California Ag Today

The latest Meat Demand Monitor released on February 29, 2024, offered a mixed result, according to Kansas State University Extension Livestock Market Economist Dr. Glynn Tonsor.

Dairy prices have been low for some time, giving producers several reasons to lack optimism for the second half of 2024. Lucas Fuess, the senior dairy analyst for Rabo AgriFinance, says the industry needs to get through the next few months first.

Many in the ag industry are concerned about the guestworker visa program. Washington Policy Center’s Ag Director Pam Lewison says many believe H-2A workers take jobs that would otherwise be filled by locals, but that’s now how H-2A works.

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says AM radio is a critical to rural America, and he says automakers shouldn’t limit access to information.

The USDA announced its “Product of the USA Label” rule. According to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, the finalized rule is designed with consumer understanding in mind. Vilsack made the announcement during an address at the National Farmers Union’s annual convention. He says the rulemaking process began a year ago.

The Dairy Margin Coverage risk management program sign-ups are open until the end of April. John Berge, the acting deputy administrator of farm programs for the Farm Service Agency, says its open to any dairy operation in the country.