Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, Valley. This is aglife. My name is Bob Quinn,
with you for the next hour talking about agricultural production
here in the valley and all across the country. How
about some food safety tips to pack along with that
school lunch Rod bain starts us off.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
And there's the bell, the school bill that is reminding
us school be in session suit across the country if
it is not already at sub places. Along with the
school supplies and clothes, food safety should also be a
consideration for parents as they pack school lunches for their children.
USDA Food safety expert Meredith Carrothers says most important to
(00:38):
remember from a food safety perspective keep hot foods hot
and cold foods cold.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
What I find is a lot of people don't realize
how many things are perishable and how important it is
to keep foods cold, especially when we're talking about packing
lunches for younger kids.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
As youngsters, especially those under the age of five, are
more likely to get seriously sick from food born illness.
So regarding proper chill e go perishable school lunch items
in the lunchbox.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
Cold sources like ice packs, the frozen gel packs that
can just go into the freezer and just pop into
a lunch box and go back in the freezer when
you get home, or great options you can freeze a
water bottle or a juice box and theory then it'll
be thawed by lunchtime and your child can still consume
it that way. Using something to keep those foods cold,
especially if they are perishable like a sandwich with delli
(01:26):
meat or any leftovers from the night before, or even
the little packages of crackers and meat and cheese, those
need to be refrigerated.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
She says a good rule of thumb if you buy
a school lunch item from the refrigerated section of the
supermarket or retail store, it needs to be kept refrigerated.
What if you are packing hot foods for school lunches,
say soup or chili, you can use a thermos.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
When you use a thermis, very important to put hot
water in it first to help heat up the inside
and make sure it is already hot before you put
hot food into it. And then those thermis, says should
help keep food hot until lunchtime.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
And from the food safety perspective, a brown paper bag
lunch is not the way.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
To go cock your child's food into an insulated container.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
For many different reasons, using.
Speaker 5 (02:13):
An insulated bag is the way to go.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
It helps keep that cold therein will help keep your
food safe and cold for the appropriate amount of time
until lunchtime.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Not to mention the potential of a brown paper bag
being ripped as cold sources melt and get the paper
wet for others.
Speaker 6 (02:29):
Adds.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
If that, for whatever reason, a parrot is unable to
keep a perishable school lunch cold.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
There are plenty of non perishable and shelf stable items
to eat for lunch or to send to school with
your child, or to take a snacks or anything like that.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Such as fresh uncut fruit like apples or bananas. More
Back to school and school lunch food safety tips are
available through USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline one eight eight
eight MP hotline or by email at MP Hotline all
one word at USDA dot gov. Broadbad Reporting for the
(03:04):
US Department of Agriculture in Washington, d C.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Farm News coming up. You're listening to wag Life. Bob
Quinn here with some farm news this morning. Friends. Meeting
labor needs is one of the most significant challenges facing
agriculture today. Chad Smith has perspective on the issue from
a North Carolina farmer.
Speaker 7 (03:23):
As the cost to grow food continues to climb, farmers
and ranchers also have to contend with difficulty finding enough
help to run their operations. Linda Pryor, an apple grower
from western North Carolina, said they simply can't run their
farm without enough labor.
Speaker 8 (03:39):
Produce as a whole is very labor intensive and time sensitive.
For the apples that we are growing, we're producing about
six and a half million pounds of apples annually. All
apples are picked behind, as is a lot of produce,
and so there's not a machine to take the place
of that employee that we need to be able to
help us get that job done.
Speaker 7 (03:59):
One of the most challenging aspects of finding labor is
the H two A VISA program, which prior sid can
be improved through simplification.
Speaker 8 (04:07):
For example, consolidating to one agency being the overseeing agency
for it, a centralized digital system that farmers like myself
felt comfortable navigating on their own, so that we didn't
have that added expense of having to use a farm
labor contractor. I think that multiple agencies being involved call
some of the delays that happened.
Speaker 7 (04:28):
She said farmers have to get involved in advocating. Prior
says the days of farmers and ranchers keeping to themselves
on their operations is over.
Speaker 8 (04:37):
Do what you can, whatever that is, and that's going
to make different things for different people. If it means
that you can make phone calls when you're driving or
send emails, that's great. If you can make the time
to attend meetings, if not, just supporting others that do
have the opportunity to speak up. As farmers, we know
what the problems are and we need the lawmakers to
hear from us.
Speaker 7 (04:56):
You can learn more at fb dot org, Forward slash
ash Labor, Chad Smith, Washington, Well Friends.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service recently hosted a trade mission to
Great Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Doctor Mike Strain, Louisiana
Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, took part in the trade
mission and said the livestock industry in Ireland is very different.
Speaker 9 (05:20):
They're beef cattle. They take them off the fields at
about seven hundred and fifty pounds. They may feed them
only on grain for thirty days, at most one hundred
and twenty. We have signed agreement to import and export
back to them about thirteen thousand tons of beef per year.
But that's really that's equivalent of about thirteen to fifteen
thousand head and so on a big operation like in
(05:43):
the Midwest, that many animals will be slaughtered in three
days in one facility. So let's put that back to perspective.
But they are net importers of rice, they are net
importers of timber, the net importers of energy, and so
again a lot of their needs have to be supplied.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Strain also hopes to build some long term relationships with
those countries, especially since England imports forty two percent of
its food.
Speaker 9 (06:07):
The message is, as we've seen in other countries with
trade missions, not because you came, it's because you come back.
They're beginning to really understand as we do, that food
security is national security. And you could wake up one day.
Can you imagine if the United States, instead of being
the largest exporter of food in the world, became the
largest importer of food in the world. And that's something
we have to fight each and every day to maintain
(06:28):
our production, to maintain our farms, to make sure that
we are efficient and cannot become inefficient due to different pressures.
Northern Ireland, for instance, there's a whole generation that has
never worked. They've always been part of that socialist environment
and now those dollars are drying up and quote, what
do they do? And Northern Ireland also gets all of
their food, all of their groceries come in from England.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Doctor Mike Strain. This morning, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry,
the National Cattleman's Beef Association not sedate legal victory affirming
protections for or cattle farmers and ranchers from onerous and
unnecessary air emission reporting requirements. NCBA and a coalition of
farm groups have engaged in the litigation for years to
(07:11):
ensure that family farmers and ranchers were not forced to
file complex, overreaching reports with the federal government about emissions
under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to No Act
and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. Those
acts were intended to address worst industrial and toxic chemicals,
(07:32):
not governed farms and ranches. That's a quote from Caitlin Glover,
Executive director for the Public Lands Council Farm News. This morning,
you're listening to Aglife.
Speaker 10 (07:43):
It's another agnews update. President Trump ordering twenty five percent
tariffs on Indian imports more after this.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
When you look at me, you might see a person
with Parkinson's disease. But if you look closer, you'll see
warrior mom and endurance athlete, someone with a lot of fights.
Every nine minutes, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Speaker 11 (08:08):
And every one of them can turn to the American
Parkinson Disease Association.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
Look closer, My spirit is atable.
Speaker 11 (08:16):
Visit APDA Parkinson dot org to learn more and show
your support.
Speaker 10 (08:21):
Today, President Trump announcing a twenty five percent tariff on
Indian goods, citing India's high farm tariffs and trade barriers.
Reuters reporting AG remains a core issue that's derailing progress
toward bilateral trade deals between the two countries. US negotiators
(08:42):
have pushed for greater access to India's ag, ethanol, dairy,
and medical markets. India, though resisting, arguing that opening its
markets to subsidized US farm goods threatened the livelihoods of
millions of small farmers. US farm exports like corn, soybeans, cotton,
and ethanol excluded from recent talks. India's average terriff right
(09:06):
on AG imports thirty nine percent, US imports five percent.
Some farm duties are as high as fifty percent, according
to the White House, and the Trump administration has repeatedly
cited the barriers as an obstacle to deeper trade ties.
With trade talk stalled, Indian exporters now face rising levees
(09:30):
across a broader range of goods. I'm totally saint shames.
It's another agnews update, Bryan.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
I don't know how much to say this, so I'll
just say it. What is it, Linda? I think we
should see other people. Are you breaking up with me
on a roller coaster? Well, we do have a lot
of time. Maybe we should.
Speaker 12 (09:50):
Steed an emotional roller coaster. Surprising? What's not surprising how
much you could say by switching to Geico.
Speaker 4 (10:00):
I just need a little mean time.
Speaker 12 (10:04):
Got fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more.
