August 27, 2025

Episode Transcript

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. Well, friends,
is back to school time, which means food safety goes along.
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 soon 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 Corrothers 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 (00:54):
As youngsters, especially those under the age of five, are
more likely to get seriously sick from food born illness.
So regarding proper chill EGO, perishable school lunch items in
the lunch box.

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.

Speaker 4 (01:14):
Are great options.

Speaker 3 (01:15):
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.

Speaker 4 (01:21):
Using something to.

Speaker 3 (01:22):
Keep those foods cold, especially if they are perishable like
a sand what's the selling 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 (01:51):
When you use a thermis, very important to put hot
water in it first to help heat up the inside.

Speaker 4 (01:56):
And make sure it is already hot before you put
hot food into it.

Speaker 3 (01:59):
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 to go.

Speaker 3 (02:08):
Pack your child's food into an insulated container.

Speaker 5 (02:12):
For many different reasons, using 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, there are.

Speaker 3 (02:34):
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. I'm Rodbain, reporting for

(03:03):
the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, d C.

Speaker 1 (03:07):
Well, friends, coming up, we'll look at the sunflower harvest
which is about to begin. That's ahead on today's edition
of ag Life Bob. When here was some farm us
this morning, friends, corn and soybean producers aren't the only
growers looking toward harvest. John Sandbach, and executive director of
the National Sunflower Association, says sunflowers are in a calm

(03:30):
before the rush of harvest begins.

Speaker 7 (03:33):
You know, right now, we're kind of in the midst
of dead lull period. The bloom period right now is
going on at most of the United States. That's our
critical time frame basically from now until the end of
September when the crop is blooming, and just kind of
keep a track of things, making sure that people are
taking care of their crop, spring for insects, spraying, if
they have any disease, you're putting out a funch side application,
and looking forward to what's going to be coming up

(03:54):
in the months ahead. We had a much smaller crop
in twenty twenty four, and so right now old crop
prices are aready attractive to move that remaining seed if
you do have some in the bin in storage, and
just looking forward to getting new supplies and rebuilding our
market share.

Speaker 1 (04:07):
He said. Sunflower growers battles similar challenges that other growers face,
including past and disease. Behind the scenes, the Sunflower Association
is always trying to improve research and traits in the
US sunflower crop.

Speaker 7 (04:20):
We're always trying to breed for better disease package. Squareitinia
is one of our concerns in a lot of places
in fomopsis. It's an another type of disease we would
do obviously issues with insects, and so we're always looking
for things that to have some natural defense. But bottom
line is we're looking to increase yield overall, and especially
for oil seeds oil content. Obviously, the more oil you
can produce. Sunflower is the only oil seed crop that

(04:41):
pays their premium for oil content, and so that's something
that we definitely want enhance to better that bottom line
for producers.

Speaker 1 (04:48):
Sunflower producers didn't have a positive reaction to the Make
America Healthy Again report earlier this year. Sandboch And said
sunflower oil did not get a fair shake in that report.

Speaker 7 (04:59):
We've also been pretty active in that and that is
there's some biased information in that report against seed oils. Now,
sunflow oil's profile is very healthy. The main issue that
that group has with seed oils is polyansaturated fats and
sunflower oil it only has about seven percent. However, since
we're considered a seed oil we kind of get lumped
in with everybody else, but we have been pushing back

(05:21):
on that. The valid scientific research shows that seed oils
are healthy consumed and they're much better to consumed than
the saturated type fats, so that Secretary Kennedy is pushing.

Speaker 1 (05:31):
John Sandbachen, National Sunflower Association well friends. For much of
this year, the livestock sector has been one of the
few areas of agriculture enjoying strong commodity prices and strong returns.
Glenn Wagan has a report.

Speaker 8 (05:44):
But there are some challenges the industry needs to overcome.
Phil Bass, Associate Professor of Meat science at the University
of Idaho, says producers are enjoying great prices.

Speaker 9 (05:54):
Packers I wouldn't say they're suffering as bad as sometimes
have been, but they're definitely struggling to try to turn
a profit, making sure that we're really tightening up efficiencies.
We're seeing a little bit of a decline in some
of the export markets. Could be something to do with tariffs,
maybe not, I don't know. I think the demand is

(06:14):
still extremely strong for US product, both domestically and internationally.

