January 2, 2026

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, Central Coast and Valley farmers. This is Aglife.
My name is Bob Quinn, with you for the next
hour talking about agricultural production here in the state of
California and all across the country. A new USDA Regenerative
Agriculture Pilot program focuses beyond natural resources conservation and looks
at nutrition. Rod Bain starts us off.

Speaker 2 (00:22):
A connection between regenerative agricultural practices like cover crops, a
no till, improving soil nutrients and water quality, and production
of more nutrient dense foods to approve our nation's health.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Junior,
believes so.

Speaker 3 (00:38):
They provided us models for how to do this and how.

Speaker 2 (00:42):
To do it in a way at vertically integrates that
preserves profit margins and dramatically reduces in plants. HHS research
is underway of that regard. It coincides with the recent
Agriculture Department announcement of a new regenerative agriculture pilot program.

Speaker 4 (00:57):
In order to.

Speaker 5 (00:58):
Continue to be the most productive and most efficient growers
in the world, we must protect our topsoil from unnecessary
erosion and boost the microbiome of the.

Speaker 2 (01:08):
Soil Agriculture Secretary Brook Rawlod says the seven hundred million
dollars Farmer First Pilot program is designed to be a streamlined,
outcome based approach to encourage producers who wish to transition
to regenerative AG to do so.

Speaker 5 (01:22):
Whole farm planning is the centerpiece, ensuring that all resource
concerns such as soil, water, and natural vitality are addressed together,
not one piece at a time. Producers will benefit from
a single application, reducing red tape and making conservations heer
to access and are programs more impactful.

Speaker 2 (01:41):
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service will oversee the Regenerative AG
Pilot program, one that will utilize existing at our CS offerings,
the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and Conservation Stewardship Program.

Speaker 5 (01:55):
Each producer's results will be measured and credited back to
the farmer through an outcomes report, recognizing and rewarding improvements
they achieve on their own land.

Speaker 2 (02:05):
Yet, a key piece is not only the pilot program,
but federal government efforts to boost consumer education of soil
and water quality with better nutrition and health. As explained
by the Secretary.

Speaker 5 (02:16):
Using the Sustains Act, we will bring corporate label and
supply chain partners directly into partnership within RCS supporting regenerative
agriculture adoption, farmer recognition, and consumer education. Because success depends
on strong partnerships, we will expand work through our technical
service providers and local organizations to meet demand.

Speaker 2 (02:35):
Also, the Office of Urban agg and Innovative Production under
NRCS purview will.

Speaker 5 (02:40):
Extend regenerative priorities into cities and urban areas and urban communities.
And many of those places are those that are facing
the most severe crisis regarding nutritious foods and access to
nutritious foods.

Speaker 2 (02:52):
I'm Broadbane, reporting for the US Department of Agriculture in Washington,
d C.

Speaker 1 (02:57):
This is agwife Bob quin Here's Farm US this Morning, Friends.
The comment period on EPA's New Waters of the US
Rule will close at early twenty twenty six. Chad Smith
has our story.

Speaker 6 (03:10):
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed to new Waters of the
US rule to give US agriculture more clarity on what
constitutes an actual water of the US. The public comment
deadline is rapidly approaching. Courtney Briggs, Senior director of Government
Affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said, the time

(03:30):
is now for farmers and ranchers to submit their comments.

Speaker 7 (03:34):
It's important that the EPA and the Army Corps hear
the voice of agriculture. They can go to Regulations dot
gov and search for wotus and provide their comments there,
or on our website at FB dot org searching wotus
and you can go to our advocacy page and we
have set it up for our members to engage.

Speaker 6 (03:52):
Briggs said, it's important that farmers highlight this is a
durable rule.

Speaker 7 (03:57):
One that faithfully implements the Supreme Court's decision and sacket,
and one that we think is going to inject a
lot of clarity and certainty for the regulated community. So
I think farmers need to express that this is a
positive rule moving in the right direction and express their support.

Speaker 6 (04:15):
For the rule. Even though the deadline for submitting comments
is coming up soon, there is still a lengthy process
before the rule can be implemented.

