Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa Valley, CA), the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus, announced today that Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-Yakima Valley, WA) has been selected as the new Co-Chair of the Wine Caucus. Newhouse, a lifelong farmer and winegrape grower, represents the premier wine regions of Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley and the Walla Walla Valley. Newhouse will serve …

As climate change continues to threaten the state’s water infrastructure and reliability, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed an executive order directing his administration to think differently and act boldly by developing a comprehensive strategy to build a climate-resilient water system. The order seeks to broaden California’s approach on water as the state faces a range of existing challenges, including unsafe drinking water, major flood risks …

Turlock Irrigation District (TID) General Manager Casey Hashimoto is retiring after 9 years of running the utility. He announced his intention to retire at the end of 2019 to the TID Board of Directors. Hashimoto’s tenure includes many accomplishments, including keeping electric rates among the lowest in California, improving reliability in the energy system, implementing new technologies, enhancing the water …

The Bureau of Reclamation announced the allocation for south-of-Delta Central Valley Project agricultural water service contractors is being increased to 65%. In light of current hydrologic and reservoir conditions, this minor increase is astonishing. Thomas Birmingham, Westlands Water District’s general manager, stated: “This announcement begs the question, what has to happen before south-of-Delta farmers served by the Central Valley Project can …

If your product or service has value in agribusiness and you have a women-owned business, the place for you to be is at IGNITE, the just-announced expo that shines a light on women-owned businesses with offerings to the ag sector. Hosted by Women in Agribusiness, IGNITE will take place during opening day – September 25, 2019 – of the 8th annual Women in Agribusiness (WIA) Summit here at …

WASHINGTON – Higher limits are now available for borrowers interested in USDA’s farm loans, which help agricultural producers purchase farms or cover operating expenses. The 2018 Farm Bill increased the amount that producers can borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and made changes to other loans, such as microloans and emergency loans. “As …

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is now accepting proposals for its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. Up to $500,000 is available for one- to three-year grants. The maximum award amount for any project will not exceed $75,000 in fiscal year 2019. Proposals are due by June 10, 2019. CIG is a voluntary program to stimulate the development …

Background The Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) provides that anyone seeking substantive amendments or termination of the QIP must do so by submitting a petition to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (Department) signed by at least 25 percent of market milk producers. The QIP does not specifically outline the procedures or process for a petition received by the Department. …

The Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Water Resources prepared a joint Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for B.F. Sisk Safety of Dams Modification Project to reduce seismic risks at B.F. Sisk Dam in Merced County. The Draft EIS/EIR is available for a 45-day public review period. “B.F. Sisk is a key component to both the …

WEATHER Temperatures for the week were above average for the most part across California. The Sierras experienced scattered showers and maintained above-average snow depth, while temperatures reached as high as 100 in the desert.Temperature lows ranged from the upper 20s to mid 40s in the Sierras, 30s to high 60s in the desert, high 30s to low 60s along the …