Water shortages

California’s almond sector is hoping for a more prosperous 2023 after a year of drought, water shortages, supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures.

The House Republican Steering Committee elected Congressman Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15) as Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture for the 118th Congress.

Despite water shortages and continued drought in 2021, California farms and ranches took in $51.1 billion in cash receipts, a 3.6% increase over 2020.

California’s organic tomato growers are producing an increasing share of the processing tomato crop. U.S. export numbers of some animal products in the first half of 2022 were down from last year.

It may not be perfect, but Biofuel groups are welcoming last week’s signing of the Inflation Adjustment Act that includes key priorities for the biofuels industry.

Supermarket News says dairy sales totaled just under $5.1 billion for the month, 16% higher year-over-year. Oil prices declined to the lowest point in almost six months.

The National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council applauded the Biden administration last week for its initiation of a second U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement dispute panel.

Growers in California are beginning plantings of sunflowers this month amid major uncertainty over the impacts the Russian invasion of Ukraine will have on markets for seeds and sunflower oil.

California’s anticipated tomato production shrank last year due to water shortages and higher production costs, according to farmers. Consumption of fluid cow’s milk has been trending downward.

The House Ag Committee approved the reauthorization of Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus, WHIP+, but with added coverage for weather events, crop and ag product losses.