Speaker 7 (04:23):
Folks have until January fifth to provide comments, and then
the rest of the regulatory process needs to play out.
Ep and the Cortney to review all of the comments
and provide responses, and then there needs to be another
round of Interagency Review.

Speaker 6 (04:37):
For more information, go to fb dot org. Forward slash
lotis Chad Smith, Washington.

Speaker 1 (04:45):
Well, Friends, As we prepare to start twenty twenty six,
there are many ranchers and livestock producers across Oregon still
trying to recover from twenty twenty four, a year that
saw record wildfires across that state. The Oregon Cattleman's Association
immediate past president Matt mcelegate says many think of wildfires
as an inconvenience because of the smoke it creates, but

(05:05):
he says those fires can easily destroy a livelihood.

Speaker 8 (05:09):
When it does burn, it does go through forest land
and also goes through open range land, but all of
it is rangeland quite frankly, and when it burns, then
it creates such a damage to the environment that we
can't as an industry graze cattle or sheep or any
other livestock on that for a couple of years unless,

(05:31):
you know, unless the conditions are just exceptional, and usually
they aren't.

Speaker 1 (05:35):
Talking wildfire recovery this morning, Friends. Next up, a focus
on new uses for soybeans.

Speaker 9 (05:42):
Hey, talking soybeans today with the United Soybean Board to
Keenan McRoberts with US United Soybean Board.

Speaker 1 (05:49):
Keenan, you're the checkoff side of the soybean industry.

Speaker 10 (05:51):
Correct, Yeah, that's correct. Work for the United Soybean Board,
investing those checkof dollars and putting our team to work
to create demand for slaving products.

Speaker 9 (06:00):
Let me ask you this, what's the next AHA moment
for soybean usage?

Speaker 10 (06:06):
You know, the next aha moment. There's a big one
right now that not a lot of people are talking about,
but it's gained a lot of traction, which is the
use of high lake soybeans and dairy rations. Yeah, it's
kind of fascinating. You can bring high lake soybeans strategically
into a dairy ration, increase milk fat yield, and potentially
reduced diet costs, which creates a profit opportunity for the

(06:26):
dairy as well as an opportunity for farmers in that region.
So this has gained traction in the Upper Midwest and
the Northeast specifically.

Speaker 9 (06:33):
I would imagine you look strongly at the fuel side
of the soybean oil usage.

Speaker 10 (06:39):
Absolutely fuels critical, and with fuels become increased crush and
increase soybeing meal production as well. So also feeding into
those animalic applications, but soybean oil is one of the
most critical feedstocks to meet in the renewable volume obligations
for bio fuel applications as well. So that's a big
part of what we're doing domestically.

Speaker 9 (06:58):
Well, and domestically it would to majors and exports side
as well. Elephant in the room has been exports. Right now,
what are you working on?

Speaker 1 (07:05):
You know, maybe I should ask you what the next
aha moment? Exports?

Speaker 10 (07:08):
You know, the exciting thing there. Back in twenty seventeen,
the soeychat cops started to diversify, look for other alternative
markets beyond China. That makes us stronger in spite of
trade disruptions and things like we've seen this year. So
we're up forty percent into all other markets this year.
Part of that's just driven by the tariff situation alone,
but a big part of that also is the strategic

(07:29):
relationships that have laid.

Speaker 11 (07:30):
The groundwork to move in that draft show.

Speaker 1 (07:32):
So new US is being developed for soybeans farm US.
This morning, you're listening to WAG Life.

Speaker 12 (07:37):
It's another rag news update. Trade policy, dairy production and
global grain demand all on the front burner for next
year more after this.

Speaker 11 (07:48):
As farmers and ranchers stewardship of the land comes naturally.
Your work keeps our water clean and improves the soil
and enhances wildlife habitat. It also provides countless benefits, not
just for you and your family, but for millions of
Americans who depend on this region every day without even
realizing it. Thank you for being stewards of America's prairie

(08:10):
for all of us. Take a moment to find out
how conservation pays, visit conservation pays dot orger.

