CALIFORNIA CATTLEMAN WEEKLY
Oct. 19, 2026
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UPDATED: President Trump Attempts to Cool Diesel Prices
As the war in Iran and other factors continue to limit global fuel supplies, diesel prices today averaged $6.32 per gallon nationally with Californians paying $8.49 per gallon on average, according to AAA. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump took steps to try to ease farmers’ and truckers’ pain at the pump, as reported in last week’s edition of California Cattleman Weekly.
One such measure is an executive order waiving off-road requirements for red-dyed diesel and authorizing its use in highway transportation. Last week, the Internal Revenue Service issued guidance on deferred taxes and penalties for highway use of dyed diesel under the executive order.
While the guidance notes that collection and enforcement of taxes and penalties will be “suspended” through December 31, however, it does not clarify whether, or how, the IRS will defer or void applicable taxes afterDecember 31, creating ambiguity for dyed diesel retailers and users. The IRS says that it “anticipates that it will issue further guidance as to the postponement …of taxes…and will explore avenues to eliminate the obligation to pay any amounts deferred” in forthcoming guidance.
As California ranchers continue to struggle with the pressure of sky-high diesel prices, CCA will keep members apprised of state and federal efforts to reduce cost pressures.
BLM Solicits Resource Advisory Council Nominations
The Bureau of Land Management has announced that it is seeking nominees to serve on the California Desert District Advisory Council, Central California Resource Advisory Council (RAC) and Northern California District RAC. RACs provide advice and recommendations to the BLM on land use planning and management.
Individuals may nominate themselves or others. Additional information is available in the BLM’s Federal Register announcement, and RAC applications can be found here. Application materials must be submitted to Julie Hartley in the BLM California State Office by next Monday, October 26.
Upcoming CCA Events
CCA & CCW Convention and California Cattle Industry Tradeshow
Dec. 2 – 4, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, Nevada
Registration is now open! Visit calcattlemen.org/convention2026 to register and make your hotel room reservations. | Interested in being an exhibitor at the California Cattle Industry Tradeshow? See the exhibitor packet. | Click here to see the sponsorships available to support CCA. | Collegiate opportunities are available here.
Upcoming Industry Events
Central Cost Livestock and Range Symposium
Oct. 23, 8:30am-2:00pm, Salinas
Hosted by UCCE, the Central Coast Livestock and Range Symposium will be held October 23rd in Salinas, CA. To view the schedule, click here. To RSVP, please contact Fadzayi Mashiri at fmashiri@ucanr.edu or by using the link found on the flyer.
Keeping the Land in Working Hands: The Williamson Act & California Property Taxes
Nov. 4, 11:00am-12:00pm, Zoom
Join the California Rangeland Trust for a discussion on the Williamson Act and Proposition 13 and 19. Explore key topics including contracts and nonrenewals, the Easement Exchange Program, tax and property implications, and long-term planning strategies. Hear insights from industry experts, like county assessors and a fellow rancher, and bring your questions to gain perspectives you can apply to your own property. To register, click here.
Transition to Organic Webinar Series
Nov. 5, 12 & 19, 12:00pm-1:15pm, Virtual
Hosted by CAFF, UC Organic Agriculture Institute (UC OAI), and UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE). Thinking about transitioning your LIVESTOCK operation to organic? Join us for a three-week webinar series designed to help you transition to organic. Presentations will include guidance from experienced organic livestock producers, organic certifiers, UC ANR Farm Advisors, and technical assistance providers. The series will focus on dairy and beef cattle and poultry —covering everything from certification basics and recordkeeping, economic considerations, organic inspection, and more. Spanish interpretation will be available at every session. Learn more and register.
Ranching For Generations Succession Planning Intensive
Dec. 8-11, Denver, CO
The Rangeland Trust is facilitating a four-day, family-based workshop designed to help landowning families navigate the complex, personal, legal, and operational challenges of generational transitions. The Ranching For Generations Succession Planning Intensive will be in Denver, CO December 8-11, 2026. The cost of the course ($1,500 per person) will be covered by the Rangeland Trust, so attendees only pay for travel & accommodations. This course is specifically designed for generational ranching families and will include ranchers from California, Texas, and Colorado. It is a chance to connect with landowners throughout these states and really delve into the future planning for the ranch. Click here to view the informational flyer. For more information and to RSVP, please reach out to Robin Hansen at (530) 219-7512, or rhanson@rangelandtrust.org.
Industry News
Judge halts USDA’s reorganization POLITICO “A federal court temporarily halted the Trump administration’s sweeping reorganization of the Agriculture Department late Tuesday, dealing a blow to Secretary Brooke Rollins. The order from the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of California bars officials from moving congressionally appropriated money to fund the reorganization, such as through moving expenses, building closures and other costs.” To continue reading, click here.
Record beef prices are no panacea for North Bay ranchers as feds relax import restrictions The Press Democrat “Record-high beef prices haven’t relieved the pain local producers like Loren Poncia feel when they fill their tanks with diesel or cover other elevated operating costs. Poncia co-owns Stemple Creek Ranch, a ranching and meat production business in northern Marin County with a herd he said totals about 1,200. Although Poncia has seen meat prices increase by roughly 30% over the last three years, he said his operating costs rose by about 50% during the same period.” To continue reading, click here.
Should wolves lose endangered species status? Trump administration says in court, ‘yes’ The Sacramento Bee “Gray wolves in California and throughout the U.S. should no longer be considered endangered, lawyers for the Trump administration told a federal appeals court on Tuesday, as oral arguments began in three cases that could significantly weaken protections for the predator canines.” To continue reading, click here.
