March 28, 2024

Government Funding Package Passes,

Congress Enters Recess

On Saturday, President Biden signed legislation that will keep the government fully funded through the end of the fiscal year (September 30th). The $1.2 trillion package passed with a 74-24 vote in Senate after passing in the House by a 268-134 margin. It marks an end to what has been a tumultuous period dating back to last fall. The early negotiations and efforts to keep the government running last September led in large part to Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s loss of the Speaker’s gavel, which was then followed by significant gridlock.

Georgian Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to vacate the Speakership prior to their 2-week recess. At this time, it does not appear to have much support from the more conservative wing of the party, but it highlights the precarious role current Speaker Mike Johnson occupies. It remains to be seen if conservative discontent will once again gum up the legislative schedule for the coming months. With foreign aid, the Farm Bill, and several other key votes expected over the summer, the Speaker might need to rely more on Democratic support to keep legislation moving.

HPAI Confirmed in Dairy Cows in Two States

Earlier this week, USDA announced they had confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows in both Kansas and Texas, with illnesses also being investigated in New Mexico as well. In the past week, there had been growing concern over infections affecting dairy cows in those regions, with HPAI now confirmed as the culprit. According to the USDA, older cows are primarily at risk, with symptoms leading to decreased lactation and lowered appetite. There are no suspected risks to the general public, and little to no mortality reported on impacted herds at this time. The USDA also does not believe the disease is spread cow-to-cow at this time.

The agency acknowledged they are working with state agencies, veterinarians, and farmers as they seek to better understand the potential impacts on the industry and stem the potential spread of infection. Dairies are already required to process milk from healthy cows and divert those from unhealthy animals to avoid potential contamination risks, with pasteurization also serving as a reliable tool in eliminating the risks of viruses and dangerous bacteria. As of Thursday morning, there are no confirmed cases in California; however, CAFB is monitoring this issue closely and looking for more details on how to potentially limit the spread and risks of HPAI. We will be providing further updates as they develop. If you have any questions or concerns on this issue, please contact Matthew Viohl.

BLM Announces Sage Grouse Proposal

Earlier this month, the Bureau of Land Management announced their draft plan to strengthen protections around the greater sage grouse. They will be holding thirteen public meetings to present information and solicit feedback from interested parties. While there will be no meetings held in CA, there will be one in Reno, NV on April 16^th. In addition, the virtual meetings will be held on April 9^th and April 25^th (please see button below for more info). There is also a public comment period that is currently open and will run through June 13^th. CAFB is reviewing how these changes could impact agriculture, particularly as it relates to approved grazing lands.

BLM Releases 2024 Annual Wild Horse and Burro Population Estimates

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released its annual wild horse and burro population estimates, revealing a notable reduction in overpopulation on public lands, marking the third consecutive year of decline since 2020. The latest estimate indicates approximately 73,520 federally-protected wild horses and burros on BLM-managed lands as of March 1, 2024, a decrease of 9,363 animals compared to the previous year's estimate. Despite this reduction, the population remains nearly three times what is sustainable for public lands, prompting ongoing BLM initiatives to bring the populations to healthier levels. The agency recently released its plan to gather and remove approximately 20,000 additional wild horses and burros and treat 1,400 horses with fertility control in Fiscal Year 2024, with the added goal of placing 10,000 animals into private care through adoptions and sales. Based on population projections, approximately 20,000 animals should be removed annually, and the use of fertility control should be maximized where it can be effective, to continue the downward trend.

The BLM compiles annual wild horse and burro population estimates based on data collected by field specialists using scientifically validated aerial survey techniques developed by U.S. Geological Survey scientists. Statistical analysis of the data leads to an estimated total number of animals, including those that may be missed during the survey. The agency encourages public involvement in adoption and support programs, aiming to find suitable homes for these animals through Adoption and Sales Programs while maintaining ecological balance. To learn more about the Wild Horse and Burro Program or access population estimates, visit the link below.

Updated Water Allocations via BLM

In a welcomed development for California‘s agricultural community, the Bureau of Reclamation has announced a significant increase in water supply allocations for the Central Valley Project (CVP) in 2024. This announcement comes after a period of below-average precipitation in January, which initially raised concerns about water availability.

On February 21, Reclamation issued an initial water supply allocation for the CVP. However, recent storms in mid to late February, particularly in Northern California, have substantially improved hydrological conditions, paving the way for a more robust allocation. Acknowledging the importance of addressing drought concerns, Reclamation has taken steps to develop a south-of-Delta drought plan. As part of this initiative, approximately 83,000 acre-feet of water currently held in San Luis Reservoir will be reserved for a drought reserve pool, not factored into this year's allocations. Additionally, around 185,000 acre-feet of rescheduled water from the 2023 water year stored in San Luis Reservoir will not be included in the 2024 allocation. Allocation Increases Include:

• North-of-Delta Contractors: Irrigation water service and repayment contractors north-of-Delta will see an increase to 100% from the initial 75% of their contract total.

• South-of-Delta Contractors: Irrigation water service and repayment contractors south-of-Delta, including Cross Valley Contractors, will see an increase to 35% from the initial 15% of their contract total.
• M&I water service and repayment contractors south-of-Delta will see an increase to 75% of historical use or public health and safety, whichever is greater, up from 65% of historical use.

• Friant Division Contractors: water supply delivered from Millerton Reservoir on the upper San Joaquin River is categorized by Class 1 and Class 2. Class 1 will be increased to 65% from the initial 60%; Class 2 remains at 0%.

Updates on water supply and past year's allocations are available on the Reclamation California-Great Basin Region's website.

Senate Passes Resolution to Block Paraguay Beef Imports

Last week, the Senate approved a resolution attempting to block the USDA’s Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) from lifting a 25-year old ban on the import of fresh beef from Paraguay. The measure passed in a bipartisan 70-25 vote, with Sen. Alex Padilla supporting it as well. While the overall number of imports were not expected to make much of an impact on the nation’s overall beef supply, questions remain about the existence of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in Paraguay’s cattle industry. Per their own release, APHIS has not actually held their own on-the-ground inspections since 2014 and are relying on self-reported data from Paraguayan companies. Given the potential risks of reintroducing the highly contagious disease back into the US, CAFB supports the efforts for Congress to revert the rule through the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution. The CRA now heads to the House.

Matthew Viohl

Federal Policy, Director

Erin Huston

Federal Policy, Consultant

Isabella Quinonez

Public Policy Coordinator