Voice of California Agriculture

An interview on some good news regarding significant water legislation that have been dropped or killed for this year, and updates on other important legislative issues for farm families, tough times for walnut farmers even hits organic walnut marketers.   U.S. farm imports is now outstripping U.S. farm exports, and America’s largest farm group sues the EPA over its new heavy-duty vehicle emission...

Farmers working to save the tri-colored blackbird, heat-illness prevention on the farm, Farm Bureau saves electrical rate customers a quarter billion dollars, and water stories.

A look at the state’s apricot crop, grasshoppers are poised to cause crop damage in the north state, A State Senator talks of her bills of interest to farmers, farm plans to conserve Colorado River water are delayed by wildlife agencies, why a farm group opposes a plan to remove AM radio from vehicles, and more.

Trade tensions with China could prove costly for farmers, Delta Tunnel cost projects increase again, bird flu found in dairy cows causes precautions, an interview with the State Farm Bureau president on a busy first six months on the job, the summer grilling season and beef price forecast, and work on Farm Bill legislation.

The high number of serious ATV accidents has an insurer embarking on a safety campaign, California is growing more blueberries, cotton acreage is making a comeback, we’ll see why, the almond crop forecast, Oriental Fruit Fly—declared eradicated in Santa Clara County, and dairy cows are eating healthy leftovers, and an update on several legislative bills of interest.

An interview on farm labor legislation, rice plantings going full blast, why zero-emission truck mandates are causing frustration, farmers comment on their crop conditions for almonds, walnuts, prunes, cherries, onions, lettuce and more. Mental Health on the farm is essential as the suicide rates for farmers are above the national average. Farm Bureau working to keep AT&T from abandoning its l...

Proposed tax increases on pesticides, Farm overtime law reviewed, update on bird flu in dairy cows, Farm Bureau announces $200,000 in scholarships awarded to 41 students.

Farm Bureau seeks to keep wolf compensation funding in the State Budget, concern over eliminating combustion forklifts in California, a check on Card Check--the farm unionization law, and more.  

Several farm employment bills of concern, bird flu in 8 out-of-state dairies, House hearings are critical of Biden trade policies, farm stresses lead to mental health concerns, a study says California consumers are paying an average of 20% more for pork because of Prop 12.

Legislative bills include Ag overtime, grid enhancing technology, and land use. Sonoma County’s Measure J initiative, Klamath Basin water allocations disappointing, and forever-chemicals not from farming but it affects them.

A study reveals farm workers earn less under the ag overtime law. A rundown of major legislation, a free mentoring program to help new farmers, plus the Ag Census shows some disappointing news.  Young shoppers are paying more attention to organic labeling. 

Some bills of concern to farm employers, Avian Influenza jumps from birds to bovine in other states, a legislative roundup, the Taxpayer Protection Act to appear on the November ballot, Agriculture in the Classroom bids happy retirement to their director with 40 years guidance.

Water for farmers cut to protect fish, but will it? Farmers go to the Capitol, studies are unclear if grass-fed beef is more sustainable, a plan to protect the greater sage grouse, wild burros and horses overstocked on public lands, and more.

Legislative update on wildfire mitigation, air quality, wolf compensation, increasing pesticide taxes. Why the state’s Zero Emission standards concerns farmers, and more. 

A Legislative and issues update of concern to agriculture from the previous week. A labor law passed in 2022 to make it easier for unions to unionize farm employees has several flaws, one of which, does not allow employees to withdraw signed authorization cards. A hearing on electric rate affordability, DWR releases its report on well-permitting requirements with policy recommendations, a forestry...

A check up on “Card Check” the new unionization law, rising California utility rates sparks a hearing, water well reporting requirement, and a hearing in the Tule Subasin, and more. 

Del Monte bankruptcy concerns cling peach growers. An interview about Christmas Trees and poinsettias.