weather
USDA offers more than $3 billion for 2022 specialty crop damage
The USDA will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers affected by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP)... more »
EFI offers tips on dealing with summer heat
As the nation experiences a summer of extreme heat, the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) is raising awareness about the dangers and symptoms of heat and sun exposure. The EFI provides a downloadable tip sheet for... more »
What do farmworkers and NFL players have in common?
What do professional football players and farmworkers have in common? They have long seasons, traveling from place to place. They have to spend time away from their family. They frequently deal with aches, pains and... more »
Pest, disease damage expected, harvest impacts uncertain
The seemingly unending flow of water saturating their fields is burdening California growers with pests and diseases. In March and continuing into April and later, torrential rains and multiple “atmospheric rivers” swept across the state,... more »
California cantaloupe growers report delayed planting
California cantaloupe farmers are overjoyed with the amount of rainfall received this winter and for the welcome relief to severe drought conditions that have impacted growing areas for the past several years. Although rainfall was... more »
‘Atmospheric river’ brings more flooding to California
Californians are bracing for more rains, again from an “atmospheric river” phenomenon that is expected to bring more flooding. Flood watches, Winter storm warnings, watches and advisories, wind advisories and gale watches along the coast... more »
California growers determine options in wake of flooding
With the rains that flooded much of California since late December abating, growers are beginning the complicated process of calculating the damage. Norm Groot, executive director of the Monterey County Farm Bureau, joined experts from... more »
Commentary: A cautious smile after our Salad Bowl ‘storm watch’
After three long years of drought impacts, California has shifted climate gears into a monumental precipitation cycle that has brought deluges to many parts of our state. Here on the Central Coast, many areas have... more »
Storms damage California crops, farms
Storms bring water and havoc to California farms. While the water from the storms that hit California during the past two weeks brought some hope for agriculture’s water needs, it also damaged crops. The historic... more »
Hurricanes blow in changes for Southeastern organic grower
North Carolina is productive vegetable country with good soils, good climate and access to urban markets, but the September hurricane season is changing the industry. One example is Black River Organic Farm near Ivanhoe. Most... more »
