Sabrina Halvorson

Note: As of the time of this posting, this race is not yet called. However, the results are trending significantly toward the measure failing. To view live election results, visit the Sonoma County elections page.

The outcome of the 2024 General Election is set to bring significant changes to the agricultural landscape, according to at least one expert. With Donald Trump returning to the presidency, new dynamics will unfold, especially in the U.S. Senate, where pivotal shifts are already affecting the agriculture sector. That, according to Ethan Lane, Vice President of Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, who emphasized the importance of these changes.

Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.While the election is now behind us, the future of the long-awaited Farm Bill remains in question. Farmers and ranchers have been waiting for the reauthorization of the bill for more than a year, since the last bill expired in September 2023.

The U.S. wine industry is grappling with challenges stemming from international tariffs and complex distribution laws, both of which impact the market for domestic and imported wines.

Over 700 attendees were at the 81 st Annual National Association of Farm Broadcasters (NAFB) Convention last week in Kansas City, Missouri. And during the NAFB Awards Luncheon held on Friday, AgNet Media’s own Sabrina Halvorson received the Farm Broadcaster of the Year Award.

The United States is facing its highest levels of food insecurity since the 2008-2009 economic downturn, according to Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. In a recent interview, Babineaux-Fontenot revealed that nearly 50 million Americans, including 14 million children, are experiencing hunger. These statistics, she emphasized, are a stark reminder of the growing crisis.

Bee Hero, a startup founded in 2017 and operating in Israel and California, is using technology to transform agricultural pollination. The company provides precision pollination services, working with both beekeepers and growers to optimize crop yields and ensure sustainability in agriculture.

Elizabeth Watkins, a multifaceted talent from Linden, California, combines her passions for agriculture, cooking, and education to inspire others. Known as a media personality, chef, and former Chopped Junior champion, Watkins uses her diverse background to connect consumers with farming in creative and impactful ways.

Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.This week, the American Farmland Trust (AFT) is promoting the importance of soil health through Healthy Soils Week, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about sustainable farming practices. Paul Lum, a Senior Agricultural Specialist for AFT, discussed the organization’s efforts and the critical role of healthy soils in agriculture.

Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed listing the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, sparking a wide range of reactions from stakeholders. The proposal aims to gather public input on species-specific protections and strategies to promote conservation efforts for the iconic pollinator.