Food & Farm News
Real Audio» June 10, 2005 «
Klamath Basin is wet
For Klamath Basin farmers recent rainfall is both good and bad news. The rain saves an irrigation cost for many crops. However, the moisture created planting problems for potato growers who may leave land idle as a result. Some hay growers say their crop lost quality when rain fell after it was cut. The basin has suffered from lack of rain for the past several years. This recent rain has improved conditions from a "dry" year to "below average."
Stone fruit recovers
California stone fruit has recovered from the cold wet weather, and peaches, plums and nectarines are moving from orchards to retail stores. Fruit quality of peaches and plums is reported as good and prices remain strong. Nectarine fruit quality of that going to market is also reported as good. However, farmers say some of it was damaged by the early spring cool wet weather and they have to reject more fruit than usual. Growers are also benefiting from the Mexican market that has remained open this season.
Cherry season ends
Cherry season is over for California farmers. The last fruit was picked before the rain this week. The California Cherry Commission says final shipments from the packing shed will go out this weekend. The season was short because of the weather-caused damage. The fruit that escaped damage has excellent quality. There will be a supply gap at retail stores as the Washington cherry crop is a bit later than usual.
Beef supply is safe
America's beef supply is safe. That's what U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns told a BSE roundtable discussion group yesterday (Thursday). He urged that the U.S.-Canadian border be reopened to beef trade. He said it was difficult to argue for the Japanese to reopen their border when we do not adhere to the same science.
On the Calendar:
The San Diego County Fair opens today (Friday) in Del Mar.
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