Western Farm Press News Archive

Which way will wind blow when new administration takes over?

Jan 20, 2009,

By Aaron Kiess
Executive Director
California Alfalfa and Forage Association

There is a new year, a new president and a lot of questions that won’t be answered for some time as Barack Obama first turns his attention to the economy, national security and other pressing issues....

Demand for fruits, vegetables expected to grow

Jan 20, 2009

In line with growing health awareness and changing demographics, demand for fruits and vegetables is expected to increase in the long term, according to Rabobank’s recently published “North American Food & Agribusiness Outlook.”...

‘Eco-friendly’ water-use system to benefit fruit processing industry

Jan 20, 2009

A university-industry partnership begun several years ago is bearing fruit – in the form of new technologies that could significantly enhance the sustainability of California’s food processing industry....

MIRI method reduces water use in rice field tests

Jan 20, 2009

Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and cooperating scientists are studying a system that, in rice field tests, cuts water use by 24 percent....

Grass control tricky in Central Valley alfalfa

Jan 16, 2009,

By Brenda Carol
Contributing Writer

Producing high quality alfalfa hay means keeping the field clean, and that can get tricky at times. ...

Cultivar scrutiny vital for tree fruit industry

Jan 16, 2009,

By Dan Bryant
Contributing Writer

“Somehow the industry has to evaluate the 300 new cultivars we’ve had since 1980 and discipline ourselves to dump the ‘dogs’ before new orchards are planted.”...

Conference getting back to its agronomical roots

Jan 16, 2009

As more and more growers in the San Joaquin Valley begin diversifying their crop mix, the more important basic soils knowledge becomes. ...

Cotton conference expands to include other field crops

Jan 16, 2009

To meet the changing demands of today’s California farmers, the Central Coast Cotton Conference has expanded its agenda to address issues concerning other field crops produced in the San Joaquin Valley....

Walnut Day and Almond Institute set for Feb. 3

Jan 16, 2009

Where: Masonic Family Center, 1110 W. East Ave., Chico...

Schafer announces availability of $58 million to producers, entities through new conservation program

Jan 16, 2009

Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced that up to $58.4 million in financial assistance is available to agricultural producers and entities through the Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP), established in the new farm bill to promote ground and surface water conservation and water quality improvement....

2009 North San Joaquin Valley Almond Day set for Jan. 22

Jan 16, 2009

Sponsored by the University of California Cooperative Extension...

Northern San Joaquin Valley Processing Tomato Production Meeting set for Jan. 29

Jan 16, 2009

University of California Cooperative Extension of San Joaquin, Stanislaus & Merced Counties, in conjunction with the California Tomato Growers Association 62nd Annual Meeting:...

Kick off new year with Central Coast Cotton Conference

Jan 16, 2009

Start your new year off on the right foot at the 2009 Central Coast Cotton Conference, Jan. 21-23, 2009, at The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach, Calif....

Vilsack promises a ‘robust farm safety net’

Jan 15, 2009,

By Forrest Laws
Farm Press Editorial Staff

Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack said he will do all that is in his power to “administer a robust safety net and create real and meaningful opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers to compete” if confirmed as President-elect Obama’s agriculture secretary....