Speaker 8 (06:19):
Bess said it's important to keep in mind that South
American and Australian bee producers have done a good job
expanding their products in several Asian markets, many of which
were traditionally US destinations. Speaking of markets and trade, what
kind of impact is the trade dispute with Canada and
Mexico having on the American cattle industry? Bass says, these

(06:39):
situations cannot be oversimplified and one word answers will not
fix the current problem.

Speaker 9 (06:45):
We absolutely in the United States need those cattle coming in.
We have to remember that these the feed yards that
are near the southern border and the northern border rely
on keeping those yards pens full. And there's certain times
of the year that we cannot produce enough cattle to
fill those pens domestically, and so we rely on those

(07:08):
cattle coming in from Canada, from Mexico.

Speaker 8 (07:11):
Basad and many people don't appreciate the cross pollination that
takes place between the three North American countries. I'm Glenn
Bagin reporting well.

Speaker 1 (07:20):
Friends. Coming up a little bit later on, we'll hear
from Senate Majority Leader John thun He took part in
the South Dakota congressional delegation for him and talks about agriculture.
That's ahead. You're listening to AG Life.

Speaker 10 (07:34):
It's another agnews update. There's a new law expanding base
acres for more farms. More after this.

Speaker 11 (07:44):
Hi. I'm Debbie Childress, director of the Grayson County Alliance,
a food pantry in rural Kentucky. Thanks to a local farmer,
we recently received a twenty five hundred dollars donation from
America's Farmers Grow Communities, sponsored by the Montanto Fund, a
philanthropic arm of Bear. As a result, we expanded a
classroom where we teach families about nutrition and personal finance.

(08:04):
I encourage all farmers general for a chance to direct
a twenty five hundred dollars donation to a local nonprofit,
visit Growthommunities dot com.

Speaker 10 (08:12):
Whilemakers recently passing HR one, also known as the One
Big Beautiful Bill, it includes a major change for producers
with land not fully covered by existing farm program base
acres now. According to the Agricultural Food Policy Center at
Texas A and M, the new provision allows up to

(08:34):
thirty million additional base acres nationwide, effective for the twenty
twenty six crop year. Farms are eligible if they're twenty
nineteen through twenty twenty three average planted or prevented plan
in acreage of covered commodities exceeds the current base acres

(08:55):
or if they plant it eligible non covered commodities within
the fifteen percent limit of total farm acreage. New base
acres assigned proportionately based on historical plantings, and if eligible
acres nationwide exceed thirty million, USDA will apply and across
the board reduction. Landowners will be notified automatically through USDA's

(09:22):
Farm Service Agency, though they may opt out. It's another
agnews update.

Speaker 12 (09:29):
Here's farmer and businessman James Wood.

Speaker 13 (09:31):
We farm about thirty five hundred acres. There's pipelines everywhere.
The contractor working on my property did not have the
lines located before he began work and if resulted on
a strake on a natural gas pipeline. Fortunately no one
was hurt, but it could have been much worse.

Speaker 12 (09:47):
Never assume the location or depth of underground lines. Always
call eight one one or visit click before you dig
dot com before you start work. A message from the
pipeline operators for agg Safety.

Speaker 10 (09:56):
Campaign American Cattle News Today. How far will the consumer
go with higher prices? More after this?

Speaker 11 (10:07):
Hi, I'm Debbie Childress director of the Grayson County Alliance,
a food pantry in rural Kentucky. Thanks to a local farmer,
we recently received a twenty five hundred dollars donation from
Americans farmers Grow Communities sponsored by the mon Santo Fund,
a philanthropic arm of Bear. As a result, we expanded
a classroom where we teach families about nutrition and personal finance.

(10:27):
I encourage all farmers to enroll for a chance to
direct a twenty five hundred dollars donation to a local nonprofit.
Visit Grow Communities dot com.

Speaker 10 (10:35):
Oklahoma State livestock Economist, Doctor Darryl Peel.

Speaker 14 (10:39):
It's pretty typical that grilling kind of slows down a
little bit in midsummer. I would expect to see this
market stabilize and probably you know, tick back up just
slightly as we have a last summer surge of buying
for the Labor Day weekend for the summer grilling season.
So we'll see. I'm looking for this market to stabilize
a little bit goinging forward. I don't see any indication

(11:02):
yet that we've got any fundamental unraveling of beef demand
at this point, Bud.

