YOUR SOURCE FOR CAWG AND INDUSTRY NEWS. FOR CAWG MEMBERS ONLY. |
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The emergency regulation authorizes the board to issue orders to cease diversions. It also requires some users to furnish additional information to the board, if requesting an exception from the board’s order. The regulation will likely remain in effect into the next water year, when next summer’s ongoing supply-demand projections could again require curtailments.
“The purpose of this regulation is very simply an attempt to implement the water right priority system, inform users when water is not available at their priority of right and doing that in a conservative way,” said Diane Riddle, of the board’s Division of Water Rights. However, Delta water districts and users may challenge the regulation in court.
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Republican Lawmakers Criticize Newsom's Drought, Wildfire Response |
U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), state Sen. Jim Nielsen (R-Red Bluff) and state Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) this week held a joint press conference at Lake Oroville “to demand urgent action to address the gross mismanagement of the state’s water, power and wildlands.” The lawmakers spoke to the media above the Hyatt Power Plant, which is expected to stop generating electricity for the first time in history due to low water levels at Lake Oroville. According to a San Jose Mercury News article, Lake Oroville has reached its lowest levels since September 1977.
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USDA Announces Crop Insurance Flexibilities Amid Drought |
USDA announced its Risk Management Agency will authorize approved insurance providers to extend payment deadlines, defer and waive interest accrual and allow other crop insurance flexibilities to help farmers and ranchers through severe drought conditions.
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Drought, Water Supply Are Top Environmental Concerns in CA |
From Public Policy Institute of California: A new PPIC survey finds Californians are increasingly concerned about drought and water supply. More than ever before, they also recognize that climate change is worsening drought and wildfires in the state, and they broadly support the state taking action on climate change.
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EPA Seeks Farmer Input on Redefining WOTUS |
Farmers are encouraged to participate in U.S. EPA’s upcoming decision-making process regarding “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). The agencies released a schedule for initial public meetings in August to hear from stakeholders on revising the definition of WOTUS and how to implement that definition. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “It is vital that farmers and rural Americans have a seat at the table and a voice in this process so that the rule responds to concerns and realities on the ground.”
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Drought and Reservoir Conditions |
Statistics comparing current conditions to this time last year.
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View Video: Crop Insurance Webinar |
During this Aug. 2 webinar, speakers discussed the latest issues and developments related to crop insurance coverage in the event of wildfire and smoke-related losses, and how lessons learned from the 2020 crop season will affect crop insurance this year and next.
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State, Federal Action on Wildfire Response |
Gov. Newsom, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore on Aug. 4 gathered at the 2020 August Complex area to discuss state-federal collaboration on wildfire response, fuels management and other wildfire resilience efforts (read press release). Two days prior, Moore issued a memo to staff on wildland fire direction, stating “we are in a national crisis.” He wrote, “The current situation demands that we commit our fire resources only in instances where they have a high probability of success and they can operate safely and effectively. We will rely on the tested principles of risk management in determining our strategies and tactics. We are in a ‘triage mode’ where our primary focus must be on fires that threaten communities and infrastructure.”
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Providing the very best California crop insurance services. |
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Monterey County
Winegrapes were the No. 12 crop with a total value of $106 million, down from $186.1 million in 2019 and $247.8 million in 2018. The significant decrease of 43% was due to effects of wildfires, COVID-19, a decrease in production and average price per ton. Total tons equaled 94,300, down from 132,000 in 2019. Top white varieties by value: chardonnay ($47.3 million; 16,758 acres; 41,500 tons), pinot gris ($5 million; 1,207 acres; 5,310 tons) and sauvignon blanc ($3.5 million; 1,101 acres; 3,400 tons). Top red varieties by value: pinot noir ($22 million; 10,665 acres; 14,500 tons), cabernet sauvignon ($12.1 million; 5,057 acres; 13,100 tons) and merlot ($2.4 million; 3,975 acres; 2,960 tons).
Santa Barbara County
Winegrapes were the No. 5 crop with a total value of $93.8 million, down from $106.1 million in 2019 and $121.3 million in 2018. Total harvested acreage was 14,399, down from 14,927 in 2019. The top five varieties by value: pinot noir ($41.2 million; 5,504 acres; 14,641 tons), chardonnay ($21.5 million; 4,176 acres; 12,653 tons), syrah ($8.7 million; 1,233 acres; 3,477 tons), sauvignon blanc ($5.3 million; 785 acres; 3,226 tons) and grenache ($3 million; 377 acres; 1,244 tons).
Solano County
Winegrapes were the No. 7 crop with a total value of $21.2 million, down slightly from $21.6 million in 2019. Total bearing acreage was 4,000, up from 3,730 in 2019. Red varieties: 11,600 tons; $13.1 million value. White varieties: 10,800 tons; $8.1 million.
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With over 30 harvests, the G3 Ag Team has deep experience in winegrape hauling. Our operational expertise and agile planning combine to provide responsive service for wineries and grape growers large and small. Click on image or here to view video.
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Podcast: Microbial Inoculants for Soil Health |
The Vineyard Team's Aug. 5 podcast features Dave Olson of Sustainable Growing Solutions, who discusses how to improve soil quality with microbes, ultimately improving plant quality.
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Ag Labor Relations Board to Discuss Impact of Heat on Ag Workers
WHEN: Aug. 10 / 10 a.m. (panel starts at 11 a.m.)
TOPIC: The public meeting includes a panel session titled “Overview of Extreme Heat and Impact of Heat on Agricultural Industry and Farmworkers.”
UC AG Expert Talk: Grape Powdery Mildew Management and Challenges
WHEN: Aug. 11 / 1 p.m.
SPEAKERS: UC and UCCE experts.
Lodi Winegrape Commission Mineral Nutrient Management Meeting
WHEN: Sept. 7 / 8-9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Burgundy Hall, Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E. Lockeford St., Lodi
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July issue
Wine Business, Aug. 5
Wine Business, Aug. 5
Cal Matters, Aug. 5
Beverage Industry Enthusiast, Aug. 4
Aug. 3
Aug. 2
The insects are leaving a trail of black mold across the East.
Popular Science, July 31
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The August issue was emailed to members yesterday. You can access the digital copy here.
If your company is interested in placing an ad in an upcoming issue, please contact Meredith Ritchie at meredith@cawg.org.
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SEPTEMBER
10 / Nominations due for CAWG Grower & Leader of the Year — details
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