Speaker 12 (08:18):
US agriculture heads towards twenty twenty six. With major policy
and supply signals converging, Trump administration says it will not
rubber stamp the upcoming six year review of the US
Mexico Canada Agreement USMCA. They warned that unresolved issues, including

(08:39):
dairy market access in Canada, produce competition for Mexico and
enforcement gaps could reshape trade rules. At the same time,
US milk production surged in November. Has Heard. Expansion and
higher yields pushed output more than four percent above last year,
led by California, Wisconsin, and Texas, raising concerns about price

(09:04):
pressure if demand lags in grain markets. Global wheat demand
strengthening even after record production in twenty twenty five, with
smaller US acreage and drier l Nina weather risk pointing
toward a firmer outlook next year. Export channels remain critical,

(09:24):
including steady, if limited, egg shipments to Cuba, which continues
to buy US food and grain products on a cash
only basis. It's another agnews update.

Speaker 6 (09:37):
When you look at me, you might see a person
with Parkinson's disease.

Speaker 2 (09:42):
But if you look closer, you'll see a warrior mom,
an endurance.

Speaker 13 (09:47):
Athlete, someone with a lot of fights.

Speaker 8 (09:49):
Every nine minutes, someone is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Speaker 14 (09:53):
And every one of them can turn to the American
Parkinson Disease Association.

Speaker 13 (09:57):
Look closer, my spirit.

Speaker 14 (10:00):
I visit APDA Parkinson dot org to learn more and
show your support.

Speaker 12 (10:06):
Today American Cattle News. What happens when you have the
opportunity to take beef to the nation's capital. More after this, as.

Speaker 11 (10:18):
Farmers and ranchers, the stewardship of the land comes naturally.
Your work keeps our water clean and improves the soil
and enhances wildlife habitat it also provides countless benefits, not
just for you and your family, but for millions of
Americans who depend on this region every day without even
realizing it. Thank you for being stewards of America's prairie

(10:40):
for all of us. Take a moment to find out
how Conservation pays Visit Conservation Pays dot org.

Speaker 14 (10:48):
So I am in Washington, DC for a really cool opportunity,
and every time I talk about it, I start carding
because I can't believe this is my life. But every year,
the United States Capital chooses a state to get their
Christmas tree from, and this year, for the first time ever,

(11:09):
it's from Nevada, so it's a big deal. And they
thought that since the tree's coming from Nevada, that the
dinner that is served from the Christmas tree lighting is
also from Nevada. And they asked us if we would
send parago beef to the Capital to be served at dinner,

(11:29):
and I said, yes, of course.

Speaker 6 (11:31):
We're so honored.

Speaker 14 (11:32):
So we are here and you can see you need
parago beef tomorrow night, and I can't believe it, and
it's incredible and we're so honored and grateful and all
the things. So yeah, Okay, I'm gonna stop this and
I'm not.

Speaker 12 (11:47):
Gonna grave Chesz Trask is with Parago, Hay and Cattle
from Nevada.

Speaker 15 (11:53):
Yeah, it was pretty unbelievable. I still cheer up every
time I think about it. I just kind of believe
that it was it was happening, you know, And it
was so overwhelming. When we landed in DC and we're
driving to the hotel and then we go out the
window we see the capital, I'm like, oh my gosh,

(12:14):
and it just hit me all at once. And anyway,
so I just I thought I should film this right
now because it's genuine and I should put it out
there for the world to see. And it got a
really nice response, which was really nice. But yeah, we
had a great time going back there.

Speaker 12 (12:30):
Just Trask with Parago, Hay and Cattle from Nevada, American
Cattle News.

Speaker 16 (12:38):
Welcome to the Line on Agriculture Report. This is Lori
Boyer for the EG Information Network. The Streamlining Procurement for
Efficient Execution and Delivery Act, known as the SPEED Act,
is a National Environment of Policy Act reform measure that
has recently passed out of the House and now was
headed to the Senate. The legislation aims to cut the
red tape and streamline permitting, a move supporter's sake could
benefit producers. Of the supporters is the National Cattaman's Beef Association.

(13:03):
Vice President of Government Affairs. Garrett Edmonds with NCBA has
more on what the bill could mean for agriculture.

