Food & Farm News
» May 30, 2008 «
Workshop aims at slowing metal theft 
Metal theft, and efforts to prevent it, will be the focus at a gathering in Fresno today (Friday). Escalating prices for scrap metal have led to an epidemic of thefts from farms, homes, construction sites and other locations. The president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau says thieves have stolen wire, pipe and other metal from his family's farms at least 20 times in the past year. Participants at the meeting will discuss ways to prevent theft, including statewide legislation aimed at slowing the problem.
A late-May rain helps San Diego County farmers
An unusual, late-May rain last weekend helped some San Diego County farmers skip one round of irrigation on their crops. Farmers there have 30 percent less water allocated for irrigation this year. The rain was spotty, but the San Diego County Farm Bureau says farms welcomed it. And cloudy, cooler weather reduced the need for irrigation for all farmers. Growers are using their allocations carefully, trying to stretch the water until crops are ready for harvest.
On-farm prices for eggs fell last month
The market price for eggs fell 30 percent last month, according to a government report issued yesterday (Thursday). The report says California farmers earned 93 cents a dozen for eggs at the latest reporting period. Egg production in the state declined slightly during April. The state's hens laid 413 million eggs during the month. Nationwide egg production also fell slightly.
Study says smokers benefit from fruits, vegetables
Eating fruits and vegetables and drinking tea may help protect smokers from lung cancer. Researchers at UCLA say their study was the first of its kind. It showed that compounds called flavonoids may reduce the risk of lung cancer among smokers. Those compounds show up in a variety of fruits and vegetables, and in green or black tea. The researchers say their results are preliminary, and that the best way for smokers to avoid lung cancer is to quit smoking.
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