Speaker 10 (10:07):
American cattle news packer margins are in the red. What's next?
More after this?
Speaker 4 (10:16):
When you look at me, you might see a person
with Parkinson's disease, But if you look closer, you'll see
a warrior mom. An endurance athlete, someone with a lot
of fight. Every nine minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Speaker 11 (10:32):
And every one of them can turn to the American
Parkinson Disease Association.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
Look closer, My spirit is unshakable.
Speaker 11 (10:39):
Visit APDA Parkinson dot org to learn more and show
your support today.
Speaker 10 (10:45):
Bob Maurs with Manduka trading in Chicago.
Speaker 13 (10:49):
Last week's slaughter five hundred and forty nine thousand head.
That's down fourteen thousand week on week, and down substantially
from the same week last year, which was six hundred
and five thousand, so again kind of reinforcing the supply
side tightness. We'll see where cash wants to trade this week.
Last week generally higher about one to four bucks depending
(11:10):
on the region. Even though the five area weighted average
ended up a little bit lower. Box beef prices settled
lower about three sixty six seventy ish. That was down
from about three seventy three and a half the prior week,
and that just kind of indicates at the moment a
bit slower beef demand at the higher prices. We'll see
(11:31):
if that continues as a pattern. Packers I believe are
working in the red still, so you know, there's only
so long that that can happen until some kind of
market adjustment needs to occur, either with higher box beef
prices or lower cash in order to bring things back
into the green for them. So we'll see how that
plays out. Other impacts in the cattle market, we're watching
(11:53):
export competition. I guess it's leaning slightly bearish at the moment.
Argentina just lowered its beef export hacks from six and
a half percent to five percent. That could make them
a little bit more competitive in the global market. And
being that there hasn't been any really new news to
clearly associate any kind of terraf for trade talks to
(12:15):
beef in any wide fashion, I don't see that the
export market is going to be doing any better than
we already expected to do, so we'll see how that
plays out.
Speaker 10 (12:28):
American Cattle News.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
This is Dairy Radio Now with Bill Baker.
Speaker 14 (12:39):
After ice raids on dairy farms, Who's taking care of
the cows? Joining us on today's Dairy Radio Now is
doctor Meghan Hayne, chief veteranary officer for the National Milk
Producers Federation. Doctor Hank, thank you for joining us. Would
it be an understatement to say the labor for US
has changed dramatically for dairy operators this past year.
Speaker 15 (12:57):
I think it definitely has, and it's not necessarily to to,
you know, just within the last year, but the changes
focused on immigration within the last years brought those progressive
changes in the US theory into more of a start focus.
You know, farms have grown to be more effective and efficient.
They're still family owned, but they're larger in that and
(13:19):
it's sort of the labor needed to run those farms.
The tricky thing about it within agriculture is that work
is so hard. It always has been hard. It's sort
of physical labor. It's long hours, it's being out every
single day of the year because animals require care. I mean,
they're living things every single day of the years. So
what we found is the lot of that labor these
(13:39):
days is provided by immigrant labor. You know, those are
the folks who are willing to go out and do
the hard work and to take care of sort of
the animals. The other thing we've found is that it's
not something that you can step into tomorrow and be
really good at. So folks will come in in that,
but it takes a good bit of training for a
lot of our animal caretakers to be really spective and efficient.
(14:00):
Changing people out, you know, is not something we can
do just sort of on a whim, because it takes
to the weeks and months to really train someone to say,
what's the particular diet of these animals, what's the behavior
of these animals, so you know of how to predict
what they're going to do. Even more complex is you know,
recognizing illnesses and diseases and treating those sort of appropriately.
(14:21):
And that so a lot of the ag labor force
these days, and that on our dairy forums, the immigrant
labor that are there are actually very skilled.
Speaker 16 (14:28):
You know.
Speaker 15 (14:28):
They're the ones who are doing the hard work that
no one else wants to do, and they're the ones
that is skilled to do it.
Speaker 14 (14:34):
Sounds like short term, there's really not a lot of winners,
especially with the animals who are going to be neglected
because of the lack of workers.
Speaker 15 (14:41):
Absolutely, we suddenly go in and take out half the
people that are providing that care. It doesn't stop the
fact that those animals need care on a daily basis.
They need that attention to recognize illnesses, injuries, treat those
immediately at events suffering. They need that skilled care with
hows a it giving birth or cows that have been
(15:03):
injured or sick or down or things like that. You know,
those animals need particular care that is immediate. So as
we look in at a farm that's normally run by
X number of people, say, let's you know, we've got
a farm with forty people there. If you suddenly have
that workforce, that work has to go on, you know,
and trying to sort of get it achieved with half
(15:24):
the workforce means it's a struggle for those that are
remaining and on the back burner. What things sort of
don't get done just a matter of capability of how
many hours are in the day that you start taking
that number down and it gets to a point where
those animals are going to suffer just because we don't
have enough hands to get it done.
Speaker 14 (15:41):
We've discussed immigration reform in the past, but really nothing
like this where dairy operators have to take immediate action
to replace their workers.
Speaker 15 (15:50):
Absolutely. I mean, it's sort of frustrating to sit and
watch this, you know, because immigration has always been on
a very difficult political topic. Looking at sort of what's
going on now. But I'm hoping that conversations like this one,
you know, really focusing on the immediate needs and ramifications
if we end up sort of disrupting that sort of
labor force, will bring the focus that immediate, just practical
(16:13):
focus to this topic to say, right, this isn't a
political football. There's people in animals that will suffer if
we continued. We need practical solutions now. So my hope
with having these conversations, you know, to the bringing forth
this topic of sort of animal welfare as being a
big part of this is to bring that practical focus
and hopefully bring everyone to the table to have the
(16:34):
conversations that are needed for long term solutions to farm
to immigration into farm labor.
Speaker 14 (16:40):
And that thank you for the visit today, doctor Hayne.
Any final comments.
Speaker 15 (16:44):
The only thing that I'll mention is that I've worked
with a lot of the folks, you know, in my
twenty year career, I've worked with a lot of farm
laborers in that and these are great people. You know,
they do the hard work that they're very caring for
the animals that are there and their knowledge. These are
folks just like you and me, and really sort of
remembering the animals and the people that are part of
(17:05):
this conversation is the important part.
Speaker 14 (17:07):
Doctor Megan Hayne, chief veterinary officer for the National Milk
Producers Federation. Find more at NMPF dot org. I'm Phil Baker,
Darry Radio.
Speaker 17 (17:16):
Now, they are great products for ant control and ammans.
I'm Patrick Cavanaugh with the California Tree Nut Report, part
of the VASTAG Information Network. David Haviln is a UC
farm advisor Kerrent County specializing in anomology for ants.
Speaker 18 (17:36):
There's four products, Clinch, Esteam, Extinguished, and Altravian. All four
of those are very good ant bait applied to the ground,
very low volumes, you know, one pounds per acre. The
amount of active ingredient is just minuscule, you know, as
far as the toxicin goes. Yeah, the ants come and
pick it up, take it back to the colony, feed
it to the queen.
Speaker 17 (17:53):
And just like that it controls the colony.
Speaker 18 (17:55):
So three of those products, Glinch, Esteem and Extinguished are
typically applied about six to eight weeks before harvest, so
you're talking two months before harvest, and you know, they're
just their growth regulators. They take a little time to
work but you know, it's a fabulous program, and then
Altravin works within a week or so. It's much quicker.
Doesn't last as long, but it's quicker. So you know,
if your ant control program isn't adequate during the season
(18:16):
and you're a week or two away from harvest and
saying we got too many ants here, our shell seal
is not great. We can kind of see through the shell.
We know the ants are going to go and eat
these kernels went on the ground. If that's the case,
there is a bait that can be put on, you know,
one to two weeks before harvest that'll do a nice
job at controlling those ants during the period that nuts
are on the ground.
Speaker 17 (18:35):
Again, that's David Havlin. He's a UC farm Advisor, current
County an homologist, and he's helped growers for decades.
Speaker 19 (18:44):
For the last forty years, the AGG Information Network has
been the source of news for farmers and ranchers. Yeah,
we have never seen such an assault on farming and
our food supply as we do today, from fuel to fertilizer.
