Food & Farm News

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Bill to expand direct-marking opportunities for farmers

Bill would expand offerings at farmstands

More locally produced food would be available from California farmstands and restaurants, under a bill working its way through the state Legislature. During a news conference at a Sacramento farmers' market yesterday (Wednesday), backers said the bill would allow farmstands to sell processed farm products such as jams and olive oil. It would also allow restaurants to buy produce directly from farmers' markets. Sponsors say the changes would open additional income sources for small-scale farmers.

More fresh produce available to elementary schools

Elementary schoolchildren will have more fresh fruits and vegetables in their school lunches, through grants announced yesterday by the U.S. Agriculture Department. Nearly $3 million dollars' worth of fresh produce will be made available to California schools during the coming school year. The nationwide program was established in the new federal farm bill. It benefits schools with needy students, and aims to help them develop healthy eating habits.

Researchers work to keep cows cool

What can we learn when a cow takes a shower? Researchers at the University of California, Davis, will answer that question today (Thursday), as they demonstrate a project aimed to help cows stay cool on hot days. No one has been certain how much cooling cows need to be comfortable in the heat, so specialists created the showers that cows could turn on themselves. The results will help dairy farms adjust misters that farms now use to keep cows cool.

Winegrape harvest expands to Lodi region

A ceremony scheduled near Lodi today provides another sign that the California winegrape harvest is expanding. The 30th annual blessing of the grapes takes place at the Woodbridge Winery, as the Lodi-area harvest begins. Winegrape harvesting started last week in Sonoma County and picking will begin everywhere soon. After recovering from a late freeze, grapevines have developed a good-sized crop and growers report the quality of the grapes is excellent.

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