The Ag Net News Hour hosts, Lorrie Boyer, Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter” and Josh McGill discuss the New World Screw Worm, a flesh-eating maggot affecting cattle, bison, and horses near the U.S.-Mexico border. The U.S. has closed its border to these imports, funded a $21 million project in Mexico to use sterile flies to eradicate the worm, and faces criticism from Mexico for its impact on their cattle exports. The U.S. has historically funded these efforts, while Mexico has been uncooperative, limiting U.S. access to affected areas. The discussion also touches on the broader issues of cartel influence in Mexico and the impact on U.S.-Mexico trade relations, particularly in avocados and tomatoes.

In this segment, Nick, Lorrie and Josh talk about the California almond industry's high quality and global demand, the challenges of freight and insurance costs, and the state's outdated ban on autonomous agricultural equipment from the 1970s. The ban, which requires operators in tractors, conflicts with the need for autonomous vehicles due to labor shortages. The right-to-repair concerns and the evolution of autonomous technology since the 1940s were highlighted. Despite California's tech-forward reputation, outdated regulations hinder innovation.

The Almond Board of California's Associate Director of Industry Relations and Communications, Jenny Nicolau, discuss the annual California State FFA conference in Sacramento, where they interviewed and awarded $29,000 in scholarships to 11 students through the Almond Leadership Program, totaling $350,000 since inception. The funds are raised through silent auctions and golf tournaments. The conference will be held December 10-12. Additionally, the discussion touches on the resurgence of fig farming in California due to its drought tolerance and marketing efforts, and the growing interest in Agave crops for tequila and mezcal production.

The Ag Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” cover the challenges in the freight industry affecting agriculture, particularly in California. Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities highlighted that despite high fuel costs and equipment expenses, freight rates are not increasing, leading to significant losses for trucking companies. He notes that insurance costs and regulatory burdens exacerbate these issues. The conversation also touches on the impact of these challenges on various agricultural commodities, such as almonds, pistachios, and raisins, with some markets showing resilience while others remain stagnant. The segment emphasizing the need for policy changes to support the freight and agricultural sectors.

Nick and Lorrie then discuss the financial struggles of the ag world, particularly the trucking industry, with insurance costs in California being two and a half times higher. President Trump's proposed 50% tariff on EU imports starting June 1 is highlighted, with a significant $236 billion U.S. trade deficit with the EU. A federal judge in California blocked USDA and other federal agencies from mass firings and reorganizations, affecting 21 agencies and 15,000 positions. The Trump administration's authority to reorganize without Congress's approval is debated, with Speaker 1 confident in their legal standing. The conversation also touches on California's financial mismanagement and the need for a state overhaul.

In this segment, the hosts start with a report from the USDA regarding their 2025 hurricane outlook. The outlook predicts an above-average season with a 60% chance of above-normal activity, 30% chance of near-normal, and 10% chance of below-normal. NOAA forecasts 13-19 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-5 major hurricanes. Colorado State University's forecast aligns, predicting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes. The eastern Pacific basin is expected to have a below-normal season. The discussion also coveres organic pest management solutions and the challenges faced by the wine industry, including the need for healthier wine options and attracting younger consumers.

On today’s show, Ag Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” give information about the local and national hay market with Nick Foglio of Foglio Commodities. Foglio says that they are experiencing some downward pressure with out of state ranches and tariff uncertainly has limited the export opportunities, creating more inventory come into the central valley.

Coming up in tomorrow's show, Foglio will address the hot button issue of freight and give a close look of what is really going on in the ag industry and why there are so many challenges that people should now about.

Then, “The Ag Meter,” has a feature interview with Brian Reisinger. They discuss his book "Land Rich, Cash Poor," which explores the challenges and solutions for American farmers. He highlights the economic struggles farmers face, including rising costs of seed, feed, fertilizer, energy, land, and taxes, while prices remain stagnant. Reisinger noted that 45,000 farms disappear annually, affecting food security and affordability. He emphasizes the need for new entrepreneurial opportunities and better guidance for the next generation. Reisinger also addresses the impact of environmental regulations and land grabs, such as the situation at Point Reyes, on family farms. His book is available on Amazon and at bookstores.

The Ag-Net News Hour hosts, Nick and Lorrie discuss the California avocado industry's request to President Trump for inspectors to prevent pests like weevils from entering the U.S. from Mexico, due to safety concerns posed by cartels. The Biden administration previously withdrew inspectors for similar reasons. The segment also highlights the superior quality of California avocados compared to Mexican ones and the challenges posed by cartels. Additionally, the show touches on the rebounding almond industry, the growing popularity of hydroponics, and the diverse uses of low-THC cannabis in various products.

