Sabrina Halvorson

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.

This episode of Voices of the Valley features how nutrient-rich crops play a crucial role in our well-being with insights from our health and wellness expert, Beth Sims.

Congressman Adam Gray, the newly elected U.S. Representative for California’s 13th Congressional District, is bringing his lifelong connection to agriculture and pragmatic approach to Washington, D.C. In an interview on the AgNet News Hour, Gray discussed his priorities and vision for addressing critical issues in the San Joaquin Valley, particularly focusing on water resources and agricultural sustainability.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced the withdrawal of the proposed rule, Fair and Competitive Livestock and Poultry Markets, originally issued on June 28, 2024. The proposed rule aimed to specify practices that violate Section 202(a) of the Packers and Stockyards Act of 1921 (P&S Act) by defining unfair conduct that harms both market participants and the broader market. The decision, announced by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, is due to limited time remaining in the Biden administration’s term.

In one of his final calls with agriculture reporters, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finalized its third major rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act, continuing efforts to promote fairness and transparency in agricultural markets. However, the USDA has also announced the withdrawal of a proposed rule intended to define unfair practices in livestock and poultry markets, citing time constraints in the current administration.

Richard Fordyce has been appointed as the Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, marking his return to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Fordyce, a Missouri farmer, previously served in the Trump administration as the Administrator of

This episode of Voices of the Valley features Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) and connecting the community to farms.

Almond growers must stay vigilant against early-season diseases that threaten their orchards. So says Cassis Rieser, Technical Service Manager for UPL North America, who recently highlighted key diseases and introduced a new solution.