Food & Farm News
Real Audio» March 7, 2007 «
Lettuce supplies will begin to grow
Leftover effects from the January freeze will continue to show themselves in lettuce supplies for another couple of weeks. The icy temperatures hurt lettuce being grown in the California-Arizona desert. Farmers have had to discard freeze-damaged outer leaves from the plants, so yields have been reduced. Later this month, lettuce harvest will start in the Huron area of Fresno County. Farmers there say they expect the harvest to start slowly.
Study: California No. 2 in equipment-dealer jobs
The manufacture, sales and service of farm equipment represent $82 billion worth of annual economic activity in the United States, according to a new report. The study commissioned by farm-equipment manufacturers ranks California second in the nation, in the number of jobs created at equipment dealers. The report tabs employment at California farm-equipment dealers at nearly 7,000, second only to Illinois.
Apricot farmers say bloom was 'ideal'
Early signs have been promising for the California apricot crop. With the bloom now ended, farmers say weather has been ideal. The apricot bloom peaked in most growing regions at the end of February. The group Apricot Producers of California says winds cooperated by distributing the pollen for the self-pollinating trees. For the first time in many years, farmers say they expect normal yields from their apricot orchards. Harvest should start in mid-May.
Peak time arrives for Blossom Trail
A seasonal tourist attraction in the Central Valley has hit its annual peak. Promoters say the Fresno County Blossom Trail is now in full flower. The county Farm Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce established the trail, showing people where to find blossoming orchards of almonds, plums, apricots, peaches and other crops. Visitors from throughout the region and the nation travel the scenic trail by auto and bike.
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