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.

The Ag-Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer along with Guest Host, Josh McGill discuss the current state of trade and tariff updates, noting a potential lull due to the 90-day China pause. Japan is re-engaging in trade agreements. Weather conditions vary, with California facing a dry season and fire risks. The 405Z tax credits for renewable energies, including sustainable aviation fuel, were extended to 2031, benefiting ethanol producers and corn growers. The reconciliation bill, which includes farm bill provisions, faces pushback, particularly on SNAP benefits, which could be cut by $290 billion over 10 years. The bill also includes safety net provisions for farmers, such as better reference prices and insurance programs.

In the second segment of the Ag Net News Hour, Lorrie and Josh talk about the recent House-passed reconciliation bill, highlighting its impact on the ag industry, particularly specialty crop growers in California, who contribute more than half of the state's agricultural gross product. The bill improves crop insurance premium support levels, raises protection levels to 95%, and increases the federal premium cost share from 65% to 80%. It also includes provisions for trade promotion programs and conservation funding. Additionally, CAL/OSHA issued its first citation under the new indoor heat illness prevention regulation, emphasizing the importance of safety training and compliance for ag businesses.

The 2025 California almond objective forecast by the USDA is out and is the feature in this week’s Almond Board of California report. The USDA estimates a crop of 2.8 billion pounds, a 3% increase from 2024. The forecasted yield per acre is 2,010 pounds, up 30 pounds from the previous year. The almond bloom began in February and peaked mid-month, with weather variations affecting crop development. The subjective forecast is based on opinions from 500 growers, with a more accurate report expected on July 10. Additionally, a strategic partnership between CeresAI and Bear aims to bridge data gaps in agriculture, enhancing risk management and decision-making. Beekeepers face significant annual losses, often around 50%, due to various factors including pesticide exposure and shipping stress.

Ag-Net News Hour hosts Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” examine rapid economic shifts in the U.S., focusing on trade agreements with China. Optimism remains high, with California’s agricultural exports reaching $23.6 billion in 2022, led by almonds, dairy, and pistachios. However, Governor Gavin Newsom’s assertion that California is the world’s fourth-largest economy sparked debate over its implications for farmers, particularly concerning water allocation. The hosts also discuss the farm bill’s passage, with forecasts ranging from 2023 to 2026. The segment features an interview with Todd Bergdoll from Valent USA on managing almond diseases, emphasizing the effectiveness of Quash fungicide. The conversation also touched on the potential delay of the farm bill until 2026, with 59% of economists predicting this, but 18% anticipating passage by the end of 2022.

The top 10 agricultural commodities in California, as per the 2023, crop year based on cash receipts; number one is dairy products. Number two, grapes, followed by cattle and calves, lettuce, almonds, pistachios, strawberries, tomatoes, carrots and broilers

In the second segment of today’s Ag-Net News Hour discuss the urgency of reauthorizing the U.S. surface transportation programs, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding and first and last mile connectivity for farms. Key points included the necessity of truck weight modernization, such as allowing six-axle trucks up to 91,000 pounds and a 10% axle weight variance for dry bulk haulers. The conversation also highlighted the importance of supporting truck drivers, addressing the shortage of truck drivers, and expanding hours of service exemptions for agricultural haulers. Additionally, the discussion touches on the almond harvest projection of 2.8 billion pounds, up from last year's 2.73 billion, due to favorable weather conditions.

The final segment tackles wolf-related challenges in Tehama County, California, where ranchers face increasing cattle losses. Safety concerns are rising as the Parks and Wildlife Service explores mitigation strategies. Meanwhile, California maintains its leadership in strawberry production, with strong supplies from Santa Maria and Northern Baja driving seasonal price surges. The quality of walnuts, almonds, and pistachios is expected to be excellent. Additionally, the discussion also touches on the digestive benefits of ginger, yogurt, and papaya.

The Ag-Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,“ discussed recent trade developments, highlighting a significant reduction in tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30%. The US and China are negotiating a 90-day truce, with potential for a more permanent deal. The phase one trade deal with China, which included billions in agricultural purchases, is being revisited. The US has closed its border to Mexican cattle, bison, and horses due to the New World screw worm, a decision supported by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. The hosts also touched on the US-Ukraine deal and the potential for in-person talks between Zelensky and Putin

Mike Strands, Vice President of Advocacy at the National Farmers Union, discussed the Trump administration's new trade deal with the UK, focusing on market access for U.S. beef and ethanol. He highlighted Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins' aggressive travel schedule to promote trade deals with various countries. Strands emphasized the urgency of passing a new Farm Bill due to rising input costs and trade tensions, noting that 100 Farmers Union members lobbied Congress. He also addressed potential USDA budget cuts, which could impact farm safety nets and conservation programs, and the impact of recent employee buyouts on USDA staffing levels.

