Food & Farm News
» May 31, 2007 «
Governor promotes farm products in Canada 
As Governor Schwarzenegger winds up a three-day visit to Canada today (Thursday), officials say one of the goals has been to solidify a key market for California-grown crops. Canada represents the number-one foreign market for many California fruits and vegetables. The governor promoted the state's produce at a Toronto supermarket and encouraged sales of California wine at a separate stop. Overall California farm exports to Canada exceed $1-point-7 billion dollars.
State's wheat crop progresses well
Many parts of the nation have had trouble growing wheat this year, but that hasn't been the case in California. The harvest of winter wheat has started across the state, about two weeks earlier than average. Early reports show the grain to have above-average protein content and excellent overall quality. It's too early to determine the yield per acre, but farmers say they're optimistic they'll have strong production. Wheat prices have been high, reflecting smaller crops elsewhere.
UC field station deals with citrus malady
It's been a big year for a particular type of aphid … and that's bad news for a research station and the farms and nurseries that depend on it. The aphids carry a citrus-tree disease known as tristeza, which has infected nearly 50 trees at a University of California research facility in Tulare County. The station releases clean bud wood to nurseries that develop young citrus trees, and has delayed its next release to allow further testing of plants.
Egg ranchers reduce production
As the market price for eggs fell after Easter, California ranchers reduced egg production. A report issued yesterday (Wednesday) put California egg production at 410 million during April, down 6 percent from pre-Easter production levels in March. On average, California farmers earned 56 cents a dozen for eggs during April, down 15 cents a dozen from the previous month.
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