Western Farm Press News Archive

Producing the largest prunes possible

Jul 27, 2009,

By Bill Krueger, UC Farm Advisor, Glenn County

With a current Prune Board estimate of 160,000 tons, an estimated carryover of 40,000 tons and a large supply of prunes in South America (120,000 tons), many of them small — it is easy to see that there will be no money in producing small prunes....

Climate threatens fruit, nut production

Jul 23, 2009

Winter chill, a vital climatic trigger for many tree crops, is likely to decrease by more than 50 percent during this century as global climate warms, making California no longer suitable for growing many fruit and nut crops, according to a team of researchers from the University of California, Davis, and the University of Washington....

Climate change must be addressed

Jul 23, 2009,

By Forrest Laws, Farm Press Editorial Staff

The world’s climate is getting warmer, and that could have a profound impact on U.S. agriculture, says Jerry Hatfield, supervisory plant physiologist with USDA’s National Soil Tilth Research Laboratory at Iowa State University....

EU to accept GM foods eventually?

Jul 23, 2009

An internationally recognized genetics researcher who visited the LSU AgCenter Rice Research Station said he is confident that the European Union eventually will accept genetically modified foods. ...

LBAM eradicated in Santa Barbara County

Jul 23, 2009

California and federal officials have eradicated a light brown apple moth (LBAM) infestation in the area of Carpinteria in Santa Barbara County....

Oriental fruit fly infestation

Jul 23, 2009

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has begun an eradication program for the Oriental fruit fly in La Verne in Los Angeles County after four Oriental fruit flies were detected in traps....

Date, medjool growers partner in research

Jul 23, 2009

The California Date Administrative Committee (CDAC) and the Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers Association (BVMDGA) have commissioned new research to determine the extent of antioxidants and polyphenols in dates....

$22 million for sorghum growers

Jul 23, 2009

“It’s simple. The sale of $22 million worth of U.S. sorghum to Mexico in three months would not have happened without the investments of Council members,” said Chris Corry, U.S. Grains Council senior director of international operations for Rest of the World, in regards to an ongoing effort by the Council to revive a once robust sorghum market in Mexico....

TV program for farm women

Jul 23, 2009

American Agri-Women has received a grant from USDA to produce a television program for farm and ranch women, which is planned to air nationwide in 2009....

Processing tomato supply strong

Jul 22, 2009

Despite water shortages in California, a new Rabobank report, “U.S. Processing Tomatoes,” finds that tomato processors won’t face supply shortages in 2009; however, are likely to face softer consumer demand, especially in foodservice....

Guava fruit fly eradication begins

Jul 22, 2009

A guava fruit fly eradication program began in a 10-square-mile area including portions of Garden Grove, Orange and Santa Ana following the discovery of six guava fruit flies there this month....

Tree fruit, vine, nut depreciation bill

Jul 22, 2009

U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., has introduced legislation to allow tree fruit, vine, and nut growers to qualify for a tax depreciation benefit included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)....

ISCC appoints advisory committee

Jul 22, 2009

The Invasive Species Council of California (ISCC) has appointed an advisory committee to recommend ways to mitigate non-native species’ effects on resources throughout the state....

Ag has credibility in water debate

Jul 21, 2009,

By Harry Cline, Farm Press Editorial Staff

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proved prophetic, if not action-packed, when he appeared at the Walk for Water rally on the banks of San Luis Reservoir in mid-April....