Farmers are facing unprecedented economic challenges. This is why culture
news that farmers receive comes from the AGG Information network,
reaching coast to coast, deep roots and farming. In decades
(19:07):
of reporting, the AGG Information Network trusted and transparent journalism
for generations. For over forty years, the AGG Information Network
has been providing news and information for the most important
industry in the world, agriculture. The Egg Information Network gives
you worldwide updates from local producers to regional organizations, from
major crops like wheat and corn, to animal agriculture to
(19:29):
specially crops like apples, almonds, and cherries. We report on
stories that mean the most to you online at aginfo
dot net. The AGG Information Network trusted and transparent journalism
lasting for the next generation.
Speaker 16 (19:41):
With the AG Information Network. I'm Patrick Kavanaugh. You're listening
to Aglife. I'm Dwayne Merley. Antibiotics are valuable tools of
managing diseases like bovine respiratory diseases. To keep antibiotics effective
for years to come, the cattle industry needs to be
thoughtful about using in the products. Doctor Nathan Meyer, a
(20:02):
professional services veterinarian with Buringer Engelheim, talks about the importance
of judicious antibiotics use in US cattle operations, especially during
the time of elevated cattle prices.
Speaker 20 (20:14):
We have some great tools to treat disease, and it's
really important that we keep these cattle healthy and producing.
Making sure we identify the correct disease, so diagnosing them
properly and then prescribing or initiating the right treatment and
timing is so important. And then certainly double checking or
coming back and following up on those animals after we
(20:36):
administer treatment to make sure our response is what we need.
With the price of cattle and wanting to make sure
we maximize productivity and produce good quality beef and milk
product it's important for all those reasons.
Speaker 16 (20:48):
Your veterinarian can help you tailor crevement protocols to the
needs of your animals and operations.
Speaker 20 (20:55):
The verinarian plays a key role in helping identify disease.
If you run a large feed yard a large dairy,
just due to numbers, you're going to see more disease.
You're going to be more skilled, So that veterinarian can
really help producers identify disease because that's their job. They
get to see sick animals all the time, so they
can help identify those clinical signs or symptoms we're looking for.
The other thing once you've identified their proper animal is
(21:17):
selecting the right ambodic In general, we want something that's
going to act fast. We're really targeting those bacteria, and
those bacteria they replicate quickly, so we want to amboch
that's gonna be fast acting. And then also just due
to logistics and how different ambocs work, in general, we
want a long last ambox, something that especially if you're
in a pasture setting where it's difficult to bring those
(21:38):
animals back in, we want to buy an ambok that's
going to last a long time. The other thing from
fcacy is your treatment protocols. We want to make sure
that food safety is at the top of our list,
so withdraw periods is a very important good.
Speaker 16 (21:52):
Animal husbandry can help limit antibiotic use.
Speaker 20 (21:55):
Prevention is a cornerstone of all of our treatment protocols,
and what I mean by that is if we can
prevent that animal from getting sick, we're way ahead. If
we think about specific practices low stress cattle handling, it
is a key part of that. We know that when
animals are stressed, cortisol levels go up, cattle have a
higher risk of getting sick. Traditionally, it comes down to
(22:17):
how we house those animals. We want to keep those
animals as comfortable as possible, so in summertime in certain
parts of the country we'll use shades. In winter months,
we want to minimize cold stress, especially once again our
northern climates.
Speaker 16 (22:31):
Meyer talks about the veterinarian client Patient relationship or VCPR
and why it's important.
Speaker 20 (22:38):
This is important for bost reasons. One, for dispensing prescription drugs,
this has to be established and every state is a
little different, but there's sutal regulations or state regulations. We
want to make sure that these prescription drugs are being
used appropriately and not being overused or underused at times.
It's foundational specific for aniboch use, but also that veterinarian
can be a key component of the operation and help
(23:00):
the producer make better treatment decisions. Additionally, that BCPR allows
health protocols be built and that's hopefully we're on the
prevention side when we do that.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
Again.
Speaker 16 (23:10):
That is doctor Nathan Meyer, a professional services veterinarian with
Beinger Engelheim. A series of new trade deals between the
United States and countries around the world will directly benefit
American farmers and ranchers groups like the American Farm Bureau
support the agreements, noting that strong and enduring agreements help
connect US farmers and ranchers with global markets. You're listening
(23:34):
to ag Life. I'm Dwayne Murley.
Speaker 21 (23:40):
This is the Agricultural Law and Tax Report brought to
you by Full Scale from Helena. Help your crops reach
their full yield potential by applying full Scale during reproduction.
Visit helena agra dot com to learn more. I'm Roger McCowen.
In twenty fifteen, the EPA adopted rules to shift energy
production from coal and natural gas electricity generation to wind,
and the basic issue was whether the EPA had the
(24:02):
authority to change the manner of energy production in the
US by regulation. But in twenty twenty two, the US
Supreme Court said EPA couldn't do that because Congress had
not specifically stated it could. The Court said that EPA
could regulate equipment upgrades and improve operating practices, but not
overhaul the entire means of US energy production. Coupled with
the court's twenty twenty four decision repealing Chevron deference, it's
(24:23):
clearly up to the Congress to make policy decisions with
nationwide impact. This has been the Agricultural Law and Tax Report.
I'm Roger mccohan.
Speaker 22 (24:35):
It's time for California AG Today on the AG Information Network,
I am Hailey's ship. A California agg startup is getting
national attention and a shot at one hundred thousand dollars.
Gather Agriculture, Incorporated, based right here in the Golden State,
is one of ten semi finalists in the twenty twenty
(24:56):
six Farm Bureau ag Innovation Challenge, hosted by the America
Farm Bureau Federation with support from Farm Credit. The competition
offers one hundred and forty five thousand dollars in total
funding for forward thinking ag ideas. So let's Gather agriculturist product.
We've got a link to their demo video at aginfo
dot net. The company says that their goal is to
(25:18):
create easy to use robotic tools that fit right into
existing farm operations, helping to ease today's labor challenges. Now,
this specific robot is built for the grape harvest, moving
crops between picker and packer pairs right there in the rows.
With the world around us changing at a rapid pace,
there is in your constant need for folks to innovate
(25:39):
in the agriculture space, says AFBF president Zippy Duval, adding
that farmers and ranchers are no stranger to the need
to roll up our sleeves and lean into this entrepreneurial spirit.
First round winners will be announced in September, the top
four competing live in January at the AFBF convention in Anaheim.
Speaker 19 (25:58):
You've probably been told that to reach which a millennial
farmer you have to go digital? Hmm, Facebook, Vimeo, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest,
LinkedIn and online publication or maybe a podcast hmm, but
which one?
Speaker 23 (26:12):
Oh?
Speaker 19 (26:13):
And how receptive is this age group to your sales
pitch during non work social time. Maybe the best place
to reach a farmer with a farming solution message is
when they are well, quite frankly farming. You know, it's
easy for us to find them during the day, as
most farmers are behind the wheel of a pickup truck
or farm equipment with the radio on. Listening to this
(26:35):
station for the ag Information Network of the West News.
If you'd like to deliver information about your terrific product
or service, give us a call and we'll connect you
directly with our community of loyal farmer listeners reach real
farmers right here, right now as they listen to what
is important to their farm operation. They trust us, They'll
trust you.
Speaker 22 (26:56):
On the ag information Network. I am Hatley's ship.
Speaker 1 (27:00):
Bob Quinn here with some farm us this morning. Friends.
Meeting labor needs is one of the most significant challenges
facing agriculture today. Chad Smith has perspective on the issue
from a North Carolina farmer.
Speaker 7 (27:12):
As the cost to grow food continues to climb, farmers
and ranchers also have to contend with difficulty finding enough
help to run their operations. Linda Pryor, an apple grower
from western North Carolina, said they simply can't run their
farm without enough labor.
Speaker 8 (27:28):
Produce as a whole is very labor intensive and time sensitive.
For the apples that we are growing, we're producing about
six and a half million pounds of apples annually. All
apples are picked behind, as is a lot of produce,
and so there's not a machine to take the place
of that employee that we need to be able to
help us get that job done.
Speaker 7 (27:48):
One of the most challenging aspects of finding labor is
the H two A visa program, which prior sid can
be improved through simplification, for.
Speaker 8 (27:56):
Example, consolidating to one agency being the overseeing agency for it,
a centralized digital system that farmers like myself felt comfortable
navigating on their own, so that we didn't have that
added expense of having to use a farm labor contractor.
I think that multiple agencies being involved call some of
the delays that happened.
Speaker 5 (28:17):
She said.
Speaker 7 (28:17):
Farmers have to get involved in advocating. Prior says the
days of farmers and ranchers keeping to themselves on their
operations is over do what.
