Here’s what’s happening this Wednesday, February 12, 2025:
- Thousands are flocking to the World Ag Expo in Tulare County this week. The event offers something for everyone in agriculture. A pressing concern for many attendees is bird flu.
- California’s FAIR Plan, which provides insurance for those who can’t find coverage elsewhere, is seeking financial assistance for claims from the recent Eaton and Palisades wildfires.
The World Ag Expo is drawing crowds from near and far. Some visitors are on the lookout for the latest tractors, while others aim to sell livestock or enjoy delicious food, like tri-tip sandwiches.
The expo is timely, as the agriculture sector is facing several challenges. Among these are concerns about immigration laws affecting farmworkers and the potential impact of tariffs on products from California.
Bird flu is particularly troubling for the state’s poultry and dairy farmers. Lucas Fuess, a Senior Dairy Analyst at Rabobank, highlighted its severity: “In California and a few neighboring states, bird flu has severely affected production, causing a drop of around 6 to 7% compared to last year.” This decline is also contributing to a decrease in total U.S. milk production, an unexpected result that underscores the impact of bird flu on California dairies.
Meanwhile, California’s FAIR Plan faces significant financial challenges. The state Insurance Department has reported that it requires an additional $1 billion to cover claims related to the recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
