Food & Farm News
» May 15, 2008 «
Farmers take steps to prevent heat illness
With unseasonably hot, dry weather expected in much of the state for the next few days, farmers and others who work outside will take extra precautions to prevent heat illness among employees. Authorities say the season's first heat wave poses a special threat, because people haven't gotten used to high temperatures. Techniques farmers use to avoid heat stress include starting work earlier, providing frequent rest breaks, shade and plenty of water for people working outside.
California nectarines and plums to arrive in stores soon
Warm weather will hasten ripening for nectarines and plums from the San Joaquin Valley. The California Tree Fruit Agreement says nectarine harvest is ramping up, and consumers should see the fruit in retail stores by next week. The group says plums will take a little longer to reach stores in good volume. With the warm weather, they should also start showing up in markets sometime next week. Production of both fruits is expected to be higher this year than last.
Goat milk production on the rise 
Consumer demand for goat cheese and other artisan cheeses continues to rise. This gave goat milk producers and experts from across the state a reason to gather for a producers' workshop in Merced today (Thursday). Discussion topics will include successful business planning, genetics, producers working together, and raising healthy kids. Due to the recent increase in demand and low production costs, the number of goat cheese producers is increasing statewide.
World's largest milk carton unveiled in Fresno
It's billed as the world's largest milk carton, and it's due to be unveiled in Fresno today (Thursday). Students at Fresno State University built the plywood replica of a milk carton, which stands 15 feet, 7 inches tall. They created it for a marketing class, and hope to have it listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. The dairy depicted on the giant carton will donate an equivalent amount of milk to local charities.
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