Speaker 8 (28:26):
You can, whatever that is, and that's going to make
different things for different people. If it means that you
can make phone calls when you're driving or send emails,
that's great. If you can make the time to attend meetings,
if not, just supporting.
Speaker 20 (28:37):
Others that do have the opportunity to speak up.
Speaker 8 (28:40):
As farmers, we know what the problems are and we
need the lawmakers to hear from us.
Speaker 7 (28:45):
You can learn more at fb dot org, Forward Slash
Labor Chad Smith, Washington.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
Running a farm, regardless of commodity, can be expensive starting
a farm from scratch even more so. To help the
USDA off farm loans for beginning farmers and ranchers via
the Farm Service Agency. Jason Kintana, a farm loan officer
with a Farm Service agency, says these loans are geared
for those who can't obtain commercial credit from a bank.
(29:12):
He noted that while there's a lot of paperwork associated
with these loans, USDA simply wants to make sure all
applicants are successful.
Speaker 24 (29:20):
We're looking at your total operation, whereas sometimes you would
look at some of these other structures of loans where
they're looking more towards what you make versus what you
have on debt and looking at different ratios. We like
to use those ratios, but more of indicators of where
you're at.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
Kintana added that once the application is submitted, USDA takes
a deep dive into cash flow.
Speaker 24 (29:43):
Agriculture is one of the most volatile industries that I've seen,
and it just it's easier when you plan for the
worst case scenario. And that's what we try and do
is have these conservative numbers go through budgets and throughout
this time, we're building kind of a relationship going through
so that there's that trust on both sides. So I
feel like USDA we really pride ourselves on making sure
(30:03):
that we put the producers first and try and help
out in every way. I mean, even if we do
get to that point of it denial, it's not because
of anything against them. It's just that's probably the best
thing for the agency and then for them.
Speaker 1 (30:16):
All direct farm ownership applications must have participated in the
business operations of a farm for at least three out
of the last ten years prior to the date the
application is submitted to the Farm Service Agency. Well, friends,
the Trump administration recently announced the US Japan Trade and
Investment Agreement. Japan recently sent its top tariff negotiator to
(30:37):
Washington to finalize the agreement's details. While the agreement was announced,
Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the US Meat Export Federation,
was in Tokyo. He noted a profound sense of relief
in Japan, which is the number two value market for
America's pork and beef exports.
Speaker 25 (30:53):
I think there was a bit of relief in a
Japanese trade having met with several importer distributors of course
of our member exporters as well while I was there.
You know, I think the fact that a deal had
been done on autos which is obviously one of the
big sticky points with Japan, kind of laid to rest
any concerns there might have been on possible retaliation from
(31:15):
the Japanese side should a deal now have been reached.
So when you're talking about your second largest export market
in the world, twenty twenty four, we saw about one
point nine billion on beef in about one point four
billion on pork, for a total of about three point
three billion in sales, and it's been pretty consistent right
in that range.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
The twenty twenty US Japan Trade agreement from the first
Trump administration put America's red meat exports on a more
level playing field against competitors in the Japanese market.
Speaker 25 (31:42):
One needs to remember as it relates to Japan. In
twenty twenty and Trump Administration one, the Japan USID agreement
was announced, and that was really key because we're not
on a level playing field at that time with our
global competitors. In that Phase one agreement in twenty twenty
pros all on a level playing field. We know our
duties are higher than some other countries. You know, currently
(32:04):
we're at twenty one point six percent on US beef
into Japan, but it got us on a level playing field,
and the fact that we got this deal done at
least at the minimum, maintains a level playing field. I
think that's really important to remember because it wasn't that
long ago where we were at the severe disadvantage tariff wise.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
Most US park is important into Japan at a zero
tariff rate. Meanwhile, Japan's beef tariff is currently the highest
of any major import market at twenty one point six percent.
Some farm news. You're listening to aag life.
Speaker 6 (32:38):
From the Big Information Network. This is your agribusiness update. Well,
farmers could be closer to growing crop varieties better at
fighting off diseases thanks to a new scientific breakthrough. Researchers
at the University of California Davis are using artificial intelligence
to redesign a key immune receptor in plants, enabling them
to strengthen their response. Lead author get A Cooker says
(32:58):
the method has the potent to help researchers breed more
disease resistant varieties of hundreds of plant species, including staples
like tomatoes and potatoes. Ex Secretary Brook Rawlins announced the
opening of a thirty day public comment period to provide
feedback on the Department's reorganization plan. Rawlins tells agrimarketing dot com.
All stakeholders, including Capitol Hill offices, USDA employees, and members
(33:21):
of the agg community are encouraged to share their input.
She says, we value your perspective as we work to
ensure USDA is best physician to serve America's farmers, ranchers, producers,
and rural communities. Uncertainty from trade tariffs continues to weigh
on US grain prices, hitting soybean prices the hardest, followed
by wheat and corn. It's causing a lot of countries
(33:42):
to take a step back and re evaluate, either to
look at getting more negotiations done or look at other
routes to meet their needs. Canada has a new tariff
rate of thirty five percent, but products included in the
US Mexico Canada Agreement are exempt from tariffs.
Speaker 5 (33:57):
Empower Dairy a full solution of roach for producers, Mark
Animal Health, Livestock and Dairy Veterinarian doctor John Champagne cows are.
Speaker 23 (34:05):
Most productive when all aspects of dairy management sort of
work together. Even though we focus on individual parts, it's
the entire system and the dance that that system does.
This includes identification, are monitoring, and our biofarm portfolio, and
by using all three of these, the Empower module allows
us to maximize productivity while reducing animal stress, labor and inefficiencies.
(34:29):
We have not only just the products, but the solutions
as well to enhance and go along with the products,
and those things can be interchangeable. In addition to that,
we have expertise within the organization and a significant amount
of research and development.
Speaker 5 (34:46):
Visit productivecows dot com or contact a merk animal health
representative to learn the best Empower approach to keep your
cows productive.
Speaker 6 (34:54):
From the AG Information Network, I'm Bob Larson with today's
Agribusiness Update.
Speaker 1 (34:58):
Bob Quinn here to wrap up life for to their friends.
Many states have farm lease termination notice dates that are
fast approaching. Mike Davis has our final Report.
Speaker 26 (35:06):
Iowa, for instance, has a provision and it's farm lease
laws that requires advanced notification if a tenant or a
landlord wants to terminate a lease. That lease termination notice
must be delivered by September first of every year. Laws
and other states may vary, but Attorney Joe Piper at
AG and Business Legal Strategies in Hiawatha, Iowa says the
(35:27):
parties need to be thinking about what they want to
do in twenty twenty six.
Speaker 27 (35:31):
Now it's been said by some farm financial people that
farmers are looking to lose two hundred and fifty dollars
per acre of soybeans this year and about break even
on corn. If you're losing money or breaking even, the
question becomes, do we need to lease that farm? If
I'm going to lose two hundred and fifty bucks an
acre at the current rent, why would I want to
(35:52):
rent it next year at the same rent.
Speaker 26 (35:54):
Piper recommends farmers start to put pencil to paper.
Speaker 27 (35:58):
If a farmer is getting sixty bush per acre of
soybeans and the rent on that farm is two hundred
and fifty dollars per acre, his rent costs or is
land charge on that is over four dollars a bushel
just for having the privilege of using that land. If
he's getting seventy five bushels per acre, then it's less
of a problem, but it's still going to be well
over three dollars per bushel. So you need to figure
(36:20):
this out and say where can I cut costs? I
want to be making money.
Speaker 26 (36:23):
Piper Sales with a complete enterprise analysis to get granular data,
will provide tenants with the information they need to make
an informed decision.
Speaker 27 (36:32):
I want to take it down to the individual farm
we're raising corn on. Let's say five different farms. What's
my yield on each, what's my cost of production on each,
what's my break even on each? And decide among the
farms which ones should I let go. Many times the
farmer will let the farm that has the poor a
CSR or corn suitability rating go first.
Speaker 26 (36:54):
That's Attorney Joe Piper with AG and Business Legal Strategies.
I'm Mike Davis
Good morning, Valley. This is aglife. My name is Bob Quinn,
with you for the next hour talking about agricultural production
here in the valley and all across the country. How
about some food safety tips to pack along with that
school lunch Rod bain starts us off.