The Ag-Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discuss various agricultural and economic updates. Nick and Lorrie highlighted the Federal Reserve's decision to leave interest rates unchanged, with Chairman Powell monitoring unemployment and inflation. They noted ongoing trade negotiations with the UK, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea, and potential US-China trade deals. Geopolitical conflicts in India, Pakistan, Ukraine, Russia, and Israel were mentioned. Disaster aid enrollment is underway, with livestock producers signing up by the end of the month and crop producers by July. Secretary Brooke Rollins is working on a plan to support small, family-owned farms.

The second segment, Nick and Lorrie talk about the environmental groups' petition to the Trump administration to enforce regulations on Colorado River water use, potentially reducing agricultural water allocation. The debate highlights the tension between environmental conservation and agricultural needs, with one speaker emphasizing the importance of farming for global food supply. The conversation also touches on the issue of international entities, particularly China, buying U.S. farmland, raising concerns about national security and private property rights. Suggestions for water conservation included forest management, cleaning Delta pumps, and expanding reservoirs. The hosts agreed on the complexity of the issue and the need for balanced solutions.

Finally, in the third part of the show, Nick and Lorrie talk about the Trump administration's potential involvement in managing the Colorado River, with environmentalists citing wasteful water use in agriculture. Speaker 2 dismissed climate change as weather, and supported the administration's stance. The segment also covers the impact of 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, with cargo traffic at the Port of Los Angeles down 35% and Seattle up 20%. The conversation brought out the financial benefits of tariffs, noting the U.S. makes nearly a billion dollars daily. Additionally, the discussion touched on the state of Central Valley crops and the challenges of urban development encroaching on agricultural land.

The Ag-Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discuss the upcoming Mother's Day weekend-highlighting the disparity in how fathers are celebrated on Father’s Day in a fun conversation. The main topic shifted to tariffs and trade, focusing on the US-China negotiations in Geneva and the recent US-UK trade deal. The UK deal is seen as a positive step, with potential for more agreements. The conversation also touched on the impact of trade on agriculture, noting that agriculture is a small part of overall trade agreements. Additionally, the high cost of gas in California despite lower crude oil prices was attributed to high taxes and refinery losses. The segment concluded with a mention of sewage dumping from Tijuana into San Diego.

Nick and Lorrie then cover the impact of Mother's Day on rural communities and the interconnectedness of agriculture and sports. They then shifted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) budget cuts, which include a $300 million reduction in fiscal year 2026 and a staff reduction to 1980s levels. Key changes include dissolving the Office of Research and Development and the Office of Science and Technology, and creating a new Office of Applied Science. Critics argue these changes may politicize research. Positively, the EPA plans to add 130 positions to review over 500 new chemicals and 12,000 pesticides, benefiting farmers.

In the last segment, Nick and Lorrie broke the EPA's budget and staffing cuts, aiming to return staffing to 1980s levels, and their focus on cybersecurity, emergency responses, and water conservation. The conversation shifts to California's leading farm bankruptcies, with 216 Chapter 12 filings nationwide in 2024, 17 from California. Key issues include high input costs, labor regulations, and natural disasters. The American Farm Bureau Federation highlighted labor costs as a significant factor. The segment concluded with a note on the importance of water for farmers and a fun fact: farming accounts for about 1% of the U.S. GDP.

The Ag-Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” highlight the upcoming Mother’s Day by saying that it is one of the biggest days when it comes to strawberry sales. They then talk about the potential de-escalation of U.S.-China trade tensions, with key meetings in Switzerland. They noted China's economic stimulus and the U.S.'s daily tariff earnings of $192 million, contrasting with the Biden administration's losses. The EU-U.S. trade deal is nearing completion. The USDA is preparing to offer $21 billion in disaster aid by the end of the month. Brooke Rollins' efforts to prioritize U.S. farmers over international aid were praised, contrasting with the previous administration's actions.

The CME Group/Purdue University Ag Economy Barometer rose to 141, the highest since December 2021, with a future expectation index of 152. The farm financial performance index fell slightly to 101, while the farm capital investment index rose to 114. Higher input costs remain the top concern for farmers, with 10% now worried about input availability. Tariffs are seen as potentially beneficial in the long run, with 56% expecting reduced farm income in 2025. Senator Amy Klobuchar raised concerns about bottlenecking and privacy issues due to an extra layer of review for agency loans over $500,000.

The weekly Almond Update, sponsored by the Almond Board of California, features Craig Durr, Vice President of Global Marketing and Sales at Campos Brothers Farms. Durr discusses the almond industry's evolution, emphasizing the need to market almonds globally and adapt to price volatility. He highlights the shift from promoting almonds as ingredients to focusing on snack consumption to stabilize demand. Durr also notes the industry's growth from a billion to two billion pounds, stressing the importance of a holistic, global approach. The segment concludes with a light-hearted discussion about Mother's Day and Father's Day.

