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California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act has reshaped groundwater use for many farmers and groundwater users, and Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a second round of payments for producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops Program.
In today's Ag Net News Hour, Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” and Lorrie Boyer started off talking about how the Bureau of Reclamation has increased water allocations for Central Valley Project contractors, with South of Delta irrigation, water service, and repayment contractors receiving an increase from 40% to 50%. However, concerns remain that this isn't sufficient to support farming needs, with frustration over water policy and environmental restrictions preventing farmers from receiving more. They also updated listeners on the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) working to control Mediterranean fruit fly populations using the sterile insect technique, which involves releasing sterilized male flies to disrupt reproduction. This method has been used before, including in Los Angeles County in 2023. The presence of Mediterranean fruit flies in Alameda and Santa Clara counties poses a significant threat to specialty crop growers, with potential economic losses of up to $1.8 billion per year. CDFA has established quarantines and monitoring programs to address the issue. Another topic on the show today was the Port of Los Angeles is facing a significant drop in shipping volume due to tariffs on Chinese goods. Shipments from China, which account for 45% of the port's business, are expected to decrease by 35% starting next week. Major American retailers have halted shipments from China, and transport companies are exploring alternatives in Southeast Asia to fill ships. This situation is part of a broader trade strategy aimed at addressing imbalances with China. In today's Almond Board of California Almond Update segment, the almond industry is focusing on sustainability, stewardship, and nutrition to highlight its role in addressing climate goals and supporting local communities. Efforts include improving water efficiency, carbon capture, and promoting almonds as a nutritious protein alternative. Communication with legislators is key, as many are unfamiliar with farming challenges. Advocacy efforts, such as lobby days, aim to educate policymakers on the industry's contributions and regulatory impacts. Uncertainty around the 2025 almond crop due to weather and bloom challenges is being closely monitored, with potential impacts on supply and pricing. The almond industry continues to emphasize its importance in agriculture and the economy. Additionally, specialty crop growers are receiving support through the USDA's Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops program, addressing challenges like rising costs, labor shortages, and trade disruptions. An alliance of agricultural organizations is pushing for a bipartisan farm bill to enhance competitiveness.
Hailey Vine from the Montana Department of Agriculture, leads a conversation about growing and marketing specialty crops in the Big Sky — featuring producers Andi Thatcher from Rimrock Flower Farm in Roundup, Jake TeSelle, Crooked Yard Hops, Bozeman, and Katie Madden, […] The post Montana Growing, Marketing Specialty Crops first appeared on Voices of Montana.
The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act would waive income restrictions that currently prevent many specialty crop producers from receiving federal assistance.
As we look ahead to 2025, farm profitability remains top of mind. This episode explores key strategies that producers are using to control costs and increase revenue. We'll discuss how farmers are sourcing chemicals and fertilizers, adjusting seed purchases, making smarter land rental decisions, and fine-tuning equipment investments. We'll also examine alternative income streams like livestock, specialty crops, and direct-to-consumer meat sales. Lastly, we'll touch on grain marketing approaches and how on-farm storage factors into the equation. Join us as we explore what it takes to stay in the black and maximize your farm's potential in the coming year. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitConnect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/
Announcement: We launched yelp for biologicals @ AgList.com! — Tim and Tyler talk to Adam DeGroot about his family's collection of ag and trucking businesses. — This episode is presented by MyLand. Learn more HERE. — Links DeGroot Farms - https://degrootfarms.com DeGroot Logistics - https://degrootlogistics.com Dock411 - https://dock411.com
