Food & Farm News

» October 10, 2012 «

Task force targets rural criminals

Metal theft and other property crimes have hit farms hard in recent years. Thieves steal everything from fuel to copper wiring to hay bales and other crops. To curb the spread of rural crime, law enforcement task forces have been created and expanded throughout California. One task force, in Yolo County, has arrested 37 suspects for a variety of rural crimes in recent months, recovering 170-thousand dollars' worth of stolen property.

Hay stays in high demand

Erratic weather and very hot summer temperatures in the Southern California desert contribute to a drop in production of alfalfa hay, compared to a year ago. Observers of the hay market say the state's dairy farms are slowly increasing their demand for hay, after a period of heavy financial losses caused in part by high prices for cattle feed. Demand has also been strong in export markets in Asia and the Middle East.

Workshops teach edible landscaping

During the recession, homeowners have been looking for two-for-one deals, even in landscape design. Edible landscaping fits into that trend, as plants do double duty as both decorations and food sources. The University of California offers workshops where gardeners learn the art and science of edible landscaping. Organizers say the workshops teach how to create gardens that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and use resources efficiently.

Almanac forecasts winter weather

If you're looking for a sign about what the weather will be like this winter, the Old Farmer's Almanac says the stormiest periods will come in mid-November, mid-to-late January and early March in the Pacific Southwest. That forecast region includes much of California, from the Bay Area southward. The almanac's editors predict overall rainfall to be slightly below average in the Bay Area and above average elsewhere.