The AgNet News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, the “Ag Meter,” discuss recent agricultural news, including weather patterns in the Central Valley, which may reach the 90s before dropping back to the 70s. Trade negotiations were a key topic, with Japan's uncertainty over reciprocal tariffs causing delays. The European Union is offering to increase U.S. goods purchases by over $50 billion, but faces potential tariffs totaling $100 billion if no deal is reached. China, recovering from an extended holiday, is expected to resume trade talks. Additionally, extreme weather conditions in China, including drought and excessive rain, are impacting crops. The segment concluded with an interview about Central Coast weather and disease management strategies for crops.

The second segment of AgNet News Hour opens with the hosts discussing the closure of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) office in Bakersfield, affecting 1,500 farmers who will need to travel to Lancaster or Visalia for services. The new administration aims to cut costs, saving billions. The segment also covered research at the University of California on modifying wheat to reduce gluten without affecting nutritional content, targeting the gliadin protein using gamma radiation. This could benefit those with celiac disease. The California Wheat Commission supports this research, which is currently focused on California but may expand nationally. The hosts also touched on the benefits of removing synthetic dyes from food.

In the final segment of today’s AgNet News Hour Lorrie and Nick continue covering the new gluten-free wheat research from the University of California, which could expand nationally. Nick and Lorrie also highlight California's innovative agricultural technologies, such as automated systems and renewable energy projects. They addressed the challenges of startup funding and sustainability in new technologies. Governor Gavin Newsom awarded $29.3 million in tax credits to a hydrogen fuel facility in Lancaster and a port in Ventura County to improve logistics and supply chains. Additionally, California Dairies, Inc. opened a new 200,000 sq. ft. milk facility in Bakersfield, aiming to triple capacity and innovate milk products.

The AgNet News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discusses ongoing trade negotiations, highlighting progress between India, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, and potential tariff reductions with China. Canada's new prime minister, Mark Carney, is expected to meet with President Trump to discuss trade and tariffs. The European Union is set to increase soybean purchases. The USDA's farm loan programs are under review, with loans over $500,000 requiring additional clearance from the Office of the Secretary and the Department of Government Energy. This policy aims to ensure lending compliance with an executive order on government cost efficiency.

Nick and Lorrie then discussed the DOGE loan review, noting that 997 direct loans for over $500,000 were approved in FY 2023, with Oklahoma leading. The conversation shifted to the New World Screw Worm issue, where Mexico initially halted operations but later agreed to cooperate, allowing USDA-funded sterile insect drops. The segment also covered the U.S. House's vote to end California's 2035 gas car ban, citing inefficiencies and high gas prices. Despite the ban's overturn, it still needs Senate and presidential approval. Electric vehicle sales in California remained stagnant at 21.4% in 2024, missing the 2026 goal.

The show wrapped with discussion regarding a UC study on dust in California, highlighting its impact on respiratory health and agriculture. Dust storms affect over 5 million people in areas larger than 55,000 miles. The study notes dust laced with industrial chemicals and its effects on solar panel efficiency and snow melt rates. Speaker 2, from the Central Valley, criticized the focus on environmental solutions, emphasizing the inherent poor air quality due to the valley's geography. The conversation also touched on the Kentucky Derby, noting the genetic connection of horses to Secretariat, and water issues in California, with farmers pressing for more water resources.

The Ag-Net News Hour Hosts, Lorrie Boyer and Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” discuss a recent federal court ruling in California that prohibits Border Patrol from conducting warrantless immigration stops, following an ACLU lawsuit over a Border Patrol sweep in Kern County. The ruling requires agents to have reasonable suspicion and probable cause. The hosts debate the implications, with one suggesting the judge's bias influenced the headlines. They also touched on the influence of social media, mentioning Nick’s daughters, Lex and Tessa, who are social media influencers. The idea of having them discuss building an audience for agricultural businesses to use for education and ag promotion was proposed to enhance ag communication.

The Ag-Net News Hour hosts discuss the USA's new lawfare complaint portal for farmers and ranchers, highlighting the case of Charles and Heather Maude in South Dakota. The Maude's faced federal charges for putting up a fence on federal land, which was later dropped by the Trump administration. The portal aims to address politically motivated lawfare under the Biden administration. Additionally, Brooke Rollins announced a second round of $1.3 billion in payments for specialty crop producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops Program. The segment also touched on the quality of California strawberries and recognized Homegrown Organic Farms for their Whole Foods Market partnership.

In the last segment, Nick and Lorrie went over information regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's Final Insecticide Strategy (.pdf), which aims to protect over 900 endangered species while providing flexibility for pesticide users. The strategy, which follows an herbicide strategy already in regulation, received positive feedback from farming groups. The conversation also covered the Strengthening Local Processing Act (.pdf), which supports small meat and poultry processors by providing access to information, inspector-approved products, and training grants. Additionally, the segment highlights the challenges faced by small farmers, particularly in California.