Good news in California's response to the invasive species Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (GWSS) nursery shipment incident.
Governor Newsom is providing $3.5 million to support immediate response activities, and California is committing an additional $15 million over the next three years for eradication efforts if needed. Good news because federal dollars can be used in agricultural settings— but not in neighborhoods, retail nurseries, or residential properties.
California is stepping up to meet the GWSS challenge.
GWSS is not a federal listed species because it does not meet the ESA’s criteria for endangerment or threat status. Instead, it is managed as a high-priority invasive pest under state and federal agricultural pest control programs
An important reminder that preparation before wildfire season saves lives, protects infrastructure, and strengthens community resilience. Thank you Congressman Valadao for highlighting the importance of readiness and recognizing the extraordinary service of first responders across California.
Wildfires continue to threaten lives, homes, and critical infrastructure across California, and it's essential we remain prepared. That's why I'm proud to reaffirm my support for designating the month of May as National Wildfire Preparedness Month.
This will help raise awareness about the dangers wildfires pose, recognize the dedication and sacrifice of our first responders, and encourage communities to take proactive steps to protect themselves before disaster strikes.
A timely reminder that pest prevention works. Detector dogs are one of the most visible—and effective—tools protecting U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and diseases. The challenge now is ensuring federal investment keeps pace with growing risk from global trade, passenger movement, and e-commerce pathways.
It was an honor to host representatives from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for a detector dog demonstration.
Detector dogs like Freddie and Gonzo are specially trained to identify prohibited agricultural products hidden in luggage and cargo before they enter the United States. Their work helps protect American agriculture by preventing the spread of invasive insects, parasites, and plant diseases—including threats like New World screwworm.
Thank you, Beagle Brigade!
It was an honor to host representatives from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for a detector dog demonstration.
Detector dogs like Freddie and Gonzo are specially trained to identify prohibited agricultural products hidden in luggage and cargo before they enter the United States. Their work helps protect American agriculture by preventing the spread of invasive insects, parasites, and plant diseases—including threats like New World screwworm.
Thank you, Beagle Brigade!
Today at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, we celebrated National Ag Day — a powerful reminder of the people and partnerships that keep America fed, healthy, and secure.
I was proud to join California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers of Weights and Measures Marcie Skelton (Glenn County) and Katherine Vanderwall (Lake County) as USDA brought together leaders from across the federal government to honor the backbone of our nation: farmers, ranchers, producers, and the systems that support them.
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins was joined by three Cabinet‑level officials — • Robert F. Kennedy, Secretary of Health and Human Services • Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency • Kelly Loeffler, Director of the Small Business Administration
We also heard from Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, who underscored the direct connection between nutrition, health outcomes, and long‑term system sustainability.
A highlight of today’s ceremony was the launch of a national campaign promoting the updated voluntary “Product of USA” label — an important step in helping consumers understand food origin while strengthening trust in American agriculture. This effort supports producers who invest in quality, transparency, and the integrity of our domestic food supply.
The message throughout the day was clear: A strong agriculture sector is national security. America’s farmers must be financially capable of feeding a growing world with healthy, nutritious foods. When consumers have access to wholesome, affordable food, we reduce long‑term health care costs and strengthen the resilience of our communities.
Proud to stand with partners across federal, state, and local government who are committed to advancing that mission every day.
Learn more at https://t.co/0rigKvWerC
California’s Prop 12 passed with 62% of the vote — but look at the map. It failed in nearly half the counties, including most of the places that actually grow food. A policy written and passed by urban voters with no connection to agriculture now dictates production standards for farmers across the entire nation. This is what happens when ideology outruns expertise.
Congress, in its infinite wisdom, just passed PL 119-37 and cut USDA-APHIS’s FY 2026 Specialty Crop Pest program by -6.1%.
APHIS needs $218M to protect U.S. specialty crops from invasive pests. Congress provided $205M.
This account funds the frontline work:
• Early detection of invasive pests
• Surveys with states + counties
• Biological control tools that keep specialty crops productive and markets open
So to all the states, counties, and industry partners who co-fund these efforts: feel free to follow the federal “lead” and trim your own pest-management budgets by 6.1%.
Let’s see how that goes.
In 1987, I was a sophomore at the University of Kentucky when the very first College GameDay aired. Since then, I cannot remember a Saturday without it - and Coach Lee Corso's legendary headgear pick. For decades now my family and I have laughed, cheered and waited for that moment. Today, we say thank you Coach for making college football Saturdays unforgettable. Not so fast, my friend - you'll always be part of the game! #CollegeGameDay #ThankYouCoachCorso
Just toured USDA’s National Detector Dog Training Center in Newnan, GA with CACASA. 🐾 Huge thanks to Trent, Jodey & Jenny—true public servants protecting U.S. ag from invasive threats.
These dogs aren’t just cute—they’re critical. USDA + states + counties + CBP = frontline biosecurity. Grateful for their service. 🇺🇸🌱 #AgSecurity #DetectorDogs #USDA #CACASA
Mid‐Year Wildfire Burns Exceed 2020 by 300K Acres
By June 2020—the worst U.S. fire year of the past decade—1.4 million acres had already burned; by year’s end, the tally topped 10 million acres. In June 2025, we’ve surpassed that mid-year mark by 300,000 acres, with 1.7 million acres aflame so far.
Western drought ranges from “abnormally dry” to “extreme.” Precipitation forecast: near zero through July 7.
Is the U.S. Forest Service Really Ready for 2025?
Chief Schultz says “yes,” citing 11,000 firefighters on board and critical positions filled, compared to 11,900 in 2024—but grass-roots reports tell a different story:
– Senior fire experts have left, taking decades of knowledge.
– Support teams (logistics, pay, contracts) are understaffed.
#ForestService #IncidentManagement #Policy #Wildfire #Drought
https://t.co/jEIj0Wog8t
Existing sterile fruit fly facilities in TX and CA have needed improvements for decades. It's time to invest in our agricultural infrastructure. #Agriculture#USDA#NWS https://t.co/rMgfk303gC
USDA's new $8.5M sterile fly facility in Texas is a step forward in the fight against New World screwworm, but is it enough? Congress estimates $300M is needed for a domestic facility. https://t.co/rMgfk30B6a
Here in McAllen, TX to announce a BOLD 5-pronged plan to combat the deadly parasite called New World Screwworm – which would devastate ranchers if it made its way across the border.
We are protecting producers, strengthening biosecurity, and ALWAYS standing up for American AG.💪
🌱 Spring is here! Farmers are gearing up for planting season, preparing their fields and planning their crops. But as they work tirelessly to feed America, one question looms large: When will House and Senate leaders @SpeakerJohnson@SteveScalise@LeaderJohnThune@SenJohnBarrasso@RepArrington@CongressmanGT reveal their plan for completing a farm bill this year? Farmers deserve clarity and support—let's make it happen! #FarmBill #SpringPlanting #Agriculture