Food & Farm News
» January 14, 2008 «
Forecasters revise citrus estimates upward
Revised estimates of California citrus-fruit production show that harvests will be larger than originally expected. Government forecasters issued updated crop forecasts (Friday), one year after a punishing freeze hit California citrus groves. The new report revises upward production estimates for oranges, lemons, tangerines and grapefruit. Forecasters say quality of all California citrus fruit has been high.
Farmers plan to plant more strawberries
You may notice more California-grown strawberries on the market, especially next fall. An annual survey by the California Strawberry Commission shows farmers plan to increase acreage by 3 percent this year. Acreage intended for fall harvest will rise nearly 8 percent. In all, farmers plan to devote more than 35,000 acres to strawberries. California leads the nation in strawberry production.
On-farm milk prices to drop again
California dairy farmers will see milk prices drop for a fourth straight month. The California Department of Food and Agriculture says on-farm milk prices will drop by an average of 12 cents a gallon in February. At that point, farmers will earn the equivalent of $1.86, on average, for a gallon of milk. Prices declined for all of the dairy products the state monitors before setting on-farm milk prices. The state does not set retail prices.
American Farm Bureau meeting begins 
About 5,000 farmers and ranchers gather in New Orleans this week for the American Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting. Voting delegates will discuss and adopt policies to guide the nation's largest farm group during the coming year. A California Farm Bureau spokesman says he expects discussions to focus on energy prices and tax reform, as well as federal farm policy and immigration reform.
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