West
California bill would allow state to buy water rights from farmers
A California state senator is proposing to use $1.5 billion in taxpayer funds to buy water rights from farmers. By doing so, according to Sen. Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, the state could avoid some of the... more »
Urban water use is latest target for drought cutbacks
With farmers across California already facing severe cuts in irrigation supplies, state officials are now imposing additional aggressive conservation measures for urban consumers and local water agencies across the state. Emergency regulations, adopted May 24... more »
California processing tomato contracts up from last year
As of May 15, California’s tomato processors reported they have or will have contracts for 11.7 million tons of processing tomatoes for 2022. This production estimate is 4.1% lower than the January intentions forecast of... more »
President Biden appoints key USDA role for California
President Joe Biden appointed Maria Herrera as USDA state director of rural development for California on May 19. Maria Gallegos Herrera is a proud daughter of farmworker parents who grew up in the rural agricultural... more »
California growers face new water cuts
With 60% of the state now in extreme drought conditions, state officials are warning water-right holders that they should expect more curtailments during peak irrigation season in June and July. In a statement last week,... more »
Board renews water curtailments for Russian River in California
Farmers with water rights along the Russian River in Mendocino and Sonoma counties may be subject to further curtailments of water diversions after the California State Water Resources Control Board readopted emergency actions from last... more »
USDOL recovers $225K in back wages for ag workers in California
Migrant workers in the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program provide critical seasonal labor on farms across California, spending weeks away from home doing the grueling work needed to support the state’s $49 billion agricultural industry.... more »
Wildfire worries ramp up in the Pacific Northwest
Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire, and that’s certainly been the case in the Western U.S. in recent years. The increasing number of Western wildfires – which cause smoke and higher levels of ozone pollution... more »
Current Issue
Family, dedication fuel Georgia onion grower’s success
West Coast growers battle water shortages
University of Idaho researchers help develop solar-powered weeding robot
SC farming family legacy passes century mark
Greenhouse operation grows, processes and serves tomato dishes to tourists
Tools, techniques don’t solve celery meltdown
Great Lakes EXPO: Delivering the ultimate farm market
Farm Market column: What’s the difference between markup and profit?
Ag Labor Review: Will 2022 be remembered as the Year of Ag Labor Regulations?
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