Food & Farm News
Real Audio» May 12, 2005 «
Capitol evacuation included FB delegation
Twenty California Farm Bureau members found out firsthand about security concerns at the U.S. Capitol as they were among thousands evacuated when a small airplane entered restricted airspace over Washington yesterday (Wednesday). Several Farm Bureau members were in the Capitol building and others were eating lunch in a nearby congressional office building, when the emergency evacuation ensued. The farmers resumed their congressional visits after the evacuation ended.
Lower almond crop forecast
Poor weather at bloom time has reduced California's almond crop by about 15 percent. That's what the first crop forecast for 2005 shows, according to the California Agricultural Statistics Service. They predict a crop of about 850 million pounds from 550,000 acres. It marks a decline from the nearly one billion pound crop in 2004. A second forecast will be released the end of June.
State seeks federal funds for insect fight
Calling the glassy-winged sharpshooter a "real threat" to California agriculture, Governor Schwarzenegger has asked the Bush administration to release more than $5 million in emergency funding to fight the insect. California members of Congress have also asked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johannes to endorse the request. The sharpshooter carries a plant disease that kills grapevines and other crops.
Milk prices to decline
California dairy farmers will earn less for their milk next month, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture. June 1 milk prices will adjust downward by 12 cents a gallon to $1.30. Lower prices for butter and cheese are what triggered the decline under the formula the state uses to establish milk prices. It does not regulate retail prices.
On the Calendar:
The High Desert Spring Festival starts today (Thursday) in Ridgecrest and the Salinas Valley Fair opens in King City.
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