Speaker 17 (13:09):
Livestock producers rely on federal permitting under NEPA to make
range improvements, carry out other voluntary conservation work to maintain
their working lands and prevent degradation. Unfortunately, NEPA has a
lot of red tape and the outdated processes have made
permitting for livestock grazing much more difficult and costly. We're
really excited to see this legislation move out of the House.

(13:31):
Chairman Westermen of the House Natural Resources Committee has been
a huge champion of this legislation to get it over
that hurdle. You know, I think there's going to be
some good conversations around this in the Senate and we
look forward to engaging on those and building out the
coalitions necessary to see NEPA reform take place.

Speaker 16 (13:48):
Furthermore, NCBA says outdated NEPA processes have made permitting for
livestock grazing much more difficult and costly, which limits the
amount of conservation work that can be done and leaves
working lens and much worse condition. Happy New Year. I'm
Lori Boyer for the EIG Information Network.

Speaker 4 (14:03):
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

(14:25):
mean the most to you online at aginfo dot net.
The AG Information Network trusted and transparent journalism lasting for
the next generation. 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

(14:47):
for the ag Information Network of the West News. So
reach 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 16 (15:03):
For the AG Information Network.

Speaker 18 (15:05):
I'm Lori Boyer.

Speaker 3 (15:07):
This is Tim Hamrich of THEAG Information Network with your
Farm of the Future report. Farm Blocks is a farm
automation system connecting equipment and infield sensors to the Internet
so farmers can see everything from their phone or computer
and take action. The company recently announced it has relocated
its headquarters to Santa Cruz, California. CEO Nathan Rosenberg says

(15:29):
the company was started about five years ago, originally in
indoor agriculture, but then saw an opportunity for their tech
on more traditional farms.

Speaker 19 (15:38):
What we did is we really refocused on existing farms,
existing farmers, and we took a very deep look at
what they do every day and how we can help
them with technology. And so what we found is that
farmers spend most of their time just driving around, walking around,
checking for problems, and so we were like, hey, we

(15:58):
can fix that. I would bring back half of a
farmer's time so they could do something more valuable. So
what we did is we built a platform where a
farmer can build really any solution around monitoring what's happening,
so they can mix like a tank level sensor with
I don't know, a pressure sensor to give a really

(16:19):
accurate reading of like what's happening a tank or maybe
their irrigation system or what have you.

Speaker 3 (16:25):
The new location will position farm blocks near the recently
launched reservoir farms.

Speaker 4 (16:31):
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,

(16:52):
reaching coast to coast, deep roots and farming. In decades
of reporting, the AGG Information Network trusted and transparent journalists
them 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

(17:15):
for the AAG Information Network of the West news. So
reach 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 3 (17:31):
And that's today's Farm of the Future Report, brought to
you by the AG Information Network. I'm Tim Hambrhridge.

Speaker 20 (17:37):
Some great funding coming from the USDA to the California
almond industry. I'm Patrick Cavanaugh with the California Trina Report,
part of the VASTAG Information Network. Clarice Turner is President
and CEO of the Armored Border California.

Speaker 21 (17:53):
Strategic Market Expansion. We were successful in securing thirteen million
dollars in RAP funding from the USDA.

Speaker 20 (18:00):
RAP funding is Regional Agriculture Promotion program.

Speaker 21 (18:04):
Which really helped us accelerate our efforts, particularly in Morocco
and Turkey, but also in India. And those were three
priority areas for the US government in terms of stimulating
demand and trade. So now Morocco's in our top ten.
So that happened quickly.

Speaker 20 (18:21):
That funding actually came to the almond industry last year.

Speaker 21 (18:25):
So we can spend it over I think it's three
to five years. We spent most of it quickly, and
you know when we get funding for things. The most
important thing is it gets spent. One, because they don't
want us to not spend it. That's the whole point
right as you're trying to stimulate demand. But two is
that you're going to be effective in the spending. So
the Almond Board has a great reputation within different channels

(18:49):
over the years because if you give us the money,
we know where we're going to spend it. We already
have the plan before we submit right to get the funding.
So it's been super, super helpful. We're going in right
right now for more and.

Speaker 20 (19:01):
That will certainly open up new markets.

Speaker 4 (19:04):
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 real farmers
right here right now as they listen to what's important

(19:25):
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. For the last forty years, the
AGG 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.

