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Snow measurement and outlook for additional precipitation

Storms promise needed boost to snowpack

A series of storms promises to add much-needed depth to the Sierra snowpack. Surveyors measuring the snowpack yesterday (Thursday) found snow depths at about 60 percent of average. But the storms predicted for the next few days could change that. The state Department of Water Resources says the storms could bring the snowpack up to near-average levels for the month. Water officials track the snowpack to help predict water supplies for the coming spring and summer.

Strawberry farmers achieve production record

After a slow start following the severe freeze a year ago, California strawberry growers came back to set a new production record. The California Strawberry Commission says farmers produced about 6 and a half million more pounds of strawberries in 2007 than they sold the previous year. Increased acreage and a strong comeback by plants after the freeze cancelled out the loss of berries attributed to the cold spell. California leads the nation in strawberry production.

Brussels sprouts growers end successful season

Farmers who grow brussels sprouts along the Central California coast are rapidly completing what they call a successful harvest. Brussels sprouts growers say their farms produced high-quality sprouts throughout the season and that strong demand helped maintain favorable on-farm prices. Farmers say this week's storms will bring fieldwork to a stop. California-grown brussels sprouts come mainly from Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties.

Study shows health benefits of vitamin A in food

That pumpkin pie or sweet potato you ate at holiday meals boosted your intake of vitamin A … and studies conducted in California show that high levels of vitamin A can help ward off Type 1 diabetes. Researchers at a federal nutrition center in Davis have been studying the potential for vitamin A to help prevent a number of diseases. Their tests with laboratory mice were the first to make a link between vitamin A intake and the suppression of Type 1 diabetes.

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