Arizona Agriculture Connection with Maricopa County Farm Bureau

This week's edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection covers several key updates. The Arizona legislature has adjourned, and Governor Hobbs signed the SB 1611 AG to Urban Bill, which will take effect on September 26, 2025. On the federal level, President Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' narrowly passed the House and was signed into law on the 4th of July. The Arizona Farm Bureau has new resources regarding the New World screwworm on their website. The USDA reports a widening U.S. agricultural trade deficit, reaching $19.7 billion in the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, Arizona agriculture members are gathering in Flagstaff for the annual summer leadership conference, with a live podcast featuring the executive director of the Arizona Farm Service Agency scheduled for tomorrow.

In this edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection, it is announced that the Arizona legislature has passed a bipartisan budget for fiscal year 2026. Key components include funding for water security, the Yuma Center for Excellence in Desert Agriculture, and wildfire management. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service seeks feedback on New World Screwworm Management through virtual learning sessions. Maricopa County's policy development meetings are concluded, and the annual business meeting is scheduled for August 13th. The American Farm Bureau's annual 4th of July market basket survey reports an average cost of $7.09 per person for a cookout, highlighting continued high grocery prices and the fact that farmers receive only 15% of the retail dollar. The Maricopa County Farm Bureau wishes everyone a happy and safe 4th of July.

In this episode, Nicole from Arizona Agriculture Connection chats with Lauren Pena, a registered dietitian with the Dairy Council of Arizona, about dairy’s role in nutrition. They discuss Lauren’s unique path to dietetics, the benefits of dairy in managing chronic health issues, how to choose the right milk, and its impact on kids’ cognitive development. The conversation also highlights a milk donation drive with St. Mary’s Food Bank, clears up myths about flavored milk, and includes budget tips and favorite dairy-rich recipes.

This edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection covers the state's budget discussions with the House and Senate proposals including significant allocations for agricultural and water conservation efforts. Highlights include funding for the Yuma Center for Excellence for Desert Agriculture, Arizona Cooperative Extension, and the Natural Resource Users Law and Policy Center. The Arizona Department of Agriculture receives funding for livestock inspectors, a new licensing system, and the revitalization of the Arizona Grown Program. Upcoming events include policy development meetings and a webinar. The report concludes with a preview of next week's focus on National Dairy Month with the Dairy Council of Arizona.

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In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole Clements interviews Brandon Clark from United Dairymen of Arizona to discuss sustainability in the dairy industry. Brandon shares his background, growing up in Arizona and transitioning from a career at Boeing to his current role focused on sustainability. The conversation covers various aspects of sustainability, including water and energy use, methane reduction, and waste diversion. Brandon explains the role of cooperatives like UDA and highlights innovative technologies and practices being implemented on dairy farms. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sustainability not only for environmental stewardship but also for supporting future generations and addressing misinformation about agricultural practices. Additionally, Brandon provides insights into the unique challenges faced by the dairy industry in Arizona and how local approaches are tailored to these specific needs.

This edition of Arizona Agriculture Connection covers various important topics, including the state legislature's budget negotiations and the proposed $17.7 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 by Governor Hobbs. A key focus is the funding for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service, which is crucial for rural and agricultural communities. The script also highlights a request for public input on outdated regulations from the US Department of the Interior, opportunities for policy development in agriculture, applications for agricultural literacy grants, and the Livestock Operator Fire and Flood Assistance Program. Additionally, it celebrates National Dairy Month and encourages staying connected through their newsletter and social media.

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, the conversation delves into the importance of beef, its nutritional benefits, and the initiatives by the Arizona and Iowa Beef Councils. The hosts speak with Tiffany from the Arizona Beef Council and Erin, a registered dietitian with Iowa Beef. They discuss the impact of beef in diets, the various cuts available, and touch on topics like grass-fed, grain-fed, and organic beef. Practical advice is shared on preparing beef, especially for budget-conscious families, and on incorporating it into meals for all age groups. The episode also highlights the educational efforts to connect dieticians and future nutrition experts with beef producers through immersive tours. The discussion wraps up with favorite beef recipes and the emotional and nutritional value of sharing meals around beef.

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, we discuss the latest legislative updates, including ongoing budget negotiations and the impending expiration of Proposition 123. We also cover federal news with the USDA's suspension of live cattle, horses, and bison imports from Mexico due to screw worm concerns, and highlight funding opportunities through the USDA's local agriculture market program and Specialty Crop Block grant program. Additionally, we update on Maricopa County Farm Bureau news and upcoming events like policy development meetings and the Summer Leadership Conference.

Learn more at https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/.

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole interviews Shawn Wood, the Chair of the Arizona State Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee. Shawn shares her background growing up on a farm in Buckeye, Arizona, her initial aspiration to become a commercial pilot, and her eventual return to her agricultural roots. She discusses the significant challenges and leadership roles she has undertaken within the agricultural community, emphasizing the importance of saying yes to opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and surrounding oneself with influential mentors. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Summer Leadership Conference hosted by the Women's Leadership Committee, detailing the event's agenda and its importance for Arizona's agricultural industry.

This episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection brings updates and announcements relevant to Arizona's agricultural community, including weather updates, federal appointments, and various grant opportunities. It features news on the appointment of Brooke Rollins as Secretary of Agriculture and Sine Kerr as Arizona's new FSA Director. The episode also covers upcoming events like the Maricopa County Women's Leadership Committee dinner, policy development meetings, the Arizona Cotton Industry annual meeting, and the Arizona Farm Bureau Women's Leadership Committee Summer Conference. Listeners are encouraged to engage in these events and make use of ongoing grant applications.