Speaker 2 (00:15):
And there's the bell, the school bill that is reminding
us school be in session suit across the country if
it is not already at sub places. Along with the
school supplies and clothes, food safety should also be a
consideration for parents as they pack school lunches for their children.
USDA Food safety expert Meredith Carrothers says most important to
(00:38):
remember from a food safety perspective keep hot foods hot
and cold foods cold.
Speaker 3 (00:44):
What I find is a lot of people don't realize
how many things are perishable and how important it is
to keep foods cold, especially when we're talking about packing
lunches for younger kids.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
As youngsters, especially those under the age of five, are
more likely to get seriously sick from food born illness.
So regarding proper chill e go perishable school lunch items
in the lunchbox.
Speaker 3 (01:06):
Cold sources like ice packs, the frozen gel packs that
can just go into the freezer and just pop into
a lunch box and go back in the freezer when
you get home, or great options you can freeze a
water bottle or a juice box and theory then it'll
be thawed by lunchtime and your child can still consume
it that way. Using something to keep those foods cold,
especially if they are perishable like a sandwich with delli
(01:26):
meat or any leftovers from the night before, or even
the little packages of crackers and meat and cheese, those
need to be refrigerated.
Speaker 2 (01:35):
She says a good rule of thumb if you buy
a school lunch item from the refrigerated section of the
supermarket or retail store, it needs to be kept refrigerated.
What if you are packing hot foods for school lunches,
say soup or chili, you can use a thermos.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
When you use a thermis, very important to put hot
water in it first to help heat up the inside
and make sure it is already hot before you put
hot food into it. And then those thermis, says should
help keep food hot until lunchtime.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
And from the food safety perspective, a brown paper bag
lunch is not the way.
Speaker 3 (02:08):
To go cock your child's food into an insulated container.
Speaker 4 (02:12):
For many different reasons, using.
Speaker 5 (02:13):
An insulated bag is the way to go.
Speaker 3 (02:15):
It helps keep that cold therein will help keep your
food safe and cold for the appropriate amount of time
until lunchtime.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Not to mention the potential of a brown paper bag
being ripped as cold sources melt and get the paper
wet for others.
Speaker 6 (02:29):
Adds.
Speaker 2 (02:29):
If that, for whatever reason, a parrot is unable to
keep a perishable school lunch cold.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
There are plenty of non perishable and shelf stable items
to eat for lunch or to send to school with
your child, or to take a snacks or anything like that.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Such as fresh uncut fruit like apples or bananas. More
Back to school and school lunch food safety tips are
available through USDA's Meat and Poultry Hotline one eight eight
eight MP hotline or by email at MP Hotline all
one word at USDA dot gov. Broadbad Reporting for the
(03:04):
US Department of Agriculture in Washington, d C.
Speaker 1 (03:07):
Farm News coming up. You're listening to wag Life. Bob
Quinn here with some farm news this morning. Friends. Meeting
labor needs is one of the most significant challenges facing
agriculture today. Chad Smith has perspective on the issue from
a North Carolina farmer.
Speaker 7 (03:23):
As the cost to grow food continues to climb, farmers
and ranchers also have to contend with difficulty finding enough
help to run their operations. Linda Pryor, an apple grower
from western North Carolina, said they simply can't run their
farm without enough labor.
Speaker 8 (03:39):
Produce as a whole is very labor intensive and time sensitive.
For the apples that we are growing, we're producing about
six and a half million pounds of apples annually. All
apples are picked behind, as is a lot of produce,
and so there's not a machine to take the place
of that employee that we need to be able to
help us get that job done.
Speaker 7 (03:59):
One of the most challenging aspects of finding labor is
the H two A VISA program, which prior sid can
be improved through simplification.
Speaker 8 (04:07):
For example, consolidating to one agency being the overseeing agency
for it, a centralized digital system that farmers like myself
felt comfortable navigating on their own, so that we didn't
have that added expense of having to use a farm
labor contractor. I think that multiple agencies being involved call
some of the delays that happened.
Speaker 7 (04:28):
She said farmers have to get involved in advocating. Prior
says the days of farmers and ranchers keeping to themselves
on their operations is over.
Speaker 8 (04:37):
Do what you can, whatever that is, and that's going
to make different things for different people. If it means
that you can make phone calls when you're driving or
send emails, that's great. If you can make the time
to attend meetings, if not, just supporting others that do
have the opportunity to speak up. As farmers, we know
what the problems are and we need the lawmakers to
hear from us.
Speaker 7 (04:56):
You can learn more at fb dot org, Forward slash
ash Labor, Chad Smith, Washington, Well Friends.
Speaker 1 (05:03):
USDA's Foreign Agriculture Service recently hosted a trade mission to
Great Britain, Ireland and Northern Ireland. Doctor Mike Strain, Louisiana
Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry, took part in the trade
mission and said the livestock industry in Ireland is very different.
Speaker 9 (05:20):
They're beef cattle. They take them off the fields at
about seven hundred and fifty pounds. They may feed them
only on grain for thirty days, at most one hundred
and twenty. We have signed agreement to import and export
back to them about thirteen thousand tons of beef per year.
But that's really that's equivalent of about thirteen to fifteen
thousand head and so on a big operation like in
(05:43):
the Midwest, that many animals will be slaughtered in three
days in one facility. So let's put that back to perspective.
But they are net importers of rice, they are net
importers of timber, the net importers of energy, and so
again a lot of their needs have to be supplied.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Strain also hopes to build some long term relationships with
those countries, especially since England imports forty two percent of
its food.
Speaker 9 (06:07):
The message is, as we've seen in other countries with
trade missions, not because you came, it's because you come back.
They're beginning to really understand as we do, that food
security is national security. And you could wake up one day.
Can you imagine if the United States, instead of being
the largest exporter of food in the world, became the
largest importer of food in the world. And that's something
we have to fight each and every day to maintain
(06:28):
our production, to maintain our farms, to make sure that
we are efficient and cannot become inefficient due to different pressures.
Northern Ireland, for instance, there's a whole generation that has
never worked. They've always been part of that socialist environment
and now those dollars are drying up and quote, what
do they do? And Northern Ireland also gets all of
their food, all of their groceries come in from England.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
Doctor Mike Strain. This morning, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry,
the National Cattleman's Beef Association not sedate legal victory affirming
protections for or cattle farmers and ranchers from onerous and
unnecessary air emission reporting requirements. NCBA and a coalition of
farm groups have engaged in the litigation for years to
(07:11):
ensure that family farmers and ranchers were not forced to
file complex, overreaching reports with the federal government about emissions
under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to No Act
and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act. Those
acts were intended to address worst industrial and toxic chemicals,
(07:32):
not governed farms and ranches. That's a quote from Caitlin Glover,
Executive director for the Public Lands Council Farm News. This morning,
you're listening to Aglife.
Speaker 10 (07:43):
It's another agnews update. President Trump ordering twenty five percent
tariffs on Indian imports more after this.
Speaker 4 (07:53):
When you look at me, you might see a person
with Parkinson's disease. But if you look closer, you'll see
warrior mom and endurance athlete, someone with a lot of fights.
Every nine minutes, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Speaker 11 (08:08):
And every one of them can turn to the American
Parkinson Disease Association.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
Look closer, My spirit is atable.
Speaker 11 (08:16):
Visit APDA Parkinson dot org to learn more and show
your support.
Speaker 10 (08:21):
Today, President Trump announcing a twenty five percent tariff on
Indian goods, citing India's high farm tariffs and trade barriers.
Reuters reporting AG remains a core issue that's derailing progress
toward bilateral trade deals between the two countries. US negotiators
(08:42):
have pushed for greater access to India's ag, ethanol, dairy,
and medical markets. India, though resisting, arguing that opening its
markets to subsidized US farm goods threatened the livelihoods of
millions of small farmers. US farm exports like corn, soybeans, cotton,
and ethanol excluded from recent talks. India's average terriff right
(09:06):
on AG imports thirty nine percent, US imports five percent.
Some farm duties are as high as fifty percent, according
to the White House, and the Trump administration has repeatedly
cited the barriers as an obstacle to deeper trade ties.
With trade talk stalled, Indian exporters now face rising levees
(09:30):
across a broader range of goods. I'm totally saint shames.
It's another agnews update, Bryan.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
I don't know how much to say this, so I'll
just say it. What is it, Linda? I think we
should see other people. Are you breaking up with me
on a roller coaster? Well, we do have a lot
of time. Maybe we should.
