Vierra Dairy Farms of Hilmar, California had a historic day at the International Jersey Show, exhibiting the Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, and Honorable Mention Grand Champion. This is the third consecutive year Vierra Dairy Farms has won Grand Champion Female and Reserve Grand Champion Female at World Dairy Expo. The winning Junior Three-Year-Old Cow and Intermediate Champion Female, Rivendale …

Like most farmers and ranchers, dairy farmers know a lot about farming but often need to learn more about the ways government actions and farmer checkoffs affect their businesses. That’s where the California Dairy Leaders Program comes in. After a COVID-related hiatus, the program – sponsored by Western United Dairies (WUD) – has selected its 16th class of dairy professionals …

Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, which is dedicated to the advancement, protection and promotion of the region’s quality wines, vineyards and experiences, announced today that they have rebranded to Livermore Valley Wine Community. The group’s collective decision for a new name and look was made to better reflect the community of growers and vintners in Livermore Valley and their dedication to …

In August 2021, the California walnut industry initiated a process to modernize the (California Walnut Board) Federal Marketing Order rules governing grades, standards, inspections, and certifications. In April 2022, USDA conducted an open hearing in order to collect input from the CWB, growers, handlers, and public at large. Since the hearing, USDA conducted a thorough evaluation of the requested amendments …

We all find ourselves in situations where we need to have tough conversations. No one wants to deal with conflict, yet it’s important to remember that productive conversations are still possible, even when it seems like neither side is willing to budge. For farmers, hard conversations might involve banks, businesses, government agencies, neighbors, or family members. Knowing what to say …

The National Center for Appropriate Technology and Natural Resources Conservation Service will partner to host the eighth annual Latino Farmer Conference, a Spanish-language sustainable agriculture conference for Latino farmers. The Latino Farmer Conference is a yearly event that seeks to build networks and provide learning opportunities for farmers on a range of technical and social issues relating to sustainable agriculture. …

Laton, California dairy farmer Melvin Medeiros, a family farm-owner of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), was named the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) Farmer Communicator of the Year at the organization’s annual gathering of dairy-cooperative communicators. Tillamook earned top overall communications honors among NMPF member co-ops. Medeiros, who milks around 1,600 cows roughly 30 miles northwest of Visalia, is a …

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced the inaugural Global Flavors Culinary Competition, a foodservice event that celebrates the broad application of Real California cheese and dairy products in global cuisines. This year’s competition will provide “A Taste of Italy,” with a focus on developing classic and innovative recipes highlighting Italian-style cheese and dairy products from California. Six professional chefs …

On Nov. 1, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail the 2022 Cost of Pollination Survey to over 2,700 CA crop producers. The survey will be sent to nearly 16,000 producers nationwide. “Honey bees are important pollinators of crops ranging from almonds to zucchinis,” said Gary R. Keough, director of the NASS Pacific Regional Office. “To help accurately depict …

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and partners are hosting a webinar for stakeholders and producers that focuses on the new Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program. FSCSC will provide up to $200 million in assistance for specialty crop producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses to obtain or renew a food safety certification in calendar …