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» August 1, 2007 «

Olive farmers to earn record prices

After a small harvest last year, demand for California-grown olives has risen, and farmers will earn a record price for their crops this year. The Olive Growers Council and olive canners have agreed on prices that will earn farmers an average of $1,000 a ton. Because of last year's small crop, stocks of canned olives are at a low point. California is the only state in the nation where olives are grown commercially.

New apple-moth treatments may spread

Aiming for widespread confusion of the light brown apple moth, crews will soon widen efforts to disrupt the pest's mating habits. Public meetings in Danville will explain plans to place twist ties on properties near where insects have been found. The twist ties are saturated with an insect attractant that disrupts moth breeding. They're already being installed in two other communities, and could be used in other areas where the moths have been found.

Survey gathers data about truck use

As state regulators consider new rules applying to diesel trucks used by farms and ranches, farm groups gather information about how the vehicles are used. The California Air Resources Board contemplates rules about emissions from diesel trucks used to carry crops and commodities to market. The California Farm Bureau and other groups have asked farmers and ranchers to answer a survey about truck use, to make sure any new rules are based on accurate information.

Walnut farmers protect crops from sun

Hot days in the Central Valley mean walnut farmers must protect their crops from sunburn. Some walnut growers apply whitewash to treetops, to reflect the sun and prevent sunburn. Farm advisors say many growers lost walnuts to sunburn during extreme heat last summer. Although it has not been as hot thus far this season, farmers still apply the whitewash. Many farmers say their walnut crop may be light this year, but crop estimates are not expected until September.