California lawmakers are entering the final weeks of the legislative session, and several unresolved budget decisions could directly affect dairy farmers.

Western United Dairies CEO Anja Raudabaugh joins us with an update on the budget trailer bills now taking shape in Sacramento. She explains what Western is watching related to water, methane, clean air, Proposition 4 climate bond funding, and the distribution of Cap-and-Invest auction proceeds.

Anja also discusses why Proposition 4 funding may take longer than anticipated to reach producers, the outlook for dairy incentive programs, and Western’s efforts to secure resources that help farmers meet increasingly challenging water-quality requirements.

In this episode:

• Why major budget decisions are still being negotiated
• What the state’s budget outlook could mean for agriculture
• The status of Proposition 4 climate bond funding
• The outlook for dairy funding through Cap-and-Invest
• Why water-quality assistance remains a priority for Western
• How WUD members may be asked to engage during final negotiations

WUD will continue monitoring negotiations and alert members when opportunities arise to contact lawmakers.