What We Learned In This Episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy PodcastThe Importance of Delivery Points: Producers need accessible locations to deliver diverse products like white wheat, mung beans, and sesame. Without these nearby delivery points, it's unrealistic to expect them to participate in niche markets.Having accessible delivery points is crucial for producers, especially for specialty crops. Producers need a place to deliver their products quickly and efficiently during harvest.Bridging the Gap Between Agriculture and Food: One of the biggest challenges is connecting production agriculture with the food industry. Farmers think in bulk, but the food business requires consistent supply and specific standards.Bridging the gap between agriculture and the food industry involves addressing differences in how each operates. Farmers typically deal in bulk, while the food industry needs a consistent, year-round supply that meets specific safety and quality standards.The Role of Infrastructure: Infrastructure, especially cold storage, is critical for family farms building direct-to-consumer beef programs. The lack of available infrastructure in rural areas is a significant bottleneck.Infrastructure, particularly cold storage, is essential for family farms aiming to sell beef directly to consumers. The scarcity of such infrastructure in rural areas poses a major challenge.The Consumer's Growing Interest: Consumers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from and are seeking cleaner ingredients. This trend presents an opportunity for local and regional food systems.Consumers are showing more interest in the origins of their food and are actively seeking cleaner, healthier options. This growing awareness creates a significant opportunity for local and regional agriculture.The Franchisable Ecosystem Model: The model Brady is developing—small ecosystems with post-farm infrastructure, delivery points, and value-added processing—can be replicated across the country.Brady's approach of creating small, localized ecosystems with essential infrastructure can be scaled and replicated nationwide. This model supports local agriculture by adding value to specialty crops.The Need for Risk Management: Managing risk is crucial, especially with specialty crops that lack traditional futures contracts. Hedging through contracts with the next point in the supply chain is essential.Effective risk management is vital, particularly for specialty crops without established futures contracts. Securing contracts further down the supply chain helps mitigate potential losses. RedDirtAgronomy.com
We spend a lot of time discussing asparagus in this conversation with Dr. Yuzhen Lu, but it serves as the highlight of how some parts of agriculture are labor-intensive and not able to have machines improve efficiency.
What's holding farmers back from growing more high value specialty crops rather than commodity crops? In a word, markets.
Farm Bureau reacts to the governor's budget proposal, State ban on dairy and poultry exhibitions and fairs, small sized citrus may find a home in juice market, foreign owned farmland, federal money to develop farm export market.
The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced the application for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant is now open.
John Deere is arguably the most well known farm equipment brand, but traditionally they haven't had a lot to offer specifically focused on specialty crops.
URGENT DEADLINE is February 12, 2025 APPLY HERE: https://www.clemson.edu/centers-institutes/fresh/innovation/index.htmlDo you ship or have any innovations to ship any of these crops? Check this list: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp/specialty-cropThank you Dr. Andrew Hurley https://www.linkedin.com/in/drandrewhurley/and Dr. James Sternberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-sternberg-b5615831/Check out our sponsor Orora Packaging Solutions https://ororapackagingsolutions.com/ FREE TRIAL for Trayak https://ecoimpact.trayak.com/trial-registration https://specright.com/?utm_campaign=2024%20Influencers&utm_source=cory%20connors&utm_content=home%20page https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap. This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.
FSA Programs for Producers and TAPS Banquet Corn and Soybean Schools Feeding Steers Whole or Cracked Corn 00:01:05 – FSA Programs for Producers and TAPS Banquet: Beginning today's show is Allison Womack, agricultural program specialist with the Kansas Farm Service Agency, as she shares what programs and deadlines are taking place and recognizes their State Executive Director leaving. Renee Tuttle with TAPS also joins to let listeners know about an upcoming banquet. Farmers.gov USAJobs.gov K-State.edu/TAPS TAPS Banquet RSVP 00:12:05 – Corn and Soybean Schools: K-State's Kathy Gehl, Kansas Corn's Emily Koop and Kansas Soybean's Jancey Hall continue the show, previewing the 2025 Kansas Corn and Soybean Schools. KSCorn.com/schools 00:23:05 – Feeding Steers Whole or Cracked Corn: Part of the Beef Cattle Institute's Cattle Chat podcast ends today's show as Brad White, Phillip Lancaster and Bob Larson converse about the use of whole and cracked corn. KSUbci.org BCI Cattle Chat Podcast Bovine Science with BCI Podcast Email BCI at bci@ksu.edu Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu. Agriculture Today is a daily program featuring Kansas State University agricultural specialists and other experts examining ag issues facing Kansas and the nation. It is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed to radio stations throughout Kansas and as a daily podcast. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan
