In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Sabrina Halvorson and Lorrie Boyer explore critical topics at the intersection of immigration, agriculture, and policy. As President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration nears, they discuss the growing concerns around potential mass deportations, including the anxiety among Californians—both documented and undocumented. The conversation delves into the far-reaching implications for the agricultural sector, which depends heavily on immigrant labor, and the ripple effects of misinformation, community fears, and everyday profiling.

The episode also features Lorrie's interview with Michael Ming, President of the California Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers. Ming sheds light on the organization's mission to support agricultural professionals through education, accreditations, and advocacy. Key topics include water supply challenges, commodity pricing, and the impact of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) on land values. The chapter's scholarship and internship programs aim to nurture the next generation of agriculture leaders.

Additionally, Sabrina reports on USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack’s remarks on recent initiatives under the Biden administration. Topics include the reinforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act to protect producers, enhanced transparency in poultry tournaments, efforts to combat discrimination, and the introduction of a cattle contract library. While some measures remain incomplete, the USDA's progress marks a significant step toward ensuring fairness and stability for farmers, ranchers, and producers nationwide.

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