Food & Farm News
Real Audio» October 20, 2005 «
Political action benefits California farmers
Family farmers stood their ground in Sacramento this year, stopping bills that would have harmed the state's agricultural heritage, according to the legislative scorecard issued yesterday (Wednesday) by the California Farm Bureau. The Farm Bureau says Governor Schwarzenegger showed he understands the value of family farms by vetoing harmful bills and signing farm-friendly measures. Farm Bureau leaders say the scorecard shows the importance of educating legislators about the value of family farms.
Dairy farm to demonstrate new power plant
Energy commissioners, government officials, dairy group representatives and other people will gather at a Tulare County farm today (Thursday), to tour a new waste-to-energy plant. The plant, known as a "methane digester," converts the solids in cow manure into a biogas, which can be burned to generate power. The project produces enough power to supply 90 percent of the dairy's electricity. Dairy groups say the digesters benefit both the electricity grid and the environment.
Strong beef consumption drives retail prices
Americans continue to eat red meat and poultry at a record pace, and a government report says that has kept retail prices "very strong." The report says demand has been especially robust for high-quality beef. Retail prices for "choice"-grade beef averaged slightly less than $4 a pound during the third quarter of the year. But that's 15 cents a pound less than at the same time a year ago.
Grants aim to help rural communities
Rural communities will benefit from a series of federal grants to be awarded during a ceremony in Davis today. The grants will benefit more than a dozen rural towns in California. Most of the money will be directed toward fire-safety and crime-prevention services. Some communities use the grants to purchase computers for schools and upgrade youth facilities. The U.S. Agriculture Department says the grants aim to aid rural areas with high unemployment rates.
Top
