Food & Farm News
Real Audio» October 17, 2005 «
First Africanized bees found in San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County is reporting its first infestation of Africanized honeybees. County agricultural officials say a beekeeper noticed his bees were acting more defensively. To eradicate the infestation, the beekeeper has reduced the hive population, and has introduced a European queen bee. Agricultural inspectors will look at the hive in four weeks to make certain the Africanized bees have been destroyed. Counties that have Africanized bee infestations surround San Luis Obispo County.
Mexican poultry ban lifted
Mexico has lifted the ban on California poultry, and growers will soon be sending products south. Farmers here had supplied Mexican growers with fertile eggs and layer hens, and some meat. Demand for California-grown poultry remained high during the Mexican ban thus California farmers continued to receive good prices. The California Poultry Federation expects it will be next year before the Mexican demand is felt. That should provide a better overall market for Golden State farmers.
West Nile horse infections declines
Only two new cases of West Nile virus in horses were reported last week by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. That brings the total cases this year to 444 compared to 471 last year. Officials credit horse vaccinations with lowering the infection numbers. State officials say we are on the down side this year, but the question is what will happen next year. Veterinarians urge horse owners to vaccinate their animals every year.
Average apple year reported
Apple growers report a shortage of labor added to this year's problems. A wet spring caused disease problems and lowered yields for some growers. Likewise some apple farms had hail damage Prices were much better for all varieties. The California Apple Commission says the only orchards being pulled this year are being turned into houses. There is also some additional acreage being planted. Harvest of the pink lady variety is the last to finish and should be complete by mid-November.
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