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San Jose Mediterranean fruit fly finds in San Jose and the treatment program

Medflies found in San Jose

Two female Mediterranean fruit flies have been found in the Santa Teresa area of San Jose. Today (Thursday) the Department of Food and Agriculture will start an aerial release of sterile flies over the region where the files were found. Most residents will be unaware of the releases that will include more than 2 million sterile flies. There are no commercial agricultural operations in the area. Plans are being prepared for a quarantine zone to be established. The pest can destroy more than 260 plant varieties.

Farmers picking top quality Kiwifruit

Kiwifruit harvest has started in California, and initial reports from growers are that the fruit is excellent. It is large in size, and there have been very few culls. Growers started their crews picking about the average time for harvest, which will continue into November. Farmers with the gold variety say they are pleased with the early quality of that fruit as well. Consumers should see both varieties of California kiwifruit begin showing in retail stores in about a week.

Farm milk prices increase slightly Nov. 1

Slightly higher cheese and butter prices will cause a small increase in the price California dairy farmers earn for milk. The on-farm price of a gallon of milk will increase an average of a penny November 1 to $1.35. The market has been steadier in recent months after a period of volatility. Historically butter and cheese prices increase in fall and under the formula used by the California Department of Food and Agriculture increase farm milk prices also. The state does not set retail milk prices.

More pistachios harvested than expected

Pistachio growers say their harvest is nearly complete. They are somewhat surprised at the crop size, as the off-year yield is estimated at more than 260 million pounds. With the large production, consumers should have no difficulty obtaining pistachios throughout the year. Farm prices for the off-year crop are said to be the highest they've been in 20 years. Plantings are expected to increase next year, but farmers are optimistic issues caused by growth will be favorably resolved.

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