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Resumption of beef shipments to Japan
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» July 28, 2006 «

California beef to be first into Japan

Japan announced resumption of U.S. beef imports. It ends a ban imposed in January because of concerns about BSE disease. California processors plan to resume beef shipments to Japan on Monday. American exporters know it will take time to regain markets in Japan but are optimistic they will over time. Japanese inspectors have approved the Harris Ranch processing facilities in California to export beef to Japan.

Pistachio crop uncertain

Hot weather has cast uncertainty over the development of the pistachio crop. Farm advisors say this is the time the nut kernels start to grow inside the shell. But, with the hot weather the trees keep nutrients used to develop nuts in the trunks and roots to preserve themselves. Growers don't know if nut development will continue when the weather cools. The crop already is smaller than expected in some areas because of the cool wet spring. Damage won't be known until harvest starts about September 10.

Apple growers want cool nights

Central Valley apple growers are hoping for cool nights soon. They say their apples aren't growing in size in this hot weather. Weather forecasts are for cooler weather next week, which would be in time to help apples grow. Those farmers with overhead mist systems are faring a little better than those without, but once the temperature goes above 105 that only provides minimal help. Apple harvest won't start until August 1, about two weeks later than average.

California egg production declines

California egg production declined in June. Federal government figures show a 20 million egg or two percent decline from May. Nationally egg production increased about one percent from May. California farmers received an average 12 cents a dozen more for their eggs in June. However that average price of 47 cents a dozen at the farm gate is less than production costs for most egg ranchers. The long-term projection for the rest of this year is for below production cost prices for farmers.