Monthly Archives: August 2020

As the West Coast continues to experience an historic heat wave and related energy shortages, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an emergency proclamation designed to free up energy capacity and reduce the need for temporary energy service disruptions. The proclamation temporarily allows some energy users and utilities to use backup energy sources to relieve pressure on the grid during peak times during …

Infographic courtesy of the California Department of Health Services

By Brian Johnson Overwhelmed hospitals. Large outbreaks at food processing plants and skilled nursing facilities. And sobering statistics that mean ongoing restrictions on everything from local businesses to schools. Tulare County is waging a war against the coronavirus, and the state is here to help meet their needs and get a handle on the virus’ spread. “We’re here to listen …

By Kevin Hecteman As the 21st century continues, Southern California will likely feel the effects of climate change, and farmers and ranchers will want to be ready to adapt: That’s the main conclusion of a report released by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which partnered on the project with the San Diego-based Climate Science Alliance. At a webinar …

From a USDA news release USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) invited potential conservation partners to submit project applications for federal funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will award up to $360 million dollars to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability.  …

From a USDA news release U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that additional commodities are covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in response to public comments and data. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to apply for the program to September 11th, and producers with approved applications will receive their final …

By Dr. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis professor Americans won’t halt global warming until they stop eating beef — at least, that’s what many people have been taught. Some have even reluctantly given up their steaks and cheeseburgers in a well-intentioned effort to save the planet. Thankfully, those sacrifices aren’t necessary. A closer look at the data shows that while cattle …

California is the top milk-producing state, accounting for 21 percent of the milk produced in the United States. With that comes responsibility to find innovative solutions for managing cow manure while ensuring food and water safety and security – and California farmers and ranchers remain on the forefront in helping find new agriculture technologies that lead to environmental solutions. The …

From a California Milk Advisory Board news release The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced today the return of its dairy product innovation competition with the launch of the Real California Milk Snackcelerator to inspire new ideas integrating the flavor and functionality of California dairy into snack formulations that meet the needs of today’s consumers. With more than $450,000 in …

By CDFA secretary Karen Ross and California Rangeland Trust CEO Michael Delbar As California continues to respond to the challenges of COVID-19, some people are cautiously venturing out into the state’s abundance of open spaces, while hopefully wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and practicing other safe behaviors.  From parks to rangeland, our state’s open spaces provide a variety of aesthetic …