Food & Farm News

Audio Actuality

Fight against the Asian citrus psyllid in California

Rain helps range grasses

Rangeland forage and non-irrigated pastures are showing improvement in California as green grass is showing in some foothill locations, according to a federal government report. Most cattle and sheep ranchers have completed moving their animals to winter pastures. Ranchers have reduced supplemental feeding as a result of improved natural forage. Some cattle and sheep are grazing on alfalfa and crop stubble. Continued rain will fill stock ponds and provide even better forage for the animals.

Citrus pest not slowed by cold temperatures

Researchers say recent cold temperatures in California have not reduced populations of the Asian citrus psyllid. Treatments to lower the numbers of the insect continue. Thus far, the insect has been kept within the Southern California quarantine zones. The Asian citrus psyllid can carry a disease that kills citrus trees, but so far no trees in California have contracted the disease.

Ag leaders honored for distinguished service

Two longtime agricultural leaders won the highest honor given by the California Farm Bureau Federation, during its Annual Meeting in Monterey this week. Former California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar was given the organization's Distinguished Service Award for his leadership on behalf of farmers and ranchers. Stockton-area farmer Paul Sanguinetti was also given the award, for 40 years of service to Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations.

County Farm Bureaus earn awards

In recognition of an ambitious program of activities this year, the Napa County Farm Bureau received the Golden State Hall of Honor award for excellence among county Farm Bureaus in California. The Kings County Farm Bureau earned the Innovator Award for its creative use of Internet technology in agricultural education. County Farm Bureaus in San Joaquin, Santa Barbara and Solano counties also earned honors during the California Farm Bureau meeting in Monterey.

Top