Arizona Agriculture Connection-Ag Report

Welcome back, Arizona Aggies! 🌾 September is shaping up to be a busy month for Arizona’s agriculture community, with important events, learning opportunities, and updates that directly impact our farms, ranches, and agribusinesses. Whether you’re looking to stay informed on policy changes, strengthen your biosecurity practices, or connect with fellow producers, there’s something for everyone this month.

Upcoming Events

National Cotton Council Farm Bill Meeting 📅 Today, 2:00 PM 📍 Central Arizona College, Signal Peak Campus Get the latest updates on the Farm Bill directly from experts with the National Cotton Council. This is your chance to learn how the newest provisions may affect Arizona producers. Can’t make it today? Another session will be held tomorrow, September 11th, at 9:30 AM at Eastern Arizona College. FIND MORE INFO HERE

EPA Webinar: Protecting Endangered Species 📅 September 16th, 2:00 PM The Environmental Protection Agency will host a webinar focused on new mitigation measures designed to protect endangered species from pesticide exposure. This is an important discussion for farmers and pesticide applicators working to balance crop protection with conservation. LINK HERE

Arizona Water Conference 📅 Friday, September 19th 📍 SRP Para Club Water continues to be the most pressing issue for Arizona agriculture. Hosted by the Agribusiness and Water Council, this year’s conference will dive into critical conversations around water allocation, conservation practices, and long-term sustainability for our ag communities. REGISTER HERE

Racin 4 Bacon Fundraiser 📅 September 19th, 5:00 PM 📍 Superstition Manor Support Ag in the Classroom by enjoying an evening of food, fun, and community. Proceeds will help bring agricultural education into Arizona classrooms, connecting kids with the story of where their food comes from. Contact Katie Booth for a ticket: katiebooth@azfb.org

Changing Hands Seminar 📅 November 4th 📍 Sheraton Mesa Hotel Succession planning is a topic many families avoid until it’s too late. This Arizona Farm Bureau seminar will provide tools and strategies to help ag families prepare for the future of their operations, ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation. For registration please contact Katie Booth: katiebooth@azfb.org

📰 News Updates

Avian Influenza Good news for Arizona poultry producers—there have been no new detections in commercial flocks and only one dairy herd case reported in the past 30 days. With fall bird migration approaching, however, it’s critical to remain vigilant. Review your biosecurity measures and stay informed about potential risks.

Monsoon Rains & Dust Storms Monsoon season has brought relief in some areas but also stirred up massive dust storms, or haboobs. Curious about how these weather events impact Arizona agriculture? Grassroots engagement intern Mika Lupe recently published her first blog post exploring the effects of dust storms on crops, livestock, and rural communities. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of weather and agriculture.

That’s a wrap for this week’s Arizona Agriculture Connection! Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and event reminders next Wednesday. Until then, keep up the great work in the field and beyond—Arizona agriculture is stronger when we stay connected.