More than 30 years ago, we began producing daily radio newscasts aired throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Northern California to keep the region informed about current agriculture and environmental issues.
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California’s Heat Safety Law and McConnell on Farm Bill Deadline
In 2005, following farmworker deaths, California established the nation’s first heat-safety law for outdoor workers. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell tells Roll Call that Congress is running out of legislative working days before the current Farm Bill expires on September 30.
Panama Canal Limits Cargo and American Potato Export Records
The Panama Canal is responsible for facilitating trade as 40% of worldwide cargo ships use it to move between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Farm Bill & Organic and Federal Milk Marketing Order Talks
As Congress hammers out the 2023 Farm Bill, growing interest in the impacts of agriculture on climate could give organic farmers more political sway as they advocate for funding and programs.
American Wheat Exports Low and USTR Dispute Settlement with Mexico
The USDA says America’s all-wheat exports are projected to be 700 million bushels, the lowest since 1971-72. U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced the U.S. is establishing a dispute settlement panel under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
California Wildfire Proposals and Food for Peace Wheat Donations
Natural Resources about the consequences of the fires on rural communities, urging proactive steps like removing wildfire fuels. Pacific Northwest wheat growers and the U.S. milling industry are celebrating the latest Food for Peace donation of 28,000 metric tons of soft white wheat.
Klamath Water Supply Challenges and EPA Rejects CAFO Petitions
The EPA has rejected two petitions from environmental groups calling for stronger Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation, or CAFO regulations.
Ag Finance Groups Donate to Maui and Fertilizer Prices Continue Down
Farm Credit Association, American AgCredit, CoBank, and Farmer Mac, are donating $40,000 to the Maui Food Bank to help after the devastating wildfires wreaked havoc in Hawaii.
California Tomato Worries and Cranberry Estimates Down Slightly
USDA estimates show the U.S. national cranberry crop for 2023 at 7.62 million barrels, down 5% from last year.
Farm Bill Extension and Plant-based Meats Slowed
House Ag Chair GT Thompson says, "We're probably going to need an extension," referring to the 2023 Farm Bill. U.S. consumers remain interested in plant-based meat alternatives, but higher prices have slowed purchases.
Agritourism Act and Consumers Food Satisfied
Republican Representative Dan Newhouse, of Washington, and Democrat Jennifer Wexton, of Virginia, introduced the AGRITOURISM Act.