Chris Holman welcomes back Senior Michigan U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow. Welcome back Senator, we were with you on the island at the end of May, how has the rest of 2024 gone? Great Lakes Protection passed recently, share your efforts with that? Specialty Crop producers recently received some help, speak to that? You were honored in Flint, and also a parade grand marshal in Detroit, speak to that pair of honors? Hemlock Semiconductor, another of your recent big wins,... what will that mean for Michigan? You also took part in a "Wall Breaking" in Lansing a couple of weeks ago, any reflections on that effort? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
https://www.fsa.usda.gov/The Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program provides financial assistance to specialty crop producers to help them expand domestic markets or develop new markets for their crops. MASC helps specialty crop producers offset higher marketing costs related to:Tenderness and perishability of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursery crops and herbs;Specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control;Packaging to prevent damage; Moving perishables to market quickly; andHigher labor costs. In this episode of the Flower Farmer Forum podcast, Liz discusses the USDA's Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, which aims to provide financial support to specialty crop producers facing unique challenges. The episode covers the eligibility criteria, application process, and potential payouts, emphasizing the importance of accurate bookkeeping and registration with the FSA. Liz shares her personal experiences and insights on navigating the program, as well as tips for managing finances effectively in the flower farming business.TakeawaysThe MASC program is designed to assist specialty crop producers.Producers can report sales based on raw goods without value added.Eligibility for the program requires registration with the FSA.The program has a total funding of $2 billion available.Payouts will depend on the number of applicants and reported sales.Accurate bookkeeping is essential for applying to the program.The application process is straightforward and can be completed online.Producers should keep detailed records to prepare for potential audits.The payout structure is tiered based on reported sales amounts.Resources and courses are available for producers needing help with bookkeeping.Helpful Links:Farmers to Florists: https://www.farmerstoflorists.com/Flower Farmer Forum Conference: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/FFFC2025Crop Planning for Your Flower Farm: https://www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/offers/MtoFSsED/checkoutPeddling Perishable Products: https://sunnymarymeadowcoaching.com/foundationsofPPPQuickbooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/0o09r7rqoau4Podcast website: www.sunnymarymeadowcoaching.comPodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmerforum/Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/888196709178852
Drew and Hans are joined by Product Support Manager, Bryan Jackson, and Support member Kyle hunter as they discuss the ins and outs of setting up specialty crops for success. Getting someone ready to go to the field with a crop that we may not have experience with can be a daunting task. Bryan and Kyle talk about what things go through their minds as they look for the best setup when taking on a new crop.
The goal of the program is to help specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs.
The USDA Farm Service Agency's $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops Program is now accepting applications through January 8th, and the “Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports Rural America Act” unanimously passed in the Senate.
Many robotics companies target the growing systems of these specialty crops and do especially well with delicate crops and repetitious tasks.
New FSA Specialty Crop Program Preparing for Kidding and Lambing Finishing Steers 00:01:05 – New FSA Specialty Crop Program: Beginning today's show is Dennis McKinney, Kansas Director for the USDA Farm Service Agency, to discuss a new program for specialty crop producers as well as a waiver for winter grazing CRP. Farmers.gov 00:12:05 – Preparing for Kidding and Lambing: K-State small ruminant specialist, Kelsey Bentley, continues the show as she explains what sheep and goat producers should have on hand and be prepared for when it comes to lambing and kidding. 00:23:05 – Finishing Steers: The Beef Cattle Institute's Brad White and Phillip Lancaster end today's show with part of their Cattle Chat podcast where the pair conversed about a producer wanting to finish out his own steers. BCI Cattle Chat Podcast Bovine Science with BCI Podcast Email BCI at bci@ksu.edu Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to ksrenews@ksu.edu. Agriculture Today is a daily program featuring Kansas State University agricultural specialists and other experts examining ag issues facing Kansas and the nation. It is hosted by Shelby Varner and distributed to radio stations throughout Kansas and as a daily podcast. K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan
Whether it's from the USDA or Congress, we're hearing of more plans to make positive improvements in the sustainability of agriculture and climate smart changes, but that message is a bit skewed for specialty crops.