(19:49):
This is why agriculture news that farmers receive comes from
the AGG Information Network, reaching coast to coast, deep roots
and farming. In decades of reporting, the AGG Information Network
trusted and transparent journalism for generations.

Speaker 20 (20:03):
With the AG Information Network, I'm Patrick Kavanaugh.

Speaker 22 (20:06):
Welcome to ag Life. I'm Dwayne Murley with your farm news.
The cotton harvest in western Oklahoma is typically a race
against the clock and the weather, but this year it's
also a race against cancer. The agricultural community in Canoe,
Oklahoma gathered to help local farmer Robert Lutmer bring in

(20:27):
his cotton harvest. Lutmer was struggling with cancer while trying
to bring in the harvest. Custom harvester David Meisner was
one of the events organizers.

Speaker 23 (20:38):
Yeah, he's got appointments every once in a while, and
some days he ain't getting doneun til after eleven, and
sometimes even one or whatever. He's got to clean the
stripper and get going. So the community talked about it
and thought, let's help him out. So the community came
together today and going to surprise him and let him
know what we can do and be a community. We've
got a lot of individuals. We got a good number

(20:58):
of strippers that are here, and I think there's about
six tractors here to move cotton. And we got a
nice meal that's being provided by the community as well.
It's a good deal.

Speaker 22 (21:09):
Rural Americans are known for helping out each other in
times of need, especially during the holiday season.

Speaker 23 (21:15):
Yes, it is, and it's Christmas.

Speaker 24 (21:18):
You know.

Speaker 23 (21:18):
Jesus is the reason for the season, and he taught
us to give and that is one of the best
blessings that we can give. Robert right now is just
coming here together as community know that he is cared
and we're just taking care of him.

Speaker 22 (21:32):
It will be a big help as Lutmer had hundreds
of acres yet the harvest.

Speaker 23 (21:37):
We've got plenty of individuals that are coming for more
than thirty miles to try and help the situation out.
I called him on Friday morning just to check in
and see what he was doing, and he had about
six hundred and fifty then, so he's got less because
he's done some over the weekend and so on. But
still it all takes time. So whatever we get done,
however new machines we end up having here. If it's
let's just say it is seven that are here, he's

(21:58):
going to have seven less days that he has to
try and worry about harvest again.

Speaker 22 (22:02):
That is Oklahoma based custom harvester David Meisner. Chav Smith
reports that crop insurance has evolved over time.

Speaker 6 (22:11):
National Crop Insurance Services or NCIS is encouraging farmers, policymakers,
and ag professionals to check out it's Keep America Growing podcast.
The latest episode features former Congressman Mike Conaway, who previously
chaired the House Agriculture Committee. In the interview, Conaway reflects
on how crop insurance has evolved during his time in

(22:35):
politics and why it's never been more important.

Speaker 13 (22:38):
Out of the ug ballast where we are today, crop
insurance is better off. It's never been more needed than
where we find ourselves today. Given the combination of dunning Ley,
higher input costs, trade ruckers that's been going on, lower
commodity criestions. Things are really difficult in agricultural America right now,
and crop insurance is that one piece of the safety

(22:58):
net that can give count ad hoc disaster comes and goes.
But the apportance of cropping shaeds, I don't think it'd
be overstated. Most to the borrow as well as the
lender banks just won't live unless you've got backstopper cropping shirts.

Speaker 6 (23:11):
Conaway also points to recent legislative wins, including improvements included
in last year's budget reconciliation package has meaningful long term
investments in the farm safety net.

Speaker 8 (23:24):
Gt.

Speaker 13 (23:24):
Thompson and John Boseman, your Chairman's did a good job
of working in a difficult environment of trying to get
something done on a bipartisan basis, and we're able to
order billions of investments in croppertures over the ten year
budget window with increased discountsol premiums. Really certificant investments on
the customer side. Also make some great investments on the
private sector delivery system to make sure that it's fair

(23:47):
to not only the cropperatures asis but the companies themselves,
because the private sector delivery system is such an integral
part of the success.

