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Written by Gabriel Flores (Government Relations Intern) The central foundation of farmers and ranchers extends well beyond equipment, products, and income; it's their land, something seen more as "just" property. Arizona law allows land actively used for farming or ranching to receive an agricultural classification, recognizing the economic realities of agriculture and ensuring land is taxed correctly rather than taxed on potential development value. This week's topic will be

Written by Gabriel Flores (Government Relations Intern) Farmers and ranchers do not work on a one-year schedule. Equipment acquisition, improved conservation practices, herd management, and land transition processes require commitment over extended periods. American agriculture has operated since 2018 under temporary farm bill extensions, but something more permanent could be in the works... The new bill, H.R. 7567, Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, was introdu

Learn all about running a diversified farm operation in Arizona with East Side Director Harold Payne. Showcasing the pecan, citrus, and alfalfa operation at Ft McDowell farm where he has leaned on his involvement in Farm Bureau & the Western Pecan Growers Association to ensure the success of the operation.

This week's ag report shares updates from federal and state happenings as well as a specialty crop grant!

Written by Gabriel Flores, Government Relations Intern Before the Cities Lit Up Before Phoenix had skyscrapers and subdivisions, it had fields. Agriculture was the economic backbone of early Arizona. Cotton, citrus, alfalfa, and cattle defined the Valley long before urban expansion. But farming in the desert required more than determination. It required irrigation. And irrigation required power . Arizona’s electrical system did not develop only to serve growing cities. It exp

Written by Gabriel Flores (Government Relations Intern) Arizona's constant growth poses new questions, threats, and even opportunities at the intersection between agriculture and urban development. On the legislative side, there is increased attention to biosolids , a byproduct of wastewater treatment, which, if managed correctly, can aid soil health. A recent influx of bills in the Arizona legislature is focusing on how biosolids can be implemented under the following criter

Written by Gabriel Flores (Goverment Relations Intern) Arizona agriculture doesn’t stop at the fence line. Introduced in January 2026, No Tax on Troughs ( House Bill 2152)  aims to remove the state transaction privilege tax (TPT) on essential ranching infrastructure. While the bill may sound technical, its impacts extend well beyond agriculture, reaching Arizona’s food system, public lands, and outdoor spaces. We see it here in Arizona that ranching commonly occurs on public

Arizona recently passed the “Ag-to-Urban” bill (SB 1611), a bipartisan effort that’s getting a lot of attention—and some criticism. As the new government relations intern, it's apparent that this bill has been front lining news and needs some explaining. What does this bill really mean? Why is it important to farmers? And how is it going to address both water conservation and Arizona’s housing shortage? At first glance, it seems controversial. Some stances warn that it allows

Updates from the first week of legislative session and Brooke Rollins' appointment of the state FSA committee shows some familiar faces. All that and more on this week's Ag Report update!

What does legacy look like in 2026 agriculture? Explore what the future of agriculture looks like with Coach Kiah where she teaches how to find strength in your roots while how not to get stuck.

Tune in for this week's ag report!

This week's conversation shares a story of adaptability and resiliency within Arizona agriculture. Ross Rayner shares the history of A Tumbling T Ranch and what the future holds for their innovative operation.

Thanksgiving, a tradition rooted in the sharing of food. The pilgrims and the Wampanoag people found peace, collaboration, and a time of thankfulness over a feast of food. They understood the troubles and tribulations that were overcome in order to get to this time. The food prepared was not found easily and it signified a time of unity among one another. All characteristics we continue to associate with Thanksgiving today. As thankful as we may be for the food provided,

Dip inside the restaurant world with Chef Kevin Barko from The Heritage @ Old Town in Buckeye. Discover how it really works for restaurants sourcing locally and hear Chef Kevin's favorite tips and tricks for preparing your holiday meal!

When many folks think of Maricopa County their mind goes to Phoenix. Phoenix plays a massive role in Maricopa County as it is a beast of its own, but there is so much more to the county. To give a better idea of the scale of Maricopa County here are a few fun facts: 1.) Maricopa County is larger than 4 U.S. states 2.) Stretches 132 miles from west to east (It is 111 miles from Tucson to Phoenix) 3.) Is a leader in agricultural production in the state of Arizona Maricopa's

The strongest shoulders and the heaviest loads, those in agriculture are as tough as they come. Working cattle, fixing fences, rain, shine, early mornings, late nights and much more makes life being an agricultural producer taxing. As we all know it is more than a job, it is your passion, and within a blink of an eye something could jeopardize everything you have worked so hard for. Other times, the work becomes more than we can handle and can burn us out. No matter the s

Explore the wide world of careers in agriculture with the Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture, Paul Brierley.

Everyone loves to find and become approved for grants. Grants in agriculture are ways to strengthen operations, make techniques more efficient, and does not require any payback. Recently the Arizona Department of Agriculture released a new grant program which requires farmers to apply to it by November 25th, 2025. Be sure not to miss this deadline as it could really help someone you know or your own agricultural operation. The purpose of this new grant is to " provide a so

Agriculture is in a new age, people farming 100 years ago would be mind-blown at the technologies we now have. They could only dream of a day when cabs were enclosed and air conditioned, especially in Arizona. Combines no longer pulled by animals at 1 mile per hour, but now moving at speeds up to 5 mph, and these machines are now twice the size. Innovation and technology have been the cornerstone for agriculture for generations. The idea of creating new efficiencies excit

Agriculture is absolutely necessary to keep our society running. Without agriculture resources such as clothes, food, lumber and more we would rely more heavily on imports to meet the growing needs of our population. Providing in agriculture is not easy, regulations, costs, tariffs, etcetera make it more and more difficult to farm. In order to obey these regulations, agriculture is extremely innovative and sustainable. Although farmers and ranchers often do not receive eno