Whether it's from the USDA or Congress, we're hearing of more plans to make positive improvements in the sustainability of agriculture and climate smart changes, but that message is a bit skewed for specialty crops.
H-2A worker rates, new indoor heat regulations prove confusing, a new federal program to help specialty crop farmers, and many holiday foods are toxic to your pets.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the creation of new programs to help farmers who grow fruits, vegetables, and nuts overcome market barriers, and Reps from 50 U.S. agribusinesses and trade groups and 14 state departments of agriculture will travel to Casablanca, Morocco, December 2-5.
Independence is one of the attributes of propane fuel. The Propane Education Research Council says propane gives production agriculture more power over energy costs and needs. New avenues for propane are coming down the pipeline in 2025 for the farm, specifically. Director of Agriculture Business Development Mike Newland says new research and propane technology includes flame weeding, soil steaming, and higher horsepower engines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The University of California, Riverside has received $1.5 million in grants from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to lead three pioneering projects aimed at transforming California's specialty crop sector.
In this episode Ed interviews the executive director of the IR4 Project Dr. Jerry Baron. They discuss the mission, history and future of the IR4 project and how it helps specialty crop growers produce crops. Additional Resources https://www.ir4project.org/ https://ir4friends.org/ How to cite the podcast: Zaworski, E. (Host) and (Interviewee). S3:E35 (Podcast). Specialty Crop Crusaders: An Overview of the IR4 Project Part 2. 10/9/24. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.
On today's show Rebeckah Freeman Adcock, Vice President of U. S. Government Relations for the International Fresh Produce Association joins us to talk about the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance and the needs for Specialty Crops in the next farm bill. Some concerns include improving the economic sustainability of growers through enhanced research, mechanization, and better risk management tools like crop insurance. We also talk with Matt Mulica Senior Project Director, Keystone Policy Center, and the Facilitator of the Honeybee Health Coalition. We discuss the synergy between pollinator health and large-scale solar projects. The conversation also touches upon the Honeybee Health Coalition's broader efforts to promote bee health by fostering collaboration between farmers and beekeepers, developing resources to control pests like the Varroa mite, and creating best practices around pesticide use and hive management.
In this episode Ed interviews the executive director of the IR4 project Dr. Jerry Baron. They discuss the mission, history and future of the IR4 project and how it helps specialty crop growers produce crops. Additional Resources https://www.ir4project.org/ https://ir4friends.org/ How to cite the podcast: Zaworski, E. (Host) and (Interviewee). S3:E34 (Podcast). Specialty Crop Crusaders: An Overview of the IR4 Project Part 1. 10/2/24. In I See Dead Plants. Crop Protection Network.
The USDA has announced funding for the 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, with California receiving $23.3 million of the $72.9 million awarded nationwide
Whether it's from the USDA or Congress, it seems we're hearing of more plans or legislation to make positive improvements in the sustainability of agriculture and climate smart changes.
Whether it's from the USDA or Congress, it seems we're hearing of more plans or legislation to make positive improvements in the sustainability of agriculture and climate smart changes.
Hundreds of thousands of people will head to Washington D.C. this week to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. While they look up to enjoy the fireworks, there's something else up there that's a bit harder to see: rooftop farms. Kristof Grina, the co-founder and farm manager at Up Top Acres, says his goal is to restore nature in cities, and they do this by establishing gardens on top of commercial buildings. He says there's a lot of rooftop space in the city that could be put to use. On the six acres of rooftop he manages, you'll find everything from raspberries and figs to carrots and cucumbers. Some roofs are home to honeybee hives and pollinator habitats for wild monarchs. It's not cheap to start farming on a roof, but commercial building managers are seeing a return on investment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I had a chance to catch up with USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor, and asked her about our recently improved relations with India and what that means for Washington apples.
I had a chance to catch up with USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor, and asked her about our recently improved relations with India and what that means for Washington apples.
