Arizona Agriculture Connection with Maricopa County Farm Bureau

Join us for a comprehensive February legislative update as we track over 200 agriculture-related bills moving through the Arizona Legislature. We break down key developments from recent committee hearings, including bills on the Arizona Beef Council extension, livestock compensation, cell-based food labeling, and agricultural property tax valuation. Plus, we share upcoming community events including the Strikeout Hunger event at Surprise Stadium (March 7th), Farm City Breakfasts during National Ag Week (March 23rd-25th), and the Maricopa County Fair kickoff (April 3rd). Stay informed on the issues affecting Arizona agriculture and find out how you can get involved in your local farming community.

Learn more and RSVP at MaricopaCountyFB.org.

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, host Nicole Clements interviews Eric Wilkey, President of Arizona Grain, about the impact of tariffs and exports on agriculture and consumers. Eric details his background in commodity markets and the challenges he faced in farming.

He explains the critical importance of export markets in absorbing supply, price discovery, and maintaining stable agriculture. The discussion goes in-depth on how crops like wheat and alfalfa, adapted to Arizona's unique environment, play pivotal roles in both local and international markets. The conversation also touches on the controversial topic of tariffs, their dynamic impact on supply and demand, and the misconception about exporting water through crops.

Learn more about the efforts of the Maricopa County Farm Bureau and join our mission at https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/

In this January edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole covers key updates from Arizona's 57th legislature, Governor Katie Hobbs's final term priorities on affordability, public education, and water security, as well as the newly designated eighth active management area for water. Governor Hobbs's executive budget proposal includes significant allocations for education, healthcare, child safety, and IT infrastructure for the Department of Agriculture. The episode also addresses the recent Maricopa County Superior Court ruling on the Walapai Valley INA and introduces the newly appointed Arizona Farm Service Agency State Committee members. Additionally, the American Farm Bureau's call for economic assistance to support the farm economy is highlighted.

Learn more at MaricopaCountyFB.org.

In this special live edition from Anaheim, California, at the American Farm Bureau Conference, Nicole sits down to have an engaging conversation with Coach Kiah, a motivational speaker with deep ties to agriculture. Kiah shares her journey from a sixth-generation cattle rancher to a role in agricultural communications, emphasizing her mission to connect people and share the story of agriculture. The discussion highlights themes of preserving and evolving family legacies, the importance of documenting family history, and the balancing act between honoring traditions and embracing change. Kiah passionately talks about the generational transfer of both positive and negative legacies and stresses the importance of flexibility and innovation for the future of farming and ranching.

In the latest edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection, listeners are welcomed back after the New Year celebrations. The upcoming legislative session, starting January 11th, is highlighted, with over 200 bills already introduced. The Workplace Heat Safety Task Force has submitted their recommendations for heat safety guidelines to the Industrial Commission of Arizona. Important representatives from the agriculture sector were part of this task force. Additionally, the Board of Regents has allocated $3 million to establish a hub for agricultural innovation to develop water-efficient technologies. The Blue and Gold Gala benefiting the Arizona FFA Foundation is scheduled for January 31st in Glendale. Tickets are still available for purchase or digital participation via silent auction.

Learn more at MaricopaCountyFB.org.

In this New Year's Eve edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection, listeners are greeted with well wishes and updates on upcoming agricultural events. The Cooperative Extension is hosting a workshop on precision stress management for water-limited agriculture on January 21, 2026, at the Maricopa Ag Center, and a field crop clinic on January 29 in Buckeye. Maricopa County Farm Bureau representatives will attend the 2026 American Farm Bureau Convention in Anaheim. Additionally, there is a call to action regarding the new EPA and Army Corps rule defining 'waters of the United States,' with public comments due by January 5. The video concludes with gratitude to members and industry partners for a successful year and a look forward to 2026.

In this festive edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole welcomes Amber Owens, a prominent member of the Maricopa County Farm Bureau, board member, and chair of the women's leadership committee. Amber shares her multifaceted journey in agriculture, from growing up in a farming community to managing a cow-calf operation, teaching, and running an events company. She discusses her involvement in pollen collection for allergy medicines and gives insights into her hectic yet fulfilling lifestyle. Amber also highlights the importance of faith, family support, and community in her work. The episode wraps up with discussions on holiday traditions and a reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' concluding with a festive message to the audience.

We'd love to hear your traditions! Join us on social media and let us know what your family traditions are!

This week's edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection covers major agricultural news. The US Department of Agriculture announces a $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance program targeting row crops and specialty crops to aid farmers facing financial challenges. Key deadlines and details for Arizona producers are highlighted. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Water Resources is evaluating the Reneger Plain groundwater basin for stricter irrigation regulations, with a public hearing scheduled. The USDA confirms a new detection of the destructive New World Screwworm in northern Mexico, urging Arizona livestock producers to be vigilant. The Governor's Regulatory Review Council extends the deadline for cage-free egg production requirements to January 1, 2032, due to avian influenza impacts. Lastly, the USDA is seeking producer input through virtual roundtables on various regulatory issues. For more details, visit the Maricopa County Farm Bureau website.

This week on the Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole discusses the Trump administration's $12 billion Farm aid package, aimed at providing bridge payments to row crop farmers until October 2026. The aid covers a variety of crops including barley, corn, soybeans, and more. Payments are expected in February 2026, conditional on accurate 2025 acreage reporting by December 19, 2025. Additionally, FSIS will hold a webinar on new USA labeling compliance requirements, and stage two of the USDA supplemental disaster relief program is open, with applications due by April 30, 2026. Farmers are encouraged to stay informed and ensure timely reporting.

Learn more at maricopcountyfb.org.

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Ross Rayner, a partner at Tumbling T Ranch and a board member of the Maricopa County Farm Bureau, shares his extensive background in agriculture. Rayner discusses his upbringing in Goodyear, Arizona, educational journey, roles in FFA and 4-H, and career at the family farm. He elaborates on the farm's diverse operations, including the cultivation of alfalfa, cotton, wheat, and sorghum across approximately 5,000 acres. Rayner explains the challenges and economic implications of advancing agricultural technologies like drip irrigation and controlled environment agriculture. He offers insights on the complexities of lease management, the financial intricacies of farming, and the importance of advocacy for the agricultural sector. Ross also talks about future plans for the farm, including a pivot to vertical farming and the potential benefits of new farming technologies. The conversation underscores the importance of family legacy, innovation, and sustainability in modern farming.