Speaker 12 (09:50):
Steed an emotional roller coaster. Surprising? What's not surprising how
much you could say by switching to Geico.
Speaker 4 (10:00):
I just need a little mean time.
Speaker 12 (10:04):
Got fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more.
Speaker 10 (10:07):
American cattle news packer margins are in the red. What's next?
More after this?
Speaker 4 (10:16):
When you look at me, you might see a person
with Parkinson's disease, But if you look closer, you'll see
a warrior mom. An endurance athlete, someone with a lot
of fight. Every nine minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Speaker 11 (10:32):
And every one of them can turn to the American
Parkinson Disease Association.
Speaker 4 (10:36):
Look closer, My spirit is unshakable.
Speaker 11 (10:39):
Visit APDA Parkinson dot org to learn more and show
your support today.
Speaker 10 (10:45):
Bob Maurs with Manduka trading in Chicago.
Speaker 13 (10:49):
Last week's slaughter five hundred and forty nine thousand head.
That's down fourteen thousand week on week, and down substantially
from the same week last year, which was six hundred
and five thousand, so again kind of reinforcing the supply
side tightness. We'll see where cash wants to trade this week.
Last week generally higher about one to four bucks depending
(11:10):
on the region. Even though the five area weighted average
ended up a little bit lower. Box beef prices settled
lower about three sixty six seventy ish. That was down
from about three seventy three and a half the prior week,
and that just kind of indicates at the moment a
bit slower beef demand at the higher prices. We'll see
(11:31):
if that continues as a pattern. Packers I believe are
working in the red still, so you know, there's only
so long that that can happen until some kind of
market adjustment needs to occur, either with higher box beef
prices or lower cash in order to bring things back
into the green for them. So we'll see how that
plays out. Other impacts in the cattle market, we're watching
(11:53):
export competition. I guess it's leaning slightly bearish at the moment.
Argentina just lowered its beef export hacks from six and
a half percent to five percent. That could make them
a little bit more competitive in the global market. And
being that there hasn't been any really new news to
clearly associate any kind of terraf for trade talks to
(12:15):
beef in any wide fashion, I don't see that the
export market is going to be doing any better than
we already expected to do, so we'll see how that
plays out.
Speaker 10 (12:28):
American Cattle News.
Speaker 1 (12:35):
This is Dairy Radio Now with Bill Baker.
Speaker 14 (12:39):
After ice raids on dairy farms, Who's taking care of
the cows? Joining us on today's Dairy Radio Now is
doctor Meghan Hayne, chief veteranary officer for the National Milk
Producers Federation. Doctor Hank, thank you for joining us. Would
it be an understatement to say the labor for US
has changed dramatically for dairy operators this past year.
Speaker 15 (12:57):
I think it definitely has, and it's not necessarily to to,
you know, just within the last year, but the changes
focused on immigration within the last years brought those progressive
changes in the US theory into more of a start focus.
You know, farms have grown to be more effective and efficient.
They're still family owned, but they're larger in that and
(13:19):
it's sort of the labor needed to run those farms.
The tricky thing about it within agriculture is that work
is so hard. It always has been hard. It's sort
of physical labor. It's long hours, it's being out every
single day of the year because animals require care. I mean,
they're living things every single day of the years. So
what we found is the lot of that labor these
(13:39):
days is provided by immigrant labor. You know, those are
the folks who are willing to go out and do
the hard work and to take care of sort of
the animals. The other thing we've found is that it's
not something that you can step into tomorrow and be
really good at. So folks will come in in that,
but it takes a good bit of training for a
lot of our animal caretakers to be really spective and efficient.
(14:00):
Changing people out, you know, is not something we can
do just sort of on a whim, because it takes
to the weeks and months to really train someone to say,
what's the particular diet of these animals, what's the behavior
of these animals, so you know of how to predict
what they're going to do. Even more complex is you know,
recognizing illnesses and diseases and treating those sort of appropriately.
(14:21):
And that so a lot of the ag labor force
these days, and that on our dairy forums, the immigrant
labor that are there are actually very skilled.
Speaker 16 (14:28):
You know.
Speaker 15 (14:28):
They're the ones who are doing the hard work that
no one else wants to do, and they're the ones
that is skilled to do it.
Speaker 14 (14:34):
Sounds like short term, there's really not a lot of winners,
especially with the animals who are going to be neglected
because of the lack of workers.
Speaker 15 (14:41):
Absolutely, we suddenly go in and take out half the
people that are providing that care. It doesn't stop the
fact that those animals need care on a daily basis.
They need that attention to recognize illnesses, injuries, treat those
immediately at events suffering. They need that skilled care with
hows a it giving birth or cows that have been
(15:03):
injured or sick or down or things like that. You know,
those animals need particular care that is immediate. So as
we look in at a farm that's normally run by
X number of people, say, let's you know, we've got
a farm with forty people there. If you suddenly have
that workforce, that work has to go on, you know,
and trying to sort of get it achieved with half
(15:24):
the workforce means it's a struggle for those that are
remaining and on the back burner. What things sort of
don't get done just a matter of capability of how
many hours are in the day that you start taking
that number down and it gets to a point where
those animals are going to suffer just because we don't
have enough hands to get it done.
Speaker 14 (15:41):
We've discussed immigration reform in the past, but really nothing
like this where dairy operators have to take immediate action
to replace their workers.
Speaker 15 (15:50):
Absolutely. I mean, it's sort of frustrating to sit and
watch this, you know, because immigration has always been on
a very difficult political topic. Looking at sort of what's
going on now. But I'm hoping that conversations like this one,
you know, really focusing on the immediate needs and ramifications
if we end up sort of disrupting that sort of
labor force, will bring the focus that immediate, just practical
(16:13):
focus to this topic to say, right, this isn't a
political football. There's people in animals that will suffer if
we continued. We need practical solutions now. So my hope
with having these conversations, you know, to the bringing forth
this topic of sort of animal welfare as being a
big part of this is to bring that practical focus
and hopefully bring everyone to the table to have the
(16:34):
conversations that are needed for long term solutions to farm
to immigration into farm labor.
Speaker 14 (16:40):
And that thank you for the visit today, doctor Hayne.
Any final comments.
Speaker 15 (16:44):
The only thing that I'll mention is that I've worked
with a lot of the folks, you know, in my
twenty year career, I've worked with a lot of farm
laborers in that and these are great people. You know,
they do the hard work that they're very caring for
the animals that are there and their knowledge. These are
folks just like you and me, and really sort of
remembering the animals and the people that are part of
(17:05):
this conversation is the important part.
Speaker 14 (17:07):
Doctor Megan Hayne, chief veterinary officer for the National Milk
Producers Federation. Find more at NMPF dot org. I'm Phil Baker,
Darry Radio.
Speaker 17 (17:16):
Now, they are great products for ant control and ammans.
I'm Patrick Cavanaugh with the California Tree Nut Report, part
of the VASTAG Information Network. David Haviln is a UC
farm advisor Kerrent County specializing in anomology for ants.
Speaker 18 (17:36):
There's four products, Clinch, Esteam, Extinguished, and Altravian. All four
of those are very good ant bait applied to the ground,
very low volumes, you know, one pounds per acre. The
amount of active ingredient is just minuscule, you know, as
far as the toxicin goes. Yeah, the ants come and
pick it up, take it back to the colony, feed
it to the queen.
Speaker 17 (17:53):
And just like that it controls the colony.
Speaker 18 (17:55):
So three of those products, Glinch, Esteem and Extinguished are
typically applied about six to eight weeks before harvest, so
you're talking two months before harvest, and you know, they're
just their growth regulators. They take a little time to
work but you know, it's a fabulous program, and then
Altravin works within a week or so. It's much quicker.
Doesn't last as long, but it's quicker. So you know,
if your ant control program isn't adequate during the season
(18:16):
and you're a week or two away from harvest and
saying we got too many ants here, our shell seal
is not great. We can kind of see through the shell.
We know the ants are going to go and eat
these kernels went on the ground. If that's the case,
there is a bait that can be put on, you know,
one to two weeks before harvest that'll do a nice
job at controlling those ants during the period that nuts
are on the ground.
Speaker 17 (18:35):
Again, that's David Havlin. He's a UC farm Advisor, current
County an homologist, and he's helped growers for decades.
Speaker 19 (18:44):
For the last forty years, the AGG Information Network has
been the source of news for farmers and ranchers. Yeah,
we have never seen such an assault on farming and
our food supply as we do today, from fuel to fertilizer.
