Category: West
Block grants to assist California, Oregon producers in Klamath River Basin
USDA is investing $15 million for a new drought pilot to assist those affected. The pilot is part of a broader suite of programs available to producers to help recover losses from drought.
Volunteers needed for research study on glyphosate and herbicide selection
A research survey out of University of California, Davis, is looking for participants to share what influences their weed and pest management decisions.
AI institute expands UC Merced’s smart, sustainable agriculture effort
As one of 11 new institutes launched by the National Science Foundation this year and armed with a $20 million federal grant, University of California, Merced, will be tackling some of the most pressing issues in agriculture.
Saltwater contamination in water supplies addressed with barrier
112,000 pounds of riprap were ferried in as part of the emergency drought salinity barrier to prevent saltwater from intruding into California’s freshwater.
OSU grant studying nutritional value of flowering plants to improve bee health
Seventy-five percent of the nation’s bees travel to California for almond bloom, so knowing the nutritional value of various pollens is important to the crops that depend on them.
Last fall’s freezing weather will reduce walnut harvest
Walnut orchards in Northern California are feeling the aftermath – and seeing the reduced yields – of inconsistent and unpredictable weather conditions.
AFT shares Soil Health Economic Calculator with customized almond version
California’s water struggles make this version especially timely, which will estimate the economic effects of almond-specific soil health practices like nutrient management, cover crops, mulching and compost.
Committee passes infrastructure bill; praised by national ag, water coalition
The act includes more than $8 billion for Western water projects that expand conservation and recycling, improve ecosystems, fix aged infrastructure and build new facilities.
GrubMarket acquires Pacific Farm Management to grow ag services
GrubMarket is adding Pacific Farm Management experts in safety compliance, human resources, finances, labor and more.
California has ‘transformational’ budget for UC ANR research, outreach
Total state support of $107.9 million is geared towards rebuilding UC Cooperative Extension, IPM and 4-H programs throughout the state.
California almond grower appears in Western Growers’ videos on drought
In an ordinary year, Woolf Farming would be prepping for almond harvest. This year, trees are coming down because there’s not enough water to irrigate them.
Road to recovery: 2020 walnut freeze in northern Sacramento Valley
On the heels of both a 2018 and 2019 autumn freeze, the November 2020 freeze seems to have caused more damage in walnuts than anticipated.
Cost-effective alternatives offered to replace ag burning for orchard removal
Agricultural burning in California is being phased out by 2024, with some areas being phased out sooner. An in-person event demonstrated various equipment to use as alternatives.
Almond Board briefs congressional caucus about pollinator coalition
As one of four speaker and the only representative from agriculture, Almond Board’s Josette Lewis detailed why the California Pollination Coalition’s collaborative conservation is a strong example of environmental alliances.
NRCS California offers drought assistance; identifies high priority areas
Taking applications through July 12, the new Conservation Incentive Contracts pilot program can provide long-term support to address drought on agricultural and other lands.