Arizona Agriculture Connection with Maricopa County Farm Bureau

June Ag Report: New World Screw Worm in Confirmed in Texas, Legislative Updates and More!

This week, we are back from a DC trip with federal, state, and Farm Bureau updates. The USDA confirmed the first US detection of New World screwworm in nearly 60 years in South Texas on June 3, 2026, with additional cases in Zavala, La Salle, and Gillespie Counties, Texas, and Lee County, New Mexico; there are currently zero cases in Arizona. Containment depends on rapid producer detection and reporting, daily animal inspection, weekly-checked fly traps, and certificates of veterinary inspection for out-of-state livestock entering Arizona. The Arizona Department of Agriculture has run response simulations and advocated for long-term federal assets including a sterile fly facility in Douglas, while an amendment by Rep. Gosar to H.R. 8646 would add inspection resources at ports of entry. The legislature returned June 1, budget bills were introduced June 9, and Farm Bureau announced policy development meetings June 15, 18, and 19. Learn more and get involved at https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/ [https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/]

International Year of the Woman Farmer with Ale Aguirre: From Chile to Virginia

Live from Washington, DC, at the American Farm Bureau ACE Conference, during the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Nicole interviews Chilean farmer and Virginia Tech researcher Ale Aguirre. Aguirre shares her background running a family farm in Coyanco, Chile, previously exporting organic blueberries and hydrangeas worldwide and now focused on alfalfa for local livestock. She is completing a master’s in forestry and natural resource economics while researching the South Native Seed Project, which aims to help historically underserved, veteran, and beginner farmers in southern Virginia diversify into native seed production to meet restoration demand under solar developments; her thesis analyzes financial feasibility and adoption economics. She discusses mentorship from her mother-in-law, women’s roles in farming and hand-harvesting blueberries, labor shortages, differences between Chile and U.S. agriculture, and her goal of bridging research to practical benefits for producers. 00:00 Live From DC 00:26 Meet Ale Aguirre 00:54 Farming In Chile 02:34 Virginia Tech Research 05:09 Bringing It Home 06:56 Accidental Farm Life 11:31 Mentorship And Respect 13:48 Research For Farmers 16:45 Blueberries By Hand 19:54 Alfalfa And Differences 23:02 Women In Agriculture

Listener Favorite Re-Run: Leadership in Agriculture with Shawn Wood

In this episode of Arizona Agriculture Connection, Nicole interviews Shawn Wood, First Vice President of Arizona State Farm Bureau. Shawn shares her background growing up on a farm in Buckeye, Arizona, her initial aspiration to become a commercial pilot, and her eventual return to her agricultural roots. She discusses the significant challenges and leadership roles she has undertaken within the agricultural community, emphasizing the importance of saying yes to opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and surrounding oneself with influential mentors. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Summer Leadership Conference hosted by the Women's Leadership Committee, detailing the event's agenda and its importance for Arizona's agricultural industry.

Celebrating International Year of the Woman Farmer with Sherry Saylor

Today, Nicole interviews Sherry Saylor on Arizona Agriculture Connection from Saylor’s office at Buckeye Elementary, where she is retiring after 40 years as a school counselor. Saylor recounts moving from South Carolina to Buckeye in 1974 after her father-in-law sold a Phoenix-area farm due to urban encroachment, and how Farm Bureau helped her learn agriculture and find her role as a spokesperson while her husband Rick, focused on farming. She describes her progression through Farm Bureau leadership to national chair, the importance of preparation and the DC communications “boot camp,” and encouraging women to find their voice. The conversation covers blending agriculture education into schools, building community through Farm Bureau membership and participation, advocating with elected officials, ongoing challenges like water and development, and agriculture’s technological advances and career opportunities. Learn more about opportunities of getting involved with Farm Bureau here: https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/ [https://www.maricopacountyfb.org/] * 00:48 Counselor Life And Retirement * 02:26 From South Carolina To Farming * 06:19 Finding A Place In Ag * 08:13 Farm Bureau Leadership Path * 12:37 Confidence Through Boot Camp * 18:28 Ag Education In Schools * 24:15 Building Community In Ag * 28:05 Why Farm Bureau Opportunities Matter * 28:59 Farm Bureau Roots * 30:39 Advocacy Makes Impact * 31:35 Get Off the Tractor * 33:38 Urban Encroachment Reality * 35:00 Arizona Ag Advantages * 37:57 Tech and Adaptability * 40:00 Careers Beyond Farming * 43:17 Community and Gratitude

Mid-May Ag Report: What you Need to Know on Legislative Update, Events, and Agriculture News

The Mid-May Ag Report covers Arizona Capitol updates as the House passed a state budget package 33–22 and the Senate approved it, but Governor Hobbs vetoed the 16-bill package, sending it back to negotiations; with her bill moratorium still in place, non-budget bills are largely on hold as lawmakers return June 1 and aim to pass a budget before the June 30 deadline to avoid a shutdown. The 2026 session opened with over 2,100 bills introduced, with Hobbs signing 32 and vetoing 45 so far. Federally, the House passed the farm bill and attention turns to the Senate Agriculture Committee’s markup expected later this month or early June. Locally, Maricopa County fire season is active with the Hazen Fire at 1,191 acres (87% contained) and the Jones Fire at 84 acres (0% contained), with travel cautions and official update sources provided. The Maricopa County Farm Bureau announces policy development meetings June 15 (Scottsdale), June 18 (virtual), and June 19 (Buckeye). * 00:00 Capitol Budget Veto * 01:11 Session Bill Tracker * 01:38 Federal Farm Bill Update * 02:00 Maricopa Fire Season * 03:11 Policy Meetings Invite * 04:03 Weekly Wrap Up