Welcome back as we introduce you to the bounty of specialty crops that Wisconsin has to offer and the families who produce them. Today we're heading to Mayberry Farms in Dodge County. That's where you'll find first-generation strawberry grower Danielle Clark. Her family of six started the adventure in 2017. Mayberry Farms in Mayville is known for its 12 acres of strawberries, but they've also got honey, dairy goats, chickens, and row crops. Danielle and her husband Tim grew up in farm families, but specialty crops are new territory for them. Keeping bees was also an unexpected joy. Danielle says the apiary has improved strawberry production through pollination. It's also drawn in customers across the country seeking raw honey or natural honey skincare products that she makes on the farm. She says through the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, you can find a network of specialty crop farmers to help you start or expand your own farm venture. This podcast series is brought to you courtesy of Specialty Crop Block Grant 23-10. Learn more about how to engage with Wisconsin's agricultural tourism industry at https://gowiagtourism.com/.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whether it's from the USDA or Congress, it seems we're hearing of more plans or legislation to make positive improvements in the sustainability of agriculture and climate smart changes.
Whether it's from the USDA or Congress, it seems we're hearing of more plans or legislation to make positive improvements in the sustainability of agriculture and climate smart changes.
Ali Cox, CEO and founder of Noble West, an agriculture marketing consultancy sits down with Christina Herrick, produce editor of The Packer, to look at how specialty crop growers utilize regenerative ag currently, its benefits and its potential for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has opened applications for grant funding to help increase the competitiveness of Minnesota-grown specialty crops in domestic and foreign markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There are few areas of the ag sector that are more in need of tech solutions than tree fruits. All around the world, factors like labor shortages, an aging farm workforce, mounting regulations, and rising costs have put fresh produce growers in a bind. AgTech innovators have been hard at work on tools - especially harvesting tools - for years. But progress has been much slower than many hoped. One of the key problems from a grower perspective is the price tag– even when a robot comes along that can pick or prune, it's too expensive for all but the biggest growers. To understand this challenge better, today we're diving into how growers think about tech solutions that are accessible to growers of all sizes. Sam Godwin, second generation apple, pear, and cherry farmer, and current chairman of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission.For more information and resources, visit our website. The information in this post is not investment advice or a recommendation to invest. It is general information only and does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making an investment decision you should read the information memorandum and seek financial advice from a professional financial adviser. Whilst we believe Information is correct, no warranty of accuracy, reliability or completeness.
In this episode, Christa interviews Olivia Hanlon, Executive Secretary with the Iowa Specialty Crop Grower's Association, as well as Christie Jensen, Executive Director of the Iowa Wine Grower's Association. Tune in as they discuss the 2024 Iowa Specialty Producers Conference coming up on January 8-9 as well as the Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association's Post Conference Workshops which will be on January 10, 2024! Learn how you can get discounted registration and be sure to register early for extra saving with "early bird" pricing! Episode Links: • Iowa Specialty Producers Conference: https://www.iowaspecialtyproducers.com/ • Iowa Specialty Crop Growers Association: https://www.iowaspecialtycrop.org/ • Iowa Wine Growers Association: https://iowawinegrowers.org/
Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small discusses outreach for specialty crop industry input on USDA efforts such as the recently announced Specialty Crop Competitiveness Initiative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The USDA is improving crop insurance options for specialty crop and organic producers, including rolling out new and expanded options based on feedback from America's producers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today Archie talks with John McMinn, the Director of the Soybean and Specialty Crop Division at the Arkansas Farm Bureau. In addition to supporting and advocating for farmers, John writes for Ag Insider and co-hosts the Arkansas AgCast. Both of these productions provide information about current events, legislation, policy, and issues affecting farmers and ranchers.You can find all edition of the Ag Insider at the Arkansas Farm Bureau website.Epsiodes for the Arkansas AgCast can be viewed on YouTube or heard on your favorite podcast apps. You can contact John by email at john.mcminn@arfb.com. That Farm Life Podcast is a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net. Questions or comments? Email us at info@agrihealth.net.