Speaker 10 (11:06):
Isn't it all about at the end of the day,
the consumer.

Speaker 14 (11:10):
High prices will consumers push back, And we always think
about well, when you know, when beef prices get high,
ground beef is kind of the go to market. It's
a favorite anyway, and it's usually our you know, our
value product to go to. But when you look at
how cas slaughter has decreased the last two years, and
so that the the tightness of supply for beef trimmings

(11:32):
has pushed that ground beef market market up. And I
recently took a look at how do wholesale trimmings markets
compared to say, steak markets, and so if you look
at you know, ninety percent lean trimmings compared to RIBBI
wholesale values. Over well, since twenty twenty three, the trimmings
price has gone up about forty percent, while the RIBI

(11:54):
price at the wholesale level has gone up about thirteen percent.
So ground beef is is you know, it's still going
to be a cheaper product in absolute terms, but relatively speaking,
ground beef is not as much of a value as
it often is. Those trimmings prices are running about thirty
eight percent of the wholesale value of ribs right now,
and that's exactly what you would expect given how much
those ground beef market components have decreased in.

Speaker 4 (12:17):
The last couple of years.

Speaker 10 (12:19):
Agriculture Today, this is Dairy Radio.

Speaker 1 (12:25):
Now.

Speaker 15 (12:26):
I'm John Clark, traveling the countryside for Piedbrick's USA. Today
I'm at the Maternity Ward for the Great New York
State Fair, also known as the Birthing Center, put on
by the New York Animal ag Coalition, and I'm with
Eileen Jensen, it's executive director.

Speaker 16 (12:39):
Don We're excited to be back here in twenty twenty
five at the Dairy Cow Birthing Center and the Mobile
Dairy Experience. We are excited to bring thirty six utter
miracles into the world this year. We have welcomed a
few of them already as we've began the New York
State Fair for our second year, we've brought the Mobile
Dairy Experience back for fairgoers to understand the whole problem

(13:00):
of how their dairy products make it to their tables.

Speaker 15 (13:03):
You know, Aileen, why are you and the board here
and why do you think dairy farmers have such a
passion to be here?

Speaker 16 (13:09):
For more than a decade we have been able to
bring the utter miracles into the world. That has been
the number one goal, but more so, our fairgoers have
really enjoyed visiting with farmers that are our volunteers, our
industry representatives that are volunteers that put hundreds and hundreds
of hours into making this possible each and every year.

Speaker 15 (13:27):
What is some of the fun things that you hear
from those consumers that walk through your tent. We're watching
the births streaming.

Speaker 16 (13:33):
The best part of my job is seeing the smiles
on the faces when the calves are born. The best
part of my job is seeing the interactions between farmers
and fairgoers. And the best part of my job is
seeing the aha moments when questions are answered and perceptions
are changed. Our number one goal is to help people
understand and appreciate animal agriculture, and our hook truly is
humsy and witness the miracle of life being born. But

(13:55):
the ultimate success and impact we make are those connections
and relationships that we build with our fairgers.

Speaker 15 (14:01):
It must be a two way street for both your
board members, your volunteers.

Speaker 16 (14:04):
We have been doing this for twelve years. This is
our twelfth year at the New York State Fair, and
so we are an utter success, as I'd like to say,
because we wouldn't be back pun intended, absolutely, we would
not be back year after year if we weren't making
a difference in our fairgoers' lives.

Speaker 15 (14:21):
You have some special people that are really dedicated.

Speaker 16 (14:23):
The birthing center is a year in the making. So
if you think about it, cows are pregnant for nine months,
so our cows that are going to be calving next
year at the fair will be getting bred this fall.
So we work with our host farms that are six
host farms around New York State. We have over two
hundred industry and farmer volunteers. We have a dedicated board
of directors at the Animal Lag Coalition that are all volunteer,
and then we have some staff members on our mobile

(14:45):
Dairy Experience as well as in our Dairy cop Birthing Center.

Speaker 15 (14:48):
Let's hone in on that mobile dairy experience.

