Food & Farm News
Real Audio» June 29, 2005 «
Rain helps Klamath Basin farmers
Klamath Basin farmers will have plenty of irrigation water this summer. A dry winter left the snow pack low, but more than four inches of rain in April and May helped fill Upper Klamath Lake and irrigate farm fields. The lake is now full about half way through the growing season. Federal officials say there won't be any problems with water deliveries. Farmers now hope for warm weather to bring their crops to maturity.
State air board defines CAF
One thousand milk producing dairy cows constitutes a large Confined Animal Facility, according to the Air Resources Board. The board also adopted numbers for other livestock on a 6-3 vote. Farm groups were disappointed as the board ignored new scientific studies, some commissioned by the board. Local air districts now must adopt a rule requiring the large facilities to obtain permits. The board did agreed to review emission factors every three years and incorporate new science into their regulations.
Farm egg prices drop
Fewer hens laid more eggs in California poultry houses last month. Federal figures show one percent fewer hens produced 3 million more eggs in May than April and about the same number as one year ago. Prices farmers received were about three cents per dozen less than they received in April. Nationally egg production was up about one percent. California imports eggs from other states, as farmers here do not produce enough to satisfy demand.
California watermelon quality excellent
Watermelons are growing nicely in California. Farmers say late rain and cool weather slowed growth, but is helping to produce melons with excellent quality. Depending on the location in the state, harvest is a week to 14 days later than average. However, Southern California farmers have been supplying the market with top quality fruit for some time. Consumers should have no problems finding top quality California grown watermelons for July 4.
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