Western flooding impacts agriculture in a big way. Recently Todd Fitchette, Western Farm Press, traveled to the Tulare Lake area of California, on the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, to survey the damage. From flooded fields to relocated farms, the impact has been significant, and will be felt beyond season 2023.

Fitchette offers his first-hand look at the region, how it’s being impacted and what he learned from farmers in the region. The region had been suffering from a multi-year drought that hindered production. Now a surplus of water is doing the same thing, from lost pistachio trees to unplantable acres, the impact will be felt into the future.

Then the podcast shifts gears and takes on the topic of medically important antibiotics and their availability to beef producers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is promulgating new rules on the issue but the gist is that what was once available over-the counter, will no longer be offered that way. That means beef producers will need to seek prescriptions for these products as needed.

Betty Haynes, Prairie Farmer, talks with Julia Herman, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association cattle specialist and veterinarian, about the issue. The dig in on what it means for producers, including the need for cattle raisers to get to know their local veterinarian.

Give it a listen.

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