Speaker 16 (14:49):
We have completed one year. We caught the ribbon one
year ago on this mobile dairy experience and we have
traveled everywhere from Buffalo to Watertown to Queen's and we
are so excited to be able to continue to bring
the story of New York dairy and New York animal
agriculture across the state to a lot of different people.

Speaker 15 (15:05):
Queen's being the heart of New York City, that really
presents some interesting challenges and interesting opportunities.

Speaker 16 (15:11):
We spent a weekend in June to celebrate Dairy Month
at the Queen's County Farm Museum, where we visited with
a lot of folks from New York City that have
never seen a calf, touched a calf, understood where their
dairy products come from. So it was a really great weekend.
The Mobile Dairy Experience is a more than thousand square
foot interactive and engaging exhibit where we are able to
take the farm to the people, and so more and

(15:31):
more of these days, a lot of people are more
further removed from the farm, and so this is our
opportunity to take this message directly to where they are,
where they work, where they play, where their families are,
in order for them to understand and appreciate the industry
that we live in.

Speaker 15 (15:46):
Love. This is a tractor trailer that folds up and
it goes places around the state. You've taken it to
schools and other places. What are some of the feedback
in the aha moments that you've witnessed there at those schools.

Speaker 16 (15:56):
We hit the road in March of twenty twenty five
of the Mobile Dairy Experience, and we will hit more
than forty events here in twenty twenty five. And our
events have been fairs, festivals, schools, colleges, and the AHA
moment is the excitement to interact, but also the appreciation
to understand every step of the process. One of the

(16:17):
reasons that we built the Mobile Dairy Experience is to
share every piece of the puzzle, not just what's our
farm life about, or what are the benefits of eating
dairy products or what are the careers. In the Mobile
Dairy Experience, you see all of those pieces of the puzzle.

Speaker 15 (16:31):
When you say a puzzle, it really is interactive for
all ages, whether it's here or in the birthing Center itself.

Speaker 16 (16:37):
I say puzzle figuratively, and you know literally, we do
have a lot of interaction and a lot of engagement
for people to listen to videos, to interact with literally
a puzzle in here to understand the different topics that
are important to dairy farmers across the state.

Speaker 15 (16:52):
Heileenjentsen, executive director of the New York Animal ad Coalition.
Thanks for making time for us. It's been great having you.

Speaker 16 (16:58):
Thanks John, and we're excited to be here at the
twenty twenty five New York State Fair for another year.

Speaker 15 (17:01):
On John Clark traveling the countryside for feedbirt USA.

Speaker 6 (17:07):
Displays of good eating walnuts in the produce aisle are
getting put up along with some other co marketing of
other great products to eat. I'm Patrick Cavanaugh with the
California tree Nut Report, part of the Vastag Information Network.
Robert Verloop is President and CEO of the California Walnut
Board and Commission.

Speaker 17 (17:26):
We make them prevalent co promotions help us get other
partners involved and start going down that pathway of new usage,
ideas and excitement of giving an example. We work with blueberries,
We work with dates and salad companies holad. These we
enjoy having the opportunity to pair products together that serve
a common good of healthy, nutritious, good for you products.

Speaker 6 (17:47):
We ask for Loop if it's actually targeting cities with
this promotion where they're more likely walnut eaters.

Speaker 17 (17:54):
It's actually by retailer. We're trying to get as many
retailers on board as possible. It's a slow process because
again we're trying to introduce a new way of thinking
about walnuts that it needs to be in the produce
and snack aisles. So we're making progress and we're seeing
a lift during a promotion, as much as one hundred
hundred and fifty percent increase in sales. But then after
the fact we see that the sales don't drop down

(18:14):
to where they were previously. So we start getting people
into this habit of eating walnuts and buying walnuts, and
that's ultimately what we need to do is to drive
more consumption with you through these stores.

Speaker 6 (18:27):
That's Robert Verloop with the California Walnut Boarding Commission.

Speaker 18 (18:31):
You've probably been told that to reach 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 8 (18:45):
Oh, and how.

Speaker 18 (18:46):
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 station featuring

(19:09):
the AG Information Network 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 6 (19:28):
With the AGI Information Network. I'm Patrick Kavanaugh.

