Water Legislation

California's outdated water infrastructure, built for a population of 20 million, now serves approximately 37 million people. Storage is inadequate; agriculture must contend with severe allocation cutbacks; and a major water bond has likely been postponed until 2012.

May 25, 2012

News

Food is the ultimate weapon of war 1

This is the thing to remember about food and conflict: When you’re famished, you’ll do almost anything to feed yourself. And when you’re children are famished, you’ll do anything to feed them. Food insecurity is a recipe for social unrest....More
May 25, 2012

News

California readies for water banking

Parallels to banking abound as municipalities and individual farming operations save up for a dry day, not a rainy one. Coming out of a relatively dry winter and perennially challenged to find water, Clovis and Fresno are taking steps toward better water management — including water banking and recycling water....More
May 25, 2012

News

USDA considers crop report change

USDA will seek public input before it decides whether to change the release times of market-moving reports on farm data now that futures markets are open nearly around the clock....More
May 25, 2012

News

Wet April boosts California water deliveries

DWR estimated it will be able to deliver 65 percent of requested State Water Project water this year. This is up from the 60 percent delivery estimate – or allocation – announced on April 16....More
May 25, 2012

News

Farmer Mac's income up 29 percent

The Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation reported strong first quarter 2012 results, as increased earnings benefited from growth in program assets and credit quality remained high....More
May 24, 2012

News

New water forecast for Klamath Project

The most recent calculation of available water supply for the Klamath Project suggests a shortage of approximately 70,000 acre-feet of expected demand through the end of the irrigation season....More
May 24, 2012

News

Biomass spread would transform global politics

Replacing foreign oil with domestically grown biomass would revolutionize world politics and economies. Future oil shortages are predicted as China and India increase use at a time when oil production is leveling off and dropping. Prices could reach $200 a barrel, doubling the price of gasoline....More
May 24, 2012

News

Smart meter role grows as water access shrinks

A report finds that, as demand for water increases, utilities around the world will face increasing pressure to manage the resource as efficiently as possible and smart water meters will be relied on as a key element of future water systems...More
May 24, 2012

News

Ex-Im reauthorization bill passed

Ex-Im reauthorization had been stalled in the Senate over a procedural dispute about amendments. The measure, which also increases the ceiling on the Bank's lending from $100 billion to $140 billion, now goes to the President for his signature....More
May 24, 2012

News

USDA expands credit access for farmers

USDA has made substantial, year-over-year gains in expanding credit opportunities for farmers and ranchers across the United States. USDA is seeking comments on a new microloan program to help small and family operations progress through their start-up years with needed resources, while building capacity, increasing equity, and eventually graduating to commercial credit....More