AgNet News Hour

On today’s show, we discuss the impact of Hurricane Helene on agriculture. We hear from both the Tennessee state agriculture commissioner and USDA Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Robert Bonnie. The USDA is responding to the devastation by streamlining processes to help farmers recover. Bonnie highlights the importance of crop insurance and conservation programs, including simplified loss documentation and flexible indemnity payment procedures. The USDA is also reducing requirements for programs like the Emergency Conservation Program and Emergency Forestry Restoration Program, aiming to ease debris removal and assist producers with orchards and groves.

On today’s show Congressman Austin Scott of Georgia's 8th district addresses Hurricane Helene relief efforts in his state. He highlights the role of volunteers and organizations in providing aid. Significant agricultural losses, particularly in poultry and cotton, are a major focus, with efforts to secure disaster relief underway.

We also have this week’s Almond Update and reports from the World Dairy Expo.

On today’s show Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff joins us to discuss the devastating impact Hurricane Helene has had on Georgia’s agricultural sector, affecting crops, pecan orchards, and livestock, with catastrophic losses to farmers and foresters across the Southeast. He emphasizes the urgent need for federal disaster relief, noting that many growers were already struggling with high costs and low prices before the storm.

In this episode, Doug McKalip, Chief Agricultural Negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representative, joins Sabrina Halvorson to discuss the Biden-Harris administration’s success in boosting U.S. agricultural market access by 28.5% over the past four years. He highlights strategies to capitalize on new export opportunities, with a focus on specialty crops, sustainability, and the role of international organizations. McKalip also emphasizes the importance of tariff reductions for American farmers and ranchers.

The episode also features Holly Freishtat from the Milken Institute, who delves into the institute's brief on transforming food systems to combat climate change. She addresses the need for investment, policy alignment, and collaboration across sectors to create a more sustainable food system.

In addition, Megan Lausten, Marketing Manager for the International Agri-Center, previews the World Ag Expo®, highlighting its Top-10 New Products Contest and educational seminar series, which promote agricultural innovation and industry collaboration.

Today’s key topics: HPAI in California Dairy Herds and Iowa Pig Farmer in Favor of California’s Prop 12

On today’s show we're joined by Dr. Kay Russo, a veterinarian and founder of RSM Consulting. Dr. Russo recently participated in a webinar on the growing concerns of H5NX, particularly its spread into dairy herds. We'll explore how this avian influenza strain is affecting cattle, what researchers are discovering, and what dairy producers need to know to protect their herds.

We also hear from Ron Mardesen fifth-generation hog farmer from Elliott, Iowa. In today’s episode, we dive into Ron’s unique farming philosophy and the significance of Proposition 12, California’s animal welfare law. Unlike many in the pork industry who view Prop 12 as an obstacle, Ron sees it as a natural extension of how he’s been farming for decades. We’ll explore how his practices align with the law, the fears and misconceptions other farmers have about it, and why he believes Prop 12 is a positive step forward for animal welfare.

On today’s show we hear from an American Olympic breakdancer who’s now promoting a popular food.

On today’s show we have this week’s Almond Update with details on the Almond Board’s upcoming Listening Tour.

On today’s show we hear from Patrick Westhoff, Director of the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute at the University of Missouri, and Hannah Quigley, Policy Specialist with the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition on the importance of the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program.

On today’s show we hear about a hearing on helping farmers who are facing disaster.

On today’s show we’ll hear about the upcoming ag tech event, FIRA, which is heading to the Sacramento area next month.