Speaker 19 (19:31):
The fortieth Annual International Sweetener Symposium wrapped up in Michigan.
Chads Smith has more.

Speaker 5 (19:38):
Trump Administration officials, members of Congress, se economists, and sugar
industry experts. Just wrapped up the fortieth International Sweetener Symposium
in Traverse City, Michigan. Luther Markquard, executive vice president and
CEO of the American Sugar beat Growers Association and the
incoming chairman of the American Sugar Alliance, highlighted the importance

(20:00):
of the US sugar industry.

Speaker 4 (20:02):
America's sugar producers are committed to providing American food manufacturers
and consumers with sugar. Congress and the Trump Administration have
reiterated time and again food security is national security. A
strong and resilient farm economy is essential to maintaining food
security and preserving America's position as a global leader.

Speaker 5 (20:23):
The International Sweetener Symposium program featured sugar and farm experts
who spoke to the challenges facing the farm economy. Marquart
emphasized the importance of a strong safety net for sugar producers.

Speaker 4 (20:37):
Over the past several days, we've heard that higher production costs,
greater weather challenges, and threats of foreign subsidies are making
it harder for family farms to survive. This is something
that I have heard firsthand from the sugar beet growers
I represent across our industry. The cost of growing sugar
beets and sugarcane are up, while the prices we are

(20:58):
receiving for our crops have fallen dramatically. We cannot afford
to lose more family farms or more multi generational farming legacies.
The stakes are simply too high.

Speaker 5 (21:09):
Mark Art Thank to USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden and
doctor Nancy beck A, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator at EPA
for speaking at the International Sweetener Symposium and supporting America's
farmers and workers.

Speaker 4 (21:25):
We appreciate President Trump's all hands on deck approach to
advancing policies that put America's farmers first. Under his direction,
not only is the USDA charged with this mission, but
all other agencies, including the EPA, have been directed to
institute smart, common sense policies with a goal of bolstering

(21:45):
domestic supply chains, supporting rural communities, and ensuring that multi
generational family farms remain a central part of America's story.
We will continue to work with Deputy Secretary of Vaden
and the Administration of FILS to strengthen domestic sugar production
and safeguard our national food security.

Speaker 5 (22:05):
Mark Uart also highlighted the bipartisan support for the American
sugar industry, noting that Representatives Jack Bergman, John Molinar, and
Hailey Stevens from Michigan and Representative Brad Finstead from Minnesota
also spoke at the event. Both Michigan and Minnesota are
sugar beet producing states.

Speaker 4 (22:24):
America's sugar beet and sugarcane family farmers and workers are
grateful that the members of Congress from both sides of
the aisle have repeatedly stood up in support of our
sugar producers.

Speaker 5 (22:36):
To learn more about the international sweetener Symposium and US
Sugar Policy. Search hashtag Sugar twenty twenty five or visit
Sugar Alliance dot org. Chad Smith reporting.

Speaker 19 (22:49):
Farm credit system institutions made more than one hundred and
fifty thousand loans to young, beginning in small US producers
in twenty twenty forum a new Farm Credit Administration report
shows the institutional support for its ongoing mission of supporting
rural communities in agriculture. More than seventy two thousand, six

(23:10):
hundred loans were made to beginning producers with ten years
or less experience, and one hundred and twenty one thousand,
two hundred loans to producers with under three hundred and
fifty thousand dollars in gross cash farm income.

Speaker 20 (23:26):
This is the Agricultural Law and Tax Report brought to
you by Helena A. Managency's and nutrition with Coron Metra.
Visit Helena AGRA dot com for more information. I'm Roger McGowan.
One key legal issue for ranchers has been the BLM's
Public Lands Rule. Another one is the Clean Water Act,
particularly the definition of waters of the US. Ambiguity in
this definition has subjected ranchers to legal uncertainty about the

(23:48):
need for a federal permit for activities on their land.
Another major point of contention is the rise of state
laws which imposed specific animal confinement standards on all products
sold within their borders, regardless where the livestock was raised.
The focus is also on strengthening the Packers and Stockyards
Act to prevent unfair, deceptive, or discriminatory practices by large
meat packing companies. Yet another legal issue involves the push

(24:10):
for mandatory country of origin labeling for beef. This has
been the Agricultural Law and Tax Report.