The Ag Net News Hour hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discuss the U.S. House of Representatives' passage of President Trump's budget reconciliation bill, which includes Farm Bill improvements and cuts to social programs. The bill, dubbed "The One Big Beautiful Bill," cuts taxes by $3.78 billion over 10 years and reduces spending by $1.2 trillion, particularly on Medicaid and nutrition programs. Key provisions include no taxes on tips and overtime, increased spending on conservation by $3.2 billion, and premium subsidies for crop insurance. The bill aims to support small businesses and farmers, with potential changes in the Senate.

Nick and Lorrie then talk about the impact of tariffs on California table grapes, with 30% of exports potentially affected. Ian LeMay, CEO of the California Table Grape Commission, expressed optimism despite tariffs in Pacific Rim countries. The conversation also covers the upcoming 21% tariff on Mexican tomatoes, expected to benefit California and Florida growers by leveling the playing field against cheaper Mexican imports. The discussion highlights the broader implications of tariffs on agricultural trade, including the high costs of farming in California due to labor, fuel, and water expenses. Nick also mentions an upcoming interview with Steve Hilton, a gubernatorial candidate, to discuss farming issues.

In the final segment.  Nick notes the ideal weather in California and predicting hotter months ahead. The conversation shifts to the impact of heat on crops, livestock, and human life. The hosts also debate personal preferences for hot versus cold weather. A proposed change by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to expand trading hours to 24/7 is discussed, with concerns raised about market liquidity, staffing, and compliance. The segment concludes with farm facts: California produces 193 million dozen eggs annually, valued at $621 million, and 2.9 billion pounds of strawberries, worth $3.5 billion.

The Ag Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discuss the U.S.-Vietnam trade negotiations, with Vietnam seeking to avoid a 46% tariff to maintain its $123 billion trade surplus. The United States postponed the 46% tariff to July, keeping the 10% tariff in place. Japan trade talks continue, and China negotiations are ongoing. Weather conditions in the US, Brazil, and China are impacting agricultural markets. The Make America Healthy Again Commission's potential ban on pesticides like glyphosate-based Roundup is causing concern among agricultural groups. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified that the US is the sickest country and emphasized the need for healthier farming practices

Nick gives an avocado industry production update, predicting a bountiful year for California avocados despite a slowdown in Mexican imports. Cherry production in California is expected to be only 4 million boxes, down from 9 million, leading to more domestic consumption. Strawberries are also performing well. The Trump administration's plan to increase logging in national forests by 25% over five years aims to boost timber production and reduce wildfire risks, despite environmental concerns. In California, wolves are causing significant damage to livestock, leading to a state of emergency in Shasta County. A new GPS tracking system for collared wolves was introduced to help mitigate conflicts.

The Almond Board of California (ABC) discusses the impact of new tariffs and trade agreements on almond exports in their weekly Almond Update feature segment. The US paused tariffs on China for 90 days, while the EU delayed new regulations. The U.S.-UK trade deal, announced on May 8, includes reduced tariffs on auto and steel imports. Almond imports in Turkey increased from 77 million pounds in 2020 to 151 million pounds in 2025. U.S. almond exports to Morocco rose from 13 million pounds in 2019 to 84 million pounds in 2024. The ABC also conducted workshops in Turkey and Morocco to enhance trade and production.

On today’s Memorial Day edition of the Ag Net News Hour, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” begin with an overview on trade deal activity. There is an UK deal out there. The US is holding trade talks with Japan today.

USDA Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins recently announced a suite of new policies that are in their Small Farms Plan. She went into details of each of the programs and parts of the plan. She then mentioned their efforts to support rural mental health.

In this segment, Nick and Lorrie discuss the high suicide rate among farmers, comparing it to veterans, and emphasized the importance of mental health awareness in the agriculture industry. Brooke Rollins highlighted USDA's efforts to support rural mental health, noting the innovative state-level initiatives. Statistics showed suicide rates in rural areas are 80% higher than urban areas, particularly affecting older adults. The conversation also touched on the challenges of accessing mental health services in rural areas, the impact of isolation, and the need for better support systems. The segment concluded with a reminder of the 988-suicide hotline and the importance of addressing both physical and mental health issues in farming communities.

Nick and Lorrie continued the important discussion on mental health awareness in agriculture, highlighting the historical reluctance of farmers to seek medical help due to distance, cost, and cultural attitudes. Chronic pain and depression are linked, and volunteer peer counselors and school counselors are noted as resources. The segment also touches on the trust in American farmers, with a new survey showing high public confidence in pesticide use for affordable food. Additionally, California walnut growers produce 603,000 tons annually, valued at $1.04 billion, and are expected to have a bountiful year. The show concludes with a farm fact about walnuts.