Speaker 6 (23:55):
The conversation also touches on how crop insurance performed during
last year's federal government shutdown and continued to deliver for
farmers when other programs stalled.

Speaker 13 (24:06):
Well, first off, nobody enjoys a shutdown. It's a terrible tool.
Both parties when they're a minority, try to use it,
take advantage ever to get policy wins that they would
otherwise be able to do given the votes outage. It's
an awful tool, dreadful. It's very disruptive to most everything.
But it did not disrupt cropping. Shoes adjusters re staved.
The FEO claims were big process barbers receiving the assistants.

(24:28):
The private sector delivery system stood tall and delivered. Heret
that attire six weeks.

Speaker 6 (24:33):
NCIS President Tom Sacharias says conversations like this help put
today's policy debates into context and remind listeners why crop
insurance remains the cornerstone of the farm safety net. The
full interview with former chairman Mike Conway is available now
as part of the Keep America Growing. Podcast. Episodes can

(24:55):
be found at Crop Insuranceinamerica dot org or wherever podcast
uts are available. Chad Smith reporting, thanks for being with us.
You're listening to AG Live. I'm Dwayne Merley it's.

Speaker 18 (25:08):
Time for California agg Today on the AG Information Network,
I am Haley's ship. Want to turn a dollar into three? Well,
this is not a promise of direct profitability, but it
does speak to impact for California cotton growers facing rising
input costs. What are challenges? Pest pressure and global market competition.

(25:28):
Targeted research and education investments can deliver meaningful returns where
they matter most on the farm. The Cotton Foundation is
seeking research proposals for the twenty twenty seven growing season
to support the long term strength of US cotton, including
production systems unique to California. Research may address any segment

(25:50):
of the industry, from on farm production of raw fiber
to processes leading to finished textiles. Priority areas do include
farm profitability, cotton classing, invasive pest management, and educational outreach.
As noted earlier, National Cotton Council staff estimate that when
cash and in kind services are included, the Foundation's general

(26:14):
projects generate an estimated return of about three dollars for
every dollar invested. Proposals will be accepted through July first,
with funding decisions announced by mid August. You can learn
more at cotton dot org.

Speaker 4 (26:29):
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 20 (26:44):
Oh?

Speaker 4 (26:44):
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

(27:07):
station featuring the AGG 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 18 (27:28):
This is California AGG Today on the AG Information Network.
I am Hailey's ship. For more agnews, check us out
online at aginfo dot net.

Speaker 1 (27:37):
Bob Quinn, here are some farm us this morning friends.
The comment period on EPA's new Waters of the US
Rule will close in early twenty twenty six. Chad Smith
has our story.

Speaker 6 (27:48):
The Environmental Protection Agency proposed to new Waters of the
US rule to give US agriculture more clarity on what
constitutes an actual water of the US. Public comment deadline
is rapidly approaching. Courtney Briggs, Senior director of Government Affairs
for the American Farm Bureau Federation, said the time is

(28:09):
now for farmers and ranchers to submit their comments.

Speaker 7 (28:12):
It's important that the EPA and the Army Corps hear
the voice of agriculture. They can go to Regulations dot
gov and search for LOOTIS and provide their comments there,
or on our website at FB dot org searching WOTUS
and you can go to our advocacy page and we
have set it up for our members to engage.

Speaker 6 (28:31):
Briggs said, it's important that farmers highlight this is a
durable rule.

Speaker 7 (28:36):
One that faithfully implements the Supreme Court's decision and sacket,
and one that we think is going to inject a
lot of clarity and certainty for the regulated community. So
I think farmers need to express that this is a
positive rule moving in the right direction and express their support.

Speaker 8 (28:53):
For the rule.

Speaker 6 (28:54):
Even though the deadline for submitting comments is coming up soon,
there is still a lengthy process before where the rule
can be implemented.

Speaker 7 (29:01):
Folks have until January fifth to provide comments, and then
the rest of the regulatory process needs to play out.
EP and the Corney to review all of the comments
and provide responses, and then there needs to be another
round of interagency review.

Speaker 6 (29:15):
For more information, go to fb dot org. Forward slash
lotis Chad Smith, Washington, Well Friends.