Farmers are facing unprecedented economic challenges. This is why culture
news that farmers receive comes from the AGG Information network,
reaching coast to coast, deep roots and farming. In decades
(19:07):
of reporting, the AGG Information Network trusted and transparent journalism
for generations. For over forty years, the AGG Information Network
has been providing news and information for the most important
industry in the world, agriculture. The Egg Information Network gives
you worldwide updates from local producers to regional organizations, from
major crops like wheat and corn, to animal agriculture to
(19:29):
specially crops like apples, almonds, and cherries. We report on
stories that mean the most to you online at aginfo
dot net. The AGG Information Network trusted and transparent journalism
lasting for the next generation.
Speaker 16 (19:41):
With the AG Information Network. I'm Patrick Kavanaugh. You're listening
to Aglife. I'm Dwayne Merley. Antibiotics are valuable tools of
managing diseases like bovine respiratory diseases. To keep antibiotics effective
for years to come, the cattle industry needs to be
thoughtful about using in the products. Doctor Nathan Meyer, a
(20:02):
professional services veterinarian with Buringer Engelheim, talks about the importance
of judicious antibiotics use in US cattle operations, especially during
the time of elevated cattle prices.
Speaker 20 (20:14):
We have some great tools to treat disease, and it's
really important that we keep these cattle healthy and producing.
Making sure we identify the correct disease, so diagnosing them
properly and then prescribing or initiating the right treatment and
timing is so important. And then certainly double checking or
coming back and following up on those animals after we
(20:36):
administer treatment to make sure our response is what we need.
With the price of cattle and wanting to make sure
we maximize productivity and produce good quality beef and milk
product it's important for all those reasons.
Speaker 16 (20:48):
Your veterinarian can help you tailor crevement protocols to the
needs of your animals and operations.
Speaker 20 (20:55):
The verinarian plays a key role in helping identify disease.
If you run a large feed yard a large dairy,
just due to numbers, you're going to see more disease.
You're going to be more skilled, So that veterinarian can
really help producers identify disease because that's their job. They
get to see sick animals all the time, so they
can help identify those clinical signs or symptoms we're looking for.
The other thing once you've identified their proper animal is
(21:17):
selecting the right ambodic In general, we want something that's
going to act fast. We're really targeting those bacteria, and
those bacteria they replicate quickly, so we want to amboch
that's gonna be fast acting. And then also just due
to logistics and how different ambocs work, in general, we
want a long last ambox, something that especially if you're
in a pasture setting where it's difficult to bring those
(21:38):
animals back in, we want to buy an ambok that's
going to last a long time. The other thing from
fcacy is your treatment protocols. We want to make sure
that food safety is at the top of our list,
so withdraw periods is a very important good.
Speaker 16 (21:52):
Animal husbandry can help limit antibiotic use.
Speaker 20 (21:55):
Prevention is a cornerstone of all of our treatment protocols,
and what I mean by that is if we can
prevent that animal from getting sick, we're way ahead. If
we think about specific practices low stress cattle handling, it
is a key part of that. We know that when
animals are stressed, cortisol levels go up, cattle have a
higher risk of getting sick. Traditionally, it comes down to
(22:17):
how we house those animals. We want to keep those
animals as comfortable as possible, so in summertime in certain
parts of the country we'll use shades. In winter months,
we want to minimize cold stress, especially once again our
northern climates.
Speaker 16 (22:31):
Meyer talks about the veterinarian client Patient relationship or VCPR
and why it's important.
Speaker 20 (22:38):
This is important for bost reasons. One, for dispensing prescription drugs,
this has to be established and every state is a
little different, but there's sutal regulations or state regulations. We
want to make sure that these prescription drugs are being
used appropriately and not being overused or underused at times.
It's foundational specific for aniboch use, but also that veterinarian
can be a key component of the operation and help
(23:00):
the producer make better treatment decisions. Additionally, that BCPR allows
health protocols be built and that's hopefully we're on the
prevention side when we do that.
Speaker 4 (23:10):
Again.
Speaker 16 (23:10):
That is doctor Nathan Meyer, a professional services veterinarian with
Beinger Engelheim. A series of new trade deals between the
United States and countries around the world will directly benefit
American farmers and ranchers groups like the American Farm Bureau
support the agreements, noting that strong and enduring agreements help
connect US farmers and ranchers with global markets. You're listening
(23:34):
to ag Life. I'm Dwayne Murley.
Speaker 21 (23:40):
This is the Agricultural Law and Tax Report brought to
you by Full Scale from Helena. Help your crops reach
their full yield potential by applying full Scale during reproduction.
Visit helena agra dot com to learn more. I'm Roger McCowen.
In twenty fifteen, the EPA adopted rules to shift energy
production from coal and natural gas electricity generation to wind,
and the basic issue was whether the EPA had the
(24:02):
authority to change the manner of energy production in the
US by regulation. But in twenty twenty two, the US
Supreme Court said EPA couldn't do that because Congress had
not specifically stated it could. The Court said that EPA
could regulate equipment upgrades and improve operating practices, but not
overhaul the entire means of US energy production. Coupled with
the court's twenty twenty four decision repealing Chevron deference, it's
(24:23):
clearly up to the Congress to make policy decisions with
nationwide impact. This has been the Agricultural Law and Tax Report.
I'm Roger mccohan.
Speaker 22 (24:35):
It's time for California AG Today on the AG Information Network,
I am Hailey's ship. A California agg startup is getting
national attention and a shot at one hundred thousand dollars.
Gather Agriculture, Incorporated, based right here in the Golden State,
is one of ten semi finalists in the twenty twenty
(24:56):
six Farm Bureau ag Innovation Challenge, hosted by the America
Farm Bureau Federation with support from Farm Credit. The competition
offers one hundred and forty five thousand dollars in total
funding for forward thinking ag ideas. So let's Gather agriculturist product.
We've got a link to their demo video at aginfo
dot net. The company says that their goal is to
(25:18):
create easy to use robotic tools that fit right into
existing farm operations, helping to ease today's labor challenges. Now,
this specific robot is built for the grape harvest, moving
crops between picker and packer pairs right there in the rows.
With the world around us changing at a rapid pace,
there is in your constant need for folks to innovate
(25:39):
in the agriculture space, says AFBF president Zippy Duval, adding
that farmers and ranchers are no stranger to the need
to roll up our sleeves and lean into this entrepreneurial spirit.
First round winners will be announced in September, the top
four competing live in January at the AFBF convention in Anaheim.
Speaker 19 (25:58):
You've probably been told that to reach which a millennial
farmer you have to go digital? Hmm, Facebook, Vimeo, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest,
LinkedIn and online publication or maybe a podcast hmm, but
which one?
Speaker 23 (26:12):
Oh?
Speaker 19 (26:13):
And how receptive is this age group to your sales
pitch during non work social time. Maybe the best place
to reach a farmer with a farming solution message is
when they are well, quite frankly farming. You know, it's
easy for us to find them during the day, as
most farmers are behind the wheel of a pickup truck
or farm equipment with the radio on. Listening to this
(26:35):
station for the ag Information Network of the West News.
If you'd like to deliver information about your terrific product
or service, give us a call and we'll connect you
directly with our community of loyal farmer listeners reach real
farmers right here, right now as they listen to what
is important to their farm operation. They trust us, They'll
trust you.
Speaker 22 (26:56):
On the ag information Network. I am Hatley's ship.
Speaker 1 (27:00):
Bob Quinn here with some farm us this morning. Friends.
Meeting labor needs is one of the most significant challenges
facing agriculture today. Chad Smith has perspective on the issue
from a North Carolina farmer.
Speaker 7 (27:12):
As the cost to grow food continues to climb, farmers
and ranchers also have to contend with difficulty finding enough
help to run their operations. Linda Pryor, an apple grower
from western North Carolina, said they simply can't run their
farm without enough labor.
Speaker 8 (27:28):
Produce as a whole is very labor intensive and time sensitive.
For the apples that we are growing, we're producing about
six and a half million pounds of apples annually. All
apples are picked behind, as is a lot of produce,
and so there's not a machine to take the place
of that employee that we need to be able to
help us get that job done.
Speaker 7 (27:48):
One of the most challenging aspects of finding labor is
the H two A visa program, which prior sid can
be improved through simplification, for.
Speaker 8 (27:56):
Example, consolidating to one agency being the overseeing agency for it,
a centralized digital system that farmers like myself felt comfortable
navigating on their own, so that we didn't have that
added expense of having to use a farm labor contractor.
