Food & Farm News
» November 16, 2007 «
Daniel Dooley to head UC agriculture division 
A Central Valley attorney with wide-ranging agricultural experience has been chosen to head the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. UC announced yesterday (Thursday) that Daniel Dooley will lead its statewide agricultural programs beginning in January. Dooley is a member of a farm family and partner in a Visalia law firm. California Farm Bureau President Doug Mosebar said Dooley's appointment will open an "exciting chapter" for the university.
On-farm milk prices to drop slightly
Again next month, California farmers will earn a bit less for their milk. The average on-farm milk price will decline 1 cent a gallon on December 1st, to stand at $1.99 cents. On-farm prices dropped 4 cents a gallon at the start of this month. But farmers continue to earn more for milk than they did a year ago. State agriculture officials determine the price paid to farmers, but do not regulate retail milk prices.
Energy costs affect prices in holiday food survey
Higher energy prices appear to be a key factor driving the cost of Thanksgiving dinner this year. An annual survey by the American Farm Bureau shows that the average cost of items used to prepare a dinner for 10 reached $42.26. That's up about 11 percent from a year ago. A Farm Bureau economist says energy costs involved in transporting and processing food have contributed to higher retail prices.
New process creates snacks from beans and peas
Low-sodium, low-fat, cholesterol-free snacks developed by researchers in California and Washington use garbanzos, lentils, dry peas and beans as their raw materials. Taste-testing volunteers reportedly have been enthusiastic about how the snacks taste. The researchers seek a patent on their process for creating the crunchy snacks. The U.S. Agriculture Department says the snacks come in a variety of shapes, from crisp bits to tubular puffs.
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