Ag Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discuss the current state of agriculture, highlighting optimism among farmers due to recent trade agreements, particularly with China. They note a poll showing 75% of farmers feeling more positive. The conversation shifts to the impact of severe weather, particularly tornadoes in Kentucky, and the bird flu outbreak in Brazil. They also cover the House Budget Committee's passage of a budget reconciliation bill that increases farm program spending by $60 billion over 10 years while cutting SNAP by $300 billion. The bill includes tax policy changes and program enhancements, with implications for California farmers.

In the second segment, Nick and Lorrie have a discussion about USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins' visit to Nebraska. Hey highlight the announcement Rollins made about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) changes, including banning sugary drinks purchases with SNAP funds. Nebraska is the first state to receive such a waiver. The USDA has reduced staff by 15,000 to 97,000 employees, aiming to cut costs. The conversation also covered the ongoing efforts to legalize undocumented farmworkers, involving multiple cabinet leaders. The discussion emphasized the need for healthy food choices to reduce obesity and healthcare costs, drawing parallels to smoking and healthcare. The segment concluded with a brief on securing the border and the impact on labor policies.

The Ag-Net News Hour hosts, then discussed the Trump administration's policy on restricting solar farms on quality farmland, citing concerns about devaluation and environmental impact. The USDA's new "Farmers First" initiative aims to support small family farms, which make up 86% of U.S. farms, operating on 41% of farmland and generating 24% of farm production. The program, funded by USDA, provides grants rather than federal money, and does not require congressional approval. The hosts emphasized the need for recycling solar panels and the importance of supporting small farmers, highlighting the USDA's definition of a farm based on gross cash farm income rather than acreage.

The Ag Net News Hour hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” open today’s show talking about key agricultural issues. A major focus was Governor Gavin Newsom’s push to accelerate the Delta Conveyance Project, which aims to improve California’s water management. The proposal aims to tackle climate change, water storage, and ensure future water supply for farming, according to Newsom. The discussion stresses the Governor’s urgency of streamlining permitting, securing funding, and preventing litigation delays. Some questioned Newsom’s political motives and prior inaction, while others emphasized the potential consequences—California could lose up to 10% of its water supply if efforts stall. The hosts referenced a topic that they discussed during last Friday’s show regarding a recent UC study that was released on how inaction on water issues will lead to significant water challenges within the state of California.

Another contentious topic for Nick and Lorrie involved Marin County, where environmentalists and ranchers clashed over federal land grazing management. With 12 of 14 ranches facing possible shutdown within 15 months, tensions mounted. The Center for Biological Diversity sued the National Park Service, arguing grazing leases harm the environment. Meanwhile, the Public Lands Council defended ranchers, advocating for multi-use land management. The discussion also touched on California’s mis-allocation of funds intended for homelessness and high-speed rail.

Labor trafficking in agriculture was the main discussion point in the final segment, spotlighting its warning signs: unpaid wages, isolation, inadequate housing, and restricted access to personal documents. An interview stressed the need for employers to safeguard worker rights and ensure legal employment, even when hiring through third-party recruiters. The discussion underscored the critical role of migrant workers in agriculture and the need for improved working conditions. The segment concluded with a call to action urging agricultural employers to prioritize worker welfare.

Listener feedback and ideas are always welcome. Email [email protected].

The Ag-Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discuss ongoing trade negotiations, noting limited progress and the cyclical nature of trade deals. President Trump's potential tariff reduction with India and optimistic outlook with China were highlighted. The U.S. closed its border to Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm, with a bill introduced to establish a facility in Texas to produce sterile flies for eradication. The disease, which causes significant damage to livestock, is a major concern, and efforts are underway to prevent its spread. The hosts emphasize the urgency of controlling the disease to protect the U.S. cattle industry and prevent its spread to pets.

In the second segment, Nick and Lorrie talk about the New World Screwworm issue, highlighting the closure of borders to Mexican imports and a bill in Texas to fund a facility for sterile flies. The strategy involves sterilized males mating with females once. The conversation shifts to California almond growers' new advantage in securing conservation funding through a streamlined tool by the Almond Board of California. This tool helps translate on-farm practices into recognized conservation codes, simplifying the application process. The segment concluded with a teaser for a future discussion on long-term water security in California.

The University of California has released a study that they did highlighting the severe economic and environmental impacts of California's water insecurity.  Nick and Lorrie review the study that estimates an annual economic loss of $3.4 to $14.5 billion due to inadequate water management, potentially affecting 9 million households. By 2050, California's water supply could shrink by 12-25%, equivalent to 9 million acre-feet. The report warns of 3 million acres of fallowed farmland and 67,000 lost jobs without state action. Key challenges include groundwater management, climate change, environmental flows, and Colorado River reductions. Solutions proposed include stormwater capture, desalination, and improved conveyance infrastructure.