SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS: Wheat and alfalfa crops continue to mature well. Dairy forage crops are still flourishing from the recent rain. Some fields are beginning to be planted for spring silage. Cover crops planted between rows in orchards are being incorporated into the soil. DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES: Petal-fall on almonds is occurring. Stored almonds …

$20,000 in total awards are available to selected applicants. Applications are being accepted until May 27, 2019. Syngenta is now accepting applications for its 2019 Agricultural Scholarship program. Totalling $20,000, scholarships will be awarded to select promising college students. As future leaders of the industry, applicants are asked to share how they aspire to inspire future generations of agricultural students. “At Syngenta, we …

Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture joins the nation in celebrating National Ag Day, which highlights agriculture’s crucial role in everyday life, and honors the farmers, foresters, scientists, producers and many others who contribute to America’s bountiful harvest. As part of this effort, USDA is launching a new Youth and Agriculture website to connect young people and youth-serving organizations with …

National Corn Growers Association President Lynn Chrisp made the below statement following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) release of a proposed rule to allow for year-round sales of E15. “Today’s proposed rule is great progress to getting the rulemaking completed by the start of the summer driving season, June 1. NCGA appreciates EPA’s efforts to meet this deadline and we …

Each year roughly 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from foodborne illnesses according to the CDC. As our food supply becomes progressively more globalized, the need to strengthen food safety systems in and between countries has become much more apparent. Legislation like the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) now enables the Food & Drug Administration …

Salmonella – we all know it’s bad for us but why? What is it? Where does it come from? Why should we care? Does my company have a plan in place if something tests positive? With all the news lately about one recall after another, it is easy to be tormented with endless questions. I am here to tell you that …

As the California Farmland Trust (CFT) works with more farmers and protects more farmland, the team is growing to meet the demand. The Elk Grove-based agricultural non-profit is pleased to announce Chelsea Molina as their new Conservation Project Coordinator. Chelsea has a dynamic style and the experience needed to deeply connect farmers and CFT. A deep connection is paramount to …

A team of researchers, including two from the University of California, Riverside, has identified the genes responsible for the hallmark sour taste of many citrus fruits. Published Tuesday, Feb. 25 in Nature Communications, the research could help plant breeders develop new, sweeter varieties. Modern citrus varieties have been bred over thousands of years to generate a broad palette of sour …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced last week that the January 2019 income over feed cost margin was $7.99 per hundredweight, triggering the first payment for eligible dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new but yet-to-be established Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program. DMC, which replaces the Margin Protection Program for Dairy, …

(Santa Barbara, CA) – The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) kicked off their new fiscal year yesterday during the Annual Membership Meeting at their 83rd Annual Meeting in Santa Barbara, California. The event featured the election of the Board of Directors and Chairman, as well as industry and committee updates. The Board of Directors is made up of 44 men …