Pests are a big problem for growers. Specifically in California, stinkbugs can be big trouble for almond producers.
Entomologists say this time of year is prime time for the often hard to spot bugs.
“They’re hard to find. They’re often in the tops of the trees. Sometimes they’ll migrate in the middle of season, you’ll get pest control advisors that are looking diligently for leafleted bugs in April, May, and maybe the beginning of June and kind of stopped looking for bugs because leaflet of bug seasons over. Then maybe you have, you know, silage corn field that gets harvested next to you or tomato field or something, and these stink bugs come in. They can cause damage into June with relatively hardened off shells causes the black spot on the nut that’s rejected harvest,” said David Haviland.
Haviland says if a producer suspects any damage caused by stink bugs, to work with the huller, saying they might be able to separate worm damage.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum joins us to break down what year-round E15 passage could mean for agriculture, energy markets, and the future of renewable fuels in the United States.
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Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton joins us to discuss fertilizer affordability concerns, Senate Agriculture Committee testimony, and spring planting conditions in Kentucky.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition joins us to discuss the proposed federal gas tax suspension, fuel cost pressures, and what the policy could mean for agriculture and transportation.
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Farmdoc economist estimates 2024 colony stock losses at roughly $175 million, with rebuilding and renovation costs near $161 million.
