Food And Farm News
March 25, 2026
Farm Bureau leaders advocate at Capitol
Farmers who serve on the California Farm Bureau Board of Directors gathered in Sacramento last week to meet with legislators and regulatory officials to advocate on issues that affect agriculture. Among the issues Farm Bureau board members spoke to lawmakers and their staff about were the recent increase in wolf-livestock conflicts, a proposed tax credit to offset the cost to farmers paying overtime wages, a bill that would require any wine labeled as “American” to be completely made from U.S.-grown grapes, and regulation of nitrate contamination in the state’s water supply. Roger Everett, a Tulare County beekeeper and citrus farmer, described the Capitol visits as an opportunity for farmers to highlight agricultural issues that legislators from urban areas might not be aware of. “The majority of these people don’t engage in agriculture,” Everett said. “It’s on us to provide them with the information of our operations and what affects us, and how we’re going to survive in the world they’re trying to create for us.”
Mentorship program grows next-generation farmers
The California Bountiful Foundation, a nonprofit research and education arm of the California Farm Bureau, created the Expanding Our Roots mentorship program to connect beginning farmers and ranchers with experienced producers who share practical, real-world knowledge. Through the program, mentors and mentees work through topics such as production planning, business management, market access, navigating regulations, managing risk, adopting climate-smart practices, and accessing resources and grants. The program continues to grow. To date, 246 farmers from 46 counties have enrolled. Expanding Our Roots serves a diverse group of producers, including 62 participants who speak a language other than English. Carol Thong of Sonoma County said working with her mentor, Andrew Forchini, a winegrape grower in Sonoma County, helped her better understand vineyard operations and identify ways to reduce costs, helping her make more informed decisions on her operation.
Vision tech allows dairies to identify lameness early
Lameness is one of the main reasons a dairy cow will be culled from the herd due to cost of treatment and impacts on milk production and reproduction. It affects 90% of dairy cows at least once during their lifetime. But methods used to detect lameness did not significantly improve for years. Some dairy farms have begun to use vision technology, which allows them to detect and treat lameness earlier. The trademarked SmartSight system, for example, is an artificial intelligence-driven lameness detection tool that monitors cow locomotion and generates reports on lameness status before it may be visible. Early detection means fewer severe cases, milk production and fertility are preserved, and cow health and welfare are improved. “Lameness has been a huge unknown, but that is changing with vision technology,” said Joya McCarthy, technical product manager with Specialty Herd Solutions in Fresno.
State treasurer honored for being agriculture ‘champion’
In recognition of her long record of advocacy for California farmers, ranchers and rural communities, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma has been honored with the Champion of Agriculture Award. The California Farm Bureau presented the award last week as part of the organization’s Calling on the Capitol legislative advocacy day. The award recognizes dedicated service to agriculture and honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to protecting and advancing the needs of California farmers and ranchers. Nicknamed “The Urban Cowgirl,” Ma is a founder of the San Francisco Farm Bureau and serves as its adviser. As the 34th state treasurer and throughout her career in public service, Ma has backed policies that support the Golden State’s diverse farming communities. “Treasurer Ma has shown a long commitment to California agriculture,” California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass said. “Her work on behalf of farmers and ranchers across the state is exactly what this award celebrates.”
For more information about any story in Food and Farm News, contact the California Farm Bureau Marketing/Communications Division at 916-561-5550 or email news@cfbf.com. Connect with us on Facebook, X, or Instagram: @CAFarmBureau.
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