Speaker 21 (24:15):
I'm Roger McGowan, It's time for California AGG today on
the AG Information Network, I am Haley's ship. A quarantine
has been put in place in part of Santa Clara
County after two wild Mediterranean fruit flies or medflies, were
found in San Jose. These invasive pests pose a serious

(24:38):
risk to fruits and vegetables, both in home gardens and
on farms because they lay larvae inside produce. If left unchecked,
medflies can spread quickly to other regions. The quarantine covers
about one hundred and nine square miles and aims to
stop the movement of potentially infested produce growers, wholesalers, retailers

(24:59):
and local residents will all be affected by restrictions. Home
gardeners are urged not to move homegrown fruit or vegetables
off their property. However, residents may consume or process their
produce on site by juicing, cooking, or grinding in a
garbage disposal, or dispose of it by bagging, ceiling and
placing it in the trash. Although important to note here

(25:20):
not in the green waste. To fight the outbreak, sterile
mill medflies will be released at a rate of two
hundred and fifty thousand per square mile each week across
an eighty four point seven to six square mile area.
This proven method has successfully eradicated infestations in California before.

Speaker 22 (25:38):
Farm work is tough, and so is staying safe on
a road. Every year, accidents happen when tractors and traffic
share the same space, whether you're behind the wheel of
a tractor or a car.

Speaker 12 (25:48):
Here's what you need to remember.

Speaker 22 (25:49):
Tractors move slower, be patient, don't pass on hills or curves. Farmers,
make sure your slow moving vehicles, signs and lights are visible,
and everyone sailor, especially on rule road dades. One moment
of caution can save alife. Let's work together to keep
our roads and our farm safe. This message was brought
to you by the ag Information Network.

Speaker 18 (26:08):
For over forty years, the ag 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 specially crops
like apples, almonds, and cherries. We report on stories that

(26:29):
mean the most to you online at aginfo dot net.
The Egg Information Network trusted and transparent journalism, lasting for
the next generation.

Speaker 21 (26:37):
This is California AG today on the AG Information Network.
Find more agricultural news at agginfo dot net.

Speaker 1 (26:43):
Bob Quen here are some farm news this morning. Well,
this year's weather has been good for crops in many
parts of the Midwest. Riley Smith as a report for US.

Speaker 23 (26:52):
This year's weather has been mostly outstanding for the crops,
and that is easy to see when you look at
your nearest corn in soybean fields. Too much rapid growth
canse problems, however, and Iowa farmers are seeing that this year.
David hoy Northeast Iowa, Agronomous with LG Seeds, said the
fields in his area have progressed rapidly through their reproductive stages.

Speaker 24 (27:10):
We're seeing a surprising amount of corn that is really
moving quickly through its reproductive stages. We've got a lot
of corn that is soaking up those heavy gdus that
are out there with that heat that we've recently got,
along with all the moisture, and it's really cranking through
its reproductive stages. So as we look at the crop

(27:31):
growth cycle, it's really moving quite a long fast. So
we've got a little bit of southern rust moving in,
which is always a concern. Hopefully our corn that's moving
faster is going to be kind of cooked and baked
by the time the southern rust really gets cranked up, though.

Speaker 23 (27:48):
Hoy said, farmers should get out in their cornfields now
and start making game plans for harvest.

Speaker 24 (27:53):
With that heat and moisture that we have, boy, that
plan is just putting absolutely everything it can into the
kernel and get at a quick rate, which can sometimes
affect maybe some stock quality, maybe some test weight, but
for the most part, it is really cranking through and
so as a farmers that are out there, you know,
checking crops, peeling back those husks. You know, it's always

(28:14):
good at check and see where that milk line is.
And boy, start planning ahead where you're going to start
with the combine, because the crop can tell you just
exactly where it's sitting right now, and it might surprise you.

Speaker 23 (28:25):
Southern rust is emerging as one of the top corn
diseases this year, and you seeing it in his area.

