence leads to millions in livestock-related losses.

California Dairies, Inc. has unveiled its cutting-edge Valley Natural Beverages plant—a 200,000 square-foot facility in Bakersfield focused on shelf-stable dairy products.

Growers in San Joaquin County are navigating a season of mixed signals—adequate moisture, but a stagnant market. According to the California Farm Bureau, concerns over vineyard removals, shifting consumer habits, and tariff impacts are creating plenty of unknowns in the months ahead.

Breaking news headlines this week have told of an agreement between U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Mexico when it comes to the handling of a damaging pest, the New World screwworm, which was detected in Mexico late this past fall.

Gustavo Lopez, Helena Agri-Enterprises, discusses the need for a plant health focus amidst dry conditions.

A new Farm Bureau report shows that in 2023, just 23% of farm household income came from the farm itself. The remaining 77% came from off-farm sources like wages, investments, and retirement income—making these “other paychecks” essential to keeping farmers afloat.

From drones to robotic harvesters, new ag tech took center stage at a UC field day in Ventura County.

The nearly 100-year-old facility will process its final crop in 2025. Company officials cite high production costs and market challenges as reasons for the closure, which will impact nearly 450 workers and dozens of Imperial Valley growers.

Maurice Pitesky, poultry specialist with the University of California Cooperative Extension, has developed the Waterfowl Alert Network. The system delivers real-time data about where waterfowl are roosting and feeding.

The California Cattlemen's Association is encouraging ranchers to complete a new survey focused on herd health and management decisions. Your anonymous input will help guide university research, Extension programs, and educational materials for the next generation.

From reduced export inspections in Japan to easier conservation funding at home, here's what growers need to know.

The U.S. Department of Commerce plans to withdraw from the 2019 Agreement suspending the antidumping investigation on fresh tomatoes from Mexico.

California Senator Adam Schiff is hitting the ground running as the first California Senator in over 30 years to serve on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee.

California dairy farmers are on track to exceed the state's methane-reduction targets ahead of the 2030 deadline, according to a recent Ag Alert from the California Farm Bureau.

California dairy farmers are on track to exceed the state's methane-reduction targets ahead of the 2030 deadline, according to a recent Ag Alert from the California Farm Bureau.

California almond growers have voted to continue the Almond Board of California's federal marketing order for another five years.

James Schaeffer with Helena Agri-Enterprise, LLC discusses humid acid products.

The American Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge application period is now open!

With seven known wolf packs and additional areas of activity—including several packs meeting the breeding pair definition—CDFW has adjusted its approach as outlined in its 2016 Conservation Plan.

Honeybee producers are kicking off 2025 with big losses.

Governor Gavin Newsom sent a letter of appeal late last week to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, urging a reversal of the termination of $47 million in funding meant to support California farmers who grow produce for food banks, schools, and community centers.

Carlo Bocardo, a cooperative official from Bakersfield, will serve as the 2025 president of Cotton Council International, the export promotion arm of the National Cotton Council.

The California Agricultural Coalition, representing 32 agricultural organizations, is requesting $600 million annually for five years to aid farmers through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is seeking nominees for key positions on the council, with opportunities available for both importers and state producers.

The infected ewe, located in Northern England, showed signs of mastitis, and its milk also tested positive for H5N1.