Sacramento, Calif., (February 23, 2017) – Strong storms during the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend flooded farm fields, caused several dairy farms to relocate their animals and brought other impacts on California farms and ranches. The storms also added more water to an already overtaxed system, and led to renewed calls to modernize the system. “In the long term, the surge …

By Pat Bailey Quick Summary Gene editing builds on traditional breeding successes The technology enhances sustainability plus animal health and welfare Questions remain about regulatory issues  Gene editing— one of the newest and most promising tools of biotechnology — enables animal breeders to make beneficial genetic changes, without bringing along unwanted genetic changes. And, following in the footsteps of traditional …

Sacramento, Calif., (February 15, 2017) – This month the Planting Seeds blog is featuring stories on food security, nutrition, and efforts to reduce food waste. CDFA’s Office of Farm to Fork is committed to helping all Californians access healthy and nutritious California-grown food by connecting consumers, school districts, and others directly with California’s farmers and ranchers. The USDA estimates that …

Sacramento, Calif., (February 14, 2017) – Another wet week across the State. Most days received widespread precipitation across a large portion of the State. Last week, the heaviest rains fell on the windward and southern slopes of the central/northern Sierras and northern mountains. Blue Canyon reported the largest precipitation of 14.16 inches. The northwestern mountains received four to six inches …

Tulare, Calif., (February 14, 2017) – In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Tulare County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline. The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Tulare County: March 15, 2017 – 
Alfalfa Seed, Almonds, Barley, Cherries, Oats, Olives, Pears, Pistachios, Plums, Walnuts, …

Turlock, Calif., (February 14, 2017) – After over a year of anticipation, it is finally here folks: USDA released its recommended decision for a California Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO). If you recall, USDA heard about two complete proposals at the Clovis hearing in Fresno during fall 2015. Proposal number 1, from the three largest coops in the state (CDI, …

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 …