West

Pandemic, winter fuel California surge in food-bank demand

Hunger knows no season; however, the California Association of Food Banks said demand for food increases during the winter months. The differences this year are new challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a shortage... more »

Wage rules change as ag faces host of new state laws in California

Farmers and ranchers will find themselves subject to new laws in 2022 that will raise wages, redefine animals' living arrangements and allow ranchers better access to livestock in evacuation zones. Effective Jan. 1, California's minimum... more »

Water Storage Investment Program funds projects in California

The atmospheric river storm that brought some rain and snow to the parched state may serve as a reminder that California is still waiting to build planned infrastructure for storing water in wet years for... more »

Supply chain disruptions’ relief lauded by United Fresh

In mid-December there were a couple of important initiatives by the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Agriculture designed to help alleviate ongoing workforce and supply chain challenges. On Dec. 16, Secretary of... more »

California food safety scientists mark 30 years with USDA Pesticide Data Program

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) joins the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Agricultural Marketing Service Pesticide Data Program (PDP). CDFA’s Center for Analytical Chemistry (CAC)... more »

More funding set for Corvallis Western Ag Research Center in Montana

An expansion of the Corvallis Western Ag Research Center (WARC) has received another funding boost. Montana State University (MSU) announced a $50,000 contribution from Northwest Farm Credit Services to the planned remodel of the center... more »

Biological opinions in water dispute reviewed by California judge

A federal judge is reviewing a proposed order requesting approval of an interim operations plan for 2022 that would affect Central Valley Project and State Water Project agricultural water users. U.S. District Court Judge Dale... more »

Support for petitions for citizenship comes from California Farm Bureau

California's largest membership agricultural organization is partnering with immigration advocates to support U.S. citizenship applications from farm employees who may be eligible for naturalization. California accounts for one in every three farmworkers in the United... more »