Speaker 24 (28:31):
Certainly the southern rust is moving in, you know, kind
of from the southwest. I would say it's a little
more prevalent in southwest Iowa versus southeast Iowa, although it
is present in both those areas, but it's moving up
and really once you get up to that ear leaf,
now you're starting to effect yield and it's moving north.
Although it's not quite all the way up to Minnesota

(28:53):
in heavy, heavy pressured areas, but we're starting to see
that really climb in. And if you have not made
the investment for the fungus side application, you know, you're
definitely seeing a lot more of that severity in southern rust.
Even even farmers that did put some fungus site out

(29:13):
there at Tasseling or around Tasseling are still seeing some
evidence of that southern rust moving in. It's just an
aggressive type fungus that we have to watch out for.

Speaker 23 (29:22):
Of course, tarspot is back again as one of the
top annual fungal diseases that farmers need to manage.

Speaker 24 (29:27):
Tarspot, on the other hand, it's present, but it really
hasn't blown up. I think it's just a tickle too hot,
especially at night. We had those eighty plus degree day
nights and boy, that really set that that fungus back,
I think in my opinion, but the tar spot just
really hasn't been as aggressive as it has in years past.

Speaker 1 (29:47):
Now.

Speaker 24 (29:47):
The other problem with that is those hot nights. Even
though it's good for tarspot, it's also bad for the corn.
You get those hot nights and boy, that plant doesn't
have time to respire or just really relax and you know,
open up the stomata and let let it out. And
so that's a lot of pressure where that plant has
to really work to keep itself cool and keep everything
moving and flowing within that within the xylum and the

(30:09):
floam and the plant.

Speaker 23 (30:10):
On the soybean side of things, Hoy said that diseases
like sudden death syndrome can ravage fields in a flash.
With podfill happening right now, it's important to stay ahead
of these diseases.

Speaker 24 (30:19):
Get into soybeans. Like you said, we have the brown
stem roth, the sudden death syndrome. All those acres out
there that are starting to peel off and look a
little bit now, those are going to be crispy dry,
And so if I'm out there with the soybeans, I
want to make sure that I emphasize going to those
areas first, just to get as many of those soybeans
out of the field as I can quickly. And when

(30:41):
we look at the corn side, certainly with all this moisture, boy,
we know that that's probably pushed some of the nitrogen
down through the soil profile and maybe force that plant
to take a little bit of its resources from the stalks.
So if I'm out there, I'm making sure that I'm
pinching the stalks as I go down there checking those
fields as we get closer to harvest time, and if

(31:03):
I can squeeze those stocks, I know that, boy, the
next big windstorm like we got here lately, that might
kink those plants over and cause for a headache when
it comes to harvest, So I'm absolutely making sure I'm
checking the stocks primarily this fall, just to prioritize which
fields that I need to go out there and harvest first.

Speaker 23 (31:24):
For more information, visit LG seeds dot com. I'm Riley Smith, reporting.

Speaker 1 (31:28):
Farm US this morning. You're listening to wag Life.

Speaker 25 (31:33):
From the Egg Information Network. This is your agribusiness update.

Speaker 11 (31:37):
Well.

Speaker 25 (31:37):
The US and the European Union announced the framework of
an agreement on Reciprocal Fare and Balanced Trade. Key terms
include the EU's intention to eliminate tariffs on US industrial
goods and preferential market access for a wide range of
US seafood and agricultural goods, including dairy, fruits and vegetables,
soybean oil, and pork. The US commits to applying the

(31:57):
higher of either the most favorable nation terear for eight
or a tariff of fifteen percent. California's last factory that
turns sugar beets into sugar is shutting down after seventy
eight years. The La Times reports the enclosure means the
loss of hundreds of local jobs and a likely end
of sugar beet farming in the state. The Southern Minnesota
Beach Sugar Cooperative, which owns the Brawley, California plant, started

(32:18):
decommissioning the plant in July. Sugar beets are used to
produce more than half of the US sugar supply, alongside sugarcane.
In twenty twenty five, domestic availability of red meat, poultry,
and eggs is projected to increase and is expected to
rise further next year. Agrimarketing dot Com reports the latest
USDA data indicates two hundred and twenty six pounds of
red meat and poultry and about twenty two dozen eggs

(32:41):
are available per US consumer in twenty twenty five. By
next year, per capital availability is forecast to increase to
two hundred and twenty seven pounds of red meat and
poultry and twenty three dozen eggs.

