**On January 1, farmers in the eight counties of California’s San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District will be prohibited from nearly all open burning under a state law adopted in 2003.
The law aimed to address the poor air quality in the Valley.
Agricultural burning, which accounts for about 4% of the region’s fine particulate pollution, has always been the cheapest and easiest way to dispose of orchard and vineyard waste.
**USDA’s response to bird flu in poultry and cows will end up costing at least $2 billion, according to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
APHIS says it’s committed about $1.3 billion so far, including $901 million to cover depopulation of poultry and eggs and $239 million on bird disposal.
It also includes $163 million to address the recent outbreaks in dairy cows.
Another $816 million is available to continue addressing bird flu.
Corn And Soybean Prices Climb Higher As Demand Grows
**Grain prices have fallen to their lowest level since COVID-19.
A Bloomberg report extended this year’s losses to 17%, with grains trading at the lowest since 2020.
It’s a sharp reversal from the post-COVID rally that saw grain prices more than double through 2022.
University of Illinois Ag Economist Scott Irwin says the losses look punishing due to rising expenses and the significant drop in corn and soybean prices.