I think that multiple agencies being involved call some of
the delays that happened.
Speaker 5 (28:17):
She said.
Speaker 7 (28:17):
Farmers have to get involved in advocating. Prior says the
days of farmers and ranchers keeping to themselves on their
operations is over do what.
Speaker 8 (28:26):
You can, whatever that is, and that's going to make
different things for different people. If it means that you
can make phone calls when you're driving or send emails,
that's great. If you can make the time to attend meetings,
if not, just supporting.
Speaker 20 (28:37):
Others that do have the opportunity to speak up.
Speaker 8 (28:40):
As farmers, we know what the problems are and we
need the lawmakers to hear from us.
Speaker 7 (28:45):
You can learn more at fb dot org, Forward Slash
Labor Chad Smith, Washington.
Speaker 1 (28:52):
Running a farm, regardless of commodity, can be expensive starting
a farm from scratch even more so. To help the
USDA off farm loans for beginning farmers and ranchers via
the Farm Service Agency. Jason Kintana, a farm loan officer
with a Farm Service agency, says these loans are geared
for those who can't obtain commercial credit from a bank.
(29:12):
He noted that while there's a lot of paperwork associated
with these loans, USDA simply wants to make sure all
applicants are successful.
Speaker 24 (29:20):
We're looking at your total operation, whereas sometimes you would
look at some of these other structures of loans where
they're looking more towards what you make versus what you
have on debt and looking at different ratios. We like
to use those ratios, but more of indicators of where
you're at.
Speaker 1 (29:36):
Kintana added that once the application is submitted, USDA takes
a deep dive into cash flow.
Speaker 24 (29:43):
Agriculture is one of the most volatile industries that I've seen,
and it just it's easier when you plan for the
worst case scenario. And that's what we try and do
is have these conservative numbers go through budgets and throughout
this time, we're building kind of a relationship going through
so that there's that trust on both sides. So I
feel like USDA we really pride ourselves on making sure
(30:03):
that we put the producers first and try and help
out in every way. I mean, even if we do
get to that point of it denial, it's not because
of anything against them. It's just that's probably the best
thing for the agency and then for them.
Speaker 1 (30:16):
All direct farm ownership applications must have participated in the
business operations of a farm for at least three out
of the last ten years prior to the date the
application is submitted to the Farm Service Agency. Well, friends,
the Trump administration recently announced the US Japan Trade and
Investment Agreement. Japan recently sent its top tariff negotiator to
(30:37):
Washington to finalize the agreement's details. While the agreement was announced,
Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the US Meat Export Federation,
was in Tokyo. He noted a profound sense of relief
in Japan, which is the number two value market for
America's pork and beef exports.
Speaker 25 (30:53):
I think there was a bit of relief in a
Japanese trade having met with several importer distributors of course
of our member exporters as well while I was there.
You know, I think the fact that a deal had
been done on autos which is obviously one of the
big sticky points with Japan, kind of laid to rest
any concerns there might have been on possible retaliation from
(31:15):
the Japanese side should a deal now have been reached.
So when you're talking about your second largest export market
in the world, twenty twenty four, we saw about one
point nine billion on beef in about one point four
billion on pork, for a total of about three point
three billion in sales, and it's been pretty consistent right
in that range.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
The twenty twenty US Japan Trade agreement from the first
Trump administration put America's red meat exports on a more
level playing field against competitors in the Japanese market.
Speaker 25 (31:42):
One needs to remember as it relates to Japan. In
twenty twenty and Trump Administration one, the Japan USID agreement
was announced, and that was really key because we're not
on a level playing field at that time with our
global competitors. In that Phase one agreement in twenty twenty
pros all on a level playing field. We know our
duties are higher than some other countries. You know, currently
(32:04):
we're at twenty one point six percent on US beef
into Japan, but it got us on a level playing field,
and the fact that we got this deal done at
least at the minimum, maintains a level playing field. I
think that's really important to remember because it wasn't that
long ago where we were at the severe disadvantage tariff wise.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
Most US park is important into Japan at a zero
tariff rate. Meanwhile, Japan's beef tariff is currently the highest
of any major import market at twenty one point six percent.
Some farm news. You're listening to aag life.
Speaker 6 (32:38):
From the Big Information Network. This is your agribusiness update. Well,
farmers could be closer to growing crop varieties better at
fighting off diseases thanks to a new scientific breakthrough. Researchers
at the University of California Davis are using artificial intelligence
to redesign a key immune receptor in plants, enabling them
to strengthen their response. Lead author get A Cooker says
(32:58):
the method has the potent to help researchers breed more
disease resistant varieties of hundreds of plant species, including staples
like tomatoes and potatoes. Ex Secretary Brook Rawlins announced the
opening of a thirty day public comment period to provide
feedback on the Department's reorganization plan. Rawlins tells agrimarketing dot com.
All stakeholders, including Capitol Hill offices, USDA employees, and members
(33:21):
of the agg community are encouraged to share their input.
She says, we value your perspective as we work to
ensure USDA is best physician to serve America's farmers, ranchers, producers,
and rural communities. Uncertainty from trade tariffs continues to weigh
on US grain prices, hitting soybean prices the hardest, followed
by wheat and corn. It's causing a lot of countries
(33:42):
to take a step back and re evaluate, either to
look at getting more negotiations done or look at other
routes to meet their needs. Canada has a new tariff
rate of thirty five percent, but products included in the
US Mexico Canada Agreement are exempt from tariffs.
Speaker 5 (33:57):
Empower Dairy a full solution of roach for producers, Mark
Animal Health, Livestock and Dairy Veterinarian doctor John Champagne cows are.
Speaker 23 (34:05):
Most productive when all aspects of dairy management sort of
work together. Even though we focus on individual parts, it's
the entire system and the dance that that system does.
This includes identification, are monitoring, and our biofarm portfolio, and
by using all three of these, the Empower module allows
us to maximize productivity while reducing animal stress, labor and inefficiencies.
(34:29):
We have not only just the products, but the solutions
as well to enhance and go along with the products,
and those things can be interchangeable. In addition to that,
we have expertise within the organization and a significant amount
of research and development.
Speaker 5 (34:46):
Visit productivecows dot com or contact a merk animal health
representative to learn the best Empower approach to keep your
cows productive.
Speaker 6 (34:54):
From the AG Information Network, I'm Bob Larson with today's
Agribusiness Update.
Speaker 1 (34:58):
Bob Quinn here to wrap up life for to their friends.
Many states have farm lease termination notice dates that are
fast approaching. Mike Davis has our final Report.
Speaker 26 (35:06):
Iowa, for instance, has a provision and it's farm lease
laws that requires advanced notification if a tenant or a
landlord wants to terminate a lease. That lease termination notice
must be delivered by September first of every year. Laws
and other states may vary, but Attorney Joe Piper at
AG and Business Legal Strategies in Hiawatha, Iowa says the
(35:27):
parties need to be thinking about what they want to
do in twenty twenty six.
Speaker 27 (35:31):
Now it's been said by some farm financial people that
farmers are looking to lose two hundred and fifty dollars
per acre of soybeans this year and about break even
on corn. If you're losing money or breaking even, the
question becomes, do we need to lease that farm? If
I'm going to lose two hundred and fifty bucks an
acre at the current rent, why would I want to
(35:52):
rent it next year at the same rent.
Speaker 26 (35:54):
Piper recommends farmers start to put pencil to paper.
Speaker 27 (35:58):
If a farmer is getting sixty bush per acre of
soybeans and the rent on that farm is two hundred
and fifty dollars per acre, his rent costs or is
land charge on that is over four dollars a bushel
just for having the privilege of using that land. If
he's getting seventy five bushels per acre, then it's less
of a problem, but it's still going to be well
over three dollars per bushel. So you need to figure
(36:20):
this out and say where can I cut costs? I
want to be making money.
Speaker 26 (36:23):
Piper Sales with a complete enterprise analysis to get granular data,
will provide tenants with the information they need to make
an informed decision.
Speaker 27 (36:32):
I want to take it down to the individual farm
we're raising corn on. Let's say five different farms. What's
my yield on each, what's my cost of production on each,
what's my break even on each? And decide among the
farms which ones should I let go. Many times the
farmer will let the farm that has the poor a
CSR or corn suitability rating go first.
Speaker 26 (36:54):
That's Attorney Joe Piper with AG and Business Legal Strategies.
I'm Mike Davis
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