Speaker 18 (32:52):
For the last forty years, the Egg Information Network has
been the source of news for farmers and ranchers. Yet
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 agriculture
news that farmers receive comes from the agg Information Network,
reaching coast to coast, deep roots and farming in decades

(33:15):
of reporting, the AG Information Network trusted and transparent journalism
for generations. The best place to reach a farmer with
a farming solution message is when they're well farming. It's
easy to find them during the day, as most farmers
are behind the wheel of the pickup truck or farm
equipment with the radio on listening to this station for
the AG Information Network of the West News. So reach

(33:37):
real farmers right here, right now as they listen to
what's important to their farm operation. Give us a call
and we'll connect you with our local farming community. They
trust us, so they'll trust you.

Speaker 25 (33:49):
Get the equipment and trucks you need at Richie Brothers
Los Angeles Auction August twenty eighth and twenty ninth. This
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is free. For more details, visit rbauction dot com.

Speaker 1 (34:03):
Bob Quin back to wrap up bag life for today. Friends.
The farm bill one of many topics of discussion this
week at the thirtieth Annual Dakota Fest in Mitchell, South Dakota.
With low comodity prices and a struggling farm economy overall,
many producers are feeling stress and looking for more certainty
about trade, farm programs, and more. And that's beyond what

(34:23):
was passed in the One Big Beautiful Bill. Back in July,
Senate Majority Leader John Thune took part in the South
Dakota Congressional Delegation Forum, and he says he is hopeful
that what's left of the Farm Bill can get done
this fall when Congress returns to Capitol Hill.

Speaker 15 (34:40):
Well, we'll see. I mean, I think that.

Speaker 26 (34:43):
Obviously a lot of farm bills we said got out
of reconciliation.

Speaker 4 (34:48):
We just got majority in vir.

Speaker 26 (34:49):
January and the previous two years, and Democrats out of
the majority of the VIVA will love this committee.

Speaker 24 (34:55):
So I'm full paying.

Speaker 26 (34:56):
Well, it's left in the farm bill, we can get
the agna market on and get it on the floor
and finish.

Speaker 8 (35:02):
Up the pieces of it.

Speaker 26 (35:03):
The Internet time and the Reconciliation builder are the next year.
But obviously we need farm bills.

Speaker 11 (35:08):
It's help.

Speaker 8 (35:09):
Lot of prices are all.

Speaker 12 (35:11):
Time host and put boss in all time buys.

Speaker 26 (35:14):
Farmers are using money every year and that's not a
sustainable business model. Frankuentos, you say we got to get
more demand out there, and the US have got to
make sure we got safety programs and mismanaging programs are
working well and as the technically as as intended.

Speaker 1 (35:29):
And in terms of having these sixty votes needed to
pass a farm bill in the Senate, the Majority Leader
believes it's possible.

Speaker 4 (35:36):
Well, I think the.

Speaker 26 (35:37):
Stickty votes on a farm bills shouldn't be that far
and asked, farm bills are marks they divide geographically the country,
but typically.

Speaker 7 (35:46):
They haven't been for that until a couple of years ago.

Speaker 26 (35:50):
And I think that we can get sixty minutes on
the farm bill if we can get the ag created
market bill on, get input from the Democrats obviously the
things they want to see in the least it's historically.

Speaker 1 (36:01):
Every Thune believes that for all intents and purposes, they
have until the end of the calendar year, if necessary,
to get the farm bill across the finish line. Now,
the Majority Leader also acknowledge that issues of tariffs in
the face of the current farm economy is a top
priority for farmers and ranchers.

Speaker 26 (36:22):
It's a big issue, and the Administration Department of Agriculture
like a center wish the Secretary of the here.

Speaker 15 (36:27):
Today, they've got a deal.

Speaker 26 (36:29):
You're going to have to step up their name when
it comes to trying to get these fruits straight.

Speaker 4 (36:35):
She's very passionate about that.

Speaker 1 (36:37):
Senator thun Ada that he's had some questions with regard
to tariffs, but things the President deserves a chance to
see what kind of deals he can strike, and he
thinks for the most part, farmers and ranchers in the
Midwest have been patient on that, but need to see
some results hopefully soon. With that, friends, a out of
time for today, thanks for joining us back tomorrow morning
with another edition of Aglife.