Speaker 1 (29:24):
As we prepare to start twenty twenty six, there are
many ranchers and livestock producers across Oregon still trying to
recover from twenty twenty four, a year that saw record
wildfires across that state. The Oregon Cattleman's Association immediate past
president Matt Mcelegan says many think of wildfires as an
inconvenience because of the smoke it creates, but he says
those fires can easily destroy a livelihood.

Speaker 8 (29:46):
When it does burn, it does go through forest land
and also goes through open rangeland but all of it
is rangeland quite frankly, when it burns, then it creates
such a damage to the environment that we can't as
an industry, greased cattle or sheep or any other livestock
on that for a couple of years, unless you know,

(30:06):
unless the conditions are just exceptional, and usually they aren't.

Speaker 1 (30:09):
Talking wildfire recovery. This morning, well Friends, New Year, New Calendar.
Todd Gleeson with US. He has a report on the
Gregorian calendar and how it's used to tell time.

Speaker 24 (30:20):
US Naval Observatory master Clock at the tone Eastern Standard
Time eleven hours, twelve minutes, twenty five seconds Universal Time.

Speaker 25 (30:30):
This is the official voice of time in the United States.
It is the US Naval Observatory master Clock announcer, a
voice many radio and television stations depend upon. The US
Naval Observatory's written mission includes determining the positions and motions
of the Earth, Sun, Moon, planet, stars, and while other
celestial objects, providing astronomical data, determining precise time, measuring the

(30:52):
Earth's rotation, and maintaining the master clock. For the United States,
the US works off the Gregorian or Christian calendar, and
our concept of a year. Time is based on the
Earth's motion around the Sun. The time from one fixed
point such as the solstice or the equinox, to the
next is called a tropical year. Its length is about
three hundred and sixty five days, but varies by a

(31:13):
few minutes or hours. Our concept of a month is
based on the moon's motion around the Earth, although this
connection has been broken in the calendar we now use.
The time from one new moon to the next is
about twenty nine and a half days, so the moon
cycles and our monthly Christian calendar don't quite coincide. It
has years three hundred and sixty five or three hundred

(31:34):
and sixty six days, is divided into twelve months that
have no relationship to the motion of the moon, and
groups weeks in sets of seven days. Today, a website
called Calendars through the Ages reports almost everyone takes the
precision of our calendars for granted, unaware of the long
threads spooling out from our clocks and watches backward in time,
running through virtually every major revolution in human science. The thread,

(31:57):
it says, runs largely through the West, since this is
a source of the world's civic calendar, but also cast
lines of varying sizes and thicknesses outward to China, India, Egypt, Arabia,
and Mesopotamia, unwinding backward it pauses the thlavius and vacant
at the rush of knowledge coming from Islam in East
during the Middle Ages, at bloody wars fought over dates

(32:19):
after Rome's collapse, and at Rome itself at its height
when Julius Caesar fell in love with Cleopatra, an affair
that gave the West its calendar. Many different calendars have
been developed over the millennia to help people organize their lives.
According to a recent estimate, there are about forty calendars
used in the world today, particularly for determining religious dates.

(32:40):
Most modern countries use the Gregorian or Christian calendar for
their official activity. For University of Alomi Extension, I'm Todd.

Speaker 24 (32:50):
Resent as Atolle Eastern Standard times eleven hours, thirteen minutes,
ten seconds.

Speaker 1 (32:56):
Farm us this morning, you're listening to wag Life.

Speaker 26 (33:01):
From the Egg Information Network. I'm Boblerson with your agribusiness update.

Speaker 8 (33:05):
Well.

Speaker 26 (33:05):
Scientists at the University of California Riverside have developed a
small scale system that transforms food waste into high protein
animal feed and fertilizer. The system uses black soldier flies,
which offer a sustainable solution to an environmental problem. Black
soldier flies have long been used to break down food
scraps in agricultural waste. Compared to industrial scale operations, which

(33:26):
require significant infrastructure and staffing, the system is far more
affordable and accessible well. The USDA is forecasting the agricultural
trade deficit will shrink in twenty twenty six, more than
previously anticipated. Agripulse says, USDA expects the trade deficit to
drop from forty three point seven billion in fiscal year
twenty twenty five to thirty seven billion in twenty twenty six.

(33:47):
That's according to the quarterly trade forecast. During a previous
report in August, the USDA originally predicted a trade deficit
at forty one and a half billion dollars in this
fiscal year thanks to factors like larger than expected exports
and the USDA is received a lot of criticism for
the way it handled reductions in its workforce after President
Trump began a second term. Feedstuff says, by some estimates,

(34:07):
the department has lost as many as twenty one thousand
employees through reduction enforce measures. The Office of Inspector General
report found that between January twelfth and June fourteenth, USDA
lost a total of twenty thousand three hundred and six employees,
a loss of eighteen percent of its total workforce.

Speaker 4 (34:24):
For the last forty years, the AGG 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,

(34:44):
reaching coast to coast, deep roots and farming. In decades
of reporting, the AGG Information Network trusted in 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 AG Information Network gives
you worldwide updates from local producers to regional organizations, from

(35:07):
major crops like wheat and corn, to animal agriculture to
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 26 (35:23):
From the AGG Information Network, I'm Bob Larson with today's
agribusiness update.

Speaker 1 (35:28):
Bob went back to wrap up AGLIE for today friends.
Crop insurance evolves over time. Chad Smith wraps us up.

Speaker 6 (35:34):
National Crop Insurance Services or NCIS is encouraging farmers, policymakers,
and ag professionals to check out its Keep America Growing podcast.
The latest episode features former Congressman Mike Conaway, who previously
chaired the House Agriculture Committee. In the interview, Conaway reflects
on how crop insurance has evolved during his time in

(35:57):
politics and why it's never been more important.

Speaker 13 (36:00):
I think our ballance where we are today, crop insurance
is better off. It's never been more needed than where
we find ourselves today. Given the combination of dunning le,
higher input costs, trade ruckers that's been going on, lower
commodity prices. Things are really difficult in agricultural America right now,
and crop insurance is that one piece of the safety

(36:20):
net that can get counted. Ad hoc disaster comes and goes.
But the aphortance of crop insurance, I don't think it'd
be overstated.

Speaker 8 (36:27):
Most to the.

Speaker 13 (36:28):
Borrow as well as the lender. Banks just won't live
unless you've got a backstopper crop insurance.

Speaker 6 (36:33):
Conaway also points to recent legislative wins, including improvements included
in last year's budget reconciliation package, has meaningful long term
investments in the farm safety net.

Speaker 4 (36:45):
GT.

Speaker 13 (36:46):
Thompson and John Boseman, your Chairman's did a good job
of working in a difficult environment of trying to get
something done on a bipartisan basis, and we're able to
order billions of investments in cropper stairs over the ten
year budget window with increased discounts premiums, really certificant investments
on the customer side. But I also make some great
investments on the private sector delivery system to make sure

(37:07):
that it's fair to not only the croperatures asis, but
the companies themselves, because the private sector delivery system is
such an integral part of the success.

Speaker 6 (37:16):
The conversation also touches on how crop insurance performed during
last year's federal government shutdown and continued to deliver for
farmers when other programs stalled.

Speaker 13 (37:27):
Well, first off, nobody enjoys the shutdown. It's a terrible tool.
Both parties, when they're a minority, try to use it,
take advantage of it to get policy wins that they
would otherwise be able to do given the votes. I
don't thinks it's an awful tool, dreadful. It's very disruptive
to most everything, but it did not disrupt cropping. Shoes
adjusters restaved. The FEO claims were big process barbers receiving

(37:48):
the assistance, the private sector delivery system stood tall and delivered.
Heret that entire six weeks.

Speaker 6 (37:53):
NCIS President Tom Sacharias says conversations like this help put
today's policy into context and remind listeners why crop insurance
remains the cornerstone of the farm safety net. The full
interview with former Chairman Mike Conway is available now as
part of the Keep America Growing podcast. Episodes can be

(38:14):
found at Cropinsuranceinamerica dot org, or wherever podcasts are available.
Chad Smith reporting.

Speaker 1 (38:22):
With that friends, amount of time for today, thanks for
joining us. Back tomorrow morning with another edition of Aglife