Modesto, Calif., (February 13, 2017) – On February 14, 2017 the USDA will published in the Federal Register a Recommended Decision proposing that a California Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) be established. An unpublished copy of the Recommended Decision is now available here. AMS will hold a public meeting on February 22, 2017, in Clovis, to explain how the proposed California FMMO …

Santa Rosa, Calif., (February 10, 2017) – Denner Ranches, established in 1890, is operated by Kathy Reese and her husband Steve, Russ Denner and his wife Joanne and their son Brian Denner. The property was purchased by Reese and Denner’s great grandfather who emigrated from Devonshire England, originally settling in Illinois before coming west and deciding Santa Rosa was the …

Fresno, Calif., (February 8, 2017) – Heavy rains continued in January promoting vigorous growth in barley, triticale, wheat and winter forage. Fields have been fertilized, and herbicides applied. Dry-land barley have been planted and showing good growth. The rains have put much of the fieldwork on hold, waiting for drier conditions. Between storms, growers reshaped beds, and added soil amendments …

Sacramento, Calif., (February 2, 2017) – In 2015 California’s farms and ranches received approximately $47 billion for their output. This represents a decrease of nearly 17 percent compared to 2014. California remains the leading US state in cash farm receipts. California’s agricultural abundance includes more than 400 commodities. Over a third of the country’s vegetables and two-thirds of the country’s …

Modesto, Calif., (February 1, 2017) – On behalf of the Board of Western United Dairymen we would like to thank all those who volunteered to participate in this year’s election process. We were extremely happy with the turnout and look forward to many more successful years. Please see the 2017 election results below. Delegates and Alternates: Please be advised that …

Sacramento, Calif., (January 20, 2017) – When are seasonal heavy rains welcomed but worrisome?   When rains fill reservoirs, but also turn fields into seas of standing water! Such has been the case in northern California, which has seen torrential rains in recent weeks. After 5 years of intensive drought, the 2016-2017 rains are a welcome relief, but pose a danger …

Most of the 5 million cattle that graze on California’s rangelands like to dine in the valleys and hang out by creeks. This can lead to overgrazing in riparian areas and let perfectly good forage on hillsides go to waste. But some cows are different. They prefer to climb hills and mountains and eat along the way. If more cattle …