Food & Farm News

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Project to raise cranberry beans at the University Farm at Chico State

Cotton farmers wrap up harvest

Cotton harvest is about over in California. The acala variety has all been picked, but a few farmers are going at a second pick of the pima variety. Rain is in the forecast for the cotton-growing regions, but as most of the crop has been harvested, it is not likely there will be much damage. Should there be sufficient rain, many pima growers will abandon plans for a second picking. Total production won't be known for some time, but planted acreage was drastically reduced this year.

We're spilling the beans on a new crop

Students and staff at California State University, Chico have finished harvest of cranberry beans, a new crop for them. The bean is red in color and is also known as the French Horticultural bean. A local grower helped using his specialized equipment to plant and harvest the beans. Students checked the plantings for pests and made certain irrigation was on time. Students benefitted from working with the farmer, getting hands-on experience. Demand for cranberry beans is increasing.

Fire-ravaged areas on alert for possible mudslides

Weather forecasters say a Pacific storm will move into California today (Tuesday) and bring much-needed rain to fire-ravaged areas. As much as 2 inches of rain is possible in the mountains of Central and Southern California, with higher amounts in some areas. Snow levels will remain high before dropping Wednesday. Growers located near fire areas are concerned about mudslides that could damage their businesses. The forecast is for as much as 2 feet of snow before the storm moves east.

Don't get burned when purchasing firewood

Buying firewood? The California Department of Food and Agriculture offers tips to ensure you're getting a fair deal. The agency says terms such as "rack," "tier," "pile" or "truckload" are illegal to use in the sale of firewood. Experts also caution that a pickup truck cannot hold a cord of firewood. An 8-foot truck bed can hold half a cord, while a 6-foot bed can barely hold a third of a